• Relationship Advice

    Freezing at Five

    We were recently invited to a friend’s house for a picnic, and decided to go at the last minute. I hadn’t thought about what food I was going to take and I’m not known for keeping it simple. I decided on a dessert that needed ice cream. Sounds fine until I tell you that our friends live 30 miles away, and it was a 98 degree day. Not the best choice? True that. We drove our Challenger SRT, my husband’s pride and joy. I asked him to stop at a grocery store closer to our destination for the ice cream. Bobby assured me that he could make Hulkster (That’s the…

  • Relationships Take Work

    Help, I Need Somebody: When To Seek Marriage Counseling

    Have you been wondering if you need relationship counseling? Lots of people do. You’re not alone, Friend. Bobby and I have counseled many over the years, and are always humbled and honored to do so. As I ponder these many conversations, tears and triumphs, I have learned some lessons. In my opinion, your best bet is to seek Marriage Mentoring way early in the relationship. Marriage Mentoring is proactive and seeks to coach new couples through the ups and downs of new relationships. Do you agree that it’s better to prevent something from happening instead of fixing it afterward? This is a fantastic thing to do! Many churches offer really…

  • Relationships Take Work

    You Can Do This! Encouraging Each Other To Meet Your Potential

    This blog is proof that my husband can talk me into anything. I was sitting on the couch reading one evening, and he started the conversation. Here’s how it went: Him:   You should write a book.  Her:     Whaaaat? I can’t write a book! Him:     Sure you can. How many books have you read in your life? A thousand?  Her:      That’s crazy and not the same thing at all. I can’t write a book.    Two days later: Him:       You should write a book.  Her:         I can’t write a book. That’s crazy talk.  Him:           Two more days later: …

  • Relationships Take Work

    Get On The Same Side

    When C.P. Ellis died, a family-only memorial service was held. Ann Atwater, the only friend who had been invited to the service, arrived early and sat in the front row.  Ann was from Durham, North Carolina,  and was a major force within the country’s civil rights movement. She was infamous for her fiery, tough personality. She was soon approached by a red-faced employee of the funeral home. He whispered, “This service is for Mr. Clairborne Ellis.” Ann nodded and said, “Yes, I know.” There was an awkward pause as the man cleared his throat. “I’m sorry, but the service is for family only.” Ann replied, “I know that, too.” Another…