Day 1907 – I Hate…Ahem…Am Not A Fan Of Christian Movies

Christian movies, oh Christian movies. I have not been a fan in my life. To me it’s hard to watch these actors act out life situations that are real, but through dialogue that is soooooo unbelievable. It’s almost like the movies treat us like we’re children, talking in simple and easy ways. Tough time? Oh, just read your bible, just pray. So you see the main character finally break and realize, ah, yes, this will work, then life gets better. Now, there are times when this is true in life. There are times when the hard times do dissipate like the morning fog and everything is hunky dory. But most of the time, they just don’t feel true to life.

This morning, I rewatched Fireproof. It came out in 2008, while I was a 26 year old engaged woman girl, going through pre-marital counseling and getting ready to marry this awesome guy. I think we watched it together once it was released on DVD, so we would’ve been very newly married. I remember watching it thinking it was a great movie. I thought the acting, story and dialogue were alright, but still felt like a cheesy Christian movie….but a little better than others I have seen over the years.

Today I watched it through eyes that have experienced 1907 days of marriage, days that have been filled with untold joy, untold sorrow, easy times, hard times and everything in between. I watched with eyes that have seen others walk through separation, divorce and extremely hard times. I have cried with others who have been hurt deeply by marriage relationships.

Rewatching this movie, I realized how amazingly accurate it is; how true to life, real marriage life. The ways that we get into patterns and routines and think the other will never change. The ways that we think WE are right in every situation and if only THEY would change, the marriage would be so much better. So here I was, a self-proclaimed “Christian movie hater not a fan,” bawling my eyes out. Feeling a burning desire to write about what I had just watched.

I am nowhere near an expert. I know I will never attain that elusive “perfect marriage.” I will never be an expert in marriage. Nor will I ever be the perfect wife. Bret will never be the perfect husband. But, my heart has been set ablaze with a desire to help others in their marriages. To be there in the tough times, to remind them of the good times and through it all, give their marriages ultimately back to God.

I’m not here to tell you go watch Fireproof so it can change your life (but you’re more than welcome to do so. Watch it with your spouse while you’re at it. Tell me how it changed you both.) I’m not here to tell you that marriage is easy. Listen to this for more on that.

I’m not here to give you an easy answer. I’m here giving you an honest answer to your marriage struggles.

Marriage is hard. It requires a daily (nay, hourly) decision to choose your spouse and God’s ways over your own. It takes work every day. It takes putting to death your sin and your desire to have everything your way.

Do the work today. I dare you.

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Day 1905 – What We Do On Sundays!

One of the things we do at church is serve in the coffee ministry.

We’re very serious about it…

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After church, Bret was on his way to work and I got a text inviting me to lunch with him! I love last minute meals with him. 🙂 Check out the chicken on the roof if you’re in the Joppa area! My pit ham was soooooo good! And the size of Bret’s head!

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Day 1904 – Road Map To Our Journey

To help us keep track of our new journey, I created a road map for it! I did it not for a legalistic sense, but as a way to remember how far we’ve come. If I’ve learned anything recently it’s that keeping a record of where you’ve been is a great way to help you see how far you’ve come and give you insight for what’s to come. How do you keep track of your progress and goals?

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Day 1903 – Starting A New Journey

Today when Bret came home from school, we talked about a few things and we were freshly reminded of something that should be so obvious.

We HAVE to pray together. I’m being honest here and not saying we need to pray more. We are woefully failing in this regard.

As a Christian couple, we believe that our relationship with Christ, both individually and as a couple, is so important to the success of our marriage. We cannot do this “marriage thing” without God. With this fresh reminder, we have set a goal to pray and do devotions every morning and every evening. Tonight was such a sweet time of prayer about different things we’re walking through as well as some great reminders in the things we read.

We are going to read the Duck Commander devotional…um, how long have we owned that?! (Insert all knowing, forever preserved blog post proof – purchased on Day 1651, how many days have we read together? ummmm, yea…)
We are also going to read Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon.

I’m excited to see where this journey takes us! So what about you? What devotionals do you do with your spouse? Comment below and let us know what to read next!

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