Cultivate

We had a delightful time of sharing this past Thursday on the topic of “Building A Best-Friend Marriage”.  In the video presentation, Linda Anderson gave us five ways to cultivate our relationships with our husbands:  as companions, as co-workers (parenting), building each other up, being a fun lover, and being each others’ spiritual encourager. 

That word “cultivate” intrigues me!  With 30 years of farming behind us, I use to so enjoy the wonderful sight and aroma of a freshly cultivated corn field.  Between rows of corn the soil rippled dark, rich, and free of weeds.   Webster’s dictionary also defines “cultivate” as improving by care, training, or study; promoting the development or growth of; give one’s attention to; pursue.   WOW!  What if we always took those definitions to heart in our marriages?   It takes work and commitment, but the “weed-free environment” produces “fruit”!   Now I’m not so naïve to think the “weeds” will never pop up…they do so in the best of marriages…but if the “ground” has been tilled properly and the “tools” are in good repair, then “weeds” will be easier to uproot.

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I love acronyms!  When I was learning piano, my teacher helped me memorize the names of the notes that were on lines on the treble staff this way:  Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge.  Well. I’ve come up with an acronym for marriage based upon our Mom to Mom study:  Mature Adults in Romantic Relationship Intuitively Affirming Gifts in Each other.   Of course, that assumes that we have God in us helping us to do that! 

Perhaps a better memory peg for marriage is this:

Maturity

Affirmation

Respect

Romance

Intercession

Admiration

God!

Empathy

This coming Thursday We’ll focus on parenting:  “Our Father’s Eyes: Seeing Our Children As He Sees Us”.  Please be early [again]!  This week Deseray really IS coming! J  We’ll start promptly at 9:30 in the Fellowship Hall.

~Love, Sharon and Toni

Marriage Monsters

We had a great time finishing our discussion on “Marriage Monsters” Thursday.   Whether listening or sharing, “Mom to Mom” is a safe, empathetic, understanding place to be. 

On the topic of empathy, let me just share an interesting tidbit of information from Les and Leslie Parrott who wrote, Trading Places :  “Empathy is the most crucial component in a successful marriage.  We stand on a mountain of research and clinical expertise when we tell you that.  It’s putting yourself in your partner’s shoes.  The happiest couples on earth are those who become adept at trading places.”    WOW!

With that statement from the Parrott’s and with Shaunti Feldhahn’s research in For Women Only, and with the encouragement we get from the Bible in 1 Peter 1:22—“Love each other deeply from the heart”  and in   

1 Corinthians 13:4, 5—“Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”   With all of those pearls of wisdom, Ladies, know without a doubt that you and your husbands are being cheered on, rooted for, and prayed for as you grow and maintain healthy marriages.  Is it easy?  No!   Is it worth it?  Absolutely!

Next Thursday Deseray Leaver from the Trenton Pregnancy Centre will lead us in devotions in the main fellowship hall before we go to “our” room to view our next DVD:  “Building a Best-Friend Marriage”.   PLEASE come at 9:10/9:15 to check your children into nursery and grab a bite to eat.  Devotions will begin promptly at 9:30!!   It will be great to mingle and chat with the Coffee Break ladies for a change of pace.

May our God who gives us everything we need for life, bless you!

Love,

Sharon & Toni