It’s easy to find fault in others, to look out at the culture and identify individuals who, though in positions of great influence and responsibility, fail miserably as leaders. We see it in politicians who are more driven by popularity than by principle, who will seemingly do anything to remain in power. We see it in executives who preserve their own pensions at the expense of shareholders. We see it in the home, where mothers and fathers whittle away their precious few years of influence with their children.
Stalking Your “Ex” on Facebook
Have you ever looked up your “ex” on Facebook?
By “ex” I mean either your former spouse or someone you once dated.
If you have, you wouldn’t be alone. According to some recent research, 48% of Facebook users admit to looking at their ex’s profile too often. Of course, “too often” is a subjective term. But if nearly half of those polled are acknowledging perusing a person’s profile excessively, you can be sure the number of those looking once or even twice is higher still.
Meet a Twenty-Something Who Doesn’t Believe in Sex Outside of Marriage
Do you know couples who live together outside of marriage?
So do I.
In fact, the narrative has become a familiar theme, even within the Christian church: twenty- and thirty-somethings have grown sour on the institution of marriage, for all kinds of reasons. But instead of swearing off romantic relationships (after all, “Love does make the world go ‘round”), couples have decided to move in together. Give it sort of a “test-run.”
No wedding, no ring, and presumably, no worries.
One Amazing Dog
Have you ever heard of the Karelian Bear Dog? I hadn’t, until last week, when I caught a short documentary about the breed during an airplane flight.
Weighing between 40 and 65 pounds, the dog looks like a cross between a Husky and an Irish Wolfhound. Stocky and marked by a heavy black and white coat with expressive ears, they were originally bred in Russia and Finland to hunt big game, in addition to protecting farmers from bear attacks.
Love and Loss
Whether young or old, yesterday was a happy day for those in love. On one end of the spectrum you have Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher of North Carolina. They’ve been married 86 years! What’s their advice for a strong and happy marriage?
“Respect, support and communicate with each other. Be faithful, honest and true. Love each other with ALL of your heart.”
That sounds right to me.
Then there is Stephanie Hull and US Air Force Captain John Wu from Louisville, Kentucky.
Valentine’s Day S.O.S.
As I mention on today’s broadcast (listen here) I’m in a bit of a spot. For last year’s Valentine’s Day I prepared a special dinner for Jean (baked pasta). Trent and Troy served as the waiters, and we had a great time doing it. In fact, it was such a hit that I was planning on cooking another dinner with the same menu again! I shared this with the team and they were aghast. The same thing?!
Christmas Morning
A young boy was once asked to define the word love.
His answer?
“Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.”
Our boys, Trent and Troy, would agree! And so would Jean and I.
I’m away from the office and enjoying some extra time with the family, but speaking of Christmas morning, I thought I’d share a snapshot from this past Saturday.
Every family has their traditions.
Seven Predictors of Divorce
I last shared Dr. Gottman’s six predictors of marital success and happiness. Here now are his top warning signs of coming marital strife:
1. Harsh Start of Arguments
The partner who starts the argument is aggressive or hostile, is insulting, attacks his partner’s character, uses sarcasm, shows contempt or disgust—all of which lead to escalation or withdrawal.
2. Criticism
Attacking character or traits, instead of addressing the problem specifically.
3. Contempt
Disgust, disrespect, condescension, sarcasm, eye-rolling.
Six Predictors of Marital Success and Happiness
How’s your marriage?
According to Dr. John Gottman, professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Washington and the founder of the Gottman Relationship Institute, there are several things to consider when gauging the health of your marriage.
Here they are:
1. High Levels of Friendship, Respect, Affection, and Humor
This is defined as liking each other, being each other’s best friend, doing things together; showing interest in and respect for the other’s thoughts and feelings, avoiding put-downs, supporting each other’s goals and aspirations, feeling affection for each other, having fun and laughter together, being Number One in each other’s eyes.
I Can Only Imagine
I never met Jack Wilson.
Jack’s the friend of a friend. I’m told he was a master staircase builder by trade, the father of two sons and, for 33 years, the faithful husband of his college sweetheart, Becky. That’s Jack on the right in a playful moment during a wedding back in September.
There’s a reason why I’m relaying this story to you which will be clear in a moment. But first, here’s what happened.
About three days before Thanksgiving, Jack felt extreme discomfort in his lower back.
