Power of Prayer

Something I've been thinking about tonight.  I overheard a younger woman asking a little bit older woman what bit of advice they would give a newly married couple.  As she was speaking my heart screamed out within me LEARN HOW TO PRAY.  Not that marriage is all difficulties (some parts are); but it is so important to develop that relationship with the Lord so that when the hard times come you know right where to go.  I felt like shouting it from the roof tops.  Don't be timid about calling on the name of the Lord.  He is the one that can make the difference between a marriage surviving or failing.  I know this for a fact.  I have failed to use this tool as often as I should and have lived to regret it severely sometimes!!!  You may not always have time to take an hour to pray; but if you've spent time doing that when you DO have time you will be able to tap into that strength and connection at a moments notice.  I wish I could get over how important this is by just writing it.

PRAY   PRAY   PRAY   PRAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

I love to read and have gained a lot of knowledge about life from books; but I have also found in marriage and in parenting that if I will take the time to talk to the Lord He will without fail lead me in the right direction.  He will give me the answer I need if I will go to Him.  When all else fails ask the Master.

Was asked at a wedding if I had any advice for the new couple.  I thought to myself YES let me write you a book of all the lessons I have learned from the things I have done wrong in 12 years; but one thing struck me as very important. 

Learn to stop and listen and to be willing to say your sorry when needed.  Try not to discuss things in the heat of the moment.  Give the Lord room to deal with you and try to listen for his leading in any "discussion" you are having. 

Phillip and I are both very hot tempered and sometimes just fly off the handle at each other.  That is when darts are thrown instead of charity being practiced.  We both fail at restraint sometimes (a lot of the time); but are learning that when we really slow down and do our best not to injure each other in the process we get a lot more accomplished.  Things, issues; and misunderstandings can be resolved when both parties are willing to stop and really listen to the words the other person is saying...without injecting our own feelings into the situation. 

When you can admit to each other when you've done something wrong and really trust that they wont use it against you, your walk is so much sweeter :o)  You love each other.  You are both doing your best to serve the Lord.  Sometimes it is easy to be "ALL YOURSELF" with the one you love and you forget that he/she is also your brother/sister in the Lord.  If there is anyone that you are to do your best to show charity with...to practice the things you've been taught on how to treat someone it should be your best friend...your traveling partner...your spouse.

We of course are NOT there yet at all; but we are learning together.    

A soft answer turneth away wrath...think before you speak.

If your Bible is falling apart; your life is probably staying together.

I have been known to say to new wives

"Don't make a habit of anything

you don't want to be expected to do for the next 50 years".

I would like to change my philosophy if I may...

"Start and work on these habits when you're first married

so fifty years from now they will not seem like habits;

but instead special acts of love".