Welcome to Marriage Monday

Celebrating Our Womanhood

It's been a few weeks since we've gathered together for Marriage Monday. Today, let's get re-acquainted as women—without spilling any ink about our marriages. This week, boys are not allowed!

The prompts listed below are designed to help us to get to know you as a unique daughter of God. Please complete the sentences (as I have), post your piece on your blog, and then come back here to link up.

Think of your post as a quick pencil sketch of your current life. The faster you write it the better!

I am….. humbled that the Spirit of God dwells within me.
I want….. to explore more of our new state of Arizona.
I have….. to wear my sunglasses nearly every day!
I wish….. we had more free time to “play.”
I hate….. deceitfulness.
I miss….. our grown children.
I fear….. becoming a widow. However,
I feel….. at peace about God’s plan for my life.
I hear….. the sounds of our dishwasher.
I smell….. fresh coffee brewing.
I crave….. beauty in our home, and a some new peer friendships.
I search….. for information online with Swagbucks. (Try it! I earn a $5 Amazon.com gift card approx. every two weeks.)
I wonder….. how old I will live to be … 100? 90? 80?
I regret….. that there has been so much upheaval in the global economy.
I love….. to read books in the bathtub.
I ache….. when I dwell on several unwelcome mid-life transitions.
I care….. deeply for my closest friend. (Guess who?)
I always….. try to prioritize being a good helpmate, especially now that we're empty-nesters.
I am not….. willing to allow Satan’s lies to hurt me—or others.
I believe….. that faith is a choice, and the truths of Scripture are life-giving.
I dance….. in aerobics classes. I would love to try Zumba!
I sing….. in church, and along with the radio.
I cry….. only on Friday nights (especially after a busy week).
I don’t always….. have the energy to listen patiently to women’s problems, unfortunately.
I fight….. for the Truth.
I write….. to teach and encourage others.
I never…. watch football. (But we love to be active outdoors ourselves.)
I listen….. with delight, to the cooing of mourning doves nesting in our chimney.
I need….. a brand new wardrobe, now that I don't need boots and an umbrella anymore.
I am happy….. to be living in such a beautiful oasis in the desert.

"... that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. "

Photo: rautan (Flickr)





It’s Marriage Monday. Please Join Us!

• Group Topic: Celebrating Our Womanhood. If you would like to link a post today, take a minute to read the introduction to this topic.
• Test Your Link. You’re welcome to add your link any time up until eleven PM MT on Wednesday. Please include a text link back to Chrysalis, or you can use one of these graphic buttons instead. Remember to click your link to make sure it works correctly. And don't forget to leave a comment!
• If you're new at Chrysalis, welcome! Please accept my invitation to join our Marriage Monday community. You might want to read an introduction to this Blog Hop and find out how to join the Marriage Monday Blog List. Thanks for linking at Chrysalis today, sweet sister.

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Marriage Monday is Coming!

Topic: Celebrating Womanhood

Thank you for stopping by today! Some of us (like me) have taken a long break from blogging over the holidays. It was a much-needed time of rest and re-charging on an intellectual level. Now I'm ready to launch into some new writing projects, and help e-Dad flesh out a few business ideas he's been incubating.

I'm excited continue our journey together as married Christian women. Our Marriage Monday Blog Hop will return to an every-other-week schedule here at Chrysalis. Please join us! Our topics will be drawn from comments on a post where I posed the question, "What's the Biggest Problem or Frustration in Your Marriage?"

Over the next few months, you can look forward to sharing your wisdom on subjects like money, boredom & apathy, addictions, illness, spirituality, romance, sexuality, SAHMs and more. Click here for a list of topics we've already covered in this series. There's so much to learn and apply. Even after 33 years together, we're still growing as a couple. Thank you Lord!

On Monday (Jan. 16, 2012), I thought it would be fun to get re-acquainted as women—without spilling any ink about our marriages. This time, boys are not allowed. The following prompts are designed to help us to get to know you as a unique daughter of God. Please complete the sentences, post your piece to your blog, and then click over here to Chrysalis to link up.

Think of your post as a quick pencil sketch. The faster you write it the better!

See you soon!

Please Complete These Sentences

I am…..
I want…..
I have…..
I wish…..
I hate…..
I miss…..
I fear…..
I feel…..
I hear…..
I smell…..
I crave…..
I search…..
I wonder…..
I regret…..
I love…..
I ache…..
I care…..
I always…..
I am not…..
I believe…..
I dance…..
I sing…..
I cry…..
I don’t always…..
I fight…..
I write…..
I never….
I listen…..
I need…..
I am happy…..

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. (Prov 18:22 NASB)

Photo: adwriter(Flickr)



Up Next—Marriage Monday

Will you have time to join us on Monday?

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Shhhhh ... This Blog is Sleeping

Feliz Navidad!

Christmas is a wonderfully busy time of year. And for us, it's all brand new! We're enjoying the holidays in the Sonoran desert for the first time ever. On top of our work, there's a tantalizing array of worthwhile activities in the Phoenix area to sample and enjoy.

I'm sad to say that serious reading, theology, and in-depth Bible study have way dropped down my priority list. I am going to take a short blogging break here at Chrysalis between now and mid-January. I've missed visiting your blog and keeping up to date with you.

Marriage Monday Community Members, please take note that we'll resume Marriage Monday after New Year's on Monday January 10, 2012. Our group topic will be announced shortly beforehand. I'm grateful I can keep up with you over the holidays on Facebook.

In the meantime, please come say "Hi" at Pinterest, where you'll find some terrific seasonal recipes collected from my favorite Pinners. Also, if you're on the hunt for top kitchen gadgets, chic aprons, and other recipes do visit my hospitality site, Susannah's {Kitchen}.

In parting, you might enjoy this quote from my favorite marriage author,
Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. He says,

Are you frantically running around trying to find the 'perfect' gift for your loved one this year? Perhaps spending a bit more than you should?

I have an idea for you.

The best gift you can give your spouse is not under the Christmas tree. It is the priceless gift of a loving and respectful attitude, which maintains harmony in the home all year long.

Maybe that sounds a bit idealistic. But read on for a creative way one wife found to give the gift of respect to her husband – even wrapped up and under the tree!

My husband and I attended your conference this fall and as a refresher, I decided to read the Love and Respect book a couple months later. Hearing the love and respect message a second time around really impressed upon me the importance of making sure my husband feels my respect.

As a result, I decided to purchase a small journal for Christmas and fill each page with something different I respect about him. You would not believe the look on his face when he opened this small gift Christmas morning. By the time he made it to the second page, he had to stop reading because his eyes were filled with tears. When he did finish a few minutes later, all he could say was "thank you" over and over again, as he clutched the journal tightly between his hands. It's amazing to me how such a small gesture on my part meant so much to him. Thank you for showing me how to reach my husband's heart, and for giving us both a Christmas we will always remember.~KM

Linked at Barbara's meme, The Week in Words at Stray Thoughts.

Photo: LucianTeo & CEBImagery (Flickr)



Will you be at home for Christmas
this year?

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Humor VIDEO: Silent Monks Singing Halleluia

Handel Had a Sense of Humor (I Hope)

The serious side of Christmas is a joy, but I hope you're up for some levity and good cheer! Bobbi at MomE & Loving It posted this video clip some time ago, and I know you'll enjoy it. Here's your chance to smile at some of the season's best silliness. (2:57 mins.)

Friday Funnies Meme

Got jokes? Share your family-friendly humor over at Kim's blog, Homesteader's Heart. Her Friday Funnies meme always starts my weekend with a grateful giggle.

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Meaning of the Magi's Gifts

We three kings of Orient are Bearing gifts we traverse afarField and fountain, moor and mountainFollowing yonder star

Three Prophesies:
Gold, Frankincense, & Myrrh

One of our most familiar Christmas carols tells how the wise men journeyed from the east to worship the young child Jesus (Matt 2:1-6).
In some churches, their visit is commemorated during the Feast of Epiphany (Twelfth Night) on January 6.

From the carol, we know that the Magi honored Christ with three special gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Each gift served an important practical purpose, but the song reveals that each treasure carried prophetic significance as well.

Born a King on Bethlehem's plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign
1. Gold—King

The gift of gold has always been symbolic of wealth and royalty, and it was an appropriate gift to honor a king. Since the Christ child was also the Son of God and the King of Kings (Rev. 17:14) gold was a fitting gift for the Magi to offer the Lord Jesus as they worshipped him. It's believed that this gift of gold financed Mary and Joseph’s flight to Egypt.

It’s interesting that when God was structuring the nation of Israel in the wilderness under Moses, He told them to build a tabernacle in which He could "dwell among them" (Exodus 25:8). When he gave the pattern that they were to follow in building the tabernacle and its furnishings, many things were either made of gold or overlaid with gold.

When King Solomon built the temple to replace the tabernacle, there was also gold everywhere (1 Kings 6:2-22). However, as beautiful and meaningful as they were, the tabernacle and the temple were only "types" of God's future home among His people. The heavenly city and its streets, the New Jerusalem, will be completely fashioned of pure gold (Revelation 21:18-21).

Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Pray’r and praising, all men raising
Worship Him, God most high
2. Frankincense—Priest

Frankincense was highly valued in Israel as incense and a perfume (Song of Songs 3:6; 4:6). Made from the dried resin of Boswellia trees, the first mention of frankincense in the Bible is found in God's instructions for the priestly services of the tabernacle (Exodus 30:23-34). As the smoke of the burning offering ascended up from the altar, so the people believed their prayers would ascend to God with it, as a sweet savor to Him (Psalm 141:2). This typological meaning of burning incense as prayer rising up to God is also seen in the Book of Revelation. John saw "golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints" (Revelation 5:8).

In the Old Testament, the High Priest served as the intermediary, but in the New Testament our relationship to God is through Christ: "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5; see also Hebrews
7:1-8:6).

Therefore, the Magi’s gift of frankincense to the little child in Bethlehem is symbolic of sacrifice, Christ’s sweet savor, and His heavenly role as our eternal High Priest. Read more…

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes of life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb
3. Myrrh—Prophet

The third and final gift of the Magi is myrrh, a valuable gum resin which oozes from gashes cut in the bark of the Commiphora tree. The resin hardens into tear-dropped chunks and is powdered to make medicinal ointments and perfumes. (The gashes are poignant reminders
of the wounds Christ received when flogged by Roman soldiers.)

Its first mention in the Bible would suggest that the definitive use for myrrh was in the holy anointing oil. The priests were to be "anointed" with a special oil, the main ingredient of which was myrrh. This type of special ritualistic anointing was also applicable to kings and prophets (1 Samuel 10:1; 16:13; Psalm 89:20). God told Elijah: "Elisha ... shalt thou anoint to be prophet"
(1 Kings 19:16).

Myrrh was also used in the embalming and anointing of the dead, and came to represent mortality, suffering, and sorrow (John 19:39). Myrrh had medicinal properties too and was used for cleaning wounds and sores, and as a treatment for coughs, colds, indigestion, gum disease, and worms. Therefore, the Magi’s gift of myrrh signifies Christ’s mortality, his Passion, and his roles as Prophet, the Great Physician, and Suffering Savior. Read more…

Glorious now behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice
Alleluia, Alleluia
Earth to heav'n replies
Summary: Prophet, Priest, & King

"The Magi had surely read Moses' promise of the coming Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15), as well as David's promise of the coming Priest
(Psalm 110:4), and Daniel's promise of the coming King (Daniel 9:24-27). When they saw Him, they fell down and worshipped Him, presenting Him with the three most fitting gifts of worship which the world contained."
—Moments With the Book

O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy Perfect Light

NOTE: This is a popular Chrysalis repost. If you've read it before, thanks for enjoying it again! A story that never grows old...

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Marriage: Our Engagement Story

Will You Marry Me?

Maybe you've seen the quote on Pinterest that says, “Anyone is a lot more attractive when they’re funny.”

I freely admit e-Dad won my heart by sprinkling our conversations with lots of bad jokes and one-liners. He tells me that in school growing up he was the “class clown” and I believe it. (And oh yes, he was elected as high school junior class president too.)

If there’s one thing we have going for us, we both love a good laugh.

As you can see from the photos (below) we got engaged a.long.time.ago! We’re now enjoying our thirty fourth (34) year of mawwage. In those days, e-Dad was an amateur dark room photographer, and he was determined to get a shot of that amazing moment. I thought his idea was crazy!

e-Dad did get two fantastic photos, which he later developed himself.
So here we are: two young people in our early twenties excited about love, getting married, and starting our new life together. God has blessed us, hasn’t he?




Conversation Transcript

Planning and executing the big event was e-Dad’s job, so I asked him to recount his memories of popping the question. We recorded this conversation on our walk tonight.

1. We enjoyed a long distance romance. What do you remember about our love letters?

Well, I recall very distinctly how enjoyable they were, and how I looked forward to receiving them, and how much fun they were to compose. And also what was pretty amazing was how we'd gotten to the point where we had both made a list of what we were looking for in a spouse. We sent them off to each other and they crossed in the mail. And all of that without prompting from either one of us.

2. At what point in our friendship did you decide that I was “The One?”

We knew each other for three years, and of course I enjoyed all of the times we actually got together and we were able to "play" and do things in person.

But when I got really serious was on a men's retreat where the focus was on fasting and seeking God's direction. And at that point, I actually did get a "word" to pursue you my wife-to-be, whom I was very strongly committed to—that would probably be the confirmation. Of course, I had considered all of the possibilities before that. But that was definitely the confirmation.

3. Where did you take me to ask, “Will you marry me?”

I remember preparing for a ... actually, it was a "mystery tour" although we didn't call it that at the time. But it was a surprise picnic to Lake Wenatchee up in the North Cascades [Mountains in Washington State].

Beautiful setting. It was springtime, and the snow had melted. Still a little nippy out, but it was beautiful out. Clear weather and we went to the lakeside. And I sat you down on the log, put my knee down on the ground, and held your hand, and looked into your eyes, and asked if you would marry me.

And you were trembling! (Much laughter.) And then it was so much fun we did it twice! So we could take a picture the second time.

4. What was my reaction?

Oh your reaction was wonderful! I am glad I memorialized it on a photo! It was sheer shock and amazement ... and "oh my goodness!" And of course the question everybody has is, "What was your answer?"

Yes, of course you said "yes." Much to my happiness.

5. How did you set up the photo shoot?

Well, after I gave you a few minutes to compose yourself (laughter), I took my trusty Pentax SLR camera over to another log and positioned it to face the two of us, as I was kneeling. I put on the timer and asked you again, and your reaction is priceless.

6. What did you do about a ring?

At that particular time we didn't actually have a ring. We later went to the jeweler's and selected some. So the proposal went without a hitch, even though there wasn't actually a ring involved. Just two happy hearts.

7. How did our families react to our engagement?

Well my family was quite positive about the event even though they hadn't met the "young lady" yet. It was more my friends and since I had been in Young Life, most of my friends were through YL and church. And of course they were all thrilled—they had all met the "young lady" at various events from time to time.

As for your family, your mother was mortified (laughter). Your Dad said, "It's your life, do with it as you wish." No, strike that. Um, your mother was quite surprised, and I don't think she expected that event to happen, although she was supportive—after the third kid (laughter). We only have two (laughter).

8. In retrospect, what would you have done differently?

Well, I would have built a house first, and gotten a nice regular steady job—instead of a degree in psychology. And probably—if you're idealistic—maybe you'd never get married, eh?

That's a good question (pause). No, I didn't want to be a priest (laughter).

I wouldn't change anything.


Related Posts: "The Crazy Way We Met" "Our Wedding Day" and
"Our Honeymoon"

Photo: thinklia (Flickr)



It’s Marriage Monday. Please Join Us!

• Group Topic: Engagement. If you would like to link a post today, take a minute to read the introduction to this topic. Tell us how you became engaged to be married. How did your husband pop the question?

• Test Your Link. You’re welcome to add your link any time up until eleven PM MT on Wednesday. Please include a text link back to Chrysalis, or you can use one of these graphic buttons instead. Remember to click your link to make sure it works correctly. And don't forget to leave a comment!

• If you're new at Chrysalis, welcome! Please accept my invitation to join our Marriage Monday community. You might want to read an introduction to this Blog Hop and find out how to join the Marriage Monday Blog List. Thanks for linking at Chrysalis today, sweet sister.

Text Linky

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Marriage Monday is Coming!

Group Topic: Engagement

Did you enjoy your holiday? This week, we’ve been busy catching up in our business, after enjoying our son’s visit over Thanksgiving. He drove all the way from Texas to Arizona to show off his new car. He’s really been enjoying his new job on campus at the U of T. And now, after all these years, there’s no one in our immediate family left in the Pacific “Northwet.” We’re becoming sunny southerners!

According to wedding consultants and bridal shops we've just entered "engagement season." Apparently, this special time of year between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day is when nearly one third of all couples become engaged. “Weddings take place year ‘round,” says Tom Curtin, publisher of Bridal Guide magazine, “But the holiday season’s focus on home, family and gift-giving makes it the perfect time of year to pop the question.”

How Did Your Husband Pop the Question?

I thought it would be fun to do a little reminiscing. Do you remember the day your husband proposed? Was it an elaborate event or just a private romantic moment between the two of you? I’ve heard of everything from balloon rides and meadow picnics to dessert-for-two on a dinner train. Did your husband get down on one knee? Did he give you a ring? What’s your story?

Since this topic was my ever-loving husband’s brilliant idea, I’ve asked him to chime in. My post will be a short interview with e-Dad, since he was the prime mover behind our engagement. He planned the time and the place, and he’ll be sharing his memories of how he proposed. You’re welcome to take that approach too, if you want.

Please don't worry if your engagement story doesn't match the glamor of Hollywood. Just share the details of the tender beginnings of your married life together.

I can't wait to read your story!

Will you join us? Please do!

See you on Monday.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you.
I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (Jn 14:1-3 NIV)

Related: Ancient Jewish Wedding Customs. (Betrothal and Jesus' pledge of faithfulness to the Church at the Last Supper.)

Photo: streetphotos (Flickr)



Will you be able to join us on Monday?

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Holiday: Happy Thanksgiving (U.S.)

Nothing Bad Has Ever Happened to Me!

A human life lived with a grateful attitude is itself a form of a blessing, as this old Chassidic story will relate:

A chassid once asked Rebbe Emimelech, "How is it possible to bless God for bad news with equal fervor as for good news?"

"Go to the study hall" replied the Rebbe, " and ask your question to my brother, the saintly Reb Zusia."

When the chassid saw Reb Zusia, he could easily discern the suffering this man must have experienced during his lifetime. The pain of illness... and poverty were all etched indelibly on his face. The chassid then asked Zusia, "How is it possible to bless God for bad news with equal fervor as for good news?"

Reb Zusia replied, "But why are you asking me? How would I know
the answer? Nothing bad has ever happened to me!"

I am certain the point of this story is not lost on any of us ... everything depends on our attitude. If we want joy in this life, we must learn to focus on the good. Engaging the mind with the awareness that God is the Source of all that is good is a means of increasing our joy in this life.

Happy Thanksgiving, my friend!

Story via hebrew4christians

Photos: Periwinkle Flowers

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