Marriage checkup

How is Your Marriage Relationship?
Written by JB & Shugie Collingsworth

Have you prayed lately for your relationship, and for God to make you the spouse He wants you to be? Maybe you've wandered from God, or maybe you don't feel as close to your spouse as you should. Pray and earnestly ask God to intervene in your situation.

Just think, if we prayed for our relationships daily and asked for God's intervention in our lives instead of trying to conquer on our own, think how differently things might be. This verse could become reality in our lives: "In everything with prayer and thanksgiving make your requests known unto God." Philippians 4:6.

Stress Can be Hard on Marriage
Stress is tough but also can be an excuse for couples not pursuing wholeness. In the "best of times" you do not have to worry. In the "worst of times," the worst of our personality comes out if we are not controlled by the Holy Spirit. Why do so many couples divorce after the death of a child? It is because stress can take a terrible toll. What are your stress points? What do you need to work on individually and as a couple so that stress does not get the best of you and your relationship?

The Importance of Relationships
The bottom line is that the relationships you have are very important. You live and move because of your relationship to God. If you follow Him, you function daily as He leads. The relationships you build are the most important. I have friends everywhere. I consider relationships above all else in life. I function best when with friends and when I have in-depth friendships. But, most importantly, how do I function with my spouse, my family, and my close friends? Am I treating them as unto the Lord?

Re-evaluate where you are in your marriage relationship. Does your spouse feel left out, or are you placing too much emphasis on your children? The bond of a parent and child should not be stronger than the bond with your spouse. Ask God to be
#1 in your life and make sure your relationship with your spouse is
#2. Your kids will grow up and leave but your spouse stays. Build good things in your marriage now, learning how to see things from His perspective.

Ladies Bible Study

Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed

by Beth Moore, Kay Arthur, Priscilla Shiver

Our ladies Bible Study will begin again

Jan. 14th, 6:30 PM

Cynthia's house

Let me know if you need a workbook.

Way to Go Kynn!

I have been meaning to tell everyone that Kynn finished reading the Bible through (all the way) on December 20th. I am so proud of him.

All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness., s that othe man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timmothy 3: 16

Ladies Christmas Ornament Exchange

Last night, our ladies Bible Study wrapped up 2008 with a Christmas Ornament Exchange party. We began our evening with sharing our prayer requests. What a blessing it is to have a group of believing ladies pray for and with you. We have seen answers to many prayers and we praise God for his faithfulness. And of course, we ate dinner together. We ARE Baptist young ladies and Baptist love to eat and fellowship with each other. What a thrill to hear all the laughter in the house. The Ornament Exchange!

We will find out who is naughty and nice!

Jessica really liked her ornament.

So DID Lindsey!AND SO did Cynthia. Cynthia, our hostess, who always serves us with such love and kindness got the "treasured" ornament.



Oh!!!! There was a beautiful ornament that Emily took from Julie. Emily LOVED this ornament.

She owned it for only a very short time. Amy thought it was pretty nice too!!!
Emily got to choose another ornament.
To her surprise, she got the SAME ornament, only in a different color. Laughter filled the room. It was meant to be!!!

OR, MAYBE NOT! Poor Emily

Emily's night ended with a lovely ornament for her first Christmas tree.

Marlene became a little nervous about which ornament to pick.....

She was very pleased!

Tina felt she must take this ornament.

And Brooke, AKA Cupcake, was overjoyed with her gift!!!

What a fun night.

Relying on God

Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing yet had been done!

C.S. Lewis

Wake up tomorrow and rely on God again!!!

Fun Times with friends

Jonathan, Marlene and Brooke

Cynthia and Earl

John and Earl

Meet and Greet

Welcome to our new class members Steve and Laura Cloud. We our glad you have joined us.

Soup Supper/Social

Our last social was hosted by our friends, John and Barbara Wise. We enjoyed a lovely evening in their beautiful home. It was a great time of fellowship a yummy soup dinner. Below are two recipes that are a must for your recipe book. Enjoy! Vegetable Soup- Barbara Wise

1 ½ to 2 pounds hamburger meat
1 small can tomato paste mixed with 1 quart water (can also use
tomato juice instead)
1 cup ketchup
2 to 3 Cans beef broth
1 Bell Pepper chopped
1 large onion chopped
2 stalks celery chopped ( I sometimes leave this out)
2 large potatoes diced
2 or 3 carrots scraped and sliced (or 1 can of carrots drained)
1 can kernel corn (drained)
1 can sweet peas (drained)
1 can cut string beans (drained)
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder

Cook hamburger meat with onions, salt, pepper, and garlic powder
until brown. Drain off grease. Put in large pot and add the other ingredients and bring to a boil, then simmer for about two to three hours stirring often. I also added some water as I thought was needed because the broth was too thick for me. Add some sugar if you want a sweeter soup and add salt as needed.

>

Ham-and-Potato Chowder-Cynthia Pierce

1/2 Cup butter or margarine

1 pound cooked ham,

diced3 ribs celery,

coarsely chopped1 large onion,

coarsely chopped2 large carrots, peeled,

sliced2 large potatoes, peeled and diced

1/2 cup flour

1 pint half-and-half

4 chicken bouillon cubes dissolved in 4 cups hot water.

Salt and black pepper to taste*

Melt butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Add ham, celery and onion, cooking until vegetables are slightly tender.* Add carrots, potatoes and chicken broth. cook until tender. Add salt and pepper to taste.* In a small bowl, add flour and 1/2 cup half-and-half, whisking until smooth to make a slurry.* Add remainder of half-and-half to saucepan; bring to a boil.* Add slurry in a steady stream, stirring contantly to prevent scorching. The chowder should thicken quickly.* Remove chowder from heat and serve.* Can be garnished with shredded cheese, green onions and a dollp of sour cream, if desired.8 servingsThe State Paper 11/7/04

If you have any other good soup recipes, please share them with all of us in the coomment section. Thanks.

Shopping for Christmas

I read this article today and thought it was a great reminder of one aspect from our lessons on Holiday Expections. Be reminded. Spending, if we allow it, can be over the top. Talk and plan. I put the last sentence in bold lettering. Great advice for us all. Here's to having fun planning together for our Lord's birthday.

9 ways to stretch your holiday budget By- Dani Arthur

Savvy shoppers are expected to do comparison shopping online this year. According to a recent study conducted by BIGresearch for the National Retail Federation, there are a lot of smart shoppers out there.
The study says 44.2 percent of consumers will go online to shop at some point during this holiday shopping season, about the same as in 2007. On average, consumers will make one third -- 33.6 percent -- of their holiday purchases online, up from 30.2 percent last year.
Perhaps a sign of poor economic times, each shopper is expected to spend $832.36 on holiday merchandise, a paltry 1.9 percent increase over the $816.69 spent last year on average.
Buying tips One hopes those shoppers will comparison shop for better prices -- instead of spending too much by clicking "Charge my card" without thinking through their purchases. Maximize your spending power:
1. Make a spending plan
2. Know your limits
3. Track your spending
4. Shop with a list
5. Shop early
6. Be an educated consumer
7. Load up your wallet with cash
8. Use credit judiciously
9. Beware of sales pitches
Holiday temptationsThe holiday season is an all-out assault on your senses. The music, decorations, lights and the delicious seasonal smells assail your sensibilities on every street and in every store. The pace is frantic, the mood is manic, and the atmosphere is, well, different.
The holidays are so set apart from the norm that people are tempted to break out of their norm -- for just the season.
"It's seduction," says Ruth Hayden, a financial educator and author of "Your Money Life: The 'Make-It-Work' Workbook."
"Consumers are seduced into buying. To be seduced means that you're crossing boundaries that you've set. You're tempted to buy because you want to belong. You're tempted to buy because you want to create love."
And that's where it gets dangerous -- financially speaking.
We convince ourselves that breaking from our budget and using our credit cards a little more freely just this one time is all right. Come January, we'll get caught up and back on track.
"Unfortunately, too many consumers are paying for Christmas purchases beyond six months, a year, two years and even longer," says Howard Dvorkin, CPA and founder of Consolidated Credit Counseling Services Inc., or CCCS, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Let family traditions decide your spending"Most of us cannot remember gifts we received last year, let alone as a child," says Dvorkin. "It's the family traditions and memories that really stand out."
When deciding what to buy and what to do, first consider your family's favorite traditions and holiday memories. What truly brings a smile to your face? What is the one thing you'd most like to do this holiday? Is there something new you'd like to try?
"If you don't have the cash in your pocket, you shouldn't be buying. You can't afford it. Next month, when the bills are coming in, chances are you're not going to be in better shape," Dvorkin says. How about you? Do you plan and save for the holidays? Or do you just punt and end up paying off the holiday bills just as the fireflies are lighting the sky in the summer?
Here are some tips to help you wrap up your holiday spending without overspending.
1. Make a spending planStart with a realistic idea of how much you can spend on all your holiday purchases. Make a list of everything you usually buy, from the gifts to food to entertainment to travel expenses, and tally the costs.
"If you don't budget and set a specific dollar limit, then your spending grows and grows and grows. In January you'll be horrified by how much you've spent," says Mari Adam, a Certified Financial Planner in Boca Raton, Fla. "And, don't get locked into the thought that how much you spend measures how good of a person you are."
2. Know your limitsNot many can afford to shop carte blanche, so don't try! Make a list of gift recipients and decide how much you want to spend on each person. If you're unable to spend as much on gifts this year, prioritize for whom you really want to buy gifts. Then communicate your plans to family and friends, says Adam. "If you tell them you won't be exchanging gifts this year, then you won't feel embarrassed if they purchase you a gift." You want to be able to pay off your holiday expenses within three months after the holidays, four at the most.
3. Track your spendingYou've made a spending plan -- great! But if you don't keep track of all your purchases and make sure you're staying within your budget, you've wasted your time. Write down everything you spend on holiday clothing, cards, postage, wrapping paper and decorations, reminds Dvorkin. "Don't forget that these holiday expenses add up and need to be tracked on your budget."
4. Shop with a listKnow what you want to buy, and go to the store with a list. You can zip through the stores faster and are more apt to avoid impulse buying, says Dvorkin. When you have finished shopping, stop.
5. Shop early"The best window for holiday shopping is between Oct. 1 and Dec. 1," says Dvorkin. "Don't wait until the last minute. Give yourself time to compare prices and find the best deals." An all-out shopping spree leaves you exhausted from shopping, tempting you to buy the next thing you see regardless of cost. Last-minute shoppers are unlikely to save money. 6. Be an educated consumer Comparison-shopping stretches your holiday funds further. Fight the urge to get your shopping over quickly, recommends the Consumer Federation of America and the Credit Union National Association. Instead, take some extra time to find the best deal before heading off to the stores by scouring catalogs, sales advertisements and the Internet.
Easier said than done. Most people are frazzled with their jobs and busy holiday schedule. They often work right up until Christmas, so their holiday shopping is done last minute, says Adam.
And think twice before you buy. Ask yourself if the gift will be appropriate for the recipient and within your price range. If not, don't buy the gift, particularly if you will have to charge the purchase.
7. Load up your wallet with cash Leave your credit cards at home. "Spend cash. This will force you to budget and make overspending more obvious," says Dvorkin. According to the CCCS, people spend up to a third more when paying with credit instead of cash. There is no emotional attachment to plastic like there is to cash.
But, if you must use plastic, Myvesta.org suggests that you deduct all your purchases in your checkbook register. That way, when the bill arrives, the money will be in your checking account to pay the bill in full.
8. Use credit judiciously Shop with no more than two credit cards -- preferably low-interest rate credit cards, not the expensive department store cards. The more cards you use, the harder it is to track spending. Use one with a zero balance for purchases you will pay off in full. Use the other, low-interest rate credit card for purchases you plan to pay off over the next few months, suggests Myvesta.org.
9. Beware of sales pitchesDon't shop under the influence of holiday hype. Retailers work hard to entice you to buy, buy and buy. If you're not careful, you'll spend more than you planned. Don't fall for credit card offers to "skip a payment." You'll just pay more in interest next month. Watch out for the "buy now and pay later" offers that encourage you to spend money you don't have. And, bypass applying for the department store credit card to get a one-time discount.
"Downsize holiday spending, not your holiday joy," says Adam. "Limit the size of your Christmas in terms of gifts, and make it big on meaning -- from family, friends, traditions to creating memories."

Please and Thank You

Marriage Encouragement for the week....
"Please" and "Thank-you"...

Two very under-used words in our marriages.This week, take notice of how often you ask your spouse to do something for you, or your spouse does nice things for you without being asked.Do you say "please" when you ask them to do something? Do you say "thank-you" when they do?It makes a world of difference, and there is power in being appreciated!Sprinkle "please" and "Thank-you" generously over all of your conversations.The rewards are great, and it is also a great habit to get in, so that when you start teaching your children someday--------they will see your great example!May your marriage be blessed this week!

Pam Sjolund

"Pearls to Ponder" (for the ladies)

Hey ladies, ....Here are some words to ponder on as we go through our week. Currently, the ladies Bible Study group is reading the book, What happens when women say Yes to God, by Lysa TerKeurst. My new, sweet friend, Allyson Monferdini, emailed me the following "pearls which she found on TerKeurst website Proverbs 31 Ministries. I wanted to share these with all the ladies out there. THANKS ALLYSON!!! May God bless each of you as you love your husband.


"Love means commitment."
-Commitment to love him even when you don't feel loveable.
-Commitment to share yourself even when you want to be alone.
-Commitment to hope even when the circumstances say otherwise.
-Commitment to pray for him even when you are tired.
-Commitment to speak to him even when the words don't come easily.
-Commitment to the promise you made on your wedding day even when the promise feels broken.
-Commitment to a God who makes all things possible through Him.


I think marriage is an opportunity to live blind...
Blind to all the faults of your spouse. Blind to all the clothes he leaves on the floor. Blind to the flaws and failures that seem to become so magnified after the honeymoon is over.
Blind to the other guy who seems oh-so-much-more interested in you.

And Deaf...
Deaf to the careless words and ugly tones that linger in your head after apologies have been spoken.
Deaf to the other voices telling you happiness is out there, somewhere, anywhere but in your marriage.

And a chance to become a student again...
A student of the man God has placed in your life. Discovering the subtleties of his character. The things that make him soar. The things that break his heart. The things he does well and not so well. The ways he communicates love, even when it's not the way you are used to receiving it. What his "quiet" means and what makes him laugh really, really hard.



Getting married doesn't instantly make you selfless... it makes you realize how very selfish you can be at times.
Getting married doesn't make you feel loved... it makes you realize love is more of a decision you make than a feeling you feel.
Getting married doesn't take away loneliness... it makes you realize true companionship comes not when you demand it but rather when you give it to another person.

Marriage is a beautiful chance to make the choice to...
LAUGH-whether or not the jokes are funny.
LOVE-by folding his collar over his tie every morning.
PRETEND-like you don't need flowers, but delight when he buys them anyway.
CHEER-him on through both failures and successes.
TELL-him he's a great man everyday.
THANK-God for the privilege of being his wife.

Pumpkin Carving Party

Make a Smilebox photobook

Meet and Greet

Welcome to Robert and Jessica Holly. We are so glad your have joined us.

Holiday Expectations

Over the last two weeks our class has been discussing Holiday Expectations. As of today, there are only 71 more shopping days or 10 weeks until Christmas. Somehow, that statement just makes me feel like I need to "hurry up". Sometimes it can even cause me to feel stressed.

Here are a few tips we discussed.

1. You are married now and solving Holiday challenges are part of marriage.
2. Your finances are limited. (WHO will be on the Christmas gift list?) If you are using a credit card to pay for your gifts, how long do you want to pay on them in the new year? Be wise with your spending.
3. Your time is limited. (Who will you visit and when?)
4. Because your time is limited, You, and each family, WILL miss out on something. Someone may just cry.
5. What are your family traditions? Which ones will be brought into your NEW family? What new tradition will the two of you begin for your family?

Don't go into the holiday season with a tug-of-war. Communicate, communicate, and communicate once again. Talk about it well in advance. Consider all alternatives. Negotiate! Compromise! Share your plans lovingly with both sides of the family. Remember, it is difficult for BOTH sets of parents to be separated from their child during the holiday. One former newlywed gave the advise of being FAIR with both sets of parents. (Perhaps, one day you will be the in-laws.)

The holidays are a fun time. Plan now for a HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND A MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Deacon Ordination

Tyler Abernathy was ordained Oct. 8th, 2008 at Shandon Baptist Church. He is pictured above with his wife Caroline. We pray that God blesses Tyler and Caroline as he begins this new ministry.

A Quote or Two

Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring and integrity, they think of you.
Jackson Brown, Jr

They say it takes a village to raise a child. That may be the case,but the truth is that it takes a lot of solid, stable marriages to create a village. Diane Sollee

I got gaps; you got gaps; we fill each other's gaps. Rocky

What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility. Leo Tolstoy

Love is what you've been through with somebody. James Thurber

The most important marriage skill is listening to your partner in a way thatthey can't possibly doubt that you love them. Diane Sollee

When asked his secret of love, being married fifty-four years to the sameperson, he said, "Ruth and I are happily incompatible."Billy Graham

Any fool can have a trophy wife. It takes a real man to have a trophy marriage. Diane Sollee

Caring for Columbia Work Project

October 4 , 2008 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Work assignments: Lawn maintenance projects, Exterior painting

Meadowfield Elementary School Project

Our church, Shandon Baptist, is reaching out to the Columbia Community. Today, Shandon sponcored a work day at Meadowfield Elementary School. Shandon encouraged it's members to help this school with a few maintenance projects. We were amazed at how many members came out to help with the work day project. It was a fun time working along side all ages to beautify this school.

Lindsey busy painting.

Brent working on repairing the walkway.

Tyler

Jamie and another hard worker.

Cynthia and Amy picking up sticks and limbs.

Alex loading trash on the truck.

Alex, Jamie, and ? (I don't know his name) hauling off the trash.

Oh...and Stephanie and Kynn worked hard too. :)

Success in Marriage

Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate, but through being the right mate. ~Barnett R. Brickner

Where is your heart?

(PHOTO TAKEN BY KITTY HURDLE)

Meet and Greet

We are pleased to introduce Robert and Morgan Liner

Welcome to the Newlywed Class!

My Mom's Best Recipe

Bobby Chandler, Marlene's husband, loves to ask her if the "BIG OVEN" is warm. That is his way of telling her that he wants a home cooked meal. :) Sometimes it can be a challenge to think up....one more meal.

Let's help each other out by sharing our favorite recipes that comes straight from our mother's kitchen.

My children like my moms hamburger with sliced potatoes casserole. My husband likes her potato salad. We all like her brownies with icing. Every time I take the brownies to a social event I'm asked for the recipe. Here it is .....

Brownies

2 cups of sugar
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup butter flavored crisco
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/4 cup cocoa

Mix all ingredients and pour into a greased 9 x 13 pan.
Bake at 350^ for 20 - 25 minutes.

Icing Recipe

1 stick of margarine
1 egg or egg substitute
1 box of 10x powdered sugar
Cocoa - to taste.

Mix together and ice brownies. If icing is dry add a little milk
(posted by Cynthia)

Love Languages Acts of Service

This week we discussed the love language of Acts of Service.
Three Observations:
1) What we do before marriage is not a good indication of what we will do after we are married because we fall into the role model we saw in our parents growing up.
2) Love is a choice and cannot be coerced. Don’t guilt, threaten or manipulate your spouse.
3) My spouse’s criticisms about my behavior provide me with the clearest clue to her primary love language. People tend to criticize their spouse most loudly in the area where they themselves have the deepest emotional need.

The MOST IMPORTANT thing to remember is God speaks ALL love languages fluently and will teach you how to speak your spouse's language if you ask Him to.

Homework:

Sunday: Discuss the actions you listed on your 3x5 card. Are they reasonable? Do you understand that if your spouse does them, it is to express love and for no other reason?

Monday: Remember that love is a choice and continue the habit of speaking Love Languages. (and check box to acknowledge it) Speak Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Gift Giving and Acts of Service at least once each this week.

Love Language
Words of Affirmation – What are you saying to your spouse?
Quality Time – Are you spending time with and hearing your spouse?
Gift Giving – You are so important that I was thinking about you today.
Acts of Service – Let me help you with …

Tuesday: Discuss which of your recent attempts to speak Love Languages have been the most comical to you and why.

Wednesday: Dance for 10 minutes and then give each other foot massages.

Thursday: Set timer for a 15 minute Kitchen Rescue, then discuss with each other what additional tasks need to be completed around the home. Ie. mopping kitchen floor…cleaning bathrooms. Make a plan and then work the plan.

Friday: Discuss the following 1) William Shakespeare once said, “I will praise any man that will praise me.” Do you ever feel this way? When are you most willing to praise your spouse without an ulterior motive? 2) Complete the sentence, “I like to be kissed…”

Saturday: Think through the past week and come to church Sunday ready to brag on your spouse for their efforts this past week.

Dating On A Dime

You can still go have some fun on the weekend. Don't let gas prices keep you at home. Here are some inexpensive things you can do.

1. THE STATE MUSEUM -- Print a $1.oo off coupon from their website or go the first Sunday of the month for free. www.museum.state.sc.us

2. THE COLUMBIA MUSEUM OF ART -- Free every Saturday. http://www.columbiamuseum.org/

3. CONGAREE NATIONAL PARK -- Free ranger guided canoe trips on Saturday and Sunday. Guided hikes and owl prowls. www.nps.gov/cosw

4. SUNDAY AFTERNOON JAZZ at THE VILLAGE at SANDHILLS -- this is seasonal. Check before going.

5. Walk THE STATE HOUSE GROUNDS or take the free tour Monday - Saturday. While there don't forget to take a bag of peanuts. Sit on a bench and feed the squirrels. www.shoutaboutcarolina.com

6. COLUMBIA CANAL & RIVERFRONT PARK -- take a walk, bike ride, or picnic. www.shoutaboutcarolina.com

7. USC SCHOOL of MUSIC -- there are free events almost every week. http://www.music.c.edu/

8. The $1.50 MOVIES IN ST. ANDREWS. A new dollar theatre is coming to the Columbia Place Mall Area soon.

9. FINLAY PARK offers free concerts on Saturday nights during the summer. They offer a variety of music from week to week.

10. You can always locate a free ART EXHIBIT. Check the Weekend Section of the State Paper. There are galleries in the Vista, 5 Points, Columbia College, and USC.

11. MCKISSICK MUSEUM ON THE HORSESHOE AT USC -- check the calendar for free exhibits. www.cas.sc.edu/MCKS


12. Go on a walk or bike ride in your neighborhood.

Quotes and Saying

Quotes are fun to read and often encourage us to "do" better. Here are a few that I came across today. What are your favorite quotes?


"Giving your time to serve others releases joy in your life."

"You are amoung the precious gifts God has given me."

"Ask not what MOM can do for you....Ask what you can do for MOM."

"Put GOD in the center--and everything will come together."

"What goes into the mind...comes out in a life."

"Oh that you would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from evil. 1 chronciles 4:10"

"If the salt loses its saltiness, it is good for nothing."

Our very own: BRENT McCRAW

Meet and Greet

Meet and Greet our new class members! Welcome to the Newlywed Class!

Warren and Margaret Felkel

Warren and Margaret were married on August 16, 2008.

Marriage Maintance/Checkup/Vitamins

Wrong or Right
He has made everything beautiful in its time.Ecclesiastes 3:11

When you made a covenant to your spouse, it wasn't just a promise to stay married. It wasn't a pass/fail exam. It was a sacred pledge to care for and nourish each other--to meet the other's needs and receive the other--to accept and embrace each other as God's personal provision for your needs.
But obviously, your wedding vows are made long before you really know the person you are marrying--before years of sharing the same house, the same bathroom, the same dishwasher, the same everything. By then you are aware of the maddening little things that just get under your skin.
It's at points like these when some husbands and wives conclude, "I think I married the wrong person." That thought is not abnormal, but it is dangerous.
If that thought has ever crossed your mind, I ask you to think carefully about this timeless advice from author and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar: "I have no way of knowing whether or not you married the wrong person. But I do know that if you treat the wrong person like the right person, you could well end up having married the right person after all. It is far more important to be the right kind of person than it is to marry the right person."
All of us inevitably come to places in marriage where our objectives and attitudes clash with each other, sometimes pretty strongly. We don't make it all the way through without encountering stretches of road that are filled with potholes, bridges out and some steep grades. But what would happen if we chose to accept rather than reject, to be thankful rather than spiteful, to give encouragement rather than disapproval?
I guarantee you, Mr. and Mrs. Right are the people in your wedding pictures, even if it hasn't been looking like it recently.

DiscussIn what ways has your perspective changed toward your spouse since you were married?

Reaffirm your commitment to one another in a short letter to one another.

Pray:Ask the Lord to keep your heart contented, committed to a lifetime of not just living but loving one another well.

Devotion by Dennis Rainey

Marriage Maintance/Checkup/Vitamins

Cynthia and I have a wonderful sister named Beckie. She is loads of fun and SO spiritually mature. Cynthia and I often comment on how we wish we lived closer to her so we could get daily spiritual advise and wisdom from her. Anyway, she sent the below encouragement to me and I wanted to pass it on to you. This was written by a young lady named Amanda Jones. (Beth Moore's daughter)

"I think I may have mentioned this book before, but I absolutely love Devotions for a Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas. That book is like vitamins for your marriage. I read the following portion earlier this week and have been wanting to share it with everyone. From "A Soul Filled with God" on p. 9:
Personal worship is an absolute necessity for a strong marriage. It comes down to this: If I stop receiving from God, I start demanding from others. Instead of appreciating and loving and serving others, I become disappointed in them. Instead of cherishing my wife, I become aware of her shortcomings. I take out my frustrations with a less-than-perfect life and somehow blame her for my lack of fulfillment.But when my heart gets filled by God's love and acceptance, I'm set free to love instead of worrying about being loved. I'm motivated to serve instead of becoming obsessed about whether I'm being served. I'm moved to cherish instead of feeling unappreciated.
If you looked in my book you'd see furious underlining and a big OUCH! scribbled at the top of the page. Isn't that good though? I would definitely recommend this book to any married couple. It gives you one reading a week for a year. " (Amanda Jones)

Here's to personal worship and loving our spouses well!

Five Love Languages-Quality Time

QUALITY TIME
Some spouses believe that being together, doing things together and focusing in on one another is the best way to show love. If this is your partner's love language, turn off the TV now and then and give one another some undivided attention.

Homework for this week:

Sunday: Develop a working definition of what "Quality Time" means to you and your spouse.

Monday: To get in the habit of speaking all 5 Love Languages, speaks Words of Affirmation twice this week . Ask your spouse to tell you 2 things that happened to you today and how your feel about them.

Tuesday: Read to each other the following scriptures that describe God's desire to have Quality Time with you. Rev. 3:20; Isaiah 43:1-2; James 4:8; and Psalm 37:23-24.

Wednesday: It's time to dance. Get your heartbeats going this time....IE. turn the music on and do the Twist then cool down by slow dancing.

Thursday: Set the timer for a 15 minute House Rescue, then discuss with each other what additional tasks need to be completed around the home. IE. mopping, kitchen floor...cleaning bathrooms. Make a plan and then work the plan.

Friday: Answer the following questions: 1.If God were to give an "11th" commandment to you or your partner, what would it be and why? 2. If you could do away with one household chore for the rest of your life, something you would never have to do again, which one would you choose?

Saturday: Make a special effort to A. Come to Sunday School and Worship tomorrow; 2. Invite someone to come with you and C. park away from the building to make room for our guests.

THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES

Oh, do you remember the good 'ol days when we were dating? Things were so fun and exciting. Everything seemed so fresh and new. Once upon a time, he opened the car door for you and brought flowers. Perhaps she complemented you and actually watched football all day long sitting right by your side. During those dating days, we were all about impressing each other. THEN, after the marriage, something like this may have taken place.....

Em vez de observar futebol todo o dia longo, ela pode querer que limpasse a casa. Em vez de trazer você floresce, acaba de querer você sentar-se e observar futebol todo o dia longo. Tentamos de amar, mas às vezes nós amamos na linguagem errada.

Sometimes it seems we are speaking a foreign language to each other. Learning a foreign language takes time and effort and as a couple we want to commit to learn our mates language.

As a quick review, the Five Love Languages are:

1. Words of Affirmation
2. Quality Time
3. Gifts
4. Acts of Service
5. Physical

If you are not sure of your primary love language, take the 30 second test

Let's remember, When someone speaks my primary love language, I am drawn to that person because he or she is meeting my basic need to feel loved. When a person does not speak my primary language, I will wonder if he or she really loves me, because emotionally I am not understanding that person.

Receiving Love in my language provides the emotional security of knowing that I am Number One in his or her mind. You say, "I am married to you and choose to look out for your interests. "

This week we encourage each of you to concentrate on Words of Affirmation. The question to ask, "What are you "saying" to you spouse?"

The tongue has the power of life of death in a relationship. (Proverbs 18:21) "See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire." (James 3:5-12) If your spouse needs encouraging words to feel loved....Critical words are even more destructive.

When using words of affirmation
1. Use KIND words and tone of voice, even when expressing hurt.
2. Be SINCERE with your words
3. Praise SPECIFICS
4. Praise your spouse in front of others.

HOMEWORK FOR THE WEEK:

Sunday: Agree with your spouse that you will do your best to suspend criticism and complainants this week. Ask God to sensitize you to your critical words.

Monday: Give a word of Affirmation 5 times this week. Sunday morning we passed out snack bags of plain M&Ms. Mixed in with the other colors are 10 "green" ones. Do what you want with the other colors, but save the green ones for your spouse. Each time you receive a Word of Affirmation form your spouse this week, give him/her two green M&Ms.. The goal is not to have any green M&Ms at the end of the week.

Tuesday: Read to each other some of Jesus' encouraging words to us. Husbands read John 5:24, 6:35, 6:40 & 10:27-30. Wives read Revelation 22:12-13 & 17.

Wednesday: Turn the music on and dance.

Thursday: Set the timer for a 15 minute House Rescue, (put things where they belong) then read what you wrote on the 3x5 card on Sunday. (what do I admire about you) GET READY FOR GAMECOCK FOOTBALL!

Friday: Answer the following questions: 1. When was the last time the two of you together found something really funny...so funny that you literally could not stop laughing? 2. As a couple, if you could do anything you wanted as a team and were guaranteed not to fail, what would it be?

Saturday: Surprise your spouse by doing something they would not expect you to do today.

Sunday: Come to church

THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES - GARY CHAPMAN

If you can give an example of how your spouse gave you WORDS OF AFFIRMATION, please share them in the comment below section. Let us spur each other on to LOVE and good works. (Hebrews 10:24.)

Pizza and a Scavenger Hunt

Our Friday night social was a blast. The pizza and dessert were so yummy. Thanks to everyone who brought desserts.
Our scavenger hunt was so fun. (Stayed tune for the pictures) A big thank you to Cynthia for getting the PRIZES for our winners. Way to win....Hudson and Emily, and Joey and Lindsey.

Meet and Greet

Please let me introduce you to more new friends.

John and Barbara Wise

Fletcher and Tina Rinehart

Steve and Susan Guy



Rad and Allyson Monferdini



Joey and Lindsey Ashcroft


Kevin and andrea Clinebelle

Welcome to everyone!

Ministry To Others

"And do not neglect doing good and sharing; for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

Opportunity knocks and we must decide. Will I give my time and resources to help someone in need? Look for places where God is at work and join Him (H. Blackaby). That will be the place God can use you the best.

The Answer to our Question on 8/17/08

On the 8/17/08 MEET AND GREET post, we asked if anyone knew what Brooke and Stephanie had in common. Well, here is a huge HINT. Can you guess? :)

Both Brooke and Stephanie have an identical twin sister!

What's for Supper?

I can not begin to tell you how many times I have looked at my watch about 4:30 or 5:00 (PM) and wondered, What's for Supper? (PANIC) Oh No, my hubby will be home soon and what in the world am I going to do? Perhaps the worst part is that there is food in the freezer, but I have not once thought about bringing it out to thaw. Has this ever happened to you? If it hasn't happened to you, I guess you are REALLY organized and I need your help!!! :)

Tonight was a successful night at the Harris Household. Happy stomachs make for a nice evening. The casserole and pie are so easy and quick. What about you? What ideas do you have for a good evening meal. Please share it with us.

Our Menu
Chicken and Dressing Casserole
Tossed Salad
Steamed Broccoli
Fresh Fruit
Blueberry Pie
Iced Tea

Chicken and Dressing Casserole

2 1/2 lb. chicken

2 hard boiled eggs

1 can cream of chicken soup (diluted with 1/2 can of chicken broth)

1/2 package Pepperidge Farm dressing mixed with 1 1/2 cup of chicken broth

In bottom of baking dish put bite size cooked chicken. (I use a rotisserie chicken from deli). On top of chicken place 2 sliced boiled eggs and 1 can of cream of chicken soup diluted with 1/2 can of broth. Add 1/2 package of Pepperidge Farm dressing with 1 1/2 cup of broth. Place on top of chicken. Dot with butter. Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes.

Blueberry Pie

1 Quart blueberries and 1 baked pie crust

Simmer 1 cup blueberries and 2/3 cup of water and simmer about 3 minutes. Next, blend the following ingredients, add to simmering mixture and boil for 1 minute stirring constantly.

1 cup sugar

3 Tbs. cornstarch

1/3 cup of water

Cool this mixture completely and mix with remaining blueberries. Add to pie shell and refrigerate. Top with cool whip. Enjoy!