Photography by: Courtesy of Timberline Lodge

One of the greatest benefits of practicing romance in marriage is the strength it provides when life isn’t going so well.  We’re not talking strength in our ability to love each other, but strength that comes from putting our spouse first in the way we live.  This is modeling Christlike love to each other, and His love is what sustains us when life takes an unexpected turn.

Two weeks ago we were away on what we called Our Second Honeymoon!  It was the first time we’ve been on cruise alone since our first honeymoon 31 years ago.  It was exactly as we hoped it would be, that is until the last night on the ship; Tom came down with a fever and ended up visiting the ship’s doctor.  He has been slowly recovering ever since we returned home.

Because we have practiced romancing each other regularly, this didn’t put a damper on our time away, it only intensified my desire to love and serve him all the more.  Life is full of unexpected turns – knowing God is orchestrating everything we face helps us embrace our journey together with faith whether the sun is shining on a crystal blue sea or the winds are blowing on the window panes of our lives.

Through The Grapevine: What about you?  Do you have plans this week to romance your spouse?  Don’t let your circumstances determine your resolve.  We want to hear! If you’re local – check out what’s happening in our area:

CENTRAL

• Winter Park – Popcorn Flicks in the Park – Thursday, June 10th beginning at 8p.  The flick this month is King Kong vs. Godzilla.  As always, the movie and the popcorn are FREE.
• Winter Park – “Music at the Casa” – Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum in Winter Park, open house and live music on Sundays from 12 – 3pm.
  More info: 407-628-8200.  Free admission.

NORTH

• Sanford – Alive After Five presents, Blues and Bar Be Q on Thursday, June 10th from 5p – 8p.  Admission is $7.
• Altamonte Springs – Friday Night Live presents the sounds of DEJA at Crane Roost Park.  The concert is from 8p – 10p. and is FREE.
• Altamonte Springs – Cranes Roost Sunset Cinema presents Annie on Saturday, June 12th beginning at 8p.  The movie is FREE.

SOUTH

• St. Cloud – Cajun Crawfish Festival on Friday, June 11th.  Free event, open to the public, live music , kidzone, arts and crafts, cornhole competition and all you can eat crawfish (crawfish is ticketed). This event will be held at 10^th Street and Pennsylvania.  More info: 407-498-0008.