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Dialogue
On our Marriage Encounter Experience we were introduced to a communication technique called Dialogue which enables us to share our feelings. Our “dialogue” involves two main parts. First, we write a Love Letter to each other on a topic that is relevant to our relationship. The focus of our letter is on our feelings about the topic. In our letter we try to describe our feelings in a way that our spouse can come to know us on a deeper level. The second part of the technique is to read each other’s Love letter and continue to explore the feelings we have shared. Dialogue is something that we have…
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Knowing and Loving
Back in 1958, a group known as The Teddy Bears recorded the song, “To Know Him is to Love Him.” To Know Him Is To Love Him (youtube.com) It’s kind of a schmaltzy ballad, to be sure, but thinking of the title of the song causes us to wonder: how many of us really know our spouse… really know them…beyond “The Newlywed Game” know them? Do we know their innermost thoughts and feelings, their joys and sorrows, griefs and anxieties, hopes and dreams? The Journal Karen: Many years ago, my parents gave me a diary for my 12th birthday. I filled that little book with all the typical adolescent girl…
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The Thief
You may not realize it, but you’re being robbed. Right now. The thief comes in many forms. It comes in the form of stress, anxiety, fear of failure, addiction, self-centeredness, or letting ourselves get too busy. No matter what form the thief comes in, it does the same thing every time. It robs us of the joy, peace and closeness with each other. Finances, in-laws, problems with sex, lack of communication, work, “busyness,” hobbies… Whatever our “thief” is… Why do we let this thief take over? And what could be more important than re-evaluating, re-prioritizing and NOT letting any thief rob us of joy? Ken: The thief strikes most…
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Out of the Mouth of Babes
Out of the Mouth of Babes . . . Several weeks ago, we got a 7-month old standard poodle, Jazzy. Our 2 cats were quite perturbed as they had not been included in the decision. They were rampant with emotion and the cat tree became their safe haven.
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Cultivating Happiness
morning sunrise with highway foreground
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A Love That Surprises and Remembers
Photo Credit: Denise Johnson Valentines Day is for Romance and Lovers. Who doesn’t enjoy reminiscing about romance, memorable proposals and your wedding day? These memories can often put us in the mood for romance even if we are not feeling particularly romantic.
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Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience
Looking for a way to increase the love and romance in your marriage??? The Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience gives married couples the opportunity to get away from life’s distractions and focus on each other. You’ll hear from a “Presenting Team” of married couples as they talk about their own real-life stories. The emphasis of the Experience is on the communication between husbands and wives. Each couple will have their own personal space for private conversation. Topics covered at a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience include: How your individual personality style affects your marriage A communication technique called ‘dialogue’ The art of listening Things that influence your marriage – expectations, culture, upbringing, etc The stages of relationship: Romance, Disillusionment and Joy The connection…
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How We Saved Our Failing Marriage
Paul: We just celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary and we’ve never been happier. But it wasn’t always that way. Around year 7 of our marriage, we began to struggle. And we did what so many married couples do – ignored the warning signs telling ourselves things were not that bad. We swept issues between us under the rug and after another 5 years of sweeping there was no more room under the rug! We were just roommates co-existing in the same household each playing our respective roles.
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3 Tips to Make Your Marriage Thrive
Photo Credit: Estee Janssens We hope this summer found you thriving, with plenty of time in the sun to relax and catch up with family and friends. As these carefree days come to an end, we have some tips to help you continue to thrive. Fall gets busy —