I am on a marriage track this week. I suppose because our 25th Wedding Anniversary is just around the corner. How have we stayed together? How have both our parents' marriages lasted for 50+ years? What makes for strong relationships in marriage? What makes a marriage great? How can couples stay together for decades? How … Continue reading Strong Long-Lasting Marriages
marriage
What is Traditional Marriage?
Yesterday a Birmingham TV station ran the following story and posted it as discussion on Facebook: Same-sex Couples could be forced to file additional tax returns. The discussion on Facebook became divided over the issue not of taxes but about marriage. After reading the article I became disillusioned with society as a whole and with … Continue reading What is Traditional Marriage?
Marital Lies
Marital lies. These are not the lies one might tell their husband or wife like, "I did not forget that tomorrow was our anniversary." The marital lies I want to share are the ones we tell ourselves. These self-lies are often the root of the arguments and irritants in our marriages. My wife (husband) should … Continue reading Marital Lies
Unrealistic Expectations in Marriage
Everyone of us enter marriage with certain expectations. Some are natural, some are achievable, and some are just plain unrealistic. These unrealistic expectations have potential to damage your continued marital happiness, so I suggest that you avoid them. Here they are: Our relationship will never change, it will always be the same as it was (is) in … Continue reading Unrealistic Expectations in Marriage
Put Off and Put On for Marriage
Talking to Christians in Colossae, the Apostle Paul encourages them to change their ways. He reminds them that now that they are different. "But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with … Continue reading Put Off and Put On for Marriage
Right Reasons
Last Thursday I wrote about the Wrong Reasons to Marry. Someone sent a message asking if I would write about reasons why to marry, and of course I said I would. Honestly, that was my plan all along. What are good, wholesome, right reasons to choose to marry? This post is not about finding the … Continue reading Right Reasons
Wrong Reasons
Motivations, reasons, excuses . . . call them what you want, but sometimes our rationale misguides us. This is true about many areas of life. We are quite adept at convincing ourselves that any given action is what we should do, even when that action may not be the best course. This is also true … Continue reading Wrong Reasons
Committing to Your Spouse
Commitment is key to a great marriage. Most of us in our vows made a promise to "keep ourselves to our spouse until death parts us." However, in my observation, many couples struggle to follow through. Do you want a great marriage? Do you intend to stay together. Here are four - count them - only Four … Continue reading Committing to Your Spouse
Married? Plan to Be? Then Read This!
H. Norman Wright authored "So You're Getting Married" in 1985. I picked up my copy the other day as I was researching for this blog and other areas of ministry. There, right in the first chapter, just as he begins writing Wright gives a great list that defines marriage and provides useful information to help us as … Continue reading Married? Plan to Be? Then Read This!
Marriage Monday: Romance Lives
Long term, happy marriages keep the romance alive. Others often say of these couples that they act like teenagers when they are together. You can see the love in their eyes. Before I list a few suggestions about keeping romance alive I ask you to think, to remember something about your own relationship. Do you … Continue reading Marriage Monday: Romance Lives
Driving Thought 