Instead of using words to describe our week, here is a video of it:
I don't know if this will inspire others (or at least give you an idea or get the creative juices pumping), but Ricky and I just started a new evening "routine" this past month that is working out really well for us. Usually, the kids are asleep no later than 8:30 p.m. We aim to get ready for bed at 10:00 p.m. and be asleep by 11:00 p.m. This means that we have an hour and a half of adult time every night (8:30-10:00 p.m.). We shower every third night (Ricky has to help me bathe; you could substitute a nice, hot bubble bath here for yourself or as a couple!). Then, we have computer time every third night. And, we have date night every third night -- free and kidless. We rotate three ideas for date nights (movie night, devotional/prayer night, coffee shop night -- complete with hot tea, chocolate, and a game, like Chess or Quarto), which means that our date night ideas occur every ninth night. [i.e. Night #1 = Shower. Night #2 = Computer time. Night #3 = Date.] Now, the time schedule pretty much is never accurate, but we have a guideline. The important thing is that we keep clean, have alone time, and nurture our marriage (even if it is for only 30 minutes) frequently. And, we may not be great following the schedule, but the routine is succeeding!
I think I am going to continue memorizing verses from the book of Romans for a while. This week, I am going to add the two subsequent verses to one I already quote: Romans 5:3-5 ~ Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
