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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Extra (08/29/13)
Standing in the parking lot of our high school football stadium, I was searching for the face of the man who had stolen my heart. The air was heavy with humidity and the sun was beginning to set. In the world today it is so difficult to have a successful marriage and family. It takes a man and a woman dedicated to prayer and God’s word. Must be a man and a woman who are not afraid to get on their knees or open their bibles.
My husband had worked out of town all week. I was eager to see him. I always miss him terribly when he is away. He would be rushing to get to the field from the airport so the kids and I had agreed to meet him at the game.
It is Friday night in Texas. Expecting an exciting game and having two sons on the field, this was just one of the many activities we did as a family. Getting all three boys and our daughter headed to the entrance gait, I heard my name being called from a distance. There he is, coming across the parking lot. All these years and I still get butterflies. It is a wonderful feeling.
Those little moments are nurtured from all the extra work we put into our relationship and our family. We want to set a good example for our children. We want them to be able to watch us love and have a marriage that honors God. To be honest, it is really fun for all of us. Following God’s plan is always rewarding.
These days our lives are so busy with work, school, and church, that we nearly have to schedule a time to steal a kiss or a soothing glance from our husbands before we all rush out the door in the mornings. Once we find that time, we must treasure it and never take it for granted. This takes a conscious effort. It is becoming self-sacrificial. Giving more physically, emotionally, and spiritually of ourselves. With us sacrificing ourselves, we begin to experience love the way God intended.
This could be making an extra effort to show how much you love them by just being considerate of their needs. I always like slipping little “I love you” notes in places where they will find them throughout their day. Sometimes it could be the smallest gestures that speak to the heart the loudest.
I try to remind myself, that together, my husband and I reflect the image of God on earth. (Eggerichs, 2010) It is important that we strive to make it a true reflection. It takes a lot of hard work to make this happen.
A family is a wonderful gift from God and we must do all we can to protect it. So, start tomorrow with a little extra effort to show your spouse that you love them. Like I had said, those small gestures will speak loud to their hearts.
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This article has been read 399 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
09/05/13
Great advice and beautiful message in your entry.

Thanks. God bless~
Chris Goglin
09/09/13
Thank you for reminding me to think of my husband more often. After a marriage of 46 years, I tend to slow down with the loving comments.

Also, look at your passive sentences..."was searching,..was eager,..was leaving"...and try to re-arrange them.

Thanks...great job!
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
09/13/13
Congratulations for ranking 6th in your level! (The highest rankings can be found on the message boards)
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
09/13/13
This is a lovely devotion. You do a nice job of pulling the reader into your world.

I noticed some tiny things that a good proofreader might spot. Your last sentence in the first paragraph is incomplete. You could fix it by adding the word, it. I also noticed you used gait instead of gate. Also when writing for an online publication especially, it helps to double space between paragraphs to give the reader that all important white space.

Overall, I think you did a fabulous job. Marriage is hard work and I could see the topic sprinkled throughout this delightful and encouraging piece. Good job!