I was sitting with my wife, Sandy, and listening to her talk. She was moving from one topic to another faster than I could keep up. About 10 minutes into our conversation, I suddenly lost track of what she was saying and zoned out.

I knew I was in trouble when I heard Sandy say, “Are you listening to me?” I covered my internal panic by calmly replying, “Of course I’m listening to you.” Sandy then uttered those five terrifying words: “What did I just say?”

I couldn’t tell her because, well, I wasn’t listening. I spent 20 minutes apologizing for not paying attention and for lying about it. Not pretty. And not fair to Sandy.

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Men are Clams, Women are Crowbars

It’s not news to say that men and women are different ... what’s worth discussing is how to deal with those differences. David Clarke looks at the widely divergent ways men and women approach emotional issues, then offers solutions for those couples who want to bridge the gender gap, as well as techniques for connecting in conversation.

A Grandparent's Influence

I remember the day like it was yesterday. My husband and I, along with our young children, were relocating to a town three hours away so my husband could study full time. My mother cried as we said goodbye. She was sure that her grandkids would grow up not knowing her.

In time, however, she and Dad bonded with each of our kids, even at a distance. And here I am, 31 years later, wanting to make a difference in my own grandchildren’s lives. I want to be an asset to them, providing a listening ear, a welcoming heart and a safe place to rest when life gets hard. Most of all, I want to help introduce them to the faith that will sustain them through life’s challenges.

Bennett's War (PG-13)

After a Taliban ambush leads to injury and a medical discharge, former Army Ranger motorcycle scout Marshall Bennett is told that one more motocross accident could mean he never walks again. But when his father falls behind in the mortgage, Marshall must take a dangerous risk.