Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Monday, June 25, 2012
Marriage Tip Monday
Cultivate a spirit of generosity in your marriage. Generosity is "Liberality in giving" or the "willingness to give." Be willing to liberally give your love, forgiveness, affection, words of affirmation, and even your time and energy to your spouse. Never base your giving on what you might or might not receive in return. The beauty and power of a generous spirit is the joy that radiates from a pure motive.
From Union 28
From Union 28
Friday, June 22, 2012
Rolling Stones Baby Shower
Here are the pictures from the Rolling Stones Baby Shower a few Sundays ago. Thanks Erin for taking the pictures, it was such a fun time of celebration and prayer!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/erin-king/7174528825/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/erin-king/7174528825/
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Leading Indicators
This Sunday we will kick off our 12-week marriage series on Leading Indicators. This content has been taught about 20 times over the past six years to various groups at First Irving.
The lessons provide couples with very practical measuring tools to diagnose the health of their marriages. Each of the 11 indicators line up with
1) scripture,
2) Christian marriage counselors, and 3) secular marriage researchers.
The last time we went through the lessons, there was a lot of laughter, some tears, and great stories from newlyweds about their relationships.
We can't wait to see what happens as we open the Bible to learn about how to stay on the right track as we love God first and love our spouses second!
The lessons provide couples with very practical measuring tools to diagnose the health of their marriages. Each of the 11 indicators line up with
1) scripture,
2) Christian marriage counselors, and 3) secular marriage researchers.
The last time we went through the lessons, there was a lot of laughter, some tears, and great stories from newlyweds about their relationships.
We can't wait to see what happens as we open the Bible to learn about how to stay on the right track as we love God first and love our spouses second!
Monday, June 18, 2012
Marriage Tip Monday
Spring brings about change, and can inspire you to think about your dreams. Maybe there is somewhere you’ve always wanted to travel. Maybe you’ve dreamt of a career move. Maybe it’s the desire to have another child. Spend time sharing these things with your spouse and find something both of you want in life – then dream about how to make it happen. Shared dreams can help bond the two of you together.
From Union 28
From Union 28
Monday, June 11, 2012
Marriage Tip Monday
Smile! A smile is a small, self-less act of kindness and respect that can make a big impact. A smile acknowledges another person - it lets them know you are happy to see them, that they are worth your attention, and that you are pleased by their presence. So the next time you make eye contact with your spouse, smile! (This even works over the phone - your spouse can detect when you're smiling, even when your face is unseen!)
From Union 28
From Union 28
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Date Night
Looking for some fun things to do with your beloved this summer? Check out this website:
Here are a few of my favorites!
~ Go to a restaurant you both have never been to.
~ Go off the grid for the weekend- no cell phones, no tv, no computers. You'll be amazed at what you do for entertainment.
~ Go on a food crawl. Go to a different restaurant for an appetizer, entrée, and dessert.
Here are a few of my favorites!
~ Go to a restaurant you both have never been to.
~ Go off the grid for the weekend- no cell phones, no tv, no computers. You'll be amazed at what you do for entertainment.
~ Go on a food crawl. Go to a different restaurant for an appetizer, entrée, and dessert.
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
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.
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
Pre-Event: Smoke the Pig- Friday June 29th @ 6pm
Where: Cameron & Lauren's Apartment Complex
1124 Hidden Ridge Irving,TX 75038
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
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.
(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."
(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."
(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. 2 The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3 So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces[a] of the world. 4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.[b] 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,[c] Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.
"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. 2 The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3 So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces[a] of the world. 4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.[b] 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,[c] Father.” 7 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
8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. 9 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
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.
(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?
(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?
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