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A Surprise Request






We celebrated my granddaughter’s seventh birthday and I have to admit I was intrigued by one present she requested.

Gift giving is pleasant in our family since we discovered how much fun it is to use Amazon’s wish list.  My daughter teaches her daughter that it’s okay to wish for things, make a list, realizing you may or may not get it all, but surely the gifts that come will be ones you’ve handpicked.  


Weeks ago I asked her to remove Gary and Jan Bower’s book, The Person I Marry, from Sookie’s wish list because I purchased it and mentioned what a surprising read it is for young kids.  The idea for that gift came about when Sookie started asking pertinent questions about the faith of our family members and then drawing the conclusion of how important it is to marry someone with the same faith.  We were astonished at her perception after we picked ourselves up off the floor.

The book is written in rhyme and talks about all the different character traits that are important to seek out in a lifetime partner.  The illustrations are captivating!

I think it’s a good idea to teach our kids not to just focus on the external, but point out how important integrity, kindness, sharing, etc. are in relationships.  I discovered even young kids comprehend and know how to identify these things.

If you are a married person, what important trait(s) would you say you bring to the relationship?

If you’re single, what trait is important to you that your marriage partner would have?


This book surprised me.  Already, I’ve enjoyed the lively discussions in our family!
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Comments

  1. Mevely317October 18, 2015 at 5:24 PM

    Wow, I can't believe Susanna's 7 y/o already! That sounds like a great book!

    I don't know that I bring anything significant to Tom's and my relationship. In many ways we're so much alike (that) our coming together felt like a subtle meld. When faced with dark days and darker situations, I suppose its my common sense and optimism that kicks into overdrive ... and he's no choice but to be dragged along. LOL!

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    1. Saleslady371October 18, 2015 at 6:42 PM

      Kids grow so fast! First grade already! I think common sense and optimism are outstanding traits and your wonderful Tom knew he needed a wife like that! You two are a fun couple.

      Delete
  2. CeilOctober 18, 2015 at 5:27 PM

    Hi Mary! You look so happy in this photo! I love it :)
    This looks like an interesting book. How wonderful that your young grandchild is already thinking about what she wants to see in a life partner. I would be picking myself off the floor too!
    I bring activity to my relationship with my husband, a new perspective. I am more outgoing that my spouse, and he often comments that he wishes he was more like me! Well, in that way anyway. It's good to have an active life in all areas of life, and I do think that I bring that.
    How about you??
    Ceil

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    1. Saleslady371October 18, 2015 at 6:45 PM

      Susanna runs deep for a kid and asks lots of questions. Loved reading your answer and learning more about you! For me, I bring stability to the relationship and he brings adventure the way he thinks out of the box! Sometimes it's wild :)

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  3. LindaOctober 18, 2015 at 6:23 PM

    Mary, this sounds like a very good book! I love your photos! Happy belated birthday to your lovely granddaughter! :)

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    1. Saleslady371October 18, 2015 at 6:46 PM

      I read it, Linda, and was impressed. Thanx for the b-day wishes!

      Delete
  4. bettyOctober 18, 2015 at 7:48 PM

    I like the idea of a wish list like they feature on Amazon; good for people to put down what they might want to aid those shopping for loved ones. What great insight your young grand daughter has and indeed how important to marry someone of the same faith. I think for me having someone who had a faith was important to me; we came from different backgrounds in church, but still had that faith and belief in Jesus :)

    betty

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    1. Saleslady371October 19, 2015 at 4:09 PM

      You are blessed, indeed, Betty. Our family thrives on the Amazon wish lists!

      Delete
  5. SharonOctober 19, 2015 at 9:12 AM

    Well, Happy Birthday to Miss 7-going-on-40!! Wise girl, indeed!

    I'd have to say that one of the traits that I bring to my marriage is kindness. My hubby tells me that he appreciates my kind and generous spirit. I think he's awfully sweet to say that - as he is one of the most generous and thoughtful people I know!

    GOD BLESS!

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    1. Saleslady371October 19, 2015 at 4:11 PM

      You two were made for each other. I have to admit, I always enjoy when you mention him in your stories!

      Delete
  6. TerriOctober 19, 2015 at 10:22 AM

    I believe like faith is so important. It will be the glue the holds the couple together during life's storms. And those storms will come for sure.

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    1. Saleslady371October 19, 2015 at 4:13 PM

      A great point, Terri. I like the way you refer to it as "like faith." Just going to church or religious rituals can't compare. I want relationship with spouse and Jesus!

      Delete
  7. TerriOctober 19, 2015 at 10:22 AM

    I believe like faith is so important. It will be the glue the holds the couple together during life's storms. And those storms will come for sure.

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  8. DeniseOctober 19, 2015 at 4:43 PM

    sounds like a great book, love you

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  9. a joyful noiseOctober 20, 2015 at 2:25 PM

    Thank you Mary for sharing your story with us here at Tell me a Story. The book sounds precious and would be a good investment for the young at Sunday school or Junior church.

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  10. a joyful noiseOctober 20, 2015 at 2:33 PM

    I love to shop Amazon.com's used books. usually you only pay the shipping and a few cents. I ordered two of these books for our church library.

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    1. Saleslady371October 20, 2015 at 4:15 PM

      I'm curious what you will think of it. My short review here doesn't go into the powerful message of it. I'm so thankful to have it for this kind of kid.

      Delete
  11. caryjoOctober 20, 2015 at 7:18 PM

    What a blessing to see you with your dear one! Made me SMILE! [ BTW, I'll be a great-grandma with a little boy coming from my granddaughter this week. She just graduated from highschool when we discovered this. I'll be popping in at the hospital in a day or so from now. Whew! ] You are a treat, as usual.

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    1. Saleslady371October 21, 2015 at 2:58 PM

      Very exciting to expect a great grandchild! I'm happy for you and pray that this little boy will become a mighty man of God.

      Delete
  12. Creations By CindyOctober 21, 2015 at 7:13 AM

    Awe... I hope your precious grandgirl had a great birthday. What a great gift and I am intrigued that at such a young age she is inquiring on the faith of family. LOVE IT! Thanks for sharing the book. I may just need to make a purchase too! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. Saleslady371October 21, 2015 at 2:59 PM

      Aren't our kiddos amazing, Cindy? It's a winner book!

      Delete
  13. AnonymousOctober 21, 2015 at 6:04 PM

    I never heard of it? But I'm with you on the things that teach our children to look for the attributes that our Father sends to those He's calling and who He's got planned for them.

    Your grand baby is too cute!!! God is good, sister.

    What a blessing to get to hang with your loved ones!

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  14. Saleslady371October 21, 2015 at 7:53 PM

    There is no end to what is needed to be written yet, Floyd, and we writers have to develop that listening ear so the Father can use us. I, for one, am grateful to this couple who obeyed and wrote this for the sake of my grandchildren and the next generation.

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  15. stevevhanOctober 22, 2015 at 5:20 PM

    AW i love it, how you guys teach your childrean, Every Christian fam should teach their faith really and make them experience it first hand. Happy Birthday to her and that our Lord bless her more!

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    1. Saleslady371October 24, 2015 at 8:29 AM

      It's fun to pass those faith teachings on with creative tools!

      Delete
  16. stevevhanOctober 23, 2015 at 9:24 AM

    Hi Mary... just a little favor to ask
    Would you wanna vote for me in bloggys 2015.

    kindly log in to:
    1. http://bloggys.ph/section-4/
    2. Vote/Tick the box for 'STEVEVHAN.BLOGSPOT.COM'
    3. Click 'Vote via facebook'
    4. A message will appear telling you that the vote has been casted.



    ReplyDelete

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