13 Fall Dates – #9

Posted on October 9, 2012 by Tom and Debi

Photo Credit: The Georgian Resort

What better time than the Fall to review the season when you first fell in love?

Fall Date #9

Photographs And Memories of Falling in Love

Once the kids are in bed, cuddle up on the couch with some hot cocoa or spiced cider and go through the photos from when you first met. Take your time looking at them closely. Remember what you were feeling at the time, the circumstances that caused you concern, and the things you loved most and remember best. Let this be a time of rediscovering your first love, appreciating how far you’ve come and most of all thanking God for His faithfulness to you and your marriage through the years.

End the night by praying together out loud.

There is something about hearing your spouse pray for you and your marriage that ignites fresh faith and hope for the days, weeks, months and years ahead.

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,
(Deuteronomy 7:9 ESV)

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This is post #9 in the CMBA 1/2 Marathon Blogging Challenge

to post for 13 days in October.

Posted in Christian Marriage, Date Night Ideas, Dating Your Spouse, Fall Date Ideas, Free Dates, Romance in Marriage, romancing your spouse | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

13 Fall Dates – #8

Posted on October 8, 2012 by Debi Walter

Photo Credit: My Little Carnival website

Remember as a kid when you’d go to the Fall Carnival at your school? There were always several games you could count on like bobbing for apples or biting an apple on a string. This gave us inspiration for our next idea.

Fall Date #8

Bobbing For Apples 

Get a large bucket and fill with water. Take a few apples and carve numbers on them with a knife. Each number represents a prize determined by you before the game begins. Place them in the bucket. Both of you must hold your hands behind your back and try to pick up an apple using only your teeth. Whichever apple you get is yours to keep as well as the corresponding prize. You can play this game for as long as you want or until the apples are all gone.

Photo Credit: Cheap Healthy Good blog

Next is the Donut on a String Game

Take a chocolate iced donut (or another flavor of your liking) and tie it from the ceiling with string.

Without using your hands and with your eyes blindfolded you have to find and eat the donut.  See how few bites it takes to eat the whole thing. Then let your spouse have a turn. The one who takes the fewest bites wins.

What games did you like to play at your school’s carnival? Can you think of how to make this work on your next date?

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This is post #8 in the CMBA 1/2 Marathon Blogging Challenge

to post for 13 days in October.

Posted in Cheap Dates, Christian Marriage, Creative Dates, Date Night Ideas, Dating Your Spouse, Fall Date Ideas, Unique Dates | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

13 Fall Dates – #7

Posted on October 7, 2012 by Tom and Debi

Art Credit: Kirsten Bailey

Today’s date may take a little planning, but it will be oh, so worth it! We’re planning to try this one while we’re in the mountains. 🙂

Fall Date #7

Star-Gazing

Purchase or borrow an inflatable mattress if you can. Get a set of sheets, blankets, whatever you need to stay comfortable while outside. Set up your “bed” in a flat spot with a great view of the night sky.

Crawl into your warm spot and cuddle with each other while gazing heavenward.

Use this time to watch for a shooting star. When you finally see one, pray together to God asking for His help with all you’re facing. Make this an intimate moment to connect together as you consider God’s glorious majesty. For fun study up on some of the constellations and see if you can find the major ones.

Make sure you leave your phones in the house. No need to be distracted from this date night which is sure to give you a new perspective on whatever you may be facing.

Things to consider while stargazing:

  • God knows every star by name.
  • The limitlessness of space. God oversees it all, yet He knows you by name.
  • The difference between the light and the dark. God’s Truth dispels the darkness.
  • How far reaching “forever” is. Space goes on for eternity. And God is greater than the stars and space you’re considering.

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?
(Psalm 8:3-4 ESV)

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This is post #7 in the CMBA 1/2 Marathon Blogging Challenge

to post for 13 days in October.

Posted in Date Night Ideas, Dating Your Spouse, Fall Date Ideas, Free Dates, Outdoor Dates, Romance in Marriage, romantic date nights | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

13 Fall Dates – #6

Posted on October 6, 2012 by Tom and Debi

The colors of Fall are my most favorite–reds, oranges, yellows and greens. They have a way of warming any space.

Our next Fall Date incorporates the colors of Fall in a special way.

Fall Date #6

Fall Foliage Puzzle

This one is available on eBay for $14.99

Spend an evening putting together a puzzle of a beautiful Fall Landscape. It may sound too simple, but you’ll be amazed at how much you can talk while looking for the next piece. It is sure to be relaxing and free from the social media and television that can easily rob us of our most basic need as a husband and wife–to connect.

As an added element of surprise–take a few pieces and put numbers on the back that represent rewards for finding where the piece fits. For example: Piece #1 = back rub for 5 minutes, Piece #2 = Full body massage, Piece #3 = breakfast in bed, Piece #4 = Sleep in on the day of your choice, etc. Have fun making up your own rewards and how many there will be. This may be the most fun you’ve ever had working a puzzle together. 🙂

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This is post #6 in the CMBA 1/2 Marathon Blogging Challenge

to post 13 days in October.

Posted in Cheap Dates, Christian Marriage, Date Night Ideas, Dating Your Spouse, Fall Date Ideas | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

13 Fall Dates – #5

Posted on October 5, 2012 by Tom and Debi

We hope you’ve been enjoying our date night ideas as much as we’ve been enjoying the fall weather in Northern Georgia. It’s amazing how much more inspired one can be to write about this beautiful time of year when it really is beauty you’re beholding. 🙂

Fall Date #5

Sweet and Savory Fondues for Two

To start off plan an evening where you can both be involved with the preparations. The scents of these delicious recipes will certainly get your appetite going, and when you finally sit down to a candle-lit fondue all your senses will be on board for this delectable date. What so fun about fondue is the ability to feed each other while having a casual conversation. Fondues are about slowing down and enjoying every single bite!

Cheddar and Apple Cider Fondue (Savory)

Photo Credit: Food Network

Ingredients:

  • 8 ozs. Fresh Apple Cider
  • 3/4 c. vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 T. Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 8 ozs. Gruyere Cheese
  • 8 ozs. Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • 3 T. Corn Starch
  • 1/8 t. Cayenne Pepper
  • Salt, dash
  • 1 T. Bourbon, Whiskey or Apple Jack, opt.

Fondue Dippers:

Chicken, Apple Sausage, Chorizo, Mini Hot Dogs, Baguette slices, Roasted Shallots, Roasted Mushrooms, small fingerling potatoes, pretzels

Directions:

Heat cider, broth, Worcestershire, and garlic in a medium pot over medium heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

Toss the cheeses together in a medium bowl. Sift the corn starch over the cheese, and toss to coat lightly.

Using a wooden spoon, sprinkle some cheese mixture into the warm liquid and continue to stir in small amounts of cheese until it is all incorporated and the fondue is smooth and melted, about 15 minutes. Stir in cayenne, salt and Bourbon, if using.

Transfer to a fondue pot or double boiler and serve with desired dippers.

Yield: 3 cups (Recipe source that I tweaked from the Food Network)

Caramel Fondue With Fall Fruit (Sweet)

Photo and Recipe Credit: Yumsugar.com

Ingredients:

  • 4 1/2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 cup corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • Splash vanilla extract
  • 3 apples cut into slices
  • 3 pears cut into slices
  • 1 banana, cut into slices, if desired
  • 1 lemon

Directions:

  • Juice lemon over cut apples to prevent browning.
  • Melt first 5 ingredients in a saucepan. Boil for approximately 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat. Stir in cream and vanilla.
  • Place sauce in bowl or fondue set. Serve immediately with freshly cut fruit.

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This is post #5 in the CMBA 1/2 Marathon Blogging Challenge 

to post for 13 days in October.

Posted in Christian Marriage, Date Night Ideas, Dinner Dates, Fall Date Ideas, Fun Dates, Romance in Marriage, romancing your spouse, romantic date nights, Romantic Ideas | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

13 Fall Dates – #4

Posted on October 4, 2012 by Debi Walter

We are in the middle of a series of 13 Fall Dates To Warm Your Heart. We hope you’re finding each date easy to do, and full of potential to make a romantic memory that will last long after the date is over.

One of my most favorite things to do when the weather is cooler is to have a fire in the backyard. There is something relaxing about watching the flickering flames as the wood burns in the heat under the clear night sky. If you don’t have a fire pit we encourage you to buy one. They can be found for as little as $39 at your local hardware store.

Fall Date #4 – Backyard Camp Fire

This is the time when the weather is crisp and cool when the sun goes down. A perfect time to light a fire under the stars after the kids are in bed. If you have a tent and sleeping bags, this provides a great way to cuddle and keep warm. Be sure to buy goodies for s’mores. You could even include the children on this part, and then put them to bed. Here are some things you may want to have on hand to make this night the best it can be:

  • Telescope
  • Sleeping bags – two that zip together are the best
  • Large throw blanket
  • two chairs
  • Stuff for s’mores
  • Coffee, hot tea or cider
  • Bug spray
  • Guitar, if you or your spouse are musically inclined

Be sure to leave your cell phones in the house. This is a couple of hours for couple time. No need to invite the world through social media.

When was the last time you enjoyed a fire outdoors with your sweetie?

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This is post #4 in the 1/2 Marathon Blogging Challenge to post for 13 days in October.

Posted in Christian Marriage, Date Night Ideas, Fall Date Ideas, Free Dates, Romance in Marriage, romancing your spouse, romantic date nights, Sunset Dates | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

13 Fall Dates – #3

Posted on October 3, 2012 by Debi Walter

Our view

Living in Florida we don’t get to enjoy much of the Fall season unless we wait until January when we actually see some color changes in the trees–or we buy it from the store. 🙂 You can imagine my thrill when Tom suggested we find a place to stay in the mountains for the month of October! No more wondering if we’ll hit peak. We’ll get to see peak happen slowly over the course of several weeks. I’m so excited!

Today’s Fall Date Idea requires you to be where the leaves are changing, so I apologize to my Florida friends who are unable to do this one…yet!

Fall Date #3

Take a leisurely walk together where you hear the crunch of leaves beneath your feet. While walking talk about the time in your life when you first fell in love. Remember the details–what were you wearing, how did you feel, what did you order, who did you call first after your date?

Surprise your spouse with some hot cider and a fresh caramel apple to share. Look for the perfect spot to sit and enjoy the scenery.

Dates don’t have to cost a lot, and they don’t have to involve a lot of planning. Simply enjoying the weather with the one you love is enough to count as a great date!

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This is post #3 in the 1/2 Marathon Blogging Challenge to post for 13 days in October.

Posted in Cheap Dates, Christian Marriage, Date Night Ideas, Daytime Dates, Fall Date Ideas, Outdoor Dates, Romance in Marriage, romancing your spouse | 14 Comments

13 Fall Dates – #2

Posted on October 2, 2012 by Debi Walter

We are taking part in the CMBA Challenge to post for 13 days straight in October. We’ve decided to offer 13 dates to enjoy this time of year. Be sure to check back each day, and let us know when we share one you are inspired to use.

Fall Date #2

Pumpkin Carving Contest

This is sure to be a great way to sharpen your skills at romancing your spouse. 🙂 Here’s all you have to do to make this a great date and may become an annual tradition:

What You’ll Need:

  • Two pumpkins
  • Carving tools – grapefruit knife, paring knife, large spoon and petroleum jelly
  • Tracing Paper
  • Tape or Straight Pins
  • Pattern
  • Tea Light Candle
  • Camera

(Photo Credit: While Wearing Heels Blog)

Instructions:

Prepare Fresh Pumpkins

  1. Allow your pumpkin to come to room temperature. Draw the outline of a six-sided lid on top of the pumpkin. Then draw a notch at the back to use as a guide for replacing the lid. Make the lid large enough to let you easily clean out the pumpkin. Instead of cutting a lid, you may wish to draw a round opening on the bottom of the pumpkin. With the bottom removed, the pumpkin can sit over a candle or a light.
  2. Cut out the lid or bottom opening with a saw or a knife. To cut out a lid, carve at an angle toward the pumpkin center. This creates a ledge to support the lid. To cut out a bottom opening cut straight into the base.
  3. Clean out the seeds and pulp with a spoon. Scrape the pulp from the area you plan to carve until the pumpkin wall is about 1 inch thick.
  4. For directions on carving watch the following video:

Once you have carved your romantic pumpkins–take a picture of both. Set them on a table and turn off all the lights in your room. Eat some fresh pumpkin pie, play your favorite music and enjoy the fruits of your labor in whatever way relaxes you most. 🙂

Have you ever carved a pumpkin together? What would be the perfect design to represent your love?

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This is post #2 in the 1/2 Marathon Blogging Challenge of the CMBA to post for 13 days in October.

Posted in Christian Marriage, Date Night Ideas, Fall Date Ideas, Fun Dates, romantic date nights | 10 Comments

13 Fall Dates To Warm Your Heart!

Posted on October 1, 2012 by Tom and Debi

We love this time of year. The color, the cooler temperatures, the scents and most of all, the food. Everything is focused on warming your heart. In an effort to help make this Fall the best it can be, we’ve raked up 13 Fall Dates from which to choose.

Since we are taking the 1/2 Marathon Blog Challenge this month with the Christian Marriage Bloggers Association, we thought it would be fun to post one Fall Date Idea each day of the challenge, which last for 13 days. We hope you’ll come back each day for another great idea.

Fall Date #1

Romantic Fall Dinner

How often do we throw food together without much thought or effort? Life demands we eat on the fly much of the time. Why not plan a special 3-course dinner that expresses your love for your spouse?

First, plan your menu. 

Choose from the following list or use recipes you know you love.

Appetizers:

Entrees:

Desserts:

Next, Decorate Your Space.

  • Buy miniature pumpkins and carve out the center to hold a tealight candle.
  • Buy fall leaves at the Dollar Store, and write one word on the back of each describing the attributes that made you fall in love with your spouse. Scatter them on the table with the words hidden. During dessert tell them about the leaves, then enjoy watching them read your “love leaves.”
  • For an added bonus order the Living Landscape DVD of New England in the Fall. You could have this playing during dinner, or sit down to watch it together with after-dinner coffee.

This is sure to help you “Fall” in love all over again with each other and with the tastes of the season.

What recipes do you enjoy in the Fall?

As a recap, here are the links to each of the 13 fall dates:

Date #2 – Pumpkin Carving Contest

Date #3 – Take A Walk

Date #4 – Backyard Campfire

Date #5 – Sweet and Savory Fondues For Two

Date #6 – Fall Foliage Puzzle

Date #7 – Star Gazing

Date #8 – Bobbing For Apples

Date #9 – Photographs and Memories of Falling In Love

Date #10 – Kettle, Settle and Cuddle

Date #11 – Take A Drive On A Birding Trail

Date #12 – Moon Dance

Date #13 – 12 Round Sex Match (ding ding) 🙂

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This is post #1 in the CMBA 1/2 Marathon Blogging Challenge to post everyday for 13 days in October.

Posted in Christian Marriage, Creative Dates, Date Night Ideas, Dating Your Spouse, Dinner Dates, Fall Date Ideas, Romance in Marriage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 22 Comments

Happy Hour

Posted on September 28, 2012 by Tom and Debi

This week’s Special Blog of the Week is:

One Flesh Marriage

We have had the privilege to meet Brad and Kate in person. In fact, we had them over for dinner at our home when they were visiting Orlando. They are a delightful couple who have a genuine desire to see their marriage as well as other marriages grow in their one flesh nature together with Christ as the head. We know you’ll enjoy the “he said–she said” aspect of their posts. Here are a few from this past week that are worthy of our Happy Hour endorsement:

Be a Salty Spouse – posted by Brad about cultivating spiritual intimacy.

Grow Together Spiritually – Kate’s take on the same topic.

Please Don’t Hurt Me – Avoiding conflict can cause more damage than letting God use it to challenge and change us. This is Brad’s post.

I Hate Conflict – And Kate’s honest rebuttal. 🙂

Posted in Blog Love, Christian Marriage, communication, Conflict, Growing Strong Marriages, Happy Hour, Spiritual Intimacy, The Gospel & Marriage | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Happy Hour

Slices

Posted on September 28, 2012 by Debi Walter

I haven’t done a “slices” post in a long time. It’s a post without words representing a slice of our life right now. 

Giving my mom a copy of my book. We worked on this project together for 12 years. So happy Tom was with me today.

To order, Through The Eyes Of Grace, click HERE.  Thanks!

Posted in Slices | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Have You Neglected This In Your Marriage?

Posted on September 27, 2012 by Debi Walter

Having Tom around all day everyday is great. His “Honey Do” list is actually getting shorter, and that’s a good thing. But it’s easy to take our time together for granted. I’ve noticed since he’s always here I don’t anticipate him coming home and surprising him with a special treat. It had been a while since I had done something special for him, and I didn’t like it.

This past week we both made changes in the right direction.

Tom had to run a couple errands, so I had about an hour to plan something quick. I set up a table outside by our pool for dinner. All it took was to add a tablecloth and centerpiece, then set the silverware. Voila! I had a surprise waiting for Tom in no time.

I knew I had blessed him when he took a picture of our table for two. 

He managed to surprise me as well. We were grocery shopping together–something we enjoy doing on vacation and can now do each week. 🙂 I couldn’t help but notice the fresh flower display; the bi-colored roses were breath-taking. Later that day Tom walked in the door with a fresh bouquet for no other reason than to make me smile. And that he did. (You can see them on the table–aren’t they gorgeous?)

We are proof that quantity time together isn’t the same as quality time together. We had neglected a very simple principle for a strong marriage–doing little things everyday to express your love and appreciation. This is what makes ordinary days, extraordinary. It is also what makes an okay relationship, marvelous!

What could you do today to express your love and appreciation to your spouse? Don’t put it off–there are smiles and thank you’s waiting to be shared.

Posted in A Fragrant Aroma, Christian Marriage, Growing Strong Marriages, Romance in Marriage, romancing your husband, romancing your spouse, romancing your wife, Romantic Ideas, The Gospel & Marriage | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Do You Do This?

Posted on September 26, 2012 by Tom and Debi

Photo Credit: Free Digital Photos.net

How often do you pray for your spouse? We’re not talking about as you’re driving down the road, but concerted, undistracted time alone with God letting Him know your requests for your spouse?

Prayer is our most powerful weapon against the enemy and the quickest way to enter into close fellowship with God. Maybe this is why it is so hard to actually do.

What is on your spouse’s mind tonight? What is weighing heavy on their heart?

By praying for them, not only will it help them get through the challenge, it will also draw your hearts closer together. This is part of the unity of the Spirit the Bible speaks so often about.

What if tomorrow morning you were to get up earlier than usual to intercede for them? To make your specific requests to God, and then watch what God does? When we do this we tend to notice the tiniest evidences of answered prayer, because we’re looking for it.  Try it, and see if you don’t notice.

We want to finish this post praying together for our spouse. Will you join us?

Dear Heavenly Father,

How I thank you for the ability I have to approach your throne of grace to find help in my time of need. What a gift it is to have audience with the Creator of the universe.

I want to pray for my spouse today. You know all that is concerning them right down to the very details. Would you wrap them in your grace as they go about their work today. I ask for specific answers to the prayers they have prayed. Give them wisdom. Give them grace. And most of all give them peace as they wait on You. You are the perfect, Almighty God, lacking nothing. You alone possess all wisdom. I know that when I ask these things in Your name that You hear me. And it is Your desire to answer me, so Your name might be glorified in my life. Help me to see Your hand at work in my spouse’s life. Help me to trust You for the seemingly unanswered prayers. If You aren’t answering, I know it is because You have a reason. Silence the questions that have a tendency to torment me as I wait. You are good, and as long as I cling to this Truth I know I will not be deceived to think otherwise.

I love you and count it a privilege to live my life for You.

In Jesus’ precious name,

Amen!

Posted in Christian Marriage, Growing Strong Marriages, Spiritual Intimacy, The Gospel & Marriage | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

A Quiet Thank You

Posted on September 25, 2012 by Debi Walter

Photo Credit: Michelle Meiklejohn (free digital photos.net)

Have you ever waited for something for a really long time? I mean so long that you almost gave up the hope of it ever happening?

I have. But tomorrow my wait is over. It has been 12 years in the making, but it has finally happened, and I’m not sure how I feel tonight on this eve of my dream come true.

I feel a bit numb.

It feels surreal, like I’m floating on air.

Sort of how I felt the night before Tom and I were married. I knew from the moment I walked down the aisle with my dad that my life would change forever. It did.

I’m not sure if this dream can be compared to that dream, for nothing compares to the love and commitment I have with Tom, except my love for Christ. Yet, I know my life will be different. No longer will the questions haunt me as to why I haven’t finished my book. It is finished. No longer will I wonder if anyone will care to read my grandmother’s story. I will soon know.

But what really matters is that I believe God led me to write this story. And I did it, with the help of lots of friends along the way. So tonight, as I fall asleep knowing my book is on a truck somewhere heading to the warehouse where orders can be filled starting tomorrow, I will close my eyes and whisper a quiet thank you to God who faithfully helped me do what I couldn’t do on my own.

Yes, it is the eve of my dream come true. w.o.w.

What dreams are you hoping for? What dreams is your spouse hoping for?What can you do today to bring you both one step closer to seeing them come true? 

Posted in Christian Marriage | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Live Like There’s No Tomorrow

Posted on September 24, 2012 by Tom and Debi

Photo Credit: The Spotted Olive

It’s Monday. Traditionally a day when those who go back to work or back to school let out a sigh, a moan or a prayer–depending on how much joy you derive from your lot in life.

What if today–on this Monday–we were to live differently?

To realize that each day is a gift to us from our Creator. Mondays are included in the verse:

This is the day that the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
(Psalm 118:24 ESV)

May each step be a leap of faith. May each breath exhale praises to God for what He has done. And may our relationships with our spouse, family and friends benefit from our adjusted view…

…to live like there’s no tomorrow.

Posted in A Fragrant Aroma, Christian Marriage, Finding Joy, Growing Strong Marriages | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Live Like There’s No Tomorrow

Happy Hour

Posted on September 21, 2012 by Tom and Debi

We’ve decided with our schedules being unpredictable as of late, to change the format of our weekly Happy Hour post. Instead of sharing one link from several marriage blogs, we’re going to begin sharing one or more posts from one marriage blog. We hope this will give you time to get to know the couple and possibly become a regular reader of theirs. After all, we are only one small part of what God is doing across the internet. We know you’ll be encouraged, strengthened and at times, challenged as we have been.

This week’s Special Marriage Blog of the Week is:

Marriage Missions International

Meet Steve and Cindy Wright. – Here you’ll find their love story.

  • When The “We” Breaks Apart – an excellent post that will help you face unresolved conflict in your marriage.
  • Pray Scriptures For Your Marriage – did you know that praying for our spouse using the Scriptures is a powerful tool God has given us to help our marriage grow? This post provides examples of how to do this.
  • Good Marriages Don’t Just Happen – If you have neglected quality time together as husband and wife, realize you’re heading the wrong way. Take some time to read this post if you read nothing else. It’s advice will help guide you out of this detrimental rut.

If you have time, scroll down the right sidebar of MMI. Since Steve and Cindy have been posting Biblically wise counsel for over a decade, their site is a library full of every topic or problem common to marriage. Your marriage will be blessed!

Now, won’t you take a moment and agree with us the following prayer for this excellent ministry? 

Father, we want to thank you for the ministry of Marriage Missions International. Thank you for the heart Steve and Cindy have to help those hurting marriages no matter where it is they call home. Inspire them for the road ahead. Give them the money and the help they need to keep going for your kingdom and glory. Most of all we thank you for what you are doing in their marriage, because they can’t give away what they don’t have. You have been glorified in the years they have served you. May rich blessings flow from You to them as we pray together for them.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Posted in Blog Love, Christian Marriage, Growing Strong Marriages, Happy Hour, The Gospel & Marriage | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

“‘Til Death Do Us Part”

Posted on September 21, 2012 by Debi Walter

I remember a conversation I had one afternoon with a single girlfriend of mine years ago. Somehow we got on the topic of eternity. She was asking me how I could stand the thought of losing Tom, since she knew how much we loved each other.  That is one of those topics most people don’t ever want to think about, much less talk about casually.

Death is unavoidable.

All of us will one day breathe our last. But how we live today and Who we choose to live for will make a huge difference on how we face that door when it is upon us.

I think about things like this from time to time in an effort to help me keep my heart in check. I don’t want to cling so tightly to anything in this life other than Christ. He is my Savior, my sure anchor and the One who will carry me through death’s door, as He will my husband and best friend in this life.

I know there is a better life waiting for both of us.

Don’t get me wrong–I love the life we have here and now. But it’s the passing from this one to the other that scares most people–myself included at times. So in moments like these I must speak the truth of God’s Word to my heart.

My grandmother’s favorite Bible verse was one she repeated to me over and over as I was growing up. I remember laying in her bed next to her with the lights out. It was then she would begin:

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

(John 14:1-3 ESV)

There is a wonderful video project called StoryCorps, where people are interviewed and their voices are matched to a cartoon figure bearing their likeness. It is a wonderful way to hear their story and yet, protect their privacy. We want to share with you the following testimony of a real and lasting marriage. We want to introduce you to Danny and Annie.

You will laugh.

You will cry.

But most of all, you’ll never forget the way they loved each other in such a simple, yet beautiful way. (Grab a tissue–you’ll most likely need it!)

Posted in Aging, Christian Marriage, Growing Strong Marriages, Seasons of Life | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

A Dream Come True

Posted on September 20, 2012 by Tom Walter

It has been years in the making, but Debi’s dream has finally come true. 

Together, we have sacrificed many things in the past twelve years, but it quickly became my dream to see her dream realized. She hesitated to post about it here thinking it didn’t have anything to do with marriage, but I insisted. I didn’t want you to miss out on this milestone achievement in her life–in our life. For it is when a husband and wife work together as a team that great things can happen. 

Although this was her work to accomplish, I took it upon myself to be the motivation and encouragement she needed to push through the rough patches, and there were many. I love that she has finally finished and now can share this story with others, especially our family.

If you would like to pre-order her book, Through The Eyes Of Grace, simply click the book cover. It will be shipped out next Wednesday. 

I ask you, in what ways are you helping your spouse fulfill their dreams? 

Posted in A Fragrant Aroma, Christian Marriage, Growing Strong Marriages | Tagged , , , , , , | 14 Comments

New Calendar Tab

Posted on September 19, 2012 by Debi Walter

We wanted to let you know about a change we’ve made at The Romantic Vineyard. As many of you know each Monday we’ve provided a list of things happening in and around Orlando for the week. We’ve decided it would be better to provide a local date night calendar on the tab at the top of the blog. Simply click “Calendar” to view what’s happening in the days and weeks ahead.  Orlando is a great place to enjoy a night out on the town. Now it’s easier than ever to plan ahead.

We hope you’ll enjoy this new feature.

For today we offer you some simple advice–do the one thing you’ve been saying you’ll do for a long time – today. Watch how being faithful in the little things adds spark to your relationship. 

Happy Wednesday!

Posted in Christian Marriage, Growing Strong Marriages, Mark Your Calendars (time sensitive), Orlando Date Ideas | Comments Off on New Calendar Tab

Measuring Marriage Maturity

Posted on September 18, 2012 by Tom Walter

The distance between a conflict and resolution is an indicator of the maturity of your marriage. Work on shortening this distance, and you will be on the road to growing your marriage in the right direction.

How do you do this? By praying first and then being willing to humble yourself for the good of your marriage. Usually both partners are at fault to some degree and one person has to go first. Why not let it be you? Be the one who stands for what really matters. It will make a difference!

Posted in Christian Marriage, Conflict, Difficulty, Growing Strong Marriages, The Gospel & Marriage | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments