Shannon here: Jennifer Slattery shares insight into her real life romance and a chance to win a copy of her latest Contemporary Romance, Recapturing Her Heart. Comment or answer the question in any post dated Feb 23rd – 27th to enter drawing. Deadline: March 10th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Jennifer:
Many years ago, when my husband and I were going through a rough period in our marriage, a counselor encouraged us to regularly “play” together. Especially during times of conflict—when we most felt like pulling away. She said it was then that we’d be most apt to maximize one another’s faults and downplay, ignore, or deny each other’s positive qualities.
In short, we needed to remember why we first fell in love by intentionally seeking out laughter and fun. That decision, begun over twenty years ago, has helped to sustain us through moves, financial hurdles, chronic
illness, and numerous literal and figurative storms. This practice, continued in good and hard seasons, has built an unshakable intimacy between, one no crisis could ever dampen.
It’s also led to some pretty fun “date” nights, from playing pickleball at local parks; scouting out hidden picnic locations and small town hardware stores, and diners; attending bucking bull futurities (and playing harmless pranks on extended family) to simple joke-sharing car rides.
Lately, we’ve determined to visit every restaurant in our area, to mark these on a map, and then journal about our experience. Although we’ve lived in this location for over a decade, and have eaten out on numerous occasions, I convinced my husband that we’re beginning at 0. This means we must visit every restaurant, even those we’ve previously frequented.
So far, we’ve only tried three, but I’m already excited to snuggle up beside one another in the living room to read through our journal entries together as we reflect upon the memories, and meals, that have deepened our love and added laughter and joy to our marriage.
What is one way you intentionally bring joy into your most important relationships? How do you
capture those moments so that you can reflect upon them again, and again, and again?
Question for Readers: Where’s a fun place you’ve gone with your loved one or friend?
About Jennifer: Jennifer Slattery is a writer, podcast host and speaker who has addressed women’s groups, church groups, Bible studies, and other writers across the nation. She’s the lead host of the Faith Over Fear podcast and cohost, with four others, of the Your Daily Bible Verse podcast. She also maintains devotional blogs found and is a regular contributor to iBelieve.com. When not writing, reading, or editing, Jennifer loves playing games with her family, working puzzles, and adventuring with her hilariously fun husband. Learn more & connect or book her to speak at your next event:
Jennifer’s Website Faith Over Fear Podcast
Jennifer’s Facebook Jennifer’s Instagram
About the book – Recapturing Her Heart:
What she’s always wished for… might be right here at home.
When she loses her job, professional dancer Harper Moore returns to her Texas hometown with one goal in mind—leaving again. But first she needs money for her big move, even if that means working for her ex-boyfriend. CJ Jenkins is certain he can help the single mom and keep his still-bruised heart intact. But as old feelings resurface, can they let go of the past for a new dream together?
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Interested in Jennifer’s other titles?
Get your copy/copies now!
Recapturing Her Heart Jennifer’s Books
Come back Feb 27th for part 2 with Jennifer!
Hey Jennifer, I LOVE playing mini golf. And we did it pretty often with our son. But he’s grown now. We need to have a mini golf date.
Thanks for having me on your blog! That sounds like a lot of fun. 🙂 You could do a double-mini-golf date with your husband, son, and daughter-in-law!
A couple weeks ago my mom and I went to an outdoor organ concert. It was very nice. This outdoor organ is very special in that it’s considered to be the world’s largest pipe organ in a fully outdoor venue. There’s a nice wikipedia article about it. It’s called Spreckel’s organ.
That sounds like a beautiful experience! I’ve never heard an organ played outdoors. I have heard a flute played at an outdoor wedding, and it was incredibly beautiful! Music is such a gift from God to us!
circus
I haven’t been to a circus since I was a child. They are quite fun!
Locally we have loved going to the beach or bowling and for vacations we have been a Disney family for sure!
The amusement park!
Our hiking adventures are always fun 🙂 – we meet new (furry) friends or get lost lol