Happy Fall ya’ll! I hope I wrote that correctly. Summer is fading and fall is arriving here in the Northwest. I love this change and yet struggle to let go of the summer fun and schedule. My family is now busy with school and soccer. I’m trying to be a soccer coach for 7 1st grade girls. I have never played soccer so I’m learning by searching the internet. It is amazing what you can find.
In all of the busy-ness of school, soccer, and the changing seasons Cami and I are also taking a strengthening marriage class. It makes for a long Wednesday, but it is a great way to spend the middle of the week. One of the main messages in our class is to put your relationship as the priority in your life.
Maybe you are like me? I can easily admit that Cami and I put our family first. We do almost everything with the focus on our kids. We make most of our plans thinking about what is best for them; what is fun for them; and what will creat lasting memories. Through this class I have been reminded and encouraged to think about family priorities in a slightly different way. More than putting our kids first, we need to put our marriage first. One of the best things we can and will ever do for our children is to love our spouse (their parent).
I’m using this class and this time in my life to really take a look at how I make sure my marriage and my wife are my priority. I believe that as each of us do a better job in this area we will be better parents, employees and better people. So take a look at your life…is your relationship your top priority?

With our recent move we have been without the internet for two weeks now. In today’s world that is forever. With this disconnect, it has got me thinking about how couples, families, and friends stay connected. We all know that staying close is a key to a good relationship. I know that there are times when the internet and all that comes with it can get in the way of relationships, but this technology also keeps people close. I don’t know how many times a week Cami and I either call on our cell phones or text one another. I’m sure many of you use phones, texts, and email, and many other forms to stay close to those around you.
As a new school year begins I’m having fun watching all the students walk across campus texting as they go. It is fun to see the reactions, usually smiles, as they open a new text. It makes me smile to know that something good or funny just happened.
I hope you find many ways to stay connected. More and more research shows that disconnection or the lack of emotional closeness is a leading cause of divorce. Just remember that you can be physically present and emotional absent. We want to be both…and if we can’t be physically present, then we can use some fun tool to get us there.