7 Secrets of a Long and Satisfying Marriage

July 23, 2012

My husband and I just celebrated our 46th wedding anniversary. Yes, we married young. :-) No, these are not necessarily our secrets, though we’ve tried to incorporate them into our marriage through the years. Actually, I could sum up the secret of our long and satisfying marriage in three words: God‘s amazing grace.

But as marriage enrichment leaders through the years we’ve had the privilege of working with many couples. And in his minstry position, my husband has had the opportunity to work with and counsel numerous couples.

What makes a marriage flourish? This list is not exhaustive, but here are seven secrets of a long and satisfying marriage that we’ve observed through the years: (If you’ve been married over 25 years, I’d love to hear your thoughts on what makes a marriage last. You can do so at the end of this blog). Read more

Book Giveaway

October 11, 2011

Because marriage and family  is one of my passions, I’m pleased to share with you a book by Pam Farrel in today’s giveaway: 52 Ways to Wow Your Husband. Pam is a delightful woman of God, a great author, and a friend that I’m glad to recommend!

From Pam and Bill Farrel’s Love-Wise website come these words:

We have been fascinated with the question, ‘How?’ ever since we met. When we got married we knew three things: (1) We love Jesus. (2) We love each other. (3) We have a lot to learn if we want to have a successful marriage. That created a passion in our hearts to figure out how relationships work. Read more

Eight Ways to Spring Clean Your Marriage

March 29, 2011

No matter how long we’ve been married, all of us need to spring clean our marriage often. I wrote this several years ago, but the principles still apply to marriage, individual hearts, or any relationship: Read more

Is the Light On In Your Marriage?

February 14, 2011

Has anyone ever asked you, “Is the Light on in Your Marriage?”

About 15 years ago, a single young woman bought a cocker spaniel puppy from us. (We already had two grown dogs at the time and had agreed to sell this one for our older daughter).

Unfortunately, I had already become attached to it. When I watched that sweet puppy walk out of our lives, I couldn’t hold back the tears. Can you believe that? Before she left, my husband reached over and gave me a tender reassuring hug–nothing unusual.

A Marriage Like Yours

The young lady brought the dog back the next day. Her landlord refused to allow it into the apartment complex. As we talked, she said something totally unexpected: “Someday, I want a marriage like yours.”

“What do you mean?” I hardly knew the girl, and she knew nothing about my marriage. Read more

When God Gives Unexpected Blessings

November 22, 2010

 

Most of us count our blessings–the usual ones. But what if God decides to send some rather, um, unexpected blessings?

For the last few years, my husband and I have been systematically sorting through every closet, every drawer, and every space in our home. (Actually it seems like we’ve been “re-organizing” all our married lives). I have been trying to fulfill a long-time promise to him to de-clutter and organize our home more efficiently. And that’s a hard task for a sentimental collector like me.

My usual objections always rise to the surface: It’s a waste of good, creative time. I’m not skilled at organizing. It’s too hard to decide what stays and what goes. I just don’t have time to do it. When would I write?

But love has a way of breaking down your defenses, and God has a way of reminding you of your promises. It means putting other things on hold to accomplish the task. Adding “redecorating” to the process always helps. Ah, creativity!

Still, there have been times when I wanted to give up. The task seemed endless. Read more

Is Bad Ever Good?

June 12, 2010

Job loss, financial crisis, rebellious children, disappointments, rejection, unexpected illness–the list goes on. The list that is, we call bad. Is bad ever good? Can anything good come from a bad situation? That depends. Read more

Can You Build a Marriage with Bricks?

January 18, 2010

 

Have you ever tried to build a marriage with bricks? Encouraging words might help you do that. 

Today’s post is from a guest writer–my husband, Larry:

“To encourage or ‘edify’ literally means ‘to build a home.’ The writer of Proverbs said wisely, ‘A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver’ (Proverbs 25:11, NIV).  As you edify your mate, you are constructing your marriage, buiding a rock-solid foundation for your home out of love and consideration. How do you do that? Read more