I may not be considered among the old and wise yet, but I have experienced quite a bit in my rather brief life up until this point. Oftentimes I feel as though I am somewhat of an “old soul” because of the things I have been through, learned, and experienced. While I still have a long way to go, there is one thing I have discovered to be true: life is a journey that requires patience, grace, and love. And love itself requires the most patience and grace of all of life’s journeys.
In our western culture, we often demand and expect instant gratification. Most products and services cater to our crazy, hectic, and busy lifestyles on the go, and we’ve come to mandate nothing less. Unfortunately, that mentality has spilled over into our marriages, families, and relationships. We want a self-serving, drive-thru, instant gratification kind of life, but that’s the opposite of what relationships require.
Love needs nurturing and patience. It is a marathon not a sprint. Slowly it blossoms and grows establishing deeper, stronger roots all the while. The more we love it and care for it, the stronger and more radiant it becomes. This requires patience, endurance, and determination. All of the blood, sweat, and tears though are well worth it because the rewards of a true and lasting love and marriage far outweigh any of life’s other offerings.
There’s a song that I think captures the ebbs and flows, ups and downs, and patience that love requires. It talks of the journey of determination, grace, endurance, and perseverance in a beautiful, unwavering way. Honestly, I adore this song and its captivating lyrics about a bold yet tender and tenacious love and just know you will too. It’s called I Won’t Give Upby Jason Mraz.
Hopefully you all have some fun and wonderful celebrations planned with loved ones for this special holiday of hope! If you’re like me, you’re probably putting the finishing touches on your preparations. This year we’re headed to church with a group of friends, and then I’m making a big feast for us all to follow. Honestly, I cannot wait!
Something else that my hubs and I do is exchange Easter baskets. Yes, we’re way too old for these antics, but what can I say? We’re two overgrown kids who happen to love to do silly, fun, and childish things. We think it keeps things fresh and fun. That’s our story, and we’re sticking too it
Anyway, whether you’re writing a card out to your love bunny or creating a basket of treats, I created a little printable for you to include with your goodies. You can print it off and write a sweet, personal note on the back for your spouse, kids, parents, siblings … anyone and everyone! Enjoy, and Happy Easter!
Most of us have been in a relationship at some point in our life where we felt unappreciated, unloved, and undesired. Rather than being wooed and affirmed, you’re left convincing the person to love you and see that you are valuable, precious, and worthy of being treated with respect. It’s lonely, painful, and damaging.
I was definitely in a relationship like this before, and I had nearly lost all faith in the existence of my “fairytale.” It wasn’t that I was looking for perfection or unrealistic, but I had always hoped for and believed in finding someone that I loved and adored and who felt the same way about me. My best friend that adventured through life with me. Someone to laugh, cry, and just be with through all of life’s turns and swerves. That person that pushes you to your full potential while supporting you in a loving embrace. This vision and dream was but a mere flicker at one point because of the relationship I had subjected myself to.
Then, I met my husband. Quickly my flicker became a flame, and I found that all of my hopes and dreams for a lifetime partner were not only realized but exceeded. What a treasure and blessing it is to find the one that your heart loves. That person who makes you dream, hope, anticipate, strive, and believe.
There’s a song by Taylor Swift off of her latest album, Red, that always stirs gratitude within me. I’m reminded of the brokenness and loneliness I once felt and the excitement and joy that my husband brought me when he came into my life. The song is called Begin Again, and it’s a message of hope. Hope that love exists and that, if you’re willing to be patient, diligent, and wise, someone who is deserving will come into your life.
I will leave you with this thought: God wants the best for you. Sometimes we settle and compromise for less than that, but God wants you to have faith in His plans for your life. ‘For I know the plans 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). If you’re struggling, questioning, wondering, or searching, take it to your Heavenly Father. Whether it seems like it or not, He cares, is listening, and working on your behalf.
Let me know what you think of the song and, well, anything else you might have on your mind.
Share your thoughts, feelings, and stories as well as respond to others regarding these questions:
Well, Valentine’s Day is just 2 days away! Are you a fan of V-Day? Why or why not?
I’ll get us started …
Personally I am a fan of Valentine’s Day. Really the main reason is because it’s a great reminder to show some love to those you love. It’s an excuse to get creative, romantic, and even a little sappy. The truth is, I think we all need a reminder here and there to take time to show our spouse a little love and appreciation. So for me, two thumbs up for Valentine’s Day!
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Most of us ascribe to the belief that there is someone out there that God created carefully and specifically for us. Our other half. The person who completes us. The “one.” Some call them a “soul mate.” Or you might be one of those people who shrugs off that notion as nonsense for one reason or another. Personally I do believe that God has a perfect plan for our love life if we’re willing to use wisdom, common sense, and a lot of prayer to seek out who and what that is.
Whatever you believe, I think we all have a certain soft spot for a little romance. I have just the thing that will appeal to your sensitive side. It’s an animated short film by Walt Disney Animation Studios called Paperman, that appeared at the beginning of their latest animated hit, Wreck It Ralph (a super cute, funny, and endearing movie by the way). In this mini-movie, we see two people unexpectedly, romantically, and adorably pulled together in a love story that will tug at your heart strings.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Let me know what you think.
Share your thoughts, feelings, and stories as well as respond to others regarding these questions:
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. What are some of your plans? Anyone have some cute ideas of how we can show our spouse or significant other our love?
I’ll get us started …
To be honest, Valentine’s Day has been on my radar, but I haven’t given it a ton of thought because of how busy things have been. That’s not a very good excuse, but I’ve really got to sit down and put some thought into what I’m going to do for my hubs. Usually we go out to dinner and/or make a special dinner at home, exchange some small gifts and cards, and just enjoy one another’s company. I typically make some kind of yummy dessert because I love baking. You all might want to try this recipe if you’re looking for something to bake this year.
The bottom line, I need to get on the ball this year. Feel free to share your suggestions, as I clearly need any help I can get … haha J
Okay, it’s your turn!
Congratulations to our January Talking Tuesday Giveaway winner … Ida! We love hearing from all of you, so make sure you keep joining our weekly conversations for your chance to win February’s Giveaway! And spread the word because the more the merrier!
If you have a question you would like to see asked in our weekly Talking Tuesday discussions, we want to know what it is! Just contact us with your idea!
*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.
