The Number 1: First

 

NOTE: While waiting for the new year to start so I can start again with the letter A, I thought I would reshare the few writings I did on the "123s of a Joyful Marriage." 

Fun Activity This Week: Find a way to show the world that the 2 became 1! Wear husband and wife shirts, matching clothing, or whatever else you can think of. You don't have to buy shirts if it's not in the budget, but trust me, even when you color coordinate, people notice.  Whatever you choose, send a clear message that you and your spouse are 1.

Week 53: First

When we put God first in our marriage, all else will fall into place. Take time out to read the Bible and/or pray together before all other activities (a minimum of once a week) and you will notice how peaceful you feel and act the rest of the day.  Placing the Lord first in all you do obviously will not suddenly cause you to have a stress-free life, but it will enable you to handle the stressful things better as a team.  

Other than placing God first in your priorities in your marriage, we must also seek Jesus out before all others, even our spouse.  Do not seek wealth or fame, but seek Jesus and His righteousness. When we strive to live holy lives, it will automatically make our marriages more joyful because our actions are a lot less likely to harm one another.  Seeking righteousness means you will not want to have an affair, mentally or physically harm one other, see divorce as an option, or a multitude of other sins that could be detrimental to your marriage. Seek Jesus first, place your mate second, all others a distant third, and your marriage will beautifully fall into place!

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33

Marriage-Enhancing Ideas for the Week:

Evaluate your daily/weekly routine.  Notice how many things you do before reading your Bible.  Consider postponing some activities for later in the day, or even eliminating  idle time to spend more time with the Lord as a couple.

Art Project Idea: Write, type, or print out a meme from the Internet with the words to the above scripture to Matthew 6:33. Add the words to patterned scrapbook paper and frame them. Place these words near your car keys, purse, or briefcase.  If you have not yet spent time with the Lord that morning (I realize this may not be possible on a work morning since you may not be leaving the house at the same time or one of you may still be home asleep, you may need to wait until evening or the weekend). Stop everything and say a prayer thanking God for each other and your marriage and the strength to shine for the Lord as individuals and as a couple. 

Here is a collage I made in May of us wearing our "I love my Husband/Wife" t-shirts. We have other shirts that match (not all are marriage themed) and like to dress in the same colors.