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...
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...
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...
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...
May is Date Your Mate Month!
There are so many celebrations and weird ‘holidays’ in May, I was having trouble deciding which one to write about. When I came across Dennis Spielman’s Uncovering Oklahoma’s 2014 Date Idea Book, I knew that International Tuba Day (first Friday in May), Lumpy Rug Day (May 3) and No Socks Day (May 8) weren’t going...
The Power of a Compliment
Recently I was one of two speakers at a luncheon program. Later that afternoon, I received an email from my co-speaker – a professional whom I admire – that started out: “You’re wonderful!” The writer added a couple of lines about the highlights of my presentation contribution. While I don’t consider myself wonderful, I certainly...
Keeping Secrets
I was keeping a secret from my husband, Steve, and it was starting to wear on me. Having to watch what I said, not meeting the eyes of another who was alluding to it in front of him. And it wasn’t even my secret. But I had agreed to keep it. As constrained and burdened...
7 Ways to Spring Clean Your Marriage
When the first crocus peeps through the snow we start looking forward to the freshness of spring. Windows get opened and many of us get that itch. Out with the old, in with new – it’s spring cleaning time! What spring cleaning does for our homes – freshening, organizing, lightening up – it can do...
Pursuing Your Spouse – Again
Remember the passion that came with dating? How you exerted great effort to impress your mate? How wonderful you felt when what you did caused this special person to smile? If your relationship is feeling a bit flat – or before it does – mentally review your past. Then vow to recreate it – on...