A New Puppy...

Meet Bailey! She is Kurt and Stephanie's new puppy and she came for a visit during the 2009 Christmas week. Now, you may ask, "What does a new puppy have to do with marriage?" I actually observed Bailey growing and changing everyday. She became more playful, more inquisitive, more challenging (at times), and grew physically. She reacted differently depending on the people and the places that she visited. And, she needed constant attention to help her grow and become the dog/companion she is intended to be.

Our marriages are like that puppy. They are always growing and changing. Our relationships with others, our locations, our stresses, our sorrows, our joys - all effect our marriages. Therefore, do not ever, ever, ever become overly confident in the strength of your relationship with your spouse. Your relationship always needs tending. Even after 30+ years of marriage to a wonderful husband, our relationship needs attention. After a busy holiday week, Paul and I finally got out alone for dinner. It was wonderful! I must admit, that Jana and Mark asked us to go to dinner with them after we went to a movie with them. It would have been good to go, however, our marriage needed "tending." We went to a lovely restaurant - alone - and just reconnected. This "attention" needs to be a priority.
May you all be blessed as you put your relationship with your spouse first in 2010. It's never too late to start!

With love to our beloved children and readers!
Paul and Kathy

p.s. - Nurture your relationship with your Lord too! He will never disappoint you!