Choose your LOVE then love your choice

This smile is pure JOY. Eliza Eve we love you! We love her parents too. They love and listen to her. 

We ran down to Florida to see them over Labor Day weekend. It filled my mother heart to see the husband and father our son has become and the wonderful wife and mother Miriam is. 

Why do people get lazy in the care of their marriage relationship? Why is it some couples seem so in love while others so distant? Why do some couples compete with each other and other complete each other? Why to some demand recognition and other generously give recognition? Why do some value only their opinion while others want their spouse's opinion? 

Like most young children, when I was a little girl I didn't notice my parent's marriage dynamic for what it was. As children do, I listened, observed, and unknowingly made mental note of what a marriage is made of. 

When I see a couple walking hand in hand my brain tells me all is well. This is because as a child I noticed my parents lovingly holding each other's hands. I saw my dad open doors for my mom and I saw that she appreciated it. Witnessing kind gestures of respect shaped how I thought the whole world was and how it should be. When my parents entered a room, they entered together, not one ahead of the other, side by side, hand in hand. Seeing their hands laced together gave me a sense of security and peace. This picture taught me solidarity in marriage, strength in togetherness, and commitment to the one I would one day marry. I knew I wanted that in my future.

The MAGIC in marriage begins when both partners stop worrying about who is right. It becomes BRIGHT when one wants the "lime light" to shine on the other. It becomes GREAT when greeting each other begins with a smile and marriage becomes LOVELY when laughter takes the place of frustration when things go a little sideways. Marriage becomes SPECIAL when both are slow to react and it becomes PRACTICALLY PERFECT when outside things don't take the place of heart to heart time. 

Giving each other grace and forgiveness is necessary. Pushing out negative thoughts that lead to constant dissatisfaction will have to happen. Setting selfishness aside and focusing on what is going well will help make things better. Encourage each other and pray like crazy. <3<3<3

So how does marriage relate to sea turtles?...

(This is a little Turtle that Miriam, Eliza and friends

 saved from some hungry birds)

It has been said that sea turtles symbolize strength as they remain calm and brave.

Florida beaches are filled with sea turtles who have great POTENTIAL. They have to WORK really hard to just dig out of the nest they are in. With DETERMINATION they then dash across the beach to the ocean water. Darting from danger they CAREFULLY must now swim in the vast Atlantic Ocean as they grow in strength.

Just like the sea turtle, each marriage has the potential to be strong and happy. With work, determination and care, a marriage will grown in strength and happiness.

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