“And They Were Not Ashamed”-Laura M Brotherson
May 18, 2010
Finally! a book about physical intimacy and marital ONEness that is comprehensive, in-depth and frank, yet respectfully reverent—written to address the unique perspective and concerns of women, while shining a light into the mysteries of the female heart and mind.
And They Were Not Ashamed–Strengthening Marriage through Sexual Fulfillment, by Laura M. Brotherson, is the ultimate how-to handbook—power-packed with hope and help for creating a mutually fulfilling intimate relationship.
As three books in one, this “marriage book,” “sex book” and “parenting book”:
Purchase Here
Cheaters Never Prosper
May 12, 2010
Lately I have noticed a big buzz in the media about people cheating on their spouses. These people are some of the highest paid sports figures in the world, politicians of the highest rankings, and even the everyday Joe.
Just yesterday I saw a book where the author claimed that cheating on his spouse actually helped his marriage and he wants others to give it a try. Some businesses are actually making a living out of creating online cheating portals for married people to arrange affairs. Their motto is, “Life is short, Have an Affair”. What’s even worse is they are gaining women memberships that are up by 209%.
Why? Well…
We live in a day where movie stars make the cover of National Enquirer depending who they are cheating with and sports stars are constantly apologizing for their latest fling. Our so-called role models are making cheating look easy and accessible.
Where is Dedication hiding? Where is the praise for the couple who have been true to each other for decades?
Unfortunately, news media do not think this kind of information would sell so they don’t report it. Writing articles about cheaters tends to grab a lot of attention because of the intrigue. Romance novels that push multiple partners help create these fantasies among women and pornography creates acceptance with men. All these mediums seem to show how cheating is completely normal and even desired.
The reality is that “Cheaters Never Prosper” and even though in some cases they can repent and a forgiving spouse can take them back in, it is better to not even get started. Regardless of the rule they break, a cheater might advance short term but in the long haul they are bound to be caught. Despite the amount of success, money, fame, or power; cheaters still have to look themselves in the mirror at the end of the day.
For example that day has come for some of the former “Greats”. Phil Mickelson now outpaces mega-cheater Tiger Woods as the #1 golfer in the world. Former Presidential candidate John Edwards has lossed his political career and was kicked out of his beautiful Ranch house for cheating on his wife, while she was battling cancer. And the list could go on.
What should we do to combat this?
Stay away from these online cheating sites, throw out your romance novels, turn the enquirer around at the checkout stand, and keep pornography off of your computer. Business and news are driven by buyers so put your money on good media and don’t get caught as a passive supporter.
Dedication is the 4th Principle in Couple Development. Thriving Marriages are those that have 150% commitment to each other. These marriages have a physical and psychological commitment to each other that cheaters don’t comprehend. It is what makes them a powerful team for life. Cheating destroys the trust built up in the other and kills commitment.
Show the world that there are more people who are dedicated to their marriage. Stand with the millions of couples who have Thriving Marriages and successful lives. Take a stand to bring Dedication back to marriage and live by the motto “Life is great, I’m dedicated to my mate”.
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Book of the Week
May 11, 2010
Referred to as the “Grand Prix of epidemiology” by The New York Times, this study examines more than 350 variables of health and nutrition with surveys from 6,500 adults in more than 2,500 counties across China and Taiwan, and conclusively demonstrates the link between nutrition and heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. While revealing that proper nutrition can have a dramatic effect on reducing and reversing these ailments as well as curbing obesity, this text calls into question the practices of many of the current dietary programs, such as the Atkins diet, that are widely popular in the West. The politics of nutrition and the impact of special interest groups in the creation and dissemination of public information are also discussed.
Turn off the TV Challenge
May 6, 2010
Most marriages suffer from Not-enough-talk-time-itis. You may not have heard about it before but it has been around for a long time. Ever since distractions like Radio, TV, Internet, and cell phones have been invented, couples have been not allowing for enough time to just sit and talk.
The “C” in the ABC’s of Couple Development stands for Communication. I can teach proper communication all day long but it is in vain if the people need it the most don’t practice it. Too often in our entertainment world that we live in we would rather veg on the couch after a long day and be entertained, instead of express our thoughts with our favorite person in the world(your spouse).
My wife and I love to have Talk-Time and we schedule it everyday. Sometimes it is just for a few minutes before we head off to bed and others it is for hours and before we knew it 4 hours have flown by.We use to have TV and got hundreds of channels. Since we have disconnected our TV we have been able to spend more quality talking time and it has made a huge difference in our life.
If you just think about it for a moment watching TV is a parallel activity, or one in which the couple is together but not interacting. Talking is a direct activity and requires complete attention. More marriages would be Thriving if they would just practice the simple concept of turning off the TV and spend more quality time communicating.
I hereby Challenge all of you, Thriving Marriage Couples, to Turn Off the TV for an entire week. I am not saying that you shouldn’t watch a movie now and again, but get out of the horrible habit of sitting in front on the Tube every night with nothing else to do.
Call me what you want but studies prove time and time again that TV does not improve your relationship.
This is your Challenge if you choose to accept it. You can do it. If you think this is a dumb idea, then go ahead and prove it to your ego that you can refrain for 1 whole week. See what things change during that time and note how much time you can spend doing other things. There is really nothing to lose especially those with TiVo.
Good luck and may the force be with you!
Life Live on Purpose,
Travis Parry
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Book of the Week
May 4, 2010
The Total Money Makeover
By: Dave Ramsey
The success stories speak for themselves in this book from money maestro Dave Ramsey. Instead of promising the normal dose of quick fixes, Ramsey offers a bold, no-nonsense approach to money matters, providing not only the how-to but also a grounded and uplifting hope for getting out of debt and achieving total financial health.
Ramsey debunks the many myths of money (exposing the dangers of cash advance, rent-to-own, debt consolidation) and attacks the illusions and downright deceptions of the American dream, which encourages nothing but overspending and massive amounts of debt. “Don’t even consider keeping up with the Joneses,” Ramsey declares in his typically candid style. “They’re broke!”
The Total Money Makeover isn’t theory. It works every single time. It works because it is simple. It works because it gets to the heart of the money problems: you.
Purchase here for $8.45
Benefits of Healthy Thriving Marriages
May 3, 2010
The Healthy Marriage Initiative (HMI)
Retreived 5/3/10 from http://www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriage/benefits/index.html
Benefits of Healthy Marriages
For Children and Youth
Researchers have found many benefits for children and youth who are raised by parents in healthy marriages, compared to unhealthy marriages, including the following:
1. More likely to attend college
2. More likely to succeed academically
3. Physically healthier
4. Emotionally healthier
5. Less likely to attempt or commit suicide
6. Demonstrate less behavioral problems in school
7. Less likely to be a victim of physical or sexual abuse
8. Less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol
9. Less likely to commit delinquent behaviors
10. Have a better relationship with their mothers and fathers
11. Decreases their chances of divorcing when they get married
12. Less likely to become pregnant as a teenager, or impregnate someone.
13. Less likely to be sexually active as teenagers
14. Less likely to contract STD’s
15. Less likely to be raised in poverty
For Women
Researchers have found many benefits for women who are in healthy marriages, compared to unhealthy marriages, including the following:
1. More satisfying relationship
2. Emotionally healthier
3. Wealthier
4. Less likely to be victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or other violent crimes
5. Less likely to attempt or commit suicide
6. Decrease risk of drug and alcohol abuse
7. Less likely to contract STD’s
8. Less likely to remain or end up in poverty
9. Have better relationships with their children
10. Physically healthier
For Men
Researchers have found many benefits for men who are in healthy marriages, compared to unhealthy marriages, including the following:
1. Live longer
2. Physically healthier
3. Wealthier
4. Increase in the stability of employment
5. Higher wages
6. Emotionally healthier
7. Decrease risk of drug and alcohol abuse
8. Have better relationships with their children
9. More satisfying sexual relationship
10. Less likely to commit violent crimes
11. Less likely to contract STD’s
12. Less likely to attempt or commit suicide
For Communities
Researchers have found many benefits for communities when they have a higher percentage of couples in healthy marriages, compared to unhealthy marriages, including the following:
1. Higher rates of physically healthy citizens
2. Higher rates of emotionally healthy citizens
3. Higher rates of educated citizens
4. Lower domestic violence rates
5. Lower crime statistics
6. Lower teen age pregnancy rates
7. Lower rates of juvenile delinquency
8. Higher rates of home ownership
9. Lower rates of migration
10. Higher property values
11. Decreased need for social services
[Source: Why Marriage Matters, Second Edition: Twenty-Six Conclusions from the Social Sciences, September 2005.]
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Mommy for a Day
May 1, 2010
A great exercise in appreciating your spouse’s contribution to the marriage is to walk a day in their shoes. I don’t mean around the block in high heels, I mean spending a day in the life of your spouse.
For me this happens at least once a year where my wife goes to a Women Only conference. While she is learning about improving her life, I am at home going through her routine with the kiddos. It was a great experience for me to be at home with the kids.
We worked together around on their chores, talked about life’s different details, practiced piano, read books, and made meals together. At the end of the day, I was exhausted and was filled with deeper gratitude for my wife who is at home working all day.
I would suggest that once in a while that go to work with your spouse where possible or stay at home and let your spouse leave for the entire day. It will help to increase gratitude for each other as you understand better the roles that you both play.
