Archives for “Marriage”
I suspect this will be a land mine upon which I will throw myself – but here it goes. This is using sweeping generalizations, which means exceptions exist (but may not be the rule). Males, tend to want to be of service and/or want to solve problem(s). We’re hardwired to this behavior. Females, tend to [...]
The groom and his bride are merely trying to enjoy their first dance together as a married couple..then, something unexpected happens….
Bouncing Ball I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted, and behold all was vanity. ECCLESIASTES 2:11 There are seasons in life when our work requires more of us than it does at other times. Tax season for the accountant. Christmas season for the retailer. Whatever [...]
Sometimes relationships are truly about completing the other person in some way, and this video explores that idea in a very beautiful and uplifting way! Enjoy!
I’ve been doing some interior soul-gazing… In the name of Love, I have permitted myself to become limited. I have a larger boundary-less nature [allowing me the luxury of not being able to say 'no' all the time, alas] – whereas my companion has specific boundaries, and is quick to (re)enforce them when broken. To [...]
Barbara Rainey really hits the nail on the head here– This aspect of a man is really very important to him, and to neglect, punish or otherwise ignore ends up being something that most marriages die by… Ephesians 5:31 And the two shall become one flesh. As a wife, I believe the Bible calls me [...]
This is oh so timely in my life– a perfect illustration of Loving unconditionally. My only addition is that the prayer part be amended. Editor’s amendment applied. 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear. Why is unconditional acceptance so important? Because if you accept only in part, [...]
If marriages are to succeed, Christians must do more than continue living by the 50/50 Plan. I groaned, “Honey, why don’t you turn off the lights tonight?” Barbara replied, “I thought you would because my dad always turned off the lights.” Suddenly, I was wide awake. It dawned on me why I had been suffering [...]
The Rainey’s have another good one– My own personal experience can attest– I’ve felt loved when my spouse tells me how much she appreciates me (or shows me appreciation with affection or other attention). While it’s true we don’t need acknowledgment, we certainly thrive when we get it! Ephesians 5:33 Let the wife see to [...]
More on the same theme— What have you done (today) to spend time with the people you love (and NOT the work-place)…. Ephesians 5:17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. As the kids surrounded my car like a band of whooping Indians, screaming, “Daddy, Daddy, Daddy,” [...]
Wow! This is a very valid point— no matter how much you give of yourself at your ‘job’, make sure to leave plenty extra for your home and family life too!!! Ephesians 5:15,16 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time. Driving home one [...]
A really timely and nice essay by the Rainey’s today. Commitment is key– even when we have hard tasks or choices to make, our commitment to what we said we would do and be are important– especially in God’s eyes. Matthew 19:6 What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate. When we enter [...]
Giving thanks, in all we do/have/be – while important, also can be enriched by really spending time with loved ones- including letting them know just how much you cherish them… The Rainey’s provide practical experiential advice regarding this. Philippians 1:3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you. I once read of a [...]
The key to remember here is a simple idea that Jesus clearly articulated: “‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” [Matthew 23:39 / Gal 5:14]. If we truly wish to emulate Christ– we must love without condition, with great compassion– and forgive the moment a wrong-doing occurs. Let go of the need not only to ‘defend’ but [...]
Gary Smalley tackles some of this in his DNA of Relationships as well– James 1:19 But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. Paul Tournier, the Swiss psychiatrist, advised husbands and wives to be preoccupied with listening in their marriages. Unfortunately, unlike our text, we are usually slow to [...]
The Rainey’s illustrate the importance of showing love. Expressing appreciation is always a good thing- what we appreciate in life tends to remain with us, what we ignore tends to drop away. Important lesson, that! 1 Corinthians 13:4,5 Love… does not seek its own. I’ll never forget at the end of a FamilyLife Marriage Conference [...]
Gary Smalley says in DNA of Relationships similar things– we must be curious about the other person, and treat them as what they have to say is the most important thing for us to hear at the moment they are saying it… Again, even though Dennis Rainey is telling men to listen their wives, ALL [...]
The concept of ‘mirroring’ is really helpful– Dennis Rainey shows a glimpse of one way to do it [and why it works for women]. I would also encourage wives to do the same behavior with their husbands, as it can lead to more successful communication for all parties who make use of it as a [...]
Barbara Rainey points out the benefits of owning and understanding the emotions we experience, and the importance of discussion and communicating about them with a spouse. Ephesians 4:26 (NIV) Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. We know we are created in the image of God, but many don’t realize [...]
The Rainey’s get us to thinkning about the positive memories of our parents. Philippians 1:2,3 (NIV) Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you. I wonder how many of us thank God every time we remember our parents? Almost everyone [...]
The Rainey’s discuss certain aspects that the newly married eventually discover, and how to approach them in a loving, conscious fashion. Time to roll the sleeves up and learn each other! Proverbs 13:15 Good understanding produces favor, but the way of the treacherous is hard. Many couples are surprised by the adjustments they need to [...]
This is a particularly useful passage regarding the growth of relationship between loving couples. The final words are absolutely touching and true: “To give of your time requires the greatest sacrifice. Take time for a quiet walk or a scenic drive. Above all else, simply take time for each other. If blood is the gift [...]
Psalm 18:35 Thou hast also given me the shield of Thy salvation, and Thy right hand upholds me; and Thy gentleness makes me great. What is the real need among Christians today? It’s not safety, security or a fat savings account. It is not better facilities, better programs, flashier television shows, a celebrity’s testimony, more [...]
Ecclesiastes 4:9,10 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. More than anyone else, I have determined that I will be accountable to my wife, Barbara. Marriage is a perfect arena for accountability. As you and [...]
Titus 2:4,5 That they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonored. Our society often sends the wrong signals to mothers. It tells moms they are dispensable. [...]
