Embracing Him

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

It’s Marriage Monday over at Chrysalis and once again e-Mom given me something to think about. Her motivational topics always light a fire under me and ignite great conversations with my husband. This month, e-Mom has asked us to discuss our husbands’ need for recreational companionship.

Whenever I think of men and recreation, I automatically think of outdoor activities (football, fishing, and such). Generally speaking, I’m not an “outdoorsy” girl. My outdoor exposure is usually limited to a comfy spot under a beach umbrella on the shore or sitting on my front porch enjoy the early evening breeze. (Important note: If the bugs or heat get to be too extreme, my outdoor stint comes to an abrupt end!)

On the other hand, JT is an outdoors, adventurous man. He’s done skydiving, made a home on board an aircraft carrier for months, and climbed mountains. During the nine years we’ve been together, he is S-L-O-W-L-Y bringing me out into the great outdoors through some fun outings!

• Great Falls, Virginia: Early in our relationship, JT took me to this state park where we explored mountain trails and enjoyed quality time together. As I recall I was too busy admiring waterfalls and trying not to slip off the amazing rock formations to be annoyed by insects.

• Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania: JT talked me into trekking around Bushkill Falls and I don’t regret it. It was another time I enjoyed exploring the beauty of God’s earth with JT. Even though he picked the steepest trail for us to attempt, we had a fantastic time together and spent a lot of time holding hands.

• California: This trip was the greatest outdoor fun I’ve ever had with JT! He planned the entire trip and we had an awesome time! After landing in San Diego we spent days traveling up Route 1 and stopping at great places along the way. My favorite part of that trip was our stay in Marina, where we stayed in a bungalow right on the beach. That night we sat on the beach and watched the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. It was absolutely breathtaking. JT’s favorite part of the trip was watching me do a slow, white knuckled drive up Route 1!

These outings and trips have taught me a few things. First, JT and I have the most fun when he drags me off the beaten path and out into nature. When I step outside my comfort zone and allow him to plan our outings we always have fun. Second, JT and I always engage in quality conversation during these outings because we’re not distracted by the sensory overloads found in typical dates at movies, restaurants, amusement parks, and the like. Third, JT and I need to do a better job of getting out and about. This time together breathes fresh air into our marriage, gives us both something to look forward to, and prevents life from becoming mundane.

Our sixth wedding anniversary is coming up on August 17 and JT is planning a bed and breakfast beach getaway for us. We’re both looking forward to this special time, a chance to enjoy each other’s company uninterrupted in nature.

To read other what other women have to say about men and play, be sure to visit Chrysalis over at her blog.

Photo: Courtesy of brendajo2

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

June was always a month of celebration during my childhood. My birthday is June 4, my brother’s birthday is June 8, and my mother’s birthday is June 18. Of course we also celebrated Father’s Day on the third Sunday in June, so throughout the month everyone in our household had a reason to party.

Since today is my birthday, I thought about my childhood birthday celebrations and recalled how happy those times were. My memories included birthday trips to The Ringling Brothers-Barnum and Bailey Circus which always came to our area in June and was a joint birthday celebration between my brother and me. My parents allowed us to invite a friend to join us at the circus and the evening culminated with pizza at our favorite pizza parlor.

Another birthday I fondly remember is my Sweet Sixteen. My parents threw a huge barbecue and all my friends and family came to celebrate. The highlight of this birthday was when we filled our long stemmed champagne glasses with punch and my mom offered a toast to me! I still recall feeling so “grown up” that day!

Now that I’m a wife and mother, my birthdays are celebrated a bit differently but are just as sweet. Today Sweet Pea offered me a plethora of kisses and hugs and Sugar Plum offered a block as a birthday present. As always, JT made me feel like the most important woman in the world.

No matter how many years go by, I still find that birthdays are best when spent with those you love!

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. (Hebrews 10:24)

e-Mom over at Chrysalis often reads this blog and frequently leaves encouraging comments. Though we’ve never met, her online ministry at Chrysalis has been a true inspiration to me. Her posts are thought provoking and awe inspiring! If you haven’t visited her blog, you definitely should!

This past Friday, just before the weekend started, e-Mom blessed me with a pleasant surprise! She honored this blog with A Blog of Distinction award. The award is given to “other blogs which either cause you to think, laugh, cry or sigh.” In order to keep the love flowing, recipients are asked to pass the award onto four other bloggers.

I once again thank e-Mom for her support of this blog and I encourage you to pay a visit to these fantastic blogs as well. You’ll be blessed and the bloggers will appreciate your visit.

1. A Walk Through the Valley: This blog is another of my recent discoveries and I love it! The bright cheery atmosphere sucked me right in and I’ve been hooked ever since. This blogger gets real about her faith and shares her inspirational outlook with those looking to get closer to God. A true gem!
2. Confessions of a CF Husband: Do you love a fantastic love story? Do you want or need inspiration? Are you wondering if God is still performing miracles today? If you’ve answered yes to any of those questions, you MUST visit this blog. Nathan chronicles the amazing story of he and his wife Tricia, who has Cystic Fibrosis and their miracle daughter Gwyneth. God’s hand is at work in the lives of this family and that makes this blog a pleasure to read!
3. How Do We Get There From Here: This is one of my new favorite blogs. Peculiar, the blog author, posts outstanding tidbits of information, shares funny stories, and has a knack for inspirational writings. My favorite section of her blog is called Wednesday Wisdom, which always showcases wise advice taken directly from the word of God.
4. Rocks In My Dryer: Many Christian mom bloggers are familiar with this popular blog. This blog is top notch and for good reason! The author’s heart of compassion and dedication to family and friends shines through her posts. Another reason I love her blog is because she also posts about my favorite television show, Lost!