• Relationship Advice

    Reimagining Life With a Favorite Things List

    One evening, my hubby asked if I would share my ten favorite things list with him. He asked me not to include “given” items like him, God, or Family but instead include specific items unique to me. I saw that this would spark a more in-depth conversation between us. Just like the Grinch, my heart grew three sizes right then with a love surge, and I wanted his items, too! We planned to share the next night over dinner. It was so fun to write my favorite things, but I didn’t realize the lasting benefit it would have. Who knew that we could begin reimagining our lives with a Favorite…

  • Life Advice

    Turn Down the Noise For a Peaceful 2021

    The United Nations declared 2021 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. And as the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables.  This “new year’s resolution” was profound for a hot minute, but now I feel like an investigative journalist on minutia. I like fruits and vegetables; they’re good for me and all. But if we’re measuring those against peace and trust, the P&T weighs in like a hippopotamus on a seesaw. I’m looking for a peaceful 2021. I have learned that the things to which we give our attention set our direction. And our direction determines our destination. I Learned This Lesson Early My husband, Bobby Martin, is a…

  • Christian relationship advice,  Life Advice

    A Season of Giving Grace to Others

    An acquaintance of ours started a non-profit movement offering free yard signs reminding us to love one another. He posted it on our county’s social media page…and the war began. Within a short time, I counted 102 comments. Ninety-eight of the remarks were fighting with him or with each other.  Ironic? Yes. Surprising? Big sigh. No. As I read these ugly comments on social media, I was insulted on behalf of this good man. Why the anger? Why aren’t we extending grace to others?  At the same time, his responses – both measured and kind – filled me with hope instead of feeling overwhelmed by the inhumanity of the masses. I…

  • Relationship Advice

    Find A Lot With Thanks And Giving

    Have you ever felt unappreciated? I have. Many years ago, I had demonstrated a particular skill for saving customer relationships. Consequently, a peer in Marketing asked me to train and implement a program company-wide to restore customers who were in danger of ending our service. With little input from him, my team delivered and made the company A LOT of money. I didn’t think much of the fact that my colleague reported all of the progress to senior management. Then, I got a lesson in life.  He won a public thank you from the company president and a BIG promotion. I tried not to feel differently after that, but I…