Tune Up Your Marriage with the 5 Love Languages

Your marriage is like a car. It needs to be tuned-up and maintained in order to run properly. 

That is why Dr. Gary Chapman wrote The 5 Love Languages, a bestselling book that helps couples identify, understand and speak their spouse's primary love language.

By learning the five love languages -- quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service, or physical touch -- you and your spouse will discover your unique love languages and learn practical steps in truly loving each other. 

I am an advocate of this well-written, easy-to-read book and have used it in my own marriage. Many of my clients have also raved about the impacts this book has had on their marriage.

Join me for a fun, uplifting discussion about how to keep your marriage running smoothly.

Sessions will be held at the St. James Parish offices at 820 N. Arlington Heights Road in Arlington Heights on the following dates:

Thursday, May 15, 7 – 9 p.m.
Wednesday, May 21, 7 - 9 p.m.

Click here to sign up. Also, take the Quiz to discover your love language here. Click here to order a copy of the book.

Mother and Baby Group at Twisted Tree Yoga

This spring, carve our some much needed time to reflect on what is working in your life and what is not. 

Learn how to embrace the changes motherhood has brought your way and create the life you wish to live. 

Join certified Master Life coach Tina Haisman as she leads you on a 4 week journey into a season of living a more peaceful, healthy and balanced life.

What will I learn?
In the safety of a supportive environment, you will learn:

• How to reconnect with yourself
• How to go from surviving to thriving
• How to deal with stress
• How to live in the moment

When is it?
Tuesday, April 8th -Tuesday, April 29th 12:30-1:30pm

Where is it?
Twisted Tree Yoga, 1403 E Prairie, Des Plaines

How much does it cost? 
$100 for all four sessions

For more information call Twisted Tree Yoga at (847)736-338, email twisted.yogatree@gmail.com or sign up online at http://www.twistedtreeyoga.org/apps/webstore/

Let's Be More Like Children

Did you know 40% of what we worry about never comes to reality; 30 percent of what we worry about has already happened and cannot be changed; 22 percent of what we worry about regards problems that are beyond our control; and only eight percent of what we worry about are situations over which we have any influence. Eight percent.

Think about the energy we waste compiling that list of things that could go wrong. Think of the misery we create for ourselves as we worry about all of these things. 

I've learned a new habit -- when the list compiling or worrying starts, I notice it, acknowledge it, then say a prayer about it. You'd be amazed at how quickly that will shift your mind back to the present moment again. Admittedly, some days, I have to do this over and over and over again, but it's better than the alternative of staying stuck worrying about the future.

Because when you're worrying about the future, you're not living in the now. In fact, you're flat out missing the now, which is all there really is. 

Do You Believe in Miracles?

I believe in miracles! Do you?

Let Go of the Past ... and See a More Beautiful Future

There comes a time when you must let go of the broken pieces from the past ... and recognize that God is using them to create something even more beautiful and unique in you.

Just as in this picture, every broken piece is beautiful. Imagine if you put them all together in a totally unique design. It would be awesome!

That is what God is doing in you right now if you will only just let go and watch the beauty unfold.

A Little Spring for you Today!

It's no secret -- spring has been a bit delayed in coming this year. So, you can imagine our joy when we stumbled upon the Macy's Secret Garden Flower Show this weekend in downtown Chicago. We took a detour from our day just to enjoy the flowers! 

What can you do in your day to make it feel more spring-like? 

Life Coaching for New Moms at Twisted Tree Yoga

The first year of motherhood can be filled with extreme emotions – from pure joy and bliss to having doubts about one’s ability to be a mother to added tension mounting in her marriage.

This spring, at the beautiful, peaceful studio of Twisted Tree Yoga in Des Plaines, Coach Tina will lead new moms on a 4-week journey into a season of living a more peaceful, healthy and balanced life. She will help them learn how to embrace the changes motherhood has brought their way and create the life they wish to live.

What will New Moms Learn?
· How to go from surviving to thriving
· How to deal with stress better
· How to live in the moment more

When is it? This program consists of 4 one-hour sessions – Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m., starting Tues., April 8 and continuing on Tues., April 15, Tues. April 22 and Tues., April 29. 

Where is it? Twisted Tree Yoga, 1403 Prairie Drive, Des Plaines

What is the Cost? Program cost is $100 for all 4 sessions.

How do I Register? Call Twisted Tree Yoga at 847.736.3385

God Never Called You to be Anyone Other Than You

God never called you to be anyone other than you! And there is no one out there exactly like you! 

So, go out there and be the best version of YOU!

Parenting God's Way with the GUIDES Acronym

Enjoy this parenting acronym created by Dr. Emmerson Eggerichs, author of Love and Respect in the Family.

G-U-I-D-E-S
G - Give, so that a child's basic needs can be met.
U - Understand, so your child is not provoked or exasperated.
I - Instruct, so your child can know and apply God's wisdom.
D - Discipline, so your child can correct poor choices.
E - Encourage, so your child can develop God-given gifts.
S -- Supplicate in prayer, so your child can know God's touch and truth.

Here is a link to a resource that spells out the Bible verses this acronym is based on.

If you're interested, you can listen to a radio interview with Dr. Eggerichs here. 

Happy Monday, and Happy Parenting!

What is Your God-Given Gift?

Channeling a little Max Lucado today...

"Da Vinci painted one Mona Lisa. Beethoven composed one Fifth Symphony. God made one version of you." 

We are all unique with special gifts designed for a special purpose. 

Some of us dance. Some sing. Some play instruments. Some coach. Come counsel. Some are good with numbers. Some are good with words. 

What is your gift and how will you use it today?

Mom and Baby Group

An Unexpected Date Day During the Week

I'm still feeling the high of spending an entire day with my husband yesterday. What a treat!

The reason the day came about was because we had a busy night of activities scheduled with the children, including Alyssa's first reconciliation.

I was concerned about how we were going to make it all work, so Paul offered to take the day off to stay home and help it run smoothly. I am so glad he did! We decided to make a day of it!

We started off the day by taking a spinning class together. Then we went shopping for wall art and took our time since there were no children rushing us or complaining about being bored.

Then we spontaneously stopped at one of our favorite restaurants for a nice lunch before picking up the kids from school.

I wish we could do that more often. It was soooo nice to have some time alone together while the kids were in school. It was a restorative break from the usual routine. It was unplanned and unexpected. It was a gift.

I also loved that we were both awake and alert and had our full energy -- unlike most evenings after we put the children to bed and we are just exhausted!

Paul sacrificed a day at the office to help me at home, but he gave me so much more than that. He gave me a break, some of his valuable time and his undivided attention. That makes me feel loved!

Listening 101

Thought this was a great reminder for communication! 

Spring Renewal Life Coaching for New Moms

Calling All New Moms! 

Join Certified Master Life Coach Tina Haisman at Twisted Tree Yoga Studio in Des Plaines as she leads you on a 4-week journey into a season of living a more peaceful, healthy and balanced life.

Why? The first year of motherhood can be filled with extreme emotions – from pure joy and bliss to having doubts about your ability to be a mother to added tension mounting in your marriage.

This is all normal, but there is a way to learn how to even out the rollercoaster ride and bring more calmness, centeredness and peace into your life.

This spring, carve out some much-needed time to reflect on what is working in your life, and what is not. Learn how to embrace the changes motherhood has brought your way and create the life you wish to live.

What will I Learn? In the safety of a supportive environment, you will learn:

• How to reconnect with yourself
• How to go from surviving to thriving
• How to deal with stress better
• How to live in the moment more

When is it? Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m., starting Tuesday, April 8th 

Where: Twisted Tree Yoga, 1403 Prairie Drive, Des Plaines, www.twistedtreeyoga.org

What is the Cost? Program cost is $100 for all 4 sessions

To Register: Call Twisted Tree Yoga at 847.736. 3385

Love and Respect go Hand-in-Hand in Marriage

Love and respect go hand-in-hand in marriage. Men desire respect. Women desire love. 

In order to receive the love she desires from her husband, a wife must first give him the respect he desires. In order to receive the respect he desires from his wife, a husband must first give her the love she desires.

This philosophy in marriage puts the needs of your spouse ahead of your own, which is what God has called each of us to do. 

Focus on the Family aired a great broadcast about this called Energizing Your Marriage with Love and Respect. It's just 28 minutes long. Click here to listen!

We Teach People How to Treat Us

We teach people how to treat us by what we tolerate. It is OK to say, "No, that does not work for me." or "You may not treat me that way." Even though our boundary may not be appreciated by others, we do it, because we know it is right for us. Having clear boundaries is essential to living a healthy, balanced life.

How to Teach Your Children to Think Before They Speak

I use this verse with my children to explain we must use our words to build each other up, not tear each other down. 

Words are very powerful. They are a reflection of what is in our hearts and minds. Once said, they can not be taken back. 

As part of their First Communion workshop at school this week, Alyssa and her classmates will be using tubes of toothpaste to illustrate this point. The students will squeeze toothpaste out from the tube and find that it does not go back in -- just like words once they are spoken. What a great visual!

Every time you have a thought -- and before the words come out of your mouth -- you have an opportunity to evaluate whether they will build up or tear down.