Grace: Disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency; the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful. In other words, grace is what we frequently extend to the people we encounter every day. Think about the situations we face on our jobs alone. There we are exposed to various types of personalities, attitudes, bad moods and more. But … [Read more...]
Have You Ever Made A Decision Your Spouse Disagreed With?
A recent conversation with a married friend of mine quickly resulted in my wanting to get feedback from my BMWK family on this particular topic. This friend made a personal choice that her spouse disagreed with. While her husband was not pleased she felt confident that he would come around, and honestly our spouses usually do. Normally, much thought and careful consideration go … [Read more...]
Did You Have a List for the Type of Mate You Wanted, And Does Your Spouse Match It?
When I got married I was not very familiar with the idea of creating a list for what I wanted in a mate. It was clear to me the qualities that the man I married needed to have. I actually enjoy hearing people share their lists. Some are very detailed and get into the specifics of height and skin complexion. Others go beyond the surface and touch on the values and morals needed … [Read more...]
Do You Ever Have Days Where You’re Not Feeling Your Spouse?
Have you ever had one of those days where you aren't feeling your spouse? If I can be completely honest for a second and share that both my husband and I have those days. I can almost immediately tell when my husband is not feeling me. There usually aren't very many words said, but it's quite clear that at certain times my quirky behavior, inquisitive nature and playfulness … [Read more...]
How Do You Teach Your Kids That Anything is Possible?
This week my family and I were lucky enough to be given four free (front row) tickets to the Chicago Sky WNBA basketball game. I immediately thought this would be something fun for us to do as well as different because we don't attend very many sporting events together. But I underestimated the impact it would have on my children. See, my husband and I have two daughters who we … [Read more...]
What If Your Spouse Never Changes?
Love is blind, at least in the beginning anyway. Many of us overlook certain behaviors our partners display because we love them, the good outweighs the bad, and because we secretly feel they will eventually change. During the honeymoon phase, in some marriages, couples pretend the things their spouses do that drive them crazy aren't that big of a deal. Then all of a sudden, … [Read more...]
Where Are You Being Led in Your Marriage?
If you weren't watching OWN (the Oprah Winfrey Network) this weekend then you missed an enlightening interview. Iyanla Vanzant's show "Iyanla Fix My Life" made its debut. The Show had been promoted for weeks and if you had been a viewer of Oprah's Life Class you are already aware of the powerful work Iyanla Vanzant does in transforming lives. Well, her new show wasn't any … [Read more...]
What Sacrifices Are You Willing to Make for Your Children?
I spent this past weekend with my youngest daughter and her Girl Scout Troup on a camping trip. My previous experience with camping occurred nearly 25 years ago, and because I was a little more adventurous back then, I enjoyed myself. But now that I am fearful of almost every 4-legged creature there is, the idea of camping isn't at all appealing. Everything about it, insects, … [Read more...]
10 Healthy Actions to Take When You and Your Spouse Are at Odds
If we are honest, those of us in one, recognize marriage can be difficult. A couple should never lead others to believe that disagreements, arguments and yes frustration don't exist in a marriage. Simply put, sometimes married people just don't get along. For some, when we disagree, there is snapping, pouting and even yelling. With the goal being to get a point across, be … [Read more...]
Why We Loved That Deluxe Apartment In The Sky – Remembering Sherman Hemsley
My initial reaction to the news of Sherman Hemsley's passing was sadness of course, but immediately following my sadness was reflection. Reflection on his acting talent and the pure entertainment he used to bring into our households every week as our beloved George Jefferson. I am sure there isn't one person, who after hearing this news, didn't immediately playback an … [Read more...]
Should You Have to Compete for Your Spouse's Attention?
I am sure many of you have been involved in those conversations, where it's just you and either a group of your guys or your girls, engaged in real talk on relationships. Those topics always bring about plenty of debate, advice and tips on how to maintain your partnership and keep your mate interested. A few of those pieces of counsel usually focus on maintaining one's … [Read more...]
Setting Realistic Relationship Goals
When we think of success in areas such as business and personal triumphs we recognize it doesn't occur just by chance. With any business that excels and experiences achievement and with any individual who has reached a desired goal or overcome any other challenge, it requires work. It doesn't happen overnight but always starts with a vision, then planning, followed by goal … [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...]
Are All of Our Responsibilities As A Spouse Realistic?
We've previously talked about roles in marriage and each part a spouse should play. This topic has appeared in articles here as well as during the awesome Wednesday night #MarriageChats. Whether it's handling the finances or doing the laundry, the general consensus was for each partner to do what they are absolutely best at doing. In addition to having roles in the home, there … [Read more...]
Papa Bear Vs. Mama Bear
For me parenting has really been a learn-as-you-go process. It hasn't come easy, although I thought it would. The parenting/co-parenting relationship is something you can't totally prepare for or predict. You can plan with your spouse how you will raise your children, but until certain situations arise you can't always be so sure. The moment I became a mom a unique type of … [Read more...]