A few weeks ago, my husband and I had the chance to attend the Love Always Marriage Conference at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas. We’ve been married 26 years, and it’s been a long time since we’ve had a chance to get away–just the two of us. We tagged along with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law and had a great double-date weekend enjoying great speakers, great worship, and authentic food.
Sitting in the large room, looking around at all the couples in attendance, I kept thinking about how we were all at different stages in our lives. Some were single with the hopes of one day finding their person, some were engaged and eagerly anticipating their wedding day, and others had probably spent close to a half-century together. Everyone’s love story is different. It got me thinking about all the romance books I’ve read over the years, and how many books could be written from the different tales of people sitting in that church.
I watched young couples laugh together as they played a game of air hockey, and I watched older couples walk hand in hand, taking in the sights around them. We played a few rounds of Pacman and Guitar Hero, which brought back many memories of nights spent playing that game with our kids in the living room before bed. The entire conference emphasized the importance of having fun together! (video games, card games, board games, dance parties, crafting together, photo booths, pampering stations)
We returned from the conference revived and renewed, and I’m thankful to have spent the time away with my husband. It was a good reminder of God’s design for marriage–how we’re made to live in His image and reflect Christ even through our relationship with our spouse.
This conference also renewed my sense of why I write, specifically inspirational stories. Honestly, I haven’t written much in the past few months. Life has taken over, and the busyness of the day-to-day leaves little room for creativity when I’m exhausted at the end of the day. Sometimes I’ve felt like I wanted to take a break, but God gave me a nudge and reminded me that real life is my inspiration. My husband also encouraged me to keep writing, so I was eager to jump back into my current WIP when we returned home, and I even started a new book!
Whether it’s real-life romance or a story that you’ve read, tell me something encouraging you’ve experienced recently.
K. Leah is a hopeless romantic and adores a good Hallmark movie. Growing up in the South, she likes her tea sweet and coffee strong. Family and faith are what matter most and she wears many hats, including being a wife, mom, and graphic designer. Other than being creative with designs or stories, she likes to spend her free time escaping reality into the pages of a sweet love story.
That sounds such a great experience and I’m glad it’s helped you get back to writing.
I’ve recently started a ‘new’ job role (the company was taken over and combined with the new company, thankfully no job losses but it’s a lot of change) and have been finding it tough, but it has been the means of putting me back in touch with someone I used to work with a few years back – it was a lovely surprise and she’s so positive and encouraging I’ve begun to see things in a different way.
I’ve made some great friends that I’ve met through my businesses. Some I haven’t even seen in person, but others I have gotten to meet. With each, I’ve “clicked” and it’s nice to know that we can share things with each other. I like helping people, and it makes me feel good to know I can share what I’ve learned with others.
these are always wonderful get aways. my husband and I have been married now for 39 years and we still find these types of get aways refreshing. my husband has gone through a really two months of ER visits, infection, fever, hospital stay, surgery. and now he starting to FEEL like his self again. this makes us both feel so much better about being husband and wife again. God has meant for us to be partners in everything in life as a married couple.
Nothing says real-life romance more than a husband who sits on the bathroom floor with you while you’re puking (yay 24-hour flu) and cleans it up while gagging himself. I’ve definitely given him the “for sicker” and the “for worse” bits of the marriage vows a few times, and he’s still here. Still wiping my face with a cool, damp washcloth. Still loving me. (That was a few days ago. Feeling okay today, thank you!)
Thank you and keep up the positive spirit about the new role!
That’s great inspiration!
I love this! Yes, sticking together through thick & thin is certainly God’s design.
Oh goodness! Yep, those parts of marriage are not always a favorite, but being willing to do the down and dirty parts is certainly a sign of true love. Glad you’re feeling better!
When I became disabled, we would have a home health aid come in for an hour or two five days a week to help with my care. Once the pandemic hit, things became dicey when my home health aide was not taking precautions. I have low immunity. We decided it was time to let her go. My husband said he would take care of me. My husband has been my full time caregiver. He does it with love and care. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
That is precious! What a blessing he’s been for you.
sounds fun