esterday, my blog spoke of the everlasting love of God and the work-out it takes for an everlasting marriage. I know both well. When I wrote that blog, I remembered a blog I posted years ago that received more likes and comments than any I had received before. That means it must have been needed and appreciated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I heard the words on Karen Kingsbury’s audiobook, “When We Were Young”. It struck such a chord with me, that I knew I needed to pass it on to those I love and care about the most. I have personally witnessed loved ones and friends who couldn’t make the cut of the commitment they made when they said “I do” and “I will”. I want to help those who desire one of those everlasting loves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The words from that audiobook opened my eyes to my own marriage, the struggles we had early on, the ups and downs we encountered. Though our journey became sweeter as the years went by, we would have surely saved ourselves so much angst and been on a faster track by following, applying and living by these beautiful keys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re still blessed to be married, I encourage you to print these out and start living by them \u2013 especially when it comes to the bumps in the road along the way. You know \u2013 when you\u2019re sleeping on the edge of your bed so you don\u2019t touch your loved one or when you\u2019re giving each other the silent treatment\u2026..again or when the \u201cD\u201d word comes up in your conversation or when you or your loved one\u2019s words become less than praiseworthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are \u201cThe Keys to a Happy Marriage\u201d:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1) Keep God first. By loving God more than your spouse, you will always be humble enough to love your spouse more than humanly possible. This makes for a beautiful marriage. Matthew 6:33 — \u201cBut seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2) Divorce is not an option. From the beginning, remove the word \u201cdivorce\u201d from your vocabulary. People do not look for a door where one does not exist. Mark 10:9 — \u201cTherefore what God has joined together, let no man separate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3) Marriage is not 50\/50. There will be days when one of you falls short. Make it your goal to give 100% every day. That way, you\u2019re both covered. Everyday forever. Colossians 3:23 — \u201cWhatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4) Know your spouse\u2019s love language. People speak love in different ways: gifts, acts of service, words of affirmation, physical touch, intentional time. Figure out how to speak to each other so that the love between you will grow. Romans 12:9 — \u201cLove must be sincere.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5) Expect the best of each other. Forgive easily. Attitude is everything in marriage. Look for ways to humbly be kind to your spouse. Keep short accounts. Don\u2019t worry about being right. Ephesians 4:2 — \u201cBe patient, bearing with one another in love.\u201d Colossians 3:13 — \u201cBear with each other and forgive one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6) Keep dating. Your marriage must be a priority. Seek God first, then your spouse. Never stop dating and pursuing each other. Value and celebrate your love. Song of Solomon 3:2 –\u201cI must seek the one my soul loves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7) Build each other up. Kind words are free. Look for ways to encourage each other. Every day. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 — \u201cTherefore encourage one another and build each other up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8) Laugh often. Find reasons to be silly. Smile and be lighthearted. You\u2019ll laugh about it later so make up your mind to laugh about it today. Proverbs 17:22 — \u201cA cheerful heart is good medicine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9) Live within your means. Couples who get in debt, stay stressed. Living within your means can be great fun. Take walks. Play board games. Visit your park. Clip coupons. Hebrews 13:5 — \u201cKeep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
10) Fix yourself. Not your spouse. Work to be kinder and gentler. Be the person your spouse married. Listen well. Be intentional. Matthew 7:3 \u201c — Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in
your brother\u2019s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And my own final words for thought and application to you:
“Live like there is no tomorrow. Live with no regrets. Be writing your love story every day so that when you or your loved one steps over to heaven\u2019s side and awaits you there, you\u2019ll carry with you so many precious memories of undying passion and love — right on into eternity. I did and I do.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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