Pastor Anyabwile is continuing his study on marriage and family and we are all the blessed recipients of his work of humility, scholarship, faith, and love. Don’t miss this latest post: What a Husband Must Be In it, he lists five things that drive women to marry men who are not prepared to lead in marriage. (Oh oh oh! But I’ve heard all five of these reasons a lot too.) He also lists five things that a husband must be. Consider number 4: 4. Must lead in selflessness. “…nourishes and cherishes….” The husband should be the first one in the family to go without, sacrifice, or lay it down for…

Oh, Carolyn McCulley! You are such a great blogger and you totally crack me up. (Lilikoi and I will be listening for your “You never know when you are going to wake up and find yourself dead!” quote on our morning walk with Pilgrim radio!) I just had to link over to your post on why our husbands don’t talk to us: Speaking His Language (Who me? Over-react when speaking with Fred? Ouch!) Thanks for serving us, Carolyn, and for encouraging us in Radical Womanhood!   Happy Monday everyone– Yours, Tara B.  

Fred and I continue to make little steps of progress in working through this difficult season in our marriage. Yet again, I really appreciate how he has persevered when I have felt tired and pretty “dead” inside and didn’t really want to keep working on things. (I think I switch into a “survival” mentality when there is just so much to do.) But yesterday’s baby steps of progress came after a pretty rip-roaring fight. Church was great, but there was a long lunch afterwards and then an even longer missionary presentation–and while I would’ve loved to go to both, asking four year-old Sophia to sit still for three hours (9AM…

Well … for the next ten days, my dear Steady Freddy officially robs the cradle and enjoys being married to a “younger woman.” Happy 38th Birthday, Fred! You make me deliriously happy. Your devoted wifey,  Tara  

So if you’d like to read Fred’s take on our big fight this week, cruise on over to the Peacemaker blog: Peacemaking 201 (He’s a good writer, isn’t he? Cute too. And forgiving. What a nice combination!) Happily ensconced in Delaware after an uneventful day of travel–   Yours, Tara B.  

A GREAT READ over at New Attitude: The Gospel and Relationships (for Guys) Let me tempt you with just the tease:   “Sacrificial service in a relationship is not just a product of being a ‘nice guy’. It’s not motivated by sentimental chivalry. It’s tied to the very fabric of our faith – Christ’s death for us. (This article intended specifically for single guys but helpful to all.)”  

We had a GREAT two days in the  city. Truly. Will post more when I can. 🙂  

I think I’m ready to name another one of Fred’s and my fights. (Do you guys remember what our “FIGHT 37” is???) This is the one where, hypothetically, I know we need either a) a big box OR b) a new rollaboard suitcase to get all of our “Chicago adventures” / borrowed clothing from my sister treasures home … And I ask Fred (at the hotel this morning) to either get a) packing tape OR b) a new rollaboard suitcase (because I eat through them with my travel schedule anyway, might as well get one now) … I KNOW that we have TIME in the morning of fun to do…

Twelve years ago today, God brought Fred and I together in Christian marriage. My “spiritual father,” Dr. Paul Jensen, spoke near our wedding–he was SO close! (He ended up missing the ceremony by just a few minutes so he gave his message during our reception.) My “spiritual Grandpa,” Bernard Vogelaar (Grandma Doris’s husband of over 53 years–“So he knows a thing or two about love!” as he explained to Fred during our courtship), prayed over us to close the ceremony. Looking at my father and step-mother, mother and step-father, and my “Christian parents” (whom I lived with for my last two years of high school), how did my own dad,…

(I know. I know. I’m such a softie. I really am.) But I really think you might enjoy this too! (And HT to Barbara Curtis at mommylife.net for posting the story and link too.) “Herman Rosenblat survived the Holocaust thanks in part to a young girl who tossed him apples and bread from outside the concentration camp. Twelve years later, destiny brought them together again. . .” Read the whole story here and enjoy the video too!   God bless, Tara B.