Today my husband and I are going on a date.  It isn't a costly one, but an outing that has become one of our favorites none the less.  We have a plan.  We are going to pack some snacks and water in our backpacks and head up the side of a mountain!  We have come to truly enjoy hiking.  But, as I think about it, I realize that what makes the outing so special is not only that we are breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the beauty of nature, it is because we get to spend that time alone with each other. 

Over the years I have learned that it is so important to continue to find ways to stay connected during each season of our marriage. When my husband and I had only been married a few years, and our children were young, there were times when the responsibilities of parenthood tried to out shadow our relationship with each other. You know those times… Toddlers and preschoolers running around the house always “underfoot”, play dates, and the constant busyness connected with caring for and loving our precious little ones. Don’t get me wrong, I loved those times and wouldn't trade my season as a mom of young ones for anything! But, I also remember longing for connection with my husband that didn't include holding a baby on my hip. Interestingly, it was during that time in our marriage that we didn't have access to baby sitters in order for us to even go on a date. However, not having a baby sitter or a lot of extra money shouldn't stop us from continuing to enjoy our husbands. I learned that a little creativity goes a long way toward deepening the bond in marriage.

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; 
and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God" (1 John 4:7).

It was a cold, rainy Saturday, when our children were 3 and 5, that my husband and I shared what to this day, remains one of our most favorite “dates”.  The kids had “rainy day” syndrome and were running around us in circles.  As Roy put it, “we needed a free-zone”.  I turned to him and said, “Let’s go on a picnic.”  And so we did.  He stoked up the fire and then went to the cupboard and pulled out a large quilt while I went into the kitchen and put together a quick lunch.  Then, together, we spread the quilt in front of our wood stove and laid the food on top.  The kids, who noticed our “strange” activity, were full of questions.  We let them know that “Mommy and Daddy were going on a date.”  They could play anywhere they wanted inside the house.  The only rule was that they couldn't touch or step on the quilt.  With that, we sat down and turned our attention to each other.  I must admit we were quite amused at our children’s reactions.  They quietly sat down only a few feet away and curiously watched us.  It actually was the first time they had been quiet all day!  But, as for our date, my husband and I enjoyed 45 minutes on that quilt, eating our lunch and talking about things other than our roles as parents.  The warmth from the wood stove added a cozy atmosphere and the humor of the situation increased our joy.    

"A cheerful heart is good medicine..." (Proverbs 17:22)

The lesson learned that day has carried us through many wonderful years together.  We learned that it doesn't matter if the money is tight or if there are no babysitters available.  We can always find ways to connect, one on one, with our spouses.  It is so important to foster that relationship and not allow it to drift simply because the demands of the day threaten to make us forget why we first fell in love.  All it takes is some creativity and resourcefulness.  God loves marriage and He wants us to succeed.  Our spouses are gifts to us and gifts that should be continually opened and enjoyed through each season of our lives.

“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate” (Mark 10:9).

In His grip,






This week, I am the featured blogger on pastor, author and speaker Tamara Buchan's site, "Identity Crisis - Reclaim The True You" as she continues her series on our identity in Christ.  Please join me on Monday for the introduction and then on Thursday for my testimony as I share how my identity in Christ was truly born. 




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24 Comments

  1. Sylvia RobertsonNovember 04, 2012

    Delightful! And how good it was for your children to see Mommy and Daddy "on a date"! Thanks for sharing a beautiful day in your life.

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  2. It was a beautiful day we will always remember! God is so good...and always so faithful to teach and grow us. I pray that our children were also impacted by this very special date...

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  3. bluecottonmemoryNovember 04, 2012

    It is amazing how through our children we have learned to think out of the box - and be so creative! I love how they sat just a few feet away! It is the creative dates like that that mean the most! Thanks for sharing it!

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  4. Hi Joan, great post, great encouragement. Its funny how those moments stick in your mind forever. Don't forget to link your bloghop to my list of bloghops so others can find it over at My Daily Walk. God bless my friend
    Tracy

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  5. Lovely Joan! Sometimes the creative and fun times we plan and share are those that bring the fondest memories...we can always find resources! :) Congrats on being a featured author! :)


    Blessings and hugs,
    Denise

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  6. God is soooo good He gave us the gift of creativity and imagination to use NOT only when we are kids! I'm glad you are sharing this splendid example!

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  7. This is FANTASTIC, Joan-- I am taking notes on this one to keep hubby and I's together time sacred as we prepare for our first little one to arrive. THANK YOU!

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  8. There's an old saying that I find so true, "Necessity is the mother of invention!" It sure applies in this case! This is a sweet memory that will stick with us all of our days...

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  9. Thanks, Tracy...and thanks for the reminder/invitation to add my blog hop to your list! Blessings to you!

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  10. I so agree! There shouldn't be an excuse for spending time together...a little creativity goes a long, long way! Blessings, Joan

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  11. Yes, God is so good...all the time! I love how He encourages us to have fun and be playful in our relationships! Thank you for your encouragement today!

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  12. Congratulations for your upcoming little one! Children are a true blessing! It is such a busy exciting time when children are little...and it is also a time when God will bless us with many opportunities for increased intimacy. We just need to be open to the possibilities...and use a little creativity! Blessings to you and your husband as you enter into the wonderful time of parenthood! In Him, Joan

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  13. A great message, Joan! My husband and I also enjoy hiking and camping - and we have some of our best conversations during those walks outdoors or just sitting around a campfire. It's so important to keep those lines of communication open.


    GOD BLESS!

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  14. So true! I love the conversations that are generated when we walk together! It is amazing what a simple activity can do to deepen the bond between two people! Blessings, Joan

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  15. Laurie CollettNovember 05, 2012

    Sounds like a lovely date, Joan! Thanks for the reminder to make time for what is most important. Thanks also for hosting & God bless!
    Laurie
    http://savedbygracebiblestudy.blogspot.com/

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  16. Yes, Laurie...it was a lovely date and one that's memory always puts a smile on our faces! Thanks for stopping by today! Blessings, Joan

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  17. What a great idea for a "date", and a blessing that your children just quietly watched!

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  18. Sweet memories, Joan. I did that with my hubby at our previous house, where we had a fireplace, but our new house doesn't have one, so we'll have to get those creative juices going and make new memories and traditions! :) It is one of the things that every new couple needs to be reminded of, especially when little ones come into the picture. Thanks for stopping over at my blog!

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  19. I love that..."new traditions". I think I'll make some new ones today! Blessings to you, Ann! In Him, Joan

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  20. What a great idea for a "date", and a blessing that your children just quietly watched!

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  21. Thanks, Lisa! It is such a great memorie that taught us so much! Blessings, Joan

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  22. Thanks for sharing this. Just passed it on to my would be husband. We are learning each day. God bless.

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  23. Thanks for sharing this. Just passed it on to my would be husband. We are learning each day. God bless.

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  24. Thanks for dropping by, Enomi! It is so important to stay connected to our spouses. "Dating" is a wonderful way to encourage that connection... And sometimes, it is the simplest dates that make the greatest impact! Blessings to you!

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