True happiness is often thought to be a fleeting emotion; a destination where you might visit but never take root or even call home. But there is absolutely no reason you can't be truly happy today. Right now.

These seven simple truths will show you what has been hindering your happiness so far, and what you can do about it today. It's time to face the truth and take action:

1. You're not choosing happiness

It's such a simple phrase, but it can be a hard concept to master. Happiness is a choice and we have to choose it every day. The law of attraction states that you attract that on which you most focus. If you are constantly focusing on negative things in your life that is what you'll find. On the other hand, if you choose to focus on the best and happiest parts of your life, that is what you'll see. It works!

2. Less is more

Life is much more enjoyable when we de-clutter (emotionally and physically). Material possession never brings real happiness. Have you ever thought that a certain salary or amount of money would make you happy? What happened when you got it? Were you content to stay or did you want more? It never ends. When things aren't adding up in your life, start subtracting.

3. You're looking instead of seeing

It can be great to look forward to the future, but it's more important to see the happiness in your life right now. A major part of your immediate happiness relies on your willingness to let go of what you assumed your life should be like and openly appreciate it for everything that it is.

4. The things you worry about usually never happens

Worry is the greatest opposition to the present moment. It does nothing but steal your joy and keep you incredibly busy doing absolutely nothing worthwhile at all. And the truth is, the things you are worrying about usually don't come to pass at all. An extreme example is when I was young, I worried every day that there would be an earthquake. In my little world, it seemed like everyone talked about it. We had drills at school and at home, and I prayed for prevention every night. Yes, it could have happened but it never did. Don't worry, be happy.

5. Your past has nothing to do with your present potential

The past helps us learn, but whatever happened there is not happening now. You can choose to let it burden you or to let it go. Letting it go is not forgetting. It's having the wisdom and strength to embrace your present. Again, it's all about making a choice. You can live in the past or be mindful of your life right now.

6. It's not your circumstance; it's you're thinking about it

Circumstances are often out of your control. Things happen, both positively and negatively. But something you do have control over is how you think or respond to those circumstances. Choosing happiness doesn't mean you have to ignore the bad. It means you choose to overcome it. The biggest obstacle you may ever have to overcome is your mind. If you can do that, you can do anything.

7. Toxic people in your life

It can be hard to constantly choose happiness if you are surrounding yourself with toxic people. Toxic people are those who bring you down, drain your energy, or keep you from becoming your best self. There is no reason you need to tie yourself to those people. Stand up for yourself and kindly let them know that their behavior is not OK. If the person is family or a close friend and you don't want to completely sever the relationship, choose to not take their negativity or drama personally. It's always about them, never you.

Applying these truths to your life will set you on the right track for happiness, but it takes a conscious effort if you're not used to doing them. Keep it up until they become a habit and soon you'll call happiness your home.

This article was originally published here. It has been republished with permission.

The post 7 truths hindering your happiness appeared first on FamilyToday.

This time of year is for making new goals. They usually reflect personal growth, but this year, why not throw in a few to focus on making your marriage better.

Here are some marriage resolutions to make your marriage even better this coming year.

1. Consistent date night

Every couple can do this. Money is no excuse! Little children are no excuse! Find a way, whether it's a walk around the block, a babysitting-swap or an at-home-date after all the kids are in bed. Make it special, and make it consistent.

2. Speak his love language

Speaking another language is hard! Speaking another love language might be even harder. My husband's love language is acts of service. Mine is quality time.

For years, I showed my husband that I loved him by being with him. That made me feel great, but him not so much. But when I clean out his office or make his favorite dinner, he feels loved. Make a conscious effort to speak your spouse's love language.

3. Pray together daily

This is a simple yet effective way to strengthen a marriage. Make a priority to share this sacred time together every single day.

4. Thank him for something specific each day

Feeling appreciated goes a long way, but just saying "thank you" in general can get old. Tell you spouse exactly why you appreciate them.

5. Have a new adventure together

Going through new experiences strengthens any relationship. You might learn some lessons, make each other laugh and you'll definitely make memories!

6. Get away for at least one night together

It doesn't need to be extravagant or expensive. Reserve a room in the city, or find someone to take your kids for a night while you enjoy your home in peace!

7. Let go of one of your pet peeves about him

We all do annoying things that drive our spouses crazy. Habits die hard. Is it really worth it to obsess about something so insignificant? If you do, it could potentially ruin your relationship.

8. Cultivate a new hobby together

My husband and I are complete opposites in almost every way, including our hobbies. We have always encouraged each other to pursue our own passions, but lately we have put extra effort into creating new interests together. This has strengthened our marriage even more!

9. Grow your personal relationship with Jesus

When growing your personal relationship with Jesus Christ, your marriage will naturally strengthen.

10. Only speak positively about him

Confession: During the first year of our marriage, I wasn't the best at this. Venturing into marriage is a brand new territory for most of us. Dealing with everything that goes along with it can be hard. You want to vent to your mom or to your girlfriends so you don't feel alone. Before you do that, make sure your husband is the first to know about your concerns. Then, if you need a third-party opinion, ask in a neutral way giving your husband the benefit of the doubt.

How will you make your marriage better this coming year?

The post Transform your average marriage to a blissful one with these 10 simple goals appeared first on FamilyToday.

Group texting is awesome for many reasons. But it can also be super annoying if you don't use proper group texting etiquette. So, before you dive into the quicksand also known as a group text chain, here are a few rules you should follow:

No emojis

Nothing is worse than expecting an important response, only to see your phone lighting up with a thumbs up or some big ol' heart eyes. Sometimes I just want to slap that cute little yellow-faced smirk.

No texting between 8pm and 8am

Have you ever been in the middle of that sweet moment between consciousness and sleep, and suddenly your phone goes off? 4 times? DING! DING! DING! DING! Or you wake up only to find 50 new texts waiting for you to read? Nobody should have to deal with that first thing in the morning. Caffeine first, please.

Recipients must live in the same time zone

This goes along with being the clock consideration point, please be aware if you are texting someone in a different time zone. If you're in California while all your buddies are in New York, they probably won't appreciate your end-of-the-day texts.

Don't expect an immediate answer

If you are initiating a group text, please respect everyone's time. If someone is at work, they may not even look at their phone for hours. If I am spending time with my family, I often leave my phone in a different room, or honestly just ignore it. If you need an immediate answer, group texting isn't the best idea.

Keep your phone on silent

This is just plain common courtesy. If you are receiving 25 texts a minute, turn off the sound. Those around you will be ever so grateful.

Don't group message a private conversation

Often times, two people from the same group text start chatting about things only relevant to them. Or in other cases, they might even forget they are in a group text, and start talking about things that are totally private! If your texts only apply to one person in the group, start a separate chain...unless of course it's really juicy.

Email instead

Once in a while, a group text will turn into a whirlwind of endless information. If you have a lot to say, just stick it in an email. Group texts should not last all day or make me scroll through the entire conversation just to read a single, relevant response.

A little common knowledge about these unspoken rules (that frankly needed to be spoken) can go a long way. Maybe send them to your friends in a group text!

Editor's note: This article was originally published on Make Mine Happy. It has been modified and republished here with permission.

The post 7 rules for group texting appeared first on FamilyToday.

Being an awesome husband starts with putting your wife first. And of course, vice versa. Here are a few things you can start doing for your wife on a regular basis:

1. Cuddle with her

Physical needs between men and women are so different. There are various ways to be intimate so keep her needs in mind. Hint: cuddling is a good start.

2. Don't expect your wife to "owe you"

Now that the cuddling is over, it's your turn, amiright? Although sexual intimacy is crucial in a happy marriage, your wife doesn't want to feel like she owes you a favor.

3. Bring home dinner

If it's been a particular crazy day for your wife, the last thing she wants to do is make dinner. Give her a night off every once in a while, either by bringing home some takeout or cooking yourself.

4. Take the kids out

Speaking of crazy days, another sweet act you could often do is taking the kids out for an hour or so. Whenever I am feeling overwhelmed, my husband quickly takes the hint and lets me have some quiet time.

5. Be a gentleman

When you were dating, you did everything you could to woo your wife. Then life happened. It doesn't take much thought or energy to act like a man. Open her door, and not just when you're on a date. Open it every time. Speak kindly to her, about her and about others.

6. Listen without fixing

If you haven't seen the video about the nail in the forehead, you must! It is ridiculous and illogical, but it is the truth. This is how women work. Go against your every instinct, and just be there and listen.

7. Compliment her

You think your wife is beautiful, you think she's funny, you think she's smart. You admire her in so many ways. Have you told her lately?

8. Pray with her

A good husband prays for his wife daily. A great husband prays with her.

9. Ask her out

I've been married for nearly 14 years, and one thing that still gives me butterflies is when my hubby actually calls me to ask me out. It is so much more romantic than a "Hey, the baby needs a diaper change and we should do something tonight."

10. Date her

Now that you've properly asked her out, keep at it. Dating does not need to be expensive. Whether it's dinner and a movie or a night in after the kids are in bed, keep dating a consistent part of your relationship.

11. "Throw chocolate and run"

You think I'm kidding but I'm not. This quote is funny because it is so true. Maybe this has never literally happened to you. I mean, it does make women sound like a wild zoo animal. But honestly, if you do this to your wife, she won't be mad.

12. Let her sleep

Mothers, especially those raising small children, are SO incredibly tired. If you're home, let her take a nap. If it's feasible, let her sleep in one day each weekend.

13. Appreciate her

Often times, a wife and mother's work goes unnoticed. Maybe you come home to a messy house. She probably cleaned it three or four times already but you can't tell. Your dirty clothes magically appear in your closet all clean and folded nicely. Perhaps she's gone eight hours a day and somehow the bank account has some extra money in it. Let her know you appreciate all she does for your family.

14. Work hard

Just as she works hard for the family, you do too. Give everything you can to your career, your kids, and especially to her.

15. Encourage her hobbies

It is not uncommon for a woman to forget about herself in service to her family. Help her keep her identity by pushing her to do the things she loves.

16. Ask about her day

Each day when you finally get to connect, really ask how her day was and see if she needs anything.

17. Open up

Men don't generally like to look vulnerable. You want to be tough mentally, physically, emotionally, etc. Your wife wants to know how you are really feeling. Real communication is so important in marriage.

18. Apologize

When couples fight, women tend to fume on the inside until the issue is talked through or resolved. If it's a big one, this might go on for a while. Generally, men happen to forget about the issue or put it away for a few hours or overnight (like a good cheesecake). Then they forget about it (unlike a good cheesecake.) To them, the argument is over. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to them, their wife is still angry. Just apologize.

19. Hold her hand

Maybe PDA isn't your thing and that's OK. Taking her hand in yours is just a small physical gesture that shows her how important she is to you.

20. Respect her

Your wife has built in motherly and wiferly (it's a new word) instincts. Even if you don't agree with her opinion, you need to respect hers. Then kindly talk out the best way to handle the situation.

How many of these things are you doing as a husband? And how many could you work on?

Editor's Note: Originally published on Becky's blogMake Mine Happy. It has been republished here with permission.

The post 20 things you should be doing for your wife on a regular basis appeared first on FamilyToday.

As I look around my house, I often see crumbs on the floor, sheets (and probably kids) that need washing and dishes piled in the sink. I used to wonder about all the other moms and how their lives compared. They probably cleaned up those crumbs as soon as they hit the floor. Laundry piles didn't exist in their living rooms and their kids were always clean and shiny. Dishes were not only put immediately in the dishwasher, but were probably put away as soon as they had been washed. They had it all together, right?

Well, guess what? They don't. At least not all the time. Knowing this, I admit to you 20 thoughts I may or may not have had that other moms would never admit to:

1. How long has he been playing in his room...and how long have I been watching Paw Patrol by myself?

2. I wonder how long I can hide in the bathroom without anyone bothering me. (My record is a whopping 7 minutes.)

3. Wait a second...my parents really did have a favorite child!

4. No doubt it was me, obviously.

5. Maybe if I have her take a picture of her room, I don't have to get up to check if it's clean.

6. Did I brush my hair today?

7. Hey! My hair is actually still pretty clean.

8. Wait...is that peanut butter? I spoke too soon.

9. Tupperware is occasionally disposable, right?

10. He wet the bed again? I'm just going to throw this towel on top and call it a night.

11. If my child comes home with another gumdrop-glittery-glue craft, I think I might scream.

12. Maybe if I hide it under three layers of garbage, she won't notice I threw it away.

13. My kids probably won't benefit that much from hearing the middle-ten pages of this book.

14. How many baths in one week does a small child really need?

15. How did a Lego get in my bra?

16. I wonder how long I can make them believe that Diet Dr. Pepper is really called "Mommy's medicine"?

17. Is that chocolate...or something else?

18. Speaking of chocolate, cupcakes are really not that different from muffins. Breakfast win!

19. My hubby just texted me that he's really looking forward to a home-cooked meal tonight. I wonder where he's going and if he'll bring me home a plate.

Here's to all you moms out there who are perfect and wonderful. That's you! And that's me! We are perfect for our own kids, even with all of our flaws. That's what makes you a wonderful mom. When you're a mom, it's OK to have bad days, it's OK not to be coping, and it's OK to cut corners to save your sanity. We are all trying to do our best and be the best mothers we can be. Sometimes, it's just about getting to the end of the day alive. You're not alone.

Editor's Note: Originally published on Becky's Blog Makeminehappy. It has been republished here with permission.

The post 19 thoughts every mom has but would never admit appeared first on FamilyToday.

If you've ever had to learn a foreign language, you know how confusing it can be. It can take months or even years to become fluent! The foreign language that all womankind seem to speak is no different. After all, men are from Mars and women are from Venus, right? Women have a tendency to say one thing and mean something completely different. And men, you tend to see things how they are. No gender is in the wrong here; it's just the way it is.

Well, no matter how many languages you know, being fluent in Womanese has never been done. At least, not by men. But fear not because here is a tiny glimpse into the things your lady is saying and what she actually means.

"It's your decision."

It's your decision and responsibility to choose what I want.

"Nothing is wrong."

Something is most definitely wrong.

"You are the best husband ever!"

I just ordered a ton of stuff from Amazon.

"Do you know how much I love you?"

I just bought Target.

"Are you wearing that to dinner?"

Go change. Now.

"What's mine is yours."

What's mine is mine.

"What's yours is mine."

(Actually, this is spot on.)

"Did you hear that?"

I noticed you just fell asleep.

"Be honest with me. I promise I won't get mad."

I have no intention of getting mad. I also have no control over my emotions, so don't make me mad!

"I'm just feeling a little frazzled."

You better bring home dinner, then take all the kids away until their bedtime, which you are also in charge of.

"I could eat anywhere."

You better choose my favorite restaurant which changes almost daily. Do not fail.

"Who is that text from?"

Please hand over your phone so I can read every text, email, Facebook status, tweet and social media post that has ever been sent to or from you.

"I got it."

Get over here and finish this chore I asked you to do 10 times already.

"Is there a game on?"

I'm going to go get a mani/pedi.

"Sure! You can leave for the entire weekend to go hunting with your buddies!"

Next weekend I'm going to the spa with my girlfriends.

It's true, women can be very hard to read, so hopefully this will help you men out. Think of this as a cheat sheet to understanding women. And, ladies, maybe your man needs a little help. Share this with your boyfriend, husband, dad, brother, uncle, friend, crush or ex.

And, guys, if all else fails, just smile and give her chocolate.

The post 15 phrases your wife says that mean the complete opposite (written by a GIRL) appeared first on FamilyToday.

I have been thinking a lot about miracles lately. Miracles are big, some are small and I think most might even go unnoticed. Miracles can brighten your day, comfort your soul and strengthen your faith. The best part is there are already miracles in your life. Here's how to spot them.

Slow down

You are busy. I am busy. Everyone is busy. Some people bask in the glorification of busy. Technology, work, activities, competition-all these things can overwhelm your life. Stop. If even for a moment, just stop. Two words that pierce my soul every time I hear or read them are: Be still. I have these two words plastered around my workspace, my home and even my phone. Be present. Surround yourself with your family. Surround yourself with the moments miracles are made of.

Spot tender mercies

David Bednar said, "Tender mercies of the Lord are real and ... do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence." What is a tender mercy? Bednar describes them as personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support and spiritual gifts. Knowing these tender mercies are sent to us personally is a miracle in itself. See how many tender mercies you can recognize today.

Believe to see

I was recently watching a classic movie, Charlotte's Web, with my daughter, and one part really stood out to me. Fern's mother asks the question, "Do you understand how there could be writing in a spider's web?" And the doctor simply replies, "Oh no, I don't understand it. But for that matter I don't understand how a spider learned to spin a web in the first place. When the words appeared everyone said they were a miracle. But nobody pointed out that the web itself is a miracle."

How many miracles are already present in our lives, every day? Miracles aren't just events like the parting of the Red Sea. They include simple moments like a baby's first smile or the beauty of the earth. Miracles should inspirenot only awe but also gratitude.

Be grateful and prayerful

Speaking of gratitude, I believe this is an essential attribute to recognizing miracles. Practicing thankfulness, paired with prayer, makes it almost impossible to not see the miracles that bless your life. Say a prayer of gratitude. You might be surprised at the miracles already there, ones you just may not have noticed. A prayer of gratitude is often the answer you need.

Write it down

Many people have a gratitude journal or something of the like. Mine is called a tender mercy journal. I don't write in it every day. But when I'm feeling disconnected or in extra need of God's love, I'll commit to writing down every tender mercy I see in a day, a week or so on. I find that when I'm purposely looking for them, they are more easily found. And when they are written down, they are not easily forgotten.

Everyone experiences miracles. They are already happening in your life. You just need to know how and where to look. Instead of trying to over-analyze everything, try recognizing things as miracles. Big or small, each one is significant and meant just for you.

This article was originally published on Wild Sole. It has been republished here with permission.

The post 5 ways to spot the miracles in your life appeared first on FamilyToday.

It's that time of year again: Ears and ears of corn are ripe and ready and coming out your, well, ears!

Corn is very nutritious, containing fiber, magnesium and vitamin C. Scientists believe the people of central Mexico developed corn from teosinte, a wild grass, at least 7,000 years ago. In fact, Columbus loved it so much that he acquired some from Indians in America to take back to Spain. From there, corn has quickly spread throughout the world for everyone to enjoy.

Cooking corn is simple enough, and everyone loves it rolled in butter, salt and pepper. But it's time to get creative with your corn! Here are six fun and delicious recipes for corn that will impress everyone.

Cowboy Caviar

This twist on a southwest salsa combines many fresh ingredients packed full of flavor and nutrition. Use it as a dip with some lightly salted tortilla chips, or take a spoon and dive right in. And here's a little secret: The longer you let the ingredients marinate, the better it will taste.

Corn on the Cob with Chili and Lime

Also known as "Mexican Corn on the Cob," this variation on your everyday corn on the cob will wake up your taste buds. Every kernel is packed full of flavor. This would make a great side dish to almost any summer meal and takes very little preparation effort.

Corn Chowder

Sure, it's summer, but who doesn't love soup? This chowder uses fresh corn, not canned. After simmering all the amazing ingredients, let this soup sit in your crock pot all day for the perfect summer meal.

Charred Corn Succotash

Another great dish full of fresh summer ingredients, this succotash will impress even your foodie friends. It's quick and easy and even my picky little eaters ate it up. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Corn Salad with Feta and Walnuts

This recipe is an instant hit at any party. This makes a rich and delicious side, or add some chicken for a quick summer main dish. It's great to make ahead or keep as delicious leftovers — if there are any!

Southern Creamed Corn

This comfort food comes straight from the south. It can be paired perfectly with a steak or some ribs and will become an instant favorite for your whole family. Give it a little something extra by adding some crumbled bacon.

Just step into any grocery store and you'll be sure to find ears and ears of corn. But if you want the absolute best and tastiest corn, find your local farm that sells it and stock up! It will go fast.

The post Make your mealtime a little corn-y appeared first on FamilyToday.

"It will make you more well-rounded," your parents promised. "Practicing will make you smarter," they said. If your parents ever made you take music lessons, you may have heard all this before. And now the proof is in the pudding: Your parents were right. But fear not! Even if you quit lessons early, you gained more than you think.

A recent study has shown that musical training not only helps children develop fine motor skills, but also benefits them tremendously in their emotional and behavioral growth.

James Hudziak, professor of psychiatry and director of the Vermont Center for Children, Youth and Families, and his colleagues call their study, "the largest investigation of the association between playing a musical instrument and brain development." They analyzed the brain scans of 232 children between the ages of 6 and 18. They discovered that musical training created opposite changes in anxiety, depression, attention problems and aggression - clearly positive changes in these young minds.

They studied the part of the brain that is responsible for working memory, attentional control and organizational skills and were pleased to find an apparent increase in the cortical thickness. Hudziak and his team also believe that musical training could serve as a powerful treatment of cognitive disorders such as ADHD. "A kid may still have ADHD," Hudziak says. "It's the storm around it that improves."

Because the study's participants were all mentally healthy children, Hudziak thinks the positive effect of music training on those who are not could be significant.

The brain needs to be exercised just like a muscle. If you want your biceps to get bigger, you will need to lift weights and do push-ups. Musical training is that exercise for your brain. But it does more than we ever thought it could. It's affecting your actions, how quickly you learn and how you react to situations. Music will train your brain.

Many schools offer classes and extracurricular activities teaching music and the arts. However, there is a steep decline in the American education system concerning those privledges. Most high school students never even participate in music or art lessons.

Unfortunately, you can't make your child love their music lessons. There are many ways to encourage them to practice, and finding a teacher who is a good fit might encourage their success. But ultimately, it's up to the parent to influence their commitment.

You don't have to be Mozart to see the benefit of your music lessons. Your brain holds on to more than you think. If you are a well-rounded, focused, emotionally-controlled person, thank your music teacher. If not, you better go pick up a guitar.

The post What you never knew you learned in music class appeared first on FamilyToday.

For years, there have been articles written about the monetary worth of mothers. The various roles mothers play in their children's lives are endless. Mothers are nurses, teachers, referees, hairdressers, coaches ... The list goes on. With all this considered, one such article estimated that a stay-at-home-mom is worth almost $118,000 a year while a working mom is worth $72,000 (in addition to her professional salary).

I don't know about you, but when I look at those numbers, they mean nothing.

Although I admit these articles have created a deeper awareness of what motherhood entails, they've also cheapened the role. Sure, it would be nice to get a paycheck, but that's not why moms do it.

What's the point of putting a price tag on motherhood? To prove we are just as good as our fellow professionals? The roles are incomparable. And if we put the worth of mothers on the table, why stop there? What is your friendship worth - or your marriage?

It's almost as if nothing can be done anymore without expecting something in return. After writing several marriage articles (many that focus on what wives can do for their husbands), I have received countless comments from women asking, "What's in it for me?" I don't know about you, but when I married my husband, I did it because I loved him and wanted to make him happy - not because I wanted him to unload the dishwasher. Yes, love is a two-way street, but it should also be unconditional.

When we obsess about measuring everything - relationships, learning, hobbies - we create a mass discontent. There becomes no end to the pursuit, always wanting more, continually trying to raise the bar.

Being a mom is more than fixing owies, helping with homework, and driving to every activity, game, and lesson. Being a mom is wearing your heart on your sleeve every day. It's worrying about your kids all night long and smiling through each struggle every day. It's hard, especially when you receive no gratitude or recognition for your endless efforts. If that's the case for you, just drink in every smile, every tiny hug, and even every cry for you. These are the real moments that are even better than a fat paycheck. These moments are why you are a mother.

As C.S. Lewis said, "Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work."

The worth of motherhood comes from within. Let us experience the joys of what we do without any guilt or self-judgement. Motherhood is a choice. It takes strength, patience and forgiveness - not only toward our children, but toward ourselves.

Being a mom is not a job. It is not a task or a hobby. Motherhood is a calling. It's a calling to be present in your children's lives, to shape and instruct their hearts, to help them find their own way.

Motherhood is a calling to love, and that love is priceless.

The post Why motherhood is not worth a penny appeared first on FamilyToday.