Category: Marriage

Refiring, NOT Retiring!

by Dale, posted in Marriage, Ministry, Ministry Counseling, Pastoring, Uncategorized

In a recent post, I joyfully announced the upcoming transition of ministry after serving as lead pastor for 24 years at Boones Creek Bible Church. Perhaps I did not communicate effectively, so for clarity sake, may I say, retirement is not a part of this transition.

Denise and I will continue to serve at BCBC, but my role will change to associate pastor. This means that I’ll continue to serve by teaching an elective, biblical counselling, leading a small group, visitation, leading the senior’s ministry, preach when needed, etc.

This change allows Denise and me to pursue a passion that has stirred in my heart for a long time and that is ministering to pastors and their wives. I don’t need to look at statistics to know that pastors and their wives need great encouragement. All I need to do is look back over my 40 years of full-time ministry as well as growing up in a pastor’s home to be assured of this huge need. Add to that the number of pastors and wives we have already counseled as well as hearing of needs along the way, we are so drawn to this ministry of refreshment.

Denise and I are available to serve the local church in other capacities as well. Check out the speaking page on my blog for helpful information. Will you prayerfully consider letting us have the rich blessing of coming alongside you and the ministry where you serve to be a refuge and refreshment by the grace of God?

We’re refiring, not retiring!

Kit Kat Ice Cream on the Scenic Route

by Dale, posted in Love, Marriage, Uncategorized

Never think you have to always go high dollar to make investments in your marriage.

Having finished a peaceful hour sitting on the dock of a friend’s cottage in the middle of nowhere on Watauga Lake, I said, “Hey, let’s go to Dollar General, get a carton of ice cream, and head for Watauga Point to watch the sunset.”  No more had it been said, we were off!

The selection as stated by my wife was mint chocolate chip or something chocolatey. Well, the choices were slim, so Kit Kat Bar ice cream was it.  Hey, it’s ice cream.  That’s all that matters, right?

We parked, walked through the flock of geese in the open lawn and pointed our chairs toward the sun. With two spoons and a carton of frozen goodness, we ate, talked, watched the boats go by, enjoyed the beauty of a sailboat, commented about a small plane flying over the lake with the mountain behind as a backdrop, and took pictures of all the beauty around us!

Sometimes, spontaneity is a good thing in a marriage. Next time your spouse says, “Hey, let’s . . . .”  Say, “Sure!”

You see, we’re just two lovers in our middle sixties still havin’ fun on the scenic route in marriage, and we want you to as well!

How’s your trip? 

“Hey let’s . . . .”

New Ministry Announcement!

by Dale, posted in D & D Ministries, Marriage, Ministry, Ministry Counseling, Pastoring

D & D Ministries: Refuge and Refreshment For Ministries and Marriages

If you have followed my blog this week, you know that Denise and I are moving into a new season of ministry life. (Post 1, Post 2, and An Exciting Step of Faith & Obedience)

Please read our ministry launch page below and let us know how we can be used as a refuge and refreshment to you, your marriage, your family, and/or your ministry. Most of all, as the Lord brings us to your mind, please, please pray for us! Our utmost desire is for the True Vine, Jesus Christ, (John 15:1) to bear fruit through His branches (John 15:5) for God’s glory! That is totally impossible without abiding in Christ and through Christ (John 15:5).

As a couple, Dale and Denise love to walk with believers through every stage of life. They are passionate about using their home as a platform for the gospel and are eager to encourage couples of every age.

Continue reading “New Ministry Announcement!” →

Plans Change, Love Remains

by Dale, posted in Love, Marriage, Ministry, Monday Ministry Encouragement

Monday’s Ministry Encouragement: Written to encourage you, my friend in ministry, to be refreshed and renewed as we live for Christ and look toward the Bema.

“She’s the pastor’s wife!”

Being married to a pastor comes with a multitude of blessings and challenges from every direction. Today’s blog post was written by my wife, Denise. I share it here today in hopes it will encourage the wives of pastors.

Please click the link and be refreshed! — Plans Change, Love Remains

Counting the Joys!

by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Joy, Marriage, Ministry, Monday Ministry Encouragement, Uncategorized

“Pastor, do you know that you have been my pastor all my life?”

Last weekend, I had the privilege of attending two high school graduations of two young ladies who I held in the hospital at birth and have now watched receive their diplomas. That’s one of the many joys of longevity in ministry in one location!

Continue reading “Counting the Joys!” →

The Month of Love (I, N, E)

by Dale, posted in Joy, Love, Marriage, Uncategorized

Today marks the end of February but the continuation of building and blessing your marriage.

V – Value the grace gift of marriage

A – Advance your marriage through prayer

L – Love your spouse unconditionally

E – Energize your marriage

N – Nothing should come between you and your spouse

T – Take time to cherish your spouse

I – I must not get in the way

When troubling issues between a husband and wife descend upon a marriage, the default setting is to focus all the attention or blame upon the other person. When our “expectation comes from the Lord” (Psalm 62:5) for biblical change, then we must step out of the way. One of the ways to trust God for your marriage is to refuse to make things work, change others, and/or be in control. While you are praying for God to change your spouse and/or your situation, He has set out to change you, too. You can trust God for your marriage and your spouse.

N – Never go to bed angry and unrepentant

The Word is very clear about unresolved conflicts between spouses. Do not let the sun go down on your anger . . . . Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:26, 31-32). Please let these words of God soak into your soul and obey. Leave the results with God. Confess the idolatry of wanting your own way as you run to the cross of Christ. Here’s a highly recommended resource: Marriage Conflict, Talking As Teammates, 31-Day Devotionals for Life, Steve Hoppe.

E – Enjoy the journey

God said marriage was good before sin entered into this world (Genesis 2:18-25). For all aspects of marriage success and fulfillment, look to the Creator of marriage and trust Him day-by-day to grow you and your marriage for His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31) and for the gospel (Ephesians 5:18-33). Do not set your expectations on your spouse and try to change them. Take your burdens and the issues of your heart to the Lord in intercessory prayer (1 Peter 5:6-7). Take your focus off of what you want and what you expect from your spouse and say, “My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my hope is from Him” (Psalm 62:5).

If you have missed any of this series, just check out the previous posts. Set your affection on God first, soak your soul in Colossians 3 and may this gift of marriage be a tool of growth in Christ for the glory of God through all the joys, hardships, sorrows, disappointments, and pleasures!

The Month of Love (N)

by Dale, posted in Love, Marriage, Men, Uncategorized

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

Here we are in the middle of February, and we continue the V-A-L-E-N-T-I-N-E acrostic on ways to make this a blessed month of growth and change in biblical marriage.

With “N” being the middle letter as it comes between V-A-L-E and T-I-N-E, let us be reminded to let NOTHING come between you and your spouse in this blessed grace gift!

Continue reading “The Month of Love (N)” →

Make It a Special Day!!

by Dale, posted in Love, Marriage, Ministry, Monday Ministry Encouragement

Monday’s Ministry Encouragement: Written to encourage you, my friend in ministry, to be refreshed and renewed as we live for Christ and look toward the Bema.

Ministry Friend, what have you planned for Valentine’s Day for your wife? You’ve had a full weekend and Sunday. May I encourage you to consider the following?

Continue reading “Make It a Special Day!!” →