Fireproofing Your Marriage with a Giveaway from Cindy Dagnan
Okay—I am not a big movie buff. Not usually up on the latest new releases nor know who is playing opposite whom. While I can recognize many of the big stars, I don’t seem to be able to tell you their names. But this one thing in current cinema happenings I know for sure.
YOU HAVE GOT TO GO SEE THE MOVIE FIREPROOF!!!!
Last weekend I told you our president Lysa at Proverbs 31 Ministries had previewed it and raved about its virtues. Now that I’ve sat with my hubby through the entire film (crying through nearly half of it) I can testify first hand, it is MORE than worth the price of the ticket.
Why it is not a film that boasts an A list of stars with name recognition and Oscars under their belt, God has His imprint all over this story. It was made by
So again I’ll say it: Run, don’t walk, to the nearest theater. Take your hubby. Renew your vows. Take your teens. Talk about love and respect as God does in Ephesians chapter 5 verses 25-33. You won’t regret it.
Until then, read on here on my little blog for more marriage advice as I again host my friend Cindy Dagnan. She talks this week about her wonderfully practical book Chocolate Kisses for Couples. You can even leave a comment and win a copy!!! Here is my interview with her:
I am a preacher’s daughter, a wife, mother of four girls and a recovering Type A personality. When I have to drive into town twice a week for errands, my highlight is stopping at Starbucks for a grande non-fat hot chocolate with whip and a regular blueberry muffin. It’s the simple things, really.
What nudged you to write Chocolate Kisses for Couples?
Like most of the stuff I write, it’s a subject that intrigues or interests me or that I desperately NEED to work on, but can’t find something that doesn’t seem to “expert-y.” Sometimes, books that are so well-meaning just overwhelm you!! You know? And Greg and I had just begun doing some mid-marriage work that was really hard.
Todd and I just celebrated our 22nd anniversary last summer. I know marriage isn’t a walk in the park. What do you find most challenging?
Keeping in front of me the fact that there’s someone to think about besides me. I didn’t really think I was all that selfish, but you know, my sweet husband often says, “I don’t care what we do, honey. It’ll be fine. If you’re happy, then I’m happy!” And he MEANS it!!! Sadly, I’m not always the same. Turns out I’m ALSO happy when I’M happy! :) This does NOT speak well of me, girlfriends.
How do you and your hubby overcome this challenge?
I pray about our marriage DAILY. We scrabble to have time together each week and a go-out-together date each month. It’s hard to juggle kids, schedules and finances but ooohhh, so worth it! In fact, we’ve just returned from our annual anniversary get away — one night and parts of 2 days that blessedly remind us that we are friends and lovers, not just mommy, daddy, cook, gardener and bill payers.
Now, what would you say is your favorite part of marriage?
Having someone that knows you so intimately and for the most part, adores you anyway. Greg CRACKS me up! He is the most supportive person of all that I try to do. He is so knowledgeable in his field [he’s a Police Chief] and yet so funny. We’ve been having this running toilet paper gag all week and it’s my turn to get him back….you’ll have to ask him. Or else, you’d have had to be there! :)
In what ways have you personally grown as a wife in the years you have been hitched? Anything you wish you could go back and do over?
I am so much more secure in the strength of Greg’s love and God’s watch and care over the whole thing. When we started out, I had been hurt so badly.
What pep talk can you give any wives who may be a a hard spot or just at a place of ho-hum boredom in their marriage?
I interviewed several couples married 50, 60+ years and they ALL basically said the same thing: “If you young people would just stick with it, you’ll find that EVERY marriage takes work and some of it just stinks. But the SWEET part always, always comes after some really rough times.” I think we girls grew up on fairytales and someone did us a disservice by not telling us that ALL marriages that last take ingenuity and effort — ALL of them. Even the good ones! NO, ESPECIALLY the good ones. They don’t just happen.
Any other marriage wisdom you’d like to impart?
Don’t give up! Dig in, hang on for all you’re worth. People are counting on you — your children; the world; the marriage skeptics; those people who witnessed your union and those tremendous vows. Trust that God can change ANY marriage — yes, even yours, precious girlfriends and then storm the gates of Heaven.
Thanks so much for sharing your heart with us this week!!
You are most welcome!
Okay gals, now here is the scoop. You can win a copy of Cindy’s book on marriage by leaving a comment any day this week about marriage. Let’s stick to answering one of the three following questions:
1. How do you Fireproof your marriage by making it a priority over other demands of life?
2. If you saw the movie Fireproof—what was the part that most touched you?
3. Or—if you are in a hard place now in your marriage, in what area is it? Showing respect? Making time? Communication? Finances? (The rest of you, feel free to jump in with any encouragement you have!)
You have until
Sweet-marriage-made-in-heaven-but-lived-out-on-earth-blessings,
Karen