Author: Sandra Stanford

Spring Cleaning

There is something about the spring season that feels fresh and new. Perhaps it’s the pruned trees with new buds of flowers beginning to blossom. Maybe it is the feeling of warmth as the sun shines on my skin and the cold days of winter become a memory. One thing I think about at this … Continue reading “Spring Cleaning”

Being Intentional in Your Marriage

There was a sense of excitement in the room. Ten couples had signed up for a weekend Marriage Retreat and the first session was about to begin. Preparations had been in the process for months. Putting the schedule and sessions together, deciding on the menu, getting the word out to potential attendees and assembling a … Continue reading “Being Intentional in Your Marriage”

8 Steps to Listen Well

“How do I get my spouse to listen to me?” is a common question I hear from couples who come into counseling. There is frustration and a desire for connection. Whether it’s a couple who recently shared their wedding vows or spouses who have been on the marriage journey for years, many people realize they … Continue reading “8 Steps to Listen Well”

Maintaining Happily Ever After

It’s Cinderella’s fault. This idea of happily ever after. She meets her handsome prince, they sing, dance and then ride off into the sunset with the words “And they lived happily ever after” on the movie screen. Every little girl in that theater walks away dreaming of her Prince Charming. But what happened the next … Continue reading “Maintaining Happily Ever After”

Dealing with Hurts

Friday morning I woke up feeling excited. I had prepared a teaching for a group of ladies and could not wait to get to the meeting to share with them. The topic addressed dealing with hurts and pain. Let’s admit it, hurts are a part of everyday life. Someone hurts our feelings, betrays our trust, … Continue reading “Dealing with Hurts”

Discomfort Zone

One of my favorite episodes from the “I Love Lucy” show is when Lucy is attempting to dance with a group of professional dancers. She goes left when the other dancers go right. It’s hilarious. Recently I found myself feeling like Lucy in that show. It came from my decision to begin exercising again. My … Continue reading “Discomfort Zone”

A Simple Statement

It was Christmas morning and my daughter, Anna Beth, handed me a small jewelry box wrapped in holiday paper. Immediately I knew it would be a charm for my bracelet. When I opened the present, it took a moment to register what the charm represented. Then, I realized it looked like a postcard and the … Continue reading “A Simple Statement”

Stop Eating Your Heart Out

For many of us, there is not enough food on the planet to fill the gaping hole within our souls. I know. I tried.” Meryl Beck It’s tough isn’t it, this battle with food? It can be a love affair that turns sour but still doesn’t end. For some of us it feels absolutely impossible … Continue reading “Stop Eating Your Heart Out”

There is Something about Gratitude

Elementary school was out for summer and my two kids and I were excited! We had plans to see free movies, read books, have friends over and swim. Well, they were looking forward to swimming, I was not. I am an avid indoor enthusiast. I love air conditioning, comfortable chairs and easily accessible food. It … Continue reading “There is Something about Gratitude”

Feeling Love

It is one thing to know you are loved and another to deeply feel the love that is poured on you. I felt that love this past weekend. The story began in May when I started searching for a new tea room to celebrate my birthday with my friends in February. Our favorite tea room … Continue reading “Feeling Love”