Embracing Him

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! (Ephesians 4:9-10)

Today JT and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary! During today’s service, the church recognized August wedding anniversaries and presented all couples with roses as the congregation sang an anniversary song. (I so love stuff like that!)

Six years and two children later, JT and I are still dedicated to each other and our marriage remains a top priority. Over the past six years, God has used our marriage to draw us closer to Him and to further develop the fruit of the Spirit within us. Daily God is teaching us both about the importance of doing things His way.

Though we didn’t celebrate privately today, JT and I did enjoy a great Sunday with our girls. We hope to have a belated celebration later this week. Thanks to the generosity of some close friends, JT and I will be enjoying a cozy dinner at a restaurant we’ve been eyeing for a while. (Won’t you join us in praying that the babysitter is free some evening this week?) In the meantime, we’re looking forward to many, many more happy years together!

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

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. (I Corinthians 13:1)

Once again, it’s Marriage Monday over at Chrysalis and this month we’re blogging about a fun topic: “The Crazy Way We Met’. e-Mom has invited us to share stories about how we met our hubbies! What fun reading this will be for us all!

In September 1999, my friend and sorority sister Rhonda, told me that her husband had a cousin named JT who was new to the area and looking to meet people. Rhonda explained that JT was a Christian and was really hoping to meet a lovely, fun-loving Christian woman.

Rhonda thought JT and I would be a great match. She suggested that a double date along with she and her husband would be a great way for JT and me to meet. I explained to Rhonda that I was really not interested in a blind date but she convinced me that it would be fun and that a “walk on the wild side” would be good for me.

That night, as I got ready the 6:00 pm date, I told Valerie, my roommate at the time and my best friend, that I would be home by 8:00 pm. My plan was to chat cordially for a little while, enjoy a good dinner, get back home as soon as possible, and put the silliness of a blind date behind me.

Rhonda had already told me what JT looked like and what type of car he was driving. As I pulled into the restaurant parking lot, I saw the car Rhonda had described and spotted a man matching JT’s description getting out of it. I thought, “He’s pretty cute. Perhaps this won’t be such a bad night after all.”

The night turned out to be one of the greatest nights of my life! JT was shy and handsome, but also proved to be intelligent, insightful, and thoughtful. After Rhonda and her husband had gone, JT and I spent a long time chatting in the restaurant parking lot. We exchanged telephone numbers and promised to get in contact with one another soon.

That night, I returned to my apartment around 11:00 pm. Valerie didn’t even have to ask whether or not I’d had a good time. My face showed it all! After our first date, JT and I were inseparable! We dated for 3 years and married on August 17, 2002.

To read more great stories, visit Marriage Monday.