Marriage

Growing Prosperity Christian Resources to encourage and improve your marriage.

If You Want Your Marriage to Prosper Don’t Trash It!

If You Want Your Marriage to Prosper, Don’t Trash It!

image credits: www.sxc.hu/profile/simmbarb

Why is there such a tendency to run and

find someone to unload all the ugly details on

when a marriage relationship is struggling?

Gossip is not good in any form and

it is especially harmful in marriages.

Why would a spouse want to gossip and air their own dirty laundry about their own spouse?

 

Do You Want Your Marriage to Prosper?

Then Do NOT Trash It!

Deborah McCarragher, author of “Mission Possible – Spiritual Covering,” addressed this issue on her blog in the article “Does Your Garbage Stink? Don’t Trash Your Marriage…”

She explains that when we are emotionally hurt we want to get some sympathy from someone else.  She goes on to quote Joyce Meyer’s advice for hurting hearts: “Run to the Throne instead of the phone.”

Deborah shares why this is so important…

“It’s a simple concept:  when you’ve been emotionally hurt and you want some sympathy from your best friend or neighbor, run to God instead.  He will listen without prejudice and love you without condemnation.  Most importantly, He will not just tell you what you want to hear. He will speak directly to your heart.” (read more)

And, still addressing the issue of turning to others during relationship struggles, Deborah wrote the following powerful message…

“Though we can be an oasis at times for others, we must point them to Jesus, the eternal well of Living Water.  God’s Word quenches every thirst and satisfies truly parched souls.  It holds the key to a fulfilling marriage – even when only one of you follow it’s principles.” (read more)

“Just remember that grace extended goes a long way to fostering harmony in the home.”
— Deborah McCarragher

Go now and take a moment to read the entire article on Deborah McCarragher’s blog. She gives additional advice and biblical insights to encourage thriving, prosperous marriages.

I also highly recommend getting a copy of Deborah McCarragher’s Christian non-fiction book “Mission Possible.” It was written for women who love the Lord, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion. It is meant to encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promise for their spouse and future together.

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you: because he trusts in you.”
Isaiah 26:3

Bottom line: We all know relationships are hard work – especially marriages. And if we want our marriage to prosper then we need to think twice before trashing it and unloading our hurt feelings on others. Strive first and always to take it to the Lord!

May you always run to God first and allow Him to help your marriage to prosper and your life to abound in growing prosperity!

Be Blessed to Be a Blessing –

God bless you always,
Brenda

When your feelings are hurt in your marriage –

Do you run to God first or others?

BEFORE YOU GO…Please leave your answer in the comment section below and then tweet and share with others…

 

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Have a New Husband by Friday – Dr Kevin Leman

Have a New Husband by Friday – Dr Kevin Leman

“Have a New Husband by Friday: How to Change His Attitude, Behavior & Communication in 5 Days”

Dr. Leman writes with humor and understanding as he explains to his female audience How to Have a New Husband by Friday”. He is a Christian therapist, father of four daughters and married over 45 years. He shares this experience with his readers in a humorous yet informative manner.

Have a new husband by Friday?

Is that even possible?

Dr. Kevin Leman says it is…

The New York Times bestselling author and self-help guru shows even the most frustrated wife how she can have a new husband by Friday.

Leman reminds any wife that if what she’s doing to get better behavior out of her husband isn’t working now, it never will. So it’s time for a change. That means it’s time to change her own patterns of behavior.

Here’s how Leman suggests she handle it day to day:

  • Monday: Secrets Revealed: Cracking the Male Code?Yes, you’re different species, but you can work together in harmony.
  • Tuesday: Creatures from Another Planet . . . or Creatures of Habit? To understand men, you have to track ’em to their den.
  • Wednesday: Think about What You Want to Say, Then Divide It by Ten How to talk so your guy will really listen . . . and listen so your guy will really talk.
  • Thursday: Think of Him as a Seal Waiting for a Three-Pound Fish Why making love to your man is a key to who he is and how satisfied he’ll be, and what’s in it for you.
  • Friday: It Takes a Real Woman to Make a Man Feel like a Real Man How to open your man’s heart, revolutionize your love life, and turn him into the knight you’ve always dreamed of.

“While there are numerous marriage books to choose from, this book is different because it examines the childhood role models and learning patterns that affect us in adult marriages. Dr. Leman shares examples of a husband raised by an Overprotective Mother, No-Room-to-Fail Mama, Driven Mother and Disciplining Mother. The fresh look at your husband’s parental influence awakens a new awareness for your marriage.”
— amazon customer review

If you are looking for some insights to help improve your marriage relationship, then you might want to check this book out.

God bless you and may your marriage abound with growing prosperity! 

Cheers,
Brenda

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Reclaim Your Relationship – How 3 Simple Words Can Change Everything!

Reclaim Your Relationship – How 3 Simple Words Can Change Everything!

A Workbook of Exercises and Techniques to Help You Reconnect with Your Partner

The three simple words “I Love You” can change everything!

I heard an interview on the radio a few days ago with Ronald T. Potter-Efron, author of “Reclaim Your Relationship.”

And with Valentine’s Day just around the corner…

I thought it appropriate subject to share my notes on the interview and book.

Below are some key notes:

  • Any real relationship goes through periods of rocky down time and makes you wonder why you are with the person in the first place. But hang in there because things turn around – and you can become closer than ever before.
  • There are simply times and stages in relationships when you’ll find yourself looking at your partner asking “what is wrong with them?”
  • Learn to say “I Love You” even when you are unhappy or frustrated with your partner.
  • It is not just about the words. “I Love You” should also be said with actions backing it up. It should come from the heart.
  • Saying these 3 words is not always so easy for some people.
  • Does it matter if your parents said it in your home growing up? Yes. It is easier for those that heard it and saw it in action growing up.
  • “I Love You” needs to be followed by unselfish actions.
  • Never follow “I Love You” with critical, fault finding about your partner.
  • Self-centeredness puts a wall up in relationships by keeping things about “me, me, me” instead of about “us.”
  • The cost of loving someone is the pain and heartache of losing them some day.
  • Challenge the old, cold thoughts that keep you from saying “I Love You.” Sometimes it is from being hurt in past relationships.
  • Love is demonstrated by loving behavior. A couple’s diary/journal can be a way to keep an ongoing communication for love and dealing with conflict.

Chapter 25 – Give Your Partner the Gift He or She Really Wants

It is worth the effort to learn your partners likes and dislikes. This shows your love by taking the time to discover their needs and not giving gifts based on what you think they want. Sometimes a hug is a better and more desired gift than an expensive present.

Chapter 33 – The 5 Steps that Let You Take in Love

Many people have a hard time taking in love and receiving it. They are able to give, but not receive. This can be caused by many reasons such as: not believing you’re loveable, trying to be humble by not receiving, or simply not knowing how to receive love.

These 5 steps were recommended to help you take in love:

1. Let yourself know the steps to receive love first.
2. Prepare to receive love and let yourself know it is good to receive.
3. When you are told “I Love You”, take a deep breath – stop – and repeat what they said.
4. Acknowledge the statement and feeling of being loved.
5. Accept that you are loved and loveable!

***

From the BACK COVER of “Reclaim Your Relationship” by Ronald & Patricia Potter-Efron (also the authors of “Letting Go of Anger”) :

Say—and mean—the three little words that will save your relationship

“I love you” is probably the most important sentence in the English language: it can enrich your marriage on a good day and heal the worst wounds in bad times. But for many couples, saying and meaning it has fallen not only out of their vocabulary but also out of their marriage. Now, Ron and Pat Potter-Efron, marriage therapists who have been happily married for thirty-seven years, combine their real-life and clinical experience to help you improve your relationship.

“Reclaim Your Relationship” presents forty-six engaging, hands-on exercises to help you say “I love you” with ease and confidence while reaping the benefits of loving and being loved. Addressing the three types of people who have difficulty expressing their love—people who can’t get the words out, people who can’t show their love, and people who can’t receive love—this interactive workbook shows you how to:

  • Practice saying, showing, and accepting love
  • Re-energize your relationship with your partner
  • Address the special needs of the person in your life
  • Love and express love even if you lacked demonstrative affection as a child
  • Overcome the hurt of a bad relationship and reclaim your faith in real love
  • Save a relationship that has drifted

Add depth, richness, wonder, and beauty to the most important relationship in your life with the help of “Reclaim Your Relationship.”

***

May you continue to have growing prosperity in your marriages!

Soar higher,
Brenda

P.S. If you’ve had a chance to read “Reclaim Your Relationship” (available on amazon), please feel free to share your comments – thanks!

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While I’m Waiting by John Waller – Fireproof Movie Music Video

While I’m Waiting by John Waller – Fireproof Movie Music Video

Wait on the Lord, even when times are painful. While you’re waiting, takes steps of obedience and continue to serve and worship the Lord.

Wait on the Lord and move ahead with boldness and confidence.

Marriage is not always easy and it takes a lot of work from both partners… And a successful marriage requires keeping God in the center of it!

God’s love has been shed abroad in my heart (Romans 5:5) therefore…

  • I endure long, and I’m patient and kind; I’m never envious nor do I boil over with jealousy. I’m not boastful or vainglorious, and I do not display myself haughtily.
  • I’m not conceited, arrogant or inflated with pride. I’m not rude or unmannerly, and I don’t act unbecomingly. I don’t insist on my own rights or my own way; I’m not self-seeking. I’m not touchy, fretful or resentful. I take no account of the evil done to me; I pay no attention to a suffered wrong.
  • I don’t rejoice at injustice or unrighteousness, but I rejoice when right and truth prevail.
  • I bear up under anything and everything that comes along. I’m ever ready to believe the best of every person. My hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and I endure everything without weakening.
  • My love never fails or fades out. My love never becomes obsolete. My love never come to an end.

— 1 Corinthians 13 4-8

May God strengthen and prosper your marriage like never before!

God bless you,
Brenda

P.S. “Fireproof” Movie and “While I’m Waiting” Song  by John Waller on amazon

fireproof     whileimwaiting

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Sara Groves – “It’s Me” – Music Video

Sara Groves – “It’s Me” – New Music Video

Yes, Marriage Takes Work – But It Is Worth It!

Sara Groves’ new release “It’s Me” and commented about it on Tangle:

“Sometimes when Troy, my husband, and I are in the midst of a disagreement, one of us will say something that’s really sarcastic or just so overt. And being on the receiving end of that, it’s is like, “Honey, it’s me … Sara.” Or vice versa. We just forget who we’re talking to and the value of that person. For whatever reason, you cross that line where sensitivity and tenderness are discarded. You’d never talk to anyone else like that or treat someone else like that. Troy and I are working on that…” — Sara Groves

Healthy and satisfying marriages are what God intends and they are possible
but they do take ongoing work along the way from each partner and –
require God’s help.

As someone who has been married and unfortunately divorced, I’ve been able to see marriage from different perspectives. Now as a single person, looking forward to marriage again, I realize the importance of each person not only going into the marriage committed – but staying committed.

A great marriage resource book I’ve been reading is “Love & Respect” by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. It has a simple but really powerful message about the ‘LOVE She Most Desires’ and the ‘RESPECT He Desperately Needs’.

The message in the book is also followed up with specific things each partner can do and say. Actually, this message of Love & Respect goes beyond marriage relationships, but is guaranteed to help your marriage. I highly recommend it!

Taking the time to personally develop some new skills goes a long way in living a more satisfying life!

God bless you – and may He strengthen all marriages, and heal all those that have been hurt from divorce –

“God is my strength and power: and He makes my way perfect.”
— 2 Samuel 22:33

With God nothing is impossible!

Cheers,
Brenda

P.S. “Love & Respect” is available on Amazon and I see they also have “The Language of Love & Respect Workbook” by the same author.

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