Happy Anniversary!

 We made it!

Today is the day that we celebrate TWENTY years of marriage!

Despite the statistics we still love, honor and cherish... Here are a few pics of our weekend celebration:

Anniversary card and "Blessed" glasses set

Date at Hyde Park

Just Us enjoying each other

Our 20th Anniversary shirts

We STILL do!

Church in the parking lot with my mom

Another Date at the Movies 

Date foodie pics, lol

We are stuck together no matter what, lol!

How to Stay Married for a DECADE

Ten years with one person is a long time these days. Statistics show that over fifty percent of U.S. marriages are lasting no more than seven years. That itch for divorce is real!

When we reached ten years, we celebrated with a very romantic trip to a secluded, privately owned cabin in Hocking Hills, Ohio. It was just the two of us. How did we get to that point? Well, let us share our How To's. This is by no means an all-inclusive list, but we think that there are some things that we will share, that other couples do not make a priority. So here goes...

1. Put God first. We have said it before and we will say it again. God authored marriage and He holds it together. You MUST pray regularly for yourself and your spouse daily.

2. Be kind. Politeness goes a long way in a marriage. Treat your spouse like you would a stranger and it makes a huge difference.

3. Give them the benefit of the doubt. Always assume that your spouse has your best interest at heart and never intend to hurt you purposefully. This is something that we discovered many years into our marriage. It's a game-changer!

4. Communicate not just daily, but throughout the day. We text, call, write and send messages to each other religiously. Even a simple "I love you" or "How are you doing" at any time means that you are being thought of and we ALL want that!

5. Spend time with other couples. Our church has a great group of couples that meets monthly. It is very refreshing to know that you are not in this alone. Make group dates a priority.

6. Ask them what they want from you. Do not assume in sex or otherwise that you know just what your spouse needs. It is best to ask and to listen to the answer, then do, buy or say what they prefer.

7. Let your spouse know your limits. You really have to let your spouse know what you can and cannot tolerate from them. In our relationship, being flirty is a no-no. Define your own boundaries and do not cross them!

8. Celebrate your anniversary. This is really important. You always need to remember your why. Why did we marry? Look at the picture and videos. Do something special on that day every year. Never forget.

9. Join the same church. We cannot understate this! We know couples that have lasted more than ten years and they attend different congregations, but we do not recommend this. You need to be on the same page as far as your belief systems.

10. Have sex. Plan it if you have to, but make it happen regularly. Never have your spouse question whether or not you are still interested in them physically. It hurts deeply. Be the chaser and the chased who gets caught. Do your research on your issues and work it out. (pun intended)

Hopefully, these ten tips will help you on your way to having a long successful marriage til death do you part. That really is the ultimate goal. Never forget that. "...With God all things are possible." (Mark 10:23-27

Fifteen Things We Know about Marriage!

Our African themed celebration. See social media for more pics!

On July 21st at 11:30am we were officially celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary. It has been a rollercoaster in many ways. We wanted to share with our readers just a few words of advice from one couple to another and pray that it encourages you to your 15th year and beyond! 

1. Laughing together is important. We have learned to laugh in good and bad times. We realized that we both have this nervous giggle...and we think it's funny. Laughter is like medicine for your marriage! Proverbs 17:22
2. Be your spouse's biggest cheerleader. When we do well at something, we congratulate each other. We also spur each other on to do even more. Hebrews 10:24, 1 Thessalonians 5:11
3. Have a grace space. Let your spouse talk to you and you talk to them. We all need to listen and give each other time to share what is on our hearts. We try to do this weekly and going to bed furious with your spouse never works well. James 4:7-10, Ephesians 4:26
4. Forgive quickly. It really does heal your heart and that of your mate. James 5:16
5. Pray with and for each other. You will not meet all of the needs of your spouse, only God can do that; so ask for His wisdom in how to love them best in a way they understand. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
6. Children are a blessing, but not your first priority. Your marriage relationship requires time and effort. Make sure the kids understand this and they will be better prepared for marriage as well. Amos 3:3
7. Eat together. There is nothing like the bond formed over a shared meal. The Church ate together and marriage is a picture of Christ and His Church. You have to eat, so eat together at least once a day! Acts 2:46
8. Date whenever and however you can! Get creative. It is important that you keep the flame lit. You are not dating to get to know each other per se, but it is to have fun together & make memories. 
9. Find at least 2 things in common that you both enjoy. Lots of couples are opposites, but when the kids are gone, you do not want to be strangers. Find a new hobby or gain some mutual interests.
10. Keep folks out of your business. We learned that not everyone has our best interests at heart. Keep your marriage between the two of you unless you are speaking with a Godly marriage mentor (like us) or a counselor.
11. Be the peacemaker. When we argue (yes, it happens), we try to be the first one to make peace. Matthew 5:9
12. Have LOTS of sex and touch often. Intimacy happens all day every day even if you don't actually do the deed. Touching like hugs, kisses and a slap on the butt or holding hands keep you "in the mood". Proverbs 5:19, Song of Solomon
13. Common courtesy goes a long way. Don't treat strangers better than your spouse. Saying thank you and excuse me go a long way when you live with someone. Love is not rude. 1 Corinthians 13
14. Learn how to help in sickness. It is important to take care of each other even if one of you is not a nurse...lol. We have learned to serve each other and comfort in sickness. It is seldom discussed regarding marriage, but important! Jeremiah 31:4
15. Encourage other couples. Wherever you are in your marriage, you can edify another couple. Let's decrease the rate of divorce by being open and willing to share our hardships and our victories. No marriage is an island!