Moments Change into Milestones

Within the last ten days we have found much to our surprise that my wife was diagnosed with colon cancer. Just the word colon cancer stirs emotions of fear of the unknown. Words of surgery, tests, chemotherapy and more was thrown around like a racket ball. Surgery was scheduled and friends called, emailed, texted and visited to show their support. Within ten days our emotions was torn from despairing words, "my wife died of colon cancer - she was gone within 60 days," to words of faith and love.

Moments of life have been recorded in journals. diaries, books and scripture when at 4:00 you are rejoicing and by 5:00 you are crying. When the children of Israel crossed over the Jordan River it was a divine moment of praise and celebration that was quickly commemorated and memorialized by placing 12 stones inside and outside the Jordan River. "For when your children come by this place they will remember what God has done."

With the surgery, tests, lab work and diagnosis behind us we now are rejoicing. The cancer was removed, found "in time", was contained in the colon, not in the lymph nodes, and no chemotheraphy. So when we talk about the "scare of the last week of May." we will rejoice when a "Moment changed into a Milestone."

Recreation means Re-creating

Recreation has viewed by some means to waste time, kill time or be non productive but actually in a marriage the value of recreation has been underestimated. All work and no play makes John a very dull boy.

To create a renewed sense of love and commitment time should be peppered with occasional time off for "just the two of you."

Here are a few tips on "re-creating" you love and marriage.

1. Take a day trip to a park, town or relative you haven't seen in a while.
2. Go out for desert and coffee.
3. Go for a walk around the block, through a flower garden or park.
4. Sit on the back porch with lemonade and talk about dating when you first met.
5. Work out in the yard together with mowing, landscaping or an outdoor project.
6. Stroll through a shopping mall together.
7. Go to a few garage sales and catch breakfast on Saturday morning.
8. Go out for pizza with someone you haven't seen in a while.
9. Text her/him and meet for lunch somewhere.
10. Take a drive into a neighborhood of homes for sale or into the country.

Plus, there are a dozen other things to do as the weather breaks and nice sunny days are waiting for you to enjoy.

These are the little things of life that add up to a great marriage.

Trust - The Big "T"

When couples are asked what is the most important element in a long lasting marriage they may name: security, love, caring, and committment. When asked what is the most important over every other term they quickly reply, "trust".

"I can't trust him/her" is the most devastating words heard in a marriage. The big "T" is to be carefully guarded, can be quickly lost and most importantly treasured.

Trust is gained by careful actions not gained by words. Words become empty when actions disprove the ability to be trusted.

Trust is gained by respect of the vow of marriage, "til death do us part" and honor of the other person's feelings, imperfections and heart.

Trust is gained over time of true commitment, defending - not making fun other the other, and showing personal affection.

The big "T" will keep a marriage strong, true and long lasting