Singleness & Marriage
-
Girls’ Guide to Understanding Guys and P*rn
Many thanks to Challies for linking to this article. I must admit that it is a hard read for me. Having been exposed to such things as a young child (so I personally know more of this evil than I wish I knew), and knowing too many marriages that have been utterly decimated by sexual sin, I simply cannot read this with any level of emotional detachment. But it is surely one of the main issues facing young men and women today; and I absolutely agree with the author’s list of recommended resources at the end. So I hope it is a help (and warning and encouragement) to some of…
-
The Most Peacemaking-y Response in That Exact Moment? Back Off and Give Me Some Time
Fred and I had a whopper of a fight recently. It was one of those awful cul-de-sac conflicts where even our best efforts to pull out of fighting only wrapped us around even more into deeper, more hurtful, more frustrating exchanges. Finally, I just broke down and wept. I sobbed in a way that I don’t easily or frequently sob. I was literally begging Fred to just stop the fight; to do whatever it took in that moment to relieve me of the crushing hopelessness I was feeling. And Fred, being the kind and loving friend that he is, did just that. He backed off. He recognized that even though…
-
Ten Questions to Ask Your Wife (If You’re Man Enough …)
Z linked to a worthwhile article on The Stepping Up blog that included these questions for a husband to ask his wife: What could I do to make you feel more loved? What could I do to make you feel more respected? What could I do to make you feel more understood? What could I do to make you more secure? What could I do to make you feel more confident in our future direction? What attribute would you like me to develop? What attribute would you like me to help you develop? What achievement in my life would bring you the greatest joy? What would indicate to you that…
-
A Happy (but embarrassing) 17th Wedding Anniversary
We’ve enjoyed a restful Sabbath—that also happened to be our 17th wedding anniversary. Piles of chaos were left out around the house after our two weeks of hosting guests and we dove into numerous games (all of us) and videos (the kids and Fred) and time to just talk and be. It was refreshing—but also a tad embarrassing when we pulled out our box o’ love letters and our wedding scrapbook. I didn’t remember being so sappy! But I was. Verbal and sappy—not a great combination. Still, it was very fun to discover that Fred switched from a secret admirer to a not-so-secret-admirer on December 17th (1993)—ten years to the day…
-
Please Use (Even Just a Few) Words …
Knowing that it can be unloving (and even selfish) to ask for too many words from a friend (or husband!) who isn’t, shall we say, as much of a verbophile as me … I was a little reticent to ask for more details in a comment Fred recently made. (I don’t want to be a burden! I don’t want to be a Proverbs 27:15 constant dripping of a wife.) But I’m so glad I did and I know that Fred is too. The conversation was about something deeply important to me that it felt like wasn’t that important to Fred. I was trying so hard to be careful and non-accusatory and…
-
Is it okay to pursue men?
I so admire Carolyn McCulley. To quote a great WW episode, “I love her mind. I love her shoes.” I really do! Everything I have ever read or heard from her, I have not only agreed with substantively, I have rejoiced in her gentle and winsome tone–especially when she is talking about people with whom she disagrees. Truly, Carolyn McCulley lives out 2 Timothy 2:24-26: “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth …” On today’s Revive Our…
-
Ten Practical Ways to Love and Serve Your Wife
Really appreciated Challies’ links to this today: Brian Croft: Ten Practical Ways to Love and Serve Your Wife It encouraged me to appreciate all that Fred does to love and serve me, and also challenged me to think: What are the ten most practical ways that I can love and serve my husband?
-
Pray With And For Each Other Every Day
The oldest living couple on Earth (married for 85 years!) gives sage advice in this interview. Plus, aren’t they just the cutest couple you’ve ever seen? Oldest Living Couple on Earth Gives Great Relationship Advice (HT: Heidi O! I just love my FaceBook friends. Especially when I’m on the road—I still get to share a peek into their lives and they into mine.)
-
How Do I Know If I’m Ready to Marry?
One of my all-time favorite things to do is spend time with couples who are considering marriage. I love to hear their stories, honestly answer their questions, encourage them, ask them hard questions, pray with them, enjoy them. With these dear friends in mind, I am definitely going to bookmark this article for future reference. It’s a keeper! How Do I Know If I’m Ready to Marry?
-
Women — Stop Submitting to Men (!)
Surprised to see that title for a post on my blog? Be sure to read this brief, but important, article by Rev. Dr. Russell Moore: Women — Stop Submitting to Men (HT: Challies)