What’s a story from your marriage that you love to tell or hear? (Week 13)
Life itself is the most wonderful fairytale of all. – Hans Christian Andersen
What’s a story from your marriage that you love to tell or hear? What makes that story so special?
My brother-in-law, Brian, is a great story teller. I’m writing this on night after a feast with their family and ours at his house in Batavia, Illinois. Brian had everyone laughing at his stories about his cars through the years: a car that he caught on fire, a car that lost a wheel going down the road, and a convertible that was crushed by a giant pumpkin! I’ve heard some of his stories a dozen times, and yet I never tire of hearing them.
There were 12 of us gathered around the dining room table and after our meal, we spent an hour or so sharing stories from this past year. So many great stories: a fund started by my nephew to help a family in Kenya, a special father-son trip, the joy of a grandfather’s recovery from a stroke this past year, a testimony of a college freshman and God’s faithfulness to him in a year of transition, a special time with family celebrating 50 years of marriage for my in-laws.
So many sweet stories. Stories that lead to worship. Stories that have an aroma of eternity. There’s nothing like a good story. They make us laugh and remember and delight.
All of our marriages can use more of that. So this weekend, take time to tell some stories. They may be about vacations, holidays, car challenges, the birth of children, moments of loss, a time of redemption, surprise parties, or special gifts. Whatever the stories, they are a great way for us to connect and enjoy the days we’ve shared and to anticipate the making of more stories in the days ahead.
Jeff Helton
Marriage and Family Pastor
+ Fellowship Bible Church
+ 50 Fridays Challenge
The Hazelips are Doin’ It Right in Nashville!
Nominated by Kristin Gentry
When I decided to start the “Doin’ It Right” feature on this blog, the first person who came to mind was Michele and her husband Thom. I used to work with Michele, and witnessed their move from their middle class West Nashville home to an old, condemned house in an East Nashville neighborhood riddled with gangs and drugs – and single moms and great kids who really need a kind smile, a helping hand and someone to believe in them. First, it has to be said, they did an amazing job renovating that house. But most importantly, they’ve permanently altered the neighborhood and are making a difference in the lives of numerous people in their community.
Take a few minutes to watch this video. Thom, Michele and their 4 kids are truly “Doin’ It Right”. Thank you, Hazelip Family, for all you do and the inspiration you give to all of us!
STU GRAY is Doin’ It Right in Nashville!
Nominated by Lisa Gray
I had the unique opportunity of having my husband work for me before we really knew each other. Working with my husband first has always given me a different perspective on who he is as a person. “Hard working, dedicated, someone who strives for excellence” came to mind when I thought about “Stu Gray” in the beginning and now he is so much more!
In the past couple of years, God has stretched him in many ways. From being a new dad 4 years ago to working with his own company full time 2 years ago, Stu has really grown into the man he is today.
He is a full time husband, full time dad, full time marriage enthusiast/writer and full time voice-over actor. Whew…makes me tired to think about everything he does!
His passion for what marriage is supposed to be is really a new thing in his life. He is not just passionate about our marriage and wanting the best for our family, but he is truly passionate about learning how to make a marriage everything it can be and then passing that knowledge on to others. He is constantly reading books, blogs, articles on marriage, communication and family to try to learn as much as he can about being a husband, a father and a leader in our community. Stu uses that information to write his blog – www.themarryblogger.com and to write articles for the Nashville Examiner.
On top of all that, Stu is my best friend, my biggest supporter…I feel like I can do anything with him at my side! He has encouraged me in my real estate career, my journey with God and in working towards starting a non-profit. I have never had anyone besides my parents who believed in me more then I believe in myself like Stu does. I count my blessings every day that God brought us together and that we have grown into the couple we are today!
When I look at the relationship that Stu has with our son Dean, I am amazed. In the past two years, Stu has gone from being the dad that only saw Dean in the morning, after work and on the weekends, to a full time dad! It is hard at times, but the payoff is incredible! I can see Stu’s influence in the way Dean learns, his creativity (which has to come from Stu!) and his desire to be the best! I am excited at the idea that Dean will have something so many boys don’t have growing up, a dad who loves God, loves his wife and loves his son more then the status of a job or a big income!
I am blessed to be Stu Gray’s wife and partner on this journey! Thank you for reading about My Incredible Husband!
If you know someone who is “Doin’ It Right” in Nashville, email the story and pictures to Kristin Gentry. Let’s celebrate the amazing things our family, friends and neighbors are doin’ in marriage, family or finance. “Doin’ It Right” in Nashville honors the ordinary doing the extraordinary.
Doin’ It Right
One of my favorite social media experts, Chris Brogan, writes weekly about folks who are “doin’ it right”. I’m going to borrow that idea and spin it in a slightly different direction. Every week, I want to feature a member of the Middle TN community who is “doin’ it right” in marriage, family or finance.
Do you know someone who is “doin’ it right”? Send me an email with the story and a photo.
This is about you, Nashville! Let’s celebrate the amazing things our family, friends and neighbors are doin’ in marriage, family or finance.
Marriage, Family & Finance Blogs
WOW! There are some fantastic blogs out there! Check out my blog roll for some pretty awesome resources on marriage, family and finance. I’d like to thank Stu at The Marry Blogger for his list of marriage blogs (see his Top 10 List) and Top Mommy Blogs! for another great list of family/mommy blogs.
My personal top 2 faves in each category are:
Marriage: The Marry Blogger and Engaged Marriage
Family: Extraordinary Mommy and Vanderbilt Wife
Finance: Enemy of Debt and Faithful Provisions
-
Subscribe
Join Me!
Grab My RSS
@MyDoodleBop Twitter Feed- RT @tnbuylocal: VOTE 2 #BuyLocal! Have U voted today? Text 102222 to 73774 and vote online http://ht.ly/2zAkc PLS RT
- RT @tnbuylocal: Vote to teach the biz community sustainable biz practices http://ht.ly/2yh1U HELP US WIN $50K! #Nashville #TN #buylocal
- RT @tnbuylocal: Vote to increase opportunities 4 local businesses http://ht.ly/2ygZq Learn more & HELP US WIN $50K! #Nashville #TN #buylocal