Marriage Monday: Marriage Wisdom

Our Wedding Day ~ August 5, 2000 @ Mars Hill Bible Church, officiated by our friend & Pastor, Rob Bell Jr.

Hey friends~

Question for you....if you knew a couple getting married and wanted to pass along a "nugget of wisdom" with them, what would you suggest??

One of the best pieces of advice John and I received was the idea of mini couple getaways, or what we refer to as "mini-moons" (get it...like honeymoon, but just a "mini"... ).

Our wonderful marriage mentors suggested that John and I take time away once each season (yes, season) to reconnect, enjoy each other's company, have fun, and relax. We've graciously accepted the challenge! And whereas we've not been perfect at getting away once a season, John and I have been intentional about going on "mini-moons" as often as we can!

Thankfully we've been blessed to have "Grandma help" to make this possible with 4 kids (thanks Mom & Jackie!) John and I have been able to go on "mini-moons" to beautiful places in Michigan (including Traverse City, Saugatuck, Pentwater, Grand Haven, and even the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island).

Last summer we ventured out of state and enjoyed our "mini-moon" to Port Washington, WI. We learned that as much as I try, I'm not a boat girl. Here I am trying to hold down my lunch as we take a 4 hour ferry ride across Lake Michigan. Ugh.

My favorite "mini moon" was during the summer of 2006. I was experiencing some serious health difficulties, and felt very anxious and worried about my condition. I mentioned to John how I longed to be "fortressed" in a castle to better understand God's protection and mighty care. I wanted to feel like a princess, and rest in my Strong Father's arms.

John, being the amazing man that he is, found a real castle an hour south of our home. I spent the weekend in a real castle totally feeling like a real princess! What a blessing!

Here are some highlights... (Can you tell I'm wearing a crown? ~ smile)


In the picture below, yes I'm wearing flip flops with my dress. You had to take off your heels at the front door as to not scratch the castle's hard wood floor.

And lastly, our beautiful castle bedroom. Our window overlooked the castle's flower garden. I was able to sit in the morning sunshine, read from the Psalms, and feel like a genuine, protected, dearly loved Princess! (Thank you, John!)


John and I have both enjoyed our Mini-moons over the past 10 years of marriage! A special thank you to our marriage mentors, Doug and Judie Childress, for giving us the challenge many years ago!

What about for you?? What's the best nuggest of marriage wisdom you've received?? I'd love to hear from you!!

And for more Marriage encouragement, be sure to check out fabulous tips with Julie at Come Have A Peace or Jill at the Diaper Diaries!

Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*. Have a wonderful, wisdom-filled week!!

P.S. John, if you're reading this...it's time for us to start planning our Winter 2011 getaway! :) (Any suggestions, friends??)