I don’t know about you ladies, but shopping for my husband is very difficult. He is a techy guy and I don’t have a lot of buying confidence when it comes to anything electronic. Besides, those purchases are usually expensive and I don’t make large purchases without talking to him.

When we were first married, we hardly had any money at all. I really had to think outside of the box for gift giving. In real life, everyone knows me for my handmade gifts.

I like giving Austin experiences as a gift. Many times we go see a movie on his birthday. This past year, the kids gave him the experience of taking him to his favorite restaurant.

The great thing about experience gifts is that you spend time together. Why not do something sensual for your husband to celebrate Father’s Day.

Here are a few ideas you might like:

The gift of massage ( I did Melt Massage for Austin a few years ago)
Printable Sexy bedroom games (Use the code FDLOVE at checkout to get 50% off anything in my store through Father’s Day.)
Get sexy boardgames from Married Dance. (Use the code LOVE at checkout to get 10% off.)
Answer sexy questions from the Sexploration list put out by Uncovering Intimacy.

Hope you have a wonderful week and I’ll talk to you soon!

Super excited to be featured on the Life Around the Coffee Cup Podcast with Leah Heffner. She’s a great host! In this one, we talk about using our gifts to serve God. I really loved the chat. You can click here to listen to the podcast.

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Memorial Day is a day to reflect on the price of freedom. A price is always paid for someone else to be free. This holiday was established for us to thank those that have paid high prices for us to have the opportunities we have.

These Memorial Day thoughts on freedom were submitted anonymously by one who served.

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”  John 15:13

“Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you: Jesus Christ and the American G.I. One died for your soul; the other for your freedom! Freedom is not free; it is bought with the blood of another.”  Anonymous

I have had the privilege of serving in one of the most elite Army aviation units in the world and each one of us would have given our lives to protect the life of a brother—and for you to be able to enjoy your freedoms. In December 2000, I was released from duty on a Family Care Separation due to being awarded custody of my two young sons.

At that time, I had no intention of leaving the military, but it was in the best interest of my children to do so. Just over nine months later America would be attacked by a force that would falter at nothing in order to destroy the heart of America.

On 9/11/01 the lives of everyone I know and love were changed forever. As the events were unfolding on 9/11, it was like a punch to the throat. I knew my brothers were going to deploy very quickly to wherever in the world this attack had originated. It was obvious our national interests were under attack based on the targets hit.

Making a phone call to my former unit wishing them well and offering prayers for their safety in their mission, I also made the decision that I would return to my unit to serve. My family situation had changed making that possible.

Mom and I had a discussion when I called to let her know my decision. She told me I couldn’t go back in the Army because I had two boys who needed me. My response was that was where I was needed. She persisted, as did I.

My argument was “she could explain to the families of those who had just lost their lives that my life was more important than those lost.” I completely understood her concern as a mother who had already had one son deployed during the first Desert Storm. She was undoubtedly concerned. I did what I needed to do.

February 22, 2002, my unit lost an aircraft with 14 souls on board. March 4, 2002, I lost a very close friend on a mountaintop in Afghanistan due to injuries sustained from enemy fire. Though I have lost several brothers in arms, I would not change any of it. I know all of them would, without a doubt, do it all over again for God, Country, and Family.

These men gave their lives along with so many others I did not know to protect the rights and freedoms many Americans take for granted each and every day. Even with the physical pain and heartache, I deal with daily—even should it have cost my life here, I would do it all again for your rights and freedoms. Every American G.I. signs that blank check up to and including his life, for your rights and freedoms as Americans.

“I serve with the memory and pride of those who have gone before me for they loved to fight, fought to win and would rather die that quit.  ”Nightstalkers Don’t Quit (Night Stalker Creed)

Even greater, Jesus Christ knew His life was the price to be paid to wash all our sins away and give us eternal life, to free us from slavery to the things that keep us from living the life God desires for us here, and for eternity in His presence. Without His undying love, and resurrection, we would never have this hope—and He did it for us while we were His enemy. “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  Romans 5:8

*All images are used with permission

Although I’ve been married for 15 years, I only recently had some marriage revelations a few years ago. You can learn quite a bit about a person when you spend that much time with them. You also learn a lot about them that you didn’t know before you got married.

If we’re all honest with ourselves, we have no idea what we’re doing in this thing called marriage. When we get married, we try the best we can and hope everything turns out okay. But, it can be more than just okay! I want to share 10 bits of marriage advice that I wish I figured out earlier in marriage.

1. You Are A Team

When you live together you learn a lot about one another. Sometimes things happen in life that cause you to disagree and fight against one another. Remember, you are a team and working together is a win for your marriage. I wish I made the decision early on to keep this mindset.

2. Make Time to Initiate Sex

Early on in our marriage, I rarely let my husband know I wanted sex. I basically waited for him to make the move. Now, several year later, I understand the importance of both us making time to get excited about making love.

3. Sex Isn’t Just About Making Babies

When you both feel you’re ready to have children, it’s easy to make every moment all about making babies. Although it’s a special time for both of you, this mindset is a quick way to take the fun out of making love.

4. Put Some Distance Between You and the In-Laws

This is one I actually did right! We never lived near either set of parents. This made it easier to avoid drama or unannounced visits.

5. Don’t Let Anger Consume You

I don’t find it difficult to forgive so I did not think holding onto anger would be an issue. Through the course of our marriage, we both did some things that resulted in hurt feelings. I struggled with some anger and held grudges that I shouldn’t have.

6. Consider Your Spouse’s Thoughts

It’s easy to think that your spouse is intentionally causing you some pain. But the real issue is that you may have some things you need to work through. Sit down and talk it out. Your spouse may not realize they did something to offend you.

7. Indulge Each Other’s Daydreams

Even if you’re not a daydreamer, it’s a good idea to encourage your spouse if they enjoy doing that. While it may sound unrealistic to you, it’s important not to squash their hopes and dreams.

8. Flirt With Each Other

When we were first dating, I made googly eyes at my husband quite often. When we got married, I didn’t do it anymore. Years later, I realized that it’s so important to find little ways to flirt.

9. Tackle Finances Together

I handled the finances for several years after we got married. My husband didn’t have a desire to do any of it. Now, we both take part in the responsibility and it’s made us aware of how we budget and save.

10. Say Thank You Every Day

It’s easier to go about your day and settle in your routine without thinking about it. Saying two simple words makes a huge difference in your relationship. It’s encouraging to both of you and strengthens your relationship.

These are 10 of the most important pieces of marriage advice that I wish I knew before I got married. They’re simple things that strengthen your marriage and bring you closer together.

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