National Marriage Week 2026 will be observed from February 7 to 14. The theme for this year is "Man and Woman He Created Them: Together With Purpose."
Marriage - a Christian Marriage - is a Sacred Covenant.
A Covenant Marriage is much more than a blending of 2 lives & a setting up of a home … it is a spiritual union ideally suited to help you know Elohim's character more fully and intimately; it is a disciplined life that draws you and your spouse closer to Yeshua in ways that will hone your character to more fully example the life and love lessons He lived, exampled, & taught. The sacredness of this special intimate covenant is enriched by the guidance of the Ruach HaKo'desh as He guides you both into a deeper understanding of merciful love that reaps humble gratitude and profound thankfulness. Whether it is delightful - or difficult, your unfolding, enriching, and rewarding 3-cord-marriage will become a closer walk with Hashi'lush HaKo'desh (the Trinity). Everything about your marriage; from the history you and your spouse are creating, to the love you share, & ultimately to the forgiveness you both will learn to offer and seek - will be favored with the sacred capacity to help you grow in Yeshua's character: thus fulfilling Elohim's purpose for your Union.
During Holland's bachelor years, and during my widowing years, we had both been praying that our lives would not settle into a boring landscape as our senior years were creeping up on us - and man! Elohim delivered in a big way!
John Michael Montgomery - How Was I to Know: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mx2ToUji1Wo&list=RD1o4s1KVJaVA&index=10
Holland was a major surprise - with more machismo than I had ever experienced before. He was mega macho - tenuously balanced with a big heart full of big love.
My 5'2" self was not a surprise to Holland (he'd visually seen me decades ago & had patiently been waiting for me to show up, in the flesh) … but my 6' attitude was not foreseen; nor was it appreciated when it entered his life.
The macho driven machismo, & the short shot of whiskey in a tea cup, set us both back a pace; and seriously put out marriage in jeopardy. Holland wanted a traditional "Biblical Wife!" - and I wanted a gentler giant to submit to. Needless to say: tensions were high, triggers were tripped, and both of us were behaving badly during those flareups.
Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash - Jackson:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpPzk-41RJI&list=RDTpPzk-41RJI&start_radio=1
Holland was not the kind of man I was used to - he didn't give ground. on anything, for any reason. His word was Law.
I was not the kind of woman Holland was used to - I didn't step back, back down, or tremble when his voice rose & shook the rafters. I stood ground; and sometimes, gave back tit to his tat (no pun intended; this was no joking matter).
The first 2 years were rough. But I never doubted that with him, I'd always be protected, sheltered & looked after: even when he was frustrated, or angry with me. And he never doubted that with me, he'd be looked after, sheltered - hands down, and tended to: even when frustration was high and my eyes were shooting daggers.
I'd been a Wife for 44 years before widowhood demoted me: my understanding is that marriage is a sacred undertaking.
Holland had been a bachelor for decades - and raised in a testosterone driven atmosphere all of his Life: his understanding of marriage was totally clueless all the way around.
We had a LOT to learn about each other.
We had good friends who came alongside us and offered words of loving encouragement, and reminding us that the first two years of a new marriage are the hardest; and most trying on the nerves.
We also knew that Elohim Himself had orchestrated our coming together … knowing He was "for us", we anchored ourselves in Him, His unfailing Word, and trusting Yeshua's healing power.
We are building our Home's foundation this year, on the Solid Rock: 3 CORD = Us, Elohim, & His Word. In spliced pliancy, strength is built.
We are friends. We love each other - and keeping that front and center during those 24 months of baptism by fire, we hung on.
Sometimes with fingernails that threatened to fail.
"Forgive-Forget-Move Forward" became a looping mantra.
I am - and will always be a Daughter of the Most High God first; after that, I am Holland's Wife. And being Mrs. Holland Redmill is an assignment from Heaven - a devine trust we both feel honored to be favored with.
So, when we celebrated our 3rd Year Wedding Anniversary, a month ago, Holland said, "This is the year we will begin to build a new life. I love you, Baby."
We started our New Life together 37 months ago, with hope towards a happy future; and despite the cold winds that occasionally blew through & disturbed our blissful bubble, the hope held.
February 10th, 2023 Post: ONE MONTH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2023_02_10_archive.html
I'm okay with kickstarting the New Life Dream and building a refreshed New Life. That's what a covenant marriage is - commitment, dedication, & restarts if necessary.
So far, 2026 has been very good to us.
Finishing my morning coffee - and shifting my potted plants to a sunny window … I noticed a newly emerging stem emerging from the potting soil; eventually these spindly growths will flesh out to become another interesting zig-zag shape resembling a fish skeleton. The Fishbone Cactus is not a desert cacti plant - it is actually a succulent jungle plant that grows on trees, in the crotch of jungle trees:
New growth pushing up through the potting soil.
And turning from the dining table - I caught sight of a cute little song bird touching down to perch on the hand rail alongside the front door … but flew off before I could get my camera. This is what it looked like - and this is the birdsong I wake up to every morning:
California Towhee; Almond Oasis RV Park-CA
Spring Song of the California Towhee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZeft08Mrb8
Then, I engaged in some lower body toning exercises. The Darebee Demeter Workout is designed to be a lower body workout that helps develop strength in muscles and tendons, ligaments, and support muscle groups. It is suitable for individuals of various fitness levels, including those who are 69 years old. The workout is non-equipment and focuses on strength training, which is generally safe for older adults. However, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new workout routine, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or concerns; listen to your body & stop if pain is excessive.
Muscles used.
This workout is generally safe for most individuals, but if you have knee or back issues, it's best to consult a fitness professional for personalized guidance. Form & technique for each exercise is shown below. Aim for 10 reps x2 EA exercise.
Bent Leg Extensions Kickbacks
Bent Side Leg Extensions Kick
Double Glute Flex Lift
Double Glute Lift exercise video:
(https://workoutguru.fit/exercises/lying-double-glute-lift-female-video-exercise-guide-tips-641512/)
Glute Bridge
Half-Wipers
V-Extensions Adductor Stretch
My hands have been aching with overuse (because I always push the envelope when designing & working on a project), so Holland suggested we seize the sunny day, enjoy a day out of house, & bring pizza back for Supper: YES!
After supper, we were treated to a pretty sunset - and the Day was so pleasant, we left the front door open until darkness settled & the moon rose:
Lovely ending to a lovely Day; Almond Tree Oasis RV Park; Coalinga-CA
While my husband was sprawled on his recliner enjoying a short snooze, I noticed the leaves on the Amaryllis bulb are proliferating and lengthening - so, I pulled some old knitting needles, and used those as stakes to hold the leaves upright & corralled …
Amaryllis leaves staked & contained; and a Spring Book Cover slipped over tonight's read.
A Clive Cussler Novel; tonight's choice.
And when I felt my sore hands itching to reach for my WIP; I quickly grabbed a book to read and headed upstairs to lay down - keeping my self-care covenant, and treating my hands kindly.
