Our Grandchildren!

I keep thinking that life is getting in the way of writing. BUT. Life is what I’m called to live. Writing is simply an outlet to share our life with others. Somehow I think I’ve switched the two.

This is not good.

Maybe this is why it has been a difficult month for me. God is wanting to make sure my priorities stay where they should be. Here is a list of my priorities:

1. God

2. Spouse

3. Family

4. Church Life

5. Ministry i.e. The Romantic Vineyard

Ah! When I measure the past month in regards to my priorities I HAVE been living by them. But my heart has been drawn to put the blog third on the list. I’m grateful the Lord has shown this to me, and I’m even more grateful that my life is reflecting the proper order of priorities. So it’s a heart issue I need to go after.

The Bible says, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” But I also believe it applies to say, Out of the abundance of the heart the mind thinks!

God, please help me think right when it comes to my life. May I not make more of one aspect of my life than you want me to. This is why You desire me to prioritize my life and then live according to it. Thank you for being a God of order. May I learn to live this way.

In Jesus’ precious name,

Amen

How are you doing with your priorities? Do you enjoy them? Or do you grudgingly do them because it’s the right thing to do? May God help us do them WITH joy!

As Tom and I were leaving Costco recently, the check-out clerk commented he wanted to come to our house simply based on what we were buying. It made us laugh as we realized how different seasons require different purchases from the store.  For instance, we spent years buying diapers, formula, apple juice and wipes. No one was commenting then that they wanted to follow us home. But we enjoyed that season as much as we are enjoying this season.

You can tell a lot about a person by “reading their shopping cart,” so to speak. And you can learn a lot about yourself based on what you purchase. I haven’t done any deep research on this topic – that would be my friend Lori Lowe’s department – But next time you’re shopping see how much of what you’re buying is because you love your spouse. Make it a habit to pick up one thing that if your spouse were working the check out lane, they’d ask to come home with you!

♥ Fun Dates To Celebrate ♥

The month of February is…National Hot Breakfast Month – Why not plan to bless your spouse with a hot breakfast every morning in February.  Not sure you can commit to this?  Then try going out for a hot breakfast one morning to celebrate!

Following are the individual dates this week that have special meanings:

31 Backward Day – send you spouse an e-mail typed completely backwards.  Or try your hand at writing in cursive backwards – my sister and I learned how to do this during church services when we were little.  It was our way of passing notes we didn’t want anyone else to read!  I think this little secret would work great between husband and wife too!

31 Inspire Your Heart with Art Day – Some guys may go for a visit to the local ceramic studio to make a special piece together to remember this day!

1 National Freedom Day – watch your favorite war movie and thank God for those who have been willing to sacrifice for our freedoms.

2 Ground Hog Day – Punxsutawny Phil’s website has some fun e-cards you could send your spouse to celebrate this tradition.

2 Heavenly Hash Day – Plan to bake something special like brownies or fudge.  Or go out to your favorite ice cream parlor!

5 National Weatherman’s Day – Make plans to do something outside and enjoy the weather together.  Or you could watch your favorite weather movie likeTwister!

♥ Things To Do In Orlando ♥

Super Bowl Sunday is February 5th. Check out all the places hosting parties for this annual event!

CENTRAL

• Orlando – ArtsFest takes place beginning Feb. 1st – 29th. See site for details. Admission is FREE.
• Orlando – 1st Thursdays at the Orlando Museum of Art on Feb. 2nd. Admission is FREE from 6p – 9p. The theme this month is Sci-Fi and Fantasy Art in the 21st Century
• College Park – Monday Night Jazz Jam at Taste Restaurant from 8p – midnight. No Cover charge.

NORTH

• Mt. Dora – Annual Arts Festival on Saturday and Sunday, February 4th and 5th. FREE.
• Mt. Dora – Battle of Townsend’s Plantation Re-enactment on Saturday and Sunday, February 4th and 5th at Renninger’s Antique Market – Admission Charge.
• Sanford – Food Truck Bazaar will be held on Saturday, February 4th from 5p – 9p. at The Riverwalk

EAST

• UCF Wind Ensemble will perform at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Oviedo. The concert is FREE and begins at 7p. on Saturday, February 4th.

]]> http://theromanticvineyard.wordpress.com/2012/01/30/reading-a-shopping-cart/feed/ 8 debiwalter IMG_4686 http://theromanticvineyard.wordpress.com/2012/01/27/happy-hour-29/ http://theromanticvineyard.wordpress.com/2012/01/27/happy-hour-29/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:00:04 +0000 Debi Walter http://theromanticvineyard.wordpress.com/?p=6764 Continue reading →]]>

It has been a few weeks since we’ve been able to highlight some of our favorite blogs. This isn’t because there haven’t been good ones to read – on the contrary! It seems the marriage blogs we frequent are growing and maturing in their writing and testimonies. This is excellent news!! The more couples encouraging godly marriages the more marriages that will be strengthened.

We simply haven’t had the time to read other blogs, but today we’ll share a few. If you have the time this weekend, visit the blogs highlighted and check out their other posts. We value what they have to say.

But first we want to share with you a powerful video on the importance of taking our marriage vows seriously. You will be affected so be prepared!

Encourage Your Spouse

• Love Is – Lori takes the very familiar passage from 1 Corinthians 13 and shares a picture you may never forget on how to apply these verses to your daily life.

Hot, Holy and Humorous 

• When My Sex Life Sucked, Part 1 – In this post, and this blog for that matter, “J” tackles the rarely talked about topics that all marriages need to face and communicate about. This post in particular will greatly help young couples who are in the midst of raising a family. Please, take the time to read it! Your marriage will thank you for it, and maybe your kids will too – one day! Be sure to watch this blog for Part 2. It’s sure to be just as good!

Journey To Surrender

• Why OK, Is Not OK

Marriage Gems

• How To Naturally Increase Oxytocin, And Why This May Help Your Marriage – We love how Lori incorporates research studies into her posts. She is unlike any other marriage blog out there.

Marriage Missions International

• This Isn’t Fair - Cindy share their personal struggle and how God is helping her to think rightly – very much like a post I will share tomorrow!

One Flesh Marriage

• Relationship Energy – A great metaphor comparing the energy found in your marriage with the energy you had while dating. Brad asks some very insightful questions to help you discern your marriage.

The Generous Husband and The Generous Wife

• Twenty Seven Years and Counting – Happy Anniversary to a couple who knows how to do marriage right. How? By following the Lord each step of the way – through peaks and valleys. We gladly highlight them today, and you’ll see…they LOVE to kiss!

This post was originally posted in April of 2010. I happened upon it last night as I was looking for something else. What affected me is we’re in a season where life is NOT ordinary. It has been a challenge to keep up with the demands of life since the beginning of the year. And the worst part? As the year progresses it seems to be getting busier. I have been longing for an ordinary day. How about you? How do you handle those not-so-ordinary days? How is your marriage affected – for better? or for worse?

__________________________________________

I love ordinary days.

Days when the first thing I hear is the whirring of the coffee grinder as Tom brews a fresh pot of aromatic energy – just for him.  He prefers his coffee strong and black.

Days when I steep hot tea in my favorite Starbucks mug  - PG Tips to be exact – with a bit of sugar and cream; pure comfort in a cup!

From there Tom finds his place at the kitchen counter.  I settle in on the sofa, and we commune with the Lord – reading His word, reading a book together and/or by journaling.   There is a rhythm to our mornings that seems ordinary, but in reality they are far from it.  The fact is that after 31 years [now 33] having found such a rhythm to our days is nothing short of a miracle.  We enjoy being together as we seek the Lord.  We enjoy communing with the Author of our faith…our love…our lives. Because He first loved us, we are learning to enjoy the security His love brings to us individually and as a couple.

We have learned that such ordinary days are what make life extraordinary.

Predictable, everyday routines are like foundations that support us on the days that are not so routine.  God gives us Himself on the ordinary days so we might give of ourselves sacrificially to His will when things aren’t going as planned.

He is always there when our feet first touch the floor in the early morning light, and as we reach to turn off the lamp before kissing goodnight.  He is the reason we have any days at all, the ordinary as well as the not-so-ordinary.

How do you spend your ordinary days?

Photo Credit: Buffalo Electronic Cigarettes

I see it all the time, and it usually makes me sad for the habit they have. You’ve most likely seen it too – a group of nicotine addicts gathered outside on a beautiful day to have their fix. It may be they’re facing a challenge and felt the need to smoke. It may be their regular coffee break where they choose to remove themselves from inside in order to enjoy a cigarette outside.

Smoking is bad for you. I get that. Being dependent on nicotine can be life-threatening. This is true.

So why do I envy smokers?

Simply because they have a habit of pulling themselves away for a short breaks throughout the day. Indoor smoking laws have caused them to go outside in order to pause and smoke.

Imagine if we were to have the same “habit” of seeking the Lord throughout the day? When the pressure builds and we sense anxiety, instead of grabbing a cancer stick, we grab hold of God by pulling away to pause, reflect and regroup.

Our post yesterday about stillness, made me notice two smokers outside our local convenience store in a completely different way. They were talking. They were enjoying  the weather. And they were smiling.

Why not emulate the smokers by taking up a praying habit? Not one where you add it to your busy schedule, but one where you get up and walk outside for a few moments. You may find this is a habit you simply can’t kick! And who would want to?

Praying–unlike smoking–is good for your health!

When was the last time you were still? Sleeping doesn’t count! Stillness is something with which most of us are not comfortable. Why? Because when we’re still all we have is our thoughts, and sometimes our thoughts aren’t encouraging. Sometimes our thoughts can be quite frightening.

Yet stillness is necessary. We must take time to be still. The Bible says in Psalms 46:10 -

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

If this is what it takes to know God, and if we avoid being still, then aren’t we avoiding knowing God? How sad. When we say “yes” to one thing, we are saying “no” to something else. When we constantly choose to fill our down time with social media and entertainment, stillness isn’t possible.

It is Wednesday. Our time to pause halfway through the week to check who it is we are worshiping. Are we worshiping God or our own agenda? Pausing long enough to be still and consider this question will actually help us worship God. For in the stillness we will find HIM.

Here is a challenge: plan some time to sit and be still this week. Listen for God. Wait on Him. Enjoy being with Him even if you have nothing to say. Then, see if you don’t sense His nearness more than you did before. To help you experience some stillness here in this moment, enjoy this song by Watermark appropriately titled, Still.

Photo Credit: Dribble.com

When schedules are demanding and time to connect is lacking, it is easy to find our communication either hitting or missing the mark.

Have you ever said one thing only to have your spouse interpret what you said, how you said it or why you said it, in the wrong way? There is a choice to make in such moments: Either overlook the miscommunication, react to it, or purpose to talk about it later.

After nearly 33 years of marriage we still find ourselves reacting to each other when we are tired or our schedules are overextended. This is one such time. Our posts have been less frequent because of life. But this life is what God has called us to! It is in the mundane moments when we realize what is in our hearts. These moments help us see the areas which need to change, and God is there in those moments to help us, grow us and to bring us to a place of reconciliation.

The work marriage requires never ends. But the seasons of struggle don’t seem to last as long. We have learned how to read one another more accurately, but we’re still sinners in need of a Savior. The good news is – we have a Savior who is able to help us in every season we face in our marriage.

So, be encouraged. If you are hitting or missing the mark of communication, God is with you. He will help you. Cry out to Him for help in your time of need then watch and see what He does. He is faithful!

We had the opportunity to spend an afternoon bike riding together on the West Orange Trail in West Orange County. It was a beautiful day, and the cost was minimal thanks to a Living Social Deal. We pedaled for 12 miles, stopping to take pictures along the way.

There are many rails which have been converted to trails throughout Central Florida. If you love to be outdoors and enjoy biking, walking, running, skateboarding or in-line skating, this may be a great way for you to see the real side of Florida. We sure enjoyed our time together as you’ll see in the pictures below!

Happy Trails!

Click to view slideshow.

♥ Fun Dates To Celebrate ♥

January 23

• National Pie Day – This is a great day to bake your favorite or go out together and order one slice or two.
• National Handwriting Day – Why this day? Because today is the birthday of John Hancock, the first signer of our nation’s Declaration of Independence. Why not write your love a handwritten note on a napkin and place it under their plate at dinner. Be sure to sign your “John Hancock,” so they know it’s from you!

January 24

• Compliment Day – Everyone needs at “atta boy” now and then. Especially from the one you love most.

January 25

• Opposite Day – Have fun with this one…and finish it with some great sex – after all opposites attract, right?

January 26

• Spouse’s Day – That’s right – every spouse should have their own special day. Make this one so special they’ll never forget it. Plan by making a list of all their favorite things, and then do all you can to give them the list in one 24 hour period. The fun part – don’t tell them you’re doing it. See how quick they catch on that it’s all their favorites day!

January 27

• Chocolate Cake Day – no explanation needed.

January 28

• National Kazoo Day – if you’re inclined to play one, serenade your spouse and see if they can “name that tune.”

January 29

• National Puzzle Day – Combine both holidays by putting together a jigsaw puzzle…
• National Corn Chip Day – …while munching on nachos!

♥ Things To Do In Orlando ♥

CENTRAL

• Downtown Orlando Partnership presents it’s monthly social at the Grand Bohemian on Thursday, January 26th from 5:30p – 7p. Cost is $10 for non-members, $2 for members. See site for details.
• Orange County History Center presents Retro Night on Friday, January 27th from 7p – Midnight. There will be classic board games, video games, retro snacks, as well as pizza and a cash bar for your enjoyment. Sunny FM 105.9 will provide the music to complete the feel of visiting the good old days!
• Winter Park – Music at the Casa on Sunday, January 28th from 12p – 3p. FREE.
• Winter Park Playhouse – presents “I Love You Because,” on stage this weekend. See site for reviews, times and prices.

NORTH

• Sanford – Sanford Art Walk will be on January 27th in downtown Sanford. Cost is FREE and begins at 6p.
• Blue Springs – Manatee Festival on Saturday and Sunday, Janaury 28th and 29th. See site for times and admission prices.

WEST

• Clermont – Lakeridge Winery Winter Music Series will offer it’s final day on Saturday, January 27th from 1p – 4p. This weeks artist is Little Mookie and the Half Pints. FREE.

Photo Credit: Humor and the Holidays

I was in a meeting this week with some other wives, and this idea came to us through laughter and tears, the good kind of tears from laughing too hard.

One friend had her toddler in her arms eating a cupful of gold fish crackers, when she spilled the whole cup – all over the table, floor and few down her shirt. We laughed as she was trying to recover them, when I suggested she just wait until tonight and let her husband “go fishing!”

Haha!

Then, we had the idea to hide a gold fish somewhere on your body and invite your husband to “go fish!” Wouldn’t he have fun talking about THIS fish story! Well, maybe not talking to anyone else but YOU, but guaranteed he would have fun.

Photo Credit: Professional Chicks blog

From there the comments continued:

• Put a sign on the door that reads, “gone fishing.”
• Put a bumper sticker on his car that says, “I’d rather be fishing.”
• Hearing him talking about a real fishing story of the “one that got away,” then winking at him and whispering, yeah but what about that Big One you caught!”

Photo Credit: Squidoo

So, you can see how our conversation went from there. Who knew that a little box of gold fish crackers could be so much fun. I’ll bet you smile the next time your kids ask to play Go Fish! Just tell them only if  their daddy will play!

It is raining outside as I write this post.  I have always loved the rain – the gentle shower as well as the violent storm.  God expresses His love and care for the earth with the shower, and He reminds us of His majesty and power in the storm.

Tonight it is a gentle shower, but there is thunder rolling in the distance.  It’s like an echo whispering of God’s ever present power to water the earth however He chooses.

In the same way God cares for the earth, He is at work caring for our marriages.  The fact that you are taking the time to read a blog about it shows your desire to learn and grow.  Flowers left to themselves would wither and die.  They have no desire nor ability to pursue the rain.  The rain must come to them.

We are unlike the flowers of the field.

God has given us the ability to think, reason and learn.  We can seek out the rain when we are going through a dry season.  We can soak up the rich water of His Word to remind us of why we got married in the first place.  We can change and become more passionate about our spouse even if years of indifference have left our hearts feeling cold and unromantic.

How?  How is change possible?  One raindrop at a time.

If you have not pursued your spouse romantically in a long time and the thought of doing so makes you nervous, then read on!  You don’t have to plan an elaborate night away, or extend yourself way beyond what seems natural.  Start with one rain drop.  Here are a few for you to consider:

• Write a personal note and mail it to them.
• Find your wedding picture and place it your spouse’s dresser saying, “I still do!”
• Rub your spouses neck after a long day.  When you finish kiss the same spot.
• Talk to them about your desire to change and what they would like to see change too.  While you’re at it – ask them what romance means to them.

Following such simple gestures are sure to water the dry soil of romance in your marriage.  There are seeds waiting to come alive in your hearts towards each other and each drop you absorb will be refreshing to you and fruitful for those who are following after you.  You see, the way we love our spouse isn’t only for our pleasure or for God’s glory, but it’s also for the generations who are following after us.  They are watching to see if marriage God’s way really works.   God will help us prove the answer is a thundering YES!

So, is it raining romance in your heart?