Saying 'I do' to eloping
So if running off to get married appeals to you — but your bride is leaning toward the big, expensive wedding — here are 10 logical ways to try to change her mind.
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So if running off to get married appeals to you — but your bride is leaning toward the big, expensive wedding — here are 10 logical ways to try to change her mind.
DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I know Christmas is still some weeks away, but I'm already getting uptight about it. It's always such a hectic time and we always end up spending far more than we planned to. To be honest, I don't really enjoy Christmas any more, although I know I ought to. Any suggestions? —C.M.
Dear Abby: May I respond to your column regarding excessive waits in doctors' offices (Sept. 1)?
Taylor Swift has sold more albums than anyone in 2009. Kenny Chesney had the year's biggest concert tour. And Carrie Underwood — who will co-host tonight's CMA Awards with Brad Paisley — will make more TV appearances in the next month than Santa Claus.
With the holiday and entertaining season already gearing up, it's time to take a close look at your home bar. You have probably received or given a few gifts of spirits and wine over the years, but just how long does it last? First of all, alcohol doesn't spoil. That means no expiration date for most distilled spirits. As a matter of fact, you're probably going to expire and become a spirit long before that unopened bottle of good scotch or rum does. The rules are different when it comes to wine, champagne and liqueurs, though, and require a different way of thinking.
DEAR REV. GRAHAM: What did Jesus mean when He said somewhere that He came to bring a sword to the earth? This seems to be the opposite of what He said elsewhere, about bringing us peace if we'll follow Him. —K.T.
Bev McFarland is not one to sit around. That's literally true: She started running back in her college days and still puts in four or five miles a day, "just enough to clear the lungs and clear the head."
DEAR REV. GRAHAM: What do angels look like? Do they really have wings, and can they fly through the air? My 8-year-old son has been asking me lots of questions about angels and I haven't known how to reply. —A.K.
DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I used to think that some day we'd live in peace and harmony with each other, once we learned to be friends and accept each other. But now I'm beginning to have my doubts. Does the Bible say anything about this? Will we ever see a better world? —E.P.
Happy Birthday for Nov. 8, 2009: This year, you will be visible and will make an impact. People will notice you. You could be overwhelmed by everything that drops on you. You often have many different opinions and many people who tap into your knowledge. LEO pushes you into the limelight.
Dear Abby: Several years ago, I realized that my mother's eyesight and reflexes weren't what they once were, but she insisted on remaining behind the wheel. She was afraid of losing her independence if she gave up driving. Then she had a traffic accident that shook her enough to make her finally relinquish her keys — but she wasn't happy about it.
DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I wish I could be friendly and outgoing like other people are, but I've always been a very shy person, and whenever I get in a group I just clam up and don't say anything. Can God change my personality? Or is this the way I'll always be, because it's the way He made me? —D.E.
Happy Birthday for Nov. 7, 2009: Avoid making much ado about nothing. Often this year, you feel like a sailboat in a windstorm. Center yourself in this case. You do have the foundation necessary. Listen to your inner voice and allow yourself to flow. Remain spontaneous — i.e., if you want to jump off the boat, do. Everything works out in an interesting manner. CANCER helps you see new vistas.
Dear Abby: I am a 16-year-old guy in my sophomore year of high school. I am known as a friendly, outgoing guy who gets along with girls. My problem is, I used to be one of the biggest jerks who ever was. I was involved in fighting and other things I won't go into. But I turned my life around.
Happy Birthday for Nov. 6, 2009: This year, you understand what needs to happen more clearly than in the past. If you want more feedback or help, you need only ask. Update your communication by developing a more caring style. You could be surprised by the change that improved communication makes. Ease up and enjoy better relationships. CANCER can be inspirational.
DEAR REV. GRAHAM: Please pray for me. The doctor says I need open-heart surgery, and I'm scared I won't make it. I've never been a religious person, but is it too late to turn to God? If I died right now I know I wouldn't go to Heaven. —D.F.
Dear Abby: My boss wants my cell phone number for "work purposes." He has trouble with limits, and I am reluctant to give it to him. I don't want to receive text messages, unsolicited calls or contact outside of work. My private life is just that — private.
Lane Carsh of Walnut Creek, Calif., calls her daughter, Dawn, her biggest blessing. They are close, share the same wit and love of family. However, she is careful not to call Dawn her best friend. They tried that briefly when Dawn was 18, Lane says. They went shopping, dancing and talked about "everything." It didn't quite work.
Happy Birthday for Nov. 5, 2009: This year, you greet change more openly than in the past. You recognize what you can and cannot hold on to. Be aware of others and their influence on your life. A child or grandchild might be rebellious, upsetting your daily life and a relationship. Prioritize. Be firm with your boundaries. GEMINI reads you cold.
DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I truly believe God has forgiven me for some bad things I did when I was younger, but I can't forgive myself. I hurt a lot of people by my actions, and nothing can erase that. I'll always feel guilty for the harm I caused. —J.M.