By Paula Friedrichsen

Cut roses are kept in cold storage at floral shops to keep them from blooming. This way, once they are exposed to warmth and a little natural sunlight, they will open with glory. The lovely fragrance fills your home, and the spectacular color of the flowers impresses all who enter.

Acceptance, appreciation, and validation are the warmth that will cause your husband’s personality and true self to bloom. Read the rest of this entry »

The first year I wasn’t working full-time at Christmas, my husband and I tightened our belts in every way possible, including trimming our Christmas gift budget.

As I tried to figure out how to still spread holiday cheer, it dawned on me the most meaningful presents I’d received weren’t things that could be purchased at a mall: Read the rest of this entry »

Project Prayer…Hey, is it OK if I pray for you?

Actually, I pray for all of my Project Managers (that would be you) everyday. I know that as noble as this whole endeavor is, it can be hard being nice everyday.

Just as soon as you commit to the Project, someone gets sick or your husband gets chewed out at work, or finances that looked OK a week ago are suddenly desperate. (In one situation, a Project Manager had just began the program only to find out she was pregnant.) There is always something.

That is why it’s exciting to remember that it’s not all up to us. Ephesians 3:20-21 reads:

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

God can, and will, do more in our marriages than we could hope or imagine. Make sure that prayer is part of your day when it comes to your guy. The proof of prayer will show up in your Project.

Kathi Lipp

OK – this just cracked me up. The following message was in response to my note that asked, “Did You Fall Off the Turkey Wagon?”

I will also be one of those that will need to expand the 21 days. My husband and I argued over, of all things, a Turkey. It sounds funny now but I wanted to kick him in the teeth, not love him extra. No worries; we’ve been married 17 years and we’re back on track.

After doing my own (highly unscientific) research study, here’s a list of things that many guys don’t like in the clothing department, but are too smart to mention: Read the rest of this entry »

The note below is from a friend who’s had a lot of life to deal with recently, and hasn’t started the project yet. Look at how, even before she’s begun, her attitude is changing.

Hi Kathi,

Thought you might be interested in knowing that even though I haven’t formally started my project yet that just knowing that I need to sit down and put some planning into it has caused me to be a kinder and gentler mate and more thoughtful wife. I find myself with more patience, being kinder with my words, and less demanding for his time. Interesting, huh?

MH