Secrets to a Happy Marriage

July 31, 2017July 31, 2017Leave a comment

Curt and me

This week my husband and I celebrated our 35^th wedding anniversary. While no marriage is perfect, there are a few things that can strengthen the relationship between husband and wife. Here’s my short list of ways to increase the happiness in your marriage and keep the home fires burning.

Positive Practices

Communicate in a loving tone
Pray together every day
Forgive, forgive, forgive – continually
Maintain hope
Listen well
See the best in your spouse
Smile, laugh, go on dates together
Build on your common interests and hobbies
Appreciate the differences
Overlook the small stuff
Greet your spouse with joy (take a lesson from your dog on this one)
Reflect on what brought you together in the first place
Agree to disagree at times
Be a content and joyful person
Find your identity in Christ, not your spouse

Some Don’ts:

Don’t use the words “always” or “never”
Don’t demand your own way or think you know it all
Don’t nab and nit-pick at each other
Don’t hold on to past offenses or grudges
Don’t let technology isolate you and diminish your communication
Don’t depend on your spouse for your own personal happiness

The apostle Paul described love this way, “⁴Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” (I Corinthians 13)

I don’t know about you, but I fall short of that description of love in many ways. The good news is, this description of love gives us a picture of God’s love toward us. How wonderful to know that God genuinely loves us and that we can ask Him to pour His love through us. May His love be very real in your life today.

Truly Positive

July 28, 2017July 28, 2017Leave a comment

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Over the last three weeks, we have examined a variety of qualities which positive people exhibit in their lives. These are simple and genuine characteristics of people who tend to look at the brighter side of life and also bring joy into the lives of others.

It’s easy to assume that positive people are insincere or fake, but my hope is that after joining me on this True Positive journey, you will discover that anyone (even the cup-half-empty people) can become sincerely positive. I want to encourage you over the next few months to take each of these 21 qualities and examine them. Choose one or two that you recognize you need to apply to your life, and be deliberate about living it out each day. Below, you will find a list of all the qualities for quick reference. Let me know which ones have impacted you personally. Stay positive my friend!

Focus
Being Real
Hope
Health
Thankfulness
Faith
Prayer
Growth
Courage
Perseverance
Purpose
Work
Stop complaining
Laughter
Happy List
Helping Others
Forgiveness
Patience
Refreshing Relationships
Big Picture
Encouragement

Photo by Luca Upper on Unsplash

True Positive: Day 21 – Encourage Others

July 27, 2017July 27, 2017Leave a comment

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Are you an encourager or a discourager? The word “encourage” means to give strength to another person. The root word, “cor” is the Latin word for heart. When we use our words or actions to sincerely encourage others, we offer strength for their heart. Let’s be honest, this world is full of sadness and hurt, and most people are hungry for an uplifting word or a kind acknowledgement.

James M. Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan wrote, “Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves.” It’s true! When we take the time to honestly and specifically build up another person, we ourselves are strengthened and uplifted. Yet, if we use our mouths to grumble and criticize, our personal joy is diminished. Let’s be builders, not destroyers!

Solomon said, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.” How will you use your words today to make a positive difference in the life of another person?

True Positive: Day 20 – Big Picture

July 26, 2017July 26, 2017Leave a comment

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There are times when life circumstances seem immense and overwhelming. Whether it is a deadline, or a sudden life change or simply a difficult person, challenges can loom large in our minds. In these moments, it is important for us to step back and gain a broader perspective. Consider asking yourself the question, “In light of eternity, how does this effect my life and the lives of those around me?”

If you ever sat too close to the screen in a movie theater, you know what I’m talking about. Sometimes we must look at the whole picture instead of what is right in front of our eyes, distorting our perspective. When challenges come our way, they may look like mountains for a moment, but step back and gain perspective and recognize that your circumstances are only part of a bigger life story.

Father, teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12). Help us keep our eyes on your love and presence in our lives no matter what the circumstances.

True Positive: Day 19 – Refreshing People

July 25, 2017July 25, 2017Leave a comment

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There are certain people in our lives that refresh our spirit. They not only inspire and encourage us, but they also empathize with us and pray for us. Who are the positive people in your life? Consider the people in your life right now that bring enjoyment and delight into your life – those friends who are sunshine to your soul.

In our social media driven culture, we can fool ourselves into thinking that we are surrounded by friends. But do these friendships satisfy our heartfelt need for true connection in relationships? We were created as relational beings, and we need real time with real friends. Be intentional today about connecting with people who are a blessing to your life, and in turn, be sure you are being an inspiration and refreshment to others.