Celebrating Valentine’s Day Every Day of the Year!

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 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!

• 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.

 

• 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.

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. 

A Miracle in the Dome!

Welcome to Word-filled Wednesday.

It's such a joy to be your hostess today!

The purpose of WFW is share God's word (no famous quotes or literature...only the word of God)

The home of WFW is at Amy’s 160 Acre Woods.

I don't think anyone could ever forget those terrible images of the New Orleans' Superdome after the ravages of Hurricane Katrina five years ago.

It became the symbol of pain and suffering for the 30,000 refugee that fled to the dome as a shelter of last resort to escape the flood waters that overwhelmed the city.

Refurbished and alive once again, the Superdome is now a hub of delight in a city that still needs a daily dose of hope as it still struggles to recover from this disaster.

This past Sunday we witnessed a miracle in New Orleans as the Saints won the 2009 National Conference Championship, and a trip to the Super Bowl for the first time in their 43 year history.

Although the dome won't bring back jobs, homes, or the many lives that were lost in that horrible storm, it does brings joy and hope to the spirit of the city!

Go Saints - All the way to a Super Bowl victory!

Who dat say dey gonna beat dem Saints?

Project Life Tuesday: Week Three

 

 

Another week has flown by!  I’m so blessed to have recorded these special memories on film.  Hope you enjoy.  May God continue to bless you and watch over you.

 

 

My precious Karli…A beautiful January day at the zoo.

 

Tide was on sale, oh yes…nothing cleans better!

 

Look what I got!!!  No special occasion, I was impressed! 

 

My sweet little grandson Cole…checking out the ducks by the pond!

 

All in a days work for my son Jordan.

 

Went shopping at one of my favorite stores.   Someone has to stimulate the economy right?  

 

Game day!!!  Wearing my black and gold! Go Saints Go.  Now I’ll be talking more about that game tomorrow!  Miami here we come…

 

Please join us over at The Mom Creative for more Project Life!

New Orleans Saints on way to first Super Bowl!!!!!!!!!!

There are just no words to describe the feeling after 42 years of  WAITING for this chance.  We are all speechless in New Orleans.

NEXT STOP….Miami!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She loves me, she loves me not…

 

Oh my, this was just so funny! We took the grandkids out to the zoo yesterday. While Kristin was getting a stroller for the girls I decided to start taking pictures of Karli and Cole.  Well its not exactly your perfect Kodak moment, but it sure says a lot about how we all feel at times.

Now, Karli really does adore her younger brother, but like most of us girls she can get a little carried away with her emotions.  One thing is certain, she’s not shy about the way she feels.

But on a more serious note, one thing that grieves the heart of God is when we pretend to love outwardly in one way, but feel the opposite on the inside.  God truly looks at and judges the motives of our hearts. 

May our love always be without hypocrisy.

 

Please join Christy over  Critty Joy for more WFW posts!!  Thanks so much for stopping by!

Project Life Tuesday: Week Two

It’s been such a fun week capturing so many special moments on film!  I hope you enjoy these as much as I did making them.

January 10

Hobby Lobby had a sale on their stamps.  I’ve never done stamping before, but decided to give it a try!  Should be fun.

January 11

My girlfriend joined me for a Hip Hop class at the YMCA.  We had lots of fun today, and it was a great work out.

January 12 

Caught my husband and our cat sound asleep tonight as I walked out the office.  They sure make a great pair!

January 13

I talked to son Joseph on Skype tonight.  He left home almost 2 years ago to teach English in Taiwan.  Since he left he has traveled to  30 countries, and crossed four continents.

This picture was taken in Vienna.  He is leaving shortly to  go to Spain to visit a missionary friend of ours for a few weeks.  Next stop is HOME!!!!!

January 14 

      

 

I had a girl’s day out with my precious granddaughter Grace today.  She choose the color purple for her nails.

January 15

Getting my hair colored and styled.  Now, I won’t tell you how “often” I need this done!  Let’s just say my hair grows really fast.

January 17 

I was so excited to start my new Beth Moore Bible Study!  Looking forward to taking this awesome journey with the Patriarchs!

Please join us over at The Mom Creative for more Project Life.

Better Days in Haiti

I've been wanting to join Friday Flashback Photo for some time.  With all that is going on in Haiti right now, I thought I'd post some pictures from a missions trip  we took back in 1994.

My heart has just been broken for this nation.  Please remember them in your prayers daily.

Our church went to work with a wonderful organization called New Missions.  It is located right by the ocean in an area called the Leogane Plain, which is about 25 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince. 

New Missions has 21 elementary schools, several churches, a medical clinic, a high school, a Bible college and a Missions Training Center. 

As with any missions trip you go thinking you are going to bless others, and you come away feeling so humbled and blessed yourself by the entire experience. 

We always gained so much more then we ever gave, and since that trip I've never stop praying, supporting and loving the wonderful Haitian people.

New missions received some major damage to several of their buildings.  In many cases the destruction was beyond repair.  Numerous buildings will need to be completely torn down and re-built. Temporary structures will need to be erected in the meantime.

Please pray about giving some support to help this nation that has been so devastated.  You may have a favorite charity that is helping in the recovery efforts, but if not New Missions could really use your support at this time.  No matter what, your prayers will make a major difference.

And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day. Isaiah 58:10

Standing at the entrance the New Missions

 

 

My son Jason making friends and sharing his snacks!

 

Working  in the clinic

 

~Please remember these precious faces~

 

Join us today over at Alicia’s More Than Words for more Friday Photo Flashback!