Summer. Just the word brings back such a wave of memories — the smell of freshly cut grass, babbling creeks, the sound of creaking swing sets, and the songs of evening frogs. I remember — and you probably remember too — those long summer days that didn't end until the dinner bell rang and the sun was far-gone from the sky, and the feel of bare feet and the sound of Kick the Can in the street. Sadly, today's generation might not have similar memories — unless parents decide to make it that way. Here are 10 things to avoid unless you want to completely destroy summer for your kids:

1. Allowing too much screen time and not enough outdoor time

Kids nowadays own iPads, smart phones, tablets — you name it. Make them put it down and look up. The most valuable treasures of summertime don't exist on a screen, and the little fingers who touch those screens need to be catching frogs or splashing in the kiddie pool instead. Childhood is way too short.

2. Having too many organized activities

Ballet practice, play dates, piano practice, appointments — a crammed schedule can equal a stressed out kid. Give them enough time to have uninterrupted play and time to just be kids. Structure is good; but over-structuring every single day isn't doing them any good.

3. Not letting them get dirty

Dirty fingernails, scraped knees and ripped T-shirts come with the territory of summer. Too many parents are over-concerned with outfits staying clean, shoes staying on and hands staying washed. No kid has ever died from mud smears or dirty fingernails; so just breathe, Mama. Those dirty sandals and scabbed legs are memories being made.

4. Refusing to join in on the fun

This is a big one. I've seen at the lake too many times the moms who sit under an oversized umbrella and refuse to get into the water because they feel insecure about wearing a swimsuit. Join your kid in the fun from time to time, and don't just be a spectator. Some of my favorite childhood memories include the times when my mom or my dad decided to be a kid again with me. Your kids won't remember you sitting on the shore with a book, but they will remember you throwing the beach ball out there in the water with them.

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1. Be kind, always

Nothing is more attractive than a woman who loves others and is kind to all of those around her. Jealousy, rudeness, and cattiness are signs of an insecure and unhappy woman, which isn't attractive and doesn't shed much light.

2. Take time for you

The times you take out for yourself—bubble baths, jogs around the neighborhood, quiet time to read your favorite book—will make its way on to the inside and make you a more "glowing" version of yourself.

3. Wear what makes you feel good

We all hear the phrase that it's not about what's on the outside, it's about what's on the inside, which is often true. But something else that's actually true is that when we feel good about ourselves on the outside we tend to be happier and more confident. We tend to stand a little straighter. Wear those jeans that make you feel awesome and put on that red lipstick that makes you automatically smile more. Rock it- no matter what it may be.

4. Exercise

Exercise isn't just about weight loss. Exercise keeps up your energy and keeps you youthful longer. It will also help you start your day out right and feel confident and ready to take on the day. Energy is attractive to anyone.

5. Drink lots of water

The key to smooth, radiant skin and great energy is all about your H2O intake, no matter what those commercials tell you with the fancy creams and cleansers. Keep a bottle of water by your side and take the time to drink at least 8 glasses full a day. Without water ,you'll feel fatigue, get dry skin or acne, and find yourself having incredible moodiness.

6. Flirt

Just because you're married doesn't mean you have to stop flirting and being playful. Don't lose that spark- keep it fun.

7. Learn to let loose

Yes, you might be a mother and a wife and work 8 hours on top of it all. You've got a lot on your plate. But learning how to let loose and play when you get the chance is not only attractive to your husband, but good for your health and wellbeing. Take the time to play, to de-stress, and to just be.

8. Don't dwell on your imperfections

Nothing is less attractive than insecurity. No more saying, "Do I look fat?"

Now that you're older and have had a couple of kids, you might have the stretch marks, the cellulite, the laugh lines, and the wider waist. But beauty evolves with age. Love where you're at, find the long-lasting beauty in the mirror, and accentuate your favorite features.

9. Laugh more

Aubrey Hepburn once said, "Happy girls are the prettiest girls." And it's so true. Everyone loves to see you smile and laugh, especially that husband of yours. Don't take life too seriously, and remember to smile. It'll make you feel a whole lot better too and change your perspective.

10. The little things matter-really, they do

I once dated a guy who told me that guys don't really notice the little things like highlights in hair or painted nails. But once I got married, my husband told me that's far from the truth. Of course guys notice, and it's attractive to see a woman take care of the little things like personal hygiene, painted nails, or plucked eyebrows. It all adds up to making you feel confident, fresh, and good.

When you feel good about yourself, that's when he takes notice.

The post 10 ways to be more attractive to your husband appeared first on FamilyToday.

1. Be kind, always

Nothing is more attractive than a woman who loves others and is kind to all of those around her. Jealousy, rudeness, and cattiness are signs of an insecure and unhappy woman, which isn't attractive and doesn't shed much light.

2. Take time for you

The times you take out for yourself—bubble baths, jogs around the neighborhood, quiet time to read your favorite book—will make its way on to the inside and make you a more "glowing" version of yourself.

3. Wear what makes you feel good

We all hear the phrase that it's not about what's on the outside, it's about what's on the inside, which is often true. But something else that's actually true is that when we feel good about ourselves on the outside we tend to be happier and more confident. We tend to stand a little straighter. Wear those jeans that make you feel awesome and put on that red lipstick that makes you automatically smile more. Rock it- no matter what it may be.

4. Exercise

Exercise isn't just about weight loss. Exercise keeps up your energy and keeps you youthful longer. It will also help you start your day out right and feel confident and ready to take on the day. Energy is attractive to anyone.

5. Drink lots of water

The key to smooth, radiant skin and great energy is all about your H2O intake, no matter what those commercials tell you with the fancy creams and cleansers. Keep a bottle of water by your side and take the time to drink at least 8 glasses full a day. Without water ,you'll feel fatigue, get dry skin or acne, and find yourself having incredible moodiness.

6. Flirt

Just because you're married doesn't mean you have to stop flirting and being playful. Don't lose that spark- keep it fun.

7. Learn to let loose

Yes, you might be a mother and a wife and work 8 hours on top of it all. You've got a lot on your plate. But learning how to let loose and play when you get the chance is not only attractive to your husband, but good for your health and wellbeing. Take the time to play, to de-stress, and to just be.

8. Don't dwell on your imperfections

Nothing is less attractive than insecurity. No more saying, "Do I look fat?"

Now that you're older and have had a couple of kids, you might have the stretch marks, the cellulite, the laugh lines, and the wider waist. But beauty evolves with age. Love where you're at, find the long-lasting beauty in the mirror, and accentuate your favorite features.

9. Laugh more

Aubrey Hepburn once said, "Happy girls are the prettiest girls." And it's so true. Everyone loves to see you smile and laugh, especially that husband of yours. Don't take life too seriously, and remember to smile. It'll make you feel a whole lot better too and change your perspective.

10. The little things matter-really, they do

I once dated a guy who told me that guys don't really notice the little things like highlights in hair or painted nails. But once I got married, my husband told me that's far from the truth. Of course guys notice, and it's attractive to see a woman take care of the little things like personal hygiene, painted nails, or plucked eyebrows. It all adds up to making you feel confident, fresh, and good.

When you feel good about yourself, that's when he takes notice.

The post 10 ways to be more attractive to your husband appeared first on FamilyToday.

I feel like the older I get, the more I cry at EVERYTHING. I cry at the happy, the sad, the joyous, the bad—tears, tears, tears. My husband told me he thinks it's hilarious that I cry in every movie we see together, without fail, and he often looks over at me at the end of each movie to see if I'm crying, and usually—why yes, yes I am.

Here are 21 things you have probably cried about if you're a woman. It doesn't make sense, but to us, it's totally valid.

1. Sad movies. Happy movies. Movies

I'll just get this one out of the way. There's nothing like a heart-wrenching plot or an amazing story of love or endurance that makes the tears start to flow.

2. Rumintating on something that was said or fought about—a week ago

Have you ever hurt someone's feelings unintentionally and now you just can't forget about it? Me too.

3. Sweet gestures

Unexpected flowers, your husband cleaning the kitchen because he knew you had a hard day with the kids, your neighbor leaving cookies at your door with a kind note. It's just all too sweet to handle.

4. Wedding and funerals

Without fail.

5. Saying goodbye at airports

There's something about airports that make women (and probably even some men) all emotional. Goodbyes are tough for women who often make family and friends top priority.

6. Anger

Have you ever been so angry that you cry? A lot of women report that instead of yelling or retaliating, tears tend to be the first response.

7. Frustration

Trying, trying, and failing, whether at work or at home, tend to bring on the tears. Although women tend to be fighters and won't settle until a job is well done, the process can be frustrating and emotional.

8. Taking a walk down memory lane

Looking at old pictures, watching home videos, or talking about past memories, especially with those who have moved away or who have since passed, can be quite emotional.

9. Surprises

Happy surprises, no matter how small, can trigger the waterworks. But rest assured, men out there, chances are she is super happy about her surprise and this is just the natural reaction.

10. Commercials

Even if it's not the commercial's intent to be sad, women can often find something sweet, sad or symbolic that brings on the emotions. For example, a dad sharing his cheerios with his adorable little girl, or a puppy trying to find his horse friend. The options are endless.

11. Songs

A lot of women connect songs with certain moments or stages in their lives.

12. Being sick

Women don't like to be down and out because there's too much to do. This can include the kids, the job, the house, the endless list of to-dos. So when you are not feeling good on top of everything else makes us all emotional.

13. Your kids being all cute

Sometimes you watch your kids play and BAM. You're crying that they won't be little forever and that they are just so cute and perfect.

14. Favorite shirt shrinks in the dryer

It happens, and it's terrible.

15. Gaining weight

This is a biggie for us women, who try hard to keep up our shape and eat well, even when all the odds are against us. And sometimes it just makes us cry.

16. Death of a favorite character

Whether it's in a book or on TV, we tend to get attached to our favorite characters. When they die, there's bound to be tears.

17. Being overly tired

Life throws a whole lot our way, and sometimes the exhaustion catches up.

18. Being worried about not being a good enough mom

You worry about your kids all the time and you want to be the best mom to those little rug rats. And sometimes, you probably break down just thinking about it.

19. A mindless thing a spouse says

Sometimes guys can say "insensitive" things that are completely warped and misunderstood when a woman hears it. And when our feelings are really hurt, we'll get emotional and let you know.

20. Watching people help one another

My husband and I love the show "What would you do?" on ABC. Without fail, I find myself crying at the selflessness and generosity of humanity.

21. Missing home

Whether you live far away or have loved ones who live far, the sadness of being away from those you love can be difficult, even more so for women.

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Depression is more than feeling depressed. It is so much more than simply being sad.

Depression is a mood disorder that affects about 14.8 million American adults, and as many as one in every 33 children. Chances are, you know someone who is suffering. It can be hard to know what to say and how to help, and it can be challenging to watch someone you love battle with something that isn't easily cured. Depression is just as serious as a physical ailment, such as diabetes or heart disease, and should never be treated as something that can be controlled or miraculously "snapped out of."

Loving someone with depression isn't easy, but understanding and compassion is needed most.

I talked with a group of people who suffer from depression, and these are five common phrases that people have said to them that have only hurt them more.

1. "A lot of people are worse off than you"

Yes, everyone has trials; and from an outsider's point of view one trial can look a lot more daunting than the other. But depression is serious, and telling someone you love that their problems aren't valid or aren't as bad as someone else's doesn't encourage them to get help or give them the love and understanding that they deserve.

2. "Happiness is a choice"

While happiness is most certainly a choice for those who do not suffer from a sickness or chemical imbalance, clinical depression isn't the same as feeling sad, and cannot be chased away by choosing to be happy. Those who have depression have tried to be happy, have made life changes and have often tried to convince themselves that things are fine, with no success. This phrase simply does not apply.

3. "Do you feel better now?"

Many well-meaning people will try to talk to those they love with depression to give advice, make them laugh or take them on an outing to get some fresh air. And oftentimes, a hopeful "Do you feel better now?" will follow. Spending time with your loved one who suffers from depression is amazing medicine; but don't expect them to be healed or suddenly happy just because they were able to do something fun with you or vent to you. Depression literally impairs certain areas of the brain, creating an imbalance that can't just be wished away.

4. "No one said life would be easy"

It's unfair to think that your loved one is having a pity party or trying to be a victim within their circumstance. Life isn't easy at all for your loved one, but it isn't because they chose for it to be like that. Even if you don't exactly understand what depression is or how it feels, never make your loved one feel guilty for what they're going through.

5. "I thought you were stronger than that"

Depression is NOT a sign of weakness. Some of the most intelligent, successful, driven people in the world battle depression. Most likely, your loved one is dealing with something that requires incredible strength, stamina and resilience in order to just get out of bed in the morning or to keep going. Encourage those you love by telling them that you admire their perseverance while going through such a hard time. Remind them that they are important to you, needed, and incredibly loved.

If you or someone you know suffers from untreated depression, seek a medical professional right away.

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I'd like to think of myself as someone who is self-disciplined; but like a lot of you, I often find myself at the end of a busy, exhausting day with no motivation to do anything other than Netflix.

I get it. But no matter what religion we are or what church we attend, we can all agree that reading Bible verses is a necessity in these hectic, crazy lives we lead. Bible study, even if just for a few minutes, can completely re-shape our perspectives, give us strength for the hard times and speak comfort to our worried hearts. Here are five things we can do each time we sit down with our Bible to make the time more enjoyable and to be open to what the Lord wants us to learn.

Focus on only a few verses at a time

This can help quite a bit. Many people are more concerned with how many chapters or books of the Bible they can get through, while missing out on some messages that might be exactly what they need at that exact moment. Ease yourself into routine study by reading a couple of verses each night, pondering the message, taking little notes and applying it to your life. You will be surprised how just a few minutes of reading God's word will impact you for the better. You will also learn so much more by slowing down to really study.

Read the footnotes and cross-study

There's something really exciting about cross-studying verses and reading the footnotes. While so many verses can seem like riddles that will never be solved, looking at the footnotes and reading other verses that coincide can really add value to your study.

Keep a study journal

Write down impressions, ideas, thoughts or things that you've learned. This can simply be a few things that you got out of what you read that night. Sooner or later your study journal will be something you can go back to for reference or for comfort or help in times of need. By keeping a journal you might be able to give yourself some worthy advice down the road.

Discuss what you read with your spouse or a friend

It doesn't have to be a formal Bible study, but talking about what you've read or learned can help to solidify what you got out of your study. It can also make reading a time to bond with those you love and to learn from each other.

Listen to spiritual music while you read

Not everyone can have noise while they read, but for those of you who can, listening to spiritual, uplifting music or hymns while you study can really enhance the experience and make it enjoyable. This can also serve to keep your eyes open and your mind attentive. Some people have even said that listening to music helps them to remember verses better.

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Marriage is one of the toughest, most rewarding experiences we can have in this life. And anyone who has been married for longer than a week can attest to the fact that marriage isn't a cake walk. It takes hard work, sacrifice, dedication and a million other little things to keep it strong.

The choices you make every day within your home and marriage are the choices that determine happiness within your marriage.

Here are a few things happy couples do that many struggling couples don't.

They make time for date night

Date night is an absolute must. If you can't do it every week, find a day every other week. Get a babysitter ahead of time and spend some quality time with your spouse. Even in marriage, you are still courting your spouse and you're still on the journey of learning about each other, and making one another feel loved and important.

They have a grateful attitude

Thankful people are happy people. A 2011 study published in the journal "Heart International" found that those who had gratitude as a daily trait had higher cardiac and immune function, and better relationships. Turning toward the positive in every aspect of your life and focusing on your spouse's positive attributes rather than their faults will brighten your perspective and change your marriage for the better.

They go places together

Couples who go camping, take walks or road trips, or plan vacations every now and then tend to feel a lot happier, and don't feel stuck in a rut. Life can get monotonous if you find yourselves doing the same things over and over without anything new or fun to break it up. Whether it be driving somewhere new or renting some canoes for the lake, try new things and discover life together.

They pray together

Many genuinely happy couples center their relationship on their faith. While keeping God at the head of marriage, it's easier to get through trials and pitfalls that life throws your way. Taking time to pray together, study the Bible together or attend church together will strengthen your bond and bring more peace to your home.

They serve each other

While dating, it seems like a no-brainer to buy flowers, spoil each other with gifts or send cute texts or emails. But after marriage, sometimes that stops. Cater to your spouse's love language by serving him or her in the capacity that makes them smile the most. It might mean letting her have some quiet time to read while you put the children to bed. Or maybe it's making him his favorite meal. Be creative and show how much you truly care.

They make love a choice

Real love is a daily choice, not a feeling. Happy couples choose to unconditionally love, despite arguments or flaws or the absence of butterflies. Love grows and adapts and gets through the tough things because two people choose to get through them together by choosing each other every single day.

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My husband and I have very different work routines. And it can get lonely real fast if there isn't another warm body around to talk to and care for; hence the reason we acquired a bunny.

And then another bunny. And just last year, a puppy. And they aren't pets to us — they're family. Pets become family additions almost immediately, taking part in life's momentous events, and waiting for us with wiggling tails when we arrive home.

And not only do our furbabies bring joy to our lives; if we watch them closely, we can glean some amazing life lessons from the way they live and behave.

1. They teach us excitement

I'm often in awe at how my puppy gets so curious and excited about the smallest things. If I open a drawer, he gets excited to see what's inside. If we take him for a walk, he gets excited over every pinecone, every flower, every elderly man working in his garden. He is full of awe and wonder. So many times in life we get too blinded, too hardened, to the amazing things around us. It's time to start taking joy in the little things and counting all the miracles around us — even the flowers on our afternoon walks.

2. They teach us to pay attention to others

I recently took my puppy on a trip to visit where I grew up. We had a layover, which meant we got to see three different airports total, and that couldn't have been better news to my pup. To my embarrassment at times, he approached everyone with eagerness, played with a group of kids who had grown bored waiting for their delayed flight, and even slept on the lap of an elderly man who told me his little dog had just passed away and that it was nice to hold one again. Our furry friends haven't been taught social boundaries, and they show us that at the core of our being, we all crave to be talked to, played with, shown interest in and loved. He wasn't embarrassed for a second to show someone that.

3. They teach us forgiveness

If you have a pet, then you know how quickly they forgive — almost immediately. Whether you scold them or grow impatient with them or accidentally trip over their little feet in the kitchen, they will forgive you and feel more concerned about how you're feeling. It's time to be more like that with those around us and get rid of the grudges that don't help us in any way.

4. They teach us to take breaks

How many times does your energetic dog, cat or other furry friend curl up for a few minutes to rest or just take a break? Our bodies are no different. We need to give ourselves time throughout the day to listen to our bodies and take a moment to breathe, shut our eyes, drink some water or just BE.

5. They teach us to laugh

My husband and I crack up over our three little guys all the time. They are complete goofballs, and love to make us laugh. They've taught me to be less serious, to play like a kid sometimes and to just be goofy now and then. Being an adult can be anything but fun — and sometimes all we want to do is resort to childhood. Am I right? But take a lesson from old Fido over there and do something fun. Laugh. Love your life. Enjoy.

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There are certain relationships that are dangerous and unhealthy from the get-go. We've all heard that 40-50 percent of marriages end in divorce, and huge contributing factors to that are things that were already happening within the relationship throughout courtship and dating.

Here are 15 things you should not ignore:

1. He gets jealous super easy

Some girls think jealousy is cute; but most of the time, it's not. If you can't have any friends of the opposite sex or go to work lunch outings without your boyfriend "checking in" or getting upset, you have some evaluating to do.

2. He tells you what to wear or how to do your makeup

Telling you how you should dress or look, without you asking his opinion, is unnecessary. He needs to love you for who you are. If he tells you not to wear makeup, to wear less eyeliner, or to wear a different kind of style, beware.

3. He gets angry easily

Fights are normal in a relationship, but when you tend to feel like you're walking on eggshells just so he won't explode, it is NOT normal. You should never be disrespected, called names, or yelled at.

4. He is uninterested in what you do/your hobbies

All of us are different, and oftentimes opposites attract. But even if he doesn't like to read or garden or jog, he should take interest that you do, be open to learning a bit more about it, and at least be happy to listen to you talk about it. That's what partners do — they support one another.

5. He doesn't get along with your family or best friends

This is a big one. The ones closest to you know you better than anyone else, and they are also the best reflection of who you are. If your boyfriend and those you love the most are constantly clashing and your family and friends come to you with their concerns, listen. Don't be so blinded by love that you push aside those who care about you most.

6. He doesn't have any friends

Your boyfriend probably wants to spend the most time with YOU, but it's always good to be with someone who has a social circle. Someone who has lots of close family members and friends is someone who opens himself up, has mentors and examples, and values relationships.

7. He embarrasses you in public

Are you the butt of every joke? Does he insult you or demean you in front of his friends? Don't let it happen. Some girls think that this is the guy's way of flirting or being funny, but if it makes you feel bad or uncomfortable, then it's NOT cute.

8. He ostracizes you from your family

Your relationships with your family and friends shouldn't change just because you're in a relationship. If he tries to control who you talk to, who you spend time with, and who you love then he shouldn't be in your life.

9. He has an addiction to pornography

Although some will disagree with this, pornography is a terrible addiction that physically alters the brain's chemistry. A man who is addicted to pornography is more apt to disrespect or abuse his significant other, cheat, or objectify women. With that said, this does not include those who recognize the problem and have taken the steps to recover.

10. He is a liar

Don't stand for lying. Casual lying leads to a world of hurt. In a relationship you need directness, honesty and an open line of communication.

11. He disrespects his mother or sisters

A man who disrespects his mother will one day disrespect you. Pay attention to the way he handles relationships with his sisters, his mother and the other women in his life. If it makes you uncomfortable to see the way he talks to them, it's a red flag.

12. He disrespects the waiter

Pay attention to the way your boyfriend treats others, even strangers. If the waiter forgot to bring the lemonade, does he make a snide remark or smile and say it's OK? These little details matter.

13. Verbal or physical abuse

Don't stand for it. Ever. If you are in a relationship where you are abused in any way, get help now. Abuse isn't always bruises and cut lips. It can be emotional or verbal threats or words that can scar even deeper. Get out.

14. Unresolved past relationships

Past relationships tell a lot about a person. Has he owned up to his mistakes in the past and taken responsibility for things? Does he have those relationships completely resolved and put away or does he harbor terrible feelings still? A mark of maturity is when a man can recognize the good he took from a relationship so he can put it towards the current one.

15. You have a gut feeling

The biggest red flag out of almost everything is your gut feeling. Trust it, because your heart will let you know on a subconscious level if something is off or doesn't feel right. And don't be afraid to get out and continue the search.

You are worth it.

The post 15 signs you should avoid marrying him at all costs appeared first on FamilyToday.

"Live your life with no regrets."

Actually, scratch that. I hope you have regrets. Lots of them.

Let me explain.

A while back I was talking to a teenager who had gotten too intimate too soon with a boyfriend who left her very shortly after. I had been her mentor for a long time, and she was a great girl but kept making the same choices that led to lots of heartbreak. Although tears filled her eyes and she was obviously hurt from the experiences, she kept saying to me, "I don't regret it, though."

"Why?" I asked. "Why wouldn't you regret falling into traps that take you away from your faith in God?"

"I don't regret anything I've ever done because it made me who I am today," she responded.

I've heard that response a lot. Although it seems like a wise notion, it isn't true.

Your mess-ups, your mistakes and your wrong turns didn't make you into who you are today.

It's what came after: the change, the people who came to your rescue, the creator who gave you yet another chance and used it all for good-the regret.

It's only when we regret an action or a situation that we become better and don't fall back into the same traps. Without regret, we allow ourselves to be no greater than animals. We don't learn and become better.

Regret literally changes our lives.

It keeps us from making the same mistakes twice

Like I told the tear-filled girl who sat on my couch, change won't come until the regret does. The world tells us to not regret anything and be proud of all of our choices, yet the Lord says to confess our sins and come to Him so we can be cleansed of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). We shouldn't dwell on the past, of course; but recognizing the error of our ways and regretting our actions will help us to not get the same scar twice.

It humbles us and reminds us of our weaknesses and our developed strengths

We aren't perfect. Far from it. Regretting certain things such as being unkind to a loved one or having pre-marital sex or doing whatever else doesn't line up with what we should be doing or what our morals are, just serve as a reminder of what we need to work on and what we need to stay away from in the future. With these things in our past, we can develop strengths, but only if we recognize that we need to change. Progressing toward a better version of YOU will only come when you see the things you need to change and when you take action.

It makes us better parents, teachers and leaders

What would we be teaching our children or the other people in our lives who look to us if we bragged about a horrible mistake? Some of the greatest lessons I learned from my parents came from stories of caution and experiences they had that brought them pain or sadness. They wanted to warn me against having to go through the same things. Because they recognized what they did shouldn't have happened, I ended up staying far away from those things.

It changes our perspectives

As you live and learn from mistakes and failures, the regrets you have will change the way you see yourself, the way you see others and the way you take advantage of doing the things that are right. You will judge others less, become kinder and really appreciate where you are in life and who you've become through the process.

It helps us recognize the need for a Savior

Whenever I hear someone say, "I have no regrets!" I wince a little. If we never had a need to be forgiven-if none of our actions were sinful-then why would there be a need for a Savior? Why did he have to suffer for all of our sins if those sins are actually all justified?

Regrets aren't bad. They're the realization that you can't make it alone.

And they're the reminder of why He came just for you.

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