Be Prepared

by | Sep 24, 2023 | concept

CONCEPT  (Day 1 of 7)

This concept might seem a bit odd as a marriage concept, but hear me out.

Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.  Proverbs 6:6-8 ESV

The Bible has a number of verses about preparedness. Everything from preparing your pantry for winter, to being prepared with an answer for your faith, to being prepared for the coming of Christ.

Preparedness is an interesting concept. It involves an expectation and a plan. Then you have follow through on necessary actions, a readiness for action.

two ants

I think this concept could impact your marriage in many positive ways.

Certainly practical things like budget planning and retirement, but what about planning to regularly make your spouse feel special (keep a small gift collection on hand) or preparing for temptation before it hits you in the face. Preparation for parenthood or how you will deal with extended family will also impact your marriage as well.

Spend the day thinking about ways that a bit of preparation could save you hassle down the road. Preparation can also make it possible to grab opportunities when they’re available.

 

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For a Lifetime

by | Sep 23, 2023 | conclusions

CONCLUSION  (Day 7 of 7)
(Need to start at the beginning? Day 1)

A good friend of mine told me about an interesting conversation she had with her husband.

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.  Genesis 2:24  ESV

They realized that one of their goals was not really that healthy for their marriage. Now it was a good goal, but it was just a bad fit for this couple.

couple talking

I thought that was an interesting conclusion, and I’m tickled they were able to see it and talk through to what would be a healthier goal.

Living as one is a lifetime journey and one that needs tending. We grow, we change, we go through different seasons. Let’s pay attention to the health of our marriages and make changes to keep growing in oneness and intimacy.

 

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Keep Those Skills Sharp

by | Sep 22, 2023 | resources

RESOURCES  (Day 6 of 7)
(Need to start at the beginning? Day 1)

So how do we grow in marital oneness? What helps are available?

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.  Genesis 2:24  ESV

I’m a big fan of small marriage focused groups. Paul and I go to one and, though we are reading a book to discuss, we’re not afraid of bunny trails where people share from their hearts and ask hard questions.

open book

If you don’t have the option of a marriage group, try reading a marriage book (or two) a year with your sweetie. Staying focused on your marriage and learning marriage skills is an incredible help in keeping your marriage strong.

Having a weekly coffee date can also be a great tool. Discuss your week and use that time to look at your calendar, get on the same page, and dream a little.

As an aside, if you and your spouse are significantly struggling in your marriage, do seek third party help. It’s one of the best investments you can make.

 

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Practical Oneness

by | Sep 21, 2023 | second try

SECOND TRY  (Day 5 of 7)
(Need to start at the beginning? Day 1)

As you’re working toward having greater intimacy and oneness with your spouse, look for practical ways to live that out.

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.  Genesis 2:24  ESV

Could you make room to have lunch once a week with your sweetie? What new habits could you both create to spend more time together?

couple playing game

Is there something you need to talk through to find a solution for a sticky problem between the two of you? Do you need to cut back on time spent with a particular friend?

What will you change today to help build more “oneness” in your marriage?

 

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What Separates You?

by | Sep 20, 2023 | road blocks

ROADBLOCKS  (Day 4 of 7)
(Need to start at the beginning? Day 1)

What makes it difficult for you to think and act as a part of a marriage team?

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.  Genesis 2:24  ESV

Busyness can certainly gum up the works.

divided couple

Hard emotions can also stall you out. There have been times when I chose to work or hang out with others because I was ticked at Paul. Unforgiveness is really tough on a marriage.

If you’ve developed really strong relationships with others, it can be hard to dial back a bit and give your spouse more time and energy. Nothing wrong with having good relationships, the question is where is the balance?

What separates you from building oneness with your spouse?

 

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Making Room for Your Marriage

by | Sep 19, 2023 | first try

FIRST TRY  (Day 3 of 7)
(Need to start at the beginning? Day 1)

As you walk through your day, think about being one with your spouse.

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.  Genesis 2:24  ESV

Is there something you can do to free up a bit of time to have fun with your sweetie? What do you need to cut back on (activities and/or relationships) to make more room for your marriage? Are you struggling with anger or unforgiveness toward your spouse?

busy couple

Are there relationships that are crowding out your marriage? Are there people you value more than your spouse?

Think it through and spend some time praying. What needs to change? Do you need to invite your spouse for a walk to talk through something?

 

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