Tidbits on a Happy Marriage

• Even the smallest things your mate does for you should never be taken for granted


• A successful marriage calls for two career diplomats


• In courtship you look over appealing attributes; in marriage you overlook minor faults


• Marriage is a reciprocal agreement

Quote:

Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect. It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections



Blessings!

Two Types of Boyfriends

Once upon a time there was a girl who had four boyfriends.

1. She loved the fourth boyfriend the most and adorned him with rich robes and treated him to the finest of delicacies. She gave him nothing but the best.
2. She also loved the third boyfriend very much and was always showing him off to the neighboring kingdoms. However, she feared that one day he would leave her for another.
3. She loved her second boyfriend, too. He was her confidant and was always kind, considerate, and patient with her. Whenever this girl faced a problem, she could confide in him, and he would help her get through the difficult times.
4. The girl's first boyfriend was a very loyal person and had made great contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom. However, she did not love the first boyfriend although he loved her deeply. She hardly took any notice of him.

One day the girl fell ill and knew her time was short. She thought about her luxurious life and wondered about her boyfriends and would she be alone when she died.

She asked her fourth boyfriend, "I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying will you follow me and keep me company?"

"No way," replied the fourth boyfriend and walked away. His answer cut like a sharp knife.

The girl asked the third boyfriend the same question, and he replied, "Life is too good. When you die, I'm going to marry someone else." Her heart sank.

The seond boyfriend said, "I'm sorry, I can't be there this time. I can't help you. At the most, I can only walk with you to your grave." The girl was devastated.

Then a voice called out, "I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go."

The girl looked up, and there was her first boyfriend. He was skinny from malnutrition and neglect.

Grieved, the girl said, "I should have taken better care of you when I had the chance!"

You have four boyfriends in your life:

1. Your fourth boyfriend is your body. No matter how much time and effort you lavish in making it look good, it will leave you when you die.
2. Your third boyfriend is your possessions, status, and wealth. When you die, it will all go to others.
3. Your second boyfriend is your family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for you, the furthest they can go, is to the grave.
4. And your first boyfriend is your soul, often neglected in pursuit for wealth, power, and pleasures of this world.

Your soul in the only thing that will follow you. Cultivate, strengthen, and cherish it now, for it will follow you to the throne of God.

In essence, it is the REAL you.




Quote:
Enjoy yourself! These are no "good ole days" you're going to miss in the years ahead. --anonymous

Blessings!

Deb Vogts Debut Novel

On the cover:

Mattie Evans grew up in the Flint Hills of Kansas. Although her family has lost their ranch, she still calls this land home. A skilled young veterinarian, she struggles to gain the confidence of the local ranchers. Fortunately, her best friend and staunchest support is John McCray, owner of the Lightning M Ranch. They both love the ranch and neither can imagine living anywhere but in the Flint Hills.

Gil McCray, John's estranged son, is a pro football player living in California. The ranch is where his mother died and where every aspect of the tallgrass prairie stirs unwanted memories. Gil decides leaving the ranch is the best solution for his ailing father and his own ailing heart. But he doesn't count on falling in love.

When Mattie is called in to save an injured horse, she finds herself unwillingly tossed into the middle of a family conflict. Secret pain, passions, and agendas play out against the beautiful landscapes as love leads to some unexpected conclusions about forgiveness and renewal.

"A really good story that I enjoyed a lot." Jane, one reader, says about Deb's debut book. (Jane's looking forward to reading the second and third book in this series.)

I was one of Deb's critique partners when she wrote this book, and I highly recommend it. Deb knows the setting, has knowledge about horses, and is a skilled writer who will keep you turning the pages. I saw her go through a tough period and come out with success.


Quote:
The activity of happiness must occupy an entire lifetime; for one swallow does not a summer make. Aristotle

Blessings