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 

Memorial Day is a sacred reminder that somebody paid the price for our freedom. We do not live in liberty by accident, and we do not enjoy peace without sacrifice.

This day calls us to pause, remember, and honor those who gave all, while also asking a deeper question: How will we live in response to what has been given to us?

The answer begins in marriage and family. Strong homes are built the same way strong nations are built—through selflessness, truth, integrity, and the willingness to carry a cost for something greater than ourselves.

Love is not merely what we feel; it is what we give.

When we choose to give instead of take, we create trust,

safety, and lasting strength.

A giver builds... A taker drains.
A giver honors... A taker consumes.
A giver protects what is precious... A taker slowly erodes it.

That is why Memorial Day is more than a holiday.

It is a lesson.

It teaches us that every meaningful thing in life has a price, and the highest call of love is not to dem...

My Quilting get together is today.  It's the first week back to everything after the holidays.  I pride myself in keeping my commitments and I'm looking forward to working on a baby quilt.  Time is of the essence... that baby will be here soon.

My day begins great, but not with what I'd planned.  I'm also back on that crazy diet that works, (I lost 10 lbs. in the fall) it's nutritious, it's real food... but it takes following the guide and lots of extra prep time.  That's why I've gained weight, always in a hurry, don't eat until I'm starving, then I grab PB&J and anything else that's close by.

I text my quilting friends that I'll be an hour late. I finish the two work items that I've deemed most important this morning, make my salad for lunch, grab my snack that's on the list, realize I still haven't eaten breakfast, I've got to put my sewing machine and sewing box in the car... and suddenly I realize... I'm running around like a crazy woman. 

STOP!  It's 30 minutes to my quilting ...

A Tapestry of Virtue:

The Founding of a Nation

Celebrating the Strength of Families and the Nation Built on Shared Values

Shared by Connie Durham

The Extraordinary Marriage

In a sun-drenched glade, where the whispering winds carried the scent of pine and the laughter of children echoed like a distant melody, a group of men gathered. They were not just any men; they were visionaries, dreamers, and fathers. They came together under the watchful gaze of a great oak, its roots deep in the earth, just like the values they held dear. As they shared ideas and listened to one another, a strong bond formed, one that would ultimately lead to the creation of the United States of America.

The men began their gathering with a humble prayer, acknowledging a higher power that guided their hearts. They understood that faith was the foundation upon which all virtues rested. Just as God was the cornerstone of their lives, so too would He be the cornerstone of their new nation.

As they spoke, t...

It’s May and Mother's Day is around the corner. I’m a mom of 3 and Nana of 15. The role women play in running a household gets a little easier but I’m always looking to up my game. In today’s fast-paced world, managing a household while ensuring everyone is well-fed and happy can be challenging. This article provides practical tips on meal planning, family management, and self-care for mothers who juggle multiple responsibilities.

Plus, I have something special for you… my Marriage & Mom’s Inspirational Summit May 1–17… and did I say it’s FREE? Take a look and see if there’s something encouraging and empowering for you.

Click… Join Me

Meal Planning Made Easy

Cooking and planning meals day in and day out gets old, but we all like to eat. Tapping into a system or preplanning eases the stress… and the hunger. Here are 3 ways you can make your life easier.

• Use Meal Planning Apps: Apps like Meal Lime and Plan to Eat can help organize your meals efficiently. Some apps even help you fi...

10 Things Every Mom Should Know to Make Life Easier

Right before my 1st wedding anniversary… I started to feel very tired, cried easily, I sent several pregnancy test into a doctor’s office… of which I’d never been to. Not pregnant! Whew, that was close. But the odd symptoms continued, so yes, there must be something else the matter.

On this day I’m sitting with a dozen other women, waiting for an in-office test result. Suddenly I think I heard my name but I really didn’t hear it. A lot of the women were visibly pregnant, plus I was a bit shy, so I had my head down reading a magazine. I lifted my head and the nurse repeated… Mrs. Durham, you’re due October 13th.

 
An influx of heat ran all over my body, ME pregnant…

how can that be?

Well, I do know how that can be.

I’m not ready. Well, I guess I’ll get ready.

Do you relate to that? What’s your story? It’s definitely a marker in time. The beginning of something new, and of course I had no idea of the joy and yes… challenges ...

Strengthening Your Marriage: Overcoming Financial Challenges Together

Managing finances is a common challenge in many marriages. It can lead to conflicts and even divorce if not handled properly. However, with the right strategies, couples can overcome these challenges and build a stronger relationship. Here are some key insights and practical solutions to help you manage your finances effectively as a couple.

Understanding the Importance of Communication

• Listen Actively: It's crucial to understand each other's spending habits and financial priorities. Listening to your partner's perspective can help in finding common ground.

• Discuss Needs vs. Wants: Differentiate between essential expenses and discretionary spending. This helps in prioritizing financial decisions.

Creating a Budget Together

• Agree on a Budget: Establish a budget that reflects both partners' financial goals and responsibilities. This ensures transparency and reduces misunderstandings.

• Spe...

Hello Friend,

In today's fast-paced world, where relationships can sometimes be navigated more by convenience than commitment, it's essential to go back to the basics. The foundations of a strong marriage aren't built on grand gestures but on meaningful conversations and shared values. Here are 8 essential conversations that can help pave the way for a thriving marriage:

1. The Importance of Pre-Marital Conversations: Before the wedding bells ring, it's crucial for couples to sit down and discuss their future aspirations, values, and visions for life together. These early conversations set the stage for a relationship aligned in goals and expectations, making it easier to face life's challenges together.

2. Influence of Childhood and Upbringing: Our past significantly shapes our worldview, including our perceptions of family and priorities in life. Understanding each other's background and upbringing fosters empathy and support, crucial for navigating marital life.

3. Dealing wit...

Red, White & Blue 1976

I remember that last day of 9th grade at Buena Part High school in California. My dad's work, JC Penny's was moving us to Georgia. There were lots of tears, I missed the bus, and I thought I would die. My family spent 6 weeks in a motel room, before we found a home in Georgia, and I didn’t know a single person. We made the best of it, swimming as much as we could in the hotel pool.

The new school year soon came and still I knew not one person. It was scary, but as I got off the school bus, a girl with a funny accent began to enthusiastically chatter, “I’m new, are you new, my name’s Debbie”. Debbie was from Jersey, and her chatter gave me comfort, I had a new friend, and we met for lunch. Maybe I would make it in this new place.

At my old school I was involved in a Modern Dance Group of 50 girls. In Georgia, I joined the chorus, where I quickly became involved with a whole new set of friends and activities of which I quickly began to enjoy.

The next year, I m...

Thinking for yourself can be a new skill!  We get so used to following the crowd or someone else telling us what we should do, that we relax the ole Brain and just count on others.  This blog is taken from John Maxwell's Book.  "Thinking for a Change" and focuses on being Realistic.