Thoughts on Marriage

Just one of the many reasons I love him!

I just watched a movie that I am recommending to all of you....Fireproof (recommended to me by Anna-thanks!). I was blown over...not by the great acting, although it wasn't too bad, but by the realization that marriages are worth anything that you have to do to save them. In this movie, the price that Caleb (the husband) had to pay to save his marriage, was almost more than he could do. But after, struggling long and hard, and going through a "mighty change" in his heart and attitude, and by humbling himself enough to recognize that he was a large part of the problem, he was able to do it. He did it by following a plan recommended by his father called, the "Love Dare." I encourage you to watch this movie, or read the book, and consider looking into the Love Dare (you can find out more about this at www.fireproofingmymarriage.com/)

Just some thoughts on marriage. There is nothing like it! The world can view it as unnecessary or temporary, but the Lord views it as essential and permanent. That's why it is so important to choose wisely, and then work hard at making it work. No marriage is perfect. That is just a fact. But, there are always ways to make it better. That is what the Love Dare is all about...doing all you can to make it better, every single day. And that means that you make yourself be a better person; a less selfish person; a kinder person; a more loving person. When you concentrate on changing your attitude and actions, and not on your spouse's shortcomings, then you've got the right idea. It is like the scriptures tell us, "Why behold you the mote that is in your brother's eye, but consider not the beam that is in your own eye?"

I am married to a wonderful man....not a perfect one, but a thoughtful, caring one, who tries to make our marriage work. And it does. And if we want it to still be as wonderful for eternity as it is now, we will need to work on it each day. That is the challenge of a marriage. That is the joy of being married. It is worth "fireproofing" your marriage, no matter what.

You've Been Tagged!

Michele asked me an interesting question this morning, in preparation for a lesson she was giving to the Young Women. "What brings you joy at this stage of your life?" It made me stop and think about my life, and I found that there were many things that I really enjoyed and that truly bring me joy.

Watching my grown children live lives that reflect the values that I tried to teach them...cherishing the Gospel, letting the Spirit guide their choices, chosing good men to spend eternity with, pursuing an education, reading good books, being nurturing mothers and raising good children, doing good, not juding others.

Nurturing a deeper relationship with my eternal companion, as we are now "empty nesters," well, almost! We actually have loooooong conversations about the things in our life! We love being together and love and respect each other more than ever.

Which brings me to the "almost" in my life. I love being with Scott and taking care of him. You may find that hard to believe, but, in spite of all of the challenges he brings, he keeps heaven very close.

Have I mentioned the joy that my grandchildren bring into my life???? There is nothing like having a grandchild....it is a special and precious relationship and time spent with them, and talking to them is incomparable to anything else in this life.

I love having the time to pursue my interests and hobbies....reading good books, doing stitchery, playing the piano, writing, working on creative projects. Hopefully, there will be more time in the future for all of the above!

And lastly, I love the opportunities that life has given me to enlarge my faith. I learn something new everyday about what it means to put my trust in the Lord and to live a Christ-centered life. My personal motto is to improve in some way every day. I know that I don't always achieve that, but my goal will not change.

Well, now that you have read my list, I "tag" everyone who reads this to make their own list and either post it in a comment here, or post it on your own blog. Good luck! Can't wait to see what brings you joy!

Our Valentine's Day Present

As grandparents there are not many presents greater than getting to be with their grandchildren without their parents around to get all of the attention! We got that chance Valentine's evening, because we "gave Michele & Wayne a present...." a night out without Olivia! It's the best present we ever gave them! Here are a few of the fun moments we had. (HELP! I have a cute video to put on here but it didn't work....if you want to see it, give me a call)

Here's to Feisty Women

My mother is an amazing woman, and on this, her 84th birthday, February 10th, I would like to honor her. She is what you would call "feisty!" The dictionary says that feisty means "full of animation, energy, or courage; spirited; spunky; plucky." You know, I like feisty people. They are more fun to be around because you never know what they will say or do! Also, you don't have to pussyfoot around feisty people, because they don't take offense easily and they always have a good comeback for you anyway. I grew up surrounded by feisty people; maybe that's why I'm so mellow!?!

It's been amazing to me to watch my mom throughout the past few months when she and Dad first heard about his cancer. They "talked it over" and decided that they would just take it "one day at a time" and see what happens." I think that is good advice for all of us when we hit hard times....to just take it a day at time and not get overwhelmed with it, and just see what happens. She told Dad, "Well, you've lived 83 good years....how much longer did you plan to live, anyway?" I couldn't help but laugh at her feisty perspective. It reminded me of a dear friend of mine who passed away last year. She was in the hospital, on her deathbed, so to speak. Her children told us that at the end, she kept waking up and saying "Am I still here?" After a few times of this, she said "This is worse than premature labor!" I hope I go out like that...feisty as can be!

I love my mom. She has been rock solid for me throughout my life. Someone I knew that I could always turn to, count on, talk to, joke with, and love without reserve. She is one of my heroes. Especially now, as she adjusts to living alone since my dad passed away last month. It won't be easy, I know...after being together with someone for over 62 years day and night. She and Dad had a feisty relationship, too. Sometimes it got a bit much for me. But, looking back, I always knew that they loved each other. What a great legacy to give to her children. She will be strong. She will put some new things into her life that she didn't have before. She will move forward and make each day count. She will be productive. She will bless her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren with her example. She'll go out, as feisty as she came in.

All I have to say is: "Here's to feisty women! May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them." Amen.

Share Your Favorite Reads!

As most of you know, I am a bookaholic and proud of it! I have so many books lined up to read that I hope I live until I'm 100 so I can get to them all. But then, there will be new ones written and I will want to read them too....the neverending list goes on. I have shared my favorites and my list with you. Now it's your turn to share some of your favorite books with me. It would be great if you could put a rating on it. Let's say * means "had to force myself to finish it"; up to ***** "this one's a keeper for my reread pile!" I guarantee you that I will try some of them. A good book is hard to find, but when you find it you treasure it! Thanks for sharing!

Take Your Best Shot!

Okay, this is a call for some solid help from my "people!" I'm needing a good kick in the pants (Carl is willing to do that!), a knock on the side of the head (he's probably willing to do that, too), or a firm, but gentle nudge to keep me motivated for this diet! So, here's your chance to give it to me. Take your best shot!