Love has no agenda …

We can’t choose love and anger …

When we’re open to resolution, to a win-win, it’s not difficult to find one.

It’s when we want to make somebody else lose that we have a fight—and blood—on our hands. It’s when we are afraid to lose (the argument or whatever it is we’re clutching) that we can’t dismiss the anger. We WANT something to be angry about, somebody to blame for something.

When we choose love, it displaces anger and fear. … More

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Would you say “I do” again?

Commitment is an ongoing decision—whether it’s made consciously or unconsciously.

And being honest about what you’re feeling today is even more important to a healthy relationship than keeping a commitment you made yesterday. … More

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Are you singing your heart out?

God has been my rock, and faith has been my sustenance; but they both require action.

This quote from Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president of the United States, has always been one of my favorites:

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘Press On’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”

I have found comfort over the years in knowing that I didn’t have to be the most talented or the most educated person to get the job done. It is progressively clear to me, though, that persistence develops talent and spurs learning. It uncovers the genius in each of us.

Persistence is more than determination and resolve. It is work. It is the effort that must be rewarded. It is the practice that makes perfect.

Persistence is not merely hanging in there long enough. It is learning what creates the desired result — often after learning what does not. It is honing your skill and refining your love.… More

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Yes … we can do both!

There was a time when we knew that anything was possible. I’m not talking about childhood fantasy. I’m talking about the spiritual knowing we have before we take on more fear than we need to survive, before we learn that we’re not good enough.

We were created to be so much more than good enough. And we have so much more greatness than we need to merely survive.

We get to choose! … More

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Are you disenchanted?

If you’re looking for a partner to spend the rest of your life with and frequently find yourself disenchanted, consider raising the standard. I know, somebody else might suggest you lower it. Somebody else might tell you that you’re being too picky. But you wouldn’t really expect that from me, right?

We like the idea of wowing somebody in a relationship. It feels good! There’s an inherent problem in wowing somebody, though. It’s disenchantment. If he’s stunned by your brilliance, are you going to feel stimulated by his . . . for any length of time?

And, is he going to help you reach the next level — or encourage complacency? If he’s amazed by your incredible muscle tone, he might not be the rigorous workout partner you’re looking for. If she’s in awe of your pure heart, she’s not apt to discern a weak moment and help you get back on track.

If somebody is too impressed with who you are, beware of his standards. Consider her ability to keep your attention.

If you want somebody who will help inspire you to reach the next level, don’t look for somebody who’s overly impressed.

Of course, somebody can be wowed, without being wowed across the board.… More