First Baptist Irving

Nearly-Wed and Newlywed Couples

Monday, June 4, 2012

Marriage Tip Monday

Husbands, a helpful invention has been the ability to record your favorite game and watch it later or find the rerun on the internet. If your wife isn't a sports fan, surprise her by recording the game and spending that time with her - she'll know you're making a sacrifice.

From Union 28

Saturday, June 2, 2012

One Liners

From Janine Petry at Thriving Family 

I don't have a problem with respect — it's showing respect to my husband that I can't quite get the hang of.
Showing disrespect has become a modern marriage pastime. We laugh as our favorite on-screen wives make fools out of their husbands, and before long we're talking like these leading ladies.
Here are some ways we show disrespect:
Witty one-liners are clever ways to get the last word. Example: "You can tell me how hard work is after you birth three children."
Sarcasm uses mocking words to strike at him personally. Example: "That's your best idea yet; got any more?"
Misplaced laughter ridicules him, whether or not he's around. Example: "He actually thinks those look good together."
Demeaning reminders imply a lack of trust. Example: "So are we actually going to see you on time today?"
I've come to understand that the phrase "Women need love and men need respect" is more than just a slogan — it's Scripture (Ephesians 5:33). So I try to use encouraging words to show my husband respect. The opportunities are endless, and my words have the potential to empower my husband to be more of the man God wants him to be. When I'm sincere and he accepts my words, our marriage is strengthened.
Here's how I've been making the transition from casual disrespect to intentional respect: I start with prayer, asking God to change my heart and my attitude. I also listen carefully to my words. Finally, I replace rudeness with words that exhibit honor for the husband God gave me.
These alternatives show respect:
Ask questions: Give him a chance to express himself. Example: "What made work so difficult today?"
Keep it simple: Make clear statements about issues. Example: "I'm not sure that's going to work. Are there any other options?"
Encourage: Choose words that highlight his individuality. Example: "I love that he's daring enough to wear that."
Tell the truth: Express concerns and affirm positive changes. Example: "It's been really hard for us when you're late; I appreciate you making the effort to get home earlier."
I show respect to my husband because God brought up the subject. It's His way of leading me into a marriage that is blessed as it reflects the loving relationship between Christ and His bride, the church. Marriage has a purpose far greater than my husband's and my relationship. Our unity expressed in love and respect is nothing short of God's witness to the world of His great love.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Luau Party

When: Saturday June 30th 6-9pm
Pre-Event: Smoke the Pig- Friday June 29th @ 6pm

Where: Cameron & Lauren's Apartment Complex
1124 Hidden Ridge Irving,TX 75038

Please see the email Tyler sent out regarding items to bring. We need lots of fun Luau games and decorations if anyone has any.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Tonight!!

Sorry for the short notice, but don't forget the Sirkels and the Browns are speaking tonight at 6:15. Hope you can make it!!

Rolling Stones Baby Shower

We have so many new babies about to be delivered to us so, there is just one thing to do...celebrate! We will be hosting a couples shower for Mrs. Lauren Brown, Mrs. Melissa Leidner, Mrs. Rachel Ledbetter, and Mrs. Becky Uhles! When you RSVP you will be given the name of one of these four girls and where they are registered. You will need only to buy one gift card and a sweet note for that one girl to bless at the shower. We can't wait to shower these girls with love!  Oh and don't worry there will be plenty of food!  

Please see Lauren Self if you would like to help in any way. 

When: 
Sunday, June 10 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Where:
 Our ABF classroom

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Marriage Tip Monday

It's been said that a married couple's bedroom should be reserved for 2 purposes only...the 2 important "S's" - Sleeping and...you know the other one!  If you watch TV, read, eat, or allow your children or pets in your bedroom, try going without these for one week and replace them with the 2 "S's."  You might find that this simple change will increase your energy, intimacy, and refreshment.

From Union 28

Monday, May 21, 2012

Marriage Tip Monday

Seven Ways to Splurge on your Spouse: Part 7

(From Crosswalk.com)

Pour it On --  There's nothing like extending grace when your spouse deserved a lecture instead. I'll never forget the day I opened up another notice by mail of a red-light traffic violation. The others had just been cleared from my record. My face went white and my husband, upon realizing what it was, shook his head in resignation and handed over a rebate check he had just endorsed which would now be applied to my latest ticket!  I stood there stunned at his composure, and humbled. I knew that my reaction toward him (if he had been the one receiving the fine) wouldn't have been nearly as gracious as his toward me.  I learned that day what it really means to receive undeserved kindness.  

 
To splurge on each other is to show God's incredible love toward your spouse as He has shown it to you. You can lavish each other with love, patience, kindness, gentleness, trust, forgiveness, and understanding. To cultivate a closer connection between the two of you, splurge on each other - and love each other - as God loves you. 

Monday, May 14, 2012

Marriage Tip Monday

Seven Ways to Splurge on your Spouse: Part 6

(From Crosswalk.com)

Give it Up -- How long has it been since your husband or wife had a day off to themselves? Try giving up something you need to do to offer your spouse some much needed time to relax or work on a project they've really wanted to complete. Take the kids for an evening or take back the "to do" list on a Saturday and say "this one's yours…do whatever you want to do and enjoy it as a gift from me."

Monday, May 7, 2012

Marriage Tip Monday

Seven Ways to Splurge on your Spouse: Part 5

(From Crosswalk.com)

Whip it up -- It's been said that the quickest way to a man's heart is through his stomach. But cooking for your wife might melt her heart as well. Plan an evening to whip up your spouse's favorite dish or dessert. It's a wonderful way to say: "You were worth the time this took to prepare."

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Galatians Homework

We will cover Galatians 4:1-10 on Sunday

"What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces[a] of the world. But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.[b] Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,[c] Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

Paul’s Concern for the Galatians

Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God—or rather are known by God —how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces[d]? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? 10 You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!"

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Jimmy Needham Concert

Don't forget this Friday @ 7:30 pm


Monday, April 30, 2012

Marriage Tip Monday

Seven Ways to Splurge on your Spouse: Part 4

(From Crosswalk.com)

Plan it Out -- Sometimes the best gift we can give our spouse is our time. Are you  a couple that is often over-scheduled? Take some intentional time off just to be with each other. Or better yet, plan a date and take your spouse as a surprise. It could be as simple as lunch out and a walk in the park to reconnect. If you're the busy type, taking time for the one you love is a splurge that may be much appreciated. 

Monday, April 23, 2012

Marriage Tip Monday

Seven Ways to Splurge on your Spouse: Part3

(From Crosswalk.com)

3.   Write it Out --  Remember what it was like to receive a love letter? There's nothing quite like it. Yes, firing off a text from your phone is easier, but a hand-written letter is much more personal. There's something about seeing your spouse's own handwriting and being able to keep that slip of paper. Write out what is on your heart. If you haven't said it in awhile, it should be said about now, don't you think?

Monday, April 16, 2012

Purpose Driven Marriages...

Just wanted to share this. Praying a blessing over our marriages today.


THE PURPOSE DRIVEN DECLARATION

Today I am stepping across the line. I’m tired of waffling and I’m finished with wavering, I’ve made my choice, the verdict is in, and my decision is irrevocable. I’m going God’s way. There’s no turning back now!

I will live the rest of my life serving God’s purposes with God’s people on God’s planet for God’s glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his Word.

Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living, and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.

Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, “we” over “me,” character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most, and I’ll give it all I’ve got. I’ll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.

I won’t be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I’ll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough, and I get tired, I won’t back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide. I’ll just keep moving forward by God’s grace. I’m Spirit-led, purpose driven, and mission-focused, so I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.

I’m a trophy of God’s amazing grace, so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for every day, and generous with everything God entrusts to me.

To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say, "However, whenever, wherever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost I’m ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway. Whatever it takes, Lord; whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I’ll hear you say, 'Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!'"


Marriage Tip Monday

Seven Ways to Splurge on your Spouse: Part 2

(From Crosswalk.com)

Dole it Out -- Bill was a husband who loved to splurge on his wife, June. Bill and June didn't have a lot of money in their 49 years together as they raised three children in a small, rural town. But Bill knew how to spoil his wife with love, attention and praise. Today, their children will tell you "Dad spoiled mom. He'd do anything and everything for her." That is the legacy Bill left when he passed away after 49 years of marriage to his beloved, June. Are you leaving a legacy of being one who splurged on your spouse with love, attention and praise?

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Bible Study

Don't forget Bible Study at the Jenkin's house tomorrow night at 6:30. Snacks will be provided and don't worry about reading the book first! Contact Leslie at lesli.jenkins@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Galatians Homework

Homework: Read Galatians 3:1-10

If you can't get to a Bible, here it is for you :-)

1 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?[a] 4 Have you experienced[b] so much in vain—if it really was in vain? 5 So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? 6 So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”[c]
 7 Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. 8 Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”[d] 9 So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
 10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”





























Monday, April 9, 2012

Marriage Tip Monday

Seven Ways to Splurge on your Spouse: Part 1

(From Crosswalk.com)


Splurging on the one you love implies going the extra mile, whether it be effort-wise, financially, sacrificially or with your time. You are giving beyond what you normally would because the one you love is priceless.


God set the splurging model for us, when He lavishly loved us by sending us His Son to be the sacrifice for our sins. In First John 3:1 we read of how God splurged on us: "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! "  He set the splurging bar rather high when He spared no expense in sending His Son to be the sacrifice for our sins. We're also told in the Bible that God is able to do "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine." (Ephesians 3:20). That is not a God who holds out on us. That's a God who splurges to show just how "wide and long and high and deep" His love is for us (Ephesians 3:18)  If God lavishes that kind of love on us daily, can you splurge a little to show the extent of your love for each other?
To splurge on each other does not mean heaping material blessings on your spouse, although you might take that approach once in a great while. Here are seven ways you can splurge on each other when money is tight:


1.   Save it Up -- Rich and Ashley save their spare change in a jar all throughout the year. Then every Valentine's Day they take the entire contents of the jar and spend it on a special date for the two of them. This past year, they had more than $100 in the jar and Ashley thought about only spending part of it on dinner and using the rest on something the family might need. But Rich insisted that was their splurge money and so they had dinner that night at a very expensive restaurant they wouldn't ordinarily have been able to visit. So now, each year, they can truly splurge on Valentine's Day.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Reminder

Just a reminder, there will be no ABFs on Sunday!


If you're looking for a place to celebrate Easter with some food and laughs after church, contact Lesli & Gareth at lesli.jenkins@gmail.com

Monday, April 2, 2012

Marriage Tip Monday

Words hold the power of life or death - speak life!  The next time you see your spouse, tell him/her TWO THINGS - something you appreciate about WHAT THEY DO (laundry, going to work, making dinner, etc.) and something you appreciate about WHO THEY ARE (a person of integrity, an easy laugher, a quick forgiver, smart, funny, etc.)