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, May 22, 2014

A GOOD MARRIAGE IS BASED ON TRUST IN EACH OTHER

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3:3.... Children are generally trusting by nature; if they experience disappointment and hurt, however, they learn to doubt others. Likewise, young lovers often enter marriage having complete faith in one another, but a single act of disloyalty, however small, can shatter that trust, undermining and perhaps ruining the marriage relationship. If your trust in each other remains pristine, if you feel you have no cause to doubt one another, recognize this as a true blessing! Cherish and protect that trust. It may seem rock-solid to you, but it is a fragile thing and so difficult to repair if broken. There are many levels of unfaithfulness, ranging from the secret thoughts of the heart, to the adultery of the eyes, to the emotional infidelity of inappropriate “friendships” both in the real world and on the internet, and all the way to physical acts of betrayal. Fight it at the heart level, and you won’t have to worry about the rest. God will help you there. In fact, it’s only with His help that you can win this battle. 1 Corinthians 4:2 says, “Those who have been given a trust prove faithful.” Your spouse has given you their complete trust. Don’t betray it. In your actions, in your thoughts, In the depths of your heart, be completely worthy.

Monday, May 19, 2014

BELIEVE THAT NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, THINGS WILL WORK OUT RIGHT.

“I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.... You and your spouse may think you have your entire life mapped out. You know where you are going, and you have figured out the way to get there. But be forewarned: You may run into delays and detours. In fact, God may ultimately have in mind for you a change in destination. Proverbs 16:9 says, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” It’s hard to discern what is happening when things go awry along life’s journey. Did we mark the map correctly? Did we make the right turn? Have we missed important intersections? Something’s wrong. Nothing looks familiar. This is not the direction we are supposed to be going. We must be lost! When panic begins to set in, pull over for a few moments, shut off the car, and breathe a little prayer. Ask God to calm your fears and help you understand what he’s doing in your life. Fold up your map, put it away, and pray for new direction, asking God to not only show you the way but ride with you and be your guide. Then turn the key, shift into gear, and head down the highway, trusting in the Lord’s goodness and His ability to take you where He knew all along you needed to go!

Friday, May 16, 2014

REMEMBER YOUR VOWS. THEY’RE SUPPOSED TO BE TRUE

Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all the living creatures of every kind on the earth. Genesis 9:16.... If your child were to ask you what the stones on your wedding ring mean, would you be able to say precisely? Perhaps you could talk about how your ring symbolizes unending love, devotion, and commitment, but would you be able to remember and discuss all the promises you made to your spouse on your wedding day? If not, how do you know you are keeping your vows? After the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and entered the Promised Land, the Lord instructed them to pick twelve stones from the middle of the river, which he had caused to stop flowing, and set them up as a reminder of this miraculous event. God said, “In the future, when your children ask you, ‘what do these stones mean?’ tell them….” (Joshua 4:6-7). He meant for the stones to be a permanent memorial to His people of the specific events of that day. Here’s a thought: why not memorize your wedding vows? It wouldn’t be any harder than learning the pledge of allegiance. You probably have them recorded somewhere, on paper or video. Commit them to memory so that every time you look at your wedding ring, you can recite them, meditate on each one, and rededicate yourself to keeping them. Remembering promises is so important that God Himself makes it a priority.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

WORK HARD BUT TAKE TIME TO PLAY, TOO!

God made everything beautiful in itself and in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:11.... Have you ever seen those desktop pool table, with their little cue sticks and tiny balls? It seems silly for a respectable businessperson to have one in the office, let alone play with it- Yet it’s amazing how relaxing, refreshing, and rejuvenating a few moments of fun in the middle of a hectic, stressful day can be. That must also explain dartboards, Nerf basketballs, and those hanging steel balls that knock each other back and forth. We might think of taking time to play in terms of a full-blown vacation that includes travel, great dining, and lots of entertainment. But for married couples, more often it means a weekend getaway, or just an hour or two in the evening, or maybe even simply a couple of stolen minutes of fun. Don’t burn yourself out with all work and no play, settling for daydreams about your big summer trip. Every now and then shut off the vacuum cleaner, sit down at the piano, and play a song. Close the word processer on your PC and double click a favorite computer game instead. Go for a short bike ride and enjoy the sunshine. Practice your putting. Better yet, call your mate at work and say, “Honey, is there any way you can get out of your meeting this afternoon?” Your spouse is probably just shooting pool anyway.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

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

The Son of man did not 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 needs, the marriage will be characterized by mutual satisfaction, gratefulness, and joy. That’s God’s way of doing things. The bible says your attitude should be just like Christ’s, who, “being in the very nature of God, took on the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:6-7). If anybody had a right to demand service, it was Jesus! But He loved His disciples enough to stop and wash their feet. You may fear that if you don’t focus on your own needs, you’ll be taken advantage of. But if you trusts God’s wisdom and focus on your partner’s needs, the likelihood is that you’ll be doubly blessed! When your spouse senses that you have their well- being in mind and are trying to meet their needs, your spouse will usually reciprocate enthusiastically. Plus, you’ll find there is an additional satisfaction and joy to be found in serving the one you love, because truly. “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). HOW will you do to serve your spouse today?

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

LERAN TO PUT UP WITH HIS LITTLE QUIRKS- HE’S LEARNED TO PUT UP WITH YOURS.

Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Ephesians 4::2.... Whether traveling across the plains in a Conestoga wagon or touring the country in a motor home, spouses have always irritated each other. A woman whose husband insists on re-double checking the tire pressure gets just as annoyed as the woman whose mate kept stopping to examine the horseshoes. If toothpaste came in tubes back then, surely one of those spouse squeezed it wrong. And it’s a safe bet that at least one pair of socks got left on the prairie because some wife had had enough of her husband’s habit of throwing dirty clothes everywhere. If it’s a simple matter for you to change a little quirk that gets on your spouse’s nerves, make the change. Anything you can do to promote harmony in your home will pay great dividends. Your partner will thank you, and you won’t have to endure anymore nagging (at least on that issue). And if your loved one does some small thing that rubs you the wrong way, communicate your feelings constructively- once. Beyond that, overlook the behavior Decide that it’s not worth getting upset about and fighting over. Correct the “error” when and if necessary, joke about it occasionally, and choose to love your spouse all the more for their endearing foibles. Rather than constantly pointing out your partners faults, focus on what you can do to travel through life together peacefully!

Monday, May 12, 2014

MARRY SOMEONE WHO'S A GOOD COOK!

Eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Isaiah 55:2.... They say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. That may or may not be true in love and marriage, but good food- delicious, satisfying, life-giving, and nutritious- is the key when it comes to a relationship with God, and such a relationship is the foundation of a good marriage. So even if you and your spouse are unfamiliar with recipe books, don’t neglect to spend time and get acquainted with the bible. God’s words themselves are food for the soul. Psalm 119:103 says, “How sweet are your words too my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Not only will the bible lead you and your mate to a closer relationship with your heavenly Father, but it contains a wealth of wisdom for nurturing and enhancing your relationship with each other. The bible will also point you to God’s Son. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me shall never hunger…If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever.” In the gospels we are introduced to Christ, we walk with Him and get to know Him, we hear His words and learn from Him. And in Him our deepest hunger is satisfied!

Friday, May 9, 2014

KEEP YOUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT- RESPONCIBILITY AHEAD OF PLEASURE

Develop your business first before building your house. Proverbs 24:27.... Marital bliss isn’t all fun and games- never has been and never will be. Even Adam and Eve, living in the Garden of Eden, had work to do. And heaven will require responsibility as well as recreation. Rule one is, work before play. Gt your chores done, then have a good time. This is important to remember if you are the less responsible, more fun-loving partner. Playing while work goes undone will add to your spouse’s stress, not alleviate it. (But remember, you overly responsible types: the work is never done. Learn to relax.) Rule two is, needs before wants. Before you buy nonessentials, budget your money so you can pay bills, cover unexpected expenses, reduce debt, and save. When your finances are in order, you and your spouse can truly enjoy those little extras. Rule three is, Career before dream house. A home is a good investment, but don’t jump in over your head. Establish your livelihood first, let that determine your standard of living, and be content with how the Lord has chosen too bless you. Marriage involves a great deal of responsibility, but if you keep your priorities straight, it can be heavenly!

Thursday, May 8, 2014

BE ABLE TO COMPROMISE WHEN THERE IS A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION

Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? Amos 3:3.... Here’s a common dilemma between spouses: where to spend the holidays, with his family or hers? This is especially troublesome when both families are out of state, and visiting them involves a great deal of travel expense. What if a couple with young children can only afford to make one trip a year? Whose parents will bounce grandchildren on their knees Christmas morning, and whose will have to settle for three-by-fives in their greeting cards? Surely a compromise is in order. Working out an agreement that will satisfy both spouses requires communication, negotiation, creativity, and some give and take. After carefully listening to each other’s needs and desires, both partners must be willing to make sacrifices to accommodate one another. Then a happy medium can be reached. Perhaps the couple could visit his parents one year, and hers the next. Politics is the art of compromise- and so is marriage. Your willingness to compromise is an expression of your love for your spouse. It proves that you are concerned for your mate’s happiness as well as your own.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

DON’T EXPECT EVERYTHING IN YOUR MARRIAGE TO BE PERFECT

I, Jesus…[AM] the bright morning star. Revelation 22:16.... “Once upon a time, they lived happily ever after.” There it is- the world’s shortest fairy tale. A bit lacking in detail, but it kind of captures the essence of all fairy tales, doesn’t it? The dreamy, romantic quality, the perfect, blissful ending- just right for bedtime storybooks, but as it turns out, not such a good model for marriages! You and your spouse have to live out your “ever after” in the real world, where things don’t always go so smoothly. That’s ok, as long as your expectations are in line with reality. The problem is, many of us cling to fairy-tale notion about married life, expect our partners to live up to them, and experience bitter disappointment and resentment when, despite all our wishing on stars, our dreams don’t exactly come true. So far the sake of our marriages, it’s time to say goodbye to never-never land. It’s time to embrace life as it really is and grapple with its challenges. It’s time to see our spouses as they really are, and not complain when the slipper falls off. But must we give up all our dreams? For believers, the answer is no. We simply look toward heaven and place our faith, our hope for eternal joy, in something more powerful than a wish.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

ENJOY TH SIMPLE THINGS- LIKE LOOKING AT SUNSETS

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised. Psalm 113:3.... When you and your spouse feel the need to get back to the basics, to look beyond the clutter and clamor of this bewildering, complicated world and see what really matters, just go outside together for a moment and gaze upward. No matter what time of day it is, you will witness God’s splendor- and you’ll be reminded that your primary purpose in living, the fundamental reason why the Lord created you both and brought you together, is to worship Him. Psalm 119:: 1-2 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.” Whether you behold a sunrise or a sunset, whether the skies are blue or grey, whether you see a full moon or nothing but stars- God made it all, and He is worthy of adoration. Spend time with your spouse outdoors now and then, just enjoying the simple things, wondering at the beauty of God’s awesome works, and doing what the Lord created you to do. And when a butterfly floats out of the shy and alights nearby, examine it closely and consider, who but God cold have made such aa awesome, “simple” thing?

Monday, May 5, 2014

REMEMBER, IT'S NOT IMPORTANT TO ALWAYS BE RIGHT!

Pride leads to arguments; those who take advice are wise. Proverbs 13:10.... The need to win every argument is a good indicator of a prideful nature. In contrast, a willingness to admit error points to a humble spirit. It’s no secret as to which the bible advocates. Proverbs 11:2 says, “Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Pride exacerbates dissent just as surely as do harsh, angry words, while humility promotes peaceful resolution. So the trick to reducing the amount of intensity of conflict in a marriage is, quite simply, to replace pride with humility. We must examine the condition of our heart. If we discover our attitude is one of stubbornness and pride, we should ask ourselves why. What is the root of our conceit? If we are honest with ourselves, we will often find that our pridefulness is a defense mechanism, a mask for feelings of uncertainty and inferiority. It’s a substitute for having the courage to say, “I don’t know” and risk losing the esteem of others. Pride is a stick we lean on t prop ourselves up; that’s why it often goes before the fall. Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t have all the answers, and don’t hesitate to confess when you’re wrong. You don’t need a flimsy crutch like pride to stand tall- God promises to lift up those who humble themselves.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

BE EACH OTHER’S VERY BEST FRIEND

The two of us have vowed friendship in god’s name. 1 Samuel 20:42.... Perhaps the most compelling example of friendship in the bible is that of David and Jonathan. They loved each other dearly; they took an oath of everlasting friendship; and Jonathan even gave David gifts as tokens of their bond. Their relationship is summed up in the words of 1 Samuel 18:1, “Jonathan became one in the spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.” You and your spouse can and should be the best of friends. Like David and Jonathan, you can and should be soul mates. Follow their example and acknowledge your friendship. The next chance you get, take your partner by the hand and say, “you know, you really are my closest friend in the world.” Express how much your friendship means to you. And once in a while, on no particular occasion, surprise your spouse with a gift to celebrate and commemorate your friendship. Nurture the friendship component of your marriage by doing the things friends do: talking, having fun together, treating each other well, helping one another, standing up for each other, encouraging one another, forgiving each other. Take time to reflect that, just as David and Jonathan cemented their friendship with a solemn vow, you and your spouse have permanently sealed you friendship within the sacred covenant of matrimony. YOU have become BEST FRIENDS for life.