Marriage Combat

Oh, how we bring thoughts, ideas, and images of what things are "His job" or Her job" into our marriage! We have discovered with 7 kids that "the gloves are off" when it comes to our limiting beliefs about "who does what around here." Simply put, if dishes need to be washed, diapers changed, or tampons purchased on the way home, this dude brings it. If the trash needs to be taken out, a toilet plunged, or, Heaven forbid, a spider squatted...mama's gonna 'man up' and git-r-done! Joint heirs in the grace of life. And the mess of life, too. : )


"Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker vessel and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers."

1 Peter 3:7

S*X.
If you're married, enjoy some this weekend! It's a really good thing. If you're reading this, you're here because of it.
Honor one another like "Back in the day" when you first wed...

"The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. I say this as a concession, not as a command. I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.

I Corinthians 7:3-7

No exaggeration here!

"Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers."

-1 Peter 3:7

Guys, if you're an intenseType-A personality, it's all too easy to slip into insensitive verbal communication, direction, and leadership that comes across as harsh. Weaker simply implies "Be gentle with her, kind and treat her with care." My wife and mother of 7 is anything but "weaker" in everyone's eyes...she's strong in every area of her life. BUT...God sees something tender inside and charges ME to acknowledge it, by faith, even if I can't see it in the natural. And if I blow it, my prayers are hindered. I've got too much responsibility to have my prayers hindered. Remember, honor her as a way to please the Lord and keep the HOTLINE to heaven open!

"Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers."

-1 Peter 3:7

Guys, if you're an intenseType-A personality, it's all too easy to slip into insensitive verbal communication, direction, and leadership that comes across as harsh. Weaker simply implies "Be gentle with her, kind and treat her with care." My wife and mother of 7 is anything but "weaker" in everyone's eyes...she's strong in every area of her life. BUT...God sees something tender inside and charges ME to acknowledge it, by faith, even if I can't see it in the natural. And if I blow it, my prayers are hindered. I've got too much responsibility to have my prayers hindered. Remember, honor her as a way to please the Lord and keep the HOTLINE to heaven open!

This is a great way to start the day : )

"Place me like a seal over your heart,
like a seal on your arm;
for love is as strong as death,
its jealousy unyielding as the grave.
It burns like blazing fire,
like a mighty flame.
.....Many waters cannot quench love;
rivers cannot sweep it away.
If one were to give
all the wealth of one’s house for love,
it would be utterly scorned."

Song of Solomon 8:6-7

On our last trip to the beach, our oldest "caught" us embracing each other and snapped a picture. Every time they see us embrace all six kids yell "Ewww! Sick! Gross, mom and dad!" But in my heart, I know they're going to remember our passion. One legacy we'll leave is the reminder that...no matter how hard life gets and how often mom and dad "disagree loudly," They'll always wind up in each other's arms, planting a big, sloppy kiss on the lips of the one their soul loves~

"Place me like a seal over your heart,
like a seal on your arm;
for love is as strong as death,
its jealousy unyielding as the grave.
It burns like blazing fire,
like a mighty flame.
.....Many waters cannot quench love;
rivers cannot sweep it away.
If one were to give
all the wealth of one’s house for love,
it would be utterly scorned."

Song of Solomon 8:6-7

On our last trip to the beach, our oldest "caught" us embracing each other and snapped a picture. Every time they see us embrace all six kids yell "Ewww! Sick! Gross, mom and dad!" But in my heart, I know they're going to remember our passion. One legacy we'll leave is the reminder that...no matter how hard life gets and how often mom and dad "disagree loudly," They'll always wind up in each other's arms, planting a big, sloppy kiss on the lips of the one their soul loves~

Think about it!

One flesh...what a picture...what I say, what I do, how I think, what I believe about my spouse is what I'm saying, doing, thinking and believing about: ME! Think about it today...

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."

Ephesians 5:31-33

One flesh...what a picture...what I say, what I do, how I think, what I believe about my spouse is what I'm saying, doing, thinking and believing about: ME! Think about it today...

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."

Ephesians 5:31-33

"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."

-James 1:19-20

The Good Lord gave us an anatomical clue...2 ears and 1 mouth! Understanding our spouse actually requires an intentional decision to listen. Hard to do after years of being together, when you can almost finish each other's sentences! But, if you REALLY listen, you will hear their heart.

The line at the bottom, after a laugh sounds right, but IT'S NOT. Show gratitude that you're with the one custom created for you, and realize the enemy is your enemy, and your spouse is your WAR PARTNER! Remember: IF YOU DON'T FIGHT FOR YOUR MARRIAGE, WHO WILL?

WEEKEND CHALLENGE: Do something, Say something, Give something to your spouse that would bless their heart, just because they put up with your quirks and moods and have stuck with you through it all!

Wondering what to do today that will make life sweeter? Here's a good place to start!