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Tom and Debi
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Category Archives: Growing Strong Marriages
6 Questions To Evaluate The State Of Your Union
It’s January, but more surprising than that–it’s 2019! It seems like yesterday when we were concerned about Y2K. We blink and time flies by at record pace. Yet it stays the same. Seconds turn to minutes. Minutes turn to hours. … Continue reading
10 Ways to Defer and Prefer Your Spouse This Christmas
If you have managed to open this post, you most likely have a minute to spare this Christmas Eve. Congratulations! Let me encourage you in this minute to make the most of this time. Pause. Breathe. Remember why we celebrate … Continue reading
What We Didn’t Know Going In To Our Marriage
When we said our marriage vows we had no idea of what lay ahead of us. We didn’t know… In our first year we would move to the one city neither of us wanted to live. I would face health … Continue reading
Step Up To Greatness
President George H.W. Bush has been honored well in his death by family, friends and even foes. I’m grateful that we, as Americans, haven’t lost our dignity in showing honor to whom honor is due. It has been refreshing to … Continue reading
Marriage Fertilizer
Two years ago I inherited my late Mother-in-law’s Christmas cactus. It was small and in a temporary container when I brought it home from her house. But the blooms were beautiful. I knew it had potential to be more than … Continue reading
Posted in Cherishing, Christian Marriage, Growing Strong Marriages
Tagged Cherishing Us, Countdown Sale, Marriage fertilizer, Marriage Tips
A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes
The title of this post is a famous line from a Disney movie, Cinderella. But it begs the question, what do you dream of? This is the kind of question that makes for a great date. I’ll never forget sitting … Continue reading
Is Your Marriage Like This?
It seems more and more couples are sharing with us the current lack of health in their marriage. We can see the pain and disappointment in their eyes. It grieves us because we know this is not how marriage is … Continue reading
2018 Date Night Challenge – The Letter “T”
We are a bit behind on our monthly date challenge, but that hasn’t deterred us from pressing on. Tom, who happens to be my favorite “T” planned a special afternoon TEA for me at a local TEA shop. I am … Continue reading
IT HAPPENS!
Today we had our septic tank pumped. It wasn’t long before I was running to close all the windows and fast! The fact that “IT” happens doesn’t make it pleasant or inviting, but it’s necessary. Our day yesterday was similar, … Continue reading
Have You Ever Asked Your Spouse This?
Yesterday we had lunch with friends and this question came up… When have you been the most afraid? It was a good question that led to an hour-long discussion involving lots of emotion. Some had had near-death experiences involving themselves … Continue reading
Vintage Post – Clinging Vines
The Clinging Vine The image was clear the minute I read the sign, “The Clinging Vine”. It was one of those signs where a business sponsors a certain section of road in order to keep it clean from trash. It … Continue reading
Posted in Christian Marriage, Growing Strong Marriages
Tagged clinging vines, grape vines, Kudzu
A Gift to Avoid Drift
For my birthday this year Tom has committed to work out with me at home. He went so far and quit his gym membership too, so I knew he was serious. I am excited for this new chapter in our … Continue reading
This One Practice Produces Change
In our last post we talked about the detriment it is to have a condemning spirit towards your spouse. Today we want to talk about the antidote. In the Christian life the antidote to a condemning spirit is a grateful … Continue reading
Marriage Creed
We visited a church yesterday while staying with our daughter and her husband in Arkansas. In the lobby they had their creed on display for all to see. It was captivating and encouraged discussion. This caused me to consider what … Continue reading
Posted in Biblical Encouragement, Growing Strong Marriages, Purpose
Tagged marriage creed, Purpose in marriage
A Closer Look at What Bores You
Living life with the same person becomes familiar as it should over time. But when the familiar becomes boring this can be the sign there is something else at play. Jon Bloom wrote an excellent article on the Desiring God … Continue reading
My Marriage Is Mediocre—Now What?
In our last post we shared 11 possible indicators your marriage might be mediocre. Today we want to offer some practical tips to help get you out of this trap. As a reminder here is our list: Your life revolves … Continue reading
11 Possible Indicators You Have A Mediocre Marriage
MEDIOCRE. Just the sound of it is blah, don’t you think? I looked up the definition and found this interesting… One of the things that is remarkable about mediocre is the extent to which it has retained its meaning over … Continue reading
Posted in Boredom, Christian Marriage, Difficulty, Growing Strong Marriages, Priorities, Troubled Marriage
Tagged Brian Cranston, marriage, mediocre, settling in marriage
Marriage Markers to See and Follow
Tom and I visited Sequoia National Park several years ago. We decided to hike a trail through the giant trees. We were encouraged to try a shorter trail requiring little experience. As we headed out we found one that said … Continue reading
Where Will This Trail Lead?
Summer. The time when many of us plan family vacations to see places we’ve not seen before. I know some friends who have made it their goal to visit every National Park in America, and so far they’ve made it … Continue reading
