“I’m not trying to be prideful, but I knew I looked good!” Sitting under the pier at Atlantic Beach last Friday, my friend and I burst into laughter listening to our other friend relay the details of her latest juicy story. Semi-annual beach trips have become a tradition with us, and one for which I am beyond thankful. Childhood friends who stick by you through thick and thin are hard to come by; and, I am blessed to have the opportunity to catch up with them twice a year while soaking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is one of my most beloved happy … [Read more...]

Do you know anyone who met their spouse online? Perhaps you met your special someone through a dating site? These days, it is almost impossible to find someone who is not personally connected to an online dating success story. Eric’s best friend met his wife of ten years online at Christian Café – and just two months ago we celebrated my brother-in-law’s wedding in Lake Tahoe (also meeting on Christian Café). There is no shortage of websites offering to help you find the love of your life: Match, eHarmony, PlentyofFish (POF), OkCupid, Christian Café, Christian Mingle – online dating is at … [Read more...]

Do you ever lie in bed and think about being old? Maybe it sounds strange, but sometimes I wonder, “When I am old, will I look back over my life and let out a sigh of satisfaction, or feel the pain of regret deep in my gut?” Picturing myself sitting alone in a chair, silver hair in a bun, tears dripping from my eyes, longing for a chance to do it all again, is a frightening thought. And, though I hope to have my end of life wishes all mapped out for my family, I pray I spend more time living than anticipating my death. Death is inevitable, but living – really living – is not a guarantee. We … [Read more...]

The late, great Larry Burkett once said, “Opposites attract. If two people just alike get married, one of you is unnecessary.” Well, let’s just say, neither Eric nor I have ever felt unnecessary in this marriage. He is the gas, and I am the brakes. He is the wind, and I am the rain. He is the lion, and I am the lamb (most of the time ~smile~). In many ways, our differences have served us well in our partnership at PreEngaged; but, at times, my laid back, people-pleasing nature has caused Eric angst – typically when he is trying to make a significant, life-changing, no seriously, they need to … [Read more...]

“Have you ever tried hugging someone who was trying to kill you?!” This phrase is one of my favorite moments from the TV show, Everybody Loves Raymond. Debra, who was struggling with her monthly visitor, was educating (i.e., fighting with) her husband about how he should treat her during her special time of the month. In her hormonally driven rage, she screamed, “Have you ever thought of hugging me, you jerk?!” to which he replied, “Have you ever tried hugging someone who was trying to kill you?!” Loving a woman well seems impossible at times, guys. I admit, it is not always easy to love us … [Read more...]