10 year Anniversary!!

Tomorrow we will be celebrating our "10 year Anniversary", the day the Lord brought us back together! I can't believe it! We have come along way. I wish I could say that it was beautiful, blissful, we never argued or got mad at each other, or wanted to divorce each other....again. But I'd be lying if I did. So I am going to be real and share that it was not easy and it's been hard, it's been trying and at times, and we almost did last year, want to get another divorce.

You see we were married before 16 years ago. We were not Christians, we were living worldly lives! My story I've shared here on the blog, see below.

Part 1
Part 2

By God's grace, mercy and amazing love for us and my family, He brought us back together {10 years ago} for a purpose. For His purpose. I look back now and see how blessed we are, and see how God was working, chiseling  strengthening, molding, shaping, and growing us. He is not finished with us yet, we are still His work in progress. We always will be until He comes for us.

Yes, it hurt at times, and at times I've wanted to come off that surgery table, too many to count. I've wanted to give up, I've wanted to throw the towel in, I wanted to cry "mercy" and I did. I used to covet those marriages that always seemed perfect on the outside, that seemed like they could communicate, and seemed "they had it all". Why didn't I have it that way?

A couple of years ago, I remember a lady had asked me, on a day we had been having some intense fellowship. She said " you and your husband are the perfect couple." I was like looking around making sure she wasn't talking to me, it was someone else, not me. I said "we do???" She explained why, it was at that point that I wasn't going to pretend anymore that we are happy all the time, that we never argued. I said "thank you, and we are not perfect, we are far from it". I didn't go into detail with her, but I let her know that if she would have seen us 1/2 an hour ago she wouldn't have thought so. I used to put up a front that there was nothing wrong with our marriage. We were fine, at least I wanted to believe that we were. I was afraid of what people were going to think, we didn't have it all together. God showed me we are not the only ones that struggle and it's ok to say "You know, I'm having a rough time in my marriage right now, pray for me".

I gave up on wanting to be like "that couple"..... because one day I saw that "they" didn't have it all together, and "they" did fight like we did, and "they" were just like us. I learned allot that day, and realized that I was blessed right where I was at and blessed beyond measure. The grass is not greener on the other side, and God has you exactly where you need to be.

I'm here to say that there is no perfect marriage, so stop striving for perfect. There is no such thing. Start striving for a Godly marriage. I just want to share with you that I don't have the perfect marriage {nor do I want one}, I don't have it all together. I'm a hot mess most of the time. We struggle just like any other marriage. But we forgive each other, and that is big in a marriage. In life in general it's huge. I can tell you that without the Lord in our lives, and the support and love we get at our home church, we would not be here today as a married couple.  We would not be a thriving couple that we are today, there is no possible way that we could without the Lord. none.period.

I want the marriage God wants us to have. My husband is the right man for me..he is my Hero!! He is the most amazing man God could have blessed me with. I don't deserve someone like Him, but I am so blessed to have Him. I wouldn't change anything or have it any other way.

I truly believe that the trials we have endured has made us stronger. And we have grown as a couple not only  together but with the Lord. If what we have gone through will help just one marriage from divorce, then it was all worth it. Every tear, every argument, every struggle...it was all worth it.

Marriage isn't easy, you are going to have struggles and trials. But allot of it has to do with how we handle it. When those times come, pray, trust in the Lord, cry out to Him. He is the only one that can truly help you as He has with us. And I promise He will see you through it.

Heavenly Father, I thank you for these past 16 years you have given me with my husband. God you have taken what we have messed up and turned it into something Beautiful! I could have never imagined that we would be where we are today if it wasn't for you and our willing hearts. I pray that you'd give more joyful years, I know some may be harder than others. But I know that you'll see us through every one. Father, I pray for any marriages that are rocky ground right now, that are even contemplating divorce. Lord I ask that You would stop that dead in it's tracks, that you would guide them to what you have for them. Restoration. I pray that you would soften and change hearts Lord. I pray that they would be willing hearts who would want to work it out. Satan is the author of confusion, destruction and division he wants there to be no marriages that are thriving in You. Lord may we take a stand and fight for our marriages with all we've got. I know that you will bless that. So Father I pray if there is any wife here who is hurting would you comfort her, love on her like her like no other today Lord. I thank You for what you are going to do in those rocky marriages and for what you are doing in mine. I thank you again, and I love Lord. In Jesus CHRIST name I pray. AMEN!!!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. . . . 

Ephesians 1:3

Thank you for stopping by.....
 Blessings,
 
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{Week 4} Marriage Challenge: Be My Valentine

“When you touch your husband’s deepest need something good almost always happens!”

~ Dr. Emerson Eggerich

The first week we praised our husbands verbally, the second week we praised him and showed him, the third we got intimate {physical, physical...I wanna get physical....lol}. So how did it go?

It's Valentines week, it's finally here!! I am really excited, we are planning a really nice dinner with the family. And then an evening with the my hero!!! Woooohooo!!!

Ok, so here's our final challenge.....really be intentional with this one, go bless his socks off ladies! :)

Week 4 February 11th – Women love romance, chocolate and flowers on Valentines Day. Do you know what your husband wants? Ask him! I’ll give you some ideas of what I have planned later  !

Go to Women Living Well for more ideas.

I am linked up to these lovely ladies, go check them out.

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{Week 3} Marriage Challenge: Be My Valentine

“When you touch your husband’s deepest need something good almost always happens!”

~ Dr. Emerson Eggerich

The first week we praised our husbands verbally, the second week we praised him and showed him, this week we're gonna get physical, physical...I wanna get physical....lol.

Week 3 February 4th – Pursue intimacy and place the intimate needs of your man above your own. Seek to “kiss him like you mean it” every single day this week! Solomon 5:16 says “His mouth is sweetness itself; he is altogether lovely.” Paula Rinehart says that for many men, “Sex is like a silent cheer.” Our men feel stronger, more capable, and built up when we respond to their advances with a smile. Give a Foot massage, back rub, shower together, be creative!

Praying for you!

Go to Women Living Well for more info...

Blessings,
Adrienne

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{Week 2} Marriage Challenge: Be My Valentine

“When you touch your husband’s deepest need something good almost always happens!”

~ Dr. Emerson Eggerich

We praised our husbands verbally, with our lips. So how did it go?

Here's our new challenge for this week....

Week 2  January 28th – This week we will be a little more creative with our praise. I will give you many ideas of fun things you can do to praise your husband such as surprising him with a love message on the mirror, using sidewalk chalk to write on the driveway, making a toast to him at dinner with friends etc. Get creative with your selflessness!

Praying for you!

Go to Women Living Well for more info.

Blessings,
Adrienne

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My Hero!!

My Hero....
My Husband......

It will be 10 years this April that we have been re-married {second time}. 

Babe,
I wanted to say how absolutely blessed and privileged I am to call you my husband. You are amazing and encouraging. You provide for us in more ways than I can think of. I know you've been through a lot physically, emotionally. And you still push through it, and that is so encouraging to me. You are always there for our daughters, always there for me. You've sacrificed so much to make sure that we are all taken care of. I know that if you could do more you would. You are self-sacrificing, long suffering, patient, loving, compassionate, self-giving. I could not ask for a better person. This year we will be celebrating our 10 years, God saw us through it. I can't wait for another 10, 20, 30, etc. 

I love you!!
Your wife,
Adrienne

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{Week -1} Marriage Challenge: Be My Valentine

Week 1

“When you touch your husband’s deepest need something good almost always happens!”

~ Dr. Emerson Eggerich

Week 1 January 21st - Look for ways to praise your husband verbally. Praise him in front of the kids, friends, family, co-workers, on facebook, tweet it – get praise out anyway you can! Try to mention something noteworthy he has done – in his role as provider, father, husband, lover, or friend. If the thought of trying to come up with one terrifies you, then pray right now that God will give you new eyes to see your husband as God does. Then open your mouth and say something kind and uplifting to your husband today and tomorrow and the next day until Valentine’s Day arrives!

Praying for you!

Go to Women Living Well for more info

Blessings,
Adrienne

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Marriage Challenge: Be My Valentine

Courtney @ Women Living Well has done it again. She is amazing, this gal so encouraging such a Titus 2 women. Thanks Courtney for all you do. Ok so here is the info.....

Each week the challenge will be the same – to praise, encourage, inspire, admire, build up, thank and appreciate your husband. But each week I will give you different ways to express your praise. Feel free to tweak it for what you think is best for your husband.

Begins January 21st - February 11th. Make sure to go to her site to check out all the weekly challenges. Here's the first one.....so you can get an idea. I love these challenges! 

Week 1 January 21st - Look for ways to praise your husband verbally. Praise him in front of the kids, friends, family, co-workers, on facebook, tweet it – get praise out anyway you can! Try to mention something noteworthy he has done – in his role as provider, father, husband, lover, or friend. If the thought of trying to come up with one terrifies you, then pray right now that God will give you new eyes to see your husband as God does. Then open your mouth and say something kind and uplifting to your husband today and tomorrow and the next day until Valentine’s Day arrives!

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Week 5- Revive Your Marriage: Revive Your S*x Life

Week 4 - Revive Your S*x Life.

Aweee...the Lord knows exactly what I need to hear. This is going to be a great one { ;) }!!

Please hop on over to Women Living Well to read the post...it's a good one. One I will be gleaning from {alot}.

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Week 4 - Revive Your Marriage Series

 Week 4 of the Revive Your Marriage - Praise

This is a great challenge for week 4...

Please go to Women Living Well here, to check out the full post. Great nuggets on there.

I loved the quote she posted......

“Women, as influencers, can breathe life into our men or kill them. Woe to us for quenching the life out of our men.”

~ Mary Kassian

OH Lord...forgive me for doing this!

Our men NEED encouragement!  We NEED our men.  We NEED our men to be Godly men!

I loved this pop quiz she gave us.

Pop quiz:

1) List all the flaws of your husband.

2) List all the things that you admire about your husband.

Grade yourself: Which question was easier to answer?

I am going to list a few things I admire about him:

• His love and trust for God
• How he loves our children
• His discernment
• His compassion for others in need
• How he puts others before himself {great encouragement for me}

By His Grace,

Adrienne

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A million tiny things Challenge

I'm in....I am joining Time Warp Wife's Marrige Challenge for the next 8 weeks. I am all for Marriage Challenges, anything that can help, and encourage me along the way. I loved this one..it reminds me of the verse......

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things."

Phillipines 4:8

Here's the challenge: Grab a pen and paper and over the next few weeks jot down some of the little things he does that make a difference in your life. The things you are grateful for. Go check out her blog and all the details


I love what she says......"Why? Because gratitude has a powerful affect on our attitude and can change the dynamics of a marriage for good. The more we give strength to positive thoughts, our negative thoughts lose power. "

This is so true, anything to help our marriage and can make it grow stronger. Here's just a few things for me.

I love the way he prayers for me to get our day started
I love the way he gets my towel ready for me in the morning....
I love the way he kisses me....
I love the way he plays with our kids and engages in their lives.....
I love his heart and the compassion he has for others....


Dating Ideas
{Great for when you have little ones or on a tight budget}
I had a dear friend ask me recently for some creative date ideas when you have little ones, I had a few and I'm not so creative when it comes to this. So I asked another dear friend of mine, whom has little ones, for some ideas. I thought I'd share them here, since I am doing the marriage challenges.

• Have Yahtzee or Scrabble tournaments (Just something fun together)
• Make a memory lane box together -decorate a shoe box or something fancy and put old letters/cards whatever...have fun doing it
• Play twister...never know how things might turn out {wink, wink...love it}
• Read marriage enrichment book together (we try to do a section or chapter a week)
• Play marriage game-ask each other questions from your past and try and recall together. See who knows more details.
• Take kids to the park and sit on the bench with hubby snuggled close or play a game of tag. That's always fun
• Once kids are in bed, have a candlelight dinner or dessert at the table, dim the lights and turn off all phones, tv, etc..

{Thank you Tami for the great ideas! }

Do you have any creative ideas for dates with your honey?

Saved By Grace,
Adrienne











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Week 3 - Revive Your Marriage: Friendship

I love this challenge, my husband loves when I do things with him. So this is a great challenge for me. Last week I was thinking about when we first meet and all the things I love about him, which was everything. I have been trying to rekindle that fire....

 I love you babe!

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Week 2 - Revive your marriage

It's week 2 of "Revive your Marriage" from Women Living Well....I must say this week has been challenging. However last week challenge I love. I added the prayers from Time Warp Wife, check them out here and it pops up on my calendar at work.

Here is this weeks challenge.....

This will be a challenge for me....we didn't have to many fond memories, unfortunately. So I will be remembering only the good ones.

Lord this is going to be a challenge for me, which has come in perfect timing. I know you are working in and through my heart. Lord I lift up every lady that is doing this challenge and I ask that you would bless them. Bless this challenge Lord. In Jesus name amen.

By His Grace,
Adrienne



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Week 1 - Revive Your Prayers for your Marriage

I am taking part in a series called "Revive Your Prayers for your Marriage" over at Woman Living Well, go check out her post for more info. Such a time is this for me, for this series. I can say that God definitley has blessed me with the perfect husband. I am falling in love with him all over again {thank you Jesus!!}.

Our husbands are bombarded every day with their thoughts, billboards, people in their workplace, TV and so much more. WE need to continue to pray for them even more, if we don't who will? They have so much on their shoulders: how they are going to provide, when are they going to have time to spend with their families. I am sure that they do carry around alot of cares and worries and burdens on their shoulders. Prayer is so powerful and can do some amazing things in their life. Pray for peace, guidance and direction for their lives. Pray for strength, encouragement, endurance for them.

I love this challenge to find a symbol to remind you to pray for your hubby. One of the reminders I used in the past was to have a reminder on my outlook calendar at work. Being a working mother and wife it can get pretty busy here at work. I think this is what I will also being adding to this challenge is to put reminders on my outlook and on my phone and ipad as well. This will help me to remember to pray for him and get in the habit of it as well. I also loved the list of things to pray for him.

I love you Babe and am so blessed and privileged to be your wife! mmmmwwwhhhaaa!

By His Grace,

Adrienne

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Marriage Challenge: Day 8 - Marriage Books

 

Day 8: Marriage Books

There are alot of great Godly books out there regarding marriage. Woman Living Well has posted top 10, go check out the list. But of course, the number best selling book for marriage is Bible!! It has all you need to know about marriage and so much more. It has been a tremendous help in time of need for me...many of times.

I am sad that there is only 2 more days left. But I have been very blessed by the encouragement of this challenge.

God Bless You!

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Marriage Challenge: Day 7 - Cleaning for your husband or God?

 

Day 7: Cleaning for your Husband or for God?

This is one I haven't done much of since the roles in our home has changed, for this season. But it still applies to me, even if your circumstances are different as mine are you still can ask this question. The housewife in me still will come home and clean. But I loved this question she asks us "who are we cleaning the house for our husbands or God? I can also apply "who am I working for my family or God? It's a choice that we have to make daily, today are you going to serve the Lord or yourself? This one I have to remind myself daily at work. Another challenge today would be: Do all your cleaning without complaining or nagging, this easy for me to do {complain and nag-hence a challenge}. Prayerfully ask the Lord to help guard your tongue, when you see yourself starting to or even think of a complaint give it to Him and remember you are doing it for Him.

Here is another great video that Woman Living Well has put out..."View" style. They have alot of great tips and encouragement in this video. Go to her site for the full post.

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Marriage Challenge: Day 6 - Advice to a New Bride and Seasoned Bride

Sorry..I'm a little behind...

Day 6: Advice to a New Bride and also Seasoned Bride.....

Courtney at Woman Living Well has a great video on Advice to a New Bride. But it was also encouraging and a great reminder to me. It was a great reminder to remember who my husband is, and what role he has in our marriage. And mine as well, sometimes we need reminders, it's easy to get caught up in life and forget those precious things.

I can be honest to say that being married is not easy, it is self-scraficing, giving your all, it will change you forever. But all for the good, if you both follow Jesus. There is no possible way to make it without Him. My first marriage to my husband was a great example of that. But we have been joyfully re-married for the past 8 years. Show mercy, grace and love to him at all times.

Go to Woman Living Well for the full post and a really cute video on a wedding she recently went to. If we renew our vows I would love to do this in our wedding...so fun!!

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Marraige Challenge: Day 5 – Are You a Porcupine Wife?

Marriage Challenge: Day 5 – Are You a Porcupine Wife?

“A porcupine has a lot of good points, but nobody wants to be around it.”

I loved this topic, it was so convicting and very encouraging. I have to be honest, I have been a porcupine wife to my hubby. I am soo sorry babe, I love you!! I want to be a fluffy bunny wife! Not hurtly, gentle, soft and quiet.

Matthew 5:9 says “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”

I was encouraged by what Courtney pointed out to help to not be a porcupine wife:

The key:

1. Pray. Ask God to help you have restraint and to keep you from hurting your husband.
2. Study God’s word and let him renew your mind. Go through Proverbs chapters 10-31 and mark every verse that refers to the tongue and your speech – you’ll be amazed at all of the wisdom there! It truly IS life changing!
3. Memorize. Pick one of the verses from your Proverbs study and memorize it! Then in times when you are tempted to “poke” your husband – pause – and recite God’s word…let it change you from the inside out!

This is part 5 in a series of 10!

Go to Woman Living Well to check out the full post

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Day 4 – Do You Feel Alone In Your Marriage?

Marriage Challenge: Day 4 – Do You Feel Alone In Your Marriage?

This is one that is difficult. I can say that I have been the one that has been on the otherside more so than him making me feel alone. It is soo important to communicate with your husband. I know that it is even extremely harder when your husband is a non-believer. I can say to pray, pray, pray and find someone at church to get counsel from. Pray for that person, you want the right counsel. At our church we are staffed with counselors, and what a blessing they are. You can get Godly counsel from others at church, but be cautious you don't want their opinions you want God's. Just make sure they are giving you sound Godly counsel. And that is with anyone.

God knows what you are going through, He sees all. know that you are loved by Him, and He is there right there with You. Continue to seek His face through all your situations, trials and circumstances. He will never leave you nor forsake. Allow God to use you through these circumstances.

This is a very encouraging video that WLW posted. I pray that you are encouraged and blessed by it.



Go check out Woman Living Well for full post.

I can encourage you to not give up on your husband., as bad as things seem take it to the Lord let Him lead, guide and direct your marriage. He is the only one that can help your marriage.  I love what she says about taking it to 1 or 2 people, not 50.  Everyone doesnt need to know your business, and if your taking it to more than 1-2 people are you trusting in God or seeking after mans counsel?

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Day 3 - Be Your Husbands Crown

 Marriage Challenge: Day 3 - Be Your Husbands Crown

Proverbs 12:4 says, “A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown”

I love the quote she put from Elizabeth George


“God’s beautiful woman is pleased to be her husband’s crown.

Shunning the spotlight, she gladly gives her life behind the scenes so that her husband may be noticed and honored. She is glad when he is the center of attention, when he excels, when he is recognized, when he rises to the top.Indeed, she delights in living in his shadow.His promotion is her greatest reward. She desires that her husband be highly respected and esteemed, so she contentedly offers the supreme sacrifice of herself for him.”

—Elizabeth George, Beautiful in God’s Eyes

This is the desire of my heart. Lord I humble come before You God would you give me the strength and love to be the crown's of my Husband. To love, honor and cherish him. Lord I do need your help. In Jesus name amen.

Go to Woman Living Well for the full post.

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Day 2 – Submitting To Your Unbelieving Husband – The View {Video}

 

Day 2: Submitting to Your unbelieving Husband.

This is a challenge and I encourage you, strongly, to lift up your unbelieving husband in prayer. Surrender him to the Lord, and be that I Peter 3 wife

1 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. I Peter 3:1-2

We are the only Jesus they will see. Shine your light so bright to him. Love on him like no other. I love how this verse says they, without a word , maybe won by the conduct of their wives. So without a word ladies, no nagging, no shoving God down his throat. All by actions, love is an action. Love him and see him as Jesus does. If you have a harden heart, or bitterness towards him pray and ask God to change your heart towards him and that He would give you His eyes to see your husband the way He does. I know it's hard, trust me and I have a believing husband. I need to be showing this same respect towards my husband. Being submissive doesn't come easy, it is a challenge for me, as I am sure it is for you. Our husbands need and want our respect it's what God commands us to do. It's the only command He gives us to do in marriage to be submissive to them. If you read on in I Peter 3 Sarah even called her husband Lord, now I know these days might sound a little silly. But at least treat Him like one, he is the Priest, Prophet and King of your home.

 I Peter 3:5-6 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbandsas Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

This is really easy for me to type. Pray for me I need help putting this in action, hence why I am doing this challenge.

Here's a cute/encouraging video Woman Living Well Put together "view" style. It is very encouraging, I pray that you are blessed by it. Also please check out WLW to check out the full post.

As Courtney asked on her post....I will ask the same "What is your view on this topic".

If you have an unbelieving husband, please leave me a comment with his name and I will begin to pray for the both of you and lift you up.

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