As we’ve mentioned we are decluttering our house. Every closet, every drawer, every cabinet is being organized and it feels amazing. If clutter were measured in pounds I think we’ve lost at least 100 pounds. Yes!

I must tell you, we made a discovery in our pantry that brought a smile to our faces.

Years ago, actually when we first got married, I collected match books from any restaurant or hotel we visited. I would put the date inside the book and what we were celebrating as a way to document the event. Imagine my delight when I found my collection buried in the back of our pantry behind some hardly used appliances?

There is the matchbook from the Don Cesar Hotel. We stayed there in June of 1979 to celebrate the one year anniversary of our first date. There’s one from Maison et Jardin, the French restaurant that Tom took me to on that first date. So many memories appropriately remembered with matches–used to ignite a fire.

“Keep the fire lit in your marriage, and your life will be filled with warmth.” – Fawn Weaver

This was a inexpensive way to commemorate our celebrations.

Have you ever considered doing something similar? Unfortunately, matchbooks are a thing of the past. But you could collect business cards or take photos. Just be sure to bring them and keep them in a scrapbook with the date and occasion.

Everyday you are writing your story. How much of it is forgotten unless we take the time to record it in some way.

Emotional Intimacy Prompt: Ask your spouse, “What is one thing we have done in the past that still brings you joy when you think of it?” “What is another way we can create joy-filled memories for the future?”

Date Night Idea: What did you do on your first date? Why not recreate it in some way? If your first date wasn’t that memorable, pick one that was.

Father,

Thank you for the years of memories You’ve given us. We pray that our marriage has brought you much joy. Would you help us make wise decisions each day that reveal the priority marriage is above all else? It is for You and Your glory that we ask these things.

In Jesus’ precious name,

Amen

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