Read Psalm 46:10 & Ecclesiastes 9:9

Do we spend our time together or just looking at the hourglass as time slips away……

What we have on our calendar, what’s going on at work, with the family,  at the kids’ school, the extra activities,at church, blah, blah, blah! All of this can create anxiety, stress, bad attitudes, sleep deprivation, maybe even dysfunction.  Of course this isn’t anything that we all don’t already know!! I bring this up to remind us that all that stuff is one facet in growing apart from each other, and we can control it. We get so caught up in it that we leave each other in the dust thinking “oh we will take care of our relationship later when life slows down.”

Well, I don’t know about you but for me life never slows down and before you know it you find you’ve neglected the one who is gonna be with you “til death do you part “.

The scripture Psalm 46:10 comes to mind when you get sooo busy, “Be still and know that I am God.” “Be still”- stop and take a deep breath and hear his voice, “and know”- be confident in your plans and wisdom, “that I am God”- know who He is, he is gonna take care of everything! That’s the only way you will be able to make the time to cultivate and protect your relationship with your spouse. It’s important to God, it says in Ecclesiastes 9:9 “Relish life with the spouse you love….”(msg).

I love to be with my husband alone, on a date, at home, whatever and however but I have to stop and work it out so it happens.

I encourage you to do the same.

Don’t wait til it’s too late!

Read Matthew 27:27-31 & Matthew 5:39 (NIV & The MSG)

     At this time of the year when there is so much joy at Christmas – No Problem.  I can turn the other cheek, oh really?  Did you hear about the people pepper spraying everyone to ensure they got their gift on Black Friday or what about waiting in lines or following people on the highway in the fast lane that won’t get over.  Are you still turning the other cheek now?  Well, let me tell you about a young man we will call ‘Robert’ and how he turned his cheek – more than once.

Robert, was about 20 years old, who was in college, baseball player and well liked by most.  Unfortunately for him, out of the blue came one acquaintance who, for whatever reason, decided to pick on Robert.  Actually this happened to Robert on 2 different occasions, he had tobacco slung in his face, more graphically this other person slung his saturated chewing tobacco in Robert’s face, cursing him, calling him names and wanting a fight.  Well, Robert wasn’t a fighter and in fact was a people pleaser in general.  However, I must say that the degree of the act, basically being spat upon, would provoke just about anyone to at least a verbal defense if not a punch or two.  But not Robert.  He graciously cleaned off his face, both times and walked away.

To some people Roberts response would seem foolish or cowardly because he didn’t defend himself.  But wasn’t Jesus spat upon? (Matthew 27:30)  Yet He never retaliated with His words or actions.  He forgave! (Luke 23:34)

Robert was a “Jesus” example to the young man who was provoking him, whether he realized it or not.

     I know sometimes in our marriages we argue, say things that are hurtful, do things we don’t mean to do to each other and the other one responds with a verbal attack or deed.  All for what!?  A bigger argument or I’m gonna one up you or I’ll have the last word?  What if we learned to turn the other cheek?(Matthew 5:39)

No you can’t do it in your flesh.  It’s called letting the Spirit of God consume you in that moment, and proving to your spouse that you are letting God change your heart and your learning to love like Jesus loves, which is the way God designed our marriages to be in the first place!  Ask the Lord to help  you if this is one of your struggles and I promise He will show you how to “Turn the Other CHEEK.”

……If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other cheek as well.  (Matthew 5:39)

Robert turned both Cheeks!

]]> http://marriagesbydesign.com/2011/12/08/turn-the-other-cheek-really/feed/ 1 http://marriagesbydesign.com/2011/10/19/vision/ http://marriagesbydesign.com/2011/10/19/vision/#comments Wed, 19 Oct 2011 02:44:49 +0000 tcarter http://marriagesbydesign.com/?p=746 All thru God’s word it talks about people with a “vision”. Everyone that did something great for God seemed to have a “vision”. Today I still hear a lot about having “vision”.

So what does it mean to have  “vision”?

Here’s the answer:  the act or power of anticipating that which will or may come to be. (according to dictionary)

Now knowing this, here’s something to think about: when you were preparing to get married, in other words when you were engaged, did you have “vision” for your marriage? For men, their “vision” probably never got past the honeymoon! And for women, it probably never got past her dream of the wedding plans, or the idea of becoming “Mrs._____! But really we should have all had “vision” (remember the definition).

In Proverbs 24:3-4a “it takes wisdom to build a house, and understanding to set it on a firm foundation; It takes knowledge to furnish it’s rooms…….”. Did you look for wisdom, understanding, or gain knowledge from anyone or anywhere to prepare for your marriage?  It’s not too late. Ask God to give you “vision” for all the answers to have that wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in your marriage.

HIS Word is FULL of it!

Our fall retreat will be held at a the beautiful Branson House, which is a has a great location and is an incredible place for couples for R&R – Reconcile & Restoration. The Coursey’s are incredible hosts.

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