Growin' Up Gregory

  Is your marriage like a cookie?  Maybe it's sweet.  Maybe it's comforting.  Maybe it's round (symbolic of the continuity of the rings).  Whatever cookie you feel your marriage may most resemble, and the possibilities are endless, they all require some of the same ingredients to be tasty and successful. If we were to examine several cookie recipes, we would see just how many variations there are.  You have numerous chocolate chip, chocolate oatmeal, peanut butter, sugar, and many many more that we could name off. But what makes a cookie a cookie?  Most cookie recipes call for some combination of butter, sugar, flour, and eggs.  This where it gets fun.  From here, you can add the flavor(s) that you and your family enjoy!  Do you want to add fruit, candy, chocolate?  Again, the possibilities are endless. The same is true in our marriages.  There are some core "ingredients" that we all need - love, trust, compassion, faithfulness...

If I could sum up my status for 2019, it would be that I am truly blessed.  I am fortunate to have so many of the things that money can't buy - a loving immediate and extended family, health for myself and family, security, joy, and the list could go on.   And while I'm extremely grateful for where I am in life at this point, I know that there are areas that I need to improve in.  So for 2020, I want to be more intentional in focusing on certain aspects of my life and the lives of those around me.  That's actually a start - last night I asked Britt what goals she wanted for the year or what her plans were for the family and she mentioned that some people focus on a single word instead of a list of goals.  Looks like I can check "listen to my wife better" off my list now right?!? So here are some of my thoughts, plans, and goals heading into this next decade (in no particular order). 1.  Read 15+ books.  Let me be honest, I didn't start readin...

I recently finished reading "Praying Circles Around Your Marriage" by Joel & Nina Schmidgall.  I heard them on a podcast talking about the book and knew that my marriage was something I wanted to focus on improving in 2020 and years to come so I did exactly what I ask my wife not to do - I got online and made an impulse buy.  Wait, it gets even better - I got two books for the price of two because they had a bundle special!  I probably would have fussed at her (see the reason for needing the book) for buying something on a whim like this but I'm trusting that the return on investment will be worth it...and I saved by doing the bundle LOL! Anyway, before I bore everyone, let me share a little about the book so you can decide for yourself if you should go get you a copy.  They offer seven 'circles' you can surround your marriage with to make you a better spouse, couple, and family (if that happens too).   P.S. - If you're dating, engaged, married, o...

How many of us as parents have watched our young children open birthday or Christmas presents with that underlying fear of, "Oh crap, what's he gonna say if he doesn't like something he gets?"  If it hasn't happened to you, when your kid is old enough to talk, it will.  And it's semi-mortifying as a parent when your child says, "I don't like that" or "I already have one" or "What else do I have?"  Especially when a close friend or family member spent their hard earned money on a thoughtful gift.  I still remember one of Thomas' favorite presents was a cheap toy that was virtually worthless...but he loved it.  He doesn't always understand the true value of a family heirloom, a traditional gift, or the cost of something collectible.  And it's not his fault, he's young and immature so he just doesn't know. Far too often, spouses reveal our own ignorance and immaturity in not realizing the val...

This excerpt is from an article by Steve Hatfield titled "How to Be a Pastor's Friend": Be a unwavering supporter.  Most folks in a pastor's life will waiver in their support.  Rarely does anyone always agree with what a pastor does or says.  If he knows he has at least one person who always has his back, it gives him confidence.  Please note that I didn't say ALWAYS AGREES.  It is possible to not agree but still support your pastor.  When I'm asked about whether I agree or disagree with what a pastor is trying to accomplish, for example, changing a worship service format or instituting a program, I like to reply, "If the pastor believes God is leading him in that direction, then I'm on board.  As long as he is not violating Scripture, I need to support him." Wow!  Can you envision the maturity and integrity it takes to be someone like that?  You must be mature enough to be able to put aside your feelings and follow your pas...