Help me celebrate my birthday and you could win my Birthday Bash giveaway! I am delighted to put together and give away this exciting Birthday Gift Collection in honor of my birthday! I will be choosing one name from among those who respond to the "special discussion question", and announce the winner on March 31st at 12:00 noon (EST).
This giveaway package includes:
- A $20 gift card from Family Christian Bookstores
- Essentials for Life for Women Growth Book - by Marcia Ford
- A hard-cover Christian Journal for your personal writing
- An inspirational Scripture magnet
- A "Bouquet of Blessings" devotional booklet w/ pen
- A signed copy of my book "Mission Possible"
- A "Nature's Moment" wall plaque
Here is the "special discussion question" -
When you are in an unequally-yoked marriage, how do you (as a couple) keep your hearts encouraged, being "knit together" in love? What do you do to foster a deeper love when you don't share the intimate things of God? (Colossians 2:2)
Please leave me your answer in the "COMMENTS" section on this Blog for a chance to win this great giveaway!
I look forward to reading your answers! God bless...
Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Deborah!
ReplyDeleteDeborah, I'm so tickled to get to wish you happy birthday!!! I hope and pray your day was extra special!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dineen - my birthday is Monday! I'm praying I get some responses to my "special question" so I can pick a Winner!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Deborah! I think the biggest thing that a Christian spouse can do to foster love for their spouse is to pray for them as it says in ! Peter. I found in all relationships with those that are unsaved, when I put the other person first and prayed for them that my love for them grew and the relationship always improved. Preaching to or at them won't do it. Love will. It's hard to be negative about someone that you are sincerely praying to love.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Deborah. Hope it's a great one. In answer to your question, both my husband and I are Chistians so I'm glad I don't have to deal with a situation like you asked. But I think the only thing a person can do if the other person is not a Christian is to try love them as God would. I know it would be hard sometimes, but trying to keep a sweet spirit toward them will help. Try not to be negative. Also keep doing things together and having fun. (I think you would need a lot of patience and prayers).
ReplyDeleteplhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net
Thanks for the wisdom Kathy! Prayer is the first thing we should do, Amen?
ReplyDeletePatsy - thank you for your thoughtful response. One of the hardest things to do is to find meaningful things that you can share and do together as a couple. I agree with you - keep at it with a good attitude!
Happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteMy faith is much stronger than my husband's. We've been together almost 25 years and my faith has been tested over the years. I believe when you as a couple don't stand together on your faith, of course your relationship will be strained, but marriage is built on the foundation of love. One of my favorite verses is 1 Corinthians 13:4. The reason this verse is so important in a marriage is because it sets the foundation for a strong marriage when one spouse does not hold the same values.
Hi Deborah and Happy Birthday! Although I've never had to work with the same situation as you describe, I will say that when both husband and wife do not share a common faith in the Lord, it is difficult to find those areas that can be shared joyfully. I know that focusing on having fun together and sharing loving moments are helpful no matter what each one's spiritual "temperature" might be. I also know that focusing exclusively on the children does not work, because they all grow up and go out on their own, so trying to establish a solid foundation for just the two of you is so important. Thanks for your loving and generous heart! Hugs, Nina
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!! Hope it's wonderful! :)
ReplyDeleteDebra, I appreciate your wisdom and verse (I Corin. 13:4)! Indeed, love does suffer long - and kindness always goes the extra mile when the Lord is in charge of your emotions. Great point...
ReplyDeleteNina, thanks for sharing about focusing on each other, especially when you have an "empty nest". I am still getting used to that one! Sharing special time together is paramount to a good relationship - equally yoked or not.
Kathryn - thanks for the birthday wishes! Enjoying my day so far! Walked the dogs at 6:30am, went to the YMCA for Yoga and Spin class, now off to lunch w/ a good friend. God is good - all the time! :)
I hope that you had a wonderfully blessed birthday and really enjoyed your day.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jo
Happy Birthday Debra!,
ReplyDelete1) I have to agree with authorkathyeberly that prayer is foremost.
2) Being mindful that our spouses don't think like a believer and therefore having more understanding, love and forgiveness towards them when they act as they do :)
3) Turning to God. The deeper I am grounded in the Lord the deeper my love for my husband. Because I can see him with God's love.
4)Looking for ways to join in my husband's interests. Taking every opportunity to encourage him and compliment him on what he is good at.
Adriana
Thanks for the birthday wishes Jo - luv :)
ReplyDeleteAdriana - great points you've made! All of these are needful when trying to keep the marriage fabric tightly woven in love, and prevent the unraveling that can take place even in a sound godly marriage.