a few words on marriage from the renowned marriage counselor, ben affleck

photo

sometimes, God uses the most interesting of people, places, or things to speak into our lives.  recently it was ben affleck, at the oscars, gold statuette in hand.  he spoke about his marriage during his acceptance speech and it just got me thinking about the true meaning of marriage.  and then i read this article.  good stuff.

yes, there are moments of fairytale bliss - birds chirping and swirling around, flowers in bloom, forest creatures singing, glitter and clouds, and such.  but then there are hard days.  hard weeks.  hard months.  hard years, even.  times that are trying.  seasons of sickness. poorer instead of richer.  when the “worse” part of those vows stares you in the face, knocks the wind out of you, and becomes real.  but i must say that i agree with mr. affleck, “it’s good. it is work, but it’s the best kind of work.” 

my God + my hubby + me  the three of us work at it together.  but it’s the best kind of work.

and in those moments of bliss make you understand that God is true to His promises.  and then you just let out a contented sigh as you bask in the blessings of God.  grateful that He has given you someone to walk with and talk with and cry with and laugh with in this life.  He is a good God.  He is a kind and sweet God.  and He has given me a husband who loves me deeply with the love of Christ and who really truly likes me.  we enjoy each other’s company and have so much fun together.  and as long as we keep walking with our Savior…that love grows truer, our life together is a blessing to others, and the work pays off.

you’re my little chu-chi face [and other sappy comments]

i have a wonderful husband.  stop.

first off, look at that face.  the cutest, i know.

but even more than that, he takes such good care of us.  not only does he tend to our furry babies day in and day out, he also manages to tidy up the kitchen before i get home each day.  and, he still finds time to cook dinner for me on occasion.  he cold brews coffee for me [a preggo addiction].  he carries heavy objects for me.  he vacuums the house and makes sure that there are perfect lines.  he refills my water glass.  he reads my birthing books.  he watches chick flicks with me.  he does late night grocery store runs for the odds and ends that i have forgotten.

he asks me about my day.  he reads devotions to us morning and night.  he sends me sweet texts.  he emails me interesting articles or websites.  he gives me hugs.  he puts up with the newest addition to our sleeping arrangement – an extra pillow for belly and hip propping.  he assembles furniture.  he hangs drapes.  he gets excited about all the doodads for the nursery.  he reads and plays music for miss elinor.

he makes me feel always loved.  always special.  always appreciated.

God has really blessed me with that sweet hubby of mine.  and i am so excited to embark upon this new adventure as we enter the next season of life together.  you and me, mister…raising our little blessing together.

{squeeze squeeze squeeze}

no ordinary marriage

one of the greatest social tragedies of our day is the underperformance of marriage—not only marriages that end in divorce, but also those which, while remaining “intact”, become painfully strained and emotionally scarred. surely there must be hope for something better, for something more.

together for God’s glory

the tagline for this book is unpacked on the pages of this fantastic work by dr. tim savage.  ben and i are blessed to get to hear him proclaim God’s truth every sunday at our church and we are thrilled about this new book.  God has blessed this man with a desire for Christ, a brilliant mind, an extreme love for people, a passion for holiness, a keen intellect, a gift for discerning and proclaiming the truth of God’s Word, and a humble servant’s heart.  God has used him mightily to pen an exquisite and profound work on the gift and meaning of marriage.

this book is rich and replete.  filled with vibrant observations andand significant pertinence.  it isn’t a quick and practical “how to” guide for married couples.  this isn’t a step-by-step guide or self-help feel-goodery mumbo-jumbo.  it delves into the depths of the sacred union and expresses God’s lofty purpose for marriage.  savage also discusses cruciform love and how God desires for our marriages to bring glory to Him so that His glory can infuse our relationships, increase our joy, and make us bright lights in a troubled world.

for married couples, engaged couples, dating couples, and soon-to-be-dating individuals, this is a powerful book.  pick it up and prayerfully pour over the pages.  let it seep into you, convict your heart, encourage your soul, inspire your actions, and shape your relationships – for His glory and your good.

snaps & snippets & blurbs

my man and i spent last weekend in california for a wedding!  first off, the 72 degree weather made it pretty tough to return to the desert… and secondly, i really like weddings.  they are fun to plan, fun to participate in, and fun to attend.  and they always make us harken back to our special day, six years ago.  what a great reminder of the great blessing and meaning of marriage.  weddings are always such an  encouragement to us.  hubby and i had a fun weekend together and cherished the opportunity to let God refresh our committment and joy.

roadtrip fun + enjoying some of our favorites…black rebel motorcycle club, bob dylan, them crooked vultures, gungor, and dave matthews + pasadena sunshine and 72 degrees + enjoying some coffee while sitting outdoors under an umbrella + the cute little pups that were hanging out nearby + off to try on a tux! + looking very bond, james bond + the rehearsal at the church + old architecture in old town pasadena + the big day! + my man in his tux with pink accents.  he worked it + wearing my fancy manolo blahnik shoes + waiting for the ceremony to start + enjoying the dance party happening inside the belly [she was ready to get to the reception...] + the lovely flower arrangements + arriving at the reception site, castle green historic manor + the surroundings and decor…quite disneyland’s haunted mansion, if you ask me.  i think this venue must have been the inspiration.  it was very old school cool. + the beautiful tablescapes

 

happy anniversary, hubby

 six years today.  six years and counting.

six years of growth.

six years of memories.

six years of joys and sorrows.

six years of new experiences and lessons learned.

six years of a faithful God.

my dear, dear ben. 

thank you for your fierce love.  thank you for your sacrificial love.  thank you for fighting for us.  thank you for emptying yourself and seeking God for your supply.  thank you for leading us back to the cross daily.  thank you for protecting and guarding our marriage.  thank you for your quiet strength.  thank you for your forgiveness.  thank you for your willingness to learn and desire to grow.  thank you for your forbearance.

 thank you for loving my craziness.  thank you for taking care of our puppies.  thank you for making me laugh.  thank you for being my friend.  thank you for reading God’s Word to me morning and night.  thank you for taking me on yummy dates.  thank you for choosing to go through this life with me.  you are my most-est favorite-est.  the best is yet to come…

squeeze.  squeeze.  squeeze.

love, me