Early in a relationship, there is often very little discontentment. That “in love” feeling can get us through horrible work days, killer tests, financial woes, and even the flu. Regardless of our trials, we mentally focus on that flutter of excitement and suddenly all is right with the world. This feeling is not wrong; however, it just does not last. It's not that love gets boring after the initial butterflies leave; rather, love matures, deepens, and takes on new forms. Before I got married, my mom told me that the way I feel about Eric would change, but it would be a deepening of love. Eric … [Read more...]

Moving to Lynchburg to go to college was an adventure for me. For a small town girl that never moved, or even changed churches, leaving New Bern, NC, was the biggest adventure I'd ever taken. Thankfully, I came to college with Robin, a friend from home, so we went on this adventure and roomed together. After being on campus a few weeks, Robin's back started bothering her. She was in a near death car accident a few years before coming to Lynchburg and she needed regular chiropractic adjustments. She found a chiropractor and asked me to take her to her appointment. Well, the first time we went … [Read more...]

Today, it is pouring down rain. It's relaxing and depressing – a strange combination. While it would be more convenient if it would stop raining, I find myself hoping it will continue to pour. It is so nice to sit on the couch with a book and the sound of rain all around me. If it were just me here, this would be no problem. I would read and watch movies all day, dozing off occasionally, and eventually forcing myself to exercise. However, with a puppy in the house, rainy days mean extra pent up energy and extra indoor exercises to get the energy out. Recently, I put her in her indoor exercise … [Read more...]

Though not everyone may be able to complete this task as recommended, I will still throw it out there for anyone who is interested. If you think you want to have kids… if the thought of a sweet smelling baby in a fleecy blanket melts your heart… if you think of cuddling this perfect creature on the couch and singing to him all day long as he smiles and touches your face… take my advice: first, get a puppy. (If that’s not possible, find some weary parents who need a break and babysit together - you and your boyfriend/girlfriend - for them several times – this experience will also give you … [Read more...]

For the last several years, I have graced the doors of one of the busiest Wal-Marts on the East coast, at least once a week. Several months ago a new Wal-Mart opened down the street. This Wal-Mart was rumored to be built for many years and it finally came to fruition. Because I was used to going to the super busy Wal-Mart (the one our town shares with over twelve thousand residential college students) as an undergraduate student, I continued to shop there as a graduate student, and then later as a citizen of the town. Last Thursday, I was attending a Bible study that happened to be across the … [Read more...]