Real Talk w/Terry: After Hours_E2
In this episode, host Terry Cato welcomes back Bre (Sex Educator and pleasure Sensei). They discuss strategies and ways that parents can talk to their children about sexuality.
The C Word: My 28-year Journey
Check out my interview with Ingrid Bohannon, author of the soon-to-be released book, The C Word: My 28-Year Journey. The author talks about her 28 year celibacy journey.
Happy Anniversary!
Happy Anniversary to our Founder and visionary, Terry Cato and her husband Lloyd on their 13th wedding anniversary. Wishing you many more! 
He Caught My Attention
By: Joyce M. Jones 
(originally published in the Zoe Life Inspired Devotional (2012-16))
“Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another;” -Romans 12:10 (NKJV)
My husband loves to tell his story about how we met, when I was the new member’s clerk and program coordinator, at our former church. As the new member’s clerk I collected contact information; and as program coordinator I worked closely with the new members to organize quarterly programs. I took my position very seriously. That may have been how we met, but he didn’t get my attention until later when my mother and I were in a car accident. While I was home recuperating, he called to see if I wanted to go for an outing. I consented. He took me for a lovely ride in the hills where he once delivered mail. On our way back, he made a stop. We then proceeded to an early seafood dinner. When he took me home, he gave me a beautiful, fragrant bouquet of 2½ dozen red roses (that he had apparently picked up when we made the stop). “How thoughtful”! That kind gesture got my attention and was the start of our friendship.
It was the phileo love (means brotherly love, in the Greek) that caught my attention. The love that is a tender, affectionate kind of love that friendships are based on. We were brother and sister in the Lord first; then friends, sharing our everyday experiences, getting to know one another, accepting one another, and encouraging the best in one another.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the love of friends that inspire us to be all You would have us to be. Use us to encourage one another and build each other up. In Jesus’ name. Amen
Meditative Reading: Proverbs 27:17
Marriage Equity
You must make a deposit before you can make a withdrawal …
Marriage is much like a vehicle, it can not run on E = EMPTY.
Is It Okay for a Woman to Ask a Man to Marry Her?!
This photo has caused quite a stir on social media over the past few weeks – a woman on her knees asking her boyfriend to marry her. The original caption and story that accompanied this picture when I first saw it stated that the gentleman had already proposed to the young lady, then at their engagement party, she reciprocated the gesture. All of this aside, and not surprising that after a few shares on Facebook, the original caption and story disappeared and just the image is being shared asking, “is it okay for a woman to propose to a man”.
I’ve actually discussed the issue of a woman pursuing a man, 
click for post, and should a woman ask a man to marry her, click for full post in previous blog posts.
What are your thoughts? In this day and age is it okay for a woman to ask a man to marry her?
Tis the Season to Be Jolly
Several years ago, I had the opportunity to work the switch board at a hospital during the holiday season and witnessed the number of attempted suicides peak during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season. This is the time of the year when many people find themselves feeling sad and depressed instead of being jolly and full of cheer. Some because they have lost close loved ones to death and the holidays are just not what they used to be, then there are those who are divorced and struggle with loneliness during this time of the year and others because the holiday season brings back memories of too many family gatherings that went wrong. Then add in the financial stress that many families are feeling right now and understandably so, the holidays can be a time of loneliness, stress and anxiety for many.
If you’re finding that you are beginning to feel sad, depressed or lonely I have a few suggestions to help you get through the holidays:
- First and foremost, spend within your means; the joy of Christmas should not be overshadowed by overspending then stressing about credit card debt,
- If you have children, start your own family traditions (i.e. pick out a tree together and decorate, prepare dinner/desserts together, volunteer as a family),
- If you are single (or a widower), get together with other singles (widows) and have a potluck,
- Volunteer at a local food bank or shelter,
- Get out of the house at night, and drive around town admiring the Christmas lights and decorations,
- Go on an exotic vacation or trip out of the country, especially if you don’t want to be a part of the commercialization of Christmas, or
- On Thanksgiving or Christmas Day go to a sporting event.
The holiday season should be a joyous occasion that should not be met with stress, anxiety, or loneliness; the focus should be about giving, not receiving. If you find that you are feeling sad, lonely or depressed take some time and focus on someone else. More importantly focus more on what you do have instead of what you do not have. Happy Holidays!
COMMUNICATION IN MARRIAGE
There is clearly a blessing in being able to effectively communicate and being on one accord with your spouse. So much so that in the bible in Genesis 11:5-8, the people of the land communicated using the same language began to build a tower that would reach to the heavens. Their actions resulted in God confusing the language, because nothing would be impossible to them who speak on one accord.
Communication in marriage or lack thereof has been cited for years as one of the primary reasons for divorce. Being able to effectively communicate your thoughts and feelings to your spouse is not only necessary to make a marriage work, but essential to maintain a harmonious household. Furthermore, good communication skills are necessary in every aspect of life.
For those who have issues communicating with your spouse whether it be difficulty expressing your thoughts or difficulty being a good listener there are some things you can do to become a better communicator. Listed below are a few tips to effectively communicating with your spouse:
- Take time each day to talk to each other.
- Openly talk to the other person, and actively listen.
- Express feelings without getting angry.
- Don’t be mean.
- Don’t give advice, unless asked for it.
- Watch your tone of voice.
- Don’t jump to conclusions.
- Don’t interrupt.
In closing remember that “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24 (NKJV)
Kim K’s 20.5 kt Wedding Ring
There has been much talk since Kim Kardashian announced that she had filed for divorce from her husband Kris Humphries after only 72 days of marriage. Most of the gossip has been about her lavish 20.5-carat wedding ring which is a 16.5-carat emerald cut center stone set between two 2-carat trapezoids. Considering the short duration of the marriage and the cost of the ring, should she give the ring back? Is it right that she keeps the ring after only 72 days of marriage?
The line tends to be pretty clear concerning the etiquette of giving back an engagement ring if the bride or groom-to-be calls off the wedding, however, the water gets muddy in a situation where the wedding actually happens, but the marriage is short lived as in the Kardashian situation. Many are saying she should give the ring AND her wedding gifts back.
Regarding the engagement ring, apparently there is a prenuptial agreement between Kim K. and Kris Humphries; if Kim wants to keep the ring – sounds like she does – she will have to pay Kris the original purchase price, a reported $2 million. As for the wedding gifts, Kim K. has reportedly donated their gifts to the Dream Foundation, a charity which grants wishes to terminally ill adults. This donation unbeknownst to Kris … the marriage really was over before it even started!
Real Talk w/Terry 