“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” – Abraham Lincoln This tremendous and true statement made by Abraham Lincoln reminds me of the following Bible passage, James 1:13-15, which has been running through my mind a lot lately: “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when … [Read more...]

Have you ever broken off a relationship only to receive a backlash from his or her family and friends? As if they believed something had to be wrong with you for not wanting to be with their beloved brother, sister, son, daughter, cousin, or friend? It is understandable to feel anger towards any man or woman who hurts a loved one; but, sometimes break-ups are necessary, even when they cause confusion and anger among the entourage. After all, choosing a life partner is not as easy as choosing a friend. You can technically have as many friends as you want without violating any laws. If Susie … [Read more...]

To that sweet, young lady who worries she will never find love... First of all, I want to hug you. I want to hug you long and hard and I do not want to let you go until you realize you are precious. Secondly, I want to spend some time with you. I want to know what matters to you. I want to know what you dream about at night. I want to understand what hurts you and what makes you smile. I want to know YOU. Thirdly, I want to tell you how much your life matters, and how valuable you are. I want to explain it, show it, help you discover it, and emerge you completely in this truth. I want … [Read more...]

Monday, I listed seven ways to make the most of the warm days ahead. Today, I will list 10 specific experiences I would love to have with Eric this summer. Maybe this list will spark some summer fun ideas for you and your sweetheart. Let us not only have fun this summer. Let us strengthen our relationships too!   Rent a bicycle built for two. You may argue at first, but once you get the hang of it, this could be a lot of fun! Learn to move together flawlessly. Take a dance class. Okay, did I say I would love to have these experiences with Eric? ~smile~ This is one experience … [Read more...]

It seems like the last few winters in central Virginia have been borderline unbearable. This statement is laughable to my northern friends, I am sure. But, for this southern born and bred lady, below zero temperatures only happen in Minnesota, Canada, and in funny movies. During the dead of winter, my neighbor and I joked (mostly) about investing in a sun lamp because the gray sky was doing a number on our moods and motivation! Though I knew I would be longing for colder days in a few months, I could not help but dream of feeling the sunshine on my face and actually perspiring! No more dry … [Read more...]