Do you have people in your life that you can never satisfy? No matter how hard you try to please them, they still find areas in your life you need to improve? How do you feel after being around such people? Personally, I hear “You're broken and you won't be worth anything until you are fixed” when I'm around the fixers in my life. Chances are these people only want what's best for me (and you), but after years of being reminded of all my imperfections, the idea that such people only want what's best for me rarely enters my mind – especially when I find myself lying on their proverbial couch … [Read more...]

Today, I have been power-cooking and power-cleaning! Tomorrow, I leave for a few days to help my sister-in-law out after her surgery; so I've been trying to prepare food for Eric to eat while I'm gone and get the house in decent order since my father-in-law will be visiting next weekend. It is an awesome privilege to be able to provide a little help and company to my sister-in-law during this time. I'm sure if the roles were reversed, I would want her help and company. Plus, she's such a sweetheart; it's a pleasure spending time with her! As I am preparing to leave, I am reminded of what a … [Read more...]

Nicole from Columbia City, Oregon asks, “Do you have a list of things to talk about or ask when getting to know someone – especially a Christian man? I was just curious. :)”Let’s explore this topic of getting to know someone and what to talk about when getting to know your dating partner. It seems like many relationships begin backwards. Among American young people, often physical affection precedes a solid relationship. A guy and girl may find themselves holding hands, hugging or kissing, and then decide they want to pursue a relationship. Often, these relationships, having started on the … [Read more...]

Eric and I just got home from spending the day with his step-brother and his step-brother’s wife. They live an hour away from us and driving home late at night sparks a number of conversations. Sometimes these conversations are pleasant; whereas, other times they are thought provoking and difficult. As we approached home, I asked Eric a thought provoking question.... I asked him if there were people in his past that he wishes he'd never met. His response was, "Of course," which made me feel better because I also have a few people I wish had not graced my path. Interestingly, there are some … [Read more...]