This time last year, I was an unhappy person. Sure, I smiled and I would have argued that I appreciated my life; but, at the core of my being, I was simply unhappy. I was unhappy with my body. I felt sick a lot. I was burdened with the guilt of wasting years watching TV and not improving myself. I was self-conscious and I hid from life. Fear was my frenemy. I hated it, but it kept me from having to take risks. We get used to the status quo and sometimes it takes a major life event for us to realize our desperation. Here, one year later, much lighter, and much more confident, I cannot … [Read more...]

“A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers.” – Ruth Bell Graham We all have something that trips us up, right? For some of us, it is gossip. Others struggle with gluttony. Excessive amounts of alcohol tempt even the most professional business person. Not one of us can say we have no struggles. (Remember that if you find yourself jealous of someone else’s life.) “Sally’s boyfriend does such thoughtful acts of kindness for her.” “Todd’s girlfriend never puts him down in public.” “It must be nice to have the money to travel every other month like Jim and Denise!” Maybe … [Read more...]

“Digging your heels in does not mean you will not have to do it. It just means you will be that much more tired when you finally do.” – Heather Viets Did you catch our post, Quotes: Mouthfuls of Wisdom? If not, here is a brief excerpt: I’ve put up many fights in my time as a wife. I have even thrown a few tantrums. Eric wants us to grow and help other couples, but sometimes growth hurts and helping others requires being seen. Many of his ideas and desired paths have scared me, and I have pressed my heels into the ground as hard as I could – sometimes saying “no,” sometimes crying, … [Read more...]

Happy Birthday in Heaven... ...Uncle Charles, Daddy #2, Candy Man... I have called you so many names over the years. It is hard to believe it has been three months since God called you home so unexpectedly. I remember you saying that when everyone else thought I was going to be a boy, you thought I was going to be a girl. I guess that is how far back our story goes. I was at your wedding – one of the youngest guests – with six months left to “bake” before I would meet you and my future godmother, Becky. I suppose I have never not known you. You have been there since before my daddy … [Read more...]

From a television episode of Everybody Loves Raymond: Debra Barone: Have you ever considered giving me a hug? Ray Barone: A hug?!?!?!? Debra: Yes! A hug! Did you ever think of that, you big jerk?! Ray: Well, it’s pretty hard to hug someone who’s trying to kill you! Debra: How would you know? You’ve never even tried it! Ray: Well, look, THIS (referring to her prickly demeanor) is not huggable! THIS is not Debra. This is the woman who shows up once a month to tear into me like a monkey on a cupcake! Bad Moon Rising Whether or not you are an Everybody Loves Raymond fan, this episode, … [Read more...]