Any long time reader of this little blog will know that I am single. I have mentioned it a time or two. The reader will also know that as an observer, I have made a few posts about relationships and specifically marriage. Not that I claim to be an expert on any such thing. I just share a few observations I notice outside looking in. If my few little thoughts might help anyone along the way, I count it as a success. If my thoughts do not help, I pray they don’t cause any damage. There’s enough of that in the world and that is not the intent of what I share. As always, if there are serious issues please do not feel ashamed in getting help. As I often say, we think nothing of going to the doctor for medical attention but often hide the fact we may need help dealing with our emotions and behaviors. Which I think is just pure ridiculousness. Here are a few of my thoughts, take from it what you will.
Continue readingmarriage
The Car Wash: 5
Chapter 5
The car edged into the wax-zone and the two sat quietly.
“I know what you think,” she said slowly.
He scoffed. She doesn’t know him.
“You think I’m bluffing and I won’t follow through.”
He looked out the driver’s side window. Lucky guess.
Continue readingThe Car Wash: 4
Chapter 4
As happy as the memories of that trip made her, she couldn’t keep other memories out. Namely their second round of counseling. She had instigated it because there was a morning when she actually considered a more dramatic out. If she took her life, then maybe she would feel peace. The thought was brief but it was enough to scare her into action. At first, she attended counseling herself. But after several sessions, it became clear that in order to truly progress, Chadwick needed to join her.
Continue readingThe Car Wash: 3
Chapter 3
The two sat in silence. The hum of the machine in the car wash doing its job was the only sound. He couldn’t believe how ungrateful his wife was. Twenty years of marriage. Did she not think he could have left her at any time? He could have. But he chose not to. Marriage meant something to him. She had threatened divorce before and didn’t follow through with it. Maybe this was like that. Yeah, he thought, she’s just trying to get attention. I am not going to give in this time. I’m going to call her bluff.
Continue readingThe Car Wash: 2
Chapter 2
“I want a divorce,” his wife said again. The first time she had said it softly. As if it had been rattling around in her head looking for an exit. The second time she said it with assurance. It was funny since the words came out how she could feel both peaceful and excited at the same time. What was the word she was looking for to describe her current mood? Resolute. She still kept her eyes forward not looking at him. Instead, she turned and watched as the water dripped off the passenger side mirror.
Continue readingHow do you like your eggs?
Do you remember the 1999 movie Runaway Bride? It was the second collaboration of Julia Roberts, Richard Gere, and director Garry Marshall. Here is a short synopsis for those who might have slept since 1999 and have forgotten this romantic comedy. Woman dates a few different men, becomes engaged at different times to each of the men, and ends up leaving all of the men at the alter. Woman meets a writer who intends to use her story for his own self-interest. One thing he notices about her is she likes her eggs cooked the same way her fiancée at the time does. Spoiler alert! Woman and writer fall in love and decided to marry in a ridiculously short amount of time. Surprise! She leaves him at the alter, also. But in the end, they do get together and even marry. My younger self from 20+ years ago did not like that surprise. My wiser self (20+ years older) now recognizes that as the best part of the movie. She leaves him at the alter to discover who she is and how she likes her eggs cooked independent of any other influence. In other words, she comes to know herself before getting into a relationship. This has become something I strongly advocate.
General Conference thoughts: United in Accomplishing God’s Work
Again, for those in the cheap seats, UNITY is the goal. Married couples are on the same team working for the same purpose. One spouse is not a coach or general manager but a team member. While members of a team may perform different functions, all are important to contributing to a winning team.
Continue readingBroken Heart
She was sick to be sure,
old age had crept up on her.
But none of those ailments
held grave’s particular allure. Continue reading
True Love
The Plan of Happiness
by Boyd K. Packer
It’s called the Plan of Happiness. The plan. Not the ‘by chance of happiness.’
ck's days 