Build a Hedge

When I first moved to Colorado, I planted a row of Ponderosa Pines on the back of my property.  My hope was that they would one day grow to create a barrier and with that, offer some privacy.  You may have planted bushes or built a wooden fence between you and your neighbors in order…

Worrying Together

People worry.  Ok – not a news flash but it is a true statement.  While it rarely accomplishes much, except to stress us out, we continue to do it.  Some deal with worry by doing something physical – like jogging or going to the gym.  Others want to talk about it, perhaps with someone they…

Be Fully Transparent

There is a difference between “privacy” and “secrecy.”  I like my privacy.  I may want privacy when I take a shower, read a book, or spend quiet time with the Lord. Privacy is important to our independent health and our overall well-being. However, secrecy is another thing.  I find couples who close their laptop when…

Lemonade

You are on vacation and are driving with your family.  As you go through a small town, you hear a strange sound coming from the car.  Pulling into an Auto repair shop, you learn that the car needs a new water-pump, which they have to order, and you will need to spend a night in…

What Do You Look For?

“She is such a pig.  I mean, she leaves messes everywhere.”  He continues, “I feel like I work all day and then come home and have to do everything.”  “I can’t believe you are saying that,” she replied.  “Yesterday when I got home I fixed you dinner and cleaned up everything.  So, I don’t know…

Opportunities to Practice

In a study released last year by the American Sociological Association, it was discovered that Americans with siblings are more likely to stay married than those who were only children.  The Ohio State University researchers found that each sibling a person has, up to seven, decreases their risk of divorce by 2%. Now at first…

Want to Suffer?

As you read that title, you are probably thinking, “Of course not.”  And that echoes the sentiments of most of us.  We hate suffering.  We want comfort.  We want to lay in a hammock, drink wine, nap, get a massage – anything that pampers ourselves.  But suffer – no thanks; I am happy to skip…