Give Thanks

The signs of autumn are everywhere. The crisp cool mornings, brightly colored leaves, and the smell of apple cider lets me know that Thanksgiving is approaching quickly. What are you thankful for?

Each year we try to thank God for His many blessings in our lives. Have you thanked Him for your spouse lately?

I recently heard someone speaking on the topic of marriage. She said, "A thankful couple, is a healthy couple." Next she asked us to each list 10 qualities in our spouse we were thankful for. She suggested we keep the lists and refer to them whenever things are challenging in our marriages. After all, it's important to focus on our strengths.

My date idea for the latter part of November is to plan a time when you and your spouse can be alone. Bring two sheets of paper and two pens (no excuses for not doing this!). Next each of you take some time to write down your own thankful list. Write down 10 good qualities you see in your mate. Next, take turns reading them to each other. Finally, exchange your lists and be sure to keep them for a rainy day.

Marriage is a relationship filled with ups and downs, highs and lows, we need to be constantly working to improve these relationships so they will stand the test of time.


PS. For a fun twist on this date idea, get two hand-held mirrors and two tubes of inexpensive lipstick. Next prepare a hot steamy bubble bath and drinks of your choice (I love sparkling cider). Invite your spouse to join you, and then write your thankful list with lipstick on the mirrors. Of course, you'll want to transfer those thankful thoughts to paper or computer later on. Have fun with it!

The Language of Love

The language of love is a beautiful thing, when it's being spoken. Are you and your spouse speaking love to one another?

There are several books out there about the different love languages.  The five most talked about are:  Personal Touch and Closeness, Words of Encouragement, Acts of Kindness, Quality Time, and Gift Giving.

While the books emphasize finding our top language and then expecting others to speak it, I've learned we should be speaking all of them to our mate at different times.    The problem usually lies with us.  We tend to speak the love language we are craving while our spouse may be desiring a different one.

For my date idea, I would like to challenge you to use the five love languages listed here to communicate to your spouse over the next week.

Make a list of at least one thing you could try each day to express love in a different way.

Here are some examples:

Gift Giving: Buy him/her a small trinket that they would like, or even a special treat from the grocery store that you put in their lunch (if you pack their lunch).

Words of Encouragement: Spend the day making a list of their good qualities, or of the things you've noticed that they've done around the house over the past few weeks. Try leaving the note of "thanks for all they do" on their pillow.

Quality Time: Plan a romantic breakfast, lunch, or dinner where you draw them out and try to be a good listener (remember this is about them not you!).

Acts of Kindness: Take over one of their chores (without them asking first). Go to the dump for them, or take out the garbage for a few days. Mow the lawn, or weed eat for them. Make it something they will notice so they feel the love.

Personal Touch and Closeness: Watch a movie together holding hands, go out to eat and sit on the same side of the booth so you can play footsie's and hold hands.

Love is the universal language, let's all speak it this week!

Say Something Nice

I am currently studying a Bible study book called, "Satisfy My Thirsty Soul," by Linda Dillow.

This week we are learning how to bow our words to God. Not an easy task for this extrovert! One of the assignments made me think of a great date idea.

Plan to have a romantic dinner at home. If you have kids at home (like I do) it's good to feed them first, then have them scoot off to play or watch T.V. while you and your hubby light the candles and sit in the dining room (you know the room collecting dust!).

After having a delightful dinner and conversation, pull out 2 sheets of paper and two stamped envelopes. Next you are both to write a list of things you like about the other person (NO PEEKING!). Next fold the papers put them in the envelopes and seal them. Address them and drive them to the post office. Then you both have to wait to receive your letter in the mail.

We all need to be encouraged with words. Let's have some fun with it!