"...First comes love, then comes marriage.."

I did some research tonight, and came across some information that has me disturbed!! In 1982 the percentage for an unmarried woman who didn't finish high school was 33%. Between 2006-2008, the percentage rose to 54%. The percentage for high school graduates in 1982 was 13%, and rose to 44% between 2006-2008. The percentage for college graduates in 1982 went from 2% to 6% between 2006-2008. These aren't even the updated risen percentages for 2009 to our present time. When couples were asked why they didn't get married, one of the responses was, "We're still young, and it cost a lot of money to separate once papers are signed." You can't step into any relationship with the idea in your head that there might be an end. That is a easy way out. It's selling yourself short, and it's you calling yourself weak!! I don't understand their reasoning, and I sure don't accept excuses either. Marriage is more than a piece of paper. It's a full-time forever commitment to love, cherish, adore, honor, respect, care for, and grow with your spouse. There is no room for selfishness!! We really need to get back to the concept we chanted as kids on the playground, "...first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby and the baby carriage!" Let's teach our babies the true meaning of marriage, it being the foundation under God for "family".

Do You Operate as One?

I was in thought yesterday thinking about how marriage means two become one. Then the divorce percentages came to mind. I couldn't understand how if marriage is two becoming one, then how come it goes back to being two in a divorce. Then the answer occurred to me!! Those marriages that are ending must have never became one. It's simple really. The way we become one in marriage is by subtracting our selfish wants. We don't hold each other to higher standards than we hold ourselves. We take care of each other. I mean let's get real, when was the last time you didn't take care of yourself?? I'm sure you ate, showered, and relaxed at some point today. Marriage is about team work, compromising, and sacrifice. In working with you spouse, your marriage becomes smoother. Not to say there won't be those rough spots, but with team work comes support. Support and become one if you aren't already.

Exercises: Try and see if you operate in your marriage as one.

                Be selfless and complaint free for just one day and see if you flow better with your spouse.

                 Stop Expecting so much out of the other when you don't expect that much even from yourself

Divorcing?

Why do you think a marriage ends in a divorce? Is it because they fell out of love, or the burden of finances wore them down? Let's look at the possibility that it's neither. Being human it is our nature to always want. "Keeping up with the Jones" sound familiar? We must look to our spouses and see them for who they are, the "why" we fell in love. Our expectations and wants from our spouse, should not determine whether we stand beside them or leave. "I forgive you", or please forgive me should be two phrases constantly used in marriage.

Are you counting your blessings???

During this holiday season we are running around searching for the right gift for our family. The stress and heaviness of the season weighs down on you and there is already enough weighing you down in life aside from Christmas. Take the time to understand what the season is about, its not about chestnuts roasting or jack frost nipping at your nose. Santa Clause is not the focal point of the season, there has to be more to this. Jesus Christ was born on this day we celebrate with gifts towards one another and lack of reflecting on the importance of taking family and teaching this season to our loved ones. Count the blessings in your life as well as count the blessing of Jesus Christ as the greatest blessing ever. Marriage applies with this as well in reflecting on the importance of your relationship before the Lord and how this season together should glorify him.

Exercises:
Write a list of all of the reasons you cherish your spouse when you first got married


Now look into yourself today and see of and how it has changed. 


Look into yourself and get back to that refreshed love!

Creating our atmosphere

Creating your atmosphere in life is like starting each morning with a blank canvas. As the painter of the picture we choose whether we are going to inspire, or allow any other influence to impact the picture. Make confessions and speak them aloud so you declare that you won't be broken throughout the day. An outside influence can be just as damaging as an internal influence, both needing a neutralizer. With these components in mind keep scriptures as the helm of the broadcasting point of your life. Marriage is so much more amazing when there are two willing vessels to hold fast to the positive points in life. Speak life and live!

(photo of the earth's atmosphere)