Life is so much better because of you! Happy Birthday, Mama! I’m writing this for you. And, for the others of you who are reading this, I’m writing to encourage you to think about who has most influenced, most supported, and most loved you. More specifically, when you think: “Life is so much [...]
Television theme songs have a somewhat surprising power about them. They're "just" theme songs. Yet, they often have memorable lyrics and melodies, and they remind us of characters and stories that bring us joy and inspire us. Who knew television theme songs could be so encouraging?! Remember these famous television theme songs… Here’s [...]
Caught in a Hit and Run This story ends well—well, better than a story about a hit and run might normally end. Let me tell you what happened… It was 6:00 on Friday. I was on the way to meet Stephen, my husband, for our date night dinner at Outback Steakhouse. Everything was [...]
Thank you. That’s what’s on my mind and heart today—gratitude for the many blessings in my life. What are you thankful for? Is your heart full of gratitude? Say "thank you!" I’m going to share just a few blessings on my “thank you” list, including my thanks to you for being so supportive [...]
Successful couples know they need help with their relationship. That’s why successful couples are successful—they regularly think about how to build one another up, work through issues, and grow their relationship in healthy ways. Not every couple is always successful, though. I hear this in the counseling office and in everyday conversations. I know, too, [...]
Peace—that’s one of the nine fruits of the Spirit… “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). I’ve been a little low on peace just lately. And, I know why. I’ve let the worries of the world stress me [...]
Many couples want to make change in their relationship but instead make excuses for why they won't or can't change. Often, couples I counsel with use the excuse of disbelief. Both people doubt the other person can or will change, and therefore, they themselves will not or cannot change. Did you catch the excuse? “Since [...]
Breaking the speed limit sometimes results in a speeding ticket. But, what if you’re pushing other limits in life, especially time and energy limits? You know…taking on a little more than you really can handle, which tends to decrease rest and increase stress. “Excuse me, ma’am. Did you know you are only getting about 5 [...]
Slowing down. Letting go. Just saying “no” to overload. This all sounds inviting to many of us who are pushing our limits. We need to save time and energy. But how do we pull it off? The obvious answer is simply to say “no” when we need to rather than stretching ourselves so thin in [...]
Do you ever feel pressure to “get it together” or “keep it together?” Or maybe you just don’t want to mess up. Trying to be perfect can be a lot of pressure for sure! I’m feeling a little pressure as I write my first-ever blog. My hands are a little tingly. I don’t want to [...]