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.