Hey y'all, today's post is about caring for your marriage. I've really felt called this year to write about marriage, in an honest way. It's crazy I think that God would call me to this. Me, the girl who dreamed in color over romance. The one who obsessed over the idea of love and wanted marriage more than all else. The woman who just a few years later was ready to throw in the towel over the difficulty of her marriage.
Can I just say something here, maybe for you today? Marriage is hard. I don't think this is said (in a helpful way) enough in Christian community. Like it's said all the time about parenting, universally accepted. Marriage is hard too. Churches often offer pre-marital counseling, wedding ceremonies, and divorce care ministries, but what's being spoken about daily married life? Do you feel like you're being championed for your marriage? Do you know if God's word has anything on how to do this everyday love? You know, beyond 1st Corinthians?
I can say a stronger yes to these questions as Nate & I recently went to a Weekend To Remember event. It was a unique opportunity to be in a setting where Christian servant-leaders were actively seeking to guide and to restore marriage relationships. It was like the first time the larger Christian culture spoke the message that my marriage mattered & offered up some practical tools for real life. Through the generous pastor's scholarship offered to us we were able to attend the conference for free. Praise God for this because regular tickets were $300/couple for the conference not adding in meals/optional hotel room, which makes for quite an investment for most couple's financial status. So where can we look for a free marriage boost?
1. Turn to God & God-breathed Truth {aka the Bible}
2 Timothy 3:16-17 & James 5:16 really backs this up. These might seem like the hardest or even the most predictable ways to find strength, but just throw some faith out to God & see what He will do.
2. Utilize Family-focused Ministries
This is the best if you're looking for perspective on something topical like "temptation in marriage" or "dealing with conflict". Some of my go-to sites are: Focus On The Family, Relevant, and Family Life. Both Focus on the Family & Relevant offer free/cheap print magazine subscriptions. Family Life puts on Weekend To Remember. If you are a military/ministry family you may qualify for an event scholarship.
3. Simply Be Real
Be real with your spouse. Learn to love in action and in truth. Be real with your friends, family, and church community. Paint a picture of the beauty and struggle of a real marriage, what life really looks life after the aisle. You never know when someone's watching you to see how marriage can be done. Let the world know you don't have it all together, that your marriage isn't perfect. Celebrate the realness of your marriage.
p.s. This post is not sponsored in any way. This is to encourage you in ways I've been encouraged.
Can I just say something here, maybe for you today? Marriage is hard. I don't think this is said (in a helpful way) enough in Christian community. Like it's said all the time about parenting, universally accepted. Marriage is hard too. Churches often offer pre-marital counseling, wedding ceremonies, and divorce care ministries, but what's being spoken about daily married life? Do you feel like you're being championed for your marriage? Do you know if God's word has anything on how to do this everyday love? You know, beyond 1st Corinthians?
I can say a stronger yes to these questions as Nate & I recently went to a Weekend To Remember event. It was a unique opportunity to be in a setting where Christian servant-leaders were actively seeking to guide and to restore marriage relationships. It was like the first time the larger Christian culture spoke the message that my marriage mattered & offered up some practical tools for real life. Through the generous pastor's scholarship offered to us we were able to attend the conference for free. Praise God for this because regular tickets were $300/couple for the conference not adding in meals/optional hotel room, which makes for quite an investment for most couple's financial status. So where can we look for a free marriage boost?
3 {free} ways to boost strong marriages:
1. Turn to God & God-breathed Truth {aka the Bible}
2 Timothy 3:16-17 & James 5:16 really backs this up. These might seem like the hardest or even the most predictable ways to find strength, but just throw some faith out to God & see what He will do.
2. Utilize Family-focused Ministries
This is the best if you're looking for perspective on something topical like "temptation in marriage" or "dealing with conflict". Some of my go-to sites are: Focus On The Family, Relevant, and Family Life. Both Focus on the Family & Relevant offer free/cheap print magazine subscriptions. Family Life puts on Weekend To Remember. If you are a military/ministry family you may qualify for an event scholarship.
3. Simply Be Real
Be real with your spouse. Learn to love in action and in truth. Be real with your friends, family, and church community. Paint a picture of the beauty and struggle of a real marriage, what life really looks life after the aisle. You never know when someone's watching you to see how marriage can be done. Let the world know you don't have it all together, that your marriage isn't perfect. Celebrate the realness of your marriage.
It's your turn friend, comment with where you find strength for marriage...
p.s. This post is not sponsored in any way. This is to encourage you in ways I've been encouraged.
Even after nearly 26 years of marriage, these are practical tips that will encourage greater levels of intimacy on all levels in my marriage. I am thankful you are heading God's call to write on this topic. Hope you are doing well!
ReplyDeleteHi, Rachel, just stopping by to see what you're up to. :) I did not know about the weekend to remember - that's amazing to have scholarships available to those in military or ministry. Are you also aware that there are many organizations who will donate housing for a retreat/getaway for couples/families in ministry? Just asking because I had no idea when we first began. Now I have somewhat of a running list. :) Marriage IS hard. Marriage in ministry is even harder, I think. Keep up the good work!
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