About Me

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I have been married to my wife and hero (Stage 4 Breast Cancer Survivor) Stacy for 23 years. We have raised three awesome son's. Together Stacy and I have learned that true love can ONLY be tested through time. True Love is tested through hardships, boredom, and pain. True love has to whether through life's busyness, while withstanding the pressures of Job, family, and home, middle and old age. You determine whether the LOVE you have is true over time. Respect each other,encourage each other, and serve each other minute by minute, hour by hour...As time alone will tell!

Thursday, February 27, 2014

YOU CAN DO EVERYTHING TOGETHER- EVEN SHOPPING!

My goal is that they would be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. Colossians 2:2.... Life can get so busy that you and your spouse feel more like alienated college roommates than a married couple. How can you get quality time together? Sometimes doing the simple things you have to do anyway can provide opportunities to spend time with your favorite person. Why not get groceries together? You can talk as you walk down the aisles and fill the basket you can make dinner prep or cleanup a very special time as well. Doing the simple things in life together can keep you both in tune with each other because you have regular opportunities to talk over things while you get the things done that need to be done anyways. Take some time and look at your schedule. Think about the things that have to be done each day and find ways of sharing those tasks together!

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

IF YOUR SPOUSE GETS BOSSY, JUST STAY SWEET!

Gracious speech is like clover honey- good taste to the soul, quick energy for the body. Proverbs 16:24.... Attitude is contagious! It’s amazing how much influence you and your spouse have over each other. You can be moving along in your day, humming a tune, having a great day; but when your spouse drifts by like a little dark cloud, scowling and blocking the sun, ever notice how quickly your sky turns grey? The choice becomes yours. You can either allow yourself to get dragged down into a sullen disposition and provoked into an argument, or you can smile, speak kindly, and spread some sunshine of your own. God calls us to shine light where there is darkness, to respond to bad with good. What will you do today to shed light in your marriage?

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

MARRIAGE IS NOT FIFTY-FIFTY—YOU BOTH HAVE TO BE WILLING TO GIVE MORE!

Serve each other with love. Galatians 5:13.... We are called by God to long serve one another. Being married gives you the chance to serve another person every day, in ways both large and small. Don’t just give 50 percent, being content to pull your half of the load and worrying about whether your partner is pulling their half; give 100 percent of your effort. If you ask, God will provide you with the energy you’ll need. When you see something that needs to be done, don’t think about whose job it is- simply do it. And don’t seek accolades or gratitude or favors in return. Whatever you do, don’t keep score. Marriage is not a contest in which you and your spouse are pitted against one another. Rather, God has placed you on the same team so you can strive together in victory. How much more will you give today?

Monday, February 24, 2014

TALK THINGS OUT AND NEVER GIVE UP!

Don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Galatians 6:9 Each spouse carries a unique load of emotional baggage into a marriage. All of us, too a greater or lesser extent, bear painful memories and relational scars from our formative years. This baggage can cause communication problems between a husband and wife. Often, a person will hear a message vastly different from what their spouse intended to convey. These misunderstandings are common and lead to much conflicts in marriage. Choosing words carefully can help you avoid some of them. Misunderstandings are sure to come, and when they do, the best way to deal with them is to keep communicating. Never give up trying to express your feelings, and never give up trying to understand your spouse. Communication can be hard work, but the rewards are worth it! What will you do to better communicate to your spouse?

Sunday, February 23, 2014

WEEKEND QUOTE (Sun)

O God, show me your glory, I pray thee, that so I may know you indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say too my soul, “Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.” Then give me grace to rise and follow you up from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long. In Jesus’ name. Amen. A.W. Tozer

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Weekend Quote (Sat)

God is not satisfied until there exists between Him and His people a relaxed informality that requires no artificial stimulation. The true friend of God may sit in His presence for long periods in silence. Complete trust needs no words of assurance. A. W. Tozer

Friday, February 21, 2014

A GOOD MARRIAGE IS GIVE AND TAKE- BUT MOSTLY GIVE!

My own vineyard is mine to give. Song of Songs 8:12.... You possess an incredible gift that you can give your spouse. In fact, you own a vast array of gifts that you can bestow on your partner. The choice is yours. Will you keep your gifts locked up and hidden away, or will you joyfully and willingly present them to your mate as an expression of your love? The asset to which you hold the title, the gift that only you can give, is YOURSELF. Examine the contents in the box before you wrap it, and you’ll discover that there are many little gifts, individually wrapped, waiting to be shared. These are the gifts of time, effort, attention, openness, respect, patience, humility, kindness, touch, laughter, thoughtfulness, romance, acceptance, sacrifice, and compromise. The gift of yourself truly is one that keeps on giving. How will you begin to apply this in your marriage today?

Thursday, February 20, 2014

WHEN YOU GET INTO AN ARGUMENT, TAKE A GOOD LONG WALK TO COOL DOWN.

A fool gives vent to anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. Proverbs 26:11.... Some people think it’s always better to express feelings than to repress them. But in the heat of the argument, emotions arise that often are better left unspoken, for thoughtless words can cause frightful damage to a loved one’s heart and soul. And a wound inflicted in an instant may take months to heal. So why not call a “time out?” Cool off and talk about it later. Ephesians 4:26 says, “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” The Word of God doesn't say you have to resolve every issue by sun down- simply leave your anger behind. They’ll be time for problem solving tomorrow!

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

GIVE EACH OTHER PLENTY OF SPACE TO GROW!

God, who began a good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again. Philippians 1:6.... To truly love your spouse, you want to see them realize their full potential- physically, intellectually, emotionally, and most importantly, spiritually. We are called to “grow in the special favor and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). God wants us to become mature, especially in our ability to trust Him and follow His instructions. Therefore you must give each other room to grow. This may mean encouraging your spouse, self-sacrificing for your spouse, and sometimes it also means giving your spouse room to suffer. James 1:3-4 says, “For when you faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.” What will you do today to encourage your spouse’s growth?

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

SHARE RESPONSIBILITY!

God said, “It’s not good for the Man to be alone; I’ll make him a helper, a companion.” Genesis 2:18.... Looking back at the garden of Eden- God molded for us an incredible plan to assign one partner authority and responsibility, while the other serves as helper. The helper’s role is to offer suggestions and advise, but the leader is the one who decides which course of action to take. The helper must agree to abide by the leader’s decisions. In this way, the work can progress, with both partners laboring together in harmony. And if something goes wrong, it’s the leader’s responsibility—with input from the helper, but no reprehensions- to determine how to make it right. The next time a task presents itself, pull out the captain’s hat (real or imaginary), draw straws, cast lots, or find some other way to figure out who should wear it this time, and hand the other person the first-mate’s cap. Or simply say to your spouse, “okay, today I’m Gilligan, and you’re the Skipper! What is keeping you from sharing responsibility?

Monday, February 17, 2014

NEVER CONSIDER GETTING “UNMARRIED” AS AN OPTION

[Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves. 1 Corinthians 13:7.... How deep was your commitment settled prior to your wedding vows? Every couple should look each other in the eye and solemnly agree, “Divorce is not an option.” If both spouses own this commitment, if they truly lock the door once and for all, they will have made tremendous progress in building a marriage to last a life time. This commitment produces the immediate benefits of both partners experiencing a sense of security, a sense that their hearts are protected, that the relationship can be trusted and there is hope for the future. Do you focus on the problems within your marriage or worry about being abandoned, and entertain notions of escaping? The Word of God says, “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will received what He has promised” (Hebrews 10:36). God will surely see that you both get the reward you have earned. Have you committed yourself to your marriage for life? If not, maybe it’s time you did…Let your spouse know!

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Weekend Quote

We are called to an everlasting preoccupation with God. ~ A.W. Tozer

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Weekend Quote

God and man Exist for each other and neither is satisfied without the other. ~ A.W. Tozer

Friday, February 14, 2014

PUT EACH OTHER FIRST. DO EVERYTHING WITH YOUR SPOUSE IN MIND

The Son of Man did come to be served, but to serve. Mark 10:45.... There are two ways to go about marriage. One is to think about your needs; the other is to concentrate on the needs of your spouse. If each partner selfishly demands that the other meet their needs, the relationship will be characterized by disappointment, resentment, and bitterness. On the other hand, if each partner lovingly strives to fulfill the other’s need’s the marriage will be characterized by mutual satisfaction, gratefulness, and joy. If you trust God’s wisdom and focus on your partner’s needs, the likelihood is you’ll be doubly blessed! You can’t find an easier day than today to put this into practice for the rest of your life!

Thursday, February 13, 2014

REMEMBER THE GOLDEN RULE APPLIES TO YOUR SPOUSE!

Do for others what you would have them do for you. Matthew 7:12.... What is your duty has a husband or a wife? Jesus once said, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘ Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the other commandments and all the other demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:37-40). Who is your neighbor? If, as a married person, you were to ask Jesus this question, He would tell you that you have many neighbors, the closest of who is your mate. Be the best of neighbors to your spouse! Treat your partner exactly as you want to be treated- with honor, respect, gratitude, gentleness, civility, patience, kindness, humility, politeness, thoughtfulness, forgiveness. God’s command to you, His desire for you, can be summed up in one word. How will this change your marriage today and forever?

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

ALWAYS BE HONEST, FAITHFUL, AND TRUE TO EACH OTHER.

ALWAYS BE HONEST, FAITHFUL, AND TRUE TO EACH OTHER. I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called faithful and true. Revelation 19:11.... Marriage is the greatest, most intimate opportunity you will have in your life time to minister to another person. Only you can’t do it on your own. To make the most of the opportunity, you must look to Jesus to both teach you and make you able to love each other. You begin by learning more about Jesus and striving to emulate His perfect love. He is the only one that can change us. The secret of the Christian life is that Jesus Himself turns us into new people- the loving kind. “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on new self’(Colossians 3:9-10). Spend time talking with Him about teaching you to love and making you more like Jesus today.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

IF YOU SPEAK IN HASTE, APOLOGIZE WITH HASTE, TOO!

Rash language cuts and maims; but there is healing in the words of the wise. Proverbs 12:18.... Harmful words come so quickly! Emotions rise, and before the rational mind can intercede, haste causes the tongue to lash out angrily, wounding the person most dear to you. You feel regret, but then pride prevents you from speaking words of apology, words that soothe hurt feelings and restore your relationship. You have two enemies to contend with: haste and pride. If you lose the fight with the first, you must win the battle with the second, or the war may be lost. If haste defeats you, and you find you have sinned by saying something you shouldn't have, subdue your pride and apologize. In short term, pride brings a temporary breakdown in your relationship; unchecked, it could result in the collapse of your marriage. SAVE your marriage. Dispense with pride by humbling yourself and offering a heartfelt apology. Is there an apology long overdue…owed too your spouse?

Monday, February 10, 2014

ALWAYS BE BEST FRIENDS WITH YOUR PARTNER

This is my lover, this is my friend. Song of Songs 5:16... What is a friend? Acquaintances, even close friends and family members, will walk with awhile along life’s road and then depart, but Proverbs 18:24 says, “A real friend sticks closer than a brother.” In your spouse, God has blessed you with a friend for life, who will share the panoramic views and the difficult terrain- and one day celebrate with you the journey’s end. “If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.” A loving spouse will pull you up, affirm your worth, and encourage you to strive ahead. Your best friend is the one you want to with most, the one you choose to talk to first whether the road is smooth or rough, the with whom you want to share your thoughts and feelings, the one whose opinion and advise you seek. A best friend is all of these. But mostly, according to Proverbs 17:17, it is someone who cares deeply: “A friend loves at all times.” May your best friend always be your spouse! What will you do today to demonstrate your love is at ‘ALL TIMES” to your best friend, your spouse?

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Weekend Quote

There are two reasons for loving God: no one is more worthy of our love, and no one can return more in response to our love. ~ Bernard of Clairvaux

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Weekend Quote

The greatest need of the human personality is to experience God Himself. This is because of who God is and who and what man is. ~ A.W. Tozer

Friday, February 7, 2014

EVERYONE HAS PROBLEMS-JUST STAY TOGETHER AND WORK THEM OUT!

I look pp to the mountains- does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth! Psalm 121:1-2.... God wants to ensure that you and your spouse are not alone in your marriage- He wants to be an integral part of your union. He is always present, always available, always ready to help you through any difficulty if you will follow His commands. Inevitably trouble comes. Often a disagreement will break out, tempers will flare, and soon an impenetrable wall has risen between you. Communication has broken down, leading to isolation, frustration, and despair. God has unlimited perspective; He can see over a wall. He perceives with utter clarity and can lay bare the root of the problem. Sometimes it is a simple misunderstanding. Sometimes God will provide one of you with insight into the other’s deeply felt and unexpected needs. In any case, God will reveal to each of you your share of the blame and prompt you to humbly seek forgiveness, leading to reconciliation and unity. Then you can rejoice, saying, “He tore down the wall” (Eph 2:14). Make God a partner in your marriage today; and He will make your marriage strong for all your tomorrows!

Thursday, February 6, 2014

DO EVERYTHING TOGETHER.

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; Your sons will be like olive shoots around your table. Thus is the man blessed who fears the Lord. Psalm 128:3-4... Families today are pulled apart in so many ways. Business keeps everyone on the run, with little time to share a meal or meaningful conversation. Television, computers, video games, and CD players isolate family members within the home; and work, school, sports, and myriad of entertainment options separate them without. A husband and wife must intentionally make time to spend together as a couple, and time for everyone to interact as a family. This doesn’t preclude the above activities; doing together is more rewarding than just being together! The secret is to resist the pull toward disconnection. Pray about this. It may take some creativity and effort in today’s individualistic culture, but with God’s help you can keep you marriage and family intact. After all, His promise in Psalm 128 include the blessing of togetherness. How often are you actually doing thing s together?

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

LOVE ALWAYS TAKES MAINTENANCE- KINDNESS IS A BIG PART OF THAT!

Be kind to one another; tenderhearted. Ephesians 4:32..... Maintenance to your home requires a great deal of money, time, and effort. A broken shingle must be replaced, a torn screen mended, a squeaky hinge oiled, a leaky tap fixed. Yet how great it is to live in a house where the roof keeps out the rain, the windows keep out the bugs, the doors swing freely- and never the sound of a dripping faucet is heard! While “love maintenance” may not require a lot of money. It does require a lot of time and effort, and of course, kindness. Observe the interactions in your house, and then compile a “to do” list (and a “not to do list”). Pay special attention to the little things, which make such a big difference in a relationship. The bible says (twice!) “A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping” (Proverbs 19:13). It’s a warning husbands should heed to as well. Get busy on those lists and discover how enjoyable and long-lasting a well maintained marriage can be!

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

LEARN TO BEND AND NOT BREAK

Blessed is the man who trusts on the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. Jeremiah 17:7-8.... Throughout you marriage life has a way of throwing a wrecking ball right in the middle of things. Business layoffs, family illnesses or injuries, financial crises, time pressures, break downs in close relationships, problems at work, misunderstandings at home- all these, and some far more devastating, threaten to snap a marriage n two and bring it crashing to the ground if a couple is unable to endure the blows. If your marriage is to survive you must possess a kind of supple strength. Sometimes supple strength involves a willingness to adapt to change. It means letting go of circumstances you are trying to control and leaving them to God. When the dust finely clears, the landscape around you may be drastically altered, but your marriage remains intact, standing firm, and continues to thrive in its new environment. Are there some places YOU need to bend in our marriage?

Monday, February 3, 2014

PART OF HAVING A HAPPY MARRIAGE IS DEVELOPING SIMILAR INTERESTS.

Come dear lover- let’s tramp through the countryside. Let’s sleep at some wayside inn, then rise early and listen to bird-song. Let’s look for wildflowers in bloom, blackberry bushes blossoming white, fruit trees festooned with cascading flowers. Song of Songs 7:11-12.... Friendship is such an integral part of romance. The joy of sharing experiences- sights, sounds, tastes, aromas, sensations- will abound as a husband and wife explore and revel in the delights of God’s creation. Having fun and enjoying life together is one of the greatest benefits of married life, and it forms a tight bond that can cement a marriage through the years. Spouses truly should be best friends. Developing common interests helps ensure that you and your spouse will draw closer together over time rather than slowly drift apart. Best of all, It fosters an intimacy that goes far deeper than friendship, because it involves one of the chief ingredients of a happy, successful union- quality time shared together. What will you do today to begin building the friendship part of your marriage.