Your wedding day is one of the most stressful times of the engagement season. But there are things you can do the morning of your wedding to help you relax and enjoy the day! Picture this: For two years you’ve been planning this awesome party for all your friends and family to enjoy. You’ve got…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/RrNIDLgB-1.jpeg6821024Caroline Henryhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngCaroline Henry2019-04-22 13:07:412020-10-27 11:24:165 Things You HAVE To Do The Morning of Your Wedding (Part 2)
These tips can help you care for yourself on the big day!
Wedding planning: The thing that everyone tells you to enjoy, but you more so feel like you’re drowning without a lifeline. BUT you’ve made it! You’ve finally arrived to the morning of your wedding day! It’s here! Now… what was that thing you HAD to tell your DJ today? And why have THREE people asked…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/RrNIDLgB.jpeg6821024Caroline Henryhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngCaroline Henry2019-04-22 13:04:062022-05-10 13:48:265 Things You HAVE To Do The Morning of Your Wedding (Part 1)
“What are you thinking about?” “Nothing…” Sound familiar? Ever wonder what they’re really thinking about? Well, today, we’re going to find out. Usually, that “nothing,” actually means “nothing important,” and that can actually be a really fun place in their mind for you to see! It’s all about meaningless conversations! Ask any couple, anywhere, at…
There’s nothing worse than getting into the same argument, again and again and again. Amirite? The sheer repetition is enough to drive one MAD. And sadly, that tends to happen quite a bit in marriage. When we get really upset, we can go from zero to 60 in two seconds flat. We don’t want to…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/priscilla-du-preez-1416996-unsplash-scaled.jpg13662048Tamara Slocumhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngTamara Slocum2019-03-19 11:53:372020-10-08 11:04:00Held Hostage by Anger: 6 Steps to STOP an Argument
During the 2019 Chattanooga Women’s Leadership Institute’s IMPACT dinner in February, Katty Kay, a British journalist, author and broadcaster, spoke about the importance of confidence and competence, specifically in women.Kay shared that both she and her husband travel a lot. Whenever she was headed out of town, she lined up extra babysitters, made sure the refrigerator was stocked and made lists: lots of lists of all the kids’ activities and such to ensure that her husband did…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/sharon-mccutcheon-pryAUCXGaU8-unsplash-scaled.jpg13662048Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2019-03-04 06:30:002020-10-09 14:39:36What Husbands Need From Their Wives
It’s been 10 years since Ron and Nan Deal unexpectedly said goodbye to their middle son, Connor.“You never expect to outlive your children,” says Ron Deal. “We actually joked about the fact that Connor, who was 12 at the time, was the healthiest of our three boys. The other two could come down with the flu and Connor kept on trucking.
Connect and fall in love all over again... by talking.
How do you know if love will last? Some say you don’t, that it’s just the luck of the draw. Many believe that the more a couple has in common, the more likely they will be compatible over time. Others say, not so fast. With more than 40 years of love and relationship research under…
Oh, Valentine’s Day – the one day a year it’s okay to wear pink and red together, tell total strangers you love them, and spend way too much money on chocolate. And don’t forget about celebrating your overwhelming, joyous love for your partner! Right? For so many couples, Valentine’s Day is more of a routine…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/freestocks-org-191995-unsplash-1-scaled.jpg13662048Caroline Henryhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngCaroline Henry2019-02-05 11:07:002020-10-15 12:51:345 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day Every Day
Opposites attract. They really do! Then you get married and often opposites repel. When my wife and I began dating in college, we couldn’t have been more different. Ours was really a case of “opposites attract.” Frankly, the differences were enchanting, fascinating and intriguing. Then we got married. About six to eight months in, those…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/AdobeStock_224849886-scaled.jpg10302048John Daumhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2019-01-28 11:42:432020-10-15 14:40:18What To Do When You And Your Spouse Are Really Opposites
“Money, money, money. That’s all we seem to argue about.” “She spends too much money at the grocery store on stuff we don’t need.” “He always wants to eat out.” “She’s always buying new clothes.” “We’re not buying the furniture he wants. It costs too much.” “He won’t let me loan my sister a few…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/rupixen-com-Q59HmzK38eQ-unsplash.jpg8531280Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2019-01-28 11:09:032022-04-22 12:37:27Help! We fight about money all the time…
Any couple involved in a remarriage can tell you there are definitely some complicating factors. Extended family is even more extended. There are typically at least three people involved in parenting decisions, if not more. Visitation with the other parent involves consulting more schedules, and co-parenting is often complicated. Here are some blended family facts…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/jonathan-daniels-E65bFF7W1-o-unsplash.jpg8541280Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2019-01-07 06:30:002020-10-15 16:19:40Building a Brilliantly Blended Family
Some people eagerly anticipate the arrival of a new year, hoping for new opportunities. Others feel stuck in a rut and could really care less. At the ripe old age of 28, Dr. Jeff Fray, psychologist/consultant, had met all of his life goals.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/FindingPurposeInTheNewYear-markos-mant-672369-unsplash.jpg4501300Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-12-31 00:00:002021-01-05 13:46:31Finding Purpose in the New Year
If you’ve ever been a caregiver during the holidays, you know how stressful it can be when caregiving tasks already fill your day. Heap the expectations of a joy-filled season on top of that, and there is real potential for feelings of guilt, anger, resentment and complete fatigue to take over. Many caregivers are constantly…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/1300x450TipsForCaregiversDuringTheHolidays-chris-benson-489183-unsplash.jpg4501300Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-12-10 06:30:002020-10-16 16:10:40Tips for A Caregiver During the Holidays
As you gather with friends or family, chances are good that at some point you will encounter some difficult conversations this holiday season, such as politics, faith, raising children, immigration, or… you fill in the blank. While emotion surrounds these topics, it is possible to have civil conversations about any one of these things with…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/wesley-balten-V3A9JU5XsIk-unsplash.jpg16701280Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-11-12 00:00:002021-11-19 08:39:394 Ways to Have Difficult Conversations During the Holidays
A few years ago my mom attended the Wednesday night program at her place of worship. Afterward, she called me and shared the speaker’s topic: “Your Kids Don’t Want Your Stuff.” Then she asked me the dreaded question: “You really don’t want all these treasures I have accumulated through the years?”While I appreciate the sentimental significance of some of her things, I honestly appreciated the speaker’s point. This is just one of the complicated moments the second half of life often brings.Our daughter sur…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/dylan-sauerwein-gjTm26saNQk-unsplash.jpg19191280Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-10-15 06:30:002020-10-23 14:52:36Embracing the Second Half of Life
Have you ever seen someone say, “I’m sorry” in front of a group of people? Typically, one person thinks the apology sincere while others thought it was not. If so, you are not alone. According to Dr. Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages and The Five Languages of Apology, people speak different love languages and they also…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/man-and-woman-near-grass-field-1415131.jpg8531280Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-10-01 06:30:002021-04-13 09:27:165 Ways to Say “I’m Sorry”
Infidelity has rocked many marriages, and unfortunately, you might think that cheating is inevitable in marriage. According to psychiatrist and author Dr. Scott Haltzman, however, that is just not true. Preventing infidelity is possible. “Affairs are complicated,” says Haltzman. “Very few people actually set out to cheat on their spouse. After conducting research in this…
For many, the first week on the job is full of uncertainties, adjustments and even mistakes. Joining a new sports team or a band is sure to start off with some failed expectations, missed notes or assignments, too. I’ve worked at companies where I had an awful first week. But my time there ended up…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/tyler-nix-29DrUOrcq3c-unsplash.jpg19201280Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2018-09-14 09:55:352020-10-26 11:55:49Our honeymoon was awful. Will our marriage be awful, too?
“Honey, what does this “+” sign mean on this stick?” “It means you’re gonna be a dad.” Whoa! I immediately have to make a choice, and it may seem easy, but it’s not. The fact is, I’m NOT excited about this unplanned pregnancy in our marriage. This is going against the carefully thought-out plan we…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/drew-hays-28855-unsplash-scaled.jpg13662048Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2018-09-14 09:31:502020-10-26 12:13:49Unplanned Pregnancy in Marriage
Dads don’t matter. Seriously, dads don’t make a difference – unless it matters that children are physically and emotionally healthy and achieve educational success. If those things matter for your children, then fathers DO make a difference. Dr. Alma Golden, pediatrician and former member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on the Family,…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/a-man-and-a-woman-assisting-a-girl-while-jumping-1128317.jpg10741280Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-08-09 00:00:002020-10-28 16:13:37How Family Structure Benefits Women, Men and Kids
5 Things You HAVE To Do The Morning of Your Wedding (Part 2)
Your wedding day is one of the most stressful times of the engagement season. But there are things you can do the morning of your wedding to help you relax and enjoy the day! Picture this: For two years you’ve been planning this awesome party for all your friends and family to enjoy. You’ve got…
5 Things You HAVE To Do The Morning of Your Wedding (Part 1)
Wedding planning: The thing that everyone tells you to enjoy, but you more so feel like you’re drowning without a lifeline. BUT you’ve made it! You’ve finally arrived to the morning of your wedding day! It’s here! Now… what was that thing you HAD to tell your DJ today? And why have THREE people asked…
The Importance of MeaningLESS Conversations
“What are you thinking about?” “Nothing…” Sound familiar? Ever wonder what they’re really thinking about? Well, today, we’re going to find out. Usually, that “nothing,” actually means “nothing important,” and that can actually be a really fun place in their mind for you to see! It’s all about meaningless conversations! Ask any couple, anywhere, at…
Held Hostage by Anger: 6 Steps to STOP an Argument
There’s nothing worse than getting into the same argument, again and again and again. Amirite? The sheer repetition is enough to drive one MAD. And sadly, that tends to happen quite a bit in marriage. When we get really upset, we can go from zero to 60 in two seconds flat. We don’t want to…
What Husbands Need From Their Wives
During the 2019 Chattanooga Women’s Leadership Institute’s IMPACT dinner in February, Katty Kay, a British journalist, author and broadcaster, spoke about the importance of confidence and competence, specifically in women.Kay shared that both she and her husband travel a lot. Whenever she was headed out of town, she lined up extra babysitters, made sure the refrigerator was stocked and made lists: lots of lists of all the kids’ activities and such to ensure that her husband did…
How to Handle Grief
It’s been 10 years since Ron and Nan Deal unexpectedly said goodbye to their middle son, Connor.“You never expect to outlive your children,” says Ron Deal. “We actually joked about the fact that Connor, who was 12 at the time, was the healthiest of our three boys. The other two could come down with the flu and Connor kept on trucking.
8 Must-Have Conversations for Couples
How do you know if love will last? Some say you don’t, that it’s just the luck of the draw. Many believe that the more a couple has in common, the more likely they will be compatible over time. Others say, not so fast. With more than 40 years of love and relationship research under…
5 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day Every Day
Oh, Valentine’s Day – the one day a year it’s okay to wear pink and red together, tell total strangers you love them, and spend way too much money on chocolate. And don’t forget about celebrating your overwhelming, joyous love for your partner! Right? For so many couples, Valentine’s Day is more of a routine…
What To Do When You And Your Spouse Are Really Opposites
Opposites attract. They really do! Then you get married and often opposites repel. When my wife and I began dating in college, we couldn’t have been more different. Ours was really a case of “opposites attract.” Frankly, the differences were enchanting, fascinating and intriguing. Then we got married. About six to eight months in, those…
Help! We fight about money all the time…
“Money, money, money. That’s all we seem to argue about.” “She spends too much money at the grocery store on stuff we don’t need.” “He always wants to eat out.” “She’s always buying new clothes.” “We’re not buying the furniture he wants. It costs too much.” “He won’t let me loan my sister a few…
Building a Brilliantly Blended Family
Any couple involved in a remarriage can tell you there are definitely some complicating factors. Extended family is even more extended. There are typically at least three people involved in parenting decisions, if not more. Visitation with the other parent involves consulting more schedules, and co-parenting is often complicated. Here are some blended family facts…
Finding Purpose in the New Year
Some people eagerly anticipate the arrival of a new year, hoping for new opportunities. Others feel stuck in a rut and could really care less. At the ripe old age of 28, Dr. Jeff Fray, psychologist/consultant, had met all of his life goals.
Tips for A Caregiver During the Holidays
If you’ve ever been a caregiver during the holidays, you know how stressful it can be when caregiving tasks already fill your day. Heap the expectations of a joy-filled season on top of that, and there is real potential for feelings of guilt, anger, resentment and complete fatigue to take over. Many caregivers are constantly…
4 Ways to Have Difficult Conversations During the Holidays
As you gather with friends or family, chances are good that at some point you will encounter some difficult conversations this holiday season, such as politics, faith, raising children, immigration, or… you fill in the blank. While emotion surrounds these topics, it is possible to have civil conversations about any one of these things with…
Embracing the Second Half of Life
A few years ago my mom attended the Wednesday night program at her place of worship. Afterward, she called me and shared the speaker’s topic: “Your Kids Don’t Want Your Stuff.” Then she asked me the dreaded question: “You really don’t want all these treasures I have accumulated through the years?”While I appreciate the sentimental significance of some of her things, I honestly appreciated the speaker’s point. This is just one of the complicated moments the second half of life often brings.Our daughter sur…
5 Ways to Say “I’m Sorry”
Have you ever seen someone say, “I’m sorry” in front of a group of people? Typically, one person thinks the apology sincere while others thought it was not. If so, you are not alone. According to Dr. Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages and The Five Languages of Apology, people speak different love languages and they also…
3 Secrets to Preventing Infidelity
Infidelity has rocked many marriages, and unfortunately, you might think that cheating is inevitable in marriage. According to psychiatrist and author Dr. Scott Haltzman, however, that is just not true. Preventing infidelity is possible. “Affairs are complicated,” says Haltzman. “Very few people actually set out to cheat on their spouse. After conducting research in this…
Our honeymoon was awful. Will our marriage be awful, too?
For many, the first week on the job is full of uncertainties, adjustments and even mistakes. Joining a new sports team or a band is sure to start off with some failed expectations, missed notes or assignments, too. I’ve worked at companies where I had an awful first week. But my time there ended up…
Unplanned Pregnancy in Marriage
“Honey, what does this “+” sign mean on this stick?” “It means you’re gonna be a dad.” Whoa! I immediately have to make a choice, and it may seem easy, but it’s not. The fact is, I’m NOT excited about this unplanned pregnancy in our marriage. This is going against the carefully thought-out plan we…
How Family Structure Benefits Women, Men and Kids
Dads don’t matter. Seriously, dads don’t make a difference – unless it matters that children are physically and emotionally healthy and achieve educational success. If those things matter for your children, then fathers DO make a difference. Dr. Alma Golden, pediatrician and former member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on the Family,…