Marriage Tip Monday

Love in marriage should be given unselfishly and unconditionally.  This is easier said than done, but in the end, it's a choice - we choose to love because we've made a covenant with our spouse that says, "I do" despite the circumstance, or a bad attitude, or a rough day.  "If you're loving your spouse only to get love in return, that's not love, that's trading."  - Gary Thomas.  Trading is for baseball cards & recipes...in your marriage, choose to give love based on your promise, not your expectations.  This kind of love sets you free!

Marriage Tip Monday

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season tensions can mount and stress can run high. Patience is often replaced with impatience and we can easily be offended by our spouse’s words and actions, even when no offense was intended. This Christmas, give the gift of grace to your spouse; it may just be the best (and most appreciated) gift you give.

Financial Advice

This week's lesson was on finances. That is one thing that Bobby and I set up before we got married, and it really has helped us be better stewards of the money God has given us. We use a modified Dave Ramsey's envelope system with cash only. I challenge you to sit down with your spouse this week and develop a budget that works best for your family.


Mint.com is a great webiste, if you're willing to put in your bank account information.

Dave Ramsey is another great website to use. Here is a link to budget forms.

Another great website is Kiplinger. It has a lot of great retirement advice, as well as lots of other helpful information.

I came across this website Christian Personal Finance today, looks like it might have some good advice from a Christian perspective.  

I think the best thing that we did with our budget is we each get our own spending money each month. We can use that money on whatever we want. If I want to go spend all mine in one shopping trip at Target (which, girls, you know it's possible!) then I can. If Bobby wants to save his for some new hunting toy, that's his money. For us, that eliminated that entire argument that starts with, "You spent how much on ANOTHER __________" 

Proverbs 3:9-10Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce; so your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine.

Christmas Events

Lots of fun and exciting things going on at FBI. 

December 11th - A First Family Christmas
Featuring our Children's Choirs, a reading of the Christmas story, and our favorite Christmas songs. Begins at 6:30 PM.

December 14th - Christmas Communion
Join us Wednesday eventing at 6:15 PM in the Fellowship Hall for a time of reflection on the Child who was born to die. 

December 17th & 18th - Carols & Candlelight
Two extraordinary nights of music. Beings at 7:00 PM.Tickets are required, but free, and are available begining Sunday, Nov 13 in the HUB.

Marriage Tip Monday

Love your spouse with the sense of sight!  Make a decision to guard your eyes from that which would hinder your marriage or dishonor your spouse.  But in the privacy of your marriage relationship, delight in seeing each other and in making yourself attractive for your spouse.  Be willing to go the extra mile - a spouse will usually notice when you make an effort to shave, add a little makeup, or wear his/her favorite color, even if they don't mention it.  When you take time for and pride in yourself, it shows your love for your spouse!   


From Union 28

Rolling Stone's Christmas Party

When: Saturday Dec 10th @ 6pm

Where: The Leidner's

Please bring $22 per couple to help pay for the food & either an appetizer or dessert.

Can't wait to see you all there!! Please email me at mbl6613@gmail.com if you have any questions. 

Marriage Tip Monday

Love your spouse with the sense of hearing!  Never underestimate the power of allowing your spouse to hear you speak words of affirmation and affection in public and in private.  Even if you need to have a difficult conversation, speaking in a loving, non-threatening manner invites your spouse to listen.  When your speech is seasoned with love and respect, walls come down, trust is built in your relationship, and intimacy deepens. Scripture says the tongue holds the power of life and death, so set a guard over your tongue and speak LIFE.


From Union 28

Marriage Tip Monday

Love your spouse with the sense of touch!  Whether offering a hug, stealing a kiss, squeezing his shoulder, or stroking her hair, let your spouse know that he/she is safe with you and that your touch can be trusted and desired as a means of encouragement, affection, and love...and allow your children to see these interactions - it will reassure them of your love for each other and boost their confidence in your love for them.  



From Union 28

Marriage Tip Monday

Love your spouse with the sense of smell!  This doesn't have to require high maintenance or expensive perfume; besides, you know what your spouse likes - a certain after-shave, a particular scent of lotion...or what about giving the gift of fresh-baked cookies, a flower, lighting a scented candle or offering an apology for a stinky attitude...the gift of a pleasing aroma in your home and in your heart can relieve stress and communicate love.


From Union 28

Marriage Tip Monday

Love your spouse with all 5 senses - today we're talking about taste!  What food does your spouse crave or consider a treat?  Go on a surprise date to her favorite restaurant, pick up his favorite game-time snack at the grocery store, or invite your spouse home from a hard day's work with a freshly baked goodie, right out of the oven!  Grab a quick mix or try this amazing homemade brownie recipe!  


From Union 28 

Planning Your Marriage

image courtesy of Rachel Ledbetter Photography

Last week Brett opened us with a great lesson on our calling, our gifting, and our burdens. He assigned us some homework, and challenged us to sit down with our spouses and uncover what gifts and talents we each have been given. We were to list all the gifts & talents we bring to our marriage and discuss the complete list of what God has brought together between the two of us.


This week, Brad added in finding what is the biggest burden God has placed on our hearts in our marriage. For example, Brad & Rachel's burden is marriage. They have seen so many broken marriages lately, they feel God is putting that burden on their heart to minister to married people. That is how they will focus in on using their gifts and talents.


This week, Brad brought in creating a 50 year vision for your family. By analyzing our gifts, talents, and burdens that each spouse brings to the table, there are many clues as to what God may be calling us to in the future.


We should be praying through very specific details, both in how we want to be spending our time and money in 50 years.


With your spouse, think & pray through these questions this week:

1. Based on the gifts, talents, and burdens, what might the Lord be calling us to for our marriage and family in the future?

2. How do we want to be spending our time & money in retirement? What does retirement look like for us?

3. Do we feel called to leave any money or resources to our family? To a charity? To a ministry?

4. Develop a mission statement for your marriage.

Marriage Tip Monday

Do Good Things – Daily

"Doing goods things doesn't necessarily require spending a lot of money. Simple things, like picking up your dirty underwear, giving a free back rub, preparing dinner, writing an appreciative note, hand picking flowers or taking on a chore that your partner normally does, build intimacy and closeness in your marriage like nothing else.
Attraction often follows on the heels of serving each other like you did in the early years of your relationship. Often it's the little things that count – not the big ones."

- Focus on the Family

I love little gifts that Bobby brings home, or the fact that he will oblige my OCD tendencies and put things away a specific way. Surprise your spouse with a good deed this week! 

Marriage Tip Monday

Start Dating Again

"Go out at least once a week. It doesn't have to be an expensive date – just something simple.
A brown bag dinner in the park, a walk around the lake, a cup of cappuccino at a coffee shop or simply putting the kids to bed early and just talking will often do the trick. Or, revisit the things that you did when you were dating, like going to a movie, the theater or a nice relaxing dinner for two.

After being "pulled apart" by all the pressures of modern life, it is imperative to reconnect each week. If you don't, you won't feel close."

-Focus on the Family 

I can honestly relate to this. When Bobby and I don't make time for just the two of us, I feel so disconnected from him. Boys-surprise your bride with a date! Girls-make a picnic dinner for you and your man and head to the park, or even your backyard. You'll be glad you did! :-)

Shane & Shane

Denton, TX - The One You Need Tour

Time	October 20th, 2011 7:00pm
Location	First Baptist Church - Denton 1100 Malone Street Denton, Texas
Info	w/special guests Bethany Dillon, Freely Doors Open at 6pm Advance Tickets: $10 Day of Show Tickets: $15 To purchase tickets, please visit: shane.cta.gs/018

Upcoming Events

On Sunday evening, November 6 we are honored to host Christian artist Josh Wilson in a time of worship and music. That evening will also be a time for us to see the ways God is working in the missions ministry in our church and to hear of ways to be involved in moving the Gospel forward through all our Global Impact Points. November 6 at 6:30 p.m. - Save the date!




Christmas on Main Street this December will include a concert with Shane & Shane and Phil Wickham. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased in the Hub starting next Sunday, October 23.

Planning your Marriage

We wrapped up our last unit by hearing from The Stamps and their mission work. We had a great time at The Durham's house for a class cookout. I don't think anyone took pictures, we were too busy eating and talking! I hope you all had a great time, I know I did.

Sunday October 23rd we start our new unit:
"Planning Your Marriage" - it will be a study that goes through the end of the year to share very practical wisdom from scripture and other couples about how to lay the foundation for your marriage for the next 50 years. 

I am so excited about this! I love being married and I love my husband, so anything that is going to bring the two of us closer to Christ and each other is awesome in my book. I hope that you will join us on Sunday morning.

Care Group Activity

Gareth & Leslie and their care group had a fun filled night carving pumpkins! Here are a few of their pictures. You can view the rest of them HERE. Enjoy!

Praying for your Man!

I was looking around on Pinterest tonight, and came across this little bookmark.

Wear your feelings

Hey Rolling Stone Peeps,

I came across Union 28 Marriage Apparel today. First I like their clothes. They have cute shirts like this:

I love telling others how awesome my husband is, now I can just wear it! 

Even precious baby clothes!

But my favorite thing about them is their Mission:

You can go HERE to read more about their company. There is an article that goes in great detail about why they started Union 28. They are all about encouraging marriages, and they felt God was leading them to do this through their t-shirts. 

They even have Marriage Tip Monday!  Here's just a sample: 

Something Old & Something New: Go on your first or favorite date again, then go on a totally new date the next week. (Idea: Visit a farm or orchard to pick blueberries or another fruit in season and get ice cream afterwards.) 

Couples Devotionals

Bobby and I have discovered that our marriage is so much stronger and healthier when we have some type of devotional to read together. I thought I would share the ones we have read, and some others that we will read in the future. We like the ones that give you discussion questions or topics. That really makes us start talking, even if we don't want to! :-)  If you and are spouse are not in the Word and praying together already, I challenge you to start this week!

Night Light by James & Shirley Dobson 

(This was our first book to read and we really liked it!)

Moments with You by Dennis & Barbara Rainey

365 Meditations for Couples 

The Love Dare Day by Day

The One-Year Love Language Minute Devotional

( I love the 5 Love Languages book, so I think I will want to try this. It doesn't look like it has discussion topics, but I bet you could think of some)

Praying for our Marriage

Please comment if you have any good ones y'all have read.

Peacemakers

What is it? Discipleship program for nearly and newlywed men who desire to lead and love their wives as Christ does the Church.

When is it? Men will commit for almost ONE full year, beginning in September 2011 and ending in May 2012.

How do I get involved? If you're interested, email brad.ledbetter@yahoo.com

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

1 Peter 3:7 " Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers."

Information Overload!

I always love the beginning of the school year. New pens and pencils, new spirals and folders, new opportunities! In case you've missed what's been going on at First Irving, here's the quick overview.

If you miss a Sunday, check out the Audio Sermons on iTunes HERE. I love being able to listen to them again.


Girls: Check out what's going on in the women's ministry HERE. Fall Bible Studies are starting soon!

We Have Found Our Hope: 9/11 Remembrance
Please mark your calendar for Sunday, September 11 as a day when First Irving thanks our first responders, prays for our nation, and remembers the 10 year anniversary of the 9/11 attack on our country. With a full orchestra and choir, our church will be saluting men and women of the armed forces, our local police and law enforcement, and our local firefighters. You will not want to miss this special day in one of our three services will be identical. There will be childcare provided up to 1st grade, but no ABFs that day.





We hope to see you there on Sunday!

Women's Ministry Events

There are several Bible Studies coming up this summer for the girls.


Click HERE for details.

There is also the Women's Retreat Breathe A Spirit of Fresh Prayer October 21& 22 in Grapevine. You can register for the event HERE.

Into the Fire Bible Study

So a few months ago, Brett led a group of guys in the Equipping U series, Into the Fire. The concept was for the guys to fellowship around the grill, where Brett would bring God's word. Bobby really enjoyed it and took some pictures on one of their last times together.

Cinco De Mayo

We had our annual Cinco De Mayo party at Tyler & Lauren's house. The piñata made a return, but it didn't last very long!

Save the Date- Marriage Retreat Weekend

When: July 15-17, 2011

Get there around 6:00 on Friday, leave after lunch on Sunday.

Where:  The Texas Star in Weatherford

How much: $100/person. This includes 2 nights and all your meals during your stay.

We will be staying in the dorms. Guys in one dorm, girls in the other.

Be on the lookout for an evite soon with more details.

The Secret to Contentment

Webster's dictionary defines contented as feeling or showing satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation. 


Seems pretty easy I think! But in reality, after hearing Pastor John preach about this, it appears I was not very content with my life. I want this or I want that. I don't think a day goes by that I don't list off a few things that could make my life better: more clothes or shoes, new things for the house, losing weight, having kids, more money in the checking account, more time, the list could go on and on. 


Notice I said things...can these things really make my life complete? Why can't I be happy with exactly what God has chosen to bless me with? Society tells me I shouldn't be; I need a newer car, a nicer house, more clothes in my closet, more jewelry, and to go along with all that, more debt! So that sermon has led me to open my eyes everyday to a life that I can be content with. And every morning, I pray to my wonderful Father to help me be content with the life He picked out for me! 


I loved the 2 myths about discontentment! Discontentment is NOT fixed by possessions. Buying more stuff does not make me happy in the long run. I think in general, it turns out to be the opposite. I am happy for awhile, but then I need something else to make me happy again. 


I leave you with the top 10 ways to be content:


1. Trust God.


2. Jesus comes & stays. (He does not come and then leave us) 


3. Stuff isn't big enough to fill my soul. Nothing else but Jesus can satisfy me.


4. Money doesn't own me, I own my money. “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Matt 6:24


5. Learn the difference between NEEDS and WANTS


6. I will NEVER have all that I want, unless all that I want is Jesus!


7. God is faithful.


8. He watches over me.


9. Be thankful for what I have, don't think "the next one will...."


10. Learn to know Jesus. 


I love this verse that he gave: 1 Tim 6:7 "For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it." Kind of puts things in perspective huh?   




If I'm not content with what I have 2 things are possible.


1. I can wander from my faith. This is a huge deal! Being discontent can actually separate me from my God!


2. I can pierce myself with many sorrows, many disappointments.


So my goal for myself, and each of you, is be content with every day that God has given you. Be content if everything God has (or has not) given you. It's so easy to say this when times are good, when things are easy. When times are hard remember Paul in prison saying: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." 

Cinco De Mayo Party

Just a reminder:

Cinco De Mayo Party at The Self's House @ 5:00 pm

Bring $15 to help with the catering.

Hope to see you all there!

Verse of the Week

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified: do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." ~Joshua 1:9~

CHRIS TOMLIN -- HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD (HD version)

Verse of the Week

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Have a great week Rolling Stoners!

Cardboard Testimonies at First Irving

Mission South Irving

This is from First Irving Website about MSI:

WHAT IS MISSION SOUTH IRVING or MSI?
MSI is a brand new idea at First Irving, and hopefully, a new movement and expression of faith for us as a faith family. MSI is a church-wide effort of First Irving to impact our city with the Gospel of Jesus, for the Glory of Jesus. We will be focusing an entire week of ‘missions’ in the area right around our church. The Irving Missionaries who sign up for the entire week will be sleeping in the church, eating meals together, praying together, sharing the gospel, helping the poor, giving away Bibles, serving our community, cleaning local parks, helping widows and single mothers, all in an effort to make Jesus the most famous name in South Irving.

WHY MSI?
God told Jeremiah in Jer 29:7, “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” We believe South Irving should be a better place, because First Irving is there. There are really 2 reasons for MSI. First, we want to serve our city in a very tangible way by serving the community and needy people within the community in the name of Jesus. Second, we want to empower the people of the First Irving Family to live a life of constant mission. We want to encourage each of us to grasp our responsibility to share the gospel with joy and love. This starts in our city.

WHEN IS MSI?
The formal aspect of MSI will be March 13 – 19, 2011. This is spring break for all the local schools, so we hope to get First Irving students involved, and also share the gospel with local kids who are on a break from school.

WHO CAN BE INVOLVED?
Anyone and everyone. There is no age limit to MSI. If you want to serve and share the gospel, we would love to have you.

You can also be involved by hosting an open house the during the week of MSI! For ideas and details CLICK HERE for the Word Document.

HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Click HERE, to register online.

If you are interested in opening your home for the Open House party, please let Tyler or Brett know. We will discuss this more on Sunday morning.

Verse of the Week

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3

Got a plan? An Idea? Talk it over with God, I bet He'd love to hear it!

A Night of Psalms

You can find more information HERE. We hope to see everyone there! Don't forget to fill your bag with nonperishable food items.