Blog

What if a two-letter word could make your marriage better? The idea came to mind several years ago when I listened to my girlfriend. “The kids were away visiting family, so we served ourselves huge portions of ice cream and put the bowls right on ...
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Last summer, I arrived at my annual dermatology check-up armed with important information. I’d been enjoying a Wrightsville Beach family staycation at my in-law’s home. On the bathroom counter was a super-duper magnifying mirror. I'd never seen such magnifying power. First I was fascinated, then ...
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The new year has come; what are your resolutions? In my early twenties I stepped on my bathroom scale and was shocked to see 127 appear in black and white. Right then, I made a resolution to lose twenty pounds. I felt exhilarated —a sense ...
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On the first day of 2021, I stood beside our fake Lowe’s tree and removed one ornament at a time. Each one sparked emotion. A mixture of sadness and thankfulness as I thought of our parents who’ve passed. A big smile with gratitude, when I ...
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I set the timer for the the dough to rise, and thought, we spend so much time waiting. I could’ve picked up a loaf from the store, but homemade bread is better; the smell overwhelms you when the crusty loaf comes from the oven; it’s ...
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I'm convinced God designed me to gather people. To serve them, encourage them and watch magic happen when strangers become friends. I love to prep my home for guests who will share an evening meal or for friends who'll stay overnight. Like a little girl ...
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My daughter’s former student was shot and killed this Thanksgiving—a random act of violence. A volunteer basketball coach who was loved by his community. He was only twenty. The younger kids looked up to him. My close friend hasn’t regained her sense of taste and ...
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Dear Tom, It’s hard to remember my life before you. Somehow, you were always here; always meant to be. I love you falls short. Loving you has become a selfish endeavor. It means I love myself because, in you, are so many pieces of me; ...
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In November 1985, as our loved ones gathered around, Tom and I walked the aisle, prayed, linked arms and promised to stick together for life. It still seems too good to be true. We’d found each other—our prayers and spouse-searches were over, hallelujah. With my ...
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One October day, Tom and I decided to make a quick trip to the mountains. While we gathered all the things, and it seemed to take forever just to load the car, I had a familiar thought. I wondered why we’d go to so much ...
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I feel a little jealous when someone says, "I married my best friend!" or “We were high school sweethearts.” honeymoon 1985 I married a stranger. Friends arranged a blind date for us, and after that night, we virtually dated on our landlines. We had a ...
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Imagine yourself a pilgrim in 1621. You and your entourage have mistakenly landed in the wilds of Massachusetts (rather than Virginia) during a harsh winter. Half of your friends and family have died. You’ve experienced a year of tragedy, famine and sickness. Your shelter is ...
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