Making it home: Possible new decor?/Bedroom make-over

For those who have been in our home and know our décor style, you know that I love items with personal meaning and significance. I am contemplating making this image into a sign for our bedroom. (we are currently in the process of redoing it right now! Pictures to come when it is done!)
What do y'all think? Just curious if you like the actual picture, if you think it fits us, etc! Thanks a ton!!

Amazing comfort.....

January 17, Ben again rocked my world. We were VOLUNTOLD that we would be going to Camp Pendleton this summer.

While I enjoy visiting California, I didn't like living there the first time and it wasn't even in our top 10 wish list for orders.

I am trying to be positive for our kiddos sake and of course overpreparing & researching it.

What is amazing is our family devotional the past 5 days and how it seems to be speaking right to my fears......

Thought for the day

1 year ago today....

I woke up at 4:45 a.m. with severe abdominal & back cramps. I knew what was happening even though I tried to will it away. I cried almost the whole way to the ER and a lot of my time in the ER. I was at the Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital praying to hear/see some life on an ultrasound.

Today, I woke up at 4:45 am (no alarm clock and I don't think that it was a coincidence...just God's perfect timing) to little flutter kicks. I spent quiet time in a bath filled with bubbles, I listened to the tall tales of my 2 children, I cried a little bit, I enjoyed feeling this little girl moving inside of me, and I went to Camp Lejeune for an OB check. What perfect music to hear the baby's heartbeat today.

It still hurts but I understand that I am not meant to understand until some glorious day when I meet that little one.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Revelation 21:4

Marriage Monday

I have been so busy that I haven't been able to keep up with some of my favorite blogs but today I am dedicating some time to do just that....not to mention procrastinating a little bit on organization of the house.
I love Julie's Marriage Monday posts and I wanted to share part of today's and one from back in September.
You can check out her blog at www.comehaveapeace.blogspot.com/
As usual, I will chime in with a few thoughts of my own highlighted in another color.
October 17, 2011
Sometimes our vows are not easy to live out. It's in "sickness" when we show that love is an ACTION, a CHOICE, not simply a feeling.

Now I know that Ben & I said those same vows "in sickness and in health...." Unfortunately for Ben, I seem to be the one who is sick more often.
Although this pregnancy is a great joy to us, it is also a "sickness" as I do not do well during pregnancy. It takes an extreme sacrifice to keep us running on a "normal" schedule.
So did you mean it? When you promised to "love, honor, and cherish" in "sickness and in health"?

We can not know our future, but we can remember the vows we made and re-commit to being a "Marriage Survivor" no matter what the future holds
So thankful that Ben meant his vows and if he ever gets sick (I can count on 1 hand the times he has been sick in the last 8 years) I pray that I continue to do the same!
September 26, 2011
Marriage Mondays ~ 5 Sec Touch Challenge


If you knew you could do something guaranteed to reduce your husband's stress load and increase satisfaction in your relationship, would you do it? What if it was as simple as spreading your hand and touching your man?
Last year the New York Times published a report by Benedict Carey about how touch, the first means of communication we learn, affects our relationships. Findings at the Touch Research Institute, "found that a massage from a loved one can not only ease pain but also soothe depression and strengthen a relationship."
I am not so good at back rubs....in fact truth be known I am horrible at giving them. I love to rub Ben's head so I am hoping that massage does the same for him....maybe I should get in some practice on the back rubs :)

A research team explored how physical touch in the National Basketball Association (Our men will listen to this sports tidbit, ladies ..) reflected how successful the teams are, and "with a few exceptions, good teams tended to be touchier than bad ones."
"Players who made contact with teammates most consistently and longest tended to rate highest on measures of performance, and the teams with those players seemed to get the most out of their talent." When the same test was applied to 69 couples, researchers found that couples who touched more were also more satisfied.

When we open our hands and take time to touch, we're more "successful" in our relationships and we encourage each other to be our best. We can actually impact our husband's stress level by touching consistently and often.
This makes me think of my Grammy and Pappy as I see and have seen most of my life them touching each other. 60 some years later they are still going strong!
1.When was the last time you held your husband's hand? Did you initiate?
We like to do this a lot while watching our tv at night. But the last time was this morning after our morning devotional & yes I did initiate it!
2.When was the last time you put your arms around your husband?
At least every morning when we walk him out and hug/kiss him goodbye before work.
3.How often do you touch your husband's face? (Wiping off food doesn't count ;) )
I would like to say everyday but it is probably every other day
4.Do you ever lay your open hand on your husband's leg?
Yes, most definately!
5.Have you put your hand on your husband's chest this week?
Hmmm.....not quite sure?
Ever since Genesis 3 men have been toiling in the world and experiencing stress; a wife's touch can be a wonderful cure. "A warm touch seems to set off the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps create a sensation of trust, and to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol." This is one way an excellent wife can help the heart of her husband to trust in her, so that "She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life," (Prov. 31:11-12). Touching reinforces mutual trust and helps lower stress levels.

What does your touch or your lack of touch say to your man? Does it speak trust, support, and confidence? Does it speak affection, desire, and encouragement? Or is it silent and cold? It's saying SOMETHING, but what? Sometimes I have a wake up moment and realize I've become distant or cold or just busy ... and I've stopped touching like I should. It doesn't always happen naturally. Like anything else, our touch can become distorted.What a powerful message we can send through reaching out to touch our man.
I pray to never be too distant, cold or busy for this simple pleasure!

"In effect, the body interprets supportive touch as 'I'll share the load.'"

I want to challenge myself and you this week. Sometimes the caress of a fingertip is enough to speak volumes, but why not open your hand and lay it on your man and just let it rest for 5 seconds? It may not sound like a long time, but in our hurried pace of life, it often takes an intentional decision to stop what we're doing, (kids, work, computer, whatever...) reach out, spread our hand, and let it rest while we count to 5. I also have a feeling it may do beautiful things.

Go ahead. Take the 5 Second Touch Challenge, and see what God gives you to enjoy!



I also like to read Courtney's posts over at http://womenlivingwell.org/
Back on October 9, 2011, She wrote in the 31 day fall challenge about Having Fun in your home....I need work on this! So I am sharing it as well!

Last week we had a two-fold challenge, “light a candle and every time you see the glimmer of it pray for peace in your home“. I want to encourage you to keep your candles and prayers going.


This week’s challenge is two-fold also:

Play soft music everyday in your home. Choose music that the family enjoys.

Then, focus on using peaceful words and maintaining peaceful relationships. Role model gentleness with your words this week and while you’re add it have a little fun. Since the music is going, grab your husband or children and dance!

1. When you feel tempted to raise your voice, use a child’s name in a snarl, furrow your brow into a scowl or speak rapidly in anger…purposely lower your voice to just above a whisper.


Proverbs 15:1 says “A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Focus on gentle words, facial expressions, and touches.

2. Purpose to not let someone else’s anger make you angry.
Many times as a wife and mom, I find myself responding to other’s emotions. Someone in the family is grumpy and two minutes later I’m grumpy too. Someone in the family is speaking harshly and two minutes later I’m speaking harshly too. Purpose to stay in control of your emotions and not let the other members of your family dictate your mood.

3. Yelling at a bud won’t make it bloom.
Your home will not blossom into a haven if you are not controlling your temper.

4. Continue to light your candle and pray for peace in your home.

Persevere in prayer for your family. James 5:16b says, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

15 Weeks with Baby Beach #3

Here I am 2 days late again.....I think that maybe Friday might just be our "normal" posting day until I get more caught up here at the house and with my business!
It seems that there are a lot of different comparisons to what size the baby is this week. (From softball to apple to pear!) I think that they are fascinating & since this is the last baby for us, I am including them all for posterity sake.

Dear Baby,
Daddy and I have 2 boy names picked out and will probably have an easy decision if you are a boy.
We do not have anything but a LONG list of girls names. It will probably be another long struggle just like it was when we picked out sissy's name!
You have Mommy craving ANYTHING pumpkin pie related BUT especially pumpkin pie milk shakes from Sonic. There has only been a few other occassional cravings.....onion rings (which mommy doesn't eat normally), Wendy's french fries, and a few other odds & ends.
Mommy is EXTREMELY grateful to be off of the plain spaghetti noodles, ramen noodles, rice, & butter toast diet that we were on earlier!
We are looking forward to the next 5 weeks flying by so we can see you again and hopefully clear your heart!
Love you already!!
I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart.....Jeremiah 1:5

Your baby's crown-to-rump length is approximately 4 inches and she now weighs approximately 1.75 ounces. Your baby is close to the size of a softball and you can easily tell that you are pregnant now! If you wear maternity clothes or a swimming suit, other people will be able to tell that you are pregnant also. You can probably feel your uterus about three to four inches below your bellybutton.

Your baby is growing at an amazing rate and looking more like a human every day. Because your baby's skin is so thin, you are able to see blood vessels through the skin. Lanugo hair covers your baby's body, but it will be gone when your baby is born. The hair on the eyebrows and head continues to grow. Some babies are born with little or no hair and others have a head full of hair! If you have an ultrasound at this point, you might be able to see your baby sucking its thumb. Even though the eyes continue to move to the front of the face, they are still widely separated. Your baby's ears look like normal ears and continue to develop externally. The bones that have already formed continue to get harder and retain calcium. The baby is very mobile and flexible at this point. She can bend her arms at the elbows and wrists and she can also make a fist with her hands.

How your baby's growing:


Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple).

She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds.

At 15 weeks pregnant, your baby is 4 inches long from crown to rump - approximately the length of a large pear. He or she weighs more than 2.4 ounces now!

If you were to peek inside your uterus this week, you would still be able to see your baby's blood vessels through his or her paper-thin skin. In fact, the blood vessels forming in your baby's body may closely resemble a road map!

At 15 weeks pregnant, your baby will start producing lanugo, which is fine hair that will cover your baby's body up until a few weeks before birth. Lanugo covers every part of your baby in utero, except for the palms, soles of the feet, lips, penis, nails, and inner fingers and toes. Typically babies will shed this hair by the eighth month of pregnancy, but it can persist in some newborns for a short period of time. Pre-term babies are more likely to be born with lanugo than full term babies.
The bones in your baby's body are also starting to get harder at 15 weeks pregnant, and they will continue to do so throughout your pregnancy. This is called "ossification."
At 15 weeks pregnant, your baby is passing the time with practicing breathing, by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid. Believe it or not, the very act of doing so will help your baby's air sacs develop during pregnancy. Your little one may even be sucking his or her thumb, while the tongue is continuing to form taste buds.



Time for Marriage Mondays!

Ok so I am posting this week's Marriage Monday (may I just say OUCH Julie! But yes a great reminder!) and last weeks as well. I read Julie's Labor day post and was particularly inspired and wanted to share it with y'all as well! Without any further ado...

http://www.comehaveapeace.blogspot.com/

September 12, 2011
How are you coming to bed at night? What message does your "condition" send to your bedmate? While real love and life are a far cry from the image reality tv shows attempt to sell us, we can't turn a blind eye (with bags under it, mind you) to God's standard for keeping ourselves and what we "say" to our lover by our "self keeping."

(Fortunately for me, my husband has been TAD for the past few weeks as I have not been in great condition when I have come to bed!)

When Proverbs challenges a husband to find satisfaction in his wife, we catch a glimpse of God's plan for how a woman prepares and presents herself to her mate:

"Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love." (From Proverbs 5:15-19)

Lovely? Graceful? Delight? Intoxicating? This picture is one of beauty and preparation, presenting your best self in a way that is to be enjoyed. The fountain of the blessed marriage is a far cry from the stagnate, frayed, and worn bride that many of us drag to bed each night.
Isn't it tough to put your marriage first (after God of course) when you have the care of children, your home, friends, serving at church, insert your daily obligation here___________ It makes it really tough at the end of the day to really care about being pleasing to your mate.
Maybe it's time to get rid of my tank top ... and shave under my arms ... and use a little makeup remover. I would be a lot more "intoxicating." Maybe it's time to prepare myself to be beautiful at one of the sweetest times of the day, the end.
You?
September 6, 2011
And Last week in Marriage Mondays......
Along the way of marriage, some stop working, some grit their teeth and tackle the challenges, others give up, and some bail out altogether. The sweetness of marriage is never realized without a lot of work.


In honor of Labor Day in my country, I want to remind myself (and let you listen in...)

10 Ways to Work on My Marriage

1.Ask my husband if I'm meeting his needs and how I could do better.
And try not to be afraid of the answer or suggestions!
2.Ask a trusted friend what our marriage "looks like" from the outside.
Someone who is going to tell you the truth!
3.Read a marriage book written from a biblical perspective.

4.Attend a conference, workshop or class about growing a stronger marriage.

5.Go away together overnight without your children.
Amen! I am looking forward to my cousin's wedding (not only because I love her) because my parents have graciously said that they will take our children to their room to spend the night. We will have 3 nights alone!!!
6.Pray for my husband and write down what I'm praying.
And ask him in specific what he wants me to pray about.
7.Read what God says in the Bible about marriage, re-read, re-read, & memorize.

8.Make your bedroom someplace special, instead of a storage room/family room/ironing room.
Ahem....yeah gotta work on that before Ben gets home!
9.Set aside money in your budget to invest in one "work on your marriage" idea.

10.Carve out time for conversation with each other to listen and share without interruption.
I am looking forward to reinstating our date nights when Benny gets home!

•Are you surprised at how much work marriage takes?

•What are you doing to "labor" at having a marriage that's better next year than today?

Also last week, Courtney at http://www.womenlivingwell.org/ posted 14 things that she has learned about marriage in the last 14 years. They were too good not to share!


But first, Here’s 14 things I’ve learned in 14 years of marriage!


1. My husband is not Jesus! He cannot fulfill all my emotional, spiritual or even physical needs.
And when you start to rely on your husband like that it puts UN-needed and un-wanted expectations on your spouse.
2. I married a sinner. My husband married a sinner too. Grace – grace MUST be a part of a good marriage.
And there is no hierarchy of sin.....
3. We must forgive each other over and over and over if we are going to have peace and joy in our marriage. “A good marriage is made up of two good forgivers.” ~ Spurgeon
Ahhhh....a work in progress
4. Fighting is normal. I must admit it sure doesn’t feel normal when it’s happening. It’s miserable to fight with the one you love most.

5. Marriage is a tool of sanctification in my life. There is no other relationship on this planet that has challenged me more to the core, as mariage. It has shown me many of my weaknesses and spiritual short comings and has brought me closer to Christ.

6. Do the harder things. It’s easier to criticize and nag than it is encourage and build up.

7. We reap what we sow in marriage. The longer I live the more I can see clearly – the grass IS NOT greener. When my grass looks brown – and someone elses looks greener – I simply need to water my grass everyday till it’s green again!

8. I’m not really that great to be married to. I’d like to think I’m the bomb diggity and my hubby lucked out in scoring a wife like me to be married to (*wink) - but to be honest I have blindspots…things I don’t see that he very clearly does see and those things are annoying.

9. My husband doesn’t always show his love by his words or affection but often it’s through his faithfulness, his provision for the family, taking the trash out or taking the kids on a bike ride so I can have a quiet moment to myself.

10. My husband needs attention. He needs to be heard. He needs back rubs. He needs a cold drink when he’s been out in the heat. He needs me to be “into” him and “into” whatever he’s interested in…ie. politics, Ohio State Football, his business, airplanes… this is what MY husband is “into” therefore, this is what I’M “into”.

11. Giving my husband respect changes the way my husband sees me. Submission is like a muscle…the more I practice it, the stronger and easier it becomes.

12. My husband needs s*x…a lot! lol!

13. Reading good Christian books on marriage has helped me to understand my husband better. I want to continually be a student learning and growing in wisdom as a wife.

14. Marriage is hard work and can be a bumpy road at times. But if I hang on tight to the hem of Jesus and the hand of my husband – I’ll have the best ride of my life!

Praying for you and your spouse today! I hope that Julie and Courtney's wisdom brought you the same joy (and things to work on in your marriage) as it did to me!
Happy Monday!

Dread day

So I have known that this day is coming for several long months (dreading it coming) and now that it is here, well it is still weighing on me.

I have had so many thoughts, feelings, and emotional outbursts since July 1st that I figured I had better write it all out and try to get it off of my chest, off my mind, off my heart.

Today was supposed to be the "due date" of our third child. We were so excited that it also fell on my father-in-law's birthday. I know in my heart of hearts that this little one probably would have been early like his/her big sister and brother but I am still clinging to this date because it was/is a tangible time for me.

I have been falling into the "what if's" again even though I have tried not to go there. I even what if'd my way to looking at a Chinese birth chart because I thought that maybe it would make me feel better to "know" what my baby's sex could have been. (Now for those of you that know me well don't think that I have gone off the deep-end because I know that there will be a time when I meet this little one face-to-face & ONLY then will I know the person that he/she was.)

I have been trying different things that were suggested to me from dear friends who have also been through miscarriage. Some of them bandaid the pain for a little bit but it seems to migrate back to me. 

It seems compounded when each month I wind up not pregnant yet. It makes me question God's timing. It makes me want to demand that God bend to my time-line. Maybe that is what this very hard life lesson is about.....learning to accept God's timing and ultimate authority over my life. It is a very hard pill to swallow when you want something so very much.

Perhaps some day I will be able to look back on this season of my life and say, "Oh that is why." Perhaps not. 

In the meantime, I am thankful that I have a husband who is supporting of my major mood swings in reagards to this topic and that I have two precious babies that also need me to be in the here and now. And remembering.....

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 
Hebrews 13:8

Valentine's day/love dare/marriage Monday

Whew! Happy Valentine's day! So I missed a few days of this challenge due to being ill and I am going to try to finish them all today in honor of Valentine's day!
Day 10 (Feb 10) "Love is unconditional" Rom. 5:8

When you rebuild your marriage with agape love as its foundation, then the friendship and romantic aspects of your love become more endearing than ever before. When your enjoyment of each other as best friends and lovers is based on unwavering commitment, you will experience an intimacy that cannot be achieved any other way.
Really don't think that anything that I can write will top this......
Day 11 (Feb 11) "Love cherishes" Eph. 5:28
Don't let the culture around you determine the worth of your marriage. To compare it with something that can be discarded or replaced is to dishonor god's purpose for it. That would be like amputating a limb. Instead, it should be a picture of love between two imperfect people who choose to love each other regardless.
I love you not because you are perfect but because you are perfect for me......
It is all too easy now a days to compare yourself to everyone. It is absolutely refreshing to let go of anyone else's pre-conceived notions of a "perfect" marriage and embrace the love that is unqiuely yours & your spouses alone.
Day 12 (Feb 12) "Love lets others win" Phil. 2:4
Are you willing to bend to demonstrate love to your husband? Or are you refusing to give in because of pride? If it doesn't matter in the long run--especially in eternity--then give up your rights and choose to honor the one you love. It will be good for you and good for your marriage.
Foolish pride causes much heartache.......
Day 13 (Feb 13) "Love fights fair" Mark 3:25
The deepest, most heartbreaking damage you'll ever do (or ever have done) to your marriage will most likely occur in the thick of conflict. But love reminds you that your marriage is too valuable to allow it to self-destruct, and that your love for your husband is more important than whatever you're fighting about. Married couples who learn to work through conflict tend to be closer, more trusting, more intimate, and enjoy a much deeper connection afterwards.
I try to keep in the back of my mind that words that I say in haste can never be taken back. It is a hard road (but a very worthwhile one) to learn how to fight fair!
Day 14 (Feb 14) "Love takes delight" Eccles. 9:9
In your marriage relationship, you won't always feel like loving. It is unrealistic for your heart to constantly thrill at the thought of spending every moment with your husband. Nobody can maintain a burning desire for togetherness just on feelings along. However, there is something very powerful about the decision to delight in your husband and to love him no matter how long you've been married, or what "feelings" may or may not be there at the moment. 
As we grow together, I think that both Ben and I are discovering that the other needs more bonding time with our friends....then when we come back together we are extremely grateful for that time together.

Love's Mess Factor
I knew at that moment he really loved me, because love doesn't run from a mess. It may hold its breath or stick its head out the window for fresh air, but it doesn't run from a mess.


"Love suffers long ..." 1 Cor. 13:4 (Read all of 1 Cor. 13 here)

One thing about marriage is certain: mess is inevitable. Only those who choose to hold to their promise to love regardless of the circumstances will endure the messes and live to enjoy the other side. Love doesn't just "suffer," it suffers "long." It hangs in there when the mess is on everything, when it get on us, when it's nasty. That proves it's love.
We usually don't talk about the messy stuff of love on Valentines Day, but there are 364 other days of the year to test love. What we do with our mess is part of love. What's the mess you're dealing with? I know we may not want to deal with it, but if we're going to love well, we have to take the mess that sometimes comes with marriage.
Love doesn't run from a mess. It suffers long, and it's beautiful ... even after Valentine's Day
For more Marriage Monday visit Julie at

All about love.....

Our engagement pictures
October 2003

Day 8 (Feb 8) "Love is not jealous" Song of Sol. 8:6
If you're not careful, jealousy slithers like a viper into your heart and strikes your motivations and relationships. It can poison you from living the life of love God intended.
Hmmm....I think that this says it all!

Day 9 (Feb 9) "Love makes good impressions" 1 Pet. 5:14
You can tell a lot about the state of a couple's relationship from the way they greet one another. You can see it in their expression and countenance, as well as how they speak to each other. It is even more obvious by their physical contact. Work on greeting your husband "special" when he arrives home from work!

Completely agree with this! I always try to make it a point to stop what I am doing (even if it means burning dinner!) to give my hubby a kiss & welcome home hug. The kids make a ruckus when he arrives so why shouldn't I do the same?

This Monday is Valentine's Day. In a lot of marriages, this day comes and goes without a whole lot of acknowledgement. We women see it on the calendar - we know it's there, we've helped our children write out all their little Valentine's Day cards...and we cross our fingers that our husband NOTICES it is Valentine's Day.
If you are a lucky one - you will get a card, flowers, dinner out, maybe some chocolates and some romance. And well - the rest of us...it might not happen and we'll just have an annoying day lol!
But rather than waiting around for something that might not happen - how about we use this day to show our husbands appreciation for the blessing that they are in our lives. This day gives us a reason to shower our husbands with some extra Tender Loving Care!!!
I think that making some form of list for your hubby of things that you love/like/appreciate about him is a great way to start!!
Remember - there are no exceptions in the Bible where it says on Birthdays, Mother's Day and Valentine's Day we have permission to get selfish and self-centered.

Philippians 2:3,4 says "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

My husband is thoughtful. It is not uncommon for him to show up with my favorite drink from Starbucks, a late night run to fill my car up with gas, or a timely back rub. But he's not Mr. Romance. I am 100% secure in his love for me by the way he works so hard to provide, listens to my long detailed stories lol!, protects me and the children and does a whole slew of other things 365 days a year! I don't want to despise him on February 14th for not coming up with a soap opera type romantic extravaganza. I know it's not gonna happen and it probably won't happen for about 90% of us!

So why not have some fun planning something special for our husbands and making a memory! Do you know what your husband wants? There's still quite a few days left - so ask him!
I normally take point in planning our date nights but all I did for this Valentine's night was secure the babysitter. I am hoping that in planning, Ben gets to put his own personal spin on the date and what he wants to do!
Let me make a suggestion as to what a majority of men want even if they aren't willing to say it:

1. A great tasting, looking, smelling home cooked meal and home cooked dessert (I plan to make an all red dinner - red drink - red spaghetti - red dessert)

2. You pursuing him for a night of passion (remember you are married - HAVE fun! God created passion for us married folk! lol!) Don't be afraid to flirt again - wink at him across the table - suggest what is for dessert after the kids are in bed *wink*. Loosen' up and have fun! Make a memory that neither of you will forget!

3. Write a letter expressing all the things you admire about him. Consider reading it out loud to him at dinner in front of your children. Or if you are going out to dinner - put your list in your purse and then pull it out in the middle of dinner and read it to him. Trust me - he will LOVE it!
For more on the Valentine Challenge check out Courtney at

 

Here are 2 ideas to help you remember what makes your guy who he is:


•Take a blank piece of paper and write your spouse's name in the middle. Make a web with a circle for each of these categories: gifts, personality, loves, experiences, dreams, thoughts. In each circle write what makes him unique. The example to the right is really tiny in blog form ;) so if you would me to email it to you, leave a comment with your email or email me directly, and I'll be glad to send it to you as a regular attachment.

•Write your husband's full name (First, Middle, Last) vertically on the side of a page. Use it as an acrostic to think about qualities that make your man the wonderful creation God has made him. (Ex. J-Jesus Lover, E-Explorer, F-Friend, F-Faithful... )



 
Looking for even more ways to tell your hubby you love him?

TEXT HIM A LOVE MESSAGE

DO ONE OF HIS CHORES FOR HIM Pick a chore that he dreads, such as mowing the lawn, and do it for him. Watch him as he sighs with relief.

START A HOBBY TOGETHER Sharing a hobby together such as horse back riding, completing a home improvement project, or selling on eBay can help keep you close.

PLAY A GAME TOGETHER Have fun doing things together such as playing board games, riding bumper boats, or playing miniature golf. Just remember, if he should get the best of you, don't tackle him unless you're laughing!

SHOW APPRECIATION When your husband works hard, or does something for you, let him know you appreciate him.

MAKE YOUR HOME HIS REFUGE Let your home be a haven were your husband can retreat from the stresses of life. Do your best to make it a pleasant environment.

LAUGH AT HIS ANTICS Don't let the little things that your husband does get on your nerves. If you think about it, some of these things may have been what attracted you to him! He just wouldn't be the same if he didn't do these things.

PRAY FOR HIM Ask God to give him that extra boost to make everything OK. Let your husband hear you pray too. This will let him know that when you can't make it right, you'll ask someone who can.

CHECK BEFORE THROWING THINGS AWAY If your husband has some things that seem useless to you, don't trash them until you've made sure he doesn't need them.

CHECK BEFORE REARRANGING Ask your husband if it's OK before you move or straighten things on his desk or work area. If he has things where it's easy to find, it might make it chaotic if it's moved.

TAKE A WALK OR A HIKE TOGETHER Let nature set the mood for romance! Talk, listen, and hold hands.

DON'T EXPECT HIM TO READ YOUR MIND If there is something you want your husband to know about you, tell him. Don't expect him to just know what you're thinking or what you need.

BAKE HIS FAVORITE DESSERT - Nothing says "Loving like something from the oven" LOL!
LAUGH TOGETHER Forget your adults for awhile, and just act silly together. Also, if something should go awry, try to find some humor in it somewhere. This will also reduce the stress of the situation.

RESIST THE URGE TO SNOOP Don't sneak around and check up on your husband, if you want to know something, ask him to his face.

GIVE HIM A ROMANTIC CARD Don't wait for a special occasion to give him a card. Find the most romantic card you can find and leave it in his car. Don't forget to add your own personal message! Maybe you'll even make him nervous, wondering if he forgot an anniversary!

PACK HIS FAVORITE TREAT Buy his favorite candy bar or other treat, and pack it in his lunch with a love note.

TAKE HIM TO TEST DRIVE HIS DREAM CAR Drive him to a car lot some Saturday, and let him test drive the car of his dreams - even though you probably won't buy it.

TALK ABOUT THE FUTURE The future isn't as far away as it seems sometimes. Talk about where you'd like to be when you're married 50 years, and work on making those dreams happen.

GIVE HIM THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT Don't jump to conclusions if your husband has said or done something questionable. Give him the chance to explain before you pass judgment.

LET HIM BE THE MAN OF THE HOUSE Although this is growing increasingly unpopular, it does still work. Just because your husband is in charge of the household doesn't mean that you can't share your opinions, it just means he's captain of the team.

SAY, "I'M SORRY" Although you may not want to admit it, there will be times when you're in the wrong. Maybe you've said something hurtful or done something insensitive. Never have too much pride to tell him you're sorry.

KEEP YOUR PROMISES If you told your husband you'd do something, make sure that you follow through.

Scripture Memorization for February 1, 2011

"Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other,

Let us show the truth by our actions."

1 John 3:18

Scripture Sunday

Sunset off of our front porch two days ago

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

January 1, 2011 Memory Verse

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

Starting this year, a few very good friends and I are going to try to memorize a new scripture on the 1st and 15th of every month.

Accountability is a great thing! Would you like to join us from near and far? Your verse doesn't have to be the same as mine! If you want to participate & be held accountable, Shoot me a comment or email with your memory verse for those 2 weeks.

May the New Year bless and prosper you!

Marriage Monday, His Wife, What to do when life hurts

Getting Away
The writer of Proverbs urges us to, "Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well," (Prov. 5:15) encouraging us to enjoy our own spouse, instead of sharing ourselves in physical and emotional intimacy with anyone else.


The reality is, sometimes it's hard to get to the cistern! A man could die of thirst waiting for the crowds to disperse around his own cistern. We have to clear the way in our lives, so we can enjoy the closeness of our marriage partner. Kids a problem? Going away together to nurture your closeness can be one of the best things you can do for those kids. Don't let that stop you.

Join Julie at http://comehaveapeace.blogspot.com/ for more
_____________________________________________________
I had to share the ENTIRE article that I found at http://www.wivesoffaith.org/ I hope that you use it as much as I have been trying to.
His Wife
In this chapter we are going to be talking about the wife–YOU. Without learning about ourselves first, we cannot effectively learn how to pray for our husbands. We will talk about how to change ourselves first before trying to change our husbands, creating a home, respecting our husbands, and much more!


The Bible has a verse that talks about taking care of our own personal problems first before we try to everyone else’s. It says,

“And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.“ -Matthew 7:3-5

Before we judge our husbands for all the things we think they do wrong, we need to search our own hearts before God, and ask for forgiveness for the things that we have done wrong. We need to change what is wrong in our lives instead of trying to change our husbands. We need a pure heart before God, so that we can come to Him in prayer and He will listen. “The hard part about being a praying wife, other than the sacrifice of time, is maintaining a pure heart. It must be clean before God in order to see good results. If you have resentment, anger, unforgiveness, or an ungodly attitude, even if there’s a good reason for it, you’ll have a difficult time seeing answers to your prayers. Sometimes wives sabotage their own prayers because they don’t pray them from a right heart.” No one is perfect, but we can come to God with pure intentions and a pure heart. God knows our hearts better than anyone else, and He knows if it is pure or if we have bad intentions. When God sees that we want to do right and have the right attitude He will honor that.

Who, Me?… Change?

The thing about praying for our husband is that we expect change. Maybe we want our husbands to change or maybe a certain situation he is in to change, but the only change we can expect in the beginning is from ourselves. Me? You ask. Yes, you. How can we expect our husband and those around us to change if we are not willing to change ourselves first? “When you pray for your husband, especially in the hopes of changing him, you can surely expect some changes. But the first changes won’t be in him. They’ll be in you. If this makes you as mad as it made me, you’ll say, ‘Wait a minute! I’m not the one that needs changing here!’ But God sees things we don’t. He knows where we have room for improvement.”

In this section, there is something Stormie has said that I really like. In my book, I have it starred because I feel it is a key point, here I am putting in bold. “The most effective tool in transforming your husband may be your own transformation.” Put away the pride and ask God to change you. Ask Him to make you into the wife you need to be, and to show you what areas you need to change. “Your attitude must be, ‘Whatever You want Lord. Show me and I’ll do it.’ It means willing to die to yourself and say, ‘Change me, Lord.’

The Ultimate Love Language

Have you ever read The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman? If not, that is an excellent book as well. In that book it talks about how each person has his or her own love language- the way they show love or like to be shown love. Prayer is the ultimate love language. It is the best way to show that you love your husband even when you don’t want to pray for him, because when we love someone we are willing to do things we don’t want to do. “When you pray for your husband, the love of God will grow in your heart for him Not only that, you’ll find love growing inhis heart for you, without him even knowing you are praying. That’s because prayer is the ultimate love language. It communicates in ways we can’t.”

I Don’t Even Like Him- How Can I Pray for Him?

“Have you ever been so mad at your husband that the last thing you wanted to do was pray for him? So have I. It’s hard to pray for someone when you’re angry or he’s hurt you. But that’s exactly what God wants us to do. But how do we get past the unforgiveness and critical attitude?”

“The first thing to do is be completely honest with God. In order to break down the walls in our hearts and smash the barriers that stop communication, we have to be totally up front with the Lord about our feelings. We don’t have to “pretty it up” for Him. He already knows the truth. He just wants to see if we’re willing to admit it and confess it as disobedience to His ways. If so, He then has a heart with which He can work.”

Have you ever tried to hide things from God? It doesn’t really work does it? It’s funny how we forget that God can see every little thing that we do. So how can we be completely honest with God? “If you are angry at your husband, tell God. Don’t let it become a cancer that grows with each passing day. Say,

‘Lord, nothing in me wants to pray for this man. I confess my anger, hurt, unforgiveness, disappointment, resentment, and hardness of heart toward him. Forgive me and create in me a clean heart and right spirit before You. Give me a new positive attitude toward him. Where he has erred, reveal it to him and convict his heart about it. Lead him through the paths of repentance and deliverance. Help me not to hold myself apart from him emotionally, mentally, or physically because of unforgiveness. Where either of us needs to ask forgiveness of the other, help us do so. If there is something I’m not seeing that is adding to this problem, reveal it to me and help me to understand it. Remove any wedge of confusion that has created misunderstanding or miscommunication. Where there is behavior that needs to change in either of us, I pray You would enable that change to happen. As much as I want to hang on to my anger toward him because I feel it is justified, I want to do what You want. I release all those feelings to You. Give me a renewed sense of love for him and words to heal this situation.’”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hope that you still have been remembering to pray for your husband at least 5 minutes a day. Of course you are free to pray more as well, but as I know some are pressed for time, 5 minutes is sometimes all it takes! if your not sure what to pray, this week pray for God to change your heart and to change you. When you are mad at your husband this week pray the prayer above and ask God to help you not to be angry anymore.

Questions:

1. Did you pray for 5 minutes everyday for your husband this past week?

2. Did you find a prayer partner to pray together with?

3. What are some changes you have noticed in yourself or your husband?

For more WONDERFUL writers and topics, visit http://www.wivesoffaith.org/
_______________________________________________
I also wanted to leave you with this since it is something that I have been struggling with as well.
Also copied in its entirety from Courtney at http://www.womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/
She is an awesome christian writer who constantly inspires me!
What to do when life hurts
Today I'm thinking about the reader who is frustrated with her home and feels that it is anything BUT a haven. I turn to Psalm 23 and I think about the inner dialogue of a woman who is hurting...


1 - The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. (want. want. want. I want...)

2. He makes me lie down (lie down...if only I could lie down for just 20 minutes...if only if only if only) in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. (quiet. quiet. quiet...this home is so loud...television, ipods, cell phones, chatter, I can't get a moment of quiet here).

3. He restores my soul (my soul. needs. restored. ...it hurts). He guides me in paths of righteousness. (I am so alone...I have no one who understands...if only I had someone to get me out of this mess. mess. mess. Someone besides me please clean up this mess!).

4. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil (what if. what if. what if. what if I'm not enough?) for you are with me (you are? why are you so silent God?); your rod and your staff they comfort me. (comfort. who needs comfort. I am strong. I will pick myself up and press on. I am not weak.)

5. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (overflows. overflows. overflows. Dirty dishes overflow, closets overflow, my trash cans overflow, my laundry baskets overflow, my calender overflows...if everything is so full - why do I feel so empty?)

6. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. (follow. follow. follow. I feel like difficulties, trials, disappointments, bad relationships and financial problems follow me... goodness? love? follow me?) and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (put on fake smile. I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever...BUT...I want. I want. I want. if only. if only. if only. my soul hurts. mess. mess. mess. I am weak. no. I am strong. empty. empty. empty.)

Do you hear the self talk? Do you hear what is happening between this woman's two ears? She is saying rotten things to herself about her life, about the people in her life, about her circumstances, and even about God. And then she wonders...why? don't? I? have? peace?

The problem is not out there - it's inside of her. Romans 12:2 says, "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Do you want to see a change in your home? It starts in your mind.

The Lord is indeed your Shepherd and you shall not be in want. You must claim these truths. Let him lead you by still waters...are you thirsty? Sit still. Drink a tall glass of his living word! Let him restore your soul. He is with you. He loves you. You will one day dwell in his house forever. You only have one life and living it in the Eeyore state is not living at all!

Are you in a storm? Do you need help? Psalm 121:1 says, "I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."

At the core - I am empty, ugly, self-seeking, insecure, questioning myself to death regularly (even cried for about 30 minutes in my husband's office this week over my fears. fears. fears. and failures). I hurt. I struggle. I wrestle. But then - I lift my eyes up to the maker of the heavens and the earth and this world pauses for just a moment and all my ugly thoughts and self talk are washed away by his love, grace and peace. The storms do not disappear but seeing a glimpse of the sunshine that awaits me, lifts me up when I am weak. I am weak. I am weak. He is strong. And so I rest. And he restores.

Blessings for your week!

Marriage Monday, Making your home a haven, and some thoughts

Thoughts
I wonder. . .

Why I’ve assumed my husband would have such unbelievable faith in me. And why I’ve been so quick to take it for granted.
I wonder. . .
How can I ever thank him for being the Godly man that stands beside me when I need a hand to hold, backs me when I need someone to fall into, and gets down on his knees when I need a lift through his prayers.
I wonder. . .
Do you have a person in your life that is helping you accomplish your dreams? Will you recognize it? How will you thank them?
Exert from Stephanie Bryant
And this really sums up how I feel about Ben and all the support he has given me over the past few months while I have been starting my home business. I am so grateful to have him and all the support that he has always given me. I am working hard on not taking it for granted.
More thoughts
Don’t let people’s compliments go to your head and don’t let their criticisms go to your heart.


To the depth we do either of these things, is to the depth we’ll be ruled by what other people think of us. And boy is it dangerous to build the stability of our identity on the fickle opinions of others.

Each day, let God whisper the truth of who you are and whose you are in your heart and mind. Filter the opinions of others through the reality that just because they think it- doesn’t make it true. Be brave enough to see negative feedback as a possible call to action but not a definition of your identity. And while you enjoy the positive feedback refuse to get bloated by it.

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things,” (Colossians 3: 1-2).

From Lysa at http://lysaterkeurst.com/2010/11/compliments-and-criticisms/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LysaTerkeurst+%28Lysa+TerKeurst%29&utm_content=Yahoo%21+Mail
Marriage Monday-Legacy of Love

A lot of people today feel discouraged they don't have much of a legacy to follow when it comes to examples of loving, godly marriages. But many Christians who "walked the aisle" before us carved out a legacy of love we can claim as our own.
 1 Peter 3:3-6

Your adornment must not be merely external--braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.
What will you do today to add to the heritage of godly wives?

From Julie at http://comehaveapeace.blogspot.com/
I am working hard at creating a loving and godly marriage so that our children have a blessed legacy of love to carry with them......
Making your home a haven

Week #5 Challenge: Focus on the kitchen, the heart of the home. Cook things with pleasant aromas. Pick a meal the family can cook together - include everyone in a task and take pictures so everyone can remember moments in the kitchen together - test tasting, being creative, laughing and loving. Remove discontentment with your home or family and give thanks to God.


First - let's focus on the spiritual side. Give thanks! In Luke 11:3, Jesus says to pray like this "Give us each day our daily bread." Do we pray and ask God for our daily bread? In America - we are so blessed we rarely have to ask. We should be abundantly thankful for the food we have! Give thanks! Give thanks for your food and give thanks for your family you share it with.

From Courtney at http://womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/

Marriage Monday & Making your home a haven

Here's week #3's Challenge: List a few of the spots in your home that make you visually stressed because of all the clutter. Now go buy something for that spot - like a basket to put it all in! Work on cleaning up clutter. Throw things away. While you're at it - clean up some clutter in your spiritual life. What gets in the way of your peace spiritually?

Courtney at http://womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/ has issued another challenge. Are you up for it?

Anne Graham Lotz says "Repentance must be a spiritual discipline or you will become a hypocrite. Root out basic sins early in your life." Most of Women Living Well's readers fall in the 20-40+ range...we are young! Root out those sins now before they become habits - do not get cozy with sin!


So today - this is a call to repentance. I am down on my knees with you and I want all of us to be right with God. Practice repentance daily - free yourself of spiritual clutter.

Marriage Monday
Julie at http://comehaveapeace.blogspot.com/
Talked yesterday about "dump talking duos." I think that you should check it out. I know that Ben and I are definitely guilty of falling into the dumps sometimes.

Phil. 2:14-15


Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe

Being a complaining couple keeps us from shining. To keep conversation lifted above dump talk, try these reminders:
•· Instead of annoyances, talk about what you appreciate

•· Instead of problems, talk about potential

•· Instead of discouragement, talk about your dreams

•· Instead of irritations, talk about ideas

•· Instead of quarreling, talk about your quiet time

•· Instead of bashing, talk about your blessings

I hope your talk time together will be sweet. Listen to what you’re saying together, and then love your spouse by lifting the content of your conversation. And praise the Lord that huge branch didn't come all the way through our house and injure anyone, that the whole tree didn't fall, and that it's not raining! When we ask God to help us see our problems HIS way, it often ends up in praise, doesn't it?

Growing as a wife each week along with you,

Marriage Monday & Making your home a haven

Today is Marriage Monday over at http://comehaveapeace.blogspot.com/ Now I didn't copy the entire blog post today but I came close to it because Julie always makes so much sense to me. I hope that it brings you as much to ponder as it did to me.

I guess it's the way God knit me together, but "reunioning" plunges me into deep thought ... and the capacity to consume large quantities of coffee. Since it's Marriage Monday, I'll share one thought that bumped around in my head this weekend. I couldn't help but ask myself, "Have I done my husband good?" Life is so much about choices. We both could've ended up in other relationships, lived other lives. But we chose to do life together, and at markers like 20 reunions, it's good to ask, "Have I done him good?" O, I hope so!

I do tell you that I am so thankful every day that I ended up with Ben and not any other relationship. He pushes me to grow (even if it is painful at the time) and change. He is a good, godly husband and provider. And I pray that I am "doing him good."
But you don't have to wait for a 20 year reunion to ponder these things. In fact, I think it serves us well if consider questions like these early and often:
•Who is my husband, because of "me in his life"?

•How have we changed?

•What has he gained because of me?

•What have we done together?
Is his _____ better? Fill in the blank with words like: faith, reputation, character, health, confidence, experience, endurance. Have I lifted him up to help him be the "best him" he can be?
I sincerely hope that I have lifted him up to be the "best him."
Fortunately, I know I'm NOT responsible for all my husband is. He has the Holy Spirit for that! But I'm that "helper suitable for him," (Genesis 2:18) that one who "brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life" (Proverbs 31:12). That's quite a calling, friends! Part of my mission in life as a wife is to "do him good" all of my life. That's what Marriage Mondays is all about.

Other than his relationship with God, a wife can be the best thing that ever happened to a man! When I've let my flesh rule me, instead of God's Spirit, I can be relieved to know God's grace covers my mistakes. God wants us to keep growing as a wife even more than we or our husband do. Besides that, there's always another reunion to come, and that means another day to ponder ... "Have I done my hubby good?"

Are You Distracted and Distant or Making Your Home a Haven?

It is week 1 of the Making Your Home a Haven Fall Challenge. Here is this week's challenge: Go buy an extra large candle and light a candle everyday in your home. I will be starting mine in the morning! But you can start yours at dinner time. Do what makes sense for your family. I will be placing mine in the kitchen - the main hub of my home. Each time the candle catches your eye, say a prayer for peace in your home.

This is just a snippet of the whole article. Go visit Courtnet at http://womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/ for more!
May your husbands and families be blessed by you this week.

Scripture Sunday/The wedding prayer/week 41 of 52

Last week during a laundry break

Our pastor preached the best sermon on submitting, marriage, & well to be honest his best sermon yet! The word submit is such a hard word/concept to swallow in today's world view. Listening to Jason's message last night, it made so much more sense.....an AHA! moment at it's finest. I thought that while I was doing a little blog surfing that I would share this and a few other tidbits.

Wives and Husbands

Ephesians 5:22-33

22Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy, cleansing[a] her by the washing with water through the word, 27and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— 30for we are members of his body. 31"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh."[b] 32This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
Truthfully, I am looking forward to letting my husband lead us more spiritually and in life. How about you girls?
For more on this sermon you can view it at http://www.fbcjax.net/ It is well worth your time!

I read this a week or so ago and loved it. I am so glad to finally have the opportunity to share it with you. It was originally posted by Lysa at http://lysaterkeurst.com/



The Wedding Prayer
Father in Heaven, thank you for this husband Ben, and wife, Jamie, and their commitment to Christian marriage. As we look ahead, we pray that their future will never lack the convictions that make a marriage strong.
Bless this husband, Ben. Bless him as provider and protector. Sustain him in all the pressures that come with the task of stewarding a family. May his strength be his wife’s boast and pride, and may he so live that his wife may find in him the haven for which the heart of a woman truly longs.
Bless this wife, Jamie. Give her a tenderness that makes her great, a deep sense of understanding, and a strong faith in You. Give her that inner beauty of soul that never fades, that eternal youth that is found in holding fast to the things that never age. May she so live that her husband may be pleased to reverence her in the shrine of his heart.
Teach them that marriage is not living for each other. It is two people uniting and joining hands to serve You. Give them a great spiritual purpose in life. May they seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, knowing that You will sustain them through all of life’s challenges.
May they minimize each other’s weaknesses and be swift to praise and magnify each other’s strengths so that they might view each other through a lover’s kind and patient eyes. Help them every day to be kind and gentle, more like Thee. Give them a little something to forgive each day, that their love might learn to be long-suffering.
Bless them and develop their characters as they walk together with You. Give them enough hurts to keep them humane, enough failures to keep their hands clenched tightly in Yours, and enough of success to make them sure they walk with You throughout all of their life.
May they never take each other’s love for granted but always experience that breathless wonder that exclaims. “Out of all this world, you have chosen me.” Then, when life is done and the sun is setting, may they be found then as now, still hand in hand, still very proud, still thanking You for each other.

May they travel together as friends and lovers, brother and sister, husband and wife, father and mother, and as servants of Christ until He shall return or until that day when one shall lay the other into the arms of God. This we ask through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, the great lover of our souls. Amen.