We're a bit late getting the newsletter out this month. We just moved into a new house, and for those that have moved before, especially after 25 years of accumulation, you know how stressful that can be. Throw in economic turmoil and physical challenges and it just adds to the mix. After months of trying to sell our townhome, we [...]
Thanksgiving is in the rear-view mirror, and we are already getting in the Christmas spririt. Every year we go cut down our Christmas tree the day after Thanksiving, stop at Cracker Barrel for lunch on the way home, then put up the decorations and trim the tree. Finally, we watch a classic Christmas movie together (hot chocolate optional). These are [...]
Most of us entered marriage holding onto certain beliefs about what a christian marriage is supposed to be. Whatever those beliefs are—good or bad—determines how we function as a couple. Some of those beliefs might be based on false teaching, input from friends or family, T.V. and movies, or even our own misinterpretation of scripture. If you've gone through our [...]
Most, if not all, married couples will at one point ask themselves, is the honeymoon over? For some that may happen on their honeymoon. For others it may be weeks, months, or years down the road. While "the honeymoon" may be over, the intimacy and connection with our spouse we associate with that "honeymoon" feeling can survive—and thrive—long after that [...]
If you've been married for any length of time, its not uncommon to find some things that your spouse says or does annoying. It seems that the longer you are married, the longer the list can get. The challenge is to keep your focus on the positive things your spouse does and not keep a "record of wrongs". Sharon and [...]
Wow. Another year has passed. Can you believe its been a decade since we were stressing about Y2K? Well, the world didn't come to an end and ten years later we have a whole new set of challenges. For some of you, one of those challenges may be your marriage relationship. As it turned out, all we had to do [...]
By Sharon Peterson As women, we generally like to have a sense of control in our lives. The word "control", for many, carries with it a negative connotation. But some forms of control are good, like self-control. Everyone benefits from exercising self-control. Also, if you are a mom (or dad) of small children you need to exercise a certain amount [...]
If you're married, chances are your spouse is very different from you. I'm not talking you like vanilla ice cream and your spouse likes chocolate. I'm talking fundamental core differences. You are an introvert, but she is the life of the party. You are a tightwad, I mean saver, and he doesn't give a second thought to spending thousands of [...]
Last month we began exploring why God seems to connect men and women who are very different from each other and bring them together in marriage. I suggested that God has a purpose in this (and it's not just for His amusement). We acknowledged that opposites do attract, which contributes to 50% of all divorces occurring in the first 7 [...]
The new year means different things to different people. For some, it means a fresh start. A chance to do things differently this year. Or, perhaps build on previous successes. It sparks new motivation and new purpose. For some, it's a time of reflection. To take inventory of your life and reflect on the good, the bad, and the ugly [...]
