Today’s Featured Couple is Roger and Lori!
Every couple has valuable treasure hidden in their relationship. The Spouse Dates Featured Couple Interview is designed to “mine” some of that treasure in order to share it with you.
As you read Roger and Lori’s story I hope you find a gem, jewel or golden nugget that will be encourage and inspire you in our own marriage!
Roger and Lori have been married almost 25 years, and have five children ages 12 to 23. They live on the north shore of Long Island and both work at Smithtown Christian School. Roger is the Superintendent and Lori is a teacher.
How did you first meet and what was your first date?
We met at University of Valley Forge, and knew each other casually throughout our first three years of college. We began dating in the spring of our senior year when our roommates signed us up for a blind date (a couples’ treasure hunt at the King of Prussia Mall). Initial dates included racquetball at the YMCA, bike rides, and walks in Valley Forge National Park.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome as a couple and how has that shaped your marriage? How would you advise another couple facing a similar thing?
Our biggest challenge has been navigating transitions throughout our married life– relocating our family for new opportunities and jobs. Our marriage has been strengthened by each transition, as the difficulties of establishing new homes, new jobs, and new friends has pushed us to become closer and to rely on our friendship as a constant throughout uncertainty.
If you could go back in time and give one piece of marriage advice to your newlywed selves, what would that be?
Always be discovering new things together: read books, take classes, and discuss what you’re learning. Talk with your kids about everything you’re learning.
What do you most look forward to doing with your spouse in the years to come?
Traveling together, exploring the outdoors; camping with our grandchildren (when they arrive!); and mentoring young adults as they pursue God’s purposes for their lives. Our ultimate dream is to have a huge home where young adults can live with us and learn how a Biblical worldview transforms every area of life.
How do other people describe you as a couple?
(We had to check in with our kids to find out the answer to this one.) They said… “passionate and hardworking; accomplish goals with excellence; have fun doing everything together; warm and welcoming; hospitable.”
What is something you do on a regular basis that increases the strength and vitality of your relationship?
We regularly walk on the roads or the many trails near our home. As we walk, we talk, pray, laugh, plan, dream, and even sometimes cry.
What is one of the most inspiring or rewarding experiences you have ever had together?
Over the course of 12 years we transformed a foreclosure house into an amazing custom home. We rebuilt the entire house, added a new kitchen, created built-in bookshelves, replaced all the systems, and built a large dormer for an upstairs family room. Oh yeah… a year after we were all done, we moved!
What brings you the most joy in life, as a couple?
Raising our five children and seeing them all serve the Lord with their gifts and talents.
If you found an idea that encouraged or inspired you, be sure to pass it on!
Share it with your spouse, a friend or even in the comments below.
Follow Us!