iandthoureflections

Hey, Honey! I’m Home: Build a Love Map

A Series on Love, Relationships, and Bricks

A Seven-Story House of Love

*Image Source: “brick wall” by palmerkim29 is licensed under CC BY 2.0 with inserted text overlay*

Brick by Brick

In this series, we’re drawing up the blueprint for a lasting relationship—brick by brick.

Let’s zoom out for a moment and take in the big picture:

You’re not just building a life.
You’re building a home. Together.

So, grab a comfy couch.
Snuggle up.

Let’s look at the first essential brick for building a home.

Brick 1: Build Love Maps

Ask questions.
Be curious.
Get to know others’ dreams, fears, and favorite pizza toppings! Think of it as a treasure map to your partner’s heart—without the pirates.

Practice with me:

“How was your day, honey?”
“Is there anything I can do to lighten your load?”

Little questions show you care. And that just might lead you to the gold.

You’ve got this…
Brick by brick.

I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and like this post if you feel led to.

#LoveThatLasts #BuildingTogether #FaithandLove #StrongFoundation #MarriageMatters #BrickbyBrick

Hey, Honey! I’m Home: Introduction

A Series on Love, Relationships, and Bricks

A Seven-Story House of Love

Falling in love is fun. Right?

Silly glances, inside jokes, and anticipating what’s next can be intoxicating.
But what happens after the butterflies settle?

That’s where the real magic begins.

This series is all about what comes after “I love you.”

It’s about laying down bricks—
One brick at a time—
to build something that lasts.

Love is a choice.

It’s a sacred commitment.
A rhythm that two people have a lifetime to dance to.

Love is a partnership.

“Hey Cutie-Pie, Are We in Love?” explored the little things that make a big difference. Like laughter, patience, forgiveness, and flexibility.

In this series, we will unpack what it takes to build a home together—brick by brick.

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.— 1 John 4:12

So, are you ready to build?

Stick around if you want to know what it takes for a relationship to last for the long haul.

Grab your tools:

Humor. Humility. And a whole lot of grace.

You’ve got this…
Brick by brick.

I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and like this post if you feel led to.

#LoveThatLasts #BuildingTogether #FaithandLove #StrongFoundation #MarriageMatters #BrickbyBrick

July Haiku

The Buck Moon

Rhythms of the moon,
Gently whisper to velvet crowns,
Rise antlers, rise with pride.

I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and “like” this post if you feel led to.
Thank you for your encouragement.

#July #Moon #Bucks #Antlers #Haiku #Poetry #IandThouReflections

Hey Cutie-Pie, Are We in Love? #9 Final Thoughts

A Sweet Conclusion to Our Series on Love, Laughter, and the Little Things

Let’s be real.

Love isn’t a fleeting moment.
Nor is it a one-time event.

It is the secret sauce sprinkled into each tender moment of your life.

Image Credit: *“Chimichurri Sauce Recipe” by Fareham Wine is licensed under CC BY 2.0.*

It’s a stack of pancakes on a Sunday morning.
Or a cup of coffee in bed.
A shared giggle over burnt toast.
A quiet “I forgive you” when someone forgets—again.

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. — Colossians 3:14

Fun & Faithful

A good partner giggles at lame jokes, cheers you on, and practices saying,

“I see you. You matter.”

So, are you in love?

If you’ve been reading along and nodding your head…then you may very well be on your way.

Because love isn’t a one-time feeling.
It’s a daily choice.

A sacred rhythm.
Giving and taking.
Growing together.

It’s the gentle stuff that says:

“We’ve got this. Together.”

What’s next?

We will shift from “Are We in Love” to building a life around it.

The secret sauce in this upcoming series will be bricks. Each brick lays the foundation for a lasting relationship. Brick by brick.

Until then…

Keep loving.
Keep laughing.
And keep showing up for each other in the little things.

Because that’s where real love lives.

I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and “like” this post if you feel led to it.

#Love #Kindness #Patience #Humor #Faith #Flexibility #Thoughtfuness #Forgiveness #Relationships #GoingTheDistance #IandThouReflections

Hey Cutie-Pie, Are We in Love? #8 Forgiveness

A Series on Love, Laughter, and the Little Things

*Image Source: shilpakapilavai dot com/free-yourself-by-learning-to-forgive*/

Let’s be real.

Someone will forget to take out the trash.

Again!

A good partner says, “No worries,” instead of keeping score.

They know that love means extending grace, even when it feels easier to hold a grudge.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

— Colossians 3:13

Fun & Faithful

Forgiveness is the secret to a long-lasting partnership.

Not because mistakes don’t matter—but because grace keeps the love flowing.

Why?

Because Nobody’s Perfect

A forgiving heart is the gentle nod that says:

“Yup, you messed up. And I still choose you.”

It’s not about ignoring what went wrong.
It’s about letting go of the weight,
because holding on to it drags both of you down.

So, tell me:

What’s something small you’ve had to forgive this week?

Did your partner finish the last slice of cake you’ve been saving for yourself? Again?

Forgiveness is essential to the secret sauce.

It’s the tender smile instead of the sharp word.
The way you choose peace over being right.

The quiet strength to say: We’re human, and that’s okay.

It’s the gentle stuff that says:

“I love you… mistakes and all.”

I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and “like” this post if you feel led to.

#Love #Kindness #Patience #Humor #Faith #Flexibility #Thoughtfuness #Relationships #GoingTheDistance #IandThouReflections

Hey Cutie-Pie, Are We in Love? #7 Thoughtfulness

A Series on Love, Laughter, and the Little Things

*Image Source: http://www.oaklandcountylakesmi dot com/tag/thoughtfulness/*

Let’s be real.

Thoughtfulness is more than remembering birthdays. Right?

But if your partner continues to “forget” vital dates regularly, maybe it’s time to dial it back a notch?

Thoughtfulness IS the little things as well as the BIG things – like birthdays!

It’s about paying attention to what makes them smile. What brings your partner joy?

“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14

Fun & Faithful

A good partner knows the power of small gestures.

It’s the note in the lunchbox.
The extra blanket on a cold night.
The goofy meme you send when they’re feeling down.

Thoughtfulness doesn’t require grand gestures.

It’s the gentle reminders that say:

“I’m here, and I see you.”

So, tell me: What’s the smallest thing your partner has done that meant the world to you?

Thoughtfulness is a key ingredient to the secret sauce.

It’s the quiet ways we show up for each other.
The way we pay attention.
The way we care—over and over again.

It’s the gentle stuff that says:

“I’m thinking of you… always.”

I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and “like” this post if you feel led to.

#Love #Kindness #Patience #Humor #Faith #Flexibility #Thoughtfuness #Relationships #GoingTheDistance #IandThouReflections

A Father’s Day Tribute

My Dad, A Faithful Servant

A God-fearing man.
Quiet.
Steady.
Consistent.
A faithful servant was he.

Dad was Dad—
Meek, mild, and even-tempered,
day in
and day out.
A faithful servant was he.

He rarely told me what to do.
Sometimes, I listened,
and other times,
I didn’t.
A faithful servant was he.

He tolerated my fashion shows.
Twirling and dancing,
he turned newspaper pages.
Gazing up each time
with an ooh and an ahh.
A faithful servant was he.

Dad held my hair back when sick.
Cool cloths blotted
neck and forehead,
hand held
tenderly.
He was there for it all.
A faithful servant was he.

“Dad, can you drive me here,
there, everywhere?” I pleaded.
Off we would go.
Ice-skating, sledding, roller-skating.
A faithful servant was he.

As nutmeg and cinnamon
filled the air,
a rolling pin and flour
lay on the counter.
There stood Dad,
donned in an apron
and
chef’s hat.
A faithful servant was he.

Peering through
the oven door’s glass.
Waiting patiently
for the pies
and fruit cake
to bake.
A faithful servant was he.

Work clothes each workday.
Coffee.
Apple.
A Bible tucked in his lunchbox.
A faithful servant was he.

Jack of all trades,
His tools lined up on the pegboard.
Played music by ear,
sang solos at church.
A faithful servant was he.

He lived by faith,
walked in grace,
and loved as best he could.
Not perfect, yet steadfast.
Well done, good and faithful servant.

Dad’s 70th Birthday Celebration
Circa 1988

Happy Father’s Day!

#Father’sDay #Parenting #Faith #MothersandParenting

Hey Cutie-Pie, Are We in Love? #6: Flexibility

A Series on Love, Laughter, and the Little Things

Let’s be real.

Some of us are not as flexible as others. Right?

A good partner is ready, from surprise rain showers to a surprise birthday party. They know that life doesn’t always follow the plan.

Why?

Because plans change.
And sometimes the TV settings can mysteriously change, too.

The question is how flexible you can be. Can you pivot quickly?

When we’re faced with change, we have to roll with it.
We need to laugh through it.
We need to stay open – even when it’s a little uncomfortable.

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” — Philippians 2:4

Fun & Faithful

Flexibility isn’t about giving up everything—it’s about meeting in the middle. Even if it means watching that rom-com you said you’d never watch.

Think of a yoga pose. You need to stay nimble and flexible.
Breathe deep.
Bend a little.
Find your balance – together.

So tell me: What’s the most unexpected change you’ve rolled with lately?

Flexibility is part of the secret sauce, too.

It’s the way you compromise.
The way you shift.
It’s the smile that says: I’m here for the adventure – no matter where it takes us.

It’s the gentle stuff that says:

“I’m willing to bend a little – for us.”

I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and “like” this post if you feel led to.

#Love #Kindness #Patience #Humor #Faith #Flexibility #Relationships #GoingTheDistance #IandThouReflections

Hey Cutie-Pie, Are We in Love? #5: Faith

A Series on Love, Laughter, and the Little Things

*Image Source: thechristianconservative dot site*

Let’s be real.

Faith isn’t just for Sundays.

You want someone who believes in God, love, and maybe even your karaoke dreams—no judgment.

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” — Joshua 24:15

Fun & Faithful

Faith shapes how you treat each other every day.

It’s the quiet strength beneath the laughter, the peace in the middle of the chaos.

It’s the prayer whispered in the dark, the gentle “Amen” after a long day.

The faith that says:

“I’m here and trust in something bigger than us.”

It’s not about perfect faith—it’s about growing together.
Praying together.
Dreaming together.

So tell me: What’s one small way you’ve seen your faith bring you closer to God and your partner?

Faith is key.

It’s the patient ear.
The steady hand.

The calm in your eyes that says: Through it all, I believe in us.

It’s the gentle stuff that says:

“I’m here for you, no matter what.”

I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and “like” this post if you feel led to.

#Love #Kindness #Patience #Humor #Faith #Relationships #GoingTheDistance #IandThouReflections

Hey Cutie-Pie, Are We in Love? #4: A Sense of Humor

A Series on Love, Laughter, and the Little Things

Let’s be real.

Life is serious enough.

A good partner knows when to crack a joke—especially when you’re about to cry over spilled milk.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine…” — Proverbs 17:22

Fun & Faithful

Humor doesn’t mean turning everything into a stand-up routine.

It’s about not taking yourselves too seriously—and finding joy in life’s mishaps.

It’s the inside jokes, the shared giggles, and the funny faces across the dinner table. It might even be tossing a dinner roll in the air.

So tell me: What’s the silliest thing you’ve laughed about together recently?

Laughter is key.

It’s the sparkle in your eyes.
The way your laughter echoes through the house.
It is the playful wink that says: We’re in this together—and we’re going to have fun along the way.

A sense of humor will get you through the tough times.

It’s the gentle stuff that says:

“I’ll make you laugh when you really want to cry.
And I’ll be here for all of it.”

I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and “like” this post if you feel led to.

#Love #Kindness #Patience #Humor #Relationships #GoingTheDistance #IandThouReflections