As I sat reading the newspaper this past week, my attention was caught by what seemed like a glaring contradiction of values, on the same page. One article was concerning the gut wrenching devastation that was taking place in the Philippines following the destructive typhoon. At that time, there were nearly 2000 dead with a…
DetailsI would like for you to meet a couple this morning – Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher of North Carolina. Up until Herbert died a couple of years ago, they held the Guinness World Record for the longest marriage at 86 years. Herbert died at 105 while his wife was 103. While 86 years is an…
Details“People are different.” You’re probably so impressed by the profoundness of those words – let’s try another. “Men and women are even more different.” Now you may be thinking I’m a genius (or not). So, how about this – “You and your spouse are really different from one another.” When most people get married they…
DetailsFor some, flying is a relatively pleasant experience. For others it is stressful and may even require anti-anxiety medicine. Regardless of which category you find yourself in, the trip can either be positively or negatively impacted before you ever leave the ground, when you encounter the ticket agent. You may have encountered, as I have,…
Details“When we stood there getting married, I remember the preacher saying, ‘For better, for worse; in sickness, and in health.” I was 20 years old and I thought, I wonder what ‘in sickness and in health means. I thought, he’ll have a stroke in 40 years; I can do that.” – Darnly Motter Many of…
DetailsHave you ever been hiking in the forest and come across a pond? If you have, you probably immediately noticed whether it was a pond that had an inlet with fresh water flowing or whether it was stagnant. If it was stagnant, you were probably more likely to see mosquitoes and other bugs. I doubt…
DetailsI 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. …
DetailsIt’s been a long and stressful day at work. You come home, looking for a little relief, support, perhaps even some affirmation. But what you get is . . . more stress, unmet expectations, invalidation, and down right meanness. Today it crosses the line of your ability to tolerate and you say – “that’s it. …
DetailsRecently, an article in the Chicago Tribune addressed problems that can occur when couples don’t like to watch the same TV shows. One person lounges in the living room watching crime shows such as Law and Order and NCIS, while the other holes up downstairs binging on the sports channel. While an occasional watching of…
DetailsDo you ever wonder, if you could be a fly on the wall at your office, your home, your friend’s house, or even your church – what would you hear people saying about you? Would they speak of your kindness and generosity or are they more likely to be discussing your self-centered arrogance? Do people…
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