Hey friends, how are you today? How was your weekend? What tasks did you perform, what events did you attend? We went to NYC over the weekend. We had the best time spent with our family. We did so much and yet so little in that short space of time. It was definitely a time well spent. We talked and laughed and caught up with each other. We loved on the newest addition to the family, he is a beautiful, chunky, happy, baby boy. His big brother had lost all signs of shyness, from our last visit, and shared with us, tidbits of his life. Then we all (except Benny) had our nails done, by our superb cousin, friend and nail artist. Of course, one does not go to NYC without enjoying a bit of shopping. Even the traffic in and out of city was surprisingly easy and flowing, for a minute there, we thought the GPS had failed us. A good time was had by all, even my sweet husband, who really, really hates the city, but will endure it for our sake. A great husband is hard to find, Iβll endeavor to keep mine.

Wow! You know itβs going to be a scorching, bright, sunny day, when the cicadas are so loud, the sound interrupts your thoughts. I know it will be a great day today, because the Lord woke us up this morning. I know it will be a great day, because thereβs food on my table, shoes (Iβve added a few more) on our feet and clothes (Iβve added a few more) on our backs. I know it is a good day, because my God still sits on the throne of the universe, He is still Lord and Master of my life. I know it is a good day, because today is our 25thwedding anniversary. Whoooβ¦whooo. can you see me waving my hands? The Lord is good and gracious and kind and wonderful and merciful. I wish I could say that it was an easy 25 years, but it wasnβt, there was way too much selfishness. He gets all the glory, because too many times, there were too many words spoken, but not enough said. To my great God be all the praise, because there was way too much pride, on both sides. All the glory, all the praise belongs to our faithful and true God.

Where would I be today, if I had not leant one thing along the way, right? Thankfully I learnt not one, but five things throughout the last 24 years, that prayerfully, I will implement in our 25th.

Marriage is a union between three people, with God at the helm of this union. The closer I draw to the Lord, inevitably the closer I become with my spouse.

A wife isnβt who I am; it isnβt my identity. I am first and foremost a Christian, a servant of the Most High God. My allegiance is to Him first, believe it or not, I am a better wife, when I remember that.

My performance of the roles, to which Iβve been commissioned, in this relationship is not dependent on my husband, or on his performance. Obedience to the Word of God is not optional.

This one took me by surprise too, but my husbandβs role isnβt to make me happy. Shocking, I know; but really, happiness and joy is intrinsic and comes from the Lord. I βwifeβ better, when I do not expect my husband to make me happy, but rather when I am already happy and joyful, which of course, is assured when my relationship with the Lord is properly aligned.

Marriage is an institution created by God, for His glory. Yeah, yeah, this one took me quite a few years to learn, sometimes I admit I still forget, and glimpses of selfishness will poke through everyone in a while. Okay, okayβ¦ there are quite a few opportunities when selfishness will have its moment. As a matter of fact, thereβs usually a daily sighting.

This one is free: ladies, watch the thoughts that creep into our heads. Be aware! We have a subtle and sly enemy. Donβt dwell on the negative, be swift to forgive and quick to apply much grace and mercy, donβt worry, you too will soon be in need of more grace and mercy.

Communication is key, donβt assume he knows. I will tell you now, he doesnβt. Speak up, watch the tone, and choose carefully, the battles. Believe it or not, just because you think it, doesnβt mean it has to be said. My pastor has this saying, βthere are three sides to every story β my side, their side and the truthβ. Donβt believe every insidious, thought.

And lastly, our spouse isnβt a child; if youβre like me, perhaps you needed a (sometimes, not so gentle) reminder along the way. Do not refer to him, nor lump him with the boys. And please if you have to compare him, do so with King Solomon. He was wise and rich.

Okay, I know I said five, but obviously there are a total of eight. Happy anniversary to me, thank You, almighty God. Today is a date kind of day, right, except we usually take the girls with us. Who else does that? Let me know in the comments.

How are you today and what are your plans?

I’d love to meet you over on Instagram. Follow my page and I promise to follow back, Let’s continue the conversation. Here’s the link

85 responses to “5, MAYBE 8 THINGS, I’VE LEARNED WHILE MARRIED”
Love your post! Me and my husband will be married for 23 years coming up next month. Through our many years of marriage we have learned the only way you can be truly happy in your marriage is to follow bible principals. God instituted the first marriage and gave us the principals we need to make it work. We just have to listen. Isaiah 48:18 ” If only you would listen to my commandments! Then your peace would become just like a river, And your righteousness just like the waves of the sea”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow!! I’ve Isaiah several times, yet this is the first time, I’ve seen this verse! How very much profound! Marriage works best when we follow the Word of God; no doubt about that! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is very really unique helpful information. keep it up. Thank you so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
praise the Lord, to Him be the glory
LikeLike
Thank you for your post! A lot of timely reminders for us all! I love this! Although no marriage is perfect, what helped us along the journey of marriage was applying practical bible principles as mentioned at Ephesians 5:28, 29, 33 it shows how husbands and wives are to lovingly interact with each other. It is not easy all the time but nonetheless beneficial. Thanks for sharing and happy anniversary!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Certainly beneficial indeed, how I praise the Lord for marriage. It has definitely brought my relationship with Him a bit closer
LikeLike
Happy Anniversary and very wise words!
LikeLike
What a lovely post. In our twenty years of marriage I have learned and am learning afresh these truths everyday. We do indeed serve a mighty and gracious God.
LikeLiked by 1 person
amen and amen π that we do, we serve a mighty God indeed π The Lord bless you
LikeLike
Your marriage and insight are a light in a world where divorce and is often the first response. May the Lord bless you with so many more years together and an eternity!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you π I thank you so very much for the blessings, May the Lord bless you
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear friend, if you would please pray for my marriage, Iβd appreciate it. Coming from extreme dysfunction and this not being our first marriage, we have few good examples and definitely need it. ππ½ Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will certainly do so and bring your marriage before the Lord. With Him nothing is impossible
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. Today is my anniversary and it’s been a heartbreaking one. I appreciate you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh no, my friend. I am praying ππ½
LikeLike
Thank you, dear Sister in Christ.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy 25th Anniversary πππ
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you so very much π We had a great day π
LikeLike
Congrats on your anniversary! That communication one especially rings true ππΌ
LikeLiked by 1 person
amen and amen. π It took me a few years to realize that my husband can’t read my thoughts, that I can’t assume he knows something, if I have not said the words.
LikeLike
No, no children, adult or otherwise on husband & wife dates here…we need time to refresh just being husband & wife together with the Lord… reinforcing that three stranded cord. π
Family outings are for other times. π
Bless you,
Jennifer
LikeLiked by 1 person
πππ thanks Jennifer; we ended up not taking them with us this year; but usually we do. We had a wonderful time, maybe we will do it agin ππ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats ! I am coming up on my 20th anniversary and this all rings true!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations ππ friend, thank you so much π to God be the glory
LikeLike
These are all so good! I love the sweet reminder to speak highly and lovingly about your husband. Itβs so important to lift one another up!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen and amen ππ½ we are encouraged when we encourage others
LikeLike
Happy Anniversary! God bless you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you π to God be the glory
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats on 25 years! I agree with all that you’ve said about marriage. God is an amazing teacher! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, yes, He most certainly is; He is good
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy anniversary! Thank you for sharing these “golden nuggets” on marriage. Love your
layout. Have a very lovely day. Bless you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Praise the Lord, He has blessed us. This blog thing is definitely a learning process πππ but God is good
LikeLike
Thank you for visiting my blog! I’m a native New Yorker, and there’s no place like it on earth – Well, maybe Amsterdam, NL (smile). Glad to read you enjoyed yourself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
πππthanks for stopping by, Iβve never been to Amsterdam, but itβs on my bucket list
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks like fun in NYC! Beautiful pics, love the one of you two!!
Happy 25th anniversary!
And great advice, I need this:
βSpeak up, watch the tone, and choose carefully, the battles.Β Β Believe it or not, just because you think it, doesnβt mean it has to be said.β
LikeLiked by 1 person
We had so much fun in NYC, I enjoy visiting the city, plus we always have the best time. Thank you π the Lord gets all the glory.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope to visit there one day…gotta travel half way across our country to do so..but some dayπ…(Nebraska)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Iβm hoping to visit Nebraska β€οΈβ€οΈ Itβs on my bucket list, hopefully soon I can cross it off πππ we will switch over soon
LikeLiked by 1 person
πβ€οΈawesome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations! Great advice! Thank you for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Praise the Lord, indeed to Him be all the glory β€οΈ
LikeLike
Congrats! Happy Anniversary! β€οΈβοΈβ€οΈ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so very much, to God be all the glory π He is good
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations! My husband and I also just celebrated an anniversary – 35 years on the 28th. One of the things you learned I had to also learn. He can’t read my mind. For the first few years of our marriage I would get upset with my husband when he did not seem to respond to a need or wish I had. Finally, I realized he can’t read my mind but if I would tell me my need, he would be more than glad to reach out and help me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations Barbara, boy did it take me a long time to get that point πππ I honestly thought he should be able to read my mind, but that didnβt happen, but our God is good and merciful. God bless you
LikeLiked by 1 person
super all the way around and congratulations!!! A testimony to God’s grace!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, yes indeed, all the glory belongs to the Lord. Thank you π so very much
LikeLike
Sister, you have gained some wisdom along the way. If he is also putting Jesus first, above you and the children, and you second, above the children and the job and church, then you have and will continue to have a growing relationship that is pleasing to God. It is an encouragement to hear you talk encouragingly about your husband when man-bashing is all the vogue these days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so very much, the Lord has been very good to us and especially to me π Grace and mercy and forgiveness have been exercised on both sides and praise the Lord, my husband loves the Lord most
LikeLike
Donβt lump him in with the boys; compare him with King Solomon. I LOVE this!!!! I needed this entire blog today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I need a daily reminder of these lessons, because I am prone to forget.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary! You have learned many lessons that I am still learning after 46 years, but Iβm still learning and still with the one to whom I pledged my love and fidelity four decades ago. Again, Happy Anniversary! Celebrate all year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations Vickie on 46 years π WOW!! truly to God be all the glory, wishing you many, many more years to come. π π The Lord has been good to us
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats on 25 years! Wow! My husband and I just celebrated 17 – by the grace of God. Yes, selfishness is definitely an issue for us as well. I really did need several of those reminders – especially the one about not expecting my husband to make me happy, but instead relying on God for this. I’m glad you had fun in NYC. I am only 4 hours away but have never had an interest in going. I’m so introverted and a country girl. The idea of such a big city and buildings all around me gives me a panic attack!
LikeLiked by 1 person
π π I am just about 4 hours aways too π π I live in Upstate NY (very Upstate). I enjoy the city, but I would never want to live there, but I love every moment while I’m there. perhaps its because I know I do not live there π π Thank you and congratulations on 17 years; may the Lord bless you abundantly
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are near what they call upstate NY, but I don’t know why it is caled Upstate NY when it is actually downstate. Haha! We are near the border in PA.
LikeLiked by 1 person
πππ yep, I never get that either, but … I suppose anything up of NYC is Upstate ππ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Anniversary πΈ. Thank you for the wise counsel πΈ God Bless youπΈ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so very much, To our great God be all the glory. He has truly been good to us
LikeLike
Great advice, and…. Happy Anniversary!!! Congrats on the first 25, and may you have many more wonderful years together.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, thank you To our great God be all the glory π He has been good to us
LikeLike
Happy anniversary! How fun to visit NYC and see family! Praise the Lord for Blessing you both with 25 years and you are right, it happens with loving God first then everything else falls into place! My husband and I took a Road Scholar trip (our first) last week to South Dakota. We saw Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse and the hot and dry Badlands. I felt like it was really one of our better trips. This was a check off the bucket list for us! Yahoo!
LikeLiked by 2 people
yes!! it is so good crossing those bucket list desires with our favorite people. Makes it more fun, thank the Lord
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Anniversary π wise counsel. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
praise the Lord, truly thank you so very much π π May the Lord bless you
LikeLike
A very wise list! Happy anniversary and may the Lord bless you with a lifetime of love together.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, thank you for this wonderful blessing. Truly the Lord has been good to us
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, and God HAS blessed you, Brenda, with wisdom to share, via a Godly Spirit. And blessed you with the perfect husband, from the looks of it – and perfect children for you. I do love how God gives us perfect gifts. Maybe not perfect in behavior every minute, but perfectly fitted for each of His children.
LikeLiked by 1 person
π π π I absolutely love that, because He has blessed me with the perfect husband and family. He only gives good gifts, thank You Lord
LikeLiked by 1 person
You and your husband are a lovely couple, but you don’t look like you’re old enough to be married 25 years! Blessings, Brenda!
LikeLiked by 2 people
π π π I will certainly be sure to share that with him π π Thank you. Tha Lord has surely been good to us
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your posts!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you so very much π to God be the glory. May the Lord bless you
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love reading your posts!
Wow! Amen to all the lessons you have learnt and will continue to learn and share with us. Drum roll! Get the maracas going! Whereβs the music – okay the band is going now…Congrats on your 25th anniversary! May the Lord continue to multiply your joy and give you all the wisdom to keep the good man you were able to find (love that point you made by the way). May you both continue to inspire your beautiful girls and may the Lordβs favor continue to be multiples on you all. Lots of love and confetti coming your way. β₯οΈ
LikeLiked by 4 people
π π π thank you, thank you. I want all the blessings π π The Lord has been very good to us. to Him be all the glory
LikeLiked by 1 person
I want you to have them all and then some. Yes, May His face continue to shine upon you all. βΊοΈ
LikeLiked by 1 person
π π π Thank you
LikeLike
My pleasure π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Anniversary! God bless you all!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome back π Ryan π I pray you had a wonderful time π Thank you to my God be all the glory
LikeLiked by 1 person
CONGRATULATIONS!! So very happy for you and yours especially today π Have a wonderful date night…and yes, our kids are always included in whatever we end up doing for our anniversary π God Bless!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yeah; thanks for the validation, my friend. Quite a few of our friends, do not and I wanted to know whether we were the only ones who took our kids with us.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for sharing little sister. Praying God works through you π
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you so very much π π The Lord is gracious
LikeLiked by 2 people
Youβre welcome. Yes he is π
LikeLiked by 2 people