Doing Life Together

” I can’t believe we owe this much money on our credit cards from the holidays! What happened? This debt will take months to pay off and has put us in serious financially trouble.” ” I’m sorry. I guess I spent a little too much. I didn’t mean to put us in debt.” Shopping can…

  How many times have you heard a couple say they need to work on resolving conflict? Well, it may surprise you to know that conflict resolution is not the solution to happy marriages. My parents were married 67 years when my mom died. They grappled with the same conflict issues for most of those…

I really loved the music when TV’s Glee began, so much so that I downloaded several of songs, but my Glee days have come to an end. I’m over the constant message of sex, sex and more sex that continues to be driven home in every episode. When the show began, the plots were more…

It is only November and already children are hounding parents for presents. The way our culture focuses on getting versus giving, many children don’t know the true meaning of the holidays. How can we change this? By being intentional, one family at a time. Let’s begin with advertisers. Advertisers see your children as consumers who…

You smoke, don’t apply for a job. You will be screened and turned down. Yes, it is controversial. A Virginian hospital chain will be instituting a “nicotine-free hiring policy” at the end of this month. If you want a job, you must be nicotine free to get it. The hospitals will screen applicants and say…

I watched A GaGa Thanksgiving last week. I am always curious about the influences that shape people to be who they are and wanted to hear her story–at least a slice of it. It was a surprisingly entertaining special. Her roots as a jazz singer were clearly displayed. What an amazing talent! It appears she…

From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, food abounds–delightful treats, tempting sweets, beautifully arranged food baskets, and the always-welcomed gourmet chocolates that are to die for. It’s enough to send even the most controlled eater into an eating frenzy! But of course this sumptuous time of year comes with a price—those extra pounds that we all…

  On this Thanksgiving day, we pay special attention to giving thanks. So as you take a moment and talk about the things for which you are grateful, keep in mind the benefits that come with a thankful heart. Grateful people… have more energy and optimism are less bothered by life’s hassles are more resilient…

Here is a great question from a parent who wants help with young kids during the holiday season: Q: Every holiday season, we travel to see relatives, eat too many sweets and are exhausted because the kids miss naps and get to bed late. Consequently, our toddlers behave badly during this time of year. It…

For years, I spend 15 hours one way traveling in a car from Virginia to Michigan to be with family during Thanksgiving. I dreaded the long trip, but wouldn’t miss being with family during the holidays. If you are like me, you may be boarding a plane, sitting in a car, train or some other…

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