+J.M.J.+ I feel more than slightly under-qualified after just 5.5 years of marriage to be giving tips on the topic. However, since I was asked about it and do think that since this is one of Ethan and I's strong points, I'm presenting 3 ways you can better communicate with your spouse. Know Each Other [...]
Valentines Day can be seen as a silly commercialized holiday to sell flowers and candy to an incredibly romantic day celebrating love. And if you're a romantic at heart and single on Valentines Day... it can be really painful. I know this from experience because I am probably the most sentimental, romantic, emotional person you'd [...]
+J.M.J.+ I personally know at least 15 couples who met their spouse online. Ethan and I's marriage, our children, our home... it all began with an email through Catholic Match. (You can read our whole story here) Because I've been so open about us meeting online, I have been messaged lots of questions or prayer [...]
+J.M.J.+ Ethan was being sneaky the weekend we met in person. When he paid for our parking to walk to the Seattle Art Museum he quietly saved the little ticket reciept in his wallet. When we went to the Seattle Japanese Gardens, he grabbed a leaf from the tree we picnicked under. He said he [...]
+J.M.J+ As I look back on Ethan and I's relationship as I often do this time of year near our anniversary, it has struck my heart that I would like to share some advice to single people looking for their future spouse. Always Be Discerning First of all, make sure you have discerned your vocation. [...]
+J.M.J.+ A great quote by a priest I used to know was, "A good husband gives his wife what is good for her, not just what she thinks will make her happy." Ethan is one of those good husbands who recently insisted on something he knew would be best for me, even though I didn't [...]
+J.M.J.+ Recently I was talking to a friend who is really far from any family - she and her husband raise their children without the help of their parents and siblings. I so resonated with her frustration as we ourselves live hundreds of miles from either of our families. She said something during our conversation [...]
+J.M.J.+ One of the most memorable, spectacular, and beautiful moments of my life was sharing my first kiss with Ethan. I'll never forget it. It was on our wedding day. Not kissing until a couple is married is quite common amongst fundamentalist Christians. There is a whole genre of books aimed at Christian teens that [...]
+J.M.J.+ I met the love of my life in person on July 19, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. and exactly one year later on July 19th, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. I walked down the aisle to become his wife. This is the start of Ethan and I's love story. You Have A Message From Ethan In [...]
+J.M.J.+ Why can't I give others the grace I give myself? Me When I make a mess, say I spill some milk when pouring a glass, I'll lightly say, "whoops," wipe it up, and move on. Others When my toddler accidentally makes a mess, it is really easy for me to get annoyed. I try to [...]
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