If you've been following my blogs or podcast for a bit you know, that we got a 32-foot camper a couple of years ago.  Following the relaxation and enjoyment of camping, were serval blown tires and I've experienced the terror of my husband turning into our slightly dipping long curvy full of trees driveway. 

Once we got in the driveway, we had to get it turned around in the tight places and between trees.  If you've never driven any kind of trailer... you have no idea what I'm talking about.  Right?  Take my word for it.  It took about 5 trips to get it right, and I'm still anxious as we get near our house... EVERY TIME!!

Why, because traumatic things stick with us more than happy moments.

With that aside, we had our 4th tire blow out only to find out from the guy who camped beside us... that we needed a D type tire rather than a C type.  (That's Connie language.) 

We bought all new tires after the 2nd tire blew AND A 3rd spare tire blew on the poor trailer repair guy that just abo...

 Learn simple steps to practice for better communication in a day and time where there are many things to disagree on, like money, kids, beliefs, values, politics, chores, and the list goes on and on!

Find more @ www.theextraordinarymarriage.com

My church is 4 weeks away from launching a MOMco Group.  This now global organization for moms began in the 70's and was then known as MOPS. (Moms Of Preschoolers).  It's been on my mind since my daughter, Melissa attended one 10 years ago.  If you're interested... check it out.  There should be one in your area.  www.themom.co/join 

With all this on my mind, I think of all the distractions moms have today.  So often I hear women talk about the inability, to rise to the standard of the super moms on Tic Toc... FB... and Instagram.  But there's something you need understand.

Those women are sharing what they do BEST.

They're sharing the best parts of their lives and families.

Enjoy it.  Learn what you want... and let the rest go.  Count your blessings.

Here are 3 ways to feel more confident in who you are.

#1 God created YOU Unique.  Not like any other woman... or man. 🙄

I sometimes find myself comparing the knowledge of my husband with my own.  Well, that makes me feel like ...

Life is a learning process from the moment we enter the world.  Our environment teaches us what love is... or isn't, how to not get hurt... or constantly fall, nevertheless... we begin to learn to reach for the light, what feels good, and for those who treat us lovingly.

It's a process.  Some learn easier and faster than others.

But learning from our mistakes, shows intelligence, gives us hope, builds character and thoughtfulness for others.

Those who learn... rise to the top.

No one likes pain.

So, what can I learn from this past weekend? 

Sometimes hurt and pain come from bad choices we made

and sometimes... IT just happens!!

Either way... What did I learn from this and how will it affect my future?

This past weekend we headed into a 2-day nightmare.  Our precious niece of 47 lost her battle with a cancer.  Yes, a dreaded word by all people.  With our hearts broken and wanting to be there for her parents, husband, and daughter... we booked our last-minute flight and sin...

 First podcast in July... airs 7/16/26.  Pastor Dennis Watson shares his own ups and downs through years of marriage and ways that he has counseled couples through using earned wisdom and Biblical principles. 

It's a quick watch!  Host Connie Durham

If you're enjoying my blog and podcast, consider my online program "ReDISCover Your Spouse".  You won't be disappointed!  

Main topics covered

• The biblical call for husbands to love their wives sacrificially
• Why humility, prayer, and relying on God matter in marriage
• How the dynamic of initiation and response shapes a relationship
• The power of small, intentional acts of love
• Common misunderstandings about gender roles and communication

Key takeaways

• Loving well often requires divine help, not just effort
• Thoughtfulness and consistency build trust and connection
• Marriage works better when both people understand their roles and respond with grace
• Even small gestures can make a spouse feel seen and valued

#TheExtraordinar...

When a beautiful 40 something niece dies of cancer, it's final, it's tragic, followed by such sadness, questioning why does this happen?  One bright light snuffed out by corrosive cancer. She didn't get a choice.

We take life for granted, that there will be a tomorrow.  The truth is, there are detrimental behaviors that erode our relationships, acting like a cancer, but we do have a choice. 

Is it time to let go of the venom of bitterness, hatred, and maybe even fear fed by your past?  What if you have 5 minutes to live, what would be most important to you?  Your money? Your career?

We get stuck in our head, allowing evil voices to squash us and steal our joy.  Keeping attention on all the negative things around us, what we don't like about our spouse, how our kids are driving us nuts and we feel crushed by too many things to take care of.  Bills... work... exhaustion

Why do I share this today?

My husband and I were just talking yesterday about what our parent's taught us.  Anythi...

This weekend was the 250th Anniversary of America.  Last week's podcast (Episode 117) shares what history and marriage both teach us.  Just 2 weeks ago I had my 47th wedding anniversary and I've found that  If we don't learn from our past, we'll keep making the same mistakes over and over.  Do you agree?

Here are 5 ways you can create a marriage that last, with each one looking to clear communication so that you can rid yourselves of the things that will... hold you back from happiness.

1 - Build a strong foundation.  Decide what that means to the two of you.  Give attention to what you expect from one another.  Love, forgiveness, patience, gentleness, honesty, ambition's, achievements, kids, values, faith.  You each came from different families, explore your past.

2 - Talk about what means the most to you, and what you need most from one another in order to feel secure and build your relationship.  Print my marriage guide, "The Chemistry of Lasting Love".  Sit down together and fil...

It's Americas 250th Anniversary as a nation.  On July 2nd... (20226) you will find the full podcast that shares the story on how building a firm foundation in your marriage will propel you toward a long, lasting, and loving marriage.

https://www.theextraordinarymarriage.com/podcasts/the-extraordinary-marriage-faith-family-fortified  

Enjoy the short blog above for today.

Find "The Extraordinary Marriage" podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Connie Durham

www.theextraordinarymarriage.com 

Find the ReDISCover Your Spouse online course and begin to uncover and resolve the challenges in your marriage.

Atlanta Suburbs 

Hello Friend,

Even I'm amazed that Jeff and I have been married for 47 years!  I don't feel old enough for that to be true!  I thought all marriages were made in Heaven... but at this age I've realize that's not always true.

What makes a marriage not only last, but fall into the outstanding category? 

I'd say...

God 1st  -  Family 2nd  -   Career 3rd

• Finding things, you have in common, and doing them together
• Be self-aware, know your own kinks 
• Strive daily to have self-discipline, high standards, thoughtfulness
• Understand your different personalities... early on & letting some things slide (I didn't know this concept until 20 years ago)
• Put one another 1st... that's above your parents and your kids
• Talk about everything and meet in the middle
• Keep that LOVING FEELING by talking, thinking and being kind, supportive, and uplifting one another.

The book of Galatians 5:22 says...

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance,

kindness, goodness, & faithful...

As I sat down this morning and said a prayer for direction in what to write for this blog, I spilt my coffee on my datebook, surrounding notecards, and scattered sheets of papers. 

Sarcastically I thought GREAT, then I thought what's most important here... clean that up 1st! 

Lightbulb moment. 

Our minds are so cluttered these days with our to do list, what's going on with the kids, text popping in, YouTube videos, ads and opinions on this and that from every direction, and suddenly there's a crisis. 

My coffee went all over my work, but it made me think... there are sooo many things clouding every minute of our day... we jump from thing to thing, crisis to crisis, without THINKING... What is URGENT... what should I do first?

>The foundation of a building supports every other structure. 

     It stands or it falls.

>Godly standards & values are an imperative foundation of a vibrant life. 

     You thrive or you're miserable. 

>The Traffic rules you abide by when driv...