Relationships – Page 2 – I and Thou Reflections

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

A Series on Love, Laughter, and the Little Things

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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

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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

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

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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

Hey Cutie-Pie, Are We in Love? #3: Patience

A Series on Love, Laughter, and the Little Things

*Image Source: www dot holysojourners dot com*

Let’s be real.

Patience is hard. Right?

But don’t we all deserve a partner with the patience of a saint?

A good partner doesn’t mind waiting!

Whether it’s for you to finish your epic story about your day or to find your phone (that’s in your hand).

Or the glasses you are looking for that are perched on your head.

“Love is patient…” — 1 Corinthians 13:4

Fun & Faithful

Patience isn’t just about waiting—it’s about how you wait.

A good partner’s patience turns awkward silences into shared jokes. And maybe 45-minute outfit decisions into a runway show.

So, tell me. Which one of you takes longer to get ready?

Patience is key.

It’s the quiet smile.
The gentle touch.
The eyes that say, “Take your time – I’m here.”

It’s the little gentle stuff that says:

“You’re worth the wait.”

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

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

Hey Cutie-Pie, Are We in Love? #2: Honesty

A Series on Love, Laughter, and the Little Things

Let’s be real.

Honesty is the best policy. Right?

But if your partner’s “constructive feedback” sounds like a bad Yelp review, maybe it’s time to dial it back a tad.

Learning to tell it like is with love comes with practice.

“Instead, speaking the truth in love…” — Ephesians 4:15

Fun & Faithful

Honesty is about sharing your heart, not tearing someone else’s apart.

It’s about gently nudging each other to grow—like pruning a rosebush, not hacking it to bits.

It’s the warm voice.
The soft words.
The caring eyes.

It’s the gentle stuff that says:

“I’m on your team. I believe in us.”

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

#Love #Kindness #Honesty #Relationships #GoingTheDistance #IandThouReflections

Hey Cutie-Pie, Are We in Love? #1: Kindness

A Series on Love, Laughter, and the Little Things

Let’s be real.

Holding the door for each other is sweet. Right?

But if that’s the only time your partner shows kindness, you might be dating the doorman, not your soulmate.

Kindness is the secret sauce that makes even the worst days feel a little better.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32

Fun & Faithful

Kindness is more than sweet gestures. Sure, flowers are lovely! But it is the kindness in the everyday stuff.

It’s about remembering your coffee order (even if it’s longer than your grocery list).
It’s about listening to your story for the fourth time, nodding like it’s brand new.

It’s the smile.
The tender eyes.
The tone of voice.

It’s the gentle stuff that says:

“I see you. You matter.”

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

#Love #Kindness #Relationships #GoingTheDistance

Hey Cutie-Pie, Are We in Love? Introduction

A Series on Love, Laughter, and the Little Things

Introduction

Do you have what it takes for the long haul?

Hmm.

Want to find out?

Let’s start by rating our humor meter. On a scale of 1 to 10, what’s yours? And what’s your partners?

Over the next few blog posts, we’re going to explore what makes a couple “tick.” Hopefully, we will uncover the secrets of a long-lasting relationship. And maybe laugh a little, too. We’ve synthesized years of research to create short, playful insights just for you.

So whether you’re already married, engaged, or daydreaming about the love of your life – grab a cup of coffee and join us!

Here’s to June!

The magical month of weddings, sweet promises, and love stories that can last a lifetime.

P.S. Curious about how June weddings got their start? Check out this previous post here:

June Weddings – Part 1: The Origin

See you next time when we’ll dive into the small, sweet gestures that can keep love alive. Like opening the door for each other.

Image Credit: “Cutie Pie” by ginnerobot is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/?ref=openverse.

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

#Love #Kindness #Relationships #GoingTheDistance

Wine & Faith by Nadia Crane – Wrap Up (Reflection #7)

A Reflection Series for Mental Health Awareness Month

The Power of Peace

Excerpt from Wine & Faith – 19 Days in Napa

Jill returns to the chalet, where she recounts spending months sifting through scripture on these specific words: “wife,” “husband,” “love,” and “marriage.” She pours herself a glass of wine and opens her Bible.

…God has called us to live in peace. How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? – 1 Corinthians 7:15

I pause, soaking in the words… and wash away my preconceived notions.

“God has called us to live in peace.”

That doesn’t mean peace at all costs, as my father would say. No, we are called to peace…
Then it hits me.
Bam.

Strangely, this might just be my get-out-of-jail-free card…
I begin humming Amazing Grace.
The Spirit fills my soul.
Peace.

…God has…opened the door to separating from Derek.

I can almost taste it.

Faith Reflection

What does peace look like for you? Do you feel at peace and safe in your home?

As we wrap up this series for Mental Health Awareness Month, I invite you to think about peace—peace with your partner, in your home, and with God.

Do you feel at peace?

Good mental health begins with a deep, inner knowing that we’re meant to live in peace. God calls us to peace, and we can trust that knowing when surrounded by those who love and treat us kindly. In that place, we find God’s peace and the freedom to live without fear.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” — 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

Jill’s moment of clarity is more than a decision—it’s a spiritual awakening. She learns peace doesn’t come from holding everything together at all costs. It comes from letting go of what keeps her stuck in fear, conflict, or guilt.

Like Jill, we can find strength in letting go. When we do, we trust God’s peace will fill the spaces where fear once lived.

Haiku

No more silent wars—
I stand firm in who I am,
God’s peace, my shelter.

Reflective Questions

Where are you called to release the burden of fixing what cannot be fixed?

How does the idea of “peace” differ from how you’ve defined it in the past?

What would it look like to live in peace today—right now?

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

#MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #Overwhelm #FeelingInvisible #EmotionalIsolation #WalkingOnEggshells #UnmetExpectations #Relationships #WineandFaith #NadiaCrane #thepaiseleyfrog #LifeJourney