LAST WEEK –  (Day 5 of 6)
(Need to start at the beginning? Day 1)

The seasons of growth can be a bit discouraging sometimes. Growth can crawl or it may take an immense amount of energy to move something forward just a tiny bit.

Let me just remind us all that small steps are still progress and they will move us toward our goal of a happier, healthier marriage.

Stay invested and keep taking those little bitty steps. You’ll see progress over time and enjoy the fruits of your effort. 🙂

I got to walk all the way to my mailbox in my house slippers.

I know that’s odd, but the recent rain washed a bunch of the snow away. I’m taking this as a win and a sign of approaching spring. Small steps, right?

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Image credits – Small Steps ©  Hayley Murray / Unsplash, slippers © Lori / Doing Marriage Well
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AN EXTRA WEEK –  (Day 1 of 6)
(Need to start at the beginning? Day 1)

Speaking can be a form of doing for others.

A word of encouragement can help someone who is struggling. Telling someone a hard truth can save them from a mess. Frequently saying, “I love you.” to your sweetie is the bread and butter of marriage. They need to hear it often.

Of course, words without follow through can hurt, but words as an expression of your heart have the ability to bless. Use them well.

What do you need to say to your spouse today?

My quail matured and started laying eggs. They’re pretty steady now at giving us a few eggs a day. Even in winter, they are good layers.

They’re keeping the two of us in eggs, though it takes about four quail eggs to equal one chicken egg.

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Image credits – I love you written in snow © wal_172619 / Pixabay, quail eggs © Анна (Anna) Таскаева / Pixabay
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LAST WEEK –  (Day 3 of 6)
(Need to start at the beginning? Day 1)

I often talk about how busyness affects our ability to do well by others, especially our spouse.

And, honestly, I can be just as guilty of that as anyone else. I routinely have to check my workload. There are so many responsibilities and opportunities. Somewhere along the line, you just have to learn to say no to others (and yourself sometimes). 🙂

This is just a reminder to us all that busyness is a relationship killer.

Take whatever time you need to create a sane life pace that makes room for your spouse and all the people and things you truly value. Let the rest fall by the wayside.

Tilly is –> t-h-i-s <– close to signing a contract.

Treats have been promised and she’s willing to let us use her new office.

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Image credits – busy wife © Vadim Pastuh / Adobe Stock, Tilly in her office © Lori / Doing Marriage Well
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LAST WEEK –  (Day 2 of 6)
(Need to start at the beginning? Day 1)

One of the teens on the property just passed his GED tests. So, of course, we had a party and sang Happy G-E-D to You! Can’t pass up a good opportunity to celebrate. 🙂

The other teen on the property has chosen to finish out high school with home learning through a local school.

Both boys took their time and considered what would serve them well.

I am exceedingly proud they were so self-directed. They listened to others, but then made choices that that gave them the consequences they wanted. I think they have a leg up in life because they were able to do this. They’re thinking things through and acting smart.

IMO this is a part of the “Well” in Doing Marriage Well.

There are some hard, fast marriage rules (like being faithful to each other), but much of life and marriage is about preferences and choices. There are a lot of good things you could do, but what would best serve you and your marriage?

Thinking it through and stepping out takes courage, but can have amazing results.

More thoughts on how I want to spend my time …

I really and truly need to dejunk my home. I need less clutter so our space can breathe and to make cleaning easier for me.

Yup, Goodwill is going to love seeing me.

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Image credits – cake with candles © C B / Pixabay, donation box © georgi benev / Unsplash
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LAST WEEK –  (Day 1 of 6)

Normally, I use the fourth week for practice of the previous three concepts. However, since this is my last week of blogging, I thought I would just share some general thoughts about building your marriage.

The title I picked for the blog speaks volumes.

Doing Marriage Well.

Doing.

You don’t grow without some doing. Relationships and circumstances don’t change for the better without some doing.

Whatever you consider going forward, please surround yourself with people and resources that will encourage you to take action to build your marriage.

Knowledge is great, but without expression it’s just so much blather.

Keep doing.

Speaking of doing, I thought I’d share some of the things I’ll be doing going forward. 🙂

I’d like to spend more time with family and friends. I’ll be coaching couples and I’ll be in the background of Paul’s blogging (doing artsy-fartsy and technical work, as well as helping to supply ongoing pictures of Tilly and life here on the property).

Come spring, I’ll be gardening and working more with livestock. (Just FYI, for those of you hurting for egg production, coturnix quail are easy to care for and start laying eggs at six weeks. Also, not a bad choice if you have limited space.) I’m gearing up to do more creative work on Etsy (likes are appreciated). I also feel a season of study and teaching/speaking coming on. Not sure what that looks like just yet, so prayers appreciated.

And, of course, I’ll nudge Paul to share a bit of our lives from time to time.

Enjoy your week!

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Image credits – action plan © Pete Linforth / Pixabay, Paul and Lori © Doing Marriage Well
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