Author Interview – Lindsey K. Rietzsch

Yesterday I reviewed a fun new book, “How to Date Your Spouse.” Today we are joined by the author of that book, Lindsey K. Rietzsch. Lindsey, you just released your first book. How does it feel to accomplish the goal of being a published author? It’s been such an amazing experience and very humbling. Ever since I was a little girl I dreamed of publishing a book someday. To those who know me, this came as no surprise. I’m happy to say that I accomplished my dream and the journey has been worth it! Your book is designed to help … Continue reading

Visiting Teaching Message: Marriage between a Man and a Woman is Ordained of God

Our Visiting Teaching Message for the month of April is entitled, “Marriage between a Man and a Woman is Ordained of God.” We first read the scripture in the Doctrine and Covenants 49:16-17 which reminds us that husbands and wives should be one flesh, that the earth might answer the end of its creation. We then hear from Sister Julie B. Beck, who says that we believe in forming eternal families. In the preexistence, we fought on our Savior’s side to protect our right to have and to belong to eternal families. That was part of our Heavenly Father’s plan … Continue reading

Should You Be Judged By Your Spouse’s Behavior or Choices?

So I was reading in the paper this weekend that Hillary Clinton is dancing around addressing her husband’s record in the White House. I’ve read editorials that cite Hillary with contempt for the things that Bill did. There were also a few op-ed pieces that wanted to take Hillary to task for Bill Clinton policies. Now I realize this is politics and they’ll pick on you for what your grandmother’s boyfriend’s best friend did thirty years before you were born when it comes to politics – the worse it makes you look, the better to smear you with. But should … Continue reading

Our Differences Help Us Grow

When it comes to being married, I’ve enjoyed conversations with other wives and husbands and I hear many of the same things all the time. What makes one partner in a couple happy may not make the other partner. Each partner makes sacrifices so that as a whole they will be happier. Yet, when you ask someone, directly – what do they value in their happiness? You may be surprised to find out that many people share the same things. For example, husbands and wives both: Do not like being taken for granted Like companionship Enjoy affection Value financial security … Continue reading

Find Your Passion

What’s your passion? Do you know? Over the years, my husband and I have struggled with everything from finances to friends to family illness and more, but I’ve never really struggled with my passion. I’ve always known what I love to do and I always make a point of creating time for it, even if I have to work my rear off to make it happen. For a long time, he didn’t have a passion. He used to call it being without a goal, but it wasn’t lacking goals that he lacked – it was lacking something he could passionately … Continue reading

The Marriage Week in Review – September 16-22

Welcome to the Week in Review for the Marriage blog. We’ve covered a lot of ground in the marriage blog this week. So let’s talk about our week in review. So let’s talk about the week in review: Saturday, September 16 The 5 Most Incompatible Relationship Types discussed how we categorize relationships that are incompatible and why we think they are. We also talked about how to Define Compatible in a Relationship and what three components make up a compatible relationship. Sherry asked the question of If You Could Do it Over, What Would You Do? She challenged you to … Continue reading

Sorting Out the Gender Roles In Marriage

Less than two generations ago, the gender roles in a marriage and in parenting were pretty clearly defined. Dads went to work. Moms stayed at home. Wives may have worked prior to marriage, but typically they stayed home when children came. They spent a great deal of time in volunteer work and parent chaperoning. Today’s married couples and gender roles are less defined and while that lack of definition provides an immutable freedom in choices and options. This potpourri of roles and options is the catalyst for many problems, but it can also provide the solutions to those very problems. … Continue reading

Planning a Frugal Date Night

With our soaring utility bills, money is tight these days and it’s hard to justify frivolous spending. We’re also trying to put money away for a rainy day, so to speak – our next big family vacation. So, we’re limited on the expendable funds that we have – but we still want to be able to enjoy our date nights that we plan for. Where once upon a time we went out to dinner or to a movie or both, now we’ve found ways to still get our quality time and togetherness, without spending a lot of extra money. Friday … Continue reading

Monday’s Hit & Misses: Gifts that Miss

Gentlemen, please pay attention. As you well know, there are frequent opportunities throughout the year for you to give your wife gifts. Gifts are considered tokens of affection and they demonstrate your thoughtfulness as well as what you think and feel for your wife. With that in mind, here is a list of gifts that you should never give your wife: No Christmas Sweaters – Seriously, these are cute gifts from parents or grandparents, but never from a spouse No Huge, Oversized Coats – Despite the fact that wherever you live might be cold, wives generally prefer looks to functionality … Continue reading

Love is Never Easy

Love is a powerful emotion. It binds us to others. It creates sympathy and empathy between you and another person. When you love someone deeply, you feel their pain even when you don’t understand why they are hurting. The idea that love paints the sky in soft hues and cues up the romantic score to play in the background. Love Hurts Love can leave you vulnerable to another person. Their careless remarks or even teasing ones can hurt or leave injury. When you love someone, you want what’s best for them and just seeing them smile at something you do … Continue reading