Family Values

Fill in the blank: "One value our family holds is ______."

Do your kids know what your family stands for? Download our free kit with activities to help your family discover your values and how to impact your community: http://bit.ly/RMjKj8  -Focus on the Family

Do your children know what your values are by observing the way you live?  Do you spend time teaching them, through conversation, what you want others to see in you/them? 

Many people don't consistently "live what they believe."  They demonstrate certain values on Sunday and others on Monday-Saturday.  Others demonstrate certain values in public, at work or out in the community, and others in the privacy of their own homes.   I pray that you and I are not like those individuals. 

May our whole life, regardless of situation or location, reflect the values that we want to pass on to the next generation.  It is also my hope that the values that we pass on to the next generation are firmly rooted in what God, through Christ, has done for us.

As I write this post, the song "Here I AM" by Downhere comes to mind:

Sometimes Your calling, comes in dream.
Sometimes in comes in the Spirit's breeze.
You reach for the deepest hope in me,
And call out for the things of eternity.

But I'm a man, of dust and stains,
You move in me, so I can say,

Here I am, Lord send me.
All of my life, I make an offering.
Here I am, Lord send me.
Somehow my story is a part of Your plan.
Here I am.

Setbacks and failures, and upset plans,
Test my faith and leave me with empty hands.
Are You not the closest when it's hardest to stand?
I know that You will finish what You began.

And these broken parts You redeem,
Become the song that I can sing.

Here I am, Lord send me.
All of my life, I make an offering.
Here I am, Lord send me.
Somehow my story is a part of Your plan.
Here I am.

Overwhelmed by the thought of my weakness,
And the fear that I'll fail You in the end.
In this mess, I'm just one of the pieces.
I can't put this together but You can.

Here I am, Lord send me.
I want to live my life as an offering.
Here I am, Lord send me.
All of my life, I make an offering.
Here I am, Lord send me.
Somehow my story is a part of Your plan.
Here I am.

Here I Am, all my life an offering to You, to You
Somehow my story is a part of Your plan
Here I am
[ From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/d/downhere-lyrics/here-i-am-lyrics.html ]


Don't forget to go to the link, toward the top of this post, to claim your free Family Resource Kit from Focus on the Family.

What are You Studying?

"Too many men make the mistake of studying masculinity and trying to practice what they learn without paying enough attention to their relationship with God.” -FamilyLife

 

Our society today teaches us that in order to be a "real man" we need to possess and display certain character traits.  In order not to be mocked or ridiculed, as men we often "go the way of the world."  A real man after all, would only read the directions after al else fails, right?  We need to do things our own way. How often to we stop and ask for directions when we are lost or off course?  This question rings true in both our every day and spiritual lives. 

 

One website suggests the following as "7 Traits of Real Men":  Integrity, Compassion, Confidence, Self-Control, Perseverance, Bravery, and Humility.  I might suggest one more trait- Godliness.  As Scripture tells us, we all sin and fall short of the glory of God.  This does not mean that we should not strive to model the example that we have been given of Christ and the church within our own marriages and families.

If our relationship with God becomes more of a priority, then we can/will become the man that God has created us to be.

 

Can You List Your Wife's Top 3 Needs (As She Would List Them)

Discover your wife's top three needs and over the next 12 months go all out to meet them.http://ow.ly/dsCbl  -FamilyLife Art of Marriage

 

The link above will send you to the Art of Marriage Events Page. Here you can find information about attending, or hosting, an Art of Marriage event.  Once you have set up an event, you can also register it on the AOM site.  This will give others an opportunity to find out about your event and when/where it will be held. 

 

If you are interested in hosting an event around NW Iowa, you can contact a member of the NW Iowa Ministry Team.  You can leave a comment on this post and I will refer you to the right person/people.  We are willing to travel in order to assist you, in any way we can, with hosting an event. 

 

Patience, They Aren't Just for Doctors Anymore (Pardon the Pun)

Have you ever considered what part patience might play in the resolution of conflicts in your marriage? How much difference might it make? http://ow.ly/dsleS -FamilyLife Weekend to Remember

The link above will send you to an article written by Dennis Rainey.  The article, entitled The Foundation of a "Oneness Marriage,"  provides readers with "divine blueprints that offer hope, direction, and purpose for marriage."

What affect would being a more patient person have on preventing or decreasing conflict between yourself and your spouse.  How different would the conflicts within our marriages look if we made it our goal to live out the words of James 1:19-20?

¹⁹ My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, ²⁰ because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

Wouldn't it be great if we would make a conscious effort to ensure that our desires were exactly the same as those of our Heavenly Father?  In spite of our imperfection, we can still strive to achieve the goal set before us in Phillipians 2:5-7:

⁵ In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

⁶ Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; ⁷ rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.

Are You Up For A Challenge? Try It, I Dare You!

Give your spouse, in person, one positive statement per day. It can be physical, a character trait, or a spiritual quality. (David Clarke) http://ow.ly/djQh1  -FamilyLife Weekend to Remember

 

The Privilege of Loving Your Wife

A husband's privileged role is to love his wife as Christ loved the church. "Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." (Eph. 5:25)

Do you consider loving your wife a privilege?  Is loving your wife more of a burden or obligation?  As husbands, are we loving our wives unconditionally with the love and devotion that Christ demonstrated for us?  Are we loving our wives in such a way that we are giving up on them or for them?  What will it take for you to love your wife like Christ loves you?

Do You Truly Understand Your Spouse?

What do you think it means for a man to "live with your wife in an understanding way?" (I Peter 3:7) http://ow.ly/dk9rh -FamilyLife Art of Marriage

 

What Does Your Mate NEED From You?

Love one another, even as I have loved you. (John 13:34) Pray that God will always keep you sensitive to the exact expressions of love your mate needs from you at any individual moment. -Dennis Rainey

 

What Positive Qualities Do You Contribute to Your Marriage?

Pray that God will help you see and appreciate your spouse's positive qualities. Think about them. Dwell on them. Thank God for them. http://ow.ly/dk65b -FamilyLife

 

The link above will take you to the FamilyLife store.  There you will find a book by Dr. David Clarke, entitled Kiss Me Like You Mean It,  featured.  You will also find a brief description of the contents of the book, as well as information about its author.

 

 

CAUTION: Marriage Under Construction

No matter where you are now, your marriage can be fixed. With God's help and hard work. The first step is to create some positive flow in your relationship. (David Clarke)http://ow.ly/djM5F -FamilyLife

 

There is no such thing as a perfect marriage.  I am sorry to burst your bubble if you thought otherwise.  Regardless of where you are at in your marriage, how good or bad it might be, it can "easily" be repaired or remodled.  As long as you "hire" the right contractor, the work will go quick and smoothly.  Who is your "builder of choice"?  If you allow God to mend what has been damaged or broken, you will experience full and complete restoration.

 

Hebrews 3:3-5

 ³ Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. ⁴ For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. ⁵ “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house,” bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future.

 

I Want To Know that Your My Hero

Research has shown that wives wished their husbands knew was that: he is her hero! Men, how does that make you feel? http://ow.ly/d9hui  -FamilyLife

 

Does this research reflect that truth in your marriage?

 

The Title to this post sounds like some of the words from a once, and maybe still, popular Bette Midler/Celine Dion song.  Can anyone name that tune? :)

 

The link above will bring you to a book available at the FamilyLife store.  This book, written by Shaunti and Jeff Feldman is entitled For Men Only: A Straightforward Guide to the Inner Lives of Women.  Scroll to the bottom of the page for a description of the book and information about the authors.

 

Filling in the Blank

Fill in the blank: the one thing (according to research) that wives wished their husbands knew was: ________________(Answer later!)  -FamilyLife

 

Husbands, how would you complete the preceding statement?  Compare your answer with your wife's.  Are they the same?  What do you need to do, as a couple, so that your "blanks" are filled with the same thing?

 

Art of Marriage Online Edition Available

Anger undealt with kills relationships and marriages. (Bryan Loritts) For conflict to be resolved, both spouses must be committed to oneness. Do you agree? http://ow.ly/d9ZP8 -FamilyLife Weekend to Remember

 

Select the link above to see a product description and pricing information for The Art of Marriage online edition available through from FamilyLife store.

Shop FamilyLife - The Art of Marriage® Online Edition – Beta

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The Art of Marriage® Online Edition – Beta

Marriage Advice

What is the best piece of marriage of advice you ever received? -FamilyLife Art of Marriage


Some of the best marriage advice I ever received was from a great-uncle of mine.  He said whenever you are having a conversation with your wife that requires a yes answer, reply by saying "yes dear."   Please feel free to post the best marriage advice that you received. 

Date Night Idea

Here is an idea to get you started with celebrating National Romance Month.  Date night idea: Re-create the day of your proposal as closely as you can, and re-live it, moment-by-moment. Celebrate it all. -FamilyLife Art of Marriage 

 

What are some other original ideas?

 

National Romance Month

Did you know that August is National Romance Month? How will you celebrate this important holiday?

-FamilyLife Art of Marriage

Now that this month-long holiday is just about over, what are you going to do to celebrate?  Are you going to end the holiday like a lion or a lamb? 

When Was Your Last Date Night?

What is the most fun date night you've ever had with your spouse? What made it so special and fun? -FamilyLife Art of Marriage

The sad truth of the matter for me is that "date nights" are few and far between.  Having a two and three year old at home, my wife and I rarely go out with just the two of us.  If we do it is to a church or other social event where there are many other couples also present. 

How important is it for you and your spouse to make time just for eachother without anything or anyone else present?  I am interested in your thoughts on the first two post questions as well as the one in the previous question.  Feel free to post your comments below.  We will do a drawing, of all the fun date night responses, on August 31 for a "date night" prize. By posting your comments, you may also give others an idea/ideas that they may not have thought of before. 

The Needs of Your Spouse

Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. (Romans 15:2) Ask God to make you sensitive to your mate’s needs and to show you opportunities to fulfill them. -Dennis Rainey

Romans 15:1-4   We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. ² Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. ³ For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” ⁴ For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

How Is Your Brain Designed?

Women have a relational strength of loving, nurturing, caring and empathy at our core. Our brains have a structure and hormone mix that are even designed specifically for it! Men can do it and learn it well. But their brains are not specifically designed to be naturally great at it. (Shaunti Feldhahn) http://ow.ly/d1hot -FamilyLife

 

By selecting the link above, you will be sent to the FamilyLife online store.  Scroll to the bottom of the page to read the product description for the FamilyLife resource The Life Ready Woman.

There is also a "product description" on the page.  This would be an excellent book for a women's small group study.

 

Another One Of The Devil's Tools

"The devil's strategy for our times is to trivialize human existence and to isolate us from one another while creating the delusion that the reasons are time pressure, work demands, or economic anxieties." (Dr. Philip Zombardo) How can we fight back? -FamilyLife Art of Marriage

Tools the Devil's uses to Prevent Godly Marriage- Part 2

If you take your emotional and sexual energy and spend it on someone else, there will be nothing left for your spouse. Those who continually view pornography or engage in sexual fantasies are isolating themselves. The better way, of course, is to give your time and energy to your spouse.http://ow.ly/cSQSl 

-

FamilyLife Weekend to Remember

As with the previous post, the link above will send you to an article, on the FamilyLife website, written by Bill Elliff.  The title of the article is 8 Lies That Destroy Marraige (Every wrong behavior begins with believing a lie).

 

Tools the Devil's uses to Prevent Godly Marriage- Part 1

A lot of people think, I can view pornography in the privacy of my home. It’s just me and my magazine, or computer … it doesn’t affect my marriage. Oneness in marriage is hijacked by sexual immorality. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:15, “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take away the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute?” Do you agree?
http://ow.ly/cSQ8b -FamilyLife Weekend to Remember

 

The link above will send you to an article, on the FamilyLife website, written by Bill Elliff.  The title of the article is 8 Lies That Destroy Marraige (Every wrong behavior begins with believing a lie). 

Keeping Your Way Pure

How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. (Ps 119:9) Pray that God would cement your own beliefs more clearly in your mind and show you how to communicate them ways to your family and others.- Dennis Rainey

Consider the words of Philipians 4:8-9 as they help to further explain what the Psalmist is saying: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

How do others know what you believe? Do you express your beliefs to them in words?  Do they see it in the way you live? More importantly, do others witness you living what you believe? In other words, do your actions mirror your beliefs?

Is Passion Present in Your Marriage?

Marriage is nothing without passion. Loss of passion is boring, draining, destructive, a terrible example for your kids, and not glorifying to God. God does not want you to live together without passion. (David Clarke, "Kiss Me Like You Mean it")- FamilyLife Art of Marriage

 

Remarried?

Are you remarried? Great! But, realize that a parent's relationship with his or her children will be an intimacy barrier to the new marriage. A stepmother came to see me hoping I could help diminish the jealousy she feels toward her stepson. http://ow.ly/cPNka- FamilyLife Weekend to Remember

Go to the link above to read an article published by editor Ron R. Deal that was originally published by Single Parent Family magazine (published by Focus on the Family) in December, 2000.

Through "Thick and Thin"

Loving your spouse means being there for them and standing with him regardless the circumstances. Song 8:6- Dennis Rainey

 

Song of Solomon 8:6 says:

Place me like a seal over your heart,
    like a seal on your arm;
for love is as strong as death,
    its jealousy unyielding as the grave.
It burns like blazing fire,
    like a mighty flame.

 

Or put in another familiar way: "I, (husband name), take you (wife name), to be my (wife), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part."

If you are an old-style country music fan, the following lyrics may come to mind:

 

"Sometimes its hard to be a woman
Giving all your love to just one man
You'll have bad times
And he'll have good times
Doing things that you don't understand
But if you love him you'll forgive him
Even though he's hard to understand
And if you love him
Oh be proud of him
'Cause after all he's just a man
Stand by your man
Give him two arms to cling to
And something warm to come to
When nights are cold and lonely
Stand by your man
And tell the world you love him
Keep giving all the love you can
Stand by your man
Stand by your man
And show the world you love him
Keep giving all the love you can
Stand by your man"- Tammy Wynette

The Beauty of a Wife

Husband, your job is to make your wife understand that to you, she is beautiful. The point here, for you, is: tell your wife often she is physically beautiful." ~ Dr. David Clarke http://ow.ly/cNWpa

Check out the above link.  At the bottom of the page you will find a brief biography about Dr. Clarke. His book entitled "Kiss Me Like You Mean It" can be purchased from the FamilyLife Store.

Creating a More Manageable Life

There is a proper time and procedure for every delight. (Ecclesiastes 8:6) What cutbacks could you impose on yourselves that would make your lives more manageable three to six months from now? Start by finding one thing you’ll say no to. Ask God to give you the wisdom to build some margin into your lives.- Dennis Rainey

What Would Your Children Say?

How would your children describe the model you are setting in your home of your vocabulary and how you speak to one another? Pray that the meditation of your heart and the words of your mouth will be acceptable in the sight of God.- Dennis Rainey

We had a sermon yesterday morning that called us, or reminded us, to be more child-like.   We were reminded that being child-like does not mean being childish.  Children can be extremely honest when they are asked questions.  They have been known to volunteer information at will. Without prompting, they provide others with information that will make any parent blush and want to hide.

One area where we could especially learn from our children is in the area of faith/trust.  It was said, in the sermon, that studies have shown that children do not lose faith/trust until the fourth repetition of an activity.  For example, a child will jump off the edge of a counter, or swimming pool, into their parents' arms.  It would not be until the fourth time of not being caught that the child would stop jumping (lose their faith/trust). 

If you had to be honest, and you should, what do you think that your children would say about the words that you use and the way you communnicate with your spouse?  Are they words that build your spouse up or tear them down.  Do you speak to them as a "help mate/team mate" or do you address them as if they were a servant or slave?  Do you share equally in your relationship, or do you consider your spouse to be inferior?

"Spouse Speak"

The way you speak to your spouse is the best model to help your kids learn the pleasing use of the tongue. Prov. 10:11- Dennis Rainey

 

¹¹ The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,     but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

 

Juneau, Alaska AOM Event taking place Friday, Aug. 31 and Saturday, Sept. 1

From FamilyLife Art Of Marriage- Please pray for this upcoming Art of Marriage Event:
Fri Aug 31 2012 - Sat Sep 01 2012

Juneau church of the Nazarene
PO Box 32360
Juneau, AK 99803

 

If you live in the Juneau area, please consider taking advantage of this opportunity to strengthen your marriage.  If you are already signed up to attend, it is our prayer that you are blessed by this event.  After attending, if you would be willing to comment on how you were blessed by this experience, we would like to hear from you.  Word of mouth is a great way to encourage others to host, or attend, events in their area.  If you are in the NW Iowa region, we are willing to travel outside our area, and would like to hear more about the possibility of hosting an event, please leave a comment here on the blog and we will be in contact with you soon.  Have a blessed Lord's Day tomorrow.

 

Are you Slow or Quick?

FamilyLife Weekend to Remember-

Ephesians 6:10-19

 ¹⁰ 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

James 1:19 tells us, “everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” But as Dennis and Barbara Rainey say in their book, Staying Close, “Unfortunately, usually we are slow to listen, quick to speak, and even quicker to become angry." What helps you focus on listening well? http://ow.ly/cA3Ha

Are You Listening?

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Case study #1: You are watching television, and the score is tied late in a crucial game … or Castle is solving a mystery ... or you’re about to...

Click on the link above read an article by David Boehi entitled "Are You Listening"?  This article includes three case studied that include tips for communication.  Did you find this information helpful? How can you apply it to your own life/marriage?

Another Piece of Your Spiritual Wardrobe

FamilyLife Art of Marriage-

We need to suffocate sin and put on self-control. I can have hope that I have the opportunity to change, because of the power of God. ~ Dave Harvey

 

 

What thing(s)/area(s) in your life are in need of a change?  Are you willing to let go of what you are hanging on to and allow the power of God to change you in a mighty and powerful way?  How are you suffocating sin and including self-control as an important part of your daily spiritual wardrobe?

Have You Taken the Opportunity to Attend an AOM Event?

Over a quarter-of-a-million people (yes, over 250,000!) have attended an Art of Marriage event in their community! Praise the Lord! Marriages have been renewed, many hearts have been turned over to Jesus as Saviour, and families have been restored. Thanks to God, and you Art of Marriage hosts! http://ow.ly/crltl -FamilyLife Art of Marriage

Shop FamilyLife - The Art of Marriage® Event Kit v1.02

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The Art of Marriage® Event Kit v1.02

If you would like more information in regard to attending, or hosting, an AOM event, please feel free to contact the NW Iowa Minsitry Team.  You can do so by either leaving a comment below or by logging on to http://nwiministries.net/ and leaving a request for information there.

Does Your Communication Involve More Than One Level?

All of communication exists on two levels. The first is the content, the second is, the importance of the relationship. – (Tim Muelhoff) How can/do you apply that to marriage? -FamilyLife Art of Marriage

So much of our communication only involves the content that we want to get across to the recipient of our words.  What if our words would become the secondary portion of our communication and were influenced more by our relationships?  Would that make a difference in the content of our communication?

The Ultimate Sanctuary

Ask God to help you see the value of getting quiet before Him today. Ps. 63:2 http://ow.ly/i/IIlb -Dennis Rainey

Pray for hearts that are constantly cleaned and confessed, and that the Holy Spirit will empower you. Eph. 5:18 -Dennis Rainey

 

How many of you are going to actually look up the two passages listed above, to reflect on what they say? To read the two verses that are reffered to above, and the context in which they were written, get out your Bible or go to http://www.biblegateway.com/ and copy and paste the passages listed above.

Some people would argue "why bother to pray, it doesn't work anyway."  Others have "living examples" or solid proof that prayer has made a difference in their lives.  What is your position on prayer?  Does it work?  Are any of your prayers ever left "unanswered"?  Please leave your thoughts and comments below.

How's Your Communication?

FamilyLife Weekend to Remember- "Argument is the worst sort of conversation." ~ Jonathan Swift
Click here to find positive communication tips: http://ow.ly/cru3v

Are You A Follower?

FamilyLife Art of Marriage-

Following is an art form. It takes years of practice, years of interaction. I may not be quite ready for something. But in those times, we have to up our communication, and we always work to come to an agreement. And if I follow, it works. – Barbara Rainey

Worship--Opportunity or Obligation?

Borrowed from a FamilyLife Weekend to Remember Facebook Post:

We need to discover again that worship is natural to the Christian, that the habit of celebrating the greatness and graciousness of God yields an endless flow of joy. ~ J.I. Packer

Hebrews 10:24-25 says this:

²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another —and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

What do you consider to be true worship?  Are you worshipping in such a way that OTHERS might be spurred on "toward love and good deeds"?   Does worship, regardless of day or location, come "naturally" for you?  Can you say, along with J.I Packer that it is a "joyful celebration"?  How would you answer these questions?  Please leave your comments below. 

What Could I Do?

What could I do to make you feel more respected? What could I do to make you feel more understood?-FamilyLife

Asking Questions

Husbands, are you asking your wife these questions every year? What could I do to make you feel more loved? http://ow.ly/cmx0s -FamilyLife

Columbus, Ohio AOM Event Taking Place Next Weekend

From FamilyLife Art Of Marriage-This weekend, pray for, and shout out to our featured Art of Marriage event happening:  Fri Jul 27 2012 - Sat Jul 28 2012

Christ Ministries International Church at Oakland Park United Methodist
994 Oakland Park
Columbus OH 43211

For a listing of other Art Of Marriage Events taking place in the coming weeks/months, log on to the following website:

http://www.flti.org/site/pp.aspx?c=dnJHKLNnFoG&b=6149579 and select the Attend Event tab. 

These Events provide an excellent opportunity for couples to strengthen their marriage. They are not just designed to help couples who are struggling in their marriage.  These events also provide tools for couples with "good" marriages to make them better.  As someone recently said that, "Even if your car is running well, you are still going to have the oil changed and maintain it on a regular basis. If you are going to have your car maintained when it is running well, why wouldn't you want to make an already good marriage better?"(Thanks Steve)  Isn't your spouse more important than your automobile? 

If you are interested hosting an event in your church/community, please feel free to leave a comment, or ask a question on this site.

8 Lies That Destroy Marriage

The following list was taken from a FamilyLife Article written by by Bill Elliff.  If you are interested in reading the entire article, Log On to the following website:  http://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/marriage/staying-married/gods-plan-for-marriage/8-lies-that-destroy-marriage

Lie #1. "My happiness is the most important thing about my marriage.” 

Lie #2. “If I don’t love my spouse any longer, I should get a divorce.”

Lie #3. “My private immorality does not affect my marriage.”

Lie #4. “My sin (or my spouse’s sin) is so bad that I need to get a divorce.”

Lie #5. “I married the wrong person.”

Lie #6. “My spouse and I are incompatible.” 

Lie #7. “Breaking the marriage covenant won’t hurt me or my children.”

Lie #8. “There’s no hope for my marriage—it can’t be fixed

Husbands, What Kind Of Environment Are You Creating?

Husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. (Eph. 5:28) When you step up and take your place as the spiritual leader in your family, you create an environment where bitterness can't survive but where relationship and romance can grow. Husbands, pray for the courage to keep leading spiritually, even though you won't do it perfectly. Wives, pray that your husband will be encouraged as he leads you and your family spiritually.-Dennis Rainey

A Kiss Is Just A Kiss?

Just as the kiss at the altar was a down payment on the honeymoon, every kiss goodbye should say, "I hate being apart, because I love, love, love you."-FamilyLife Weekend to Remember

Lifelong Journey

“In marriage, God wants to take us on a lifelong journey to become what we were meant to be, to experience Him more and more, to understand a hint of the relationship and unity God knows Himself within the Trinity. This intimacy is a mystery, but it makes marriage a heavenly journey and not merely a biological coupling.” ~Dennis Rainey

What Are You Putting On?

I borrowed this from a FamilyLife Weekend to Remember post on Facebook.

We are told in Colossians 3:12-13 to “put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other.” My spouse’s weaknesses are not hindrances, but the doorway to spiritual growth. - Bill Elliff http://ow.ly/i/MaTr 

 ^{Ephesians 6:13- 17 tells us:  13} Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

As Christians, included with our normal daily attire, we should be clothing ourselves with each of the attributes described in Colossians 3 and Ephesians 6.  The articles/items in those two passages are even more critical than our physical clothing.  Without these items, we are truly
"exposing ourselves to the elements." 

Marriage Relationship

From FamilyLife Art Of Marriage

This is so true:
     “If you want to get the horizontal, marriage relationship right, first you have to get the vertical relationship with God right.” – Dave Wilson
     If our relationship with God is not right then that will reflect on all of our other relationships.  None of them will be right either. 

FamilyLife Weekend To Remember Quote by Mark Driscoll

I thought Weekend to Remember Facebook post was worth sharing:

"All the talk about spending time and doing life together, making memories, being a good listener, growing old and talking are of each other, being honest, having the long view of things, repenting and forgiving can be summed up in one word—friendship." - Mark Driscoll

 

Reflecting Our Relationship With God

http://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/gods_design_for_marriage/marriage_gods_idea/reflecting_our_relationship_with_god.aspx

Select the link above to read an article relating to what our marriage relationships should look like as it reflects our relationship with God.  As the moon reflects the sun, does your marriage relationship reflect the Son?  As with the previous post, this post is linked to a Marriage & Relationships article on the Focus On The Family website.

God's Design for Marriage

http://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/gods_design_for_marriage/marriage_gods_idea/gods_design_for_marriage.aspx

Click on the link above to read a "Marriage & Relationships" article that outlines the key to "making your marriage flourish."  This article can be found under the "Marriage" link on the Focus On The Family website.  Along the margin on the right hand side of the "Marriage: God's Design" page, you will find other Articles in Series.  The above link is #6 in the list along the right margin.

Are You Treating Your Marriage DIFFERENTLY?