a working marriage takes work

Ecclesiastes 4:10
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

Being married has its ups and downs.  Two people who vaguely know each other enter into a commitment and begin a new life together as one.

I am a very independent person!  So is Jay.  All of the baggage we have (unforgiving, childhood experiences, the way we react to problems, and family issues) is brought into the relationship with us.
In other words, it gets crowded real fast!  Finding your place in your relationship and figuring out how to cope with problems together, takes patience and should be handled with kindness and love. 

If you hang in there and talk......hang in there and listen......really listen, and remember the person you fell in love with is just that, a person....life together is far far better than a life alone.  Life together in love with Jesus and your mate is comforting and fulfilling.
A WORKING MARRIAGE takes work.

• make time for each other everyday as much as possible
• schedule date nights in advance (you won't go if you don't)
• put you spouse's needs above your children's (your children will grow up and move on, you will be with your spouse forever)
• give them down time with NO agenda
• remember neither one of you are perfect
• say I love you a lot
• touch each other
• kiss before you go to sleep every night
• say good morning and good night
• be polite

Put Jesus in the center of your marriage.  WWJD may seem trite but it is completely true.  Think about what Jesus would do!  Think about how Jesus loves you both and not one more than the other.  He will watch your back for you so you can react with vulnerability and honesty. 

love jackie