Category Archives: communication

He Said, She Heard

It started out like a typical conversation: He: What do you say we go get some ice cream. She: That sounds good, BUT I really don’t need it. He: Yeah, and I don’t really want it. An hour passes, and … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Marriage, communication, Conflict, Growing Strong Marriages | Tagged , | 9 Comments

Be All There

I am resolved to be completely present wherever I am.  I’ve realized recently that too often I’m not present mentally, though I may be physically. I am often distracted in the present by the future, which robs me of all … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Marriage, communication, Date Night Ideas, Growing Strong Marriages, Mark Your Calendars (time sensitive), Priorities | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Showing Honor

Most of us are familiar with the practice of introducing a guest speaker, either at a conference or church function. Usually the person chosen to introduce the guest speaker knows the person well enough to add interest and intrigue to … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Marriage, communication | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

Shame On You!

This phrase is often said when someone does something they shouldn’t have. Like when a child deliberately goes against their parents’ wishes bringing embarrassment or shame. But the shame we want to talk about involves the marriage relationship. Oftentimes shame … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Marriage, communication, Difficulty, Growing Strong Marriages, Sexual Intimacy, Spiritual Intimacy, The Gospel & Marriage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Open Or Closed?

We are in the mountains of North Carolina this week celebrating our 33rd anniversary (24th). It has been a beautiful week. Our daughter, son-in-love and two grandchildren were able to join us from Saturday until this morning, and now we … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Marriage, communication, Difficulty, Growing Strong Marriages | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Love is…not irritable

The following was originally posted in June of 2010, but the Truth I needed then can certainly be applied to me today. I am in constant need of God’s mercy and grace. And the best news is that His mercies … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Marriage, communication, Growing Strong Marriages, Love is | 3 Comments

Love Does Not Insist On Its Own Way!

As we continue our discussion of what Love is and isn’t as defined in the Bible, we are learning simple adjustments to make in how we relate to one another.  So far we’ve discussed these points: Love is patient and kind. … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Marriage, communication, Growing Strong Marriages, Love is, Music | 3 Comments

Hit Or Miss

When schedules are demanding and time to connect is lacking, it is easy to find our communication either hitting or missing the mark. Have you ever said one thing only to have your spouse interpret what you said, how you … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Marriage, communication, Conflict, Growing Strong Marriages | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

How Are You?

I am often stumped by this simple question – how are you? I have to stop and actually think about how I am doing before I answer. I used to answer a quick, “fine and you?” But I can no … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Marriage, communication, Date Night Ideas, Growing Strong Marriages, Mark Your Calendars (time sensitive), Orlando Date Ideas | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Off The Air

Image Credit: gramilano.com As I am writing this post our blog is “Off the Air.” It is a strange feeling and one I’ve never experienced since becoming a blogger. We’ve had a minor issue with some people not being able … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Marriage, communication, Conflict, Difficulty, Growing Strong Marriages, The Gospel & Marriage | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Let’s Take A Walk

So many times when life is hard and the circumstances are difficult, we’ll say these four words – Let’s Take A Walk.  Walking provides perspective.  It provides much needed contemplation.  It’s simply the best way to pull back and re-access … Continue reading

Posted in Cheap Dates, Christian Marriage, communication, Difficulty, Free Dates, Growing Strong Marriages, Outdoor Dates, Spiritual Intimacy | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

The Christmas Cottage

Our Here’s to Us moment #1 is an entire post – it was that good! Not all of our moments will warrant an entire post – some may only show up on our Facebook page. But what a perfect way … Continue reading

Posted in communication, Date Night Ideas, Growing Strong Marriages, Here's To Us Challenge, Movie Dates | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Staying Current

Imagine an afternoon together on a canoe. The weather is perfect. The water is crystal clear and there isn’t anything else on your agenda for the day except spending time together. What could possibly go wrong?  Several things come to … Continue reading

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Operation Proper Exit

On Sunday night we watched 60 Minutes. We don’t normally watch this CBS program, but with the death of Andy Rooney we decided to watch the tribute they paid to him after so many years of giving “the last word.” … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Marriage, communication, Conflict, Difficulty, Forgiveness, Testimonies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Operation Proper Exit

What’s Eating You Anyway?

About nine years ago we did an addition on our house after much deliberation as to whether we should do it or move. Since we live in a neighborhood with about a dozen close friends from our church, we decided … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Marriage, communication, Conflict, Difficulty, Growing Strong Marriages | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Sharing Musts For A Healthy Marriage 5

It’s hard to believe we’re at the end of our month with only two more sharing musts to post. If you’ve missed this series, here is a recap: Vacations and Dreams A Bed and Burdens Passwords and Our Bodies Meals … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Marriage, communication, Conflict, Difficulty, Growing Strong Marriages, Sexual Intimacy | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Sharing Musts For A Healthy Marriage 4

We have been posting about “sharing musts” for the past few Sundays. Some of you probably think these are all givens, but to those who haven’t given much thought about it – we are making sure these are understood. Far … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Marriage, communication, Growing Strong Marriages, The Gospel & Marriage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Turning Down The Heat

This is Lisa Graf’s (Mom Blog) and my 3rd collaborative post on Wedded Bliss Wednesdays. Lisa’s part is in purple and my part is in red. We pray you will find encouragement to help you turn down the heat when … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Marriage, communication, Conflict, Growing Strong Marriages, Guest Post, Wives | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Love Song Letter

Tom and I started dating in June of 1978.  We were married in February of 1979, which gave me the idea of writing him a love letter using titles from the love songs of the 70’s. I plan to give … Continue reading

Posted in communication, Music, romancing your husband | Tagged , , , , , , , | 20 Comments

A Fragrant Aroma – Don’t Flip When Romance Flops

Our pastor tells us often what people remember most about his Sunday messages is when he shares a personal story of how he’s messed up.  For some reason people resonate and find encouragement through the failures of others.  Not in … Continue reading

Posted in A Fragrant Aroma, Christian Marriage, communication, Difficulty, Forgiveness, Hindrances to Romance, The Gospel & Marriage | Tagged , , , , , , , | 9 Comments