Scripture Memory: Mar 1

I can hardly believe them month of March is already here!!! So many good things about this month... not the least of which is it's my BIRTHDAY month! :) You heard it right - Birthday MONTH. Around here we celebrate the whole month long. So - let the festivities begin!! :) Haha!

Are YOU doing this challenge too???? If so - comment on the blog! I'd love to hear about how you are doing! :)

Here is the verse for March 1:

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
"But He {Jesus} said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.'. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.""

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

Simple Breakfast Burritos

So - this recipe was actually an "accident" really. I use these same ingredients in a stuffed mushroom recipe... but the last time we made these, we had some "stuffing" leftover, so my husband decided to try them in a tortilla. And YUMMY they were. So - in an instant - Simple Breakfast Burritos were created! :) I made these for our small group over the weekend and they seemed to be a hit with them... and you know, they're a hard crowd to please! Kidding, of course!

Happy Cooking!



Ingredients

1/2 white onion
2 cloves garlic
2 packages of Bob Evans Pork Sausage
1-1/2 c of shredded sharp cheddar
10-12 small cubes of Velveeta cheese
Franks Red Hot sauce
Cayenne pepper
10 flour tortillas

Chop up the onion and begin to saute in pan. Add minced garlic (I like to use fresh, but you can also use the can)
Cook until translucent.
Add the sausage and brown (I like to make sure to really mix it well until it's in fine small pieces)
When the sausage is browned up nicely - reduce the heat to about medium and add both cheeses and blend well. This will be your binding agent. (Gotta LOVE cheese, right?)
Add 5-8 splashes of Franks Red Hot (depends on how spicy you like it)
Add some cayenne pepper at the very end and mix well (again - this depends on how spicy you like it. You can choose to omit this step altogether).

Serve in warm flour tortillas
(Note: I don't fill up the tortilla with much as it's a pretty rich mixture.)
(Note: For an additional flavor - you can mix in scrambled eggs as well.)

Blessings Through An Ice Storm

What a week we've had in Southeastern Michigan! Late Sunday afternoon/evening, we were hit pretty hard with one of the worst ice storms this county has seen in decades! Low temps mixed with snow, sleet and rain, made for quite a disaster. Nearly 55% of the county woke up Monday morning to no power in their homes. And even as I type this post, many are still without heat, lights and running water. The devastation around our small city was something I haven't seen in my lifetime. Trees snapped and lying in the road, power lines split in half, siding torn off houses and icicles hanging from anything that stood still!

I remember waking up on Monday in the very early morning hours to the sight of a transformer up the street that was caught on fire and hearing the crackling of ice-laden branches all around us. It was, by far, the craziest night of my life. And the coldest. Just when we thought that spring was just around the corner following a stretch of warm temps and dry weather, we were hit pretty hard with a storm that many of us were not prepared for. And we're getting word that another storm is preparing to hit again tonight. This is, after all, Michigan. We should be used to the temperament of our beloved state.

Our home was without power for 48 hours. Only a few short hours, really. In the scheme of things - it doesn't seem like very long at all. But it's amazing how reliant we've become on even some very small, seemingly insignificant luxuries. Like Internet, for instance. And cell phone reception. And then there's the blessings of daily living I'm guilty of overlooking - like flushing toilets, clean clothes, warm water, blankets, socks, television, radio, a four-wheel drive vehicle, a working sump pump. I've been given so much more than just simple things... I've been granted a sumptuous life of which I've neglected to see as anything but ordinary. And then there's this idea that I somehow am deserving of any of it.

Ironically, last week I began a gratitude journal. Inspired by this book, I made a commitment to finding MY list of 1,000 things I am grateful for. You read that right... one thousand. And I'm on my way. I've included things like watching Chloe sleeping in the early morning hours, feeling Trevor's touch on my skin, hot water from the shower in the morning, the way onions and garlic hit a hot, sizzling, buttered pan. Simple things really... but magnificent things that can be so easily brushed aside if we aren't careful to pay close attention to them. Like the sun rise my husband woke me up to see last week. The colors were phenomenal! I've never seen anything like it. And it was worth getting up earlier than expected so that I could soak in the beauty. And there's so much more I'm missing... the birds chirping, the sound of our children laughing, the way sunlight hits the window just right and creates a rainbow of colors, the smell of a crackling bonfire in summer, the taste of warm cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning. We are surrounded by beauty and blessings every day and we don't even realize it. At least I don't anyway. I've lived nearly forty years and failed to rejoice in the every day miracles happening all around me.

I desire for my life to be filled with gratitude. For everything God chooses to send my way. I believe it's there... where real joy is found. Ann Voskamp says in her book, One Thousand Gifts, "life change comes when we receive life with thanks and ask for nothing to change." Oh how I want that! How I long to have enough peace within me, from Him, that I accept what I am given and ask for nothing to change. Ann continues with, "When I give thanks for the seemingly microscopic, I make a place for God to grow within me."

In keeping with a life filled with gratitude, I've made a list of the things I'm thankful for this week... in the midst of a devastating storm. I am thankful for:

1.) Friends who called or texted to make sure I was okay.

2.) Family who took us in from what could have been a very cold night at home.

3.) Chloe's health. Thankful that she had a fever the day before the storm so that we could take care of her properly and without having to infect another household.

4.) The four-wheel drive that was fixed in my truck just 2 weeks ago!

5.) The new tires on my truck.

6.) That Trevor is able to work in town and didn't have a long, exhausting drive on the slick roads.

7.) That our basement was spared from any water damage!

8.) For quick power restoration.

9.) That school was canceled, which allowed Chloe some time to recuperate and rest.

10.) That there appears to be no structural damage to our home despite a major tree that fell on one side of the house.

11.) That my dog is okay and was able to sustain the cold days of being home... primarily alone.

12.) That the food in our freezer stayed frozen and didn't have to be thrown out.

13.) That my parents never lost power.

14.) That we have not just one - but TWO working vehicles in our household.

15.) For a working washer and dryer.

16.) For the men and women who have been working around the clock to bring power back to thousands.

17.) For the mail carriers who risked their lives to deliver mail county-wide.

Thank you Jesus for the blessings You provided during the absence of basic luxuries. I pray that You use this storm as a reminder to me of all the things I have because of who You are. Don't let me take another minute for granted.

1 Thes 5:18... "Be cheerful {thankful} no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live."

I choose joy. I choose gratitude. I choose love. And I believe each of these things go hand in hand.

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

Asian Lettuce Wraps

I LOVE LOVE LOVE lettuce wraps. Quite honestly, I don't know a person who doesn't! I remember the first time I had them! My sweet friend Monty made them for our small group and I instantly fell madly in love with them! I was hooked!

I tried them for a second time at The Elephant Bar in Toledo, Oh. Then for a third time at PF Changs in Novi, MI. I have to admit that between the two restaurants, I liked the ones at The Elephant Bar a little better. They are made with turkey and have a peanut sauce that is to DIE FOR. No - I'm really not kidding. It's an "opener" on their menu, but I could go just for those. And I always get an extra side of the sauce!! It's a little on the spicy side, but the mango salsa they serve on the side cuts the spiciness just enough.

So - I was on a mission to find the best Asian Lettuce Wraps recipe I could find. Granted, they won't be The Elephant Bar's, but hey - I'll save myself the 35 minute drive and the 25 minute wait for a table! :) Besides - if I can master these, I'm fairly certain I'll gain some new dinner guests as a result!

Here is the recipe I've decided to try. If YOU get to these before I do - PLEASE let me know what you think! I'd love to hear your feedback! :)

Happy Cooking!



Ingredients for pouring sauce:

* 1/4 cup sugar
* 1/2 cup warm water
* 2 tablespoons gluten free tamari (or regular soy sauce if you’re not concerned
about gluten)
* 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
* 2 tablespoons ketchup
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1/8 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1 teaspoon hot water
* 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
* 2 cloves garlic, minced

Ingredients for stir-fry sauce:

* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon rice wine vinegar

Ingredients for chicken stir-fry:

* 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
* 2 tablespoons sesame oil
* 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed to 1/2″
* 1 – 8oz can sliced water chestnuts, minced to the size of corn kernals
* 1/2 cup mushrooms, minced to the size of corn kernals
* 1/2 onion, chopped fine
* 3 cloves garlic, minced fine
* 6 large leaves of iceberg lettuce or nappa cabbage

To make the pouring sauce:

1. In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in 1/2 cup warm water, then add soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ketchup, lemon juice and sesame oil. Mix well and throw in the fridge until you’re ready to eat.
2. Just before serving, combine 1 teaspoons hot water with dijon mustard and garlic and mix in small bowl. Add to the pouring sauce, 1/2 a teaspoon at time to taste.

To make the stir-fry sauce:

1. Prep the stir fry sauce by mixing soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar in a small bowl.

To make the chicken stir-fry:

1. Combine oils and add to wok or large frying pan. Heat oil over high heat until it glistens, about one minute. Add chicken and saute until mostly cooked through, about 5 minutes.
2. Turn the heat under the wok down to medium-high. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, wait one minute, and then add garlic, onions, water chestnuts, mushrooms, and the stir-fry sauce you prepared earlier. Stir-fry everything until the mushrooms have cooked through, about 4 minutes, and remove to a serving dish.
3. Serve stir-fry with iceberg lettuce or nappa cabbage leaf wraps and top with pouring sauce.

Random Acts of KINDness # 1

Just imagine what a world this would be if everyone did one KIND thing every day?

I'm starting something NEW on my blog. It's called Random Acts of KINDness Thursday. You can check out the link button over there... on the right side of the blog! :)

Every Thursday I will post a Random Act of KINDness that I was involved with that particular week. I'll also post other random ramblings on the idea of Acts of KINDness and encourage others to JOIN IN on the fun! :)

I believe there is no better way of expressing Jesus' love to a hurting world than through acts of KINDness and it begins with YOU and ME!








This week I paid it forward. I'll admit it was a small thing... but it made me feel so good to do it! I paid for the order behind me in the drive-thru on Tuesday morning. What was more important to me, was that my daughter was able to witness this exchange, which in turn sparked a dialogue between the two of us on what it means to live our lives not for ourselves, but by serving others as Christ served when He was walked this earth. I pray that she will be inspired to "pay it forward" with random acts of kindness in her world and I look forward to seeing what that looks like through the eyes of a 10 year-old. :)

"The purpose of life is a life of purpose." - Robert Byrne

Galatians 5:22-23a... "When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, JOY, peace, patience, KINDness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control."

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

The Kiss

So - every year my sweet husband takes my daughter to the Adrian Parks and Rec Annual Daddy Daughter Dance. It's a wonderful tradition that we started in first grade and it's something special that Chloe looks forward to every year! The closer to Valentine's Day we get - the more excited she gets! I love it! I love everything about it. Picking out the dress, doing the nails and make-up, curling the hair, making sure everything is just perfect! I love that they go to dinner before hand and that he usually takes her to get a "special ice cream or slushie surprise" following.

Another favorite is "the kiss" pose that we get every year! :) I just LOVE the kiss pose! Here are the last 3 years of daddy-daughter kisses just before the big night!

2009...














2010...















2011...















These are my favorite people on the planet earth and I thank God for them daily! I pray that their special bond will carry over for years to come! Chloe loves her daddy so much and I am ONE PROUD MAMA and ONE BLESSED WIFE!

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

Forgiveness

I can't stand to listen to the news any more. I can't. Every time I do - I am left with too much sadness. My heart bleeds for the tragic stories I hear. Every one of them. The other night I literally recorded 12 stories reported by a local station of which 10 were NOTHING but complete and utter devastation. I heard about rapes, murders, house fires, floods, sickness, car accidents and robberies. Almost every one of the stories was BAD news.

I made a resolution quite a long time ago NOT to let that be the last thing my brain absorbs at the end of the evening. But - I have to admit, there are times I just want to check out what the weather will be the next day - but that means listening through the first 15 minutes of depression.

In NO WAY am I downplaying any of these tragedies. I know they are real. People are hurting. People are losing jobs. Neighbors are killing neighbors. What was foretold centuries ago is becoming our reality. These are some hard times and we are, in fact, in the middle of a war zone.

Makes me wonder what God is thinking as he looks at this world He so masterfully created. Does His heart break? Do our actions disappoint Him? Have we made a mess of things? I believe the answer to all of these questions is yes. Nothing catches Him by surprise, but I bet He had better things in mind for us!

Last week I began journaling some of my thoughts regarding the depravity of these times, which in turn led me to something entirely different. It led me to begging God for forgiveness that I know I, personally, don't deserve. Below is my heart-felt prayer:

Father God, forgive us for the MESS we've created. Forgive us for the times we've chosen something or someone else instead of You. Forgive our selfishness. For the times we made it ALL about US and not about You. For the times we've placed You on the shelf, only to pull You out when we are at our wits end and in complete and utter desperation. Forgive us for our greed. For the times when we've place greater importance on wealth and prosperity over a personal relationship with You. For the times we negated a private moment with You because we were just "too busy". Forgive us for our envy. For the times we've wanted something that someone else had so badly that we compromised our morals to get it. Forgive us for trying to do it our way for so long. For pushing You to the side because you were "in our way" from getting what we really wanted to get on our own! Forgive us for forgetting to pray. For waiting until a crisis to cry out to you when all You really want is to hear from us daily. Forgive our hostility. For the times we've been quick to judge others and for the times we've allowed bitterness to reign over us. Forgive us for our rebellion and disobedience. We've strayed so far that it's been hard to hear Your voice or feel Your hand. Forgive us from running from You and for heading in the opposite direction You've called us to. Forgive our pride and for "keeping score" against our enemies. Forgive us, Father, for the MESS we've made. Thank you that Your word proclaims that forgiveness ought to be offered seventy times seven and that You are a God of second chances. Thank You that You have chosen to erase the scoreboard so that our slates are clean! Teach us, Father, how to be better stewards of the gifts You've provided us with. Help us to not take another breath for granted. Thank you for Your unwavering grace and mercy! We are NOT worthy! Amen.

1 John 1:9 (NLT)
"But if we confess our sins Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong."

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

Scripture Memory: Feb 15

Well - this will be my THIRD memory verse for the year so far. It's been a little bit of a challenge for me, since memorization doesn't come so easy for me - but it's so good to be absorbing God's word this way!

Are YOU doing this challenge too???? If so - comment on the blog! I'd love to hear about how you are doing! :)

Here is the verse for February 15:

Psalm 143:8 (NLT)
"Let me hear of Your unfailing love to me in the morning, for I am trusting You. Show me where to walk, for I have come to You in prayer."

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

What Do I Know of Holy?

LOVE LOVE LOVE this song by Addison Road. Fell in love with it the minute I heard it. Hope it blessed you as well!




I made You promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all No
If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?

What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees

What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life its name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?

What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?

I've got a long way to go - but thank you GOD for your patience with me! I am not worthy!

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

Recipe Friday

So - - today I've decided that I'm not going to post a recipe. What I thought I would do today is share with you some GREAT websites I go to often for GREAT recipes and dinner ideas! Some are websites... some are just some great blogs I reference back to from other foodies - like me! :) Hope you'll enjoy these sites and find some of them helpful in your search for keeping your kitchen creative!

Happy COOKing!!

The first one is a no-brainer... and hands-down one of the best sites on the web for everything food - Food Network. Some of my favorite chef's to check up on regularly are Paula Deen, Giada At Home, The Neeley's, Barefoot Contessa and Sandra Lee!

Cooks.com is a great website for easy every-day cooking. All recipes are posted by average everyday cooks - like you and me! Recipes are easy and oftentimes affordable and there are TONS to pick from!

I stumbled upon this site some years ago. It's a fantastic resource for those who LOVE organizing (like me). Laura also includes menu planning to her blog and frequently posts great recipes and links to other menu-planning sites as well!

This one pretty much says it all in the blog name... Meal Planning Mama. Great ideas and great recipes folks!

You can't go wrong with this one... $5 Dinners! Speaks for itself, doesn't it? Great coupon links, giveaways, printable planners and recipes!

Allrecipes is a good site for finding some great dinner ideas!

This is a blog I ran across a while back. Love some of the ideas in here and learned how to make Asian Lettuce Wraps from this site! Can't do better than lettuce wraps!!! (I know my friend Faythe is sticking her tongue out right now!) ;)

Kitchen Daily has some great suggestions!

Here's a pretty neat blog site I ran across with a pretty darn cute name too... Recipeasy! I love EASY! :)

Hope you enjoy this collection of resources. I'd love to hear how YOU get YOUR inspiration for meal time madness in your home! :) Leave a comment!

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

Lessons On Love

I've been blogging this week about marriage in honor of National Marriage Week. You can read about it here: http://nationalmarriageweekusa.org/.

My husband and I have been honored to be able to serve as Marriage Mentors at our church for over 3 years now. Our focus of the team we serve on is pre-marital couples, but we've had the privilege of serving struggling married couples as well. By NO means does this make us experts. We are a LONG WAY from having it all together, trust me! In fact, I recall many nights where we'd be having a "disagreement" over something and I'd think to myself... "We are NOT qualified to be mentoring ANYONE!" But I've learned that God has been molding and shaping us through the process of mentoring others to strengthen our own relationship and to teach us how to love and respect each other on a deeper, more intimate level. I count it a blessing to be able to serve alongside of my husband and best friend in this way!

Today I thought I would share a couple things from my own heart and personal experiences. Some of these are lessons I've had to learn over and over again while others are issues God's still dealing with me on. If you can relate, I pray that these might bless you...

My marriage is NOT about me.
I read a book years ago by Max Lucado entitled, "It's Not About Me". I remember hesitating before purchasing it. I mean after all, what do you mean it's not all about me? But I recall feeling a distinct prompting to buy the book... and so I did. I will admit that while Lucado is by far one of my favorite authors, this was not one of his greatest "touchy-feely" books. In fact, there was much about the book that was down right convicting. To the core. But I finished the book having felt a sense of relief. Almost like being let off the hook for having made so much of my life - and my marriage - about me. Lucado writes in his final chapter, "We exist to give honor to His name." Period. That's it. That sentence pretty much sums it us, doesn't it? It's NOT about me. My life and my marriage is not about me. It's about how I and how WE, as a couple, can bring honor and glory to Him. We can't possibly do that when WE are in the way. Philippians 2:2-5 says, "Make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and one purpose." Here it comes... "Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing."

Pretty much says it all right there. I continue to ask God to reveal to me ways in which I am selfish and self-centered... asking Him to change my heart so that my marriage can be spared from a self-seeking spouse (ME). When I begin to focus my energy in serving my spouse and worshipping the creator of the universe... my "me-mentality" begins to disappear and I begin to look more like the person God created me to be!

Stop trying to change my spouse.
I remember having a heated conversation (see my subtle attempt to NOT call it an argument) with Trevor one night about household chores. I was working full time outside of the home at that time and Trevor was too. Chloe was in school full time and had many extracurricular activities that she was involved in as well. I had just come home to find a disaster. Piles of laundry that needed cleaned, dinner that needed to be made, dishes that needed to be unloaded in the dishwasher, bed sheets that were still in the dryer and still needed to be put on the bed. I mean - it was a mess. And to top it all off, I had a headache and just really wanted to crawl under the bed and fall asleep. Trevor had come in from his hard day of work and boy did he get an ear-full. So much for maintaining peace and harmony and welcoming the love of my life with open arms! He walked in to a war-zone and I'm pretty sure heading back to his office seemed like a better plan at that moment! I've always been the one to take care of the "indoor chores" and Trevor has always taken care of everything "outdoors" including all maintenance on vehicles, but this time he was having to hear all about why HE had not taken care of the things that I always said I'd take care of. And then I remember him saying this, "It's always been this way. I have the inside and you have the outside remember? This is nothing new. You can't change it up now."

I wasn't happy to hear this and it certainly didn't get dinner on the table ANY faster that night - but I do recall learning immensely from this one comment. He was right in that I was trying to change him because the circumstances had changed. It wasn't that I was simply asking for help - but that my focus was on why he wasn't such and such and why he didn't do this and that. The focus on my anger became personal when I tried thinking I could change him to make me happy. And that's not the way it works. (Incidentally, we worked together to get everything done that night and ended up laughing our way through it.)

I cannot change Trevor - God is the only one who can do that. And people who think that they can try are just fooling themselves. We are who we are. We are who God made us to be and we are ALL works in progress. I've also learned that just as God is changing Trevor to be the man and the husband he was designed to be - he is also changing me as well and I must refrain from thinking I have control over behavior changes when it's not in my power and not up to me to handle.

How can I pray for my spouse?
This is a pretty new concept for me. I mean - I've always prayed for Trevor. I've prayed for things like... his health, his relationship with his daughter, our marriage, his job security and his safe travels... but I've rarely asked HIM how I should be praying for him.

This came to mind during a study with our small group on the book Love and War by John and Staci Eldredge. The concept of praying WITH your spouse came up and to be honest, it made most of us feel a little uncomfortable. Trevor and I have prayed together many times, but I'll admit that it's not always something that's come easy for us. It's a little more intimidating and perhaps makes us feel a little bit more vulnerable than we're comfortable with. So - I challenged our friends to consider, instead, asking your spouse regularly how you can be praying for them. Is there something specific that they need help with? A problem going on with work, a physical ailment, a troubled personal relationship? Maybe it's a faith-issue their struggling with or a personal burden they're carrying around with them. Asking your spouse HOW you can pray FOR them is a wonderful thing. It's another way of serving them and bringing you closer together as you seek God's face together.

One last thing... I heard this yesterday and I thought it was TOO good not to pass along. A fellow blogger I follow is the wife of a pastor who leads a very large church. Every Tuesday as her husband is leaving for work, she makes it a habit to tell him this: "You've got what it takes!" While she considers this a very small act of serving her spouse, her husband sees it as a life-changing sentence. He is overly blessed by her words of encouragement and validation of her love and belief in Him. Wow! How effective we can be when we choose to honor God with our words! Eph. 4:29 says, "Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them."

"Your words are a very good indication of what is going on in your heart - and your spouse knows it." (Love and Respect, Dr. Emerson Eggerichs)

My prayer is that God would use our marriage to be a blessing to others, after all, together we have a choice on how we are going to reflect God's love on this earth!

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

50 Promises for Marriage

As I was looking over some of our marriage mentoring material the other day, I ran across this list that was given to us by a dear friend of ours and made into bookmarks. In honor of National Marriage Week - I thought I'd post these 50 Promises for Marriage. Tomorrow I will share the 6 Keys To a Better Marriage Today... so stay tuned for more good stuff!




1. Start each day with a kiss.
2. Wear your wedding ring at all times.
3. Date once a week.
4. Accept differences.
5. Be polite.
6. Be gentle.
7. Give gifts. (I know you ladies are loving this one!)
8. Smile often.
9. Touch.
10. Talk about dreams.
11. Select a song that can be "our song".
12. Give back rubs.
13. Laugh together. (Mine and my husbands favorite thing to do!)
14. Send a card for no reason.
15. Do what the other person wants before he/she asks.
16. Listen.
17. Encourage.
18. Do it his or her way.
19. Know his or her needs.
20. Fix the other person's breakfast.
21. Compliment twice a day.
22. Call during the day for no reason.
23. Slow down.
24. Hold hands.
25. Cuddle.
26. Ask for each others opinion.
27. Show respect.
28. Welcome the other person home. (BIGGIE in my home.)
29. Look your best (I think I need to work on this one. Sweatshirts and sweatpants aren't my best!)
30. Wink at each other.
31. Celebrate birthdays in a big way. (Very important in our home.)
32. Apologize. (I'm getting better here.)
33. Forgive.
34. Set up a romantic getaway.
35. Ask, "What can I do to make you happier."
36. Be positive.
37. Be kind.
38. Be vulnerable.
39. Respond quickly to the other person's request.
40. Talk about your love.
41. Reminisce about your favorite times together.
42. Treat each other's friends and relatives with courtesy.
43. Send flowers.
44. Admit when wrong.
45. Be senstive to each other's desires.
46. Pray for each other daily. (I would take this a step further by saying, "Ask your spouse HOW you can be praying for him/her.")
47. Watch sunsets together.
48. Say "I love you" frequently.
49. End the day with a hug.
50. Seek outside help when needed.

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

Serving Your Spouse

I've been thinking about this lately...

What would my marriage look like if I changed my thinking from 'What's in it for me' to 'How can I serve my spouse?'?

I read this the other day and It really struck a cord in me. I've been meditating on it since I saw it...

"Together, you and your mate reflect the image of God on earth." (excerpt from Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs)

"Serving our spouse" is going to look different for each and every one of us. What might work in my marriage might not work in yours, but I think serving selflessly must be a part of every successful marital relationship.

Here's what serving my spouse looks like in my marriage...

- making sure the house is the most comfortable place for my husband to come home to after a long, hard day at the office. Candles lit, floors swept, noise reduced to a minimum.
- preparing his favorite meal
- baking his favorite cookies or dessert
- starting his car for him in the morning (after all - mine is the one that gets the garage all night!)
- running an errand for him
- shoveling snow
- packing his bags for a business trip

I've come to realize that there are SOOOO many opportunities that I have... DAILY... to serve my spouse. I believe it's in those selfLESS acts of love that we show towards others... ESPECIALLY our spouses, that we truly exemplify God's love.

Loving our spouse by serving them isn't always going to be easy. Chances are - there are going to be days when it's downright difficult. After all - there are times when loving those closest to us seems to be hardest things to do. But God had a beautiful plan in place when He created marriage and I believe He longs for us to seek ways in which we can strengthen our marital bonds by expressing our love for each other through acts of service. Jesus came not be served, but to serve others... and we must live by that example if our desire is to please the Father.

I am blessed beyond measure by a wonderful husband who is a perfect example of someone who serves his spouse in selfLESS ways. Just this past weekend, I was away all day to a scrapbooking event. Due to the road conditions, we were very late getting home. Three a.m. late! When I arrived in the door, he was waiting for me. I was hungry and decided to make myself a small meal before heading to bed. Instead of returning to our warm, cozy bedroom - as I am sure he was VERY tempted to do - he stayed up with me to hear about my days' events. And not just for a few moments... but for 2 more hours! I consider this not only an act of service to me - but a complete showering of his love during 2 hours of sleeplessness! I am most grateful to God for this precious man whom I don't always deserve!

Matthew 25 tells of a conversation Jesus was having with his disciples about what it means to serve others. You can read it here. Below is a paraphrase for both husbands and wives. Thought it was great...

The Husband Paraphrase of Matthew 25:35-40

I was hungry for breakfast, dinner,
and sometimes even lunch, snacks,
a kind word, a warm hug, to talk to you,
to be loved by you. …
You gave me something to eat.

I was thirsty to feel accepted by you,
to take the leadership role in our home,
to be admired by you, to be respected by you.
I mowed the lawn and needed refreshing and…
You gave me something to drink.

I was a stranger; my mood was bad.
I had been unreasonable.
I had been mean, thoughtless,
forgetful, unhelpful, self-centered…
you invited me in.

I was naked, you did all my wash—
even when I dropped it on the floor.
You sewed on my missing buttons.
You ironed my wrinkled shirts.
You let me bare my soul to you.
You saw the real me that others never see—
with all my quirks and uncovered ugliness,
and you never exposed me before our children, family, or friends. …
You clothed me.

I was sick—
you know my colds are worse than anyone else’s.
Sometimes I said things to you I didn’t mean.
I got depressed and. …
You cared for me.

I was in prison; my job got to me some days
and I withdrew from you.
When I was lonely you were there for me.
You prayed for me.
When I was consumed with a problem,
when I was unforgiving, when I didn’t deserve anything
because of the way I’ve treated you
and I was so ashamed. …
You came to me.

Jesus would say to you,
“When you did these things for your husband,
you did them for Me.”

The Wife Paraphrase based on Matthew 25:35-40

I was hungry to spend time with you,
needing to sit together, talk together, and be loved by you.
You saw that I was busy doing more than I could handle
and you asked me, “How can I best help you?”
As we worked side by side finishing everything up,
I realized my hunger was being fed
because now we could both relax together …
In this way you gave me something to eat.

I was thirsty to know Christ in a deeper way
and you helped quench my thirst
through washing me with the water of the word
by sharing insights the Lord had given you
during your own devotional time with Him.
You have given me something to drink.

I was a stranger (sometimes even to me);
I wasn’t kind in how I treated you.
And yet you blessed me instead
by finding a way to make my heart smile.
Despite everything, I knew you still loved me.
I’m so thankful for how you find ways
to bring laughter into our lives together.
You invited me in to be your partner.

I felt naked emotionally.
When I needed warmth
because of the cold, harsh circumstances of life,
You wrapped your arms around me
and made me feel secure.
You clothed me.

I was sick and sometimes depressed—
especially when hormonal changes grabbed at me
physically and emotionally
And you looked after me.
And through your compassion,
and your ability not to judge me during those times,
I sensed the love of Christ.

I was in prison—
you’re aware that past insecurities
and hurtful memories revisit my thoughts,
You prayed for me and with me
and gave me the grace and space I needed,
(and sometimes a quiet hug)
until my emotions settled down enough
that I could face things
more sensibly and optimistically.
You came to me.

Jesus would say to you,
“When you did these things for your wife,
you did them for Me.”

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,