20 Things I think we have learned in 20 Years of Marriag

So the great thing about today is that we get to celebrate Jesus together. Don't get me wrong, both of us realize that 20 years of marriage, especially in today's society is an amazing accomplishment and we plan to celebrate it together. 

But we have not done it alone. If not for the love and grace of Jesus we certainly would not be where we are today.

So as we reflect together on 20 plus years together, we want to give all of the glory and praise back to the One that we love. Thank you Jesus!!

That said, here are 20 things I think we have learned in 20 years together.

1. Marry your best friend.
2. Do everything together.
3. Share your dreams and live them out.
4. Talk about everything.
5. Set up safe boundaries concerning the opposite sex.
6. Agree on everything you spend money on.
7. Go to bed together every night.
8. Say “I love you” a lot.
9. Pray about everything!
10. Never leave an argument unresolved.
11. Do things often without the kids, it’s alright!
12. Keep it spicy!
13. Celebrate everything together, even the small stuff.
14. Never stop holding hands or sitting together.
15. Do nice things for each other without being asked or told.
16. Be a good listener, especially when you think you need to talk.
17. Laugh a lot!
18. Don’t’ expect to change them, and never stop working on yourself.
19. Give your spouse the wings they need to soar.
20. Keep Christ absolutely central, He is faithful!

I love you Stace!!

blessings,

dave

Published on: Jun 10, 2011

it's a choice

Today in my quiet time (don't laugh, I actually get some quiet time around here) I was thinking about how much stuff we all actually do.  I mean, we all work, play, laugh, love and whole lot of other things.  We are busy people! So how do we all do it? I mean, how do we all choose what kind of stuff will consume our day?  Lately I have had some interesting conversations about perspective and priorities and the choices we all have to make.

I am one of these people who gets very anxious about what I fill my day with. I mean, I actually spend time thinking and planning out my weeks and days. I try to be on purpose and make good choices with how I spend my day.  The key word here is "try".

There are two relationships that I choose to take priority in life.  My relationship with God and my relationship with my family.  And by family I mean my wife and kids. I have learned that I have no greater influence then on the lives of those who live under my roof.

With that said, I am very mindful of the time that I get to spend with my wife and of the very short time that I get to spend with my kids.  A wise man once told me this, "spend time with your kids while they still want to spend time with you".  I am living this out loud, loving these boys everyday while I can.

So what about God? How much time do we typically make for Him. It's easy to get busy and do all kinds of stuff, but it is not always easy to include God in our day. Someone recently said to me, "It's easy for you, you are a pastor. I am sure you spend a lot of time with God". Every day we make a choice about how we will spend our time. Minister or not, we all struggle sometimes struggle to take time to spend with God.

Our lives are filled with choices.  Choose to spend some time with God today. Pray, meditate or read His word. But above all else, love God.  It's a choice!

blessings,
dave

missions

So if you regularly read my blog you already know a little about me.  Mostly that we serve a great God at a great church.  For years our church has committed to reaching out to Ensenada Mexico and helping to build houses for families in need.

This July, Stacey, Zac and I will get to be a part of this mission.  We plan on spending a week working with other volunteers from Real Life Christian Church to build a house in Mexico. I am asking you to do two things.  Pray! This is out of our comfort zone for sure so you prayers are needed.  Second, if you are able, please help us financially make this happen.  My trip will cost an additional $950. and both Stacey and Zac also need to raise their $950.

I already know that God wants us in Mexico this July, so by faith I believe He will provide the way.  If you feel led to help us financially, please contact me or visit my fundraising page at http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/davehanvey/real-life-christian-church

This is gonna be an amazing trip.  I can not wait to see what God is up to in Mexico!

blessings,

dave

   

community

So every week 30 or 40 of us meet in a small group/teaching environment called .NET (dot net).  It has been a true blessing for me to see this group make real connections. Community. That's what it's all about.  It's about being real and exploring the truth about what, and who we are.  God wired us for relationship.  So often we hide in a corner instead of reaching out and experiencing the joy of meaningful relationships.

It has been a real joy for me to be a part of this group.  Genuine, life changing fellowship is happening @ Real Life folks.

God is good!

a new year, a new season

The wonderful thing about a new year is that sense of newness. That sense that you now have a second chance. Every year end I find that I do some serious reflecting, or soul searching if you will. It is a great time to take stock of the blessings in your life and to look over the things that were (or were not) accomplished.

Although 2010 was great year for us in lots of ways, I can't help but look at the year ahead with great anticipation. I feel a real sense of direction and have a clear determination about the things that God has laid in my path for 2011.

A couple of things that I am committed to and looking forward to this new year..........

Blended ~ a daily Bible reading plan. I read regularly but I am pumped about this plan

365 ~ A new self portrait everyday for the calendar year of 2011

Fitness ~ This is my last year in my "30's" so I wanna go into March 2012 as a healthier, thinner 40 year old.

blessings,

dave