A Little Romance

So, how is the romance in your life? Well, as many of you know, I have committed to make the effort this year to put, shall we say, a little sass-a-frass back into my marriage. And, how is it going, you ask? rrrrRRRRrrrr!!!! (hee-hee!) So well that uh- I forgot to post all about it last month. Seriously, I've been a little too busy living it, to write about it. But I've got a little time to share-so let's get started. This has been such a great challenge. Thanks Maria! I must say I have been pleasantly surprised and I can't wait to see where this takes us as the year goes on.

I have prayed for the Lord's blessing on our marriage. I have gone before Him, daily in praise for the gift Hugh is to me. I ask the Lord, everyday, to make me worthy of my role as wife and mother. I ask for His continued guidance and protection (physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.) And I ask that I might find favor with Hugh. That his heart would continue to be open to me, and that we would treasure one another and the covenant of our marriage. I have also committed myself to studying the "art and beauty of marriage" biblically. This is what I have learned, and begun to put into practice....

I can love my husband more deeply by showing my respect and reverence for him and his role in our marriage.

I respect him by submitting to his authority and leadership of our family.

I show my submission by deferring to his judgment in making decisions for our family. In this way, I am showing him respect and my trust in his knowledge and opinions.- Let me say that this has not been an easy thing for me to practice, especially when I think I'm right. But, I know in my heart that if I am to be pleasing to my Lord, then I must trust Him in this matter, and do what he has asked of me. I must trust His design and plan for my marriage if I want it to be all it can and if I want to be truly happy and fulfilled.

I show my love for my husband by doing all I can joyfully and with a servant's heart. The Lord is looking at not only what I do in obedience to Him, but, also my heart's motive and attitude. This, by far, has been the hardest to practice, if I am totally honest.- The flesh side of me doesn't want to be a servant or slave. The "worldly woman" in me wants to be adored, pampered and romanced. My mind and mouth say, "I am a valuable person too. I need someone to care about my thoughts, opinions and needs too. Well, you know what I found to be true...I didn't lose myself or any of the things that I need. The Lord has supplied my needs and the desires of my heart, because I chose to seek His kingdom first. Yes, that's right...I tested it and found His promises to be faithful and true! While I was busy fruitlessly squandering my time and energy on worrying about me and what I'm going to get out of it all- He picked me up and lovingly shook me out of my pitiful, self absorbed state.

He quieted my anxieties and gently placed this promise in my heart. Tiffany, I AM taking care of you. I AM loving you with the deepest love possible. I AM giving you my best , my all, because I want every good and wonderful thing for you. And He continues to quiet my fears with His love. (See Zephaniah 3:17 and 1 John 4:18.)

Hugh has been more gentle and tender hearted towards me. Our communication is more open and honest. He has been more complimentive and thoughtful in his words and actions towards me. He really listens to me, giving me his time and attention. Which in itself means the world to me.The effort is not only there, but we are growing! We are building a healthy, Christian marriage, one romantic gesture at a time. And in doing so we are honoring our heavenly father, and drawing closer to His heart!- Thank you Lord Jesus, from the bottom of my heart!