When we stood at the altar and promised to love in “sickness and health; for better or for worse,” I think we all secretly hoped and prayed there would be very little sickness and not much we’d call “worse.” So, what can a couple do when life gets tough to help them “TEAM Up” to stay in Love?
Just as photography captures cherished moments, a snapshot of Scripture can restore serenity and lift our spirits.
Often engaged couples, newlyweds or couples whose marriages seem to be “on the rocks” ask us, “What ONE THING keeps your marriage more harmonious? In The 10 Best Decisions a Couple Can Make, we offer many ways to avoid and, when necessary, handle disagreements. One we have seen most helpful in our own marriage and thousands of couples is the Conflict Covenant. This will help you decide the “rules of engagement” or how you will handle issues when you are not seeing “eye to eye.”
Each year as my family decorates the tree, we sing “The First Noel” and add on those yarn wreaths. We remember it is a “choice to rejoice.” It also seems as we reflect on that first Christmas and our decision to “choose joy,” we can see why God placed this vital truth in our lives as a strong foundation for our future.
In a caregiving situation in marriage, your love can be nurtured—despite the added responsibility—if you each choose to extend God’s love and tender-loving care to each other.
Boredom can be a nail in the coffin of your love. People with marriage on the rocks often say, “We just drifted apart.” If you drifted apart, then that means you can drift back together! Often all it takes is a little TLC, Tender Loving Care—or as we recommend:
According to the Journal of Marriage and Family in 2012, poor communication was reported as the number one reason for marital dissatisfaction by 65% of surveyed couples.
Now it is your turn. Make a list of some of the small irritations, annoying habits, and idiosyncrasies of your man. Then next to each irritation, write out the upside or why you can choose to love that part of who he is.
It's A GOOD DAY to ARISE!This issue of Leading Hearts is dedicated to helping you embrace God's Call on Your Life-NOW! Find inspiring stories featuring women who arise daily to…
I AM A TRUE BO PEEP. I GREW UP ON A SUFFOLK SHEEP FARM IN IDAHO. I was a fourth-generation shepherd. If there is something I am familiar with, it is sheep! So, when I wrote on Psalm 23 for my book Discovering Hope in the Psalms, it was a very personal, very encouraging and very comforting review of the first verses I memorized — and lived — as a child.
And for all of us, in today’s world of uncertainties and unfathomable tribulations, our heart longs to be protected and provided for by a Good Shepherd.
(more…)