Looking for a fun getaway for you and "your girls"?

The Girl's Get-A-Way Cruise is an all-inclusive, women-only trip that includes worship services, workshops, concerts, dining, lodging, and more. Grab your sister, mother, daughter, girlfriends, or church group and join TCW's Camerin Courtney and Ginger Kolbaba for this spirited women's retreat at sea.

February 5-9, 2009
Mobile, Alabama to Cozumel, Mexico

Click here for more information.

Why it’s a good idea—and a good lesson

Back in April, the U.S. celebrated Husband Appreciation Day, a time for wives to reflect on the various ways their spouses enrich their lives. I love the idea - especially since my husband does a ton of things for me, which too often I take for granted. Little things, such as taking care of the yard work, fixing leaky toilets, making me coffee in the mornings, holding doors open, watching Dr. Phil with me.

I was talking about this "holiday" with an acquaintance, when she said, "What about Wife Appreciation Day?"

"Um," I said, taken aback by her snarky tone. "Wouldn't that be Sweetest Day?"

Ginger Kolbaba, Editor

After a six-year hiatus from TCW—when she worked as editor for TCW's sister publication Marriage Partnership—Ginger is happy to be back "home" editing for her favorite women's magazine. An accomplished book author, she's written or contributed to almost a dozen books, including Surprised by Remarriage (Revell) and her most recent novel series, Secrets from Lulu's Café (Howard/Simon & Schuster). She's appeared on national venues such as CNN's Nancy Grace and Court TV's Catherine Crier Live as well as Family Life Radio and Moody Radio's Midday Connection. When she isn't chained to her computer, Ginger enjoys spending time with her husband motorcycling through the countryside, visiting Yellowstone National Park, walking her Doberman, and talking theory with her friends about the television series Lost. She believes her greatest accomplishment would be dusting off her piano and treadmill and using them both—at least once this year.

What I’ve gained from life’s disappointments

I was misled. In fact, many of us were as we grew up in our mainline churches and listened intently to the flannelgraph stories of Moses parting the Red Sea, the little boy with the loaves and fishes, and the wavy-haired Jesus who smiled throughout. The stories were all so nice and tidy and happy.

As we sat cross-legged sipping juice and nibbling graham crackers, well-meaning adults told us if we were good boys and girls and didn't disobey our parents, life would be happy. If we read our Bibles and prayed enough, life would be good. And we believed.

Then we grew up.

The havoc home schooling wreaked on my relationships

All my life, I've been sitting at tables with my mom.

The thought is apt as I sit across from her at our favorite bakery, a weekend substitute for our usual Wednesday dinner, and listen to customers retrieving cake orders to celebrate upcoming graduations.

From preschool to high school, I sat beside her at our kitchen table and "did school." She'd open her teacher's curriculum, spread out her record book, and concentrate all her energy—her hopes and dreams and expectations—on her cowering class of one. Every question was mine to answer, every problem mine to solve.

Reminders that the tough job of mothering is worthwhile

I tuck precious memorabilia into a pretty box on my living room coffee table. Cheery notes that carried me through tough times or commemorated milestone moments nest in this hideaway. My treasures also include several anniversary cards from my husband, Rich, and years' worth of Mother's Day and birthday cards signed with my girls' childish scrawl.

Added to this stash are recent cards from my now-adult daughters. I've saved these cards in particular for their inside handwritten notes: You're the greatest mom ever. You've always been there for me. I love you soooo much. And, I'm so glad you're my mom.