Give Love

A little over a week ago I attended our church's annual couple's retreat. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much. Each year we revisit the same topics based on Biblical principles that encourage the couples attending to strengthen their marriages. We always need reminding of the things we need to do, but I didn't go with the attitude of learning something new. I felt like things were fine with my marriage. Of course since I adopted that attitude God revealed to me that I was falling short in some areas and that there's always something new to learn from His word no matter how many times I've heard or read a particular passage of scripture.

God showed me that I was in a rut with my marriage. Just cruising day by day, stuck in the same routine. I've been married almost nine years and I realized I've let my relationship with my husband plateau. There was a time as newlyweds that I couldn't wait to talk to him or see him. I looked for ways to make him smile, went out of my way to show him how special he was to me. I'm not saying I've completely cut out doing those things, but the intensity with which I do them isn't the same. We as humans tend to take for granted the things we get used to. That new car, phone, purse, etc. is so awesome...until it isn't. Unfortunately we can treat our relationships with people the same way. God has blessed me with a handsome, funny, hardworking man who is a great husband and father. If I want our relationship to maintain the intensity it had when we were newlyweds, I have to work on it and make the effort. I need to put aside the daily routine sometimes and do something spontaneous, something special. And the more I do it the more that will be the routine. Making our marriage as fun and enjoyable as much as possible.

This doesn't just apply to husband and wife relationships, it applies to anyone in your life that you hold dear. Don't let the routine of life keep you from showing them love and from making life as fun and fulfilling as you can. We recently lost a member in our church and it was completely unexpected. Tomorrow is not promised to us or the ones we love. 1 Chron. 16:34 says "O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever". Thank God for giving you and your loved ones another day and show them you love them while you can.

In Christ,

Christina Gibbs

Once raised by a Virtuous single mother, I am now a SAVED and strong Virtuous, Fashionista, that has been freed from a broken heart with God’s love, who accepts when God says ‘No”, who cherishes my best friend, who fears the Lord, who’s best friend is the Lord, that waits on discernment from God, who is living for today, who is a woman of strength, that understands the power of my words, that is aware of God’s presence, is allowing my light to shine, whose growing to be more passionate about serving the Lord, who can listen without pride to constructive criticism, whose fear does not hold me back, who runs to the Lord first about everything, who strives to stay on God’s course, who is saved by the grace of God, who admits to being envious of others at times, who knows my worth, has a calming peace, who gives thanks daily, who wants to be a godly example to others, who is able to forgive my enemies, who has high expectations of me, who has been created in God’s own image, who lovingly submits to my spouse, who understands God's love, has an intimate relationship with God, supports Breast Cancer Awareness, with a family who honors me, Virtuous friends who love me, and with a giving spirit.