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The Joy of Volunteering Together
Volunteering together benefits the couple and those they serve
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Practice What You Preach
Michelle: One day our daughter Taryn came home from school and said, “The word practice is really confusing.” It can mean to work at something to gain skill, like when I practice my different tumbling passes at cheer. But it can also mean to be a professional at something. Like a doctor has a medical practice.” Chris: Taryn’s confusion about the word ‘practice’ really made me think. I responded, “It can also mean to carry out or do something-like practice what you preach.” Why is it important to practice what we preach? People should be attracted by our light in the way we live and in the words we speak. …
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A Life Well Lived is an Unfinished Symphony
It has been said that Life is a Grand Symphony. This is certainly true of our lives as married couples. It has also been phrased “A Life Well Lived is an Unfinished Symphony.” And we recently heard it said in reference to Martin Luther King, Jr. that if your life is not an unfinished symphony — “You ain’t dreaming big enough.”
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Uh Oh, I Really Stepped In It Now
It’s inevitable. At some point you’re going to experience that “Oh, crap” moment of realizing you’ve forgotten something important or done something stupid. But fear not – you’re not alone.
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I Get to Love You
Click HERE to listen to the beautiful song, I Get to Love You by Ruelle JULIE Today I completed my 60th lap around the sun. It is a day of reflection, of looking back at my life through the rear-view mirror. I breathe a sigh of relief that I have been allowed to run the race this far when my younger sister and four of our closest friends were not so lucky. I have learned the hard way that growing older is indeed a privilege. As I glance across the room at John, I am so grateful for the privilege, especially that we completed the last 35 laps hand-in-hand. I…
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We Don’t Talk about That
What’s the one thing (or things) you and your spouse don’t talk about? Maybe it’s money, in-laws, or sex? Uncomfortable Topics JANINE: Sometimes I avoid talking to Ken about how I spend my time. I want him to see me as responsible and productive. When I’m lazy or judge that I haven’t accomplished enough, I feel guilty and frustrated with myself. I don’t want to talk to Ken about this because I’m scared he might agree with my judgment of myself as being lazy. I cover up my guilt by making excuses. I put up an extra layer of protection by portraying an attitude of ‘I’m tough and have everything under…
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Baking Bread and Marriage: Surprising Similarities
Recently a friend offered us a tablespoon of her sourdough starter. And we came to discover that baking bread and marriage have some surprising similarities. The Process Karen: I knew that accepting this little bit of sourdough starter came with a lot of responsibility. It would need to be fed on a regular basis and provided a warm environment in which to grow. We would have to observe this dough using all our senses. Does it look frothy and bubbly… feel stretchy… smell just the right amount of yeasty? On occasion we would need to discard some of the starter before feeding to keep it from becoming too sour. It…
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Angel With a Broken Wing
The Angel With a Broken Wing caught my attention. She sat on the front porch of Tom’s sister’s house for as long as I could remember and was a welcoming presence to all who entered.
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Don’t Forget to Laugh
Michelle: Isn’t it refreshing to think that something as simple as laughter can support your marriage and help it thrive? Here are some tips for bringing a dose of laughter into your relationship. Tip 1: Look for accidentally funny moments. One evening our daughter told us that her driver’s ed teacher was mean because he laughed at her during class. Taryn: My teacher asked if driving is a difficult and thought-provoking task? I said that driving is pretty simple because you just put the prindle in D and go. Us: Prindle? Taryn: Yeah, you know where the stick thing is. P-R-N-D-L. Tip 2: Never take yourself too seriously. Chris: When…
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Still Crazy After All These Years
Nick: This Arlo and Janis comic came across my X feed out of the blue this past week, and I texted it immediately to Jen. It is an illustration of a very, very ‘us’ sort of interaction. It brings to mind the small ways we’re still crazy for each other after all these years.
