If someone had a treasure map and they were willing to show you where treasure was buried, would you be willing to read the map? Of course you would! A thriving, healthy marriage is a treasure and when seasoned marriage experts have information on marital treasures, I want to read what they have to say and apply it to my marriage! Proverbs 22:17-18 says, "Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your mind to my knowledge; For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, that they may be ready on your lips" (NASV). Dr. Dobson is certainly one of the most trusted and … [Read more...]

There are days when I want to open my door and ask strangers to come in and take my stuff (however, that was not an invitation <smile>). We don’t need many of the things we have in our house. We might like them, but we don't need them; and, after several Christmases, birthdays, plus all the things we both owned when we got married, we are swimming in a sea of clutter. We have plenty of books, media, and, thanks to my husband's computer skills, we also have old computer parts lying around. Early on in our marriage, gifts seemed so important to me. I'm not talking about the random … [Read more...]

The following clip is powerful. As my wife recalls her early adult years, and even her teen years, she remembers these emotions clearly. She remembers the struggles and temptations during that period of time. As you watch, listen to the Lord speaking to your heart. Are you waiting, really waiting, for the Lord? Or, are you trying to form your own destiny by taking matters into your own hands? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igCj3jsbcqs … [Read more...]

American culture has changed significantly in the past sixty years. The 1950’s marked the start of what we might call “teen culture.” Prior to the 1950’s, people were classified into the dichotomy of children and adults. Children were taught trades and homemaking skills so that they were ready for adulthood responsibilities when they were older. Marriage also often occurred at earlier ages (most of your grandparents were probably married before the age of 20). My grandmother met my grandfather during World War II. My grandfather became friends with her brother, her brother gave him a picture … [Read more...]

Lately, I've been spending more time walking outside with our dog. She's getting older and needing more exercise, which is great because I need something that forces me to exercise. There is one area near our house that is a steep hill, and I hate it! Every time I walk up the hill, my legs ache and I find myself grumbling until I reach the top. When I do, I feel relieved, but I also get a burst of energy. Not only did I conquer it again, but it made me stronger. Each time I walk up the hill, it gets easier because each time I do it, I get stronger. The hills are the hardest parts of the … [Read more...]