A blog where women are inspired and encouraged to grow in their relationship with Christ.

Monday, January 28, 2013

A Love Letter From My Husband



www.marywomantowoman.blogspot.com
It’s almost Valentine’s Day and everywhere I turn, I’m inundated with ads, articles, and blog posts about... romanceYep, the other day I read an article that told me how to know if my man is romantic {or not}.  It said that a truly romantic man... writes love lettersHmmm.

So, I thought I’d ask you... Is your guy clever with the written word and able to pen beautiful sonnets of love? Do you have a drawer full of love letters and love notes? If you do, you are one blessed woman!

Me?  I don’t have a stack of love letters bundled with a pretty lace ribbon tucked away in my ‘special’ box.  I do have a box filled with 31 years worth of beautiful carefully chosen cards. Most are signed either, “With all my love.” Or “Love, Always”.  Does that count?  Does that make my guy romantic enough?

Well, after giving it a little thought, I’ve decided to write 
my own definition of Romance.

Romance:  Any words, actions, or combination thereof, that makes
one spouse’s heart bend towards the other spouse.


My heart bends towards my man when he:

Reaches for my hand to pray.

Talks on the phone with our sons or daughter-in-law, {they live across the country} and then gets teary afterwards because he misses them so much...  He’s a wonderful dad.

Scrapes the ice off my car windows.

Smiles at me {love the way his eyes twinkle!} and calls me ‘Babe’.

Takes out the trash.

Crawls under the bathroom sink to fix a leak.

Laughs {a lot} with me... Love his sense of humor!

Dances around the kitchen with me.

Wraps his arms around my waist and whispers “I love you”.

Holds me when the migraines become too big...  And reassures me that God is faithful.

Tells me I’m beautiful.  {Even with no make-up and 'morning hair'.  Love is blind!}

Takes special care tucking an ‘unsolicited’ blanket around my frozen feet.

Generously forgives me when I snap or say something unkind.

Works hard every day and never complains.

Works on our cars... Even in the rain and snow.

Tells me how much he believes in me.

Serenades me with made-up songs!

Yep, when my husband does any of these things {and so many more}, my heart absolutely bends toward him.  I think that makes him the most romantic man God ever created!

Everyday he writes his love upon my heart.  I guess you could say that in the last twelve months alone, my guy has written me a 365 page love letter... 
 Living in His grace, 
Mary
What's your definition of Romance?  
I'd love to hear what bends your heart towards your man!
Leave a comment!

58 comments:

  1. LOVE this :) Such a great post!!! I may borrow the idea for a Valentine's day post :) Sounds like you have a beautiful marriage.

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    1. Thanks April! I'd love for you to use the idea for your post! And yes, we've certainly had our share of hiccups, but with God's help, we do have a great marriage.
      I'm on my way over to your place for a visit!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  2. I sure loved this. It's such a beautiful treasure for your husband!

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    1. Thanks Ashley! I asked him to read it before I hit 'publish' {I don't want to ever write something that might embarrass him!} and he was very blessed.:)
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  3. My husband places my tea cup and spoon on the counter by my teapot every morning. It makes my day.

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    1. I love that! He sounds like a very special man! Thanks for sharing.:)
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  4. Wonderful! Romance is exactly what we make of it. It means treasuring the kind intentions and loving actions of our husband's hearts!

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    1. Helene, I love your definition of romance! It's treasuring all of those small loving acts and intentions of our guy.
      Thank you for coming by and leaving a comment!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  5. Mary, this is so sweet! My husband doesn't write "traditional" love letter either. However, after 20 yrs my heart still beats hard when I see Him! I am trying to teach my 16 yr old about "real" romance...vs. what she sees on t.v. And I think, sometimes the great gestures of love aren't those spoken...but the love letters we see...day in and day out! Bless you today, friend! ~ jen

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    1. Jen, I applaud you for teaching your 16 yr. old to discern the difference between romantic-hype and 'real' romance. And it makes me smile to hear your heart speeds up when you see your man!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  6. Wonderful! Yes to me that is romance too! Although a rose now and then helps! My husband surprised me with a perfect rose recently with a note saying "I love you Patsy." The rose faded as roses do, but I put the note on my mirror. A few days later, there was a little rosebud on the note!!! Wow! and it isn't even valentine. We are so blessed that God chooses to bestow His love for us through our husbands, :^) BIG smile! patsy

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    1. Patsy, I love this! A rose and a sweet note {and then a rosebud!}... how very romantic! I can certainly understand your BIG smile!!
      Thanks so much for sharing!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  7. That is so sweet! Thanks for sharing! I completely agree!

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    1. Thanks Elina! {Beautiful name!} I'm so glad you came by and shared!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  8. I so much appreciate your definition on romance. My husband and I made a decision long ago that Valentine's Day is everyday. I do enjoy getting love letters and flowers and gifts (occasionally) but what turns my heart towards my husband is when he: washes the dishes for me after dinner, plays with the kids so I can have a mommy break, calls during the day to see how we are all doing and what we are up to, brings a special sweet treat for us to share, gives me grace for those "ugly" moments. These are just a few of the things that my husband does to show his love for me and I am grateful for him.

    Yolanda

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    1. Yolanda, I'm so glad you came by and took the time to share about your man! I love that for you, every day is Valentine's Day and that you've decided to appreciate all of the little things he does. He sounds like a special guy! :)
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  9. Love letters? Um... nope. I have one letter he wrote me from basic training. And a box full of lovely birthday/anniversary/mother's day cards. The man of the house isn't one to pour out his feelings onto paper, and that's perfectly ok with me! He is tons of romantic in other ways. Like the way he'll come up and hug me from behind while I'm cooking or washing dishes, or rub my feet while we watch television, or says "You're pretty" out of the blue.

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    1. Beckey, are you sure we're not married to the same guy?! He sounds like a treasure! {I especially love the part about the foot rubs!} Thanks so much for sharing about the romance happening in your home!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  10. Oh, this is wonderful. I don't have a man who's good with words, but he shows his love often and in so many ways. He's a wonderful husband, father, friend. Thanks for making me fall in love again! :)

    Just found you through the Prowess and Pearls hop, and am delighted to be Number 105 on your GFC chart! If you have a moment, feel free to stop by "this little light": I'm running a fun giveaway this week!

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    1. Michelle, I'ts so important for us to appreciate our men in the 'moment'. Your man sounds like a great guy!
      I'm so glad you came by today! [And thanks for following!} I'm off to check out 'This Little Light'!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  11. Mary, I LOVE this! Such a great perspective on appreciating our hubby's for all they do. I especially loved your last one about singing made-up songs! My husband does the same thing and cracks me up every time! I'm a new follower from Muchelle's hop. So glad I found your blog! Hope you have a blessed week!
    - Heather

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    1. Thanks Heather! It sounds like we both have crazy-singing husbands... Love that!
      Thanks so much for visiting and taking the time to leave a comment!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  12. Mary,
    That is so well written. My husband and I don't "celebrate" Valentine's Day because every day we do and say things to each other that shows respect, caring and love. There is no "fear" if he forgets because he never has to remember. We do as we do - and that is enough. I read your list and he laughed the whole time.

    Thanks so much for linking to my Wednesday's Word. My desire is to spread His Word around the world one word at a time. (Oh I think I will use that as my by-line). http://www.janiscox.com/wednesdays-word-trust/

    Just loved this post - made me smile from ear to ear.
    Blessings,
    Janis

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    1. Janis, it sounds as though you have a very loving marriage.:) I love that's there's 'no fear' if he forgets, because every day is lived with love. I'm glad your guy enjoyed the list!
      Thanks so much for hosting the linkup. It's such a great opportunity to meet lovely ladies and spread the love of Jesus. {I like your new by-line!}
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  13. Oh Mary. What a great post. Yours is a great list. Must be a great guy. I love the 'bends your heart' thought and your photo illustration is great.
    Thanks for sharing this. I enjoyed visiting you today. My post is about Planning a Date Night.
    Come by and see me.
    Blessings,
    Sherry

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    1. Thanks Sherry! I'm so glad you came by today! I can't wait to read your post about planning a date night... I need all the help I can get!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  14. Hi Mary, I love what you have done here. I think i will do this exercise to remind me of the romance in my marriage. its not always the roses or red hearts is it? Its the reality of the fact they WANT to be with us and love us in their ways. Thanks for linking this post up and I look forward to seeing you again next week.
    God bless
    Tracy

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    1. Tracy, each of our men have their own ways of expressing their love. It's our challenge to recognize the 'telling'!:)
      I'm glad you made it by today! Thanks for hosting Winsome Wednesdays!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  15. Hey Mary! Awww...so sweet!! Our husbands are darlings aren't they?! The fact that I know he loves me and our children is romance enough! He has worked tirelessly since the day we were married(24 years ago) to provide for our family without complaining. I especially love how he has to have at least a 30 minute pow wow with me every morning. Or how if he's making himself some tea...it never fails, he always ask if I want some. Even though the kids are grown, he always tells them he loves them. He's thoughtful, caring and always puts others before himself. The list goes on and on. Yeah...he's definitely a keeper!;-) Thanks so much Mary for reminding us how awesome our husbands are and thanks for linking up! Have a blessed day!

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    1. Hi Michell! Your husband's a treasure! I love the morning pow-wows. It's all those little and not-so-little things they do, that shows their love for us. We just need to take the time to notice. I'm so glad you shared today!
      Thanks for hosting the linkup!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  16. My heart bends toward my man when he:
    - has the house spotless when I come from work,
    - helps our youngest with homework,
    - starts the car on a cold morning,
    - puts gas in the car so that I don't have to,
    - makes sure the bills are paid,
    - puts up with me even when I'm not in the best of moods,
    - gives me my "space",
    - carefully attends to the needs of our children,
    - and much more!

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    1. Victory, you are one blessed woman! I'm so glad you made a list of some of the things your man does to show his love for you and your family! He sounds like a wonderful husband and father! Thanks so much for coming by and sharing!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  17. Hi Mary. This is so touching! I absolutely love your definition of romance, my heart bends towards my husband each and everyday. Thanks for sharing! I found your blog over at the doing you well blog hop. I'm looking forward to reading your future posts :)

    -Shaina
    www.shainarenae.blogspot.com

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    1. Shaina, I'm so glad to hear that your heart bends towards your husband! I'm glad you came and I look forward to visiting you!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  18. Thank you for the positive side of marriage, showing we don't need the "material bling" to be romantic. God has blessed me, going on 31 years, with "my Curt" - a man of God. I rest behind him as he is the Spiritual Leader in our family. My heart still does that little flip when I see him, he can still make me feel nervous and giddy as I was when we first got to know each other. I so delight in the relationship he shares with our sons and daughter-in-law. Very blessed that our sons have taken after God and their dad as they walk through life. God so blesses!

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    1. Deby, this made me cry! I can hear in your writing the love you have for 'your Curt'. He sounds like a man who loves God and his family... I love that he still makes you feel 'giddy'! I'm so blessed that you shared this evening!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  19. Great post:
    My heart bends toward my husband:
    when he does the dishes a lot
    when he tells me our son daughter take after me in singing
    makes a fire in the fireplace, he is the best at it.
    when he tells me how our 4 year old grand daughter told him she loved him after he took her out to see the full moon
    how he looks forward to the grand children coming
    how he help our son with his finances (he is divorced)
    his always sees the best in others
    most of all, he is the kindest man I know.

    Thanks for posting this, think I might make my own card this year. Blessings

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    1. Betty, I love your list. A man who can build a good fire, is a keeper! He sounds like a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather... You are a blessed woman.
      Thank you for visiting and taking time to leave your list!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  20. Hi Mary
    This, my friend, is the most beautiful post of yours I have read so far. I love the " morning hair ". Sounds so familiar.
    Much love
    Mia

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    1. Dear Mia, thank you for the encouragement! Aah, morning hair... it's not a pretty sight!:) I always appreciate your visits and comments!
      Blessings and love,
      Mary

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  21. Hi Mary,

    I like that definition of romance, causing a heart to bend towards that person. :)

    Thanks.

    Jennifer Dougan
    www.jenniferdougan.com

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    1. Thanks Jennifer, I'm glad you liked it! I appreciate you coming by this evening!
      Blessings to you~ Mary

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    1. Thanks Lyli! I'm so glad it made you smile! Thanks for visiting and taking time to leave a comment!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  23. Hi, Mary, I'm visiting from Finding Joy! I absolutely adore this post and the list! No, my husband doesn't write me love letters but he always includes a note of how much I mean to him and the children inside cards. Best of all, I love that he isn't afraid to be vulnerable around me and how he opens his heart when we're alone. Love your site. I'll be back for sure!

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    1. Carrie, I love that your man is vulnerable and shares his heart with you... You must be a woman worthy of his trust.:) Who needs a love letter with a man like that?!
      I'm so glad you came by today! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, I look forward to hearing from you again!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  24. Mary, thanks for linking up to FFF at MissionalWomen.com! We're grateful to have you! Thanks for sharing your heart about romance! I love that the first thing on your list is prayer!

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    1. Well thanks! Thank you for doing such a great job hosting FFF! It's a wonderful opportunity to get to know precious ladies and soak up some great thoughts!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  25. My husband doesn't write love letters either... but he is a wonderful husband and does many things like yours does to say, I love you!! I should make a list too because it helps to make me thankful for having such a wonderful man!!

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    1. Judith, It sounds like you've got a great guy. Writing the list helped me to be more aware of the everyday ways my husband says "I love you".
      I'm glad you came by... Thanks for leaving a comment!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  26. As a man of God my desire is to love my with in a way that honors her and the Lord Jesus Christ. As a father of 6 I know that the best example I can give to my Children is in my relationship with Jesus Christ and my marriage. Love is more then an emotion or feeling. It's enduring the daily struggles with each other in a way that honors God and shows others that greater is he that is in us then he that is in this world. If we do not identify what love is to our children through our lives the world will definitely do its job of trying to teach them. There is no greater gift in this world then wife.

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    1. Alex, I'm so thankful for godly men, such as yourself, who attain to love their wives and children as Christ loves us. You're so right that love is much more than a 'feeling', it's a daily choice to honor God. I love that your greatest gift {in this world} is your wife! Thank you for coming by and taking time to leave a comment. I very much appreciated hearing from you!
      Blessing to you and your family ~ Mary

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  27. Happy Monday!
    I'm your new follower.
    would be nice if you can visit my blog and link up.
    Have a nice Monday.
    Nan
    www.blogshe.net

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    1. Thanks for coming by and following!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  28. Gorgeous! Your marriage sounds so blessed. My husband and I are pushing 10 years. His "love language" is one of serving- he is constantly on the move finding ways to make my life easier. He's a dream. :). Your blog is great! Keep up the good work!
    ~Julie www.faceinthebible.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks Julie! It sounds like you have a very special man with a heart to serve! I'm so glad you stopped by and took the time to leave a comment!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  29. Nice to read your article! I am looking forward to sharing your adventures and experiences. good evening wishes

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