Category Archives: Growing Strong Marriages

No Grunting Allowed

It started almost 3 years ago when a friend gifted Tom one month to work out with him for an hour. It was scheduled twice a week, with his personal trainer. This is all it took for Tom to begin … Continue reading

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Always On My Mind

I love music. I usually have a song running through my thoughts, and often wake up with one playing on repeat. Sometimes I notice this more than at other times—like last night. Tom and I were sitting outside enjoying the … Continue reading

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How Kind Of You, Ay?

While in Canada we noticed something quite unusual and it made us happy and sad; the Canadian drivers are incredibly polite. For example, Tom needed to get over a lane but there were a lot of cars. He put on … Continue reading

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Joy In Endings

Today we start our trip home. It has been an incredible time away seeing parts of God’s creation of which we had only heard. The words weren’t adequate in describing it. Even my camera fell short in capturing what my … Continue reading

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Good Advice

Our daughter-in-love shared something with me I’ve never forgotten. Shortly after her grandmother died, she explained the reason for her long, well-lived life. Her grandmother purposed every day to laugh out loud—not just a chuckle—but the deep belly laugh that … Continue reading

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Rest

This word can either make you sigh with a smile because you understand the benefit of rest. Or it can ache like a pebble in your shoe, wanting it but never getting relief to find it. Why is rest so … Continue reading

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Are You Prepared For A Marriage Hurricane?

It’s nearing the peak of hurricane season in Florida (September 10th). The newest families to call Florida home are the ones most likely to panic as a storm approaches. As a native Floridian, we don’t panic, but we prepare. We … Continue reading

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Avoiding The Door

Imagine living in a house that had one door you never opened; one room ignored. It is avoided because neither spouse wants to go there. Instead both go the long way around it as they live their days together. The … Continue reading

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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

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Fighting Fair

Fighting looks different for every marriage. * Some are silent fighters—the cold shoulder is their weapon of choice. * Some are score keepers—their weapon of choice is a list of wrongs suffered. * Some are angry—their weapon of choice is … Continue reading

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Vintage Post – Entering the Quiet—the Unbridled Tongue

Originally posted in 2012 I have always loved to talk–ask my family, ask my husband. It is something I enjoy doing. It wasn’t until the past few years though, when the Lord began arresting my attention in this area of … Continue reading

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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

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My Last Dying Breath.

On American Idol we witnessed the sweetest public display of affection that had the audience in tears. The contestant’s name is, Thunderstorm Artis, and he is obviously a caring and understanding husband. He sang a song he wrote for his … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Marriage, Emotional, Growing Strong Marriages, Intimacy, Love Songs, Music | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Foodie Fridays – The Master’s Famous Peach Ice Cream Sandwiches

Tom and I love playing golf together. Our parents played together, and we have carried on the tradition. Most Sunday afternoons you can find us watching it on TV and this weekend is the Sunday of all Sundays to watch. … Continue reading

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We Blinked

Yesterday was a banner day for us. Our church, Metro Life Church in Casselberry, FL, turned 40. We were part of the start in the spring of 1985. We had two of our three children at that time as 17 … Continue reading

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Foodie Fridays – Chicken Fried Chicken

Comfort. It’s part of my word for this year, #comfortandjoy2025. This has been one of those weeks I would rather avoid. But I’ve learned in the last few years that hard times produce good fruit. That is, if we are … Continue reading

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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

Posted in Biblical Encouragement, Christian Marriage, communication, Conflict, Difficulty, Growing Strong Marriages, Keeping It Real | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

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

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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

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There’s No Place Like It

Having just returned from celebrating our anniversary, we are freshly aware of how much we love coming home. It doesn’t matter how nice the place is we visited; there comes a point when we both just want to be home. … Continue reading

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