Crave

One of my best friends got married on Saturday and not only was I fortunate enough to be there with her, but I was able to stand up with her as she made a commitment to her husband. It's always amazing to watch two people make a commitment to each other in front of God, family and friends, but I have a new appreciation for that commitment. This is the first wedding that I have been to since getting married and even though Ryan and I haven't been married that long, a wedding is a good reminder of that commitment. Pastor Murphy, who was the officiant of the wedding, challenged all married couples to recommit to each other during the ceremony. Hopefully, both Ryan and I will remember the advice that was given. It's good stuff! Pastor Murphy at all the wedding ceremonies he performs gives an acronym with advice and challenges for the new couple. This time around, he used the word "crave." Below is a synopsis of what he said with my own twist added.

C - Change yourself - Don't try to change your partner because that will never work. But, if each partner is actively working on changing themselves, then change will happen. Find out what your partner needs and work to fill those needs.

R - Recreate - Make sure that you make time to have fun and take time out to do things that you enjoy doing together.

A - Affection - Show affection to each other, hold hands, touch each other. This is especially important for those whose love language is physical touch. If this is your spouse's love language, then this is how they will most feel loved by you, so make sure that there is plenty of touching. :)

V - Vulnerability (intimacy) - Open up and let your spouse into your inner parts. Experience and enjoy the closeness of vulnerability and also the freedom that it brings. Peel off your layers like an onion and allow your spouse to see your inner layers.

E - Encourage - Build each other up, support each other's dreams and desires. Be each other's #1 fan and encourage them to be all they are meant to be and more. Celebrate each other's successes and pick each other up when need be. Believe in your spouse and express to them how much you believe in who God created them to be.