Communicating in a Memorable Way
By Tomas M. Figueroa
In 2003, following the completion of my initial six years of Ready Reserve duty, I was waiting on transfer orders to be placed on Inactive Reserve status (this is when you have an obligation with the Army Reserves, but does not require monthly participation or annual trainings—you’re …
Spring Time of Birth
By Rick Poleck
After what feels like a long and dreary season, winter is always somehow coerced into giving up its shades of steely gray to peeks of warming sunshine, welcome blue skies, intermittent dots and splashes of color, and the fragrances of floral displays called “spring.” The senses come alive, …
Family Bonding Series: Table Time
By Ricinda Perry
I have really enjoyed our time together over this series, and my family has definitely benefitted since it made me more aware of my own bonding opportunities. In concluding this series, I want to share with you the center hub of family bonding … the dinner table.
What do …
When It Isn’t Easy
By Ashley McIlwain
I had gone to the post office and was met by a line of people out the door. My shoulders sank at the reality that I couldn’t just come back and was sure to be waiting for quite a while in this long line. Sure enough, over 20 …
Worry
By Coleen York
I don’t know what it is about the mind of a woman, but it seems like we struggle with worry way more than our male counterparts. Our female psyche is able to simultaneously think of 75 different outcomes for every decision and situation. Usually 90% of them are …
The Inner Circle
By Ashley McIlwain
Something that frequently comes up in correspondences from people relate back to their inner circle. Your inner circle is that group of people that you most frequently surround yourself with, seek counsel from, confide in, and that influences you most significantly. We all have an inner circle whether …
Beautiful Tragedy
By Ashley McIlwain
In my experience, life is an adventure. Granted, I haven’t always viewed it that way. Those all-time lows and moments of despair hardly feel like just a fun thrill ride that I should wave my arms in the air for, although the screaming part is on par. In …
Chase Me
By Ashley McIlwain
One of the most exciting parts of a new relationship is the chase. Like a lion meticulously pursuing its next victim, we pursue that special someone with purpose and conviction. It’s fun, thrilling, and makes you feel desirable.
As we try to win the affections of that special someone, …
A Gruesome and Perfect Love
By Ashley McIlwain
Love. What does that word even mean? These days it seems no one really knows anymore. When you ask someone what they believe love to be, oftentimes you get a description of euphoric, idyllic feelings that sound like a chapter out of a romance novel or a scene …
Family Bonding Series: Family Time
By Ricinda Perry
In Part 1 of my Family Bonding Series, I shared with you the importance of church-going. This week I wanted to talk with you about our breakneck speed society.
School and after school activities galore … I have heard time and again about the moms who feel that they …
Sweet or Savory? You Decide!
By Carol McIlwain
Gather around … cooking school is in session, and it’s going to be fun! Pate a Choux is a versatile and yummy French pastry skill that everyone should master. Ingredients are always handy, it’s quick and easy to make, and your results are really impressive. It’s a win, …
Intense Fellowship
By Dr. Jeff Klick
Every couple fusses and argues now and again. I once served on an elder board where a man said that he and his wife never had an argument in all the years they were married. Really, come on, sixty years and no fights? What he meant is …
Two Lists
By Steve McIlwain
Hubs here.
I keep lists for pretty much everything. I have multiple to-do lists for work. I have a list of to-dos around our place. A list of things I want to buy, restaurants I’d like to eat at, places I’d like to visit, movies I wanna see. It …
Privacy Please
By Ashley McIlwain
In a world of social media and smart phones, the concept of privacy is becoming extinct. We’re constantly being pulled into a self-revealing state of mind that beckons us to share that, post this, and all around put our private lives on public display. But how much is …
Out of Control
Articles,Family,Featured Posts,Growth,Issues,Marriage,Printables,Relationships,Spirituality 
1 commentBy Ashley McIlwain
I cannot control life. My circumstances, the good and bad, my relationships, outcomes, the extent of my success – these are all things that are out of my control. Despite my best efforts, daily, I realize just how limited I really am. While frustrating, confusing, and sometimes angering, …
