By Ashley McIlwain It’s not you, it’s me. We’ve all heard this cliché line often associated with a break-up. Men and women everywhere use it as a means of ending a relationship that is less than desirable for one reason or another. Maybe you’ve used it or been on the receiving end of it. This
By Ashley McIlwain Forgiveness. It’s such a simple word, but behind it lays an abyss of layers. Layers that many of us struggle with. Layers that all too often we can’t understand or put into practice. It’s just one word, but within its context is a world of freedom or bondage. Forgiveness is something that
By Ashley McIlwain From across the room I watch him. There’s a gentleness in his eyes and an ease in his movements that bring me comfort. The concentration on his handsome face puts a smile on mine. Somehow he embodies strength and tenderness all at the same time. As he strums away at his guitar,
By Coleen York “He completes me.” “She’s my better half.” “I just knew there was something missing … until I met him.” If you’ve been breathing for about half a millisecond, you’ve probably heard someone somewhere saying some version of these statements. Maybe YOU have even proclaimed one of these clichéd, yet popular, sayings. Not
By Ashley McIlwain “There it is. Another stupid game is on the television. How many games can he possibly watch? How many sports can he possibly keep tabs on? It’s unbelievable!” This inner, sometimes outer, dialogue probably resonates with a lot of you women out there. Your man is seemingly obsessed with sports. He has
By Steve McIlwain Hubs here. Part of every relationship’s journey is a relationship journey. What does that even mean? While the obvious connection at hand is your own marriage, it is also vital to cultivate strong, edifying friendships with other couples along the way. It is validating, inspiring, and enlightening to spend time with couples
By Ashley McIlwain Dating: a fun excursion with someone you love that creates memories, strengthens the relationship, builds the friendship, and excites the heart. We all look at dating differently, but my perception is the above definition I’ve come up with. Since I’ve gotten married, I’ve come to really appreciate dating as a means of
By Ashley McIlwain Many times falling in love is equated with a leap of faith, and with good reason. It can be scary jumping head first into a relationship let alone a marriage. After all, you are about to make yourself completely vulnerable, which also means leaving yourself completely open to getting hurt. Giving your
By Ashley McIlwain If you have a pulse, then you are most likely aware that Valentine’s Day is looming around the corner. Some jump for joy at that realization while others dreadfully express their disdain for this chocolate-covered day of love. It is arguable that Valentine’s Day is merely a marketing ploy to get people
By Ashley McIlwain When we think about dating, what often comes to mind are two, young, single people searching for a spouse. We may think about movies and dinner or a fun outing full of laughter and flirting. Whatever it is that comes to mind, it’s usually not a married couple out and about. That’s
