We all have a past. We all have baggage. We all have healing that needs to happen in our lives emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. Truthfully, we are all beautiful messes.
Often times we become acutely aware of this when we enter into a relationship. Suddenly our insecurities, fears, and brokenness rear their ugly heads taunting and tormenting us. Thoughts race through our minds of our inadequacies, and we begin to feel unlovable.
Some people respond to this onslaught of emotional bondage by shutting down. Others simply try to mask it all. The reality is that we need to face it all … honestly and openly. Yes, it’s painful and scary, but when we have met someone we are contemplating giving our heart to, then vulnerability and openness are absolutely essential to moving forward individually as well as in the relationship.
Most of what we think about ourselves is false messages … lies from Satan that try to deter us from the abundant blessings God has in store for us. If Satan can convince us that we are trash, then we never aspire to love, dream, or believe in God’s perfect plan for our life. Right?
That’s why we need to tackle our brokenness head on because each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made by a loving Creator (Psalm 139:14) who doesn’t make mistakes. And guess what? The person you are in love with has brokenness to deal with too, but he/she is still a masterpiece too. It’s about working together through the bruises and scars left by life and realizing that you aren’t damaged but rather equipped with valuable lessons you’ve learned through your experiences. You are stronger, wiser, and refined.
There’s a song that paints a picture of this healing process so beautifully. It’s by a band that I am superbly proud to say I went to college with. Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to build a friendship with them, but I did get to listen to them play around campus. While they may not know me, it doesn’t stop me from being ridiculously supportive and excited for them and the way God is using their band and inspirational music.
Tenth Avenue North is a band that gets it. Their music is straight from the heart with messages that speak to the heart. In one of their lesser known songs, Oh My Dear, you are taken on an intimate journey between two people working through their pain and brokenness.
Take a listen, and let me know what you think! By the way, you can snag this song (or any of their songs) here. You can also get the full scoop on Tenth Avenue North by visiting their website.
*To comment on this entry, simply click on the “no comment” link in blue just below the post (if someone has already commented, you will see a number instead of “no” in front of “comment”). Fill out the form that pops up. Your name & email are not required. Once you have entered your comment, click on the “Submit a Comment,” and it will appear once it is approved for posting.”
Share your thoughts, feelings, and stories as well as respond to others regarding these questions:
What has your spouse done for you in the past couple of weeks that especially made you feel loved? If you aren’t married, is there a friend or family member that made you feel this way?
I’ll get us started …
It was a particularly stressful and emotional day, and I was absolutely drained and exhausted. My husband, Steve, had me kick back on the couch while he rubbed my feet with lotion. Not only did it feel incredible and relax me completely, but it made me feel so loved. It communicated that he recognized my emotional state, cared, and was willing to do something about it. Literally, it made my heart well up with love for and from him.
Okay, it’s your turn!
*To comment on this entry, simply click on the “no comment” link in blue just below the post (if someone has already commented, you will see a number instead of “no” in front of “comment”). Fill out the form that pops up. Your name & email are not required. Once you have entered your comment, click on the “Submit a Comment,” and it will appear once it is approved for posting.
Share your thoughts, feelings, and stories as well as respond to others regarding these questions:
What was your favorite part of your wedding day? If you aren’t married, is there a specific moment you are looking forward to on your wedding day?
I’ll get us started …
I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way (at least I hope I’m not), but I thoroughly enjoyed every second of my wedding day! It was perfect, and although it went by super quickly, my husband and I tried to take specific moments to soak it all in.
Of course I can’t just pick one moment, so I will list my top three. The first one was the look on Steve’s face when I appeared at the top of the stairs arm-in-arm with my father. I looked forward to that moment our entire relationship, and his reaction is still burned into my mind and heart. Secondly, I loved the moment when we said our vows. I really felt the presence of the Holy Spirit unite us as one in an indescribable and unforgettable way. Finally, during our last song of the night, we slow danced while all of our guests circled around us. I remember peering at each face as we spun around, and to this day, I cry thinking about how precious it was having all of those special people I love there for the most important day of my life.
Okay, it’s your turn!
*To comment on this entry, simply click on the “no comment” link in blue just below the post (if someone has already commented, you will see a number instead of “no” in front of “comment”). Fill out the form that pops up. Your name & email are not required. Once you have entered your comment, click on the “Submit a Comment,” and it will appear once it is approved for posting.
Share your thoughts, feelings, and stories as well as respond to others regarding these questions:
What top three qualities did you look for in your spouse? If you aren’t married yet, what top three qualities are you looking for in a spouse?
I’ll get us started …
For me, the number one quality I looked for in my husband was that he loved the Lord with all of his heart. Being on the same page spiritually was something I learned to be an absolute must! Plus, I knew that if he loved Christ and had a personal relationship with Him, then he would know how to love me and fulfill his God-given role as a husband.
Secondly, I needed a husband that I could have fun with! A merry heart does good, like medicine (Proverbs 17:22). Laughter for me is absolutely essential, and Steve and I laugh together all of the time. We have the best time no matter where we are or what we are doing, and I love that!
Thirdly, I looked for someone with a strong conviction and leadership qualities. I’m a strong personality myself, so I wanted to make sure my husband could give me a run for my money. It was important to have a man that is a strong, wise leader that I could come alongside with complete trust and confidence. Steve is definitely the strong leader I needed and looked for.
Okay, it’s your turn!
*To comment on this entry, simply click on the “no comment” link in blue just below the post (if someone has already commented, you will see a number instead of “no” in front of “comment”). Fill out the form that pops up. Your name & email are not required. Once you have entered your comment, click on the “Submit a Comment,” and it will appear once it is approved for posting.
Share your thoughts, feelings, and stories as well as respond to others regarding these questions:
How does your spouse encourage you to pursue your passions? How do you encourage him/her to do the same?
I’ll get us started …
Something I really admire and love about my husband, Steve, is that he is always so supportive of my passions. He always has been, and there are few things that mean more to me than having that support, love, and encouragement. One of my biggest passions is to help relationships and marriages thrive. Obviously that manifested itself through Foundation Restoration. From day 1 Steve believed in my vision, passion, and pursuit of making Foundation Restoration a reality, and it’s the reason this organization even exists.
Because it means so much to me to have Steve’s support in the things I do, I want to be and do the same for him. One thing he enjoys, and I’ve really tried to encourage him to pursue is his interest in music. Whether it’s buying him a mixer or cheering him on to take guitar lessons, I want to be his #1 fan in everything he does.
I don’t know about you, but having your spouse in your corner on something is one of the greatest feelings! And being that support system for your spouse is even better!
Okay, it’s your turn!
This month we are switching things up and offering a $10 gift card to Amazon!
Congratulations to our February Talking Tuesday giveaway winner: Joyce! Joyce, make sure you check your email for a notification from us; we need some information from you! Thanks to everyone who has been participating; we love hearing your thoughts, so keep it up and spread the word!
*To comment on this entry, simply click on the “no comment” link in blue just below the post (if someone has already commented, you will see a number instead of “no” in front of “comment”). Fill out the form that pops up. Your name & email are not required. Once you have entered your comment, click on the “Submit a Comment,” and it will appear once it is approved for posting.
Recently my husband, Steve, and I were snuggled up watching the movie True Country, and although I wasn’t a huge fan of the message of this movie, I did discover one of my favorite new songs that I couldn’t wait to share with you all. It comes part way through the movie, and as soon as I heard it, I fell in love with it.
Whenever I turn this song on, I have to crank it up. It paints this portrait of two people in love working to win one another’s hearts. It reminds me of falling in love with my husband and how hard we both work to keep falling in love with one another each and every day over and over again.
The lyrics are playful and powerful all at the same time. It’s just a great love song called, Give Into Me, and I’ll admit that I’m borderline obsessed with it at the moment. From its sound to its lyrics, I can’t stop listening to it.
Alright, alright, I will stop rambling on and let you decide what you think of it for yourselves. Hopefully you enjoy it as much as I do!
Oh, and here are a couple of my favorite lyrics from the song:
Check it out …
*To comment on this entry, simply click on the “no comment” link in blue just below the post (if someone has already commented, you will see a number instead of “no” in front of “comment”). Fill out the form that pops up. Your name & email are not required. Once you have entered your comment, click on the “Submit a Comment,” and it will appear once it is approved for posting.
Share your thoughts, feelings, and stories as well as respond to others regarding these questions:
What’s one thing you would love for you and your spouse (or significant other) to do at some point in your lives? If you’re not married, what’s one thing you would love to do at some point in your life?
I’ll get us started …
I love travelling. Seeing a new place and exploring it for the first time with my husband is one of my favorite things to do. There’s nothing like a new adventure with new people, food, and fun to be had.
That being said, I have always wanted to go to Italy and Greece. I’ve wanted to go since I can remember, and ever since Steve and I got married, I’ve talked about how that trip is one I dream of experiencing together. And … our dream is about to be a reality! This September for our anniversary, we are doing a cruise touring all of the places we’ve always wanted to see in Italy and Greece. Just saying it makes me all giddy! I cannot wait J
Okay, it’s your turn!
*To comment on this entry, simply click on the “no comment” link in blue just below the post (if someone has already commented, you will see a number instead of “no” in front of “comment”). Fill out the form that pops up. Your name & email are not required. Once you have entered your comment, click on the “Submit a Comment,” and it will appear once it is approved for posting.
Share your thoughts, feelings, and stories as well as respond to others regarding these questions:
What did you do to celebrate Valentine’s Day?
I’ll get us started …
My approach to Valentine’s Day, as I highlighted in recent article A Chance to Love, is that it’s an opportunity to shower your loved ones with the admiration, gratitude, and love you feel for them. This is especially true for me with my husband, and I feel he does the same for me. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to spread some love to those you love.
This year, my hubs and I did a two part celebration. On Sunday night we went out for an amazingly delicious dinner at the Napa Rose. We got dressed up and savored our evening out on the town. The Napa Rose is adjacent to Downtown Disney at Disneyland, so we also enjoyed a hand-in-hand stroll perusing the shops together and making sure to stop for a caramel apple (my fave!). It was such a wonderful evening for the two of us.
The second part of our V-Day celebration was a more low-key evening the day of. Before Steve got home, I decorated the house with some homemade décor and lots of candles. With some of my favorite love songs playing in the background, it was the perfect way to greet my hubs. He then proceeded to cook an out-of-this world, delicious dinner. We exchanged a few small gifts and cards, and then we finished up the evening with a banana cream pie that I baked.
I don’t know about all of you, but it felt good to take time out just to love on one another!
Okay, it’s your turn!
*To comment on this entry, simply click on the “no comment” link in blue just below the post (if someone has already commented, you will see a number instead of “no” in front of “comment”). Fill out the form that pops up. Your name & email are not required. Once you have entered your comment, click on the “Submit a Comment,” and it will appear once it is approved for posting.
Share your thoughts, feelings, and stories as well as respond to others regarding these questions:
Which do you prefer when it comes to someone’s expression of love for you, and why?
1. A thoughtful gift
2. An act of love (massage, cleaning up, dinner made, etc.)
3. A planned outing (picnic, date night, etc.)
4. Quality time spent together
I’ll get us started …
It’s safe to say that I would relish any of the above expressions of love, but quality time is definitely my go to. One of the times I feel most loved by my husband is on our weekly lunch dates. For that hour I have his undivided attention meaning lots of eye contact, listening, and great conversation. I literally look forward to our lunch dates all week long because I know I will leave with my love tank on full.
Okay, it’s your turn!
*To comment on this entry, simply click on the “no comment” link in blue just below the post (if someone has already commented, you will see a number instead of “no” in front of “comment”). Fill out the form that pops up. Your name & email are not required. Once you have entered your comment, click on the “Submit a Comment,” and it will appear once it is approved for posting.
We decided, just for fun, to announce a new giveaway! Here’s the scoop, we want to reach 1,500 Likes/Fans on our Foundation Restoration Facebook page. If we can reach that goal with your help of going to our page, liking us, and then spreading the word to everyone you know to come like us too, then everyone will automatically be entered to WIN the following:
A super practical, sturdy, and totally cool Foundation Restoration canvas tote
An adorable, must-have Chick-fil-A mini plush cow
AND a $10 Amazon gift card so you can grab that book you’ve been dying to read
SPREAD THE WORD!!! You can do so a couple of ways:
(a) Leave a comment on your wall something like this,
“Hey everyone! You’ve got to head over to the Foundation Facebook page and LIKE them! They’re an awesome organization making a difference. PLUS, they’re having a giveaway right now! Go check it out and LIKE them at www.facebook.com/FoundationRestoration!”
Make sure you include the link though!
(b) We posted about the giveaway on our Facebook wall, so you can go there, click “Share” at the bottom of the post talking all about the giveaway, write a blurb about why everyone should come like us, and then click “Share.”
That’s it! Again, we have to reach 1,500 fans on our Facebook page for anyone to win, so make sure to join us and then spread the word!!!
