"Married for Life"

On our weding day, I gave Cullen a book called Married for Life. It is a compliation of "inspirations from those married 50 years or more." Each passage is written in the same format: Title, Contributors, date of marriage and a small quip about them as a couple. There is always a short story to go with the title and the passage wraps up with a verse from the bible.

Cullen and I have turned this into a nightly bible study, and oh, they have been excellent. We talk about how these can relate to us, and how we can strengthen our relationship together as a couple and together with the Lord. I wanted to share one with you:

You only get out of a marriage what you put into it.
By: Eldon & Ginny Phillips
Married October 30, 1946
Eldon and Ginny went to high school together. His first move: he stole her shoes during a play rehearsal. "It took him eight years to convince me to marry him," laughs Ginny.

A young entrepreneur starts with an idea for a unique new product. He carefully pays plans for a start-up business, calculating revenues and expenses. He meets with consultants, accountants, and attorneys. He works hard to see the concept to banks and investors to raise capital. In time, he leases space, purchases equipment, and hires employees. Finally, he is ready to begin. He works hard, pouring himself into the business, determined to make it succeed. And it thrives. But, does he now merely sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of his labor? NO! He works harder than ever, while conjuring up ideas for improving efficiency, bettering customer relations, bolstering profits.
If a marriage is to last a lifetime, it requires the same level of devotion and energy. Both partners must give 100 percent. Each must be available to the other when needed, fully present, ready to listen, to talk, to act. Both spouses must pour their heart and soul into this enterprise, making whatever sacrifice necessary to ensure success.
Yet, what an investment! The payoff is a rich, healthy, loving relationship that lasts. And everyone reaps the countless rewards. Sound good? Devote time and energy to your marriage. It is worth it.

“Whoever sows generously, will also reap generously.”

2 Corinthians 9:6

a blog -

I blogged.... for my dogs. http://abostonterrierslife.blogspot.com/

Lent!

Did you know Mardi Gras has a purpose? Did you know the term Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday, because it is the last day for feasting before the Lenten fast begins?

So, How should we Practice Lent??

We should view the season of Lent as an opportunity to reflect on the significance of Christ’s death, examine our hearts, and confess our sins. It can be a time of spiritual cleansing and renewal. It is not a “law” that we must follow, and there is a great variety of practices that we can try out. Based on the historic practice of Lent, try doing something in each of these three categories:

• Fasting
  Give up something for God. Fasting is not a means to “earn” something from God, but rather a way to learn to curb your appetites and focus more completely on God. There are many varieties of fasting, and I do not have the space to discuss this important topic here.
• Prayer and Meditation
  Read over the Gospel accounts of Christ’s arrest, trial, and crucifixion. Reflect on His suffering, and the tremendous love that it represents. Reflect on your own sin and what it cost Him. Take out some time for prayers of confession and repentance. Do some spiritual “house cleaning.”
• Giving to the poor
  Use the money that you save by not eating to help the poor. Consider doing some volunteer work. How can you show the love of Christ to others?

Cullen and I are both giving up fried foods, an indulgent for both of us. So, blog readers: What are you giving up for God??

It Blew -

Sunday night, Cullen and I are making are usual Sunday-Night-Trip to my parent's house. **A side note, I am in love with T.I's new song, Dead and Gone and I am learning the lyrics. Yes I am that girl who sings in the car loud, as if I truly AM a rapper. **

So, I am singing/rapping in the car. As the lyrics say something about I hit, you shoot me...something something somebody died, all of the sudden there is a noise that sounds like someone has flat lined at the hospital. I think to myself, "Neat! I haven't ever noticed that in the song." Turns out no one flat lined.... CULLEN'S TRUCK FLAT LINED. The noise we heard was Cullen's truck letting us know one of his tires was low on pressure - I look out the window and we are working on three tires.... scary. Please enjoy two pictures from our terrible fiasco.

Happy Monday!

Will Power Defined -

Will Power: self-control: the trait of resolutely controlling your own behavior.

Will Power: the trait of resolutely controlling your own behavior.

A letter from the Editor

After a phone call from my very bestest friend last week, I realize I own somebody an apology. It turns out, my Dear Kelly does indeed read the blog. Please read below for a formal retraction:

Dear Ms. Mehlenbacher -

On behalf of the entire staff at the Mills Times, please excuse my staff writer, Erin, with her poor judgments by putting you on blast last week. She realizes she has the bestest friend in the whole wide world - who happens to read the Mills Times regularly. If you feel as though this is not enough of an apology, Erin will find a way to make it up to you.

Thank you for your time,

Erin Mills

President, Mills Times

Happy Valentine's Day

Just wanted to sneak in a note to my wonderful wife and tell how much I love her. And no other words than Brad Paisley's "She's Everything" could say it better....

Testing the Waters -

Dear Best Friend -

I am writing an open letter to you... to test you. Last we spoke, you were going to read the blog more often. Let's see if you do...or if you are a liar.

Love you,

Your Best Friend.

I am a new Aunt!!

I am proud to announce I have a new family member!!

Meet Roscoe, my new nephew dog!

To Infinity....and Beyond!

Cullen and I decided, that on his week long vacation in the spring, he and I would do an impromptu vacation. Well, watch out Mr. President, Washington DC here we come!

I do not get to see my best friend Kelly near enough as I would like, so, we are going to make a week of it. We are going to NYC for a day.

We are going to be very touristy for the entire trip. I couldn't be more excited!!! Love you Kel. Is it time to start a count down?

The Eyes of Texas Are Upon You

Cullen and my mother have a love/hate relationship for the University of Texas Longhorns. Cullen CHOOSES to despise the Longhors, (and why wouldn't he? He was raised in a home of Baylor Bears, and he played collegiate football for UNT!)

This weekend, Cullen received a gift from my mother. It is a University of Texas cotton jersey for our dogs. Oh it was so hard for him to graciously accept this fabulous gift from her. Here are two pictures of my sweet babies with their new shirt on. The shirt fit Brodie like a wet leather glove, whereas the same shirt almost swallowed Millie whole.

See, Cullen - aren't our little Longhorns just the sweetest Longhorns you've ever seen?? How can you deny them?? Thanks again, Mom. The three of us (The pups and I) truly love and appreciate your kind gift!! Love you!

Flemings -

It is a well known fact, when Cullen and I go out to eat, we WILL get bad service. Not for any particular reason - we just will get bad service. This little fact has been proving itself true for years now. WELL, folks the time has come. It is the dawning of a new era. (I think that is a line from a Lion King song...)

Saturday evening, we went to Flemings Steakhouse with Cullen's parents. Our server greeted us, was prompt with bringing our drinks, offered specials not on the menu AND when we needed some serious modifications to some dishes for dietary reasons, he was more than accommodating. To further our already delightful service, the Manager on Duty made it around to our table to welcome us, and check on everything. (To which we responded with, "everything is great. Thanks"... you know, the usual generic answer.)

With a keen eye, he noticed Cullen's steak was cooked 'well-done". Without saying anything, he walked away from our table. Minutes later, the same man walked back up to our table and said to Cullen, "I noticed your steak was cooked well-done, and you ordered your steak medium. I am so sorry; Can I get you a new steak?" Cullen politely declined, again saying his food was great. The steak was still good." With that, and one more apology from the manager, we finished our dinner and continued with great company.

Our bill arrives; we pay and upon our server returning with the paid slip, he says, "I don't know if you noticed, but my manager took the steak off, because it was not cooked to his liking." WHAT????????????????? Cullen and I, who always receive bad service, don't know what to do! It was a phenomenon we have need witnessed before - good, EXCELLENT service. I was so impressed.

I would absolutely recommend Flemings Steakhouse to anyone. Beyond the amazing connection from kitchen to plate, the service is incredible and the food is out of this world.