Sunday, February 12, 2012

Small and Simple Things that will keep Marriage Last and Strong


They say that by small things, great miracles come to pass. This also applies to a marriage relationship.

Dean L. Larsen, a christian leader once said that "Marriages don't succeed automatically, those who build happy, secure, successful marriages pay the price, To do so, they work at it constantly." I believe in this statement. Just like the plant that needs simple things like water and sunlight in order to live and grow, and so our relationship with our spouse needs simple constant efforts to strengthen and to make it our best experience ever in life

I had been married to a wonderful man for almost two years, and I can tell that the decision in marrying my husband was the reason I am experiencing the sweetness of life. I am not saying that our marriage was without trials and challenges, we do, just like any other couple experience some difficulties. But our ability to cope up with our differences and to love each other despite our imperfections makes our marriage life together a joyful one.




Being friends - I guess one thing that truly helps us to joyfully face life together is that because we do not only see each other as husband and wife, but also as friends - best of friends. Being best of friends means being open to each other and sensitive enough to feel your partner's feelings, desires and needs.


Dates - We keep our courtship alive by going on regular dates. Dating means leaving the worries behind and spending quality time with one's spouse. It draws the couple closer to each other. Washing clothes and dishes may not be appealing to some but these activities are considered dating and surely fun (for us women). When your budget permits, going on movies or going on an overnight swimming will add spice to your dates.


Forgiveness - I believe that in a relationship, saying "I'm sorry" is as important as saying "I love you". When misunderstandings arise, we always reconcile by saying the sweet five letter word "sorry" as quick as we can. I think that right question when faced with this situation is WHAT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO? instead of WHO IS RIGHT OR WRONG?, and the answer will always be clear-forgive and forget.





Actions - Hugs and kisses may seem simple to many but these simple acts can make a relationship lasts a lifetime. My husband never fails to express his love for me through services; he would sometimes wash the dishes, help me hang the clothes, cook foods, or throwing "I love you" on Facebook when he is online and away. These things mean a lot to me and I love him more when he does those things.



Words - Words are powerful, it can break or make a man. Choosing which words we'll say will define how long a relationship will last. So choose to speak kind words to each other even in times of misunderstandings. Words of kindness, appreciations and encouragements will always result positive things.

When we truly love our spouse, we will do everything in our power to elevate and protect our relationship. The above mentioned principles may seem simple yet when practiced and applied would help bring joy, fulfillment and success into your marriage. Strengthen your relationship to overcome whatever device the world is using to destroy families. A harmonious relationship will be a sanctuary despite living in this troubled world.




Gratitude is a Key to Happiness



In the bible we read:  In every thing give  thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you .
(1 Thessalonians 5:18) 

The Lord wants you to have a spirit of gratitude in all you do and say. 

 As you live in thanksgiving daily you will experience greater happiness and satisfaction in life.

Your appreciation towards other people will increase and you will most likely have a better relationship with the people around you.


 As good as it may feel ,  I know that to be CONSISTENTLY grateful would be a CHALLENGE  for some, especially in times when everything is failing, in times of sorrows, betrayal, disappointments or loss of a love ones. 


Sometimes our trials and problems can make it hard to for us see our blessings and to appreciate the blessings God has in store for us in the future. 


One of my most favorite song is called COUNT YOUR BLESSING  has personally help me to see my blessings amidst trials :It says When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,Count your many blessings; name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.  let us count our blessings big and small, When we do this things our hearts will be filled with gratitude and joy for all our blessings.




So never withhold a word of thanks for someone who do you favor, small as it seems but saying thank you would bring magic to any relationship.  Above all Thank your Heavenly Father for giving you such a wonderful life, for everything of your dear possession are from HIM.





Friday, February 10, 2012

The Dash



I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
And spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard;
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect
And more often wear a smile,
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?