Marriage: The Power of Two
Do you know what a ‘Pony Pull’ is? I had never heard of it until our pastor mentioned it in a sermon last Sunday. The description reminded me of a truism in marriage. A pony pulling contest can be seen at fairs and festivals in towns like Perry, Oklahoma and Shipshewana, Indiana. There are rules...
Standout Father’s Day Gifts on a Budget
Between Mother’s Day, graduations, and weddings, your gift funds may be running a little low. And Father’s Day is right around the corner! You can still honor that special father in your life with a gift that will put a smile on his face – without having to scrounge under sofa cushions for additional funds....
You Complete Me – and Other Relationship Drivel
The expectation that one should have a relationship where they can utter – or have someone say passionately to them – the cliche Hollywood line “You Complete Me” has been a disservice to many a relationship. No human being can complete another. Complement, love, enhance, motivate, inspire, elevate, and bring out the best in them...
5 Unique Wedding Gift Ideas
After my recent post calling for brides-and-grooms-to-be to evaluate whether or not they should get married, I wanted to make it clear that I think marriage is a wonderful thing. For the right people! If you’re stumped for a stand-out gift to present to the special couple in your life that will soon be heading...
Dear Brides-and-Grooms-To-Be: Just Because You Said ‘Yes’ Doesn’t Mean You Have to Say “I Do”
Many a happy bride and groom to-be are counting down to their wedding day. But there are some that, as the date approaches, wonder if they’re doing the right thing. Some that have grave misgivings. You may be saying: “But the flowers have been ordered, the invitations sent, and gifts have arrived – so I...
How to Decide What’s Important to You
Here in Oklahoma we just observed the one year anniversary of the devastating tornado that plowed through Moore last year. All over the country, many are dealing with the utter destruction of wildfires, hurricanes, mudslides, floods and other natural disasters. Take this opportunity to put things in perspective. To do so, grab a piece of...
5 Things NOT to Ask When They Tell You They’re Getting a Divorce
If someone asks for your advice when they are contemplating divorce, respond if you like. Or if someone you are very close to is heading down a catastrophic path and you and other loved ones are trying to help, it’s your call whether or not to say something. But if a casual friend, acquaintance, co-worker,...
Getting Personal
Two things very important to me (that I love talking about) are keeping marriage fresh and writing. Before I talk to you briefly about my writing, first up is a casual interview Stephanie Clinton did with me for her vlog at Hugs, Kisses and Friends Chat Show about how not to get divorced. (If you...
A Thoughtful Last Minute Mother’s Day Gift
If time got away from you and you’re wondering what you can give the special mom in your life that won’t have that clearly grabbed-at-the-last-minute-out-of-desparateness look to it, here’s an idea for you. Find a fun frame – if you don’t have one on hand, craft stores and discount stores generally have great options –...