Why most marriages don’t last! Part 3

Why most marriages don’t last?

Part 3

You can build a strong loving marriage. Working together is key to your happiness. You both have the power to make a fulfilling union. Compassion will help you mutually bond immensely. For your marriage to last it must remain a top priority to both of you.

You are considering getting married? Wow how exciting! You want to make sure you start by building a strong solid foundation. Love, trust, respect and loyalty are a must. They will solidify your union. Your marriage will be what you both make it. It is important to know; many marriages in this 21st century don’t last.

A few things to think about.

Please don’t go into the marriage thinking that you will be able to change each other. There are many resources available when planning your big day. But few think about resources to maintain and build your marriage. For those of you who have never been married before, you must allow for a period of adjustment once married. Living with someone is not the same as dating or being married. The difference is you have not really made a total commitment to one another. You both realize that you can simply opt out at any time…

 

Commit to always treat one another with respect. After the honeymoon period is over remain patient.  Whenever you hit a kink see this as an opportunity to take your marriage to a deeper level. Don’t allow issues that crop up to fester and become sour. Think before you fly of the handle and say something you will regret. It is during this time you need to work together rather than pull farther apart. Don’t take one another for granted. Make it a point to keep you marriage exciting.

A great marriage takes two committed spouses
 

If you have not married; please do not manipulate your potential spouse into a relationship. If you do it will be an ongoing dynamic in your relationship. You should genuinely care for this person and desire to grow together. You want to encourage transparency in order to build a strong secure marriage. Before marrying really have some candid and open discussion as to how you would like things to be in order to see if you are on the same page! Don’t just assume?

 

It is a good to take time and find out more about what each other likes and dislikes. Are you a morning person? Do you sleep with socks on? Do you snore? Are you patient? Do you yell scream and cuss to get your way? Do you rant and rave or manipulate? Or do you sulk and stay quiet, remote cold and unexpressive? Do you think that you should have everything that you want when you want it? Do you want your spouse to do everything for you and be waited on hand and foot and you do very little in return yourself? Or do you like to talk things through… Are you patient kind and loving. If you are you will be able to keep a balance. Or do you quit when the going gets tough?

 

It is the seemingly little things that add up and lead to arguments. It is easier for some to say how they feel when they are angry. Learn to be open and honestly discuss how you are feeling. Don’t make sorry a sorry word. Chill out and warm up to one another. It really is better to say “I am hurting.” Don’t let pride and insecurity dominate your marriage. How else will you settle your disputes if you do not take the time to responsibly communicate with each other? Wait until you have cooled off or can talk without being hostile. Please do not think that by not talking about issues they will go away; they won’t!

A great marriage will last for a lifetime
 

Now that we have discussed some of the not so good things we can move towards what it takes to build a better marriage. You sit down at work and discuss whatever the problem is, right! Why? Because work is a priority and you do not just opt out of your job when things are not going your way. Or if you attend worship you volunteer to do whatever. But when you are at home you are cantankerous? If so this is not good. It is important that you like and respect one another in marriage even more so. Why? Because you say you love this person!

You love them enough to get to know them better. You like them enough to care about their well-being. You care enough to develop loyalty in your marriage. Make sure to have a weekly marriage date. This does not mean you have to always go somewhere. It could just be a quiet relaxed evening committed to spending quality time together. Spend time in the Word together it is a wonderful time to bond. Remember keep your marriage exciting. Life is precious and each day is a gift from the Lord. It is important not to lose sight of this or you will just take one another for granted and improving the marriage will no longer be a one of your top priorities.

Make your marriage a priority
 

Life is about priorities. Take time out to tend to the people and things that are important to you. This is called being responsible. Marriage is the ultimate relationship between a man and a woman. If your marriage is going to last you have to make a conscious effort to work at it.  Keep the embers of love burning to keep it exciting.  Do interesting and adventurous things together!

 

You want to build a mutually satisfying sexual relationship between you as well. Coming together physically as one should be a special time. This is a time of sharing and caring.  A time to experience a time of euphoria together. Marriage is when two can be totally physically one with God’s Blessings. Pray and ask the Lord to help you make this a special time of nurturing, care, love and fulfillment together. It is also a time to be “fruitful and multiply” which is another Blessing from the Lord. You can experience unity when you freely give of yourselves to one another.   Create  a loving environment.  You keep the embers burning by being affectionate and caring towards one another.

 

Each couple is different so together build what works for you. It is okay to have your physical needs met so there’s no reason to be ashamed.  When you have not had sexual relations before, it takes a while to feel relaxed, and become free. It can be quite odd not really knowing what to expect or how to respond. This is natural so be patient with one another. You will have to release some of the things you have heard or thought. Share how you are feeling with you spouse. It will eventually work out. Take time to focus on fulfilling one another’s physical needs. Each couple is different. How often or few or when is between the two of you. The marriage bed is honorable in the eyes of the Lord.

See Part 4

Why most marriages don’t last! Part 2

Why Most Marriages Don’t Last!

Part 2

There has been a shift in the atmosphere!

Many marriages in this 21st century are in crisis. On the News, on the internet and all across the United States of America you see couples in distress. Marriages within the church, in your neighborhood and those on your jobs are also struggling. You can find many unique interesting stories about couples that can’t seem to work through their issues. What you read, see and hear are indicative of what is happening everywhere all over the globe!

This does not have to be.

A great marriage really is definitely possible. Marriage requires love, commitment, patience and lots of teamwork! Counseling is an alternative that helps and it can enhance your marriage. But your goal must be to work through the kinks in the marriage rather than let them persist. If you wait until your problems are seemingly insurmountable it will take some time to plow through your relationship dynamics. It is also and indication that you two have gotten slack. You have allowed your marriage to become secondary.

Yes, many couples all over the world are going through. But don’t be discouraged. Help is on the way! This does not have to be. You both need to get busy shifting your priorities. Time to look at some viable options.

Hmm perhaps counseling?

There are times when counseling is sought just as a last resort. You simply attempt to appease one another and are trying to buy some time… When this is the case; by the time the couple goes to counseling the problem is so bad that they just want to find out which spouse is responsible for their marriage problems? They are often just seeking support and approval to justify why they act or behave in the manner in which they do? The fact of the matter is your communication skills are lacking to the point you have lost some of your objectivity.

You now need or desire a neutral third-party to help you see if you can revive the marriage and get it back on track?

How can we get back on track?

The Truth of the matter is each spouse is not always equally responsible for each problem. Quite often a lot of old baggage has not been addressed and it becomes a recurring theme. Instead of getting discouraged get actively busy resolving your issues and the issues at hand. This is really a great time to further develop your communication skills.

Let’s see what God has to say!

You can and should also incorporate the Bible as wise counsel in your marriage. Not in a rigid legalistic manner but in a way to enhance your marriage. It is important that you marry someone who values the same life principles! However if this is not the case you can still consult the Lord’s Word. There is some superb, really great “stuff” in the Bible that many are not aware of. I mean this in a complimentary way. Try doing a word search on Marriage and see where it takes you. There are some great love stories as well as excellent examples of tests and trials. The Lord never intended for any of us to be unhappy and disappointed all the time… I suggest that you also go to Galatians 5 and learn the differences between the works of the flesh and the Fruit of His Spirit!

Remember those vows you made to God and your spouse! Well the Bible has a wealth of wisdom to help you in any and every situation. The Bible is like no other book. It is alive! Pray for direction from the Lord. Ask Him to speak to your heart.

Please, don’t just read the Bible you must actually implement the principles into your own personal life and marriage. It is not wise to use the Word to manipulate or hurl insults upon your spouse. After all the Lord KNOWS what He is talking about.

If you have a friend that is having marital conflict encourage them to seek helpful ways to resolve it. It is important to respect your marriage as well as the marriage of others. When asked for advice make it a point to be objective. Don’t experiment on their marriage and suggest things that are harmful rather than constructive. If you don’t know, tell them you don’t know. Help them look at the situation from all angles. Sometimes a listening ear is all that is necessary to sort through the problem. Never support abuse on any level in or from anyone… Learn to be a better friend by encouraging them to do what is right.

What is so interesting is that as adults you can do as you please. That is, unless you simply have no self-control yourself and are rather compulsive. In that case you just cannot restrain or discipline yourself and you freak out at the slightest little thing. The problem won’t just go away on its own… If this is the case you really need to put yourself in check and seek out getting some professional help! By the way prayer really does work!

Please if you know that your spouse has a short fuse don’t try to purposefully set them off. This does not mean that you are to be a doormat. Choose your battles wisely don’t encourage abuse or dysfunction in yourself or anyone else. Don’t be or become an enabler.

So why can’t you make a decision to work out your problems? It’s because you have opted to go the way of the majority or just “do your own thing!” You can simply do what makes you feel good instead at the expense of your spouse? Live together and really be miles apart. But is it really good for you or your marriage? No! That’s called being selfish! At this point, the marriage has become more about “you” rather than about “us!” It’s my house, my car, my money, my furniture my name, my way or the highway, my… Somebody has a bad case of “Me”ness! No wonder you are in such a quandary.

You have now or will be joining the not happily ever after club soon! That is unless you decide to make your marriage a priority. So get busy doing something different; like making some improvements. Take a good look at what is going on or not going on. Reposition yourself and change the direction and get back on track. Sincerely work at reconciling your difference.

The first step for getting your marriage back on track is taking responsibility for your own actions. Stop behaving as though you are in the relationship by yourself. It is called being considerate. Your spouse is neither your servant nor parent! They are supposed to be your partner… Start treating your spouse the way you would like to be treated for starters. Life is precious. So humble yourself and let pride take a backseat. Take the wheel and take your marriage to a higher level.

Celebrate your marriage! Encourage one another and if necessary encourage yourself like King David. Don’t let anyone steal your JOY! If you have get busy getting it back!

See PART 3

Why most marriages don’t last! Part 1

Why most marriages don’t last Part 1

It is important to make your marriage a top priority!

Marriage statistics ending in divorce continue to rise! Why is that? Spouses listen to everyone else except one another. Their marriage is no longer the top priority it once was. They desire to please their friends, relatives, neighbors, coworkers and sometimes congregations rather than one another or GOD!

You do not have to live on an island.  You must continue to strive to  improve and refine your marriage!

Don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with having good friends. Just don’t try to be like your friends. Especially if they are not married. Be original! If you notice you look different because you are different. Your temperaments are different and you like different things. So why is it when it comes to your spouse you listen to them rather than to one another. When you decided to get married you became a team. Or rather you should learn to commit to be partners in life. Build a great marriage and encourage those who are married to do the same. Encourage those who are single to cleave to the Lord as they seek to be married….

Hopefully you did not get married to make each others’ life difficult. Or to get someone to take care of you.  You can do badly all by yourself.  Or because you felt you were getting older and the clock was winding down or simply because everyone else was married? Or just because! Hopefully you got married because you want to give and share of yourself within the sanctity of a committed monogamous growing relationship. To experience the greatest partnership between one man and one woman designed by God.

Think about it for a moment. Why did you get married? Was there a goal to accomplish something? You have two eyes, two ears, two lips, two hands, two arms, two legs and two feet. They actually work together in pairs better! If one can’t do something the other one will… Well when it comes to marriage you should work together with your spouse as well. Two working together can accomplish much and often much more than  one! If you do not desire to work together then don’t get married.  This will  result in an endless void within your marriage.  Or perhaps that is why you now no longer want to be unmarried? You want to try something else or someone else?

In a Good marriage; You both  want to give of yourself in a relationship were you both have the same basic principles and morals; here you are actually  on one accord…

Many change partners like they are changing a pair of shoes! Fearful of being transparent and taking the time to really get to know your spouse you flee.  You emotionally detach yourself and shut down.  Or you simply don’t open up to them and the two of you unhappily  just coexist as strangers.  Unfaithfulness is a place where you don’t want to go. In building a good marriage it is not an option. Neither should you  listen to unwise, ungodly counsel or advice…  Quite often everyone else knows what is going on before either of you. Your friends have become your confidants and you wouldn’t dare share TRUTH with your spouse. Well! That’s part of the problem!

Help for marriages

Marriage is not about keeping secrets from your spouse.  It’s about sharing who you are and growing and improving yourself as well as encouraging your spouse… To instead  remain committed when there is any turbulence and then together learn to soar above it!  The closer you are the less turbulence.  Why is this?  The less time you waste in building mole hills. In a good marriage when you truly like one another you become friends as well as partners. It is better to be open and honest up front rather than waste time year after year dodging the Truth.

If this is not the case now is the time to work on building intimacy. Have you really put forth a good effort to improve your marriage? Have you been able to open up emotionally?  Have you become transparent? Or have you actually emotionally  abandoned your spouse within  the marriage. This is why it is important to embrace your marriage vows from the beginning. Think about you committed to.   They were not just words or were they?

If you have been married before please take some time in between marriages and get rid of the extra baggage. If you don’t it will soon become part of your current marriage and you will recycle the same ole junk! You can’t change what has happened but you can go forward and do some things differently…

Why most marriages don’t last

What is so interesting marriage was really designed by God to be the ultimate relationship between one man and one woman. Two become one! Being together is a desired choice and you vowed and  made a commitment to grow together and become partners for life. You made a commitment to honor God within your marriage?  You also  made a commitment to honor your spouse. Or did you? Or only until…

Well nowadays people stay married as long or as short as they can tolerate one another and something better comes along? So they think? The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence! Don’t covet someone else’s marriage or stuff.  What works for them may not work for you.  You have no idea to the sacrifices they have made to build their marriage. Commit to building up your own marriage.   Like a healthy lawn;  A good marriage  must be tended, fertilized and cared for to stay green and healthy. The grass is greener where it is watered, fed and  well taken care of. Say I DO and mean it!

Marriage is much more than an idea.

Few really understand what true love is!  This is why most marriages don’t last.   They want what they want  when they want it. Not realizing that they give very little of themselves.  Nor do they commit to their marital vows.  They have not vested themselves within their marriage. Instead they seek to get all they can get and move on to the next person leaving a lot of  residual collateral damage behind them.  Or, they have not made a genuine effort to connect on a deeper level that allows healthy bonding.   Nor  have they  really committed to learn to love one another.

GOD IS LOVE” God is eternal and so is   His love!

Love becomes optional to some in marriage and  it  is no longer the key adhesive that keeps the marriage together.  know that this really is not  love at  all.  Respect and commitment are secondary as well.   This is  what I call “Intoxicating affections” that simply  mimic God’s love. They don’t last!

See Part 2

– How Do I Love Thee: Food For Thought Before You Say I DO! ~

How Compatible are We? Ready for Intimacy? Commitment? The Marriage Bed? In-laws or Out-laws? Get answers to these questions and more!

Many couples spend a great deal of time planning their wedding, but little time planning their marriage. They have not taken the time to have candid open discussion as to what happens after the wedding. Planning your wedding is important, but so is planning your marriage.

It addresses many of the major subjects couples should discuss prior to marriage.

Included are interactive lessons and assignments for the couple which are designed to motivate serious thought about love, compatibility, commitment, finances, accountability, responsibility, dealing with the in-laws, the marriage bed, and more.

Read & Write An Amazon REVIEW

Click Here to purchase your  copy of this e-book from Amazon.

There is Hope; Addiction Relief is Possible Part 1

 

 

 

Part 1

Addiction relief is possible. Few want to readily openly discuss addiction.  But since there has been such an overwhelming influx of problems worldwide related to addiction it warrants the spotlight.   But, there are reasons for alarm when an addiction is apparent. This  needs to be addressed. It will not just go away.  If not it will at some point impede upon your relationship.

 

 

Transparency is necessary in order to build intimacy. Your addiction will inhibit intimacy developing within your marriage. The addiction also prohibits you from being transparent. Love, transparency, trust and intimacy are essential components in building a healthy safe satisfying marriage.

 

Your Addiction says you are hurting

A clear indicator that you are hurting is addiction. You have simply found an unhealthy way to cope with your deep pain. Your addiction can be to alcohol, cocaine, heroin, marijuana.  Uppers, downers, prescription drugs, gambling, caffeine, pornography and or  illicit sex.  People food and even shopping. Yes and there are more… Even wanting approval from others can be addicting. Guess what? You have only found a way to momentarily relieve or somewhat ease your infuriating inner pain; it is still there. The addiction is a flag that something is wrong. You need to seek a healthy resolve.  Addiction relief is possible.

 

I say momentarily because while under the influence or indulging in the activity of choice you are able to somewhat escape. However the systemic cause remains because the pain returns whenever you are alone. Often more vehement than ever before. This causes you to pursue passionately that which you are addicted to. Having an addiction of any kind is serious. Many can be life threatening because you are out of control. Your desires consume you and disables your ability to be responsible or demonstrate  contol.  The ability to genuinely  love is questionable. Instead the activity controls you and you will do whatever it takes to get a “quick fix!”

 

The misuse  and dependency  upon opiates has become of great concern worlwide.  Not everyone becomes addicted from  illegal drugs.  Many have become addicted through the use of prescriptions medications. This should not be. This will greatly impact your spouse, children,  home, work  and career.

 

How does this impact my marriage?

Good question. Marriage is a partnership and when one has an addiction they are not able to fully commit because the addiction is often their main priority.  Well, the spouse that is unaware is often kept in the dark. Secrets, lies and deception accompany addiction. The addiction is used to fill the insatiable void in the addicted partner’s heart. It instead becomes their companion. This leaves their spouse out in the cold. Know, addiction relief is possible.

 

Your addiction creates undo tension. You need to learn to communicate openly and honeestly with your spouse.  Afterall you are supposed to be one.  Your addiction is robbinh you of building a beter relationship.

 

Causes or addiction triggers

A disordered family, peer pressure, cultural influences, abuse, incest, rape, molestation, lack of self-esteem and a weakness to experiment can all contribute to one developing an addiction.

 

We live in a drug friendly worldly environment. Daily we are bombarded with the invitation to take this pill or that pill. Notice how many television commercials attempt to sell you something to feel better.  Look how the dinner hour has become the prime time for what I call  commercial pushers. There are a multiplicity of pushers of all sort. Doctors also oblige patients with tranquilizers, stimulants, pain pills, sleeping pills even pills to wake you up!

 

Commitment in marriage is important

Keeping your commitments are important.  Embracing your vows is important.  Did you not commit to Him as well?  One thing that needs to be promoted more is a personal relationship with the Lord! Marriage is ordained by God. Did you know marriage was designed to be the ultimate sacred relationship between a man and a woman.  A strong marraige  can also help you prioritize life and put all your other relationships into their proper perspective.  Your marriage  can help you develop a healthier living environment as you work together

 

Building trust is an important part of marriage. Addiction relief is possible. 

 

As we commit to building healthier home environments we contribute to lessening the number of addictions continuing to escalate.   Not everyone has addiction issues.  In some  addictions have unconsciously been passed down through generations.   A safe home environment does not  always exclude addiction; but it does serve to nurture those who are there.   If this has been the case the possibility to break the generational cycle of dysfunction becomes attainable. You can change this! Yes, addiction relief is possible.

 

Develping a Healthy Support System

It is important to seek ways to validate one another. To develop an ongoing healthy support system that says I love and sincerely care. No this does not mean you support the addiction.   Neither do you allow it to become  the white elephant in the room no one notices.  However, you must confront the addiction.  You  can also find healthy ways to make them feel  uncomfortable. Also learn to separate the behavior from the person.  Encourage them to be the best they can be. Find ways to help them become who they were created to be without the addiction.

 

Working together

God created each of us uniquely and we have varying temperaments. Our needs are different when these needs are not met a void is created and therefore one seeks to often erroneously fill that void. Marriage is about working together to find healthier ways to fill some of those voids with a committed partner… There are some voids that can only be filled by God.

Your partner is not responsible for your addiction you are. Both must hold one another accountable for their actions! You both are accountable to God for the vows you made… Remember, “for better or for worse…”

In this 21st century emotional gasoline has flamed the fires of addiction. Pain, grief and stress not dealt with properly are great contributors that drive unhealthy desires. This does not have to be. God’s Holy Spirit His Comforter is more than able.

Addiction is big business therefore it is often rationalized and one can easily find access and support. Your addiction does not usually happen overnight it is a gradual process that begins with a series of steps…  So remember; theis help.  Addiction relief is possible!

Next we will discuss some of those steps;

Part 2

Every woman does not want to have children Part 3

Every woman does not want to have children

Part 3

Having children is a choice as well as being married is a choice. Being single is a choice as well as not having children is a choice. We are all unique individuals with varying temperaments some of us more complex than others. Keep in mind for one reason or another we make different decisions to have or not have children that may not be readily apparent.

Motherhood can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. It is one of the most hardest jobs that requires an inordinate amount of patience and the ability to multitask. To do so effectively one must be willing to be flexible, resilient, firm and consistent as well as make many personal sacrifices all at the same time.

If you decide that you do not want to have children there is absolutely nothing wrong with that as well. You may opt to extend yourself in other ways. As a matter of fact if you are sure that you do not want to have children you are being very responsible not to have children. Remember that there is always an exception to the rule.

There is nothing worse than a woman becoming pregnant who does not want children. If you do become pregnant; remember you laid down to enjoy one another for a moment to have intercourse; so taking their life because of that decision is selfish. There are extenuating situations that present themselves when possibility of motherhood has been forced upon a woman due to rape. Weigh your choices and please get some personal counseling to help you through your decision… If you decide to have the child you could always give it up for adoption? There are plenty of great couples who want children who will make great parents. If you do want children but not immediately; then you need to keep in mind that whenever you have sex there is a possibility that you could become pregnant even if you use a form of birth control.

Abortion should not be used just for birth control purposes. If you have had an abortion take some time to heal from your choice. You cannot change what has happened but you can reconcile with your choice if you are experiencing anxiety. This will help you make better choices in the future.

God really designed sexual intimacy to be between man and woman within the confines of a committed marriage. If you are not married please think for a moment, is this the person you would actually want to father your child or children? If so where are the two of you in the area of commitment?

You might want to think about having sex without being married? Especially if you do not want to be a parent. Think about it; do you know that you are actually giving a part of yourself away that is invaluable? There is something mystical that happens in the physical sexual exchange. There really is nothing “casual” about sex its serious. Under adverse circumstances you can encounter some serious consequences… Keep in mind that STD’s are rampart within this 21st century.

If you are single keep in mind that there is a likely possibility that you can become a single parent whenever you decide to have sex. Children are not mistakes. They deserve to have a father and a mother. If you are a single parent you really will need to build a healthy support system. Lord knows it’s hard enough when there are two parents; so make it your goal to be a good one even if you are alone!

Being responsible is always good. The world is becoming an increasing difficult place to live and establish a healthy home environment. This generation is seeing a host of confusing relationship scenarios happen before them all throughout the world. I think we all should commit or at least consider being better consistent examples for all children whether if you have children or not and are married or single.

I have thoroughly enjoyed raising my children and I have learned some invaluable life lessons. Personally I believe that raising children is one of, if not the hardest job on the planet. You have to wear many hats to do it effectively. Each child is unique and their temperaments vary. Becoming a parent single or married also requires putting aside doing some things that you would like to do for a season. The more time you invest in your children that you bring into this world or adopt the fewer problems you will have in the long run.

I also believe that you have a right to focus your gifts and talents in other areas of life if becoming a parent is not your desire. You still have a lot to contribute to making our society better as a whole.

Ladies I respect your personal responsible decision to not have children. Thank You for sharing your concerns. I really do realize that not every woman wants to have children.

Lord Bless You!

Every woman does not want to have children Part 2

Every woman does not want to have children.
Not having children does not necessarily  mean that  you are selfish.

Part 2

A family for one woman may mean that  she desires to  have a host of children. A family for another woman may mean that she wants  to have only one or two children. Yet, another woman may altogether choose to not have any children at all. Does this make her any less than another  woman because she decided to not have children? No!

I had the opportunity to have a lovely insightful heart to heart talk with a group of women who decided that they did not want to have any children. They were open and quite frank with me. They felt that there is often a stereotyped stigma when you decide not to have children. It was important for them that they share these general concerns. These were intelligent, pleasant, compassionate, fastidious, loving, well rounded professional women who loved their husbands and had great caring empathetic relationships with children within their extended families.

Not having children does not mean that you do not like or care for children. Nor does it mean that you are self centered or selfish. For their own personal reasons they had responsibly made a conscious decision that this was  what was best for them.

A few things to think about!

What is important as a woman is that you take responsibility for the well being of the children you do bring into this world. Children do not belong to us as our property. They are entrusted to us by God to love and nurture them and prepare them for life. We are to give them healthy boundaries that make them feel safe. We are to be sensitive to the unique needs and dispositions of their particular temperament. It is imperative that you are firm and consistent. This helps them to feel safe secure.

When you raise them as your possession you raise them selfishly. They are more like an attachment to you and are usually unable to grow up and become autonomous and secure in who they are. They will have a tendency to follow the crowd and lack healthy self esteem.

Children who are raised to be accountable for their actions tend to become responsible adults.

Whatever you do please ladies do not have children to try and hold on to a man. If you do, just know that you do not have him anyway. You have his child and children should not be used to keep a relationship temporarily glued or to try to control or manipulate your spouse. On the other hand if you decide that you do not want to be married anymore. Please do not use your children to get back at your ex. Try to keep your problems between the two of you as much as possible.

Whenever you talk down to your children about their father or mother you risk impairing their emotional development. You cause them to doubt who they are. They will find it hard to trust others as well. Do not project your own insecurities upon your children; if you have; please put yourself in check and begin anew right where you are. You can’t change what has happened but you can move forward making better decisions. Disengage yourself from any destructive behavior. Get help if necessary. It is your responsibility to help your children to become whole! If you did not have a father or mother, if you had poor relationships with your parent or parents all the more reason to help them build one with theirs!

See Part 3

Every woman does not want to have children Part 1

Every woman does not want children!

Part 1

What does it mean to be a woman? Does it mean that you want to have a career, get married, buy a home and have children? Or does it mean that you want to get married, get an apartment and have children? Perhaps it means that you want to get a job, stay single, purchase a home or a condo, or just get an apartment and don’t want to have any children? Or maybe you will just have pets instead? You also have an option to not get married at all nor have pets? Oh my we have so many options! The point is we all are so very different!

I realize that every woman does not want to have children.

Women are anatomically different from their male counterpart and usually are feminine in their demeanor. Women have marvelous innate intrinsic abilities and the possible potential to do or become almost anything.

To be a woman means that you are a one of a kind unique female. Your characteristics are generally lady like? However there are some women who tend to be a bit more masculine.

Depending on how you have been socialized you may have a tendency to have more dominant masculine traits than normal. If you have been raised mostly with brothers, or by your Dad, or predominately in the company of males this tends to make you a bit stronger emotionally as well. Just because you don’t cry about the least little things or wear your emotions on your sleeve does not mean that you do not care or don’t have feelings. Just because you are stronger this still does not make you the same as a man.

By the way what is normal?

God made Adam from the dust of the ground. God then made and formed Eve from the rib bone that He took out of Adam’s side. Biblically speaking this is the normal origins of mankind! It helps to know about our origins. If you believe otherwise: oh well! We come in all shapes, sizes, colors, cultures and ethniciities. God made women to be distinctly different from men. Our bodies are even endowed differently. Women have curves and breasts of all sizes and shapes. Men have a chest which is usually flat and often hairy. Our sexual organs are made differently as well. We are equal in our intellectual potential, academic abilities and yes there is a tendency for women to be more emotional in general.

As long as I can remember back in the day, for the most part it was a life goal for girls to want to get married to a husband and have a family. Remember “Leave it to Beaver,” “Happy Days,” “The Donna Reed Show,” or “Bill Cosby Show?” What about “Julia” she was a nurse and a single mom.

Today they often portray a new normal family alternative lifestyle or is it really?

My how family life has changed! Today we have a lot more single parent homes and divorced parents trying to co parent. A lot of their unresolved issues continue to take the forefront.. Life can and will present many challenges. It is really essentially important to keep God in the center of your marriage and family; married or single.

The reality is having a family with children is not a goal for every woman today. There are many options and not every woman wants children. Remember we are all different.

In this 21st century it is becoming increasingly difficult to be in favor of God’s natural design exclusively for man and woman without being considered condemnatory. I have no problem with “free choice?” But when you claim to be a believer your choices should differ. We are supposed to subscribe to biblical principles for life & living married or single. We who believe the Word of God have rights too and should be able to freely say thus says the Lord!

Yes, you can just choose to do however you please but there are always consequences.

If you decide that you want another woman for a spouse or if you are a man and want another man for a husband; I must tell you that you are going against godly principles. This is not about hate but about loving the Truth of God’s Word. Remember the original design? I am simply Pro Marriage God’s Way. At some point we all will have to answer to God for our choices.

You have the freedom to not have children. Just because you decide that you do not want to have children does not mean that you are wrong or less than a woman. This is your personal choice and it is your right.

See Part 2

Fewer Lasting Marriages – Part 1 “L I M I T S”

Building a lasting marriage is very important. Honoring one another is important. Honoring God in your marriage is important as well. Marriage is sacred in the eyes of God.

God wants us to enjoy life. He wants us to live well-rounded lives. He wants us to have healthy marriages & families. He wants to be a part of every aspect of our lives. The Lord is available 24/7 to help us!

Entertainment for recreation and amusement purposes are a wonderful part of life. It helps to balance out the seriousness of life and living! Our minds are given the opportunity to rest and journey into the land of imagination and creativity. Entertainment is healthy when experienced in good taste… Always keep in mind good moral boundaries.

Marriage on the other hand is not meant merely for entertainment purposes. It is one of the most serious relationships one can have. It is meant to be an ever-growing beautiful lifetime relationship between one man and one woman. Together you learn “Oneness!” In a good marriage you do not desire to drain one another. You have mutual desire to want what is best for one another as well as the marriage. You seek to build one another up. You together seek to find a balance in life. You have a mutual desire to honor the Lord in your marriage.

A great marriage should be built upon Love, Intimacy, Mutual respect, Integrity, Trust & Security in GOD! These marvelous attributes for marriage make up the great helpful acronym which = “L I M I T S!” Sexual intercourse is a part of marriage. It is a time to express yourselves to one another in a physical way that is only appropriate in marriage. Each couple should seek to work together for mutual fulfillment. When you both are fulfilled you remain faithful because you respect the bond between one another. You take your commitment to your marital vows seriously. You also respect the marriages of others. These are healthy virtuous ingredients that are an important part of building a good safe healthy marriage.

Life is serious and time is so very precious! How you spend the majority of your time is important! In marriage one should not become carried away into an unconscious state of oblivion and become out of touch with what is happening around them. Your marriage should be a priority! Your marriage should be tended like you would care for a well taken care of garden. Marriage is not something to escape into because you are bored, or you need somewhere to escape until you find something better to do… Many turn to marriage in order to just be entertained. Or to try something different. Marriage is about learning how to give yourself to one another. To build a loyal relationship. To learn how to unselfishly share and care for one another. Each spouse should become increasingly aware and sensitive as to how their spouse is feeling.

Although there will be valley experiences and moments of difficulty; when you TRUST GOD there will be many more mountaintop experiences! Always invite the presence of the Lord into all situations… Never underestimate HIS OMNIPOTENT POWER!

“L I M I T S” is a good acronym to remember for a lasting marriage! The desire to grow together and develop character is very important.

Planning Your Wedding Is Important, But So Is Your Marriage!

Planning your wedding is one of the most important events of your life. It is a day that you both will forever remember. It will be etched in yor mind! Your wedding should consist of all the things that reflect you. The friends, relatives and love ones who participate are instrumental in making this a great, wonderful festive occasion. The theme, music, invitations, color palate, gown, bridal wear, grooms wear, flowers, decorations, and time of the venue all reflect the ambiance that you want to create as you together celebrate your special day. Regardless as to however large or small it should be a grand, marvelous memorable occasion.

Today weddings vary and are quite different and sometimes diverse. Some elect to have a large reception immediately after the ceremony; some have a small private wedding and then a large or small reception. Going to a remote place, a tropical island, beach side, seashore, valley, garden, and winery or on a mountaintop, or some unusual place, or just having a traditional church wedding is your choice. Others decide to just keep it very quaint private and personal and just have a few close friends and family in attendance. Whatever you do, please do not get so caught up in the wedding plans that you do not take the time to be mindful of one another. Yes it is a special day! A good photographer will capture the essence of your day! Yes it is all important; but so is your relationship!

The point here is whatever you choose to do make sure that your main focus is the marriage itself.

Many marry and have not really taken any time to plan the marriage. What do you mean? They have not taken the time to have a candid open discussion as to what happens after the wedding. It is important to set some priorities! I know that you know this but as you plan the wedding really keep in mind that after the wedding there is a marriage. Where do we go from here…?

Agree upon a budget and exercise some discipline! Picking a theme, a color scheme and a menu that you both like can be a fun adventure! During the course of planning your wedding there will be some moments when you are not on the same page! Some moments when you will disagree as well. This also gives you both the opportunity to see how you respond to pressure as a couple. There will be a time when you will get a lot of suggestions as to what or what not to do! This gives you the opportunity to begin to make the transition into becoming a couple. You are open to discussion but you want to do what makes the both of you happy! This is a great time to help others learn how to respect your wishes and accept you as a couple. I also believe it is a wonderful time to allow the “Bride & Groom” to shine!

There are a lot of resources to help you plan your “Special Day!” I suggest attending some bridal fairs. Be mindful as well when you attend any weddings together. If you have not already started, begin now clipping out suggestions in magazines etc, and having some open discussion as to what you both want ! This gives you the opportunity to gather some ideas as to how and what you would like to see within your wedding to reflect you! I suggest premarital counseling as well! This helps to give you some incite as to what expect once you are actually married!

It is important to build a strong foundation in your marriage. Who, when and how you marry are important! How you plan your apartment, condo or home is a part of marriage. How will you furnish it? What is your style(s)? What is your budget? What career and job decisions you make will be a part of marriage. What are your religious beliefs and convictions? What size or type of family do you both want or do not want will be an important role in your marriage? All the above factor into building a great strong, long lasting fulfilling marriage. All the love, and planning that goes into planning that “Special Day!” Should continue on even more so into the actual marriage itself. So think ahead and plan wisely!

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