Oxford professor Mark Williams notes that many adults suffering from serious depression are essentially discouraged and hopeless about feeling discouraged and hopeless. In other words, they are depressed about being depressed. All, or nearly all, or us experiences low moods. These can be associated with experiencing...
I am a rock star. Well, I do sometimes dream of impressing people by playing beautiful or exciting music. My instrument of choice in these brief flights from reality is the guitar. Most often it is a Gibson Les Paul—you know, the preferred instrument of rock...
When our son was born the doctor generously offered to let me cut the umbilical cord connecting him to my wife. While that seemed like a lovely idea, I have to say that it was surprisingly tough, and a little on the gross side. So...
Sunday evening my wife called my attention to the lead article in Saturday’s Standard Journal. She pointed out that Chris Mann was the only member of the city council to oppose the recent proposal that Rexburg loosen liquor laws. “Props” to Mann for taking a...
Try as we might there are times that a marriage cannot be saved. More specifically there are times and circumstances where one or both partners become convinced that they cannot/will not work together to create the type of family that meets the needs of its members....
It can be very difficult to step back and support adult children in leaving the nest to become independent and to begin creating their own families. It is particularly difficult if one is not deeply connected with, and attached to, one’s own marriage partner. After...
I am embarrassed to say that this week’s column almost didn’t make it. Brian, my good friend and partner in crime building electric guitars, invited me to work in his shop during the time I usually write the column, and I go so excited I...
“Good fences make good neighbors.” I was a teenager and had no idea what Dad was talking about, so he explained: There are plenty of opportunities for neighbors, even very good people, to get into conflict with one another. Well-built, well-maintained fences help to reduce many of...
This past weekend was a rather emotional one. Valentine’s Day was the 30th anniversary of our engagement to be married. The following day two beloved members of our household passed away. Over 18 years ago I returned from work to find a long-haired, black and white...
Several years ago I was surprised in an interview with a church leader when he asked me, “How do you love your wife?” I am embarrassed to say that my mind immediately reached for Sonnet 43 by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. You know the poem: “How do...
