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Tom and Debi
Our Book Offers Daily———Encouragement
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Category Archives: Keeping It Real
Expected vs. Given
We’ve all been there; we have great expectations for a date, a vacation, a party or even weather. And when the time comes it is “less than”. This summer Tom and I had great expectations for time away in New … Continue reading
Posted in Christian Marriage, Keeping It Real, Thankfulness
Tagged Expected over Given, Surrender, Trusting God
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Lessons from Yoda
We had a conversation with a young husband and father whom we have known since he was born. It was one of those talks where both of us were being encouraged; we were encouraging him with the gift God has … Continue reading
Posted in Christian Marriage, communication, Conflict, Forgiveness, Growing Strong Marriages, Keeping It Real
Tagged Conflict in Marriage, Lessons from Yoda, Name your fear
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Vintage Post – Your Past Does Not Define You
The following was first published in February 2019. I am often tempted to let my past influence my present. Maybe you can relate… Did you know that if you are a Christian your past sins no longer define you? You … Continue reading
Posted in Biblical Encouragement, Christian Marriage, Keeping It Real, Repentance, Temptation, Vintage Posts
Tagged Grace, Regret, Vintage Post, Your Past Doesn’t Define You
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Trusting God With Your Spouse’s Growth
We had the privilege of attending two weddings so far this year. Witnessing a new family being established under the covenant of marriage is something we don’t take lightly. Hearing the wedding vows are oftentimes over-the-top impossible to keep. Phrases … Continue reading
Posted in Christian Marriage, Faith-filled Wednesdays
Tagged Faith, Marriage vows, Romans 8:28-30, trusting God with your spouse’s growth
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On A Roll
Have you ever accomplished something together that makes you happier than you expected it would? We did a few days ago. The goal started in 2019. We had set aside time to clean out and organize our garage. But then … Continue reading
Posted in Christian Marriage, Growing Strong Marriages, Keeping It Real, Priorities
Tagged garage, marriage, Organizing, to-do lists
3 Comments
Life is Hard, But God is Good
Years ago when our kids were teenagers and still at home, a song by this title was released. It resonated with me because raising teens was the hardest thing I had yet to encounter. The Lord brought this song to … Continue reading
Posted in Aging, Christian Marriage, Keeping It Real, Music, Perspective in Marriage, Seasons of Life
Tagged God is good, Hard Times, life is hard, Pam Thum, testimony
3 Comments
Relaxed?
We have purposed this year to write consistently every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. And by God’s grace we have been faithful to do so, that is until now. Most of you know we have a special needs grandson, Elias, who … Continue reading
Posted in Biblical Encouragement, Christian Marriage, Difficulty, Grandparenting, Keeping It Real, Seasons of Life
Tagged anxiety, Megan Fate Marshman, parainfluenza3, Philippians 4:6, Prayer, Proverbs 3:5-6, Relaxed
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Required
There is one thing required for a marriage to grow strong and healthy. Without it a marriage ends up with a lot more conflicts and disagreements. This one thing is humility. It isn’t thinking less of yourself—as in self-deprecation—but it … Continue reading
Posted in Christian Marriage, Conflict, Keeping It Real
Tagged Conflict in Marriage, Humility, marriage
4 Comments
Time to Kneel
Tom and I have had projects on our to-do list for years that we simply haven’t made or had the time to accomplish well. Things that living in the same home for 32 years demand, e.g. cleaning out and organizing … Continue reading
Conscience
Conscience. The place where the Holy calls the lowly. Only those who are lowly hear the whispers of the Holy. Conscience. The tender place where God speaks and we bow tender in adoration. Conscience. Marriage is built on truth and … Continue reading
Posted in Christian Marriage, Difficulty, Growing Strong Marriages, Keeping It Real
Tagged Conscience, Healthy Marriage, Humility, Maturity
4 Comments
Not Helpful
Has someone who was supposed to do something for you or a loved one ever let you down? Did the situation not resolve with the ending you wanted? I’m certain we have all experienced such disappointments in life and in … Continue reading
Posted in Christian Marriage, Difficulty, Forgiveness, Keeping It Real
Tagged communication, not helpful, Resolving Conflict
8 Comments
Vintage Post – Physical Intimacy
Originally published 2019 Some may call this Sexual Intimacy, but we believe Physical Intimacy more accurately describes this part of marriage. This kind of intimacy encompasses so much more than having sexual relations. Physical touch and expression throughout the day … Continue reading
Posted in Christian Marriage, Growing Strong Marriages, Intimacy, Keeping It Real, Physical, Vintage Posts
Tagged Physical intimacy, Sexual intimacy, Sheet Music
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Fresh Eyes
It is spring in Florida and it is invigorating. The birds are especially loud this time of year. They are busy preparing their nests. With the focus on our home in Monday’s post, it has given me fresh eyes for … Continue reading
Dust or Stone
It is time for a heart check up. Not the kind where you go to the doctor, but the kind where you go to God. Marriage is challenging on many levels and the opportunity for being hurt or offended is … Continue reading
Posted in Biblical Encouragement, Christian Marriage, Difficulty, Forgiveness, Keeping It Real
Tagged Conflict in Marriage, Dust or Stone, Forgiveness, James 1, Offenses in Marriage
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Only One Thing Is Necessary
“But the Lord replied to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered and anxious about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part [that which is to her advantage], which will … Continue reading
Posted in Biblical Encouragement, Christian Marriage, communication, Keeping It Real
Tagged attention spans, Paul David Tripp, smart phone distractions, What Did Your Expect?
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Kindness Matters
Although the title sounds cliche’, there is no greater truth in marriage. Everything we do, think and say should be grounded in kindness. Words grounded in the soil of kindness bear the fruit of love, joy and peace in your … Continue reading
Just Kidding – Part 2
Reposted from 2012 and adds more examples and help on how to work through this kind of conflict. This is a phrase used often. It is said when the person really is just kidding. Laughter erupts with everyone in the … Continue reading
Posted in Christian Marriage, communication, Conflict, Keeping It Real
Tagged Conflict in Marriage, Just Kidding
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Just Kidding
There are times when joking with friends the words can roll off the tongue without thinking. It may be that you say something you didn’t mean to say or you say it in a way that sounds mean. Often we … Continue reading
Posted in Biblical Encouragement, Christian Marriage, Conflict, Forgiveness, Keeping It Real
Tagged Apologize, Hurting Your Spouse, Just Kidding, Proverbs
2 Comments
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