MARRIAGE in TOUGH TIMES

When times are tough try taking the following steps to get on the same page!

1. Confront the problem.  If your spouse says, “We’re fine” and doesn’t want to talk about it, there probably is something going on.   Arrange to meet later and discuss what you’re thinking about.
2. Confess it!  Yes, confess!  It’s much easier to pass judgment and blame your spouse.  But even if the problem may be 90% something your spouse is responsible for, you still are responsible for 10%.  A loving marriage admits fault!
3. Pray together.  Couples rarely pray together. Far from intimidating it can draw you closer together. 

There are two ways to ensure that “tough times” won’t lead to divorce. 

1. Treasure your marriage.  God brought you together for a lifetime.  It’s a fragile gift and if not valued as such, your marriage will suffer.  Make your spouse a priority.
2.  Have fun together!  Some of the best fun you can have is when you plan well ahead to do something together you’ve never done before. Laugh and play like kids!  It'll be so much fun.

 Isn't this worth trying?

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COMMUNICATION

THREE 'L's. It sounds simple, but maybe there's more to it. So what are these three 'Ls'?

1. Listening:
Really listen to your other. Take in what's being said to you. So often we want to cut in and tell what we want them to hear before they have even finished what they are saying.

2. Laughter:
This is so important.It's widely known that laughter releases endorphins which in turn give a sense of well-being. That's something we could all do with, isn't it?

3. Love:
Don't forget those very important three little words...'I love you.'  Some people, usually men, have trouble with this. He loves his wife, but believes she already knows it. Ah, but those words mean a lot to a woman. Yes, love can be shown in many ways, but that piece of verbal communication is important. Conversely, those words without actions can be very empty. It's so much like faith. You can say you believe Jesus is the Son of God who died to save you from your sins, but if you don't follow through with reading His Word, the Bible and living a life that would please Him, then it doesn't mean much.

As with commitment. If a man says he loves a woman but doesn't want the commitment of marriage it's sad. The marriage vows sum up his love for her in this practical way. It's far more than signing a piece of paper, as the popular excuse goes, it's saying "I will love, honour and cherish you for better or for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live." That is proving one's love.

Another huge plus for a true committed marriage is forgiveness. Such a willingness to forgive each other is a sign of maturity. Arguments happen, feelings are hurt And there can be wrongs on each side. But when one says they are sorry, and the hurt person says they are willing to forgive AND forget. This is a great step forward. Remember, God is willing to forgive our sins when we turn to Him, so why shouldn't we?