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, 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 …

Marriage Myth #2 – I Will Meet ALL Your Needs

Been to a wedding when both bride and groom vowed to do this for each other? Felt a nearly overwhelming desire to stand up and shout, “Time out! Can we talk about this?” Yeah, me too. How can something that sounds so good be so bad? Or maybe better put: Can such a sincere motivation go so wrong? First: Only God can meet all …

Oh, the Games That We Play! I Can Do Anything Better than You Can

Craig and I were on long a road trip when we decided to visit the rest stop just ahead. He pulled into a parking space next to the sidewalk, and we groaned a bit as we climbed out of the car, stretching stiff limbs. Almost simultaneously, we glanced towards the building, noting where the restrooms were. And then we looked …

When You’re on the Edge

When’s the last time you two were on the edge? Not talking about divorce, hiking the Rockies, or being a hair’s breadth from a tantrum at the post office. (Not that I can relate to that.) I’m referring to the pressure cooker scenario that builds between us, but originates in something like the-kids-have-driven-me-bonkers-all-day-and-now-you’re-home-to-take-it-out-on-you type of thing. Could also be stress at the office is …

I’m the Boss versus Sharing Decisions Equally versus Sacrificial Submission: Craig’s Turn

Who, ultimately, makes the decisions in your home?    What happens if/when you disagree?Who functions as the tie-breaker?Or…who holds the power to veto? Maybe you’ve got those issues figured out. All your disagreements have been settled, fairly amicably. But at some point, you will disagree in a way that pits the two of you in a tenacious battle of wills. It’s the nature of being …

I’m the Boss versus Sharing Decisions Equally versus Sacrificial Submission: Carolyn’s Turn

Who, ultimately, makes the decisions in your home?    What happens if/when you disagree?Who functions as the tie-breaker?Or…who holds the power to veto? From Carolyn: If you’d asked me those questions 40+ years ago, my answers would’ve been quite different from today’s. Trying to be “spiritual” back then (“Oh yes, Craig’s the head of our home”) countered by where my frustrated heart and …