Two years ago, I acted on God’s nudging to start a blog called Messy Marriage. I felt that He wanted me to write about all the ways life and marriage is and can be messy.

But I also felt God wanted me to tell of how He is able to redeem the mess—making it into something beautiful and reflective of His heart to a hurting world. I hope that we, as a team, have come close to fulfilling that vision here.

But I must say, this blogging ministry hasn’t been easy for me. Not surprisingly, it’s also been messy at times! But I’m learning so much in the wrestling of words, the facing down of giant fears, and the unveiling of unflattering vulnerabilities. It truly has been a blessed journey.

And I hope that you too are learning here and being blessed as well, my friends.

In true nerd fashion–had my eyes closed in this pic!

Anniversaries offer a special opportunity to reflect on the good God has done in our marriages and lives. Just this past Sunday and Monday, my husband and I took our youngest to check out our alma mater way down in Southern Missouri.

It’s the place where we met and began to date. In fact, I think it’s rather ironic that we won “nerdiest couple” in a college nerd contest, since we now represent “Messy Marriage!” 🙂 Aside from that dubious distinction, I was amazed at the flood of old memories that came tumbling back as we walked the aisles of the buildings and strolled the sidewalks and roads of the campus.

It reminded me of the treasures we all hold in memories.

Too often couples who’ve been married for any length of time neglect the practice of remembering—at least remembering the good times and blessings God has given them. 

Consider taking just a few minutes today and meditating on the many blessed memories you have of your marriage and family. And if you have the chance, perhaps plan a date that is designed around your shared past …

Get out an old photo album or two that can help you remember the good ol’ days and look/laugh through it together. Go to a restaurant or favorite spot to reminisce. As you sit and chat, brainstorm with your spouse about the fun things you loved to do with him or her.

I think practicing “remembering” will certainly increase your gratitude, but more importantly, it will deepen your sense of love and connection.

And since it’s our 2 year anniversary here at Messy Marriage, we have a 6 book give-away for those who live in the continental United States and comment on this post by 1 p.m. CST, Saturday, October 13, 2012. Three of the books available to win are from John Townsend, Loving People and the other three are from Gary Chapman, Desperate Marriages.

To enter, please tell us one of these three things:

• A good memory from your marriage
• What you plan to do for a reminiscing date
• How Messy Marriage has helped or encouraged you

(If you don’t have a link to your blog in your comment, please email me your email address at messymarriage@gmail.com as well, so that I can contact you if you win one of the books we’re giving away. Thanks!)

Linking up with NOBH, Imperfect Prose, Women Living Well, and New Life Steward