10 rules for a happy marriage.

1. We will laugh A LOT! Happiness and Joy should be normal parts of everyday life; not the exception. Laughter should fill the soundtrack to our lives. We will work to have more comedy and less “drama” in our home!

2. We will always tell the truth!There is no place for secrecy in our marriage. We will fight for trust, honesty and transparency.

3. We will choose to see the best in each other. We’ll “blow it” sometimes, because we’re two imperfect people, but we will be quick to admit fault, humbly seek forgiveness and offer grace to each other.

4. We will not “keep score.” We won’t hold onto old hurts and use them as ammunition in future disagreements. We will always pursue healing over punishment.

5. We will celebrate each other’s “wins.” We will be each other’s biggest encouragers; not the biggest critics. We’ll celebrate with each other and never be jealous of each other. We share every victory (and ever defeat).

6. We will support each other’s dreams! We will help each other achieve all we set out to accomplish.

7. We will bring out the best in each other. Through encouragement, affirmation, support and unconditional commitment, we will strive to accept each other exactly as we are, but also push each other to become all we were created to be.

8. We will have each other’s backs!We won’t stand by while anyone or anything threatens our marriage. We will defend each other and fight for each other’s honor.

9. We will keep growing. We won’t settle for slipping into “autopilot.” We will continuously invest into our marriage and grow deeper in our friendship, intimacy and trust through all the seasons of our life together.

10. We will never give up on each other! When we said, “Til death do us part,” we meant it! There is no escape clause or exit strategy. In good times, we’ll celebrate together. In hard times, we’ll lean on each other. In all times, now and always, we’ll stand by each other’s side until the end…no matter what!

Source: dave willis

I was Dying

I Was Dying

First I was dying to finish highschool and start college
And then I was dying to finish college and start working
And then I was dying to marry and have children
And then I was dying for my children to grow old enough so they could go to school so I could go back to work
And then I was dying to retire

And now...

I am dying .... and suddenly I realize I forgot to live.

-Anonymous.

Make you think? Share this! 

The seven messages of a good speaker

Everybody wants to be a better communicator.  Whether you are standing up delivering a speech or leading a meeting,  it is important that you are effectively presenting your material.  

Below, are 7 key items that all great communicators take in consideration before they engage with their audience:

		I will not waste your time.
		I know who you are and I know why you came.
		I am well organized.
		I will deliver this speech in an interesting, conversational way.
		I know my subject.
		Here are my most important points.
		I am finished.

What say you?  Is there anything missing from the list?  Would you add anything? 

A suggestion might be to print this out, and use it while preparing for your next presentation.  

The above list was compiled from the book, "How to Give a Terrific Presentation" by Karen Kalish (AMACOM, 1996).

The Blue Rose

A Story...

Having four visiting family members, my wife was very busy, so I offered to

go to the store for her to get some needed items, which included light bulbs,

paper towels, trash bags, detergent and Clorox. So off I went.

I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies and headed for the 
checkout counter, only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man who

appeared to be about sixteen-years-old. I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently 

waited for the boy to realize that I was there. This was when he waved his 

hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice,

"Mommy, I'm over here."

It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged and also startled as he turned 
and saw me standing so close to him, waiting to squeeze by. His eyes widened
and surprise exploded on his face as I said, 

"Hey Buddy, what's your name?"

"My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother," he responded proudly.

"Wow," I said, "that's a cool name; I wish my name was Denny, but my name is Steve."

"Steve, like Stevarino?" he asked. "Yes," I answered. "How old are you Denny?"

"How old am I now, Mommy?" he asked his mother as she slowly came over from the next aisle. "You're fifteen-years-old Denny; now be a good boy and let the man pass
by."

I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes
about summer, bicycles and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with
excitement, because he was the center of someone's attention. He then
abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section.

Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me for taking the time
to talk with her son. She told me that most people wouldn't even look at him,
much less talk to him.

I told her that it was my pleasure and then I said something I have no idea
where it came from, other than by the prompting of the Holy Spirit. 

I told her that there are plenty of red, yellow, and pink roses in
God's Garden; however, 
"Blue Roses" are very rare and should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness. 

You see, Denny is a Blue Rose and if someone doesn't stop and smell that rose with their heart and touch that rose with their kindness, then they've missed a blessing from God.

She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye she asked, "Who are you?"
Without thinking I said, "Oh, I'm probably just a dandelion, but I sure love living in God's garden."

She reached out, squeezed my hand and said, "God bless you!" and then I had tears in my eyes. 

May I suggest, the next time you see a BLUE ROSE, don't turn your head and 
walk off. Take the time to smile and say Hello. Why? Because, by the grace of GOD, this mother or father could be you. This could be your child, grandchild, niece or nephew. What a difference a moment can mean to that person or their family.

A friend of mine emailed this story to me.  

It moved me deeply.  

No wonder Jesus said, "Let the little children come unto Me." 

I get the idea that Jesus was trying to get a message across that was much deeper than what His disciples could actually see.  I believe He wanted to teach His followers to stop and acknowledge people.  Too often we just hurry through life and miss all kinds of hurting people right around us.  

The man in this story was wise enough to give a little of his time to this 15 year old boy and in doing so, he was giving more than just time, he was giving part of his life away.  

He was investing.  He was acknowledging something unique.  

He took the time to smell the Blue Rose.