Monday, February 1, 2010

Celebrating Valentine’s Day Every Day of the Year!

MarriageMonday2

The challenge for Marriage Monday this month, is to share how you and your husband make each and every day of your marriage special. What are your daily relationship rituals? How do you nurture the “us” factor? Tell us the big or little things that make your marriage sing like a fine-tuned violin.

Thanks E-mom for being such a great hostess for Marriage Monday!

After 32 years of marriage I'm still learning daily how to be the wife my husband needs.  There are some things however that never change. Today I'll share with you some of the ways we try to keep our "Home Fires" burning, and our friendship one that grows stronger as the years go by.

  • Hugs, hugs and more hugs!  I am a very affectionate person, so I not only like to give hugs, but receiving them is so comforting to me. Sometimes just this gesture alone speaks louder then words.

  • holding-handsHolding hands.  I'll never forget the first time my husband and I held hands.  We were at a church service and the Pastor asked for everyone to join hands in a closing prayer.  I nearly melted, and still do

  • Starting our day in prayer.  My husband leaves early each morning, many times I'm still in bed.  He'll reach down and place his hand on me and says a prayer for my day and all the children by name.  What an awesome way to start our day.  I'm so grateful for a praying man.
  • Sending text messages or calling each other during the day.  Now this is something my husband wishes I would do a little less, but there is nothing more that I enjoy then hearing his voice during the day and saying "I love you" to each other before we hang up.

  • In the evenings after my husband gets home from work we always take time to go over our day. Communication is so vital.  My husband is a great listener, and very patient to hear all my of my many stories!
  • IMG_1741 Shopping, going out to dinner, the movies, and talking walks is something we both enjoy.  Now shopping may not be first on my husbands list, but he is always willing to "tuff it out" when we go together.  What a blessing!

  • Of course, vacations are always enjoyed, and quick get-a-ways are looked forward to.  Over the years we have had the opportunity to travel to so many amazing places both here in the United States and aboard.  These memories are part of the glue that helps to keep our relationship strong.

IMG_0182 

  • Finally, writing notes to each other, sending a card, or giving a little unexpected gifts is something we've never stop doing since we were married.  These kinds of things affirm our commitment and affection for each other.  I love to open my special "shoe box" and re-read all those cards and letters that have been given over the years.

I am no marriage expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I do know that marriage takes time, work, commitment and lots of attention!  The rewards are worth all the effort, because it brings honor to the Lord,  gives security to our children, and makes life with each other so enjoyable.

IMG_0612 I'd now like to thank you Rick for being the husband of my dreams and so much more.  Thanks for making me such a happy and secure wife.  My life is complete because of you. I’m looking forward to many, many more years to spend with you.

 

Please join us over at Chrysalis today for more Marriage Monday suggestions. 

21 comments:

luvmy4sons said...

You are such a handsome couple. We do almost all of those things you mention! Texts and phone calls...after 26 years I still enjoy getting a little love you text from hubby. We try to get away at least one night every year on our anniversary! Hugs and blessings sister!

Denise said...

May God continually bless your marriage.

Runner Mom said...

Susan, this is precious! There are so many couples who don't even pray together because they are uncomfortable. Thank you for sharing these great things that you and Rick do to strengthen your marriage.
Hugs!
Susan

God's girl said...

sweet stuff!!!
Great ideas!
Blessings,
Angela

Miriam Pauline said...

Sweet post with beautiful ways to keep the "us" factor. Thanks for sharing.

A Stone Gatherer said...

Marriage is so cool! I love how your husband prayers over you in the morning! Truly no better way to start the day! Thanks for stopping by my place!

Joyfull said...

AAWWW, loved reading this. Thanks for sharing the beautiful words and pictures!

Susannah said...

Oh Susan, thank you for writing this. I wish every child could be raised in a loving home like yours. You two definitely have what it takes. I hope you teach these things to younger women in your church! They really need to hear from you. :~D

"My husband leaves early each morning, many times I'm still in bed. He'll reach down and place his hand on me and says a prayer for my day and all the children by name. What an awesome way to start our day. I'm so grateful for a praying man."

Amen. Please tell us more about this next month--our topic is prayer.

As always, thanks for joining us for Marriage Monday today.

(((Hugs)))

e-Mom

nice A said...

We do the things you mentioned except the last one. It's actually the first romantic quality that first drew us together as we both used to write each other love letters, poems or just simple notes. Have we let technology replace it? We just send sweet words via SMS to each other sometimes but for me, the effect has been reduced. Maybe we'll discuss to bring it back. Thanks for sharing this:) God bless you and your family.

Amydeanne said...

awwww you guys look great! I love your list! and the hugs ! yup, that's what we need here too!

Julie Arduini said...

We do a lot of the same things as well but I LOVED how you shared that when he holds your hand, you still melt. That is such a wonderful statement because it would be so easy to take such a thing for granted.

Jaime Kubik said...

Glad I was able to meet you via Marriage Monday. Thank you for sharing the "tips" that have worked in your marriage.

Mac an Rothaich said...

Oh nice post! I hope to travel with my man one day, it sounds lovely!

Wife of Rob said...

Oh Susan...you guys are SO cute! I love to read about you and Rick. And I loved hearing about him praying over you in the morning. That just made me all weepy!

Big big hugs to you!
Jen

Claudia said...

A marriage that honors God blesses his children! What a beautiful message for all of us.

tonya said...

Great post. Thanks for sharing!

sharon said...

wow...your words at the very end brought tears to my eyes. As I'm just beginning the journey, it's inspiring and encouraging to see someone who has been at it for so long and is still so into it. Thanks so much for sharing and for the comment you left at my blog.
God bless you.
sharon

Tami said...

You guys are so stinkin' cute. And isn't it funny how we included many of the same tips? You speak-a my language, girl. Love you.

Constance said...

Thanks for stopping by on MM. Communication is crucial to a marriage. Unfortunatey b/c of my dysfunctional family background this wasn't a strength for me. It's a skill I am still honing and it doesn't come naturally for me. Now that dave and I are empty-nesters the intimacy factor has more oppportunity to grow and thrive since we don't have to focus on others as much. I agree that there's nothing more rewarding than a good, solid, healthy marriage to your best friend!
Connie

Faith said...

What a great looking couple!
Loved reading your list and I can so relate to the hand holding part! I still melt after almost 20 years!! God Bless you......

LeeAnn@Encouragement Is Contagious said...

You have a beautiful blog. I just happened upon finding it and am so happy that I did. What an inspiration you are.

My husband and I have been married for 33 years. It's such a blessing to read your story and the love that you have for one another.

It's nice to meet you.
Lee Ann