HOW TO MAKE YOUR MARRIAGE LAST, November 12^th, 2012

5 Ways to Show Appreciation.

 Everyone likes to feel appreciated. Don't wait for your anniversary or your spouse's birthday to let your mate know how grateful you feel to have your spouse in your life.

 Five Ways to Show Your Appreciation

 Author Karen Leland suggests the following five ways to show appreciation:

 •1. Be specific.

 •2. Make it about character.

 •3. Drop a line; draft a note.

 •4. Be sincere.

 •5. Turnaround is fair play.

 

Bottom line, on a regular basis, write a note that mentions something you admire or appreciate about your spouse. Keep it sincere, personal, and specific!

HOW TO MAKE YOUR MARRIAGE LAST, November 9^th, 2012

The Benefits of Walking Together:

 

The benefits of walking on a regular basis are well documented. Many walkers believe that walking is not only good for their hearts and bodies, walking is also good for their marriage.

 One step after another, walking together is a great way to connect with each other.

 

Reasons to Walk Together

• Walking is good exercise for both of you.

• Walking together gives the two of you some time alone, or if you take the kids with you, time outdoors as a family.

• Walking together provides time to talk to one another without the distraction of telephone, television, computer, etc.

• Walking together can reduce anxiety and make you feel calmer.

• Walking is good for your hearts.

• Walking can help you both lose weight.

• Walking can reduce any pain either of you may have in your lower-back.

• Aside from needing some comfortable walking shoes, walking is inexpensive.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR MARRIAGE LAST, November 8^th, 2012

HOW TO HAVE QUALITY TIME IN YOUR MARRIAGE:

Don't let your job or the kids or volunteer work or time with friends and extended family interfere with your marriage.

Many couples today find that being married doesn't guarantee that they will have quality time with one another. If you are both busy, you have to plan to spend time together. Here are some ideas.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: Varies

Here's How:

1.Schedule a weekend just for the two of you. Write it on your calendar, put it on your computer planner, etc. Don't change it for any other event. You don't have to go anywhere.

2.Have lunch together once a week. On nice days, meet in a park.

3.Let your children know that you two need time alone together. Tell them they can knock on your closed bedroom door only if there is blood.

4.Walk around the block together.

5.Do chores together like the dishes or weeding. It may not sound like quality time, but it can be.

6.When you are running errands together, turn off the radio or CD player in the car and talk with one another.

7.Take showers together.

8.Spend 20 minutes a day in daily dialogue.

9.Arrange for a quiet evening at home alone once a month.

10.Hire a babysitter to watch the kids for a couple hours even though you are home. This works wonders!

11.Work out a deal with another couple to have them watch your kids overnight so you can have a romantic evening alone ... then you watch their children for them.

12.Schedule dates with one another. Having an evening or afternoon out together twice a month is a good beginning.

13.Volunteer to be a presenting couple on Marriage Encounter, Retrouvaille or Engaged Encounter weekends.

14.When you travel together, don't take work on the plane or road trip. Spend that time talking with each other.

15.Have a one night stand with each other.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR MARRIAGE LAST: November 7th, 2012 Simple Ways that Say I Love You

HOW TO MAKE YOUR MARRIAGE LAST: November 7^th, 2012

Ways to Say I Love You

 

The best ways to say "I love you" to your spouse are usually in simple, every day, seemingly unimportant ways.

Here are some suggestions on how to say “I love you” so that your love for one another goes on forever.

•Make sure you say "I Love You" at least once each day to your spouse.

•Write unexpected love notes.

•When your spouse asks for a favor, consider saying "as you wish."

•Give your mate an unexpected hug, a surprisingly romantic kiss, or a teasing tickle often.

•Be spontaneous and surprising with winking at each other, whisking your spouse away for an unexpected weekend alone, star-gazing together, taking a walk in the rain with one another.

•Share memories by looking at old photographs and talking about memories you share together.

•Schedule a day to just be leisurely together.

I’m happy to know that Darrell & I have done all of these things together & we continue these practices day in & day out.  I know he loves me by simple actions every day.  I am a lucky woman to have such an amazing man that is so thoughtful.  He respects our relationship and puts in first in his life just as God would have it.  These may seem like simple acts but they are HUGE acts of love that will make a difference in your relationship with your spouse.  Give them all a try today!

~Maria

HOW TO MAKE YOUR MARRIAGE LAST

MORE GREAT TIPS!

These aspects of marriage (not listed in any type of priority) are listed as necessary for a long lasting marriage.

 • Continue to build intimacy -- both sexually and emotionally -- throughout your marriage.

• Create passion for life and for one another.

• Forgive one another. Don't hang on to past baggage and past hurts. Be willing to let go and to move forward with your lives.

• Continue to be committed to each other and celebrate your sense of commitment.

• Like one another and be friends with each other.

• Have fun together, laugh together, and use humor in healthy ways.

• Comfort, encourage, and affirm one another.

• Be able to stand on your own feet as a couple and not be dependent either financially or emotionally on either of your parents.

• Respect one another's need for privacy and space.

• Parent together.

• Deal with a crisis and adversity together.

• Fight fair.

• Accept your differences and don't try to change your spouse.

• Keep romance alive in your marriage.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR MARRIAGE LAST, Nov. 5, 2012

12 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR MARRIAGE

• Be honest.

• Support one another's goals and achievements.

• Respect each other.

• Take time to share dreams and goals on a regular basis with your spouse.

• Consider daily dialogue as a means of improving your communication.

• Laugh together at least once a day.

• Fight fair.

• Be willing to forgive.

• Remember kindness towards each other is a great gift.

• Share your daily expectations.

• Make decisions about finances, disciplining the children, chores, vacations, etc., together.

• Take time to be alone together working on your intimacy. Schedule dates or romantic getaways.

 

HOW TO MAKE YOUR MARRIAGE LAST

HOW TO MAKE YOUR MARRIAGE LAST

Every marriage needs help now and then, both during the good times and when things become difficult. Here are issues that impact marriages and skills to help you deal with those issues and problems in healthy ways. Remember that most problems have solutions. Don't ignore the problems and issues in your marriage. If your marriage is in trouble, get started and make the necessary changes together that will help your marriage be a successful, long lasting union.

For your marriage to last many years, it is important that you show your love for one another on a regular basis.

That means daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly, taking a few minutes, even seconds, to put your spouse first on your priority list.

DAILY:

Spend at least 10 minutes a day focused on one another without the distraction of your kids, the TV, the phone, etc.

Kiss your spouse in the morning, before leaving the house, when you go to bed, and several other times during the day and evening.

Say I Love You.

Hug your spouse several times each day.

Affirm something your spouse said or did and say something nice.

Be kind to your spouse.

Do something caring and romantic for your spouse.

Don't criticize your spouse.

Laugh together.

WEELY:

Hide some love notes for your spouse.

Do a few things together, like working in the yard, taking a walk, watching a favorite movie, or planning and cooking dinner.

Encourage both yourself and your spouse to have some alone time.

MONTHLY:

Plan and have a date night with one another.

YEARLY:

Celebrate your anniversary. Write a letter to each other recommitting yourselves to your marriage.

Decide together how you will celebrate holidays.

 Make a big deal about your birthdays.

GENERAL:

Fight fair.

 Don't try to change your spouse.

 Be willing to forgive.

 Don't expect your spouse to be a mind reader and don't try to be a mind reader.

Consider attending a marriage enrichment weekend or workshop.

Accept that there will be some small issues that you two will never resolve and that it is normal in successful marriages.

 We are just getting started with this series.  I’m so excited about this one.  It will be very in-depth and soul-searching.  So, definitely make notes about how you can start strengthening your marriage today!

~Maria

 

JEALOUSY SERIES, DAY 6:

FINAL DAY OF OUR JEALOUSY SERIES

How Can a Couple Handle Jealousy?

 Can jealousy be overcome? The answer is yes, but with great effort. Like most other difficult emotional experiences, jealousy, if treated correctly, can be a trigger for growth. It can become the first step in increased self-awareness and greater understanding both of your mate and of the relationship.

  •Admit your jealous behavior and accept that your jealousy is hurting your marriage.

 •Discuss the roots of your or your spouse's jealous feelings.

 •Don't spy on your spouse.

 •As a jealous spouse, make a decision to change your behavior. You may need to get individual counseling.

•Realize you can't control someone else.

 •Together, set fair ground rules that you can both live with.

 •If you are the non-jealous partner, don't lie or try to hide where you are or what you are doing.

 •Seek professional help as a couple.

 

 

JEALOUSY SERIES, DAY 5:

What are the Consequences of Irrational Jealousy in Marriage?

 For those who experience abnormal jealousy, the emotion sets up a self-fulfilling prophecy. As their associates try to avoid them, their worst fears of losing love and respect are realized.

 •Resentment.

 •Increased lack of trust.

 •Anger.

 •Defensiveness.

 •More arguments.

 •Need for continual reassurance.

 •Depression.

 •Desire for revenge.

 •Constant questioning.

 •Physical reactions such as trembling, feeling dizzy, change in sleep patterns, and a change in eating habits.

•End of your marriage.

 

 People who feel secure and like themselves tend to be less jealous of others and less possessive of their partners, while those who have experienced abandonment or betrayal in their lives can become overwhelmed with jealousy ... If you feel jealous, or if your partner does, it doesn’t matter. Eventually, jealousy will erode your relationship and destroy your marriage ... Jealousy is a way to exert control in a relationship ... Getting control of your jealousy does not mean getting control of your partner, it means getting a handle on your own emotions.

JEALOUSY SERIES, DAY 4

JEALOUSY SERIES, DAY 4:

WHY ARE PEOPLE JEALOUS?

Why are People Jealous?

  Jealousy can be caused by many factors.

 •Unrealistic expectations about marriage in general.

 •Unrealistic expectations about your relationship with your spouse.

 •A misguided sense of ownership of your spouse.

 •Hurtful experience of abandonment in the past.

 •Poor self-image.

 •Insecurity.

 •Fear of being abandoned or betrayed.

 •Fear of losing someone or something important to them.

 •Intense possessiveness.

 •A desire to control.

Do you see any of these characteristics in yourself?   Examine yourself, not your spouse and determine if any of these pertain to you.  What can you do to change any of this?  Do you think you even NEED to change any of these things?

Let’s get this discussion going.  We can all learn from one another.  Share your experiences.  You can comment anonymously.

~Maria

 

JEALOUSY SERIES, DAY 3:

JEALOUSY SERIES, DAY 3:

What do jealous people feel? 

What Do Jealous People Feel?

 A. Jealous individuals experience a multitude of feelings including fear, anger, humiliation, sense of failure, feeling suspicious, threatened, rage, grief, worry, envy, sadness, doubt, pain, and self-pity.

Jealousy keeps us under a sense of discouraging frustration and disappointment. It makes us gloomy. It is such a depressing feeling that we cannot tell about it to even our best friends nor can we contain it within ourselves. Consequently, it leaves us with an inconvenience of a peculiar misery and if allowed to grow unchecked beyond a limit, it works like a slow poison to our healthy nature.

Is this you?  Search yourself and ask yourself: Am I fearful?  Am I angry?  Am I a failure?  Do I have feelings of envy?

Leave your comments below.  You can do this anonymously.  Let’s talk about this.

~Maria

 

JEALOUSY SERIES, DAY 2:

IS JEALOUSY NATURAL?

 

Is Jealousy Natural?

 In relationships where feelings of jealousy are mild and occasional, it reminds the couple not to take each other for granted. It can encourage couples to appreciate each other and make a conscious effort to make sure the other person feels valued ... Jealousy heightens emotions, making love feel stronger and sex more passionate. In small, manageable doses, jealousy can be a positive force in a relationship. But when it's intense or irrational, the story is very different ... Occasional jealousy is natural and can keep a relationship alive, but when it becomes intense or irrational it can seriously damage a relationship.

Darrell & I have jealous “streaks” on occasion.  It’s true that it does remind me how special I am to him.  I, also, have jealous “spurts”.   It is natural when it’s in small doses & not extreme.  Don’t feel bad if you have jealous tendencies.  Express it to your significant other, discuss it & move on.  Do not let it fester and blow up in your face!  Don’t let it become too serious before you address it.  At the same time, don’t let it be irrational or unwarranted.  That will just drive a wedge between the two of you.

Thanks for reading today’s question.  Leave any comments or questions below!  Tomorrow’s question:  What do jealous people feel?

 

Jealousy Series: 10/23/12

 

Today, we are beginning a series titled "Jealousy In A Marriage".  I realize this will be a very touchy subject for many.  But, it must be addressed.  We hope to help you overcome jealousy in marriage.  Let's get started.

 

We will have an question and answer session, if you will.  Please join in our conversation.  We can all benefit from the testimonials from others.

 

Day 1:

 

What is Jealousy?

 

A.  Jealousy is a reaction to a perceived threat -- real or imagined -- to a valued relationship or to its quality. A nationwide survey of marriage counselors indicates that jealousy is a problem in one third of all couples coming for marital therapy.

A little jealousy is reassuring and may even be programmed into us. It’s very common. A lot of jealousy is scary, and has driven people to some very dangerous behavior. There’s no reason to believe that jealousy will improve with time or marriage ... Because jealousy goes right to the core of the self and its roots are deep, it is not something that can be banished by wishful thinking.

Whether you are the jealous partner or whether your spouse is the jealous one, irrational jealousy can eventually destroy your marriage.

So, today....think long and hard about this subject.  Are you the jealous partner?  Is your spouse?  If you have overcome jealousy in your marriage, share with us how you did it and how you benefitted from it.

TOMORROW:  Is Jealousy natural?

Thanks for taking the time out to read my blog.  Hopefully, you will benefit and improve your marriages along the way.  Until tomorrow friends.....

 

 

 

Today's Marriage Minutes with Maria:



What Makes Marriage Worthwhile?

* Mutual commitment and faith in God.

* We love each other and are best friends who inspire each
   other and stand together through the difficult times.

* We like each other, we let each other be ourselves,
   and we work together well.

* The support we give to each other during the good times
   and the not-so-good times.

 

 

The more you work as a "team", the closer you will become.  Darrell & I do almost everything together.....be it life decisions, financial matters, kids' activities....even chores around the house.  We are very close & I firmly believe it is because we tackle everything together.  Try to be closer to your spouse by doing more things together!

 

 

 

THOMAS CHARLES FULCHER

Eleven years ago, today, at 1:03 p.m., I gave birth to the most perfect litte blonde-haired, blue-eyed boy!  Thomas Charles Fulcher.....Charles is after my dad.  We had narrowed it down to either Thomas or Samuel.  We let Dalton pick between the two.  Obviously, Thomas won out.  He was a scheduled C-Section because he was breach.  The mid-wife tried several times to turn him the week previous to his birth.  My doctor decided that when we went in for surgery, we could try again if I wanted to.  Something told me to not bother & just proceed with the C-Section.  So, we did.  And, thank goodness we did!  When the doctor lifted him out, he realized the cord was around his neck several times.  This is why he couldn't stay turned down the previous week.  The cord was pulling him back breach.  And, had we tried to turn him before surgery and deliver him vaginally, he surely would have been choked by his own cord.  It was the most horrible recovery.  But, he was perfect in every way & I'd do it a million times over again!  This child has been the light of everyone's life that he has touched.  He greets everyone and I mean EVERYONE with a hug.  He is loving, kind & caring for the all the lives he enters.  He is bright & continues to amaze us all with his huge love for reading!  He loves soccer and archery.  He is also quite the comedian!  Today, I want to wish my precious child, Thomas Charles Fulcher, a Happy 11th Birthday!  We all love you so much, Tom-Tom!

Love always,
Mommy

 

Marriage Minutes with Maria <3

Today's Marriage Minutes for Maria



After the Honeymoon
Keeping your love alive...

* Keep talking
* Keep your relationship off the back burner
* Find a few things to love in your spouse
* Get rid of potential wedges in your relationship

Good Read!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jill-brooke/is-lust-ever-worth-breaki_b_1666642.html?icid=maing-grid7%7Caim%7Cdl18%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D183530

Marriage Minutes with Maria <3


Four Things to do after a Serious or
Long-Lasting Conflict

* Apologize
* Remind him/her that you admire and respect him/her
* Show your regret
* Demonstrate pain
* Ask for forgiveness
Darrell & I have very few disagreements...but, they do come.  When they do, we apologize almost immediately & move on.  We demonstrage regret for the silly pettiness of the disagreement.  We let the other know how much it may have hurt us & we always ask for forgiveness. 

Marriage Minutes with Maria <3

This one's for the guys!!!

Pray for your Wife that...

* She will remember to put God first
* She will take time for you
* She will balance her time with the children
* She will take needed time for herself
* She will be able to create a warm and inviting home
* She will always use her time wisely
* She will understand what her priorities are

Darrell prays for me daily.  He prays that God gives me wisdom to make good choices for our family as a whole.  He prays daily for my safety.  He prays that have good days at work.  He prays for me every morning & every night.  We need you (husbands) to pray for us (wives)....daily.  Anything you feel your wife needs prayer for, you should be the FIRST person that is praying for her daily needs. 

My beautiful daughter, Kaitlyn....my handsome grandson, Curt....& my handsome son-in-law, Ryan.  What a beautiful family!

MARRIAGE MINUTES WITH MARIA~JULY 19, 2012:

The Don'ts of Conflict

* Don't be ashamed of your anger
* Don't call in heavy artillery or use deadly weapons
* Don't air your dirty linen in public
* Don't paint yourself in a corner
* Don't use the turtle approach (don't climb into your shell)
* Don't keep a chip on your shoulder
* Don't use sex as a weapon

Darrell & I are definitely not ashamed to show anger.  We do express it calmly however.  We never go into "shells".  We express our disdain and move on.  We don't hold grudges.  We just let one another know how we feel.  We settle it & that's that.  We do not withhold sex as a weapon.  Big no-no!  We never go to bed mad & always kiss good night....our feet touching all night long.  Haha...it's "our thing."

Marriage Minutes with Maria Fulcher: July 18th, 2012



Developing Intimacy:
Setting Goals ...

* What would enhance our marriage relationship?
* What would each of us like to see happen in our marriage?
* What are the kinds of activities that would keep our
marriage alive?
* Would a daily sharing time enhance our relationship?
* How often would we like to go out for dinner?
* How often would we like to experience sexual intercourse?
* How often would we like to go on a weekend trip or take
walks in the park?

What most enhances my marriage relationship with Darrell is the time alone we spend together each and every night.  We share our days with one another, vent some & reflect on the good.  What we'd most like to see happen in our marriage is to renew our vows.  We are waiting on our 20 year anniversary.  Three years to go!  The kinds of activities that keep our marriage "alive" are: 1) date nights 2) date nights with friends 3) quarterly trips alone 4) always, always considering the other's feelings & thoughts on every aspect of our lives.  Daily sharing time definitely enhances our relationship.  We share each & every night. We love going out to dinner & do this often together...just the 2 of us.  We love experiencing sexual intercourse often....lots. :-)  It is important to develop intimacy with your spouse as often as possible.  These are the many ways we achieve it.  Give it a shot!  'Til next time....this has been Marriage Minutes with Maria. 

Today's Marriage Minutes

SPIRITUAL INTIMACY WITH ONE ANOTHER

The Benefits of Spiritual Intimacy

 • Spiritual Intimacy nurtures a safe environment for

   optimal growth

 • Spiritual Intimacy accesses all of God's healing resources

   of love, grace, and forgiveness into a marriage

 • Spiritual Intimacy alters a husband or wife's perspective

   about the other and introduces into the relational

   dynamic all of God's creative problem-solving genius

 • Spiritual Intimacy redirects us appropriately towards God

   as our greatest love and the One most able to meet our

   needs. It releases couples from unrealistic

   expectations  about being "perfectly" matched

 • Spiritual Intimacy ensures the formation of a

   three-way alliance: with God and each other. This

   strengthens the couple as they stand together in

   the inevitable storms of life

 • Spiritual Intimacy restores our marriage relationship

   as it moves us gently toward God and each other.

 • Spiritual Intimacy brings us into a higher level of

   relating to each other.

At this time, 16 years ago, I was in labor with my second child....my first son, Dalton Mathew Fulcher.  I was so eager to get to the hospital.  But, Darrell was still at Marine at that time.  We lived in North Carolina.  My entire family was in Georgia.  I called my mom & my dad and said "It's time."  My mom got home, packed...then she & Robert headed to N.C. in hopes of not missing the big moment.  She begged me....."Please don't go to the hospital if you can help it until I get there."  I walked the floors, laid in the bed, sat in the recliner....rinse, repeat.....all through the night waiting on them to arrive.  Darrell was so sweet....right there with me every step of the way.  My mother finally arrived at around 5 a.m.  I was sittin' on ready.  Then, she's like "Well, you don't seem ready just yet.  So, we are going to lie down for a quick nap and you wake us when you're REALLY ready."  I was like....."WHAAAATTTT?!?!"  I held out for one more hour and I just could NOT take the pain another second.  Darrell & I left.  My mom stayed with Kaitlyn.  She said to me, "Call us if they keep you."  Oh, Dear Lord woman!  I AM IN VERY ACTIVE LABOR!!!!!!!!!!  So, I got there.  They "checked" me.  I was dilated to 6.  They kept me!  Duh.  I MEANT no drugs with this baby.  I was going all na-tu-ral superwoman!  Oh...big, BIG, BIGGGGG mistake.  But, I delivered drug free with loads of screamin'!  Dalton's head seemed to be the size of an actual cantaloupe!  But, wait....he's not breathing.  His face is black!  What is wrong with my baby????  Before I could even get a look at whether he was a boy or a girl....they were rushin' him out of my room.  I sobbed.  Darrell sobbed.  I sent him to be with our baby.  He went.  Robert with them.  My mom & Kaitlyn came in my room with me.  I was so panicked.  I didn't care about my own pain any more.  My only concern was my sweet baby.  What was happening?  Was he breathing. God!  Please give my child breath of life.  Darrell came back to report a few minutes later (which seemed like eternity) that my sweet baby BOY!!!! was indeed breathing and doing just fine.  His body temp was still extremely low & I wouldn't be able to see him until he warmed up.  But, oh God....I was so relieved.  I look at Dalton today and realize what a huge blessing God gave me.  He has grown into a kind, gentle, loving young man who loves the Lord, his mother, his father, his siblings, his nephew & the rest of his extended family with all he has in him.  He is the most wonderful son I could've ever asked for.  Happy Birthday Dalton (tomorrow).....I love you.  Now.  Always.

So, I don't usually like to play "matchmaker" much.  But, I am.  *Sigh*....Only because I feel this guy is a really nice guy & would genuinely make a good match for a very good friend of mine.  I will keep you all updated as to how this goes.  Really nervous about this.

Thoughts about the future.....

I have so many aspirations & dreams for my future. I am married to a man who adores me and cannot wait to see where our lives take us each & every day. He continues to amaze me day in & day out.  He is so supportive of everything I aspire to be.

Just today, I told him I was going back to school to become either a maternity nurse or an ultrasound technician.....I also told him I was going to pursue my photography more seriously.....and, that I am gearing up to start my own company from home.  He said, "Ok Baby....when do you get started?"  Not a moment's hesitation....only encouragement came from him.

That, my friends, is what marriage is about.  He didn't question me or my reasons.  He just simply showed support & encouragement. He's so loving & caring & he just wants me to be happy. I want the same for him. I guess that's why we "work" so well together. As long as I am giving 100% and he is giving 100%, everyone's happy, right?

So, look out world!  You are about to be graced with a baby-birthin', picture takin' (ultrasound & freelance photography), business ownin' Mama! I am takin' the world by storm soon & very soon! Stay tuned for my next step!!!!

Poem/Letter to our unborn Grandson, Curt

DEAR UNBORN GRANDSON, CURT:

I’ve often wondered how the love would feel.

The love for a grandchild is so surreal.

I’ve loved you since the moment your Mommy told me about you.

The joy you’ve already brought to us is explainable too.

I love you, little one, already in my heart.

I can’t wait for the day your life truly starts.

The day you are born will be one glorious day.

A day we won’t soon forget & we’ll store the happy memories away.

Your life begins very soon here in our arms.

Grandmommy & Poppy will always shield you from all harm.

Baby Curt, we love you.  Now & forever.

The love we have for you will never be tethered.

Love always,

Grandmommy & Poppy

100 Ways & 100 Days to love your spouse: Day 25

DAY 25!!!

Try not to argue over money. Peacefully discuss future expenditures instead.  Darrell & I never argue about money. We consult one another on every penny spent.  We prepare daily for the money spent by discussing openly about where the money has gone, is going and will go in the future. Never hide what you've spent money on.  He WILL find out eventually. Fortunately, for me, Darrell trusts me & my judgement on spending money.  He never questions anything I spend and knows I spend wisely. If you are open & honest with your spouse about money, he will trust you too.

Kaitlyn's Materinty Picture.....this is where a lot of our money is going now....to Baby Curt! 4 more weeks!  But, who's counting?! LOL!!

 

Disheartening.....

I am a very strong woman.  But, something very disheartening happened to me last week.  I am still in shock and need MY time to heal.  God is working with me through this.  He is always there for me....and, He is by my side now.  He holds my family in His capable hands always.  I am so very blessed to have such a wonderful, protective husband who always "has my back".  God gave me this man just for situations like the one we find ourselves in now.  My children have been so very supportive as well....as have been my best friends, Julie, Carol & Cindy.  Thanks to Mama & Robert, too.  I am listening God.  Reveal Your will to me.  Until You do, I am waiting.  Thank you for all you've blessed me with thusfar.

Open Forum, Comments Welcome and Encouraged!!

Question of the day: What is your take on grown adults with children of their own moving back home with their parents?  The moocher types.  The ones that are too lazy to earn a living on their own and too lazy to strive for a better tomorrow for their own children.  Comment away!!

Minute Marriage Help

Minute Marriage Help!

Forever-Love Principles:

*Forever-love does not work to change or exchange a spouse.
*Forever-love believes that even small behavior changes can lead to major improvements in relationships.
*Forever-love is possible no matter what your circumstances.
*Forever-love calls for courage to move beyond the statuo quo.
*Forever-love says the future=hope.
*Forever-love says, "I'll take responsibility for my own choices - past, present & future.
*Forever-love accepts the reality of the past but lives beyond the blame game.

Darrell & I, Destin 2011

Mommy's Loves: Today, Reagan Kassidy Fulcher

REAGAN KASSIDY FULCHER was born on November 4, 1998.  She weighed 7 lbs 8 oz. and 19 inches long.  This girl has been a mommy's girl since day one.  She is my shadow.  She always wants to be right up under me.  She is so beautiful and  has blessed me in so many ways.  She is very athletic and has the comedic humor of her father.  She has my strong will and this I love.  Today, I bring you the beautiful, talented & hilarious, Reagan Kassidy Fulcher.

Minute Marriage Help

It's that time again....time for Minute Marriage Help!!!

Do's of Marriage

*Verbally share the events of your day
*Renew statements regarding the relationship: "I love you", "You are special to me" or "I missed you today".
* Touch each other in meaningful ways: hugs, kisses, holding hands, sitting close
*Remember, committment leads to communication; communication stimulates forgiveness; and forgiveness offers grace, which develops into intimacy
*Show apprecation for something your partners has done: say "Thank you"
*Take turns asking and explaining when you have misunderstood each other
*Share hopes and dreams: a basic key to a close relationship
*Be a good listener: a response isn't always necessary

100 Ways & 100 Days To Love Your Spouse, Day 24

100 WAYS & 100 DAYS TO LOVE YOUR SPOUSE, DAY 24

Find ways to show your spouse that you need him.  By nature, women are nurturers.  Men are "do-ers".  Men need to do things for you.  They need to feel needed by you.  Darrell pretty much has a daily "honey do list".  I can always find something that I NEED him to do for me.  And, he graciously obliges.  So, go ahead girls.....dish out your "honey do list"......he'll love it!

Mommy's Loves: Today, Dalton Mathew Fulcher

DALTON MATHEW FULCHER

Dalton was born on June 27, 1996 weighing 7lbs 7 oz. and was 19 inches long.  He is now 15 and is everything you could ask for in a teenage son.  He is respectful to everyone he comes into contact with.  He is very athletic and loves Football & Wrestling.  He is extremely handsome and fights the girls off with a stick.  But, the thing I admire about him most.....is he loves the Lord.....(and his Mama). :-)

100 Ways and 100 Days to Love Your Spouse: Day 23

100 Ways and 100 Days to Love Your Spouse: Day 23

Express how much you appreciate him for working so hard to support the family.  Darrell is the hardest working man I have ever met.  He is the best provider.  I so admire his tenacity in this area.  His wife & family mean the world to him.  He wants us to possess not only the necessities in life, but also luxury comforts that others may not be so fortunate to enjoy.  He never complains about anything.  He "goes with the flow" and content with the happiness he brings to us on a daily basis.  So, I implore you (wives) to show praise to your hard-working husbands who delve into the daily grind just to bring happiness to your family.

Darrell Mathew Fulcher (the love of my life)

 

Mommy's Loves: Today, Kaitlyn Hope Speed

Kaitlyn Hope Speed- January 2, 1991, 8 lbs. 4 oz.

TODAY'S WORD WITH MARIA FULCHER

TODAY’S WORD WITH MARIA FULCHER

Today, I asked God to lay a verse on my heart and He did (imagine that). J   So, today we enter into Proverbs.

Proverbs Day 13 (KJV): Proverbs 2:10-15(KJV): "When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; 11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: 12 To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; 13 Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; 14 Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; 15 Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths."

Thoughts for the Day These verses tell us that when we have God's wisdom and His Word in our hearts and when His knowledge has become pleasant to us, that we will receive the discretion and the understanding that will keep us in a variety of ways.   First of all, God's Word that gives us wisdom will deliver us from evil men.  One of these ways is that we no longer desire to hang out with those that have wickedness in their hearts or speak froward things.  What does "froward" mean' It means contrary, adverse or unfavorable. Verse 12 tells us, if we listen to the wisdom of God and obey His Word, even men that speak froward (contrary, adverse, or unfavorable) words against us, will not be able to hurt us. One of the temptations when men speak against us, is to retaliate with ugly words.  In fact, one of the things that destroys many marriages is couples that continually argue with railing words for railing words.  What is the wisdom of God in circumstances of accusations made against us' Let us look at 1 Peter 3:8-12: "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil." The only way any of us can obey these scriptures is to ask the Lord to empower us to do so.  We must have the Holy Spirit to help us be kind to those that are unkind to us and to overcome evil with good. If we do not choose to obey God in situations where we are tempted to enter into strife, we will end up just as mean and evil, as those who would persecute us.  Verses 13-15 describe those kind of people who leave the right path of God's love and begin walking in darkness.   Then, they become blinded to the truth.  This takes them the next step into evil -- they begin to rejoice in their evil ways and delight in the way of the wicked. Their ways become crooked.  Today we call them crooks.  They end up going down the wrong path and are lost. We must pray for all those that we know who are walking in the wrong ways.   And we must especially pray for our brothers and sisters in the Lord who fall into the trap of railing, or speaking wrongly against us. We must attempt to keep the peace and walk in kindness regardless of where they are walking. They may be guilty for what they are saying against us, but we will become guilty in a different way if we retaliate. We must choose to walk in love.

Prayer for the Day Dear Father, I come to you today in Jesus' name and I really desire to have your wisdom and knowledge. I honestly want to walk in such a way that I can be kind to those who speak against me, and I truly want to seek their good.' I know that without the Holy Spirit I cannot do this, so fill me with your Spirit today.' Let me be kind and loving;' and change my heart from being defensive and argumentative, to being loving and kind.' Help me speak the truth in love, yet without an angry tone. Help me to remember that you will defend me.' Lord, when I see faults in others, help me to also check my own heart and motives for faults. Then Lord, deliver us all from those things that are not pleasing in your eyes. I choose to be a peacemaker today, not a trouble maker. I am trusting you to change those around me, as well as change those things in me that would cause us to engage in any unkind speaking. Amen. Dalton, 15 & Reagan, 13 Christmas Day (night) headed to Dewayne & Alisha's for Christmas Dinner.  :-)