Five Summer Date Nights

Posted on June 7, 2025 by Debi Walter

Summer doesn’t officially begin until June 20th, also known as Summer Solstice. But with our Florida heat, summer arrived here weeks ago!

This is a great time to plan special dates because time slows down a bit and with longer days the possibilities increase.

Date #1

On The Water – Tom and I love any date that includes water—kayaking, canoeing, tubing, floating on a river in a pontoon boat or soaking up the sun at the beach. We realize not everyone has access to these types of dates, but a picnic by a pond, pool or water fountain can be just as romantic. Make the picnic with bounty from the sea with flavored sparkling water. Some ideas: shrimp cocktail, tuna pasta salad, fish tacos or lobster rolls. Most seafood restaurants offer their food to-go which is a better option, if you don’t enjoy cooking seafood.

Date #2

Summer Solstice Date – This year Summer Solstice falls on June 20th at 10:41 p.m. This is the day when the sun is the highest in the sky and the day is the longest of the year. This means more time to do the things you love. This would be a great day to spend extended time together. Since it falls on a Friday you could even stay up extra late and get a babysitter. Here’s a prompt—do something you enjoyed doing when you were dating.

Date #3

Movie Date at home. Select a movie about long days—any Mission Impossible movie, 24 TV series starring Jack Bauer, Independence Day or the classic, Twister. These options were suspenseful when watched for the first time, but just as enjoyable when you know how the story ends.

Date #4

Cold Drinks and Apps – we love finding Happy Hours around town to enjoy a drink and a good appetizer. You can even plan this at home, if your budget is tight. Consider your favorite Mexican restaurant for chips and salsa with a frozen margarita. Or go to your favorite coffee shop for a pastry and a cold Frappuccino. Another is Loaded fries with a milkshake. All are great options!

Date #5

Ice Cream Sundae Fundae – it’s fun to go out for a waffle cone and sit outside watching people go by. But it’s just as fun to buy all the toppings you love along with you favorite ice cream and make it at home.

Whatever you do, make this summer one to remember.

It is a blessing to have someone ready to go on a date with you. Remember the weekends as a single when you didn’t have a date and wished for that special someone to go out with? Well, now you have a lifelong dating partner. Don’t let your “I Do’s” end the “I wills” of planning special dates.

Summer is the perfect time to turn up the heat of romance in your marriage. All it takes is time and a good plan.

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We are grateful you are here, and welcome to our new followers. We pray your marriage will continue to grow as you intentionally pursue each other—one conversation, one date at a time.

Blessings,

Tom and Debi ❤️❤️

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Foodie Fridays – Cherry Bourbon Crisp

Posted on June 5, 2025 by Debi Walter

Cherries are in season and they are one of Tom’s favorites. I was never a fan, but I’m learning to love them.

Tom found this recipe he wanted me to try. He even offered pit all the cherries for me—he is a great sous chef. It helped that we bought an OXO cherry pitter.

Our cherries were so large the cherry pitter missed some of the pits. I had to cut them all in half making sure we got all the pits. I found four!

Any way, this recipe is easy once the cherries are prepped. Make sure you buy a good quality vanilla ice cream. I searched the many options at Publix and found that Haagen Das ice cream boasts only 6 ingredients: cream, skim milk, cane sugar, egg yolks, ground vanilla beans, vanilla extract.

It is disappointing that any quality product costs a ridiculous amount of money. But I was willing to give Tom the best Cherry Crisp he’s ever had. Since he keeps talking about it, I think I succeeded.

If you would like to give this recipe a try, I found it on one of my favorite sites, Sally’s Baking Addiction.

Mix the cherry filling
Mix the topping and cut in butter
Put in 9” square pan
Enjoy!

This is a great dessert to welcome summer.

What ways are you planning to welcome the season?

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We are happy you stopped by our vineyard today. Did you know that we compiled book full of healthy marriage tips, Cherishing Us? There are over 365 tips to help you stay focused on loving your spouse well all year long!

We would love to give away a copy.

Simply comment on our blog or Facebook post telling us how long you have been married no later than Sunday, June 8th! We will do a drawing from all entries on Monday morning. Good luck!

Blessings,

Tom and Debi ❤️❤️

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Trusting God With Your Spouse’s Growth

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Debi Walter

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 like, “I will never go to sleep angry.” Or “I will never break your heart.”Ummm, yes you will!

When two sinners marry each other, sin will happen. It’s what we do with it that marks a healthy relationship.

When Tom and I got married we were young and very much in love. But there were things we didn’t know about the other. God knew as we innocently and sincerely said our vows, we would be severely tested in three years time. It was a very hard season for us.

I loved Tom, but didn’t understand some of the things with which he struggled. He was my best friend and the only one I could talk to about my struggle…with him.

I didn’t know it then, but this was the best thing for our marriage.

Through the struggles and heartache, our friendship and empathy for each other deepened. We witnessed God’s kindness to us even in our sinful struggles. The Gospel light in our marriage began to burn brighter.

While we were waiting for change, trusting God was all we had.

We have learned that sometimes God takes us to the very end of our abilities, so what remains is His ability!

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” – Romans 8:28-30 ESV

What things are you struggling with as you wait for God to change your spouse?

This can be a make-it or break-it season in your marriage. We have discovered that leaning in to God is the safest place to rest when the weather in your marriage is unpredictable.

If He is the God who calms the sea, He can certainly calm the storm in your marriage. Do you have the faith to believe it? If not, ask Him. He is the Author AND finisher of your faith, as well as your spouse’s. And He is more committed to us changing for His glory, than we are.

If you are struggling waiting for your spouse to change, tell God. He has purposes for you, too as you wait. Only those who ask receive this benefit.

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We realize it is hard to read a post like this if you are struggling with an unrepentant spouse. We invite you to email us so we can pray for you. God sees and knows every detail of your marriage journey. We can confidently say, those who take God at His Word discover He is faithful to complete the work in your marriage. Do you believe it?

Blessings to every marriage reading this post,

Tom and Debi ❤️❤️

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Marriage Forecast

Posted on June 2, 2025 by Debi Walter

Summer has begun in Florida with temperatures already reaching to the mid-90’s. These temps usually encourage afternoon thunderstorms. The cool ocean breeze blows in from the east and collides with the warmer Gulf breezes coming from the west. The result is a spectacular display of God’s power. Lightning and thunder that is a spectacular show.

As a Florida native I love watching storms blow in. If you catch it right before it breaks, you can experience the strong winds and 20° temperature drop. The air is refreshing and such a welcomed contrast to the scorching heat.

Imagine if we could predict the forecast of our marriage…

“Tomorrow the chance of conflicts will increase causing a rise in temperatures. Be prepared to water yourself with Word of God to combat the scorching heat of adversity.”

…but we don’t get these kinds of warnings. Usually a storm blows in when we least expect it.

There are ways to help prevent thunderstorms from developing in the first place; Keep a short list of offenses.

If you try to overlook something your spouse said to you that hurt—it only works if you are able to forget about it. If you are still thinking about it the next day, you need to talk about it. And how you bring it up is just as crucial.

In our 46 years of marriage we’ve learned to say it like this… “Can we talk about something? Yesterday when you said “this” in front of our friends, it embarrassed me. I felt you were making fun of me.”

Now if you are the one who is hearing this, how you respond is just as important. If you blow it off as nothing, you’re only going to make it worse. If your spouse is feeling hurt it doesn’t matter if you meant to hurt them or not. The fact is you did, and their feelings are valid. Take the high road and apologize sincerely…

“I’m so sorry I embarrassed you like that. It wasn’t my intent to make you feel that way, but I see now how I did. Please forgive me. And if this happens again, which I hope it doesn’t, please tell me.”

The weather in marriage is just as unpredictable as it is in nature. Learning how to read the temperature accurately will go a long way in making your marriage strong to withstand whatever storms you may face.

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Welcome to our new followers. We are grateful you are here and hope we are an encouragement to your marriage.

Blessings,

Tom and Debi ❤️❤️

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Foodie Fridays – Italian Pasta Salad

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Debi Walter

Tom and I have been really sick the last two weeks. It has been a lot of waiting for this virus to take its course.

For a while I had no smell or taste—which is awful when you try to cook. I craved things with lots of flavor, even though the taste was muted it was still better than tasting nothing.

I realized I have never made a good Italian Pasta Salad. Challenge accepted.

All I had to do was prep and chop the ingredients, mix together and chill for at least 2 hours. It was delicious!

We loved it so much we keep eating it. And I’m happy to say my taste and smell are returning. Thank you Lord!!

Why not give this recipe a try for a family gathering this summer. It makes plenty and it is worth the effort.

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Thank you for stopping by. We pray you find encouragement for your marriage that helps you stay the course.

Have a blessed weekend,

Tom and Debi❤️❤️

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Remembering…

Posted on May 26, 2025 by Debi Walter
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Foodie Fridays – Rhubarb Spoon Cake

Posted on May 23, 2025 by Debi Walter

I love it when Tom finds a recipe he wants me to make. Recently he came upon this recipe from Erin French of The Lost Kitchen. I thought it would be like a cobbler, but it wasn’t. The cake was moist and dense, and spooned up like butter.

Tom loves strawberry rhubarb pie, but I’ve only attempted it once. The rhubarb can be watery and too tart for my liking. Finding the right balance of sweet to tart was too much work for me with no guarantee I’d like the result. So I haven’t tried it again.

When he found this I decided to give the rhubarb another chance. Besides I love Erin’s recipes, so there was hope.

Oh my goodness!

This is such a delicious dessert. I served it warm with fresh whipped cream and I see now why Tom loves it.

This recipe balances out the tart to sweet well. Do you like rhubarb? If so, what’s your favorite way to make it?

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We are so glad you stopped by today. We hope you’ll add us to your favorites and enjoy time in our vineyard.

Have a blessed weekend,

Tom and Debi ❤️❤️

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Vintage Post – Entering the Quiet—the Unbridled Tongue

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Debi Walter

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 my life. My words were unbridled for sure and full of pride.

This is the second theme Gary Thomas shares on entering the quiet:

II. A Bridled Tongue – A wagging tongue is proof of an overly busy mind. John Climacus saw talkativeness as the antithesis of spiritual depth and maturity. “Talkativeness is the throne of vainglory on which it loves to preen itself and show off. Talkativeness is a sign of ignorance, a doorway to slander, a leader of jesting, a servant of lies, the ruin of compunction, a summoner of despondency, a messenger of sleep, a dissipation of recollection, the end of vigilance, the cooling of zeal, the darkening of prayer. Intelligent silence is the mother of prayer, freedom from bondage, custodian of zeal, a guard on our thoughts.”

It is ironic that those who talk the most often pray the least, frequently giving the excuse that they simply have no time.

The mark of a spiritual man or woman is a listening heart, not a lecturing tongue.

Wow. That quote says it all, and requires one to meditate long and hard on each point.

Do you or your spouse enjoy talking excessively? 

I know this can be a touchy subject, especially if you’re the one who talks the most.

But if cultivating a quiet heart before the Lord is a priority in your life, then this subject cannot go unaddressed. God will not allow it. His still small voice cannot be heard by one who never stops long enough to listen.

I remember a season in my life when God did an amazing work in my heart. I had been away on a personal retreat. I saw things I had never seen before in my heart that needed to change. I was repentant and sincerely wanted to change. The day I was to head back home I heard God clearly speak to my heart that He didn’t want me to share any of what had happened that week with anyone else, including Tom, until He told me I could.

“What?! You mean I can’t even tell Tom?”

I was sure I had heard God because I would have never had this thought on my own. <sigh>

A sad fact, indeed. I thought Tom would press me to tell him more, but when I shared what I thought I heard God say he just smiled. He knew it was God too. <sigh, again>

I don’t remember now how long it was before I was able to tell Tom the whole story, but the point I learned was how intimate our time alone with God is. He doesn’t want us to speak of it casually. That would be likened to us speaking freely about our intimate times with our spouse with others. Just because we can doesn’t mean we should. I’ve learned to guard what happens during my quiet times with the Lord, and treat it as special as it really is.

Why not plan some time to sit down together and discuss the 11 definitions Climacus lists of talkativeness in the quote above? It may open your eyes to see things you haven’t seen before in this area of your life and marriage. 

The mark of a spiritual man or woman is a listening heart, not a lecturing tongue. – Gary Thomas

“In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” Proverbs 10:19 NKJV

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Vintage Post – Cultivating the Quiet in Your Marriage

Posted on May 19, 2025 by Debi Walter

Originally posted in 2012.

A timely reminder

This week we are delving into the depths of cultivating the quiet in our minds, hearts and marriages. It may be something you’ve thought about often, or you may be venturing into unknown territory. Whatever the case, we believe this is the direction God is leading us to post about, and we are praying for you, that God will help you in this endeavor as He has helped us this past month.

We are purposing to post only three times this week and next to give us time to meditate on the Truths of this series. Our hope is that by us slowing down our posts it will help you slow down as well and hear what God is saying to you and your marriage.

Have you ever taken notice of the Sovereignty of God in the smallest of decisions you make?

For instance, before we came away this month the Lord led me to read Gary Thomas’ book, Seeking The Face Of God. I (Debi), finished right before we hit the road to come North, but I was compelled to bring it with me in case I wanted to refer to it. I’m so glad I did.

The sixth chapter is on Cultivating the Quiet, and reading it again here in this quiet place, helped us realize how easy it is to miss what God wants to say to us at any given time. We are simply too distracted to hear Him without purposing to quiet our hearts before Him.

Consider the following from pg. 104 of the book:

In Exodus 24, we’re told that Moses went up on a mountain to meet God and a cloud immediately covered the mount. “For six days the cloud covered the mountain and on the seventh day the Lord called to Moses…” (vs. 16)

Moses sat and waited on that mountain for six days before God started to speak to him. Six days! When I sit down to pray with God and wait for six minutes I get proud of myself. All too often it’s “All right God, let’s get going, I’m a busy man. I have things to do.”

Moses was willing to sit silently for six days!

And what about the people of Israel? “When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods who will go before us’” (32:1).

What’s so sad about this passage is that the Israelites were swept into idolatry by a motivation no more noble or severe than boredom. They were bored! And that was enough to turn them to false gods. They simply got tired of waiting.

The same is true today. Ask us to give money and we’ll write a check. Ask us to show up for a demonstration or special church service and we’re there. Ask us to give up something and we’ll sacrifice. Ask us to face boredom, and we turn on the T.V., pick up the newspaper, or tune in the radio. Please don’t ask us to be bored.”

The contrast here couldn’t be more stunning. Moses waited on God for 6 days without distraction and the Lord caused His glory to pass before him. The Israelites in their waiting began to grumble and complain and then demanded action from Aaron. In 6 short days their hearts turned completely to idols. They were no longer bored, but this choice led them away from God, not towards Him. Moses on the other hand embraced the boredom and waited to see God. And he was not disappointed.

There are many times in marriage where we are forced to wait. 

  • When you are expecting a baby. There is no shortcut to birth. You have to wait out the time God has allotted for new life to enter your family.
  • When there is a job loss. This one can be quite challenging because you must stay focused on finding that job.
  • When you are raising small children. The time and effort required in this season can make your marriage seem like less of a priority.
  • When there is physical sickness or a chronic condition. There are times in marriage when physical intimacy just isn’t possible. You have to wait for healing or strength to return.
  • When caring for aging parents. The urgency in this season and the unexpected nature of being available all hours of the day and night make this a time where one spouse may have to wait for a long time for the other to be available to them.

These are just a few that come to mind.

Are you in the place of waiting? Are you having to wait on your spouse because of a situation like those listed above? Is the waiting helping you draw closer to God or are you grumbling and complaining? What things are tempting you to fill your time as you wait? Does your spouse know of the struggle you’re facing?

Don’t neglect the gift you have in your relationship with your spouse. 

You are one flesh and you both should work as a team to hear what God is saying about your current situation. He will speak, the question is will you hear Him when He does, or will you be distracted?  

Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will hear you. You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart.  Jeremiah 29:12-13 ESV

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Foodie Fridays – Tuscan Shrimp Pasta

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Debi Walter

A few years ago Tom and I went on Whole 30 diet to figure out what foods were causing me trouble. He is amazing in how he’ll go out of his way to curb his appetite to help me when needed.

We weren’t expecting to find a recipe that would become a new favorite. Tuscan Shrimp is one of those recipes too good to file away.

I tweaked a few of the ingredients that make it no longer Whole 30 compliant, but I had to keep the coconut cream for the rich, decadent sauce.

40 Aprons is the source for this recipe. I used butter for the ghee, corn starch for the arrow root and Parmesan cheese for the nutritional yeast. Also I tossed it with bucatini pasta instead of the cauliflower rice. You can choose to make it either way—both are delicious options.

We had friends over last night, and this dish was a hit. We hope you’ll make the time to try this yourself. It may become your new favorite too.

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Welcome to our new followers. Words can’t describe what a privilege it is for us to encourage you in your marriage. We all need help and we don’t take this opportunity lightly. From Date Night ideas, to good food to enjoy together, to finding biblical encouragement for rough seasons, we are committed to helping your marriage continue to grow and thrive here in our vineyard.

Have a blessed weekend,

Tom and Debi ❤️❤️

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On A Roll

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Debi Walter

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 a wave of adversity hit in our family that didn’t let up for years. When we had the time, we didn’t have the energy to do the work this project required. When we had the energy we didn’t have the time. And honestly when we had both, we lacked the motivation. {{sigh}}

I realized getting this job started was the key to actually doing it. So one day while Tom was doing errands, I started pulling everything out of the garage into the driveway. By the time he came home there was no turning back. We got 2/3s of the work done that day.

We disposed of bags and bags of garbage. Found many memories hidden in boxes of photographs. We donated probably four carloads to our local sharing center. The most rewarding was finally finding where to dispose of our 25+ cans of paint.

We completed the job earlier this month. Now every time we pull into the garage it almost makes us sing! The job wasn’t as hard as we thought it would be and the rewards of a job well-done makes us wish we had done this sooner.

Six years have passed since we put this on our to-do list, and I’m happy to say we have finally finished the job!

After our new sod was installed last month, we were on a roll. Grateful to be able to work together on big projects like these; this same kind of work is required for keeping a marriage strong.

Do the hard things, start the conversation, say you’re sorry, confess your sins, forgive when necessary, pray together, join a strong local church if you haven’t, and let others in to your lives. This is how a marriage goes from being piled with clutter and unnecessary things to a marriage that brings happiness and joy to you and those who know you. Most of all it glorifies God as He is the One who makes this kind of marriage possible.

When was the last time you both got on a roll doing necessary things?

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Thanks for stopping by today. We pray you find ways to make your marriage stronger get day after day.

It is worth the effort!

Blessings,

Tom and Debi ❤️❤️

Posted in Christian Marriage, Growing Strong Marriages, Keeping It Real, Priorities | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Life is Hard, But God is Good

Posted on May 12, 2025 by Debi Walter

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 my mind tonight. Reading the lyrics I realize how much this song was preparing me for the “not yet” of my story. Following are the lyrics:

Life Is Hard, But God Is Good

You turn the key
Then close the door behind you
Drop your bags on the floor
You reach for the light
But there’s darkness deep inside
And you can’t take it anymore

‘Cause sometimes living takes the life out of you
And sometimes living is all you can do

Life is hard, the world is cold
We’re barely young and then we’re old
But every falling tear is always understood
Yes, life is hard, but God is good

You start to cry
‘Cause you’ve been strong for so long
And that’s not how you feel
You try to pray
But there’s nothing left to say
So you just quietly kneel

In the silence of all that you face
God will give you His mercy and grace

Jesus never said
It was an easy road to travel
He only said that you would never be alone
So when your last thread of hope
Begins to come unraveled
Don’t give up, He walks beside you
On this journey home and He knows

Life is hard, the world is cold
We’re barely young and then we’re old
But every falling tear is always understood
Yes, life is hard, but God is good

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Joel Lindsey / Pam Thum

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Reading these now 30 years later the truth of this song is a comfort, not a dirge.

When I was young it was scary to look too far down the path of life. Letting go of my babies as they became teens was hard. Letting go of high schoolers to college or career was hard. Letting go of them living at home to be married or live on their own was hard.

Then comes retirement and adjusting to being with your spouse all day everyday. This wasn’t hard for us, just a new normal. But many couples find it so hard their marriage doesn’t survive the change.

Why bring this up on a Monday as you’re starting a new week? We need to anticipate the changes to come in marriage. If we don’t we’re won’t be ready when they come.

Tom and I have weathered many changes in our marriage. Honestly there were times we didn’t like the hard. But God has been oh so very good to us. We just had to make it through the hard to uncover the good.

Today you may be facing a hard season you never expected. May I say you aren’t alone? Marriage is hard work and each season brings new hard to the door of your home. Those who desire to grow their marriage for God’s glory are willing to face hard times together. Most would never choose the hard God has chosen for us, but once it passes we wouldn’t change what we learned for any amount of money.

Our story is valuable. Do you see it that way? How has the enemy succeeded in making you ashamed of your story? Don’t let the hard you’ve experienced hide the goodness of God. He has been with you every step, faithfully completing the work He has begun in you and in your marriage.

Let Him have His way and trust Him with when and where you’ll tell others what you’ve learned.

Life is hard! But never forget that God is good—always good.

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Thank you for being a part of our vineyard. We would love to hear how God has helped you through hard times. Let the comments section be your practice ground for telling your story.

Have a blessed week,

Tom and Debi ❤️❤️

Posted in Aging, Christian Marriage, Keeping It Real, Music, Perspective in Marriage, Seasons of Life | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Foodie Fridays – Mashed Potatoes with Hamburger Gravy

Posted on May 9, 2025 by Debi Walter

It’s Mother’s Day this weekend which makes me miss my Mom so much. She has been gone now for thirteen years and it’s still hard for me to walk by the Mother’s Day card aisle, as it accentuates my loss.

I have several recipes of her’s that bring me comfort. This one is the easiest and carries with it the most memories for me. Mashed potatoes with hamburger gravy is a simple meal, yet it comforts my soul, as good food should.

I recall on one of our research trips to Oklahoma for my book, my Mom and I happened on a restaurant for lunch. We were surprised to find this dish on their buffet line! Of course we helped ourselves to it, but it didn’t compare with Mom’s, I think it was missing the love stirred into the gravy. 🥰

I have made this recipe our entire marriage—our kids love it as much as we do. It is one of those recipes you can throw together when you don’t know what to make.

I hope it will become a family favorite of your’s too.

Mashed Potatoes with Hamburger Gravy

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. Ground chuck
  • 4-6 Tbs. flour
  • 1-1.5 cups milk
  • 1/4 tsp. Sage (if desired)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Mashed potatoes

Instructions:

Brown beef thoroughly, then drain off all but a Tbs. of fat. Add flour and stir to coat the meat well. Add the milk and stir until thickened. Season with spices. Serve over hot mashed potatoes. Enjoy!

If your Mom is still with you, be sure and give her a big hug this weekend and tell her you love her. If she’s not local, call her up or send her an unexpected gift card or flowers. It will make her day!

Happy Mother’s Day to all who are blessed to be called mom. It is gift that lasts a lifetime and something for which I thank God everyday.

Photo Credit: All Recipes

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Relaxed?

Posted on May 8, 2025 by Debi Walter

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 is our hero. He has overcome so many obstacles in his 4 1/2 years that make me want to cry.

He is facing another battle called parainfluenza 3. It is a virus that is nothing more than a cold to a normal child his age, but it has put him in the hospital since Monday. Our Papa and Nana hearts hurt for him and his parents.

Becoming parents to three children was one of the highlights of our young lives. Becoming grandparents to our 10 grandchildren over the past 18 years has increased our joy immeasurably. But it can also cause more heartache. When they hurt we are grieving not only what they’re facing, but also what our kids are facing in parenting them through it.

It is hard!

I (Debi) am grateful for the book I am currently reading titled, Relaxed—Walking with the One Who isn’t Worried about a Thing, by Megan Faye Marshman.

She explains,

“Anxiety can be the very thing that cripples us and forces us to try to lean on our own understanding of whatever we’re anxious about. But God also has a purpose in it. I wonder whether our problem is less about anxiety and more about what we do with it. Let’s consider anxiety as a doorway into intimacy with the Father. That is Paul’s suggestion in Philippians 4:6.

I’m not telling you to try harder not to be anxious. I’m not going to try to explain away your anxiety or pretend that going to God will just take away the anxiety in the moment. There are other books for that. This book is about not doing anything on your own. This book is about the incredible potential of bringing everything out of hiding and giving it to the Lord, who already knows it all. He knows what we’re worried about, and He’s not worried about it. He wants you to talk to Him about it, but you don’t need to be anxious about your anxiety. You can relax.

As Papa and Nana our prayer life has been about laying our burdens at His feet trusting He knows what He’s doing. We simply pray, “Thy will be done.” We are learning to relax and trust God even when we don’t understand.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6

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Thank you for understanding. Marriage is all about growing together towards God. Here we are sharing an area of growth we are currently experiencing in our marriage.

We haven’t arrived, none of us will in this life. We are walking the same marriage road trusting in our God who isn’t worried about a thing. Why should we be?

Blessings,

Tom and Debi ❤️❤️

Posted in Biblical Encouragement, Christian Marriage, Difficulty, Grandparenting, Keeping It Real, Seasons of Life | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Relaxed?

Foodie Friday’s – Stuffed Bell Peppers

Posted on May 2, 2025 by Debi Walter

I haven’t been cooking much the last couple of weeks, so I was ready to get back in the kitchen.

This recipe was fun to make. There is something therapeutic for me in prepping the veggies and cooking them all together transforming them into something delicious. My mind is focused on cooking alone and gives my brain a rest from other thoughts.

What made this recipe even more special is that it was to bless someone who needed a meal for their family. As I cooked I prayed that this family would not only be nourished, but feel loved.

I found the recipe on The Cozy Cook website. The only change I made was to omit the spicy hot sauce. If it was for us we would have kept it in and probably doubled it. But I wasn’t sure if the heat would be a blessing to this family.

Creating good food is like a dance where all the ingredients come together and enjoy their part with the music. When the meal is shared around the table with friends and family, it connects us by our most basic need—to be fed and nourished.

If we pause in the moment we can feel the warmth and satisfaction enjoying a good meal together provides.

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Welcome to our vineyard. We would love to hear from you and what life is like in your part of the world. We need each other, not only to help with hard times, but also to celebrate the good.

Bon Appetito,

Tom and Debi ❤️❤️

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Where We’ve Been

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Debi Walter

Last week our blog was silent. There is a valid reason that I explain on my personal blog today—Write From The Heart.

We invite you to click over and read it.

Our Foodie Fridays post will be back this week. ❤️

Posted in Aging, Christian Marriage, Seasons of Life, Testimonies | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Required

Posted on April 28, 2025 by Debi Walter

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 is thinking of yourself, less.

We have counseled many couples who lacked this one quality and it made all the difference.

Humility takes the hit even if it wasn’t your fault. The humble spouse is more focused on what’s best for the marriage than they are winning an argument.

The thing is it takes a humble heart to desire humility. This seems impossible and it is, but God! He is the God of the impossible.

Consider how we got saved in the first place. The One person who never sinned and had every right to defend His motives, willingly laid His rights down for our good! What a Savior!

Do you remember that God established marriage as an earthly example of how Christ loves the church and laid His life down for her? This embodies humility. What a high calling for husbands to follow.

The next time you are trapped in a conflict, check yourself for humility. Are you willing to humble yourself and seek peace?

This is required to have a healthy marriage. When was the last time you asked God to help you grow in humility? He will do it for this is praying according to His will.

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Thanks for stopping by today. We took an unexpected week off having sold some family property that has been on the market for over 2 years. It was emotional for me, Debi, and time-consuming for Tom. We are happy to have come to this point in the process.

Have a blessed week,

Tom and Debi ❤️❤️

Posted in Christian Marriage, Conflict, Keeping It Real | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Foodie Fridays – A Significant Supper

Posted on April 18, 2025 by Debi Walter

Today is Good Friday. It is the day we as Christians remember Jesus and the willing sacrifice He made for us on the cross.

But before He was arrested He sat down with those closest to Him and served them in shocking ways.

First, He had a meal prepared of bread and wine. The bread was symbolic of his body that would soon be broken for our sins. The wine was symbolic of his sinless blood that would soon be spilled beneath the cross. He asked the disciples to partake of this meal that night and on a regular basis there after. He gave one stipulation; “Do this in remembrance of Me.”

Next, He humbled Himself by kneeling before each disciple washing their dirty feet. He did this as an act to show what true love does for others—one who is willing to serve, rather than demand to be served. No other god had ever demonstrated such love and humility. But Jesus was different.

The disciples were perplexed as they took in all that had taken place. They had no idea what was coming or that this meal would be remembered until Jesus returned.

This Foodie Friday is good because Jesus set the table for us to enjoy His Supper often and with gratefulness as we remember Him.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift his face on you and give you peace.”
‭‭Numbers‬ ‭6‬:‭24‬-‭26‬ ‭

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🎶 “Friday’s good ‘cause Sunday’s coming.“🎶

Have a blessed Easter celebrating Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. We are grateful for you and your love for your spouse. It’s all because of Jesus and for His glory.

Happy Resurrection Day,

Tom and Debi ✝️✝️

Posted in Christian Marriage, Easter, Foodie Fridays, Holidays, Spiritual Intimacy | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Foodie Fridays – A Significant Supper

My Last Dying Breath.

Posted on April 16, 2025 by Debi Walter

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 wife that recalls his devotion and deep love for her.

But the most astounding part was the way he understands her every need. This song speaks volumes from which husbands can learn to help them love and understand their own wives better.

Following is his performance with the lyrics below. What an example he displayed to a watching world.

I saw you crying last night. Watch tears fall like stars from your eyes.

You don’t need me to fix it, just need a minute. Someone to be by your side.

I see the love that you give, each time I look in the eyes of our kids.

I’m always reminded how beautiful life is, and how much this time is a gift.

If you ever get the feeling, the feeling you’re falling apart, you can…

Give me the doubts in your head. And I’ll hold all the pain in my chest.

Let me carry your weight on my shoulders. Let me carry it over and over.

‘til there’s nothing, nothing left.

‘til my last dying breath.

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Thank you for stopping by today. This post begs the question, what example does my marriage display by the way I love and understand my spouse?

It would be good to talk about this together.

We all need to grow and oftentimes in ways we may not realize. Asking good questions like:

Do you feel that I see and hear you when you need it most?

Do I ever make you feel invisible?

These will open the door to emotional intimacy—the soil where a strong marriage can thrive.

Blessings,

Tom and Debi ❤️❤️

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

Making Holy Week Personal

Posted on April 14, 2025 by Debi Walter

This week is the week we celebrate the arrival of Jesus to Jerusalem. He came humble and riding on a donkey. The people rejoiced saying, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Imagine if Jesus were to arrive in your home today. Would He receive the welcome due a King?

In most marriages spiritual intimacy, that is the practice of opening up our souls together before Jesus, is often lacking. It has been true in our marriage longer than we would like to admit, but talking about it sheds light on this often-neglected discipline.

Discipline is such a harsh word; I like pursuit of godliness more.

When a husband and wife come together to worship the Lord in their own living room, their marriage is glorifying Jesus. He isn’t absent, but meets with them both right there in this holy place.

This morning after reading the Bible separately, Tom played a few favorite worship songs. We worshiped the Lord as one because as the Bible tells us—we are one flesh.

For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great: but I speak in regard of Christ and of the church. Ephesians 5:31-32

It was spontaneous and left us both filled with His presence and encouraged for the day ahead.

If Jesus were to arrive in your home today, would you pause what you are doing and let Him in? He has the words of life—your life—that apply to what you are both facing today. And the best news is that He is always with us because of the Cross.

This is how we make Holy Week personal.

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Welcome to you all! We don’t take it lightly that you read what we have to share. Our prayer is that it points you to the only One who has the words of life for your marriage.

May this week lead you both to deeper intimacy together with our Savior.

Blessings,

Tom and Debi ❤️❤️

Posted in Christian Marriage, Easter, Holidays, Intimacy, Spiritual | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Making Holy Week Personal