Is it merely love – or deep connections with others that we seek? After all, we can love others without even knowing them. When a family chooses to send money to Compassion International each month so a child can have a better future, they are giving love (assuming they do it with proper motives); but, there is only a slim chance that those children will ever meet their sponsors in person. Is giving money to someone out of love enough to feed their soul? No. Those kids need to be hugged, read to, sung to, played with, and cherished. My desire for all the kids of the world would be a full … [Read more...]
You May Find Something New to Love when You Choose Connection over Comfort
When Eric and I were first married, I was much more set in my ways than I am now. If I did not think I would like something, I was not nearly as willing to try it. Growing up, my family dined out at the following three restaurants 97% of the time, or more: Golden Corral (or as my mom likes to call it, the Grab ‘n Growl), Pizza Hut, and Sandpiper (a seafood restaurant). My culinary world was very small to say the least. In middle school, I was introduced to the wondrous flavors of a Chinese buffet. It was a big step for me. My godmother told me not to eat the little red pepper on my plate, … [Read more...]
How My Favorite Scriptures Impact My Marital Connection (Celebrating Easter, Part 6)
To bring our Celebrating Easter series to a close, I wanted to briefly share some of my favorite Scripture passages and take you on a small journey of my self-discovery. A few weeks ago, in our Sunday school class, one of our fellow students said that if you want to be a better spouse, don’t study marriage; rather, study Christ. It was a profound and true statement. It is important to prepare for marriage and it is great to learn communication tools and to glean from more experienced couples; but, at the end of the day, we will become better sweethearts and spouses if we study who Christ is … [Read more...]
Navigating the Stages of Spiritual Growth in Your Relationship (Celebrating Easter, Part 5)
It may come as a surprise to some, but Eric and I don’t recommend couples dive into deep Bible study and prayer together at the beginning of their budding relationship. Because of the emotional and spiritual bonding which happens when a couple seeks the Lord together, we think the amount of spiritual intimacy shared should slowly grow as the relationship grows. When we read the Bible with someone, we don’t necessarily feel any closer to him or her. But, when we study the Bible with someone, we begin to verbalize questions, ideas, convictions, and personal experiences (e.g., “Wow, I always … [Read more...]
Thoughts to Ponder on this Good Friday (Celebrating Easter, Part 3)
We put a lot of thought and time into this post. We hope you are impacted by it and share it with others. Grace be with you this Easter. “Good” Friday Have you ever wondered why we call the day Jesus was crucified “Good” Friday? Honestly, I’m not sure where the term originally got its name. In some languages the day is translated “Long Friday” or “Sorrowful Friday.” There are some who hate the name “Good Friday.” Our beloved Lord and Savior was horrifically beaten, emotionally betrayed, hung on a cross with nails in his hands and feet, and tortured. How can we love Him and call that … [Read more...]
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