Beyond Orange County by Lydia McLaughlin

Lydia McLaughlin is the managing editor of Beverly Hills Lifestyle magazine and is the author of Beyond Orange County. She resides in California and manages three businesses while raising three boys with her husband Doug. In her book, she shares her experience and wisdom about the strength and grace it takes for each of us to choose a life of purpose. She also shares the lessons she had learned both on and off screen and exhorts the readers to examine their lives by answering to the call that God has for each person. She has some great advice for married people. For instance, the five A’s helps Lydia and her husband manage their conflict and work through their differences without exploding and demeaning each other. The five A’s are affirm, ask, apologize, affection, and amen. Through affirmation, we are to tell our spouse something that we love about her. Then, ask each other how they have offended each other. This open conversation allows for both the husband and wife to see where each person is coming from and allows them to be empathetic towards each other. Then, apologize and ask for forgiveness. Never forget to show affection after the apology has been uttered. Finally, pray together and ask God to guard and protect your marriage. This is just an example of wisdom communicated in this book.