When we get clear about boundaries we can make choices rather than just react. We become empowered. We can now search for creative solutions to what seemed to be intractable problems.

Expectations are the specific beliefs that you have brought into your marriage about the way things will or should be. In general, if your expectations are met then you are happy. If not, you experience disappointment and frustration. Therefore, understanding and learning to negotiate your expectations is a key factor in your marital success.

I’m very mindful, as I sit at my computer this morning, of the utter horror of last weekend’s shooting in Las Vegas. My emotions vacillate from shock to anger to sadness that something so inhumane can happen, yet again, in America. Such events occur all too frequently and effect each of us deeply as we search […]

Benevolence is my new word. It has been on my mind a lot in recent weeks and months, particularly given what we’re going through as a nation and world. The Meaning of Benevolence The simple definition of the word is a desire to do good to others, to be charitable, to act kindly. I think […]

Lesson From a Boy Cavett Robert, founder of the National Speakers Association, told a story about watching a young boy going door-to-door selling books. As the boy headed for his house he said to his wife, “Watch me teach this kid a lesson about selling. After all these years of writing books about communication, lecturing all […]

For many couples marriage is a difficult journey. Since the early 1970’s close to 50% of all marriages in America have ended in divorce. An even higher percentage of second marriages end in divorce. And many of those couples who stick it out express dissatisfaction and, at some point, seriously consider ending their relationship. Indeed, […]

My husband and I love to hike!  We have recently been traveling to some of our National Parks to see the incredible scenery there.  We live in beautiful Colorado, and the trees, shrubs and other vegetation at this elevation along the hiking trails here are not the same as we have experienced in Washington, Oregon […]

A number of weeks ago my wife and I arranged a meeting with the president of the local religious congregation we are serving. We were to meet at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon to plan some upcoming meetings with his presidency and other leaders of the congregation. We arrived at the church just before the appointed […]

This black and white sketch was drawn for us by Dev, a new friend in India. I love it. For Christians, it represents one of the most important events in history—the birth of the Christ child. But whether you are Christian or not the painting embodies the tender love of family—the sweet innocence and radiance […]

Most Indians are inventive, self-sufficient, and resourceful. I’ve been amazed by the creative ways so many find to make a living and provide for their families. And yet, not surprisingly, we’ve encountered some who beg for money or food. Most sad is watching little children in the streets who come up to cars and ask […]