(Hope with an Asterisk!) I was scheduled to speak for Multnomah University’s chapel last week. Needless to say, that was cancelled, just like every other event this unprecedented spring and summer of 2020. Who would’ve thought or imagined? And now…now we’re in the midst of Holy Week, culminating in Easter Sunday. How do we focus on the power of the …
FOR THESE INSECURE TIMES: Finding Support and Strength in Your Relationship
We had another newsletter 99.9% ready to go. And then COVID-19 happened. Postpone those original plans; begin again with what’s pertinent. And of course I (unintentionally) provided the perfect segue… Friday I started feeling NASTY. Maybe in light of current headlines, you assumed I meant physically nasty, right? And that I was going to add headache, scratchy throat, all-over achy flu? Nope, none …
Our Problem and How We Solved It, We Didn’t Function as a Team, Part 1: Now, I Understand
When Craig and I shared the 3-part series on our broken sex life (mid-February – March newsletters), we candidly admitted that was one of the two times our marriage hit its lowest points. The other precarious period occurred when we were thoroughly invested in our first full-time ministry. Craig was a popular youth pastor; I was intent on being a …
Our Problem and How We Solved It, We Didn’t Function as a Team, Part 2: Now, I Understand
Years ago when Craig was a pastor, I remember a situation that was profoundly enlightening for me. We would soon be going on a pastors/wives retreat (there were over 20 pastors on staff), and I was in charge of an activity for the wives. I loved those women, and I wanted to do a great job for them, so I …
Our Problem and How We Solved It, We Didn’t Function as a Team, Part 3: Now, I Understand
First, an honest evaluation: Which of you is more hesitant to look at his/her emotions? And therefore….also more reluctant to look at his/her partner’s feelings? Before we go any deeper, Craig and I ask that you take this first step of faith to assess – not to assign blame or weakness or inadequacy. Instead, this is merely an identification step …
Developing Skills to Function as a Team: Now I Understand
Welcome to 2020! Don’t know about you, but the move from life during the holidays back to the real world of daily living is rather a jolt for us! In light of that, and how much we’ve forgotten from way back in November, Craig and I thought a bit of a review was in order. We’ve been exploring our inner …
Our Problem and How We Solved It: Making Decisions about Money – Ugh
I remember Craig pointing out the stats several years ago. It was surprising to me then…and still is now. Know how many verses in the New Testament talk about money (or wealth, possessions)? No less than 2300. And 11 out of 39 parables are about money too. The conclusion we have to agree on: What we do with our money …
I’ll Own It! I Can Be Annoyingly Moody (yes, you read that right)
The Confession: Emotions—too often they’re the bane of my existence! I can hear you thinking: Carolyn, you’ve committed a cardinal sin. One with crystal-clear boundaries, which I have obviously crossed. As a woman, how dare I admit to sometimes having out-of-control emotions? And to be moody? Seriously? Yes. Let’s go there—women AND men. Because sometimes…wait for it…sometimes MEN can be the moody partner in a …
Marriage Myth #1 – Wives, Prepare to Lose Yourselves: You Will Be Swallowed by Your Husbands
Part One: Husbands on the Hot Seat Think you might not relate to this one? Hang in there with me as I tell my story… I first noticed Craig during our orientation at college. Part of that busy week was the election of our class officers, and Craig stepped right up to the plate to run for president. I remember watching him …
Marriage Myth #1, Part Two – Wives, Prepare to Lose Yourselves: You Will Be Swallowed by Your Husbands
Wives on the Hot Seat: Be Realistic, Be Honest, Be Courageous Pop quiz time! Read and write out your answers separately, and then compare. Where are you two not on the same page? What blesses and nourishes me will in turn bless my husband Do I truly believe this? Does my husband believe this? Why or why not? What does this mean? An …