I recently came across a long list of behavioral choices that can contribute to a healthy marriage. There were five that jumped off the page at me that I would consider essential. Reserve time for each other at all costs. With the demands of work, kids, parents, friends, and so on, it easy to push…
I recently came across a thoughtful article written by psychotherapist Winifred M. Reilly. While she discussed the naïve optimism that most of us enter marriage with, she went on to list 35 lessons that she had learned in her 35 years of marriage. I have selected my top ten favorites to share with you here. …
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” – Cicero I recently read an article in which the writer discussed the benefits of keep a “Gratitude Journal.” The idea had come to him that he really had much to be grateful for and that it was something he wanted…
I have two dogs and I love them dearly. They are part of our family, which is what 75% of pet owners report. Over half of the 90 million dog owners allow their dogs to sleep in bed with them. Some people throw their dogs birthday parties, complete with cake, balloons, and doggie party guests. …
I find it interesting to read about wedding traditions in various cultures. Some may seem to make sense – such as the practice that began in the south, where there are two wedding cakes. The second cake is called the “groom’s cake” whose design is more masculine. However, other practices such as trashing the wedding…
At one time or another I think that most of us have wanted a puppy. When we were kids we may have seen one in a pet store window or some lost stray followed us home. Our hearts were melted by those big brown eyes and that cute little face. We asked (probably begged) our…
At one time or another, all of us have experienced feelings of loneliness. While it may be temporary, for many it seems to be a chronic condition. A story from a recent PastorServe leter caught my eye as it discussed the magnitude of the problem in England. The letter states: The United Kingdom recently created…
For most couples, the giving and receiving of an engagement ring is a memorable event. This is usually followed by an exchange of wedding rings, which signifies the commitment that the individuals are making to each other. But I wonder how people view their ring’s significance? There was a recent article asking people about their…
Many of you probably know that the title comes from some of the lyrics to the song “Celebration,“ from Kool & The Gang, released in 1980. When most of us married, we assumed that we were beginning a partnership with the person who would become our biggest and loudest cheerleader. However, over the years, we…
Now at first glance, you may think that the title is asking whether you are personally improving in your emotional life or whether you are continuing in some kind of pain? And while that might be a valid question, this is asking something entirely different. The question for you to consider today is more along…