Happy Anniversary

This is a tribute to the extraordinary man I married fifteen years ago on September 24, 1993. I am not sure where these fifteen years have gone, but I do know they have been the most treasured years of my life. He is still as handsome and princely as when I first fell in love with him, but as time has revealed his true heart, my love for my husband comes from a far deeper place today.

My husband, Joe, is a man who seeks after the heart and will of God in all he does - work, marriage, family, or church. The kindness and mercy of Christ is shown through his genuine care and concern for those that God has strategically placed in his life including me. He is a selfless person needing only simple things for contentment.

Joe has provided for me much more than material posessions could ever offer. He is my rock during dark times with just the right words of hope. He is my counselor when I need advice and direction. He is my consoler in times of sadness. He is my companion and cheerleader sharing life's greatest joys and accomplishments. I have a trust for my husband that has never been doubted and a respect for his character that has been proven time and again.

No, my husband is not perfect and neither is our marriage, but I am enormously thankful, blessed, and proud to call Joseph Gitto, my husband. He is the love of my life and my best friend. I love you honey!

Politics & Conversation

The presidential campaign has more than just heated up, it is on fire, and we will all find ourselves in a discourse with someone who is intent on expressing their pick and why. In our mind we will be thinking they forgot the old rule never discuss politics and religion. It is exciting to experience the energy that has evolved in our country for this election and to witness the anticipation of the appearances and debates of the candidates. There are some who are so passionate about their opinions their heads might explode if they don't talk about it and discharge all the emotion. How do we handle these political conversations, keep emotionally controlled, and preserve civility?

• Don't react negatively, stay calm to diffuse an emotionally charged conversation.
• It is not about winning an argument, but to agree to disagree and maintain a future relationship.
• Be a good listener even if you don't agree. This communicates respect.
• Don't interrupt until the person is finished makng their point.
• Don't take things personally if the person is not in agreement with your opinions.
• Responding with questions can sometimes get your point across without engaging the other person into a debate.
• Avoid feeding into personal attacks that fuel defensiveness.
• Offer your opinions wth grace by your tone of voice, facial expression, and choice of words.
• Add humor to lighten the conversation.
• Change the subject if things get too heated by directing the conversation to another topic.

It is wise not to dump your opinions and views about controversial subjects on someone you just met or in an environment of unfamiliar people. We are blessed to live in a country where we have the freedom of speech, and the freedom to choose without fear or repurcussion.

"Whoever guards his mouth and tongue,

keeps his soul from troubles."
Proverbs 21:23