It’s our DATING Anniversary. 🎉
Two decades of laughter (so much of this), adventures, and only an occasional true yelling match (oops, dysregulated nervous systems, past trauma, and stubbornness to change have the ability to create conflict).
There’s been lots and lots of growing up and growing together, and it has been so so good.
Happy 20th dating anniversary to the love of my life! Here’s to many more years hand-in-hand, walking with Christ. ❤️
I asked to have 1 Corinthians 13:4 read at our wedding because I’d heard it in a movie and I liked it (I was a teen, this was the pre-Google era).
“Love is patient, love is kind…” You guys, Chad has EXCELLED in being patient, and I like to think at times I have been pretty good at it too, and for that I’m grateful.
Many things in this world will fade away, but LOVE never ends.
Thank you, Chad, for being my best friend since the day we met (July 9th, 2004 – it was 4 days after my 18th birthday). Yep, we knew each other one single week before we decided we didn’t want to do life any other way than “together”.
5 Tips to a Slightly Better Marriage:
1. **Make Appreciation a Habit:** In the daily grind, it’s easy to forget to say “thanks.” But a quick “I appreciate you taking care of that” or “That dinner was delicious” goes a long way. For a slightly better marriage, sprinkle compliments and appreciation throughout your day.
2. **Show You Care in Small Ways:** Grand gestures are lovely, but small acts of thoughtfulness are powerful too. Leave a love note in their lunchbox, make their favorite cup of tea, or offer to help with a chore they dislike. These little things show you’re thinking of them.
3. **Connect Over Something New (or Old):** Rekindle the spark by trying a new activity together, like a cooking class or a hike. If you used to have a shared hobby, dust it off for a date night. Novelty is exciting, but revisiting past connections can be heartwarming too.
4. **Practice Active Listening:** Truly listen when your spouse talks. Put away distractions, make eye contact, and ask clarifying questions. This shows you value their thoughts and feelings, strengthening your bond.
5. **Schedule Time for Us (and You):** Date nights are important, but so is carving out solo time. A healthy marriage needs space for individual pursuits. Encourage your spouse’s hobbies and interests, and make time for yours too. You’ll come back to each other refreshed and with more to share.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Remember, every marriage is unique. The key is finding small ways to show you care and nurture your connection.
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