For as long as I can remember, Valentine’s Day has evoked some sort of emotion for me. As a child, I loved red and pink decorations everywhere (and still love it now), handing out and receiving Valentine cards at school, and especially the Valentine’s Day party complete with so many sugary treats. As a teenager, my feelings towards this holiday hinged completely on whether I had someone special in my life. I still have a picture of my fourteen-year-old boyfriend holding an accordion card I gave him which opened three feet long displaying large XOXOs. A few years later, I walked into the … [Read more...]
Relishing and Protecting Freedom
{Eric’s preamble to this post: If you have never learned (or have forgotten) the history of America’s national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner, I encourage you to listen (again) to it here and consider the history and lyrics: https://youtu.be/YaxGNQE5ZLA} It is that time again: hot dogs, watermelon, kids running through the streets with sparklers, and the anticipation of fireworks lighting up the sky (or, terrifyingly loud sky booms as we refer to them for our dog’s sake). America’s Independence Day marks the middle of the calendar year and the middle of summer vacation for the children of … [Read more...]
What Lucky Couples Have in Common
“Everybody in the family got a good wife. Arthur got a good wife. Frank got a good wife. David got a good wife. Jacky (my dad), even you got a good wife! What did I get??? Nothing!” With no thought to my young ears only inches away, my great uncle fussed about his marriages (complete with colorful language), and the delivery of his recollections absolutely cracked me up. As an adult, I still chuckle when I think about his love life tirade, but it also reminds me of the phrase, “good relationships are not found, they are built.” Couples who have weathered fifty years of good days, sad days, … [Read more...]
Finding and Creating Balance in Your Life and Relationship
This topic is so personal to me lately; but, a few years back, I was in a completely different place. Though I had plenty to fill my time, I was adept at putting off tasks and feeling completely useless by the end of the day. Ecclesiastes 5:12 says, “Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep” (ESV). Though I certainly was not rich, I did not work enough and felt guilty going to bed without earning the rest. Then, in an answer to prayer, life suddenly changed. God faithfully ushered me out of my languishing, and I … [Read more...]
Finding Freedom from Toxic Friendships
We need friendships. We need people. We were not created to be alone. However, we must be wise in who we allow into our innermost heart because no matter how strong and impenetrable we think we are, the people with whom we spend the most time will change us – for better or for worse. To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or … [Read more...]