Tag Archives: Bible

On Normal

I’ve missed normal. It’s been months since we’ve experienced what used to be normal. I think I’m finally realizing our normal has changed for good, and I need to adjust my expectations. <sigh> But I don’t like it. Everything looks … Continue reading

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

On Reading

It is the beginning of a new year and one where goals are made and hopefully kept throughout the year. One goal I look forward to each year is choosing my reading plan for the Bible. This year Tom and … Continue reading

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Flirting With Your Spouse 101

We had a reader ask an excellent question last week, and we’ve decided to toss it out for you to offer your thoughts on the subject. How does one learn to flirt with your spouse after 10 years of marriage? … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Marriage, Growing Strong Marriages, Romance, Romance in Marriage, romancing your husband, romancing your spouse, romancing your wife | Tagged , , , , , , | 26 Comments

“‘Til Death Do Us Part”

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 … Continue reading

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

5 Ways to Avoid Suspicion In Marriage

Suspicion is a helpful tool when you’re trying to solve a murder mystery–everyone is suspect. But when suspicion hits close to home it can actually cause great harm in a  relationship. We live in a culture of suspicion. Politicians are … Continue reading

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Back To The Basics – Works

They run because it is the fastest way out of poverty in their country. The Kenyan Olympic team uses basic methods that produce olympic results. The residents of Iten is well-known as the “Home of Champions.” And there is good … Continue reading

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

It Was Unexpected – Really.

Last week was one we’ll not soon forget. On Tuesday it was my 53rd birthday. Tom left for work to meet with his boss only to find out this meeting was to inform him he would no longer be needed. … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Marriage, Difficulty, Growing Strong Marriages, Seasons of Life, Testimonies, The Gospel & Marriage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 40 Comments

5 Reasons Prayer is a Vital Part of Marriage

1. It is the deepest level of intimacy a husband and wife can experience, even more so than sex. There is a connection that occurs when you take the time to pray together about the issues you’re facing in your family, … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Marriage, communication, Growing Strong Marriages, Priorities, Spiritual Intimacy, The Gospel & Marriage | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Mercy In The Mess

We have signed up for Wednesday’s Word by Paul Tripp, and imagine our surprise when today’s word went right along with yesterday’s post. We think you’ll be even more encouraged and inspired to let go of the dream for a … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Marriage, Conflict, The Gospel & Marriage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Never Give Up – Applying The Gospel To Sexual Intimacy

Today we offer our final post in our Sexual Intimacy In Marriage series, and this one is very special to us. It’s by our  pastor and friend, Danny Jones, who has had more influence in our 33 years of marriage … Continue reading

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The Day

Journal from May 18, 2005: I woke this morning feeling the weight of time.  As the days dwindle down until “The Day” is here, I am realizing how small I am, and I am tempted to fear.  Tomorrow is uncertain; … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Marriage, Growing Strong Marriages, Open Nest, Parenting, Seasons of Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

365 Acts of Love

We have been following the quest of one husband to change the way he loves his wife. His goal is to show her 365 acts of love without her knowing of his quest. He documents what he does on a … Continue reading

Posted in A Fragrant Aroma, Christian Marriage, Growing Strong Marriages, Testimonies, The Gospel & Marriage | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

When The Storm Passes

Last weekend one of the worst weather systems we’ve ever seen marched across the south and midwest like a fierce army.  There wasn’t much anyone could do except hide and pray.  Entire towns were swept from the landscape like debris. … Continue reading

Posted in Difficulty, Growing Strong Marriages | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

What We’ve Learned About Marriage in 33 Years

Today is our 33rd wedding anniversary, and it is the fourth anniversary we’ve shared with you since beginning The Romantic Vineyard. We are grateful to have this platform to share what we’ve learned about marriage so far. We say “so … Continue reading

Posted in A Fragrant Aroma, Celebrations, Christian Marriage, Growing Strong Marriages, Testimonies, The Gospel & Marriage | Tagged , , , , , , , | 24 Comments

Love Hopes All Things

We recently watched a movie we don’t necessarily recommend, but there was one quote that jumped out at us and was worth remembering: “Beginnings are scary.  Endings are usually sad, but it’s what’s in the middle that counts. So when … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Marriage, Love is | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Love Believes All Things

We’ve heard comedians and mothers say it: What part of ALL don’t you understand? If God’s Word tells us Love Believes All Things, who are we to insert a BUT where it doesn’t belong.  Certainly we’re not talking about situations … Continue reading

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

Love Does Not Rejoice in Wrong Doing…

…but rejoices in the Truth! And it’s the “Truth that sets you free!” We have learned much about what true love is and what it isn’t over the past few days.  We can easily look at this portion of 1 … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Marriage, Growing Strong Marriages, Love is, The Gospel & Marriage | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Love is….not resentful

Resentful means easily provoked to anger or irritable; this is the word mentioned right before in this scripture passage (1 Corinthians 13:4-7), and the word we discussed on Friday.  So why is it mentioned twice?  Most likely because we might … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Marriage, Love is | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Love Does Not Envy

Today we continue our look at 1 Corinthians 13 to understand more clearly what love is.  This post is a bit more weighty than usual, but it is important in marriage to look deeper into the soil of our hearts … Continue reading

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Love is…Patient

We are re-posting the “Love-Is” posts we did back in the Spring of 2010. It is still one of our most popular series, and well worth revisiting. With Valentines Day only two weeks away, these posts will help us remember … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Marriage, Growing Strong Marriages, Love is | Tagged , , , , , , , | 8 Comments