Advice remembered

A pastor once said something about marriage that I will always remember.  He said, "There will be things about that person (your spouse) that you hate, but you choose to overlook those things."  That has really helped me over the years.  I hope it helps you, too.

Sticks and Stones?

Sticks and stones can indeed break bones, but the wounds caused by words are not so easily mended.  What words are we using towards our spouse this day?  Are they words of encouragement or criticism?  Words of kindness or belittlement? 

"Encourage one another and build each other up." (I Thess. 5:11)  Sometimes we have to ask for help with this one.  God is faithful to change our negative feelings and give us the ability to say encouraging words.  It might not happen with the first prayer but over days and weeks, change will come.

Looking up for healing

Life happens.  Amidst those happenings, we may one day find ourselves suffering from a broken heart.  This brokenness can come from something other than our marriage.  "He heals those with a broken heart." Psalm 147:4   We can look to our spouse for healing; he is part of the process.  But in the end, our healing is from God.  Heal us, Lord.