Tom and Debi
Our Book Offers Daily———Encouragement
Member
Category Archives: Cherishing
Quiz Your Spouse
It’s Back-to-School week in most areas. A time when parents can kick back into a more established routine. There are tests to study for and lunches to be packed. It’s all part of the rhythm of the school year. Our … Continue reading
A Humble Spouse
We just finished going through the book, Cherish, by Gary Thomas, for the umpteenth time. And that is no exaggeration. You would think we wouldn’t need to read a book like this over and over. Especially since we’ve been doing … Continue reading
Posted in Cherish, Cherishing, Christian Marriage, Growing Strong Marriages, Intimacy, Repentance, Temptation
Tagged Andrew Murray, Cherish by Gary Thomas, Humility
3 Comments
Today
Today marks 15,695 days I have been a Mrs. Tom’s one and only Mrs. to be exact. I was 19. Tom was 24. We had our life ahead of us with all its twists, turns and unknowns. These 2242 weeks … Continue reading
Posted in anniversaries, Celebrations, Cherishing, Christian Marriage, Keeping It Real
Tagged 43 years, Anniversary, Everlasting arms of God, marriage
2 Comments
This Man
He serves tirelessly. He works hard when someone is depending on him. He is faithful to complete any job well. And He does it with joy. We have had a hard few seasons back to back. We have lacked time … Continue reading
Posted in Cherishing, Christian Marriage, Keeping It Real
Tagged comforts of home, serving, Strong Marriage, This Is Us
1 Comment
Comfort and Joy
It’s Christmas week and we’ve been more aware in recent years of our need for comfort and joy. Tom’s stepdad is in the final stages of life with Hospice overseeing his comfort. He has lived a full life and at … Continue reading
Focus
This has been a challenging season for most marriages. The reasons vary, but the pressure is similar. How can we turn our focus from what troubles us to what blesses us? Pray. Ask God to give you an idea on … Continue reading
Crossing the Line of Acceptance
I know which side he sleeps on when he first goes to sleep. I know his favorite snacks I know how to make him smile when he doesn’t feel like it. I know his story–every detail of how he came … Continue reading
Do You Know Your Spouse’s Touchstones?
Touchstones are the parts of books, movies, poems, artwork or even songs that touch our heart in specific and meaningful ways. It’s usually the part that either takes your breath away or brings tears to your eyes. And it’s often … Continue reading
Posted in Cherishing, Christian Marriage, romancing your spouse, Romantic Ideas
Tagged memories, The Family Man, touchstones, you've got mail
1 Comment
How Do You Like Your Eggs?
My Father-in-law is living with us and I recently asked if he liked eggs. He told a story of how he used to make fried eggs for his wife who passed away last year. It brought a smile to his … Continue reading
Posted in Birthdays, Cherishing, Christian Marriage, romancing your spouse
Tagged Acts of Service, Flowers, Fruitfulness in Marriage
Comments Off on How Do You Like Your Eggs?
Curiosity Kills Assumptions
I’ve been thinking about the importance of curiosity in marriage. Curiosity is what keeps us inquiring about something. When we’re curious we want to know more and don’t assume we’ve discovered all there is to know. Curiosity kills such assumptions. … Continue reading
Posted in Cherishing, Christian Marriage, communication
Tagged Cherishing Your Spouse, Curiosity, Curious
4 Comments
Creativity Wins This Valentine’s Day
As most of you know, Tom (Papa) and I (Nana) are in Arkansas helping our daughter and son-in-love with their first baby who was born at 24 weeks and 5 days in October. They came home after being 2 hours … Continue reading
Posted in Cherishing, Christian Marriage, Difficulty, Holidays, humor, Valentine's Day
Tagged Creativity, Romance, Valentine's Day Ideas
Comments Off on Creativity Wins This Valentine’s Day
The Annoying Hiccups of Marriage
In this season of quarantines being relaxed and then restricted again, it can become disconcerting. But let’s remember the one constant in our life…our marriage. Whatever restrictions we face, we are in this together. Hiccups and all! Two are better … Continue reading
Making Memories That Last
I haven’t posted in a while because I’ve been on a retreat with several of my dear friends. I am learning to be present wherever I am, and last week I was present with them and with the Lord who … Continue reading
Posted in Cherishing, Christian Marriage, Emotional, Growing Strong Marriages, Intimacy, Love Songs, Music
Tagged Boxes, Goo Goo Dolls, Love Songs, memories, Widowed
1 Comment
One More “Let’s Be” to Practice
I’ve been surprised that I haven’t written more during the quarantine. One would think that a writer writes, and only needs time to do so. And that is true, unless you are practicing this final “let’s be”. Let’s be present. … Continue reading
To Love and Cherish
We were asked to share the following post with our church family. We wanted to share it with you as well… Most of us included this line in our marriage vows. And if you are like us, you have probably … Continue reading
Posted in Cherishing, Christian Marriage, Difficulty
1 Comment
Today’s Moments Make Tomorrow’s Memories
It happens every Spring. Sitting outside for dinner on our back porch I hear the crickets chirping their greeting to us. It immediately reminds me of going to my grandmother’s home when I was a child. They lived on 12 … Continue reading
Posted in Celebrations, Cherishing, Christian Marriage, In-Laws, Romantic Ideas, Travel, Vacations
Tagged Crickets, Family recipes, Italian cuisine, making traditions, Poetry
2 Comments
To Do Or Not Do, That’s The Question
This Saturday is February 1st. It’s hard to believe we are already one month in to the New Year. And we are fast approaching one of my favorite holidays–Valentine’s Day. I love this day because our tradition is for me … Continue reading
Try Something New For A Change
It’s been two weeks since my last post, and I’m still struggling to get well. Since I don’t want to leave you hanging, I figured a quick update would be good. Being home for what seems like forever, I have … Continue reading
Posted in Aging, Cherishing, Christian Marriage, Growing Strong Marriages, In Sickness, Love Songs, Music, Romantic Ideas, Seasons of Life
Tagged Love Songs, Ollie Gabriel, Slow Dance music, Something New, Songland
Comments Off on Try Something New For A Change
Living Our Marriage Backwards
Our church just finished a series studying the book of Ecclesiastes. It has been a sobering and encouraging endeavor. I have learned much in the process. I am grateful for a church where God’s Word is cherished–all 66 books of … Continue reading
Pause and Consider
We all have one, at least one, but we may not realize it because of our lack of pausing and considering it. I’m talking about an area of strength in your marriage. Oftentimes we focus on what is lacking and … Continue reading
The Romantic Vineyard 