Whenever I see the term risk-taking I immediately think of business. Because in that particular area we definitely stand to lose something, whether it is money, savings, investments or a position. But we actually take some sort of risk in almost everything we do. In parenting we take tremendous risks with our style of child-rearing. If we fail to parent effectively … [Read more...]
2012 – The Year Of No More Excuses!
One of my major pet peeves is when someone struggles with taking responsibility for their own actions and instead formulates excuses as to why they've behaved the way they have. You'll find this same person blaming everyone else rather than admitting they need to change. When there is excuse after excuse and everyone else is to blame, growth is stunted. Throughout the years … [Read more...]
Are You Your Spouse's Greatest Supporter?
"Small thing to a giant" is one of my favorite quotes spoken to me by my husband. He has this amazing way of reminding me just how resilient I really am; especially during the moments I find myself stressed about a situation. He knows it's just what I need to hear to get me back on track and remain focused. My husband truly believes that I am able to do any and everything I … [Read more...]
Can You Imagine 69 Years Of Marriage?
Unfortunately, this week, my mom and I had to attend the funeral of a dear friend's grandfather. As the family shared stories of their 93-year-old loved one, I was most moved by all that was revealed regarding his roles as father, grandfather and husband. The discipline and lessons learned all demonstrated what a great parent he had been and a tremendous impact made on the … [Read more...]
If I Didn’t Get Married…
I've officially been married for 7 months as of December 20th. I'll admit it hasn't been 100% marital bliss, but I am most certainly in love with my husband. We are not only life partners but we're also best friends. We've been through a lot physically, emotionally, and financially together, and I wouldn't trade him for anything or anyone in the world. There are times when I … [Read more...]
Is Your Marriage Inspiring Singles to Get Married Or Sending Them In The Opposite Direction?
Not that our marriage should influence others as much as they actually do, but this idea is something to keep in mind. There are singles who have an honest desire to be married. It is quite natural to want to share your life with that special someone. In our lives, I am sure we have relatives and friends that are going to apply some of what they learn from us to their marriage. … [Read more...]
Why Routine In Your Marriage Is Important
I've read a lot of articles, a couple books, and watched a lot of television and movies regarding marriage, not to mention being surrounded by married couples like my parents and grandparents. One thing I've constantly heard is the importance of being spontaneous in your marriage. Many couples complain of boredom, predictability, and being tired of doing the same ol', same … [Read more...]
How To Grow In The Same Direction
When a failed marriage appears, it seems the de facto reason is the tired "We simply grew apart." I used to hear this and wonder, "Well, where were you when the growing was taking place?" I know now that feeling like you've "grown apart" doesn't happens over days or weeks or even months. It's a long process that happens so quietly that you look up and across the kitchen … [Read more...]
Marriage: The Toddler Years Through The Golden Years
Fortunately, through sites like BMWK and numerous other family and relationship blogs that promote our love, we've discovered there are an abundance of marriages in our communities. It is our hope, however, that each and every one will go the distance. Make it beyond the newlywed phase; pass those occasionally challenging middle years on to future years of bliss. In this way, … [Read more...]
I’m an Independent Woman Who Needs Her Man
Roll call. . . All the independent women please stand up. That would've been me 15 years ago. My daddy made me into an independent woman. He taught me to get my education, to carry my own money, and to leave the "knuckle-headed boys" alone because they only wanted one thing. I attended a women's college where being a strong, black, independent woman was drilled into me. The … [Read more...]
Fighting Temptation And Staying Committed To Your Spouse
During some point in many marriages things get common. It becomes the same routine day in and day out. Some occasionally get comfortable with the ordinary and neglect to keep the excitement and fire burning. The dating stops, spontaneity halts and both partners end up just being in their marriage instead of living in the marriage. During that time is when many couples are … [Read more...]
This Is A Man’s World, But…
Okay, so now you know what I was listening to during my morning workout, today, the classic 1968 James Brown anthem, "This is a Man's World." But this morning I heard it with a different "ear" than I have previously. The lyrics of this classic song brought me to a infinitely more classic verse of the Bible in Genesis 2:24: "For this reason a man shall leave his father and … [Read more...]
Chronicles Of A Good Wife: 3 Ways I Learned My Role In My Marriage
By Franchesca Lane-Warren (www.bossygirl1980.com) When I got married 4 years ago I was so happy to become a wife. Me and my husband had dated for nine years and I was ready to be married. When he proposed I totally engrossed myself in everything to do with a wedding. I planned a beautiful wedding and honeymoon but after all of the hoopla was over I had a big shock. Not only … [Read more...]
Preparing For The Seasons Of Your Marriage
As I watch the end of the fall leaf changing season, I have to wrestle with my denial that the summer is over. I find it interesting that every season comes with it's own clothes, it's own weather conditions, it's own highs and lows, it's own attitude, if you will. Just as there are clearly defined seasons of "Mother Nature," there are also clear seasons of marriage. Here … [Read more...]
I Would Hate To Be Married To Someone Who…
I would hate to be married to . . . Someone who thinks they know everything. Someone who is never pleased, no matter what I do. Someone who criticizes more than compliments. Someone who laughs at me and not with me. Someone who talks more than listens. Someone who is rude and disrespectful to me and others. Someone who thinks they're perfect. Someone who is … [Read more...]