Grass is Always Greener Syndome...

I'm guilty of suffering from the "Grass is Always Greener" syndome...No matter how many things I've got going in my favor, a part of my mind fixates on what I lack, not what I have. I believe that most women, if we're being really honest with ourselves, would say we're naturally discontented. And it's especially hard to feel satisfied in a culture that promotes a "more" mentality...and a "me" mentality to boot!
I met with a group of women this past winter who also happen to work in radio...we chatted about our marriages, children, and radio trends...and then one woman piped up that she's been hearing more and more of women leaving their husbands out of pure boredom and dissatisfaction. Another woman echoed that she's witnessed the same phenomena. Women are prone to abandon their marriages because the grass looks greener on the other side.
I think for a long while, men have gotten a bum wrap for having affairs and leaving their wives...but the tables have turned in this generation. With so many opportunities available to both genders in our over-indulged society, it can't be assumed that when a marriage goes sour, it's always the guy's undoing.
I'm doing a Beth Moore study with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law called "When Godly People Do Ungodly Things"...about arming yourself with God's power in the age of seduction. She writes that "since our hearts are deceptive in their natural form, sometimes our feelings tell us we're less satisfied than we really are." The anecdote to such an obedience problem is to ACTIVELY GIVE THANKS. So that's what I'm going to do...write out things to be thankful for.
1. I'm grateful that Christ loves me when I'm unlovable.
2. I've got a husband who adores and appreciates me...and is wholly committed to our marriage.
3. I've got a fulfilling job that breathes incredible purpose and fun into my life.
The list goes on and on...and let me tell you, I've got to remind myself to continuously do this because my mind is so prone to wander!

Marriage Advice

I cherish this photo above all the snapshots Jeff and I have taken in the (nearly) two years we've been married...Not only because I enjoy the way my hair looks (I can't remember the last time I've been to the hairdresser's!)...but because it captures the passionate intensity I so value in our relationship. I've always felt very emotionally and spiritually connected to my husband...We've had our shares of ups and downs...And our situation is anything but easy...But I will never love anyone more than I love Jeff. This morning our listeners called in with marriage advice. One woman said as her father walked her down the aisle, he reminded her that "love is a decision. It's not a feeling." Another guy called and said during an argument, you should "attack the problem, not the person!" Ummm...that's easier said than done! And finally, one woman called and said her marriage was horrible until her husband initiated praying with her daily. Only then did her marriage turn around. I concur with all the advice above and plan to take it home tonight to my hubby!

The Games We Play

I've learned to appreciate playing games since joining my husband's family. Jeff especially enjoys visiting his grandparents in the summer and playing a card game called "pinochle." Have you heard of it? I'm terrible at it, but got lucky this weekend with two runs and "double pinochle." I wish my family played more games with us when we were growing up. We didn't do much except sit around the television together, which fails to facilitate conversation or connection. Nowadays the kids are really into a card game called "skat." I hear it's the most popular card game in Germany...you should look it up and try it with your kids sometime. Some people like to play with dice...we like to play with chocolate chips and whoever wins gets the whole pile. Pretty sweet!
Jeff & I are enjoying lots of game nights with our friends this week since the kids are away at Camp Good News! They were so excited to leave...and Jeff & I are excited to get some quality alone time together to unwind.

Chris & Conrad Visit

The singing duo "Chris & Conrad" surprised Scott & I with a visit this morning. What a treat to hear them perform "Lead Me to the Cross" live! It gave me chills...and their upcoming single, "You're the One" is especially beautiful, like a love song to our Savior. I asked Conrad what inspired him to write the lyrics and he explained that he was so overcome with emotion for his wife, it naturally spilled into his writing. But in the song-writing process, it dawned on him that Lord shows him love that's infinitely greater than the love he shared with his wife. What a powerful realization and great inspiration for another tune that's sure to be a hit.
These guys made my morning...and were my bright spot in a day that included a bleak dentist appointment. Oh, why do we need to have teeth? They just cause problems! Apparently, my teeth are soft and I have a ton of cavities despite my incessant brushing and flossing. Just my luck!

Interview with Compassion Child

The highlight of my week was interviewing a young man by the name of Tony Beltran, who went through the Compassion International program in the Dominican Republic...He gushed with gratitude for every privilege his sponsor gave him with his monthly support so that he could enroll in the Compassion program as a kid. He explained that before Compassion, his family was so poor, he had to work to help support them, which didn't allow time to study. When Compassion intervened, he was able to get three meals a day, have clothes, and learn how much Jesus loves him...and even eat meat and ice cream on occasion! That just slayed me. We take so many things in America for granted.
And through Compassion, Tony was able to discover his passion for computers. The Compassion center had the only computer available in his village and the technology captured Tony's imagination. He went on to go to college to study computers and now he's at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago where he's training to be a youth minister someday. His dream is to return to the Dominican Republic and show kids that the way out of poverty isn't through crime--it's through education and extending God's love to others.
Jeff & I have the privilege of sponsoring a 10-year-old girl in the Dominican Republic...and after talking to Tony, I want to sponsor more! What a great program...it really changes and saves lives in the name of Christ.

Drama Queen Delaney

Tonight my hot date night with my husband consisted of watching Delaney perform in a musical called "Bugsy Malone"--the story of two New York City gangs in the 1920s. She certainly inherited the acting gene from her father. Jeff likes to write and act in dramas for our church...and even moved to L.A. straight out of college to try to make it in the business. I wouldn't be surprised if Delaney followed in her father's footsteps. Unfortunately, Jeff's acting dreams haven't come true...but it's fun for him to see his daughter enjoy something that brings such pleasure to his own life. I thought this was her best performance yet. In case you missed it, here's a little clip for your enjoyment:

Girl's Day Out

I enjoyed a pretty sweet girl's day out with Delaney this afternoon! I picked her up from rehearsal and we drove to Washington to go to Holland's Mercantile. I was in heaven! So was she. What a fun hang-out for kids and adults alike. It's like stepping into a candy store in the 1960's...you'll find Wax Lips, Charleston Chews...every imaginable candy you ate as a kid...and best of all, they even pick out the marshmallows from Lucky Charms cereal--you can scoop them out and buy 'em by the pound. Brilliant! There's even a kid's store in the back with magic tricks, sock puppets, ant farms...you name it, they've got it! For lunch Laney had nachos, chocolate ice cream, and a Pepsi. I also ordered shaved ice with Blue Raspberry syrup. I highly recommend this outing for families! I can't wait to go again and try their frozen hot chocolate!