Week 4: Fun Activity for Bible Study

 

Week 4: Fun Activity for Bible Study

This week's fun activity is to start a new (or continue a current) Bible Study together.  This is one of those activities that does not have to be a one-time-only event but can and should be on-going.

We study our Bibles every day, so this is not a onetime activity for us (I usually two or three different Bibles a day and take notes in a journal).  We pray that when it is within God's timing, to someday host or teach a home Bible study group.

Week 4: Boldness Art Project

 

Week 4: Boldness Art Project

This week's art project was to create a poem out of the letters "bold" or "boldness" to show that you are always willing to boldly take a stand for your spouse and your marriage.

Here is my poem.  I used cutout letters and scrapbook paper.  If I had a printer, I would have created a better-looking project on the computer as I have horrible handwriting, but it is the message here that counts the most.  As with all projects, you can make them as simple or fancy as you choose.

Week 4: Boldness & Bride of Christ

 

Fun Activity This Week:  Start a Bible study together.  It can be any length on any subject.  If you regularly read the Bible together, you can still think of a new subject into which you would like to delve deeper and plan a new study as soon as you can.  Also, if you are comfortable with it, consider leading or hosting a study in your own home.  However, if you are the teacher, make sure God is calling you to be a leader and follow through on practicing what you preach! This is one of those activities that does not have to be a one-time-only event but can and should be on-going.

 

Week 4: Boldness & Bride of Christ

 

Boldness:  It is vital to the health of our marriage that we are bold in taking a stand for each other.  

(Proverbs 31:10, 11, & 23) Who can find a virtuous wife?  For her worth is far above rubies.  The heart of her husband safely trusts her... Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.  

This is not, I am sure, the actual translation of these verses, but I believe what I am going to write about falls in the same category.  They do not specifically instruct the wife to boldly stand up for her husband when others mock him, but can’t you see where that would fit with the theme? I will explain further.  The virtuous woman’s husband “safely trusts her,” which means he can trust that her conversation behind his back will be pure and honorable.  She will not backstab him, and she will defend him when her friends or family speak ill of him.  This ties in with verse 23 as well.  To me this says her husband has a good reputation.  He is “known in the gates” and even “sits among the elders,” which could also mean he holds a position of authority.  Would a man be held in high regard if his wife gossiped about him to her friends and said nothing when others insulted him?  Of course not!  They would wonder why his wife was so disrespectful and he would most likely lose his place of honor.  These same principles apply for the husband in the way he treats his wife as well. 

The subjects that God puts on my heart to write about for this blog are not all based on personal circumstances, some are simply what come to my mind when I pray about what to write.  This subject, however, is both personal and God-inspired.  It comes in two parts:  

Back in 2014 when Mel was posting scriptures and speaking out against the gay lifestyle on his blog and on Facebook, he got a lot of heat for speaking the Truth of scripture.  There were some people I had been friends with for a long time that came against my husband.  I was able to forgive what they said, but when someone turns against the man I love with hateful words/actions, they are no longer welcome in my life.  Of course, I agree with my husband’s Biblical views against homosexuality, and I will always take a stand for Christ, but this was just as much about boldly showing solidarity with my spouse.  Mel and I are of one mind as we are one.  I am very proud of my hubby; his boldness and strength of character are some of the things that made me fall in love with him!

Now I come to the second part of why I wanted to write on this topic.  We had some issues with friends not supporting our marriage.  There were quite a lot of instances, but for the sake of not dwelling on the negative (all issues have been forgiven), I will not go into specifics.  The point is that these people dishonored our marriage when they were disrespectful to my husband.  I will not tolerate that from anyone, nor does God expect me (or you) to.  My husband and I are one.  If you insult him, you insult me.  When he hurts, I hurt.  If you make it clear you do not want to be around him and make him feel unwanted, then I have no desire to be with you. 

I know this may sound harsh, but I believe that a Biblical couple stands up for each other and stands by each other’s side no matter what!  Therefore, I will speak the Truth in love, and hope all of you boldly stand up for your spouse when others criticize him/her or your marriage.  I did not marry my friends or even family members, I married Mel, the love of my life, and he is whom I will defend. 

Just one quick note to make things clear: This week is only from the perspective of standing up for a Godly spouse that is being unfairly treated for whatever reason and being loyal to him/her above anyone else.  I would never tell anyone to stand up for a spouse doing anything immoral or illegal.  Obviously, if your spouse needs to be punished by the law, you must do the right thing and alert the police, especially if it involves injury to you, a child, or another adult!  

Bride of Christ:  I am aware that when The Bible speaks of the bride of Christ, it has to do with the church.  However, the idea that formulated in my heart revolves around more of a personal relationship as an individual bride. 

I was prompted to write on this topic while Mel and I were both miserably suffering with a flu that lasted longer than two weeks (this was around 2017, before COVID).  It was one of those flus where all we could do was sleep for twenty hours a day and everything hurt.  I was running a 102-degree fever for four days, and Mel ended up in the emergency room because he passed out twice.  Not fun!  In a rare moment when I was awake and somewhat alert, I started thinking of how frustrating it can be to live in a fallen world where such potentially deadly flus exist.  Just because we make Jesus Lord of our lives, it does not make us exempt from such things.  Life happens, and we have to learn to roll with the punches.   Part of such an attitude is thinking of my relationship with Christ as I do my wedding vows.  I will be loyal to God in sickness and in health and in richer and poorer.  The good news is, I do not have to add, “Until death do us part,” because God has given us the gift of eternal life with Him if we repent of our sins and daily walk in ways of holiness.

Just as I will always be faithful to my precious earthly husband, I always want to be an honorable bride for my heavenly husband as well.  Jesus will come back for a bride who has done her best to live a life separated from the world, daily died to the flesh, followed the teachings and attributes of Christ, and placed Jesus as Lord of her life above all others.  We are not expected to be perfect, but we must choose to cast off our old natures and sins, and desire to be the best we can be in order to be a Light for others and please our Creator. 

(Ephesians 5:27) That He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.  

Being a loving wife to my Mel does not end after the honeymoon, I must make the right daily choices to be respectful, romantic, and kind. And, yes, it is a daily choice with my relationship with Christ as well, not a one-time prayer.  Getting on your knees to ask Jesus into your heart is not a prayer of salvation, it is a prayer of new beginnings.  Only those who endure to the end will be saved, salvation is a free gift, but you have to choose to accept it, and it can be lost (at the very least, read Revelation chapters 2 & 3), just as earthly marriages can be lost to infidelity, abuse, and lack of love and respect. 

In June 2026, Mel and I will have been married for 14 years, but people still tell us how cute we are and think we are newlyweds.  Our bond grows stronger because we put forth the effort to communicate and never stop learning about each other.  We are still discovering and telling new stories of our pasts.  Even telling or hearing the same stories multiple times reemphasizes how well we know each other when we realize how well we know a particular story.  (In other words, don’t be rude when your spouse repeats something; smile that you know exactly what he/she is going to say next because you two are so bonded.)  We are best friends and spend hours a day talking, going for walks, playing games, reading, and praising the Lord.  If we ignored each other all day, let the romance fade, and spent the majority of our time apart, our marriage would fizzle.  Instead, we keep the flames of love and romance alive because we are so much in love, we never want to extinguish our inferno.  The same is very true in my approach with my walk in the Lord.  I want to make certain I never cease trying to learn all I can about His teachings.  I read my Bible to remind myself of His Truths.  Even after hearing or reading the Word of God for more than fifty-one years, I still discover new things I never considered or simply overlooked.  Just as I keep the lines of communication open with Mel, I make sure to tell God how I feel. 

One of the best ways to show Mel I love and accept him is to pay him compliments.  As you know, I am very much against spouses being nags.  Treat your honey like a cherished partner, not like your child.  I have made the majority of the same art projects I suggest in this book for my hubby as well other items not listed here.  It is a fun and romantic way to show Mel each week how much I love him and how much he means to me.  Although I am obviously not going to make art projects for the Lord, I should still put forth the effort to always tell God how much I love Him and appreciate all He does for me; tell God I love Him just for Who He is.  Prayer, praise, and worship are the best ways to show Jesus how much I love Him, as well as using my talents to bring glory to His name.

For scripture verses on being the “literal” bride of Christ, or more specifically, the verses that relate to the church see Revelation 21:1-7 & Revelation 22:16-17.  You can make these personal and apply them to your individual actions.

 

Marriage-Enhancing Ideas for the Week: 

 

Boldness:  Make a conscious effort this week to keep your ears open for any negative talk about your spouse.  Be quick to boldly defend each other, no matter who the speaker may be.  In addition, make sure you are not being a hypocrite; do not speak behind each other’s back unless it is to plan a surprise or unless you are saying words of commendation.

Art Project Option:  Create a word poem out of the letters in the word BOLD or BOLDNESS.  You can use the simple one I wrote or write your own personalized version.  You can make the letters out of patterned paper, use stencils, or even simply write it or type it and print it out.  Here is the one I wrote.  It is not really a poem, but each letter is advice meant to inspire boldness in your marriage.

 

Honey, I will:

Boldly and

Openly

Learn to be

Daring;

Never let anyone

Ever harm you; I will

Stand up for you and I will

Stand up for our marriage!

 

Bride of Christ: Are there any ways in which you are not reflecting the image of a bride of Christ to your husband or others?  Do your words and actions represent Christ?  If not, ask your mate to help you work on changing your behaviors to help you be a better Christian and a better spouse.

Week 3: Fun Activity for Baking

 

Week 3: Fun Activity for Baking

This week's fun activity was to bake one or both of your favorite desserts together. 

Instead of baking for each other, we made cookies for my boss' husband's birthday! I love to bake for my friends' birthdays, and we decided to turn this week's fun activity into baking for my good friend's husband. He requested dark chocolate chip cookies, and he also likes walnuts and coconut, so we added both to these cookies. Yum! Therefore, you can also choose to share the "wealth" of your fun time in the kitchen with your friends by giving baked goods as gifts! Of course, be sure to keep some for yourselves as well! (P.S. That first photo is of us in our aprons.)

Week 3: Backup Short Video

Week 3: Backup Short Video

Note: I originally filmed this on Jan. 20, 2020. I hope it makes sense; I was getting over the flu and had a high fever the day I made the video (Perhaps it was even COVID??)! I actually filmed this at the job I had at that time because I knew as soon as I got home, I was going to crash into bed.  The cat behind me was Benji, one of our "clients"!

Week 3: Believe Art Project

 

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Week 3: Believe Art Project

This week's art project: Buy or use a thick notebook you currently own. Glue a decorative cover onto it with construction or scrapbook paper to create a unique journal for your spouse. For example, Mel is a preacher, so on top of some green wallpaper-style scrapbook paper, I wrote the words, “Mel’s Sermon Notes, Dreams, & Plans.” You could add artwork, stickers, or glitter if you like, but not too girly if this is a gift for your manly hubby! Your possibilities are endless from creating a book for poetry, to giving him/her a place to keep notes on ideas for a future business. The point is to show you believe in and support all your soul mate’s dreams!

This is actually the second notebook I made for Mel.  I mentioned the green notebook above, but I also made him this one for writing down his plans for the future.

This is obviously one of those super simple ideas, but as always, you can be as creative as you like and do much more with your notebook cover than I did.  You could even make one out of cloth if you like to sew or cross-stitch.  If you could afford it, you could even buy a journal and have it professionally personalized.

Week 3: Bedroom & Believe

Fun Activity This Week: Bake something together, preferably each other’s favorite cookie or dessert. Even if one of you does not know how to, or like to bake, you may discover that playing in the kitchen together is a lot of fun! Even if the treats turn out bad, just the fun of it will be worth the effort. If you really do not want to bake, then buy each other’s favorite treat! (P.S. If you are on a diet, you can always make a half or quarter batch of cookies or try a healthier version of a favorite recipe.)


Week 3: Bedroom & Believe

Bedroom: Since I will be addressing the issue of romance in the bedroom in other articles, I wanted to address a specific question this week: Is it okay for spouses not to share a bedroom? My answer is, "Yes!" Let me tell you a story!

When Mel and I married in June 2012, we started off sharing a bed until about August. I have Periodic Limb Movement Disorder, which means I kick like a mule and punch like a boxer in my sleep. After keeping my poor hubby awake for several months, he finally spoke up. He had not wanted to hurt my feelings but needed his rest. We pulled a bed out of the spare room and squeezed both beds into the same room. It was a tight fit, but at least Mel was no longer getting kicked and punched!

Unfortunately, PLMD is not the only issue I have that makes me an annoying roommate! I snore like a large man. Mel tried so very hard for two and a half years to deal with this fact. He bought several types of ear plugs guaranteed to drown out snoring, but they did not work. Then I got the idea to use white noise on an MP3 player, combined with a sound machine in the room; this mostly drowned me out, but the constant use of the earbuds gave Mel ear infections. Several months after we moved, Mel finally spoke up again, and suggested we have separate rooms. So, from then on, we have had different rooms. It has not hindered our romantic life in any way, and since it has helped my hubby sleep better, I learned to be okay with it.

Now, if you want a separate room from your spouse for immoral reasons, such as to watch porn, or sneak in another person, then obviously different rooms are wrong. Or if you just feel you want space from your partner, for no other reason than lack of love or selfishness, then you need to reconsider different rooms/beds. In fact, you may need counseling if you feel the need to be apart.

Other than issues such as snoring or PLMD that keeps your loved one from getting the rest his/her body needs, you really should try to share a bed and/or bedroom. I miss sharing a bed with Mel as it made me feel safer and more secure being next to him, but as being apart only at night has not affected how bonded we are during the day, I can learn to live with it! I was always so worried my snoring and PLMD would keep Mel awake, that it made it difficult for me to sleep. Getting a good night's rest is imperative for our health, so when your health is involved, then, yes, it is okay for spouses not to share a bedroom.

Believe: It is important that we believe in our spouse. Our faith must first be in God, of course, but we must have faith in our spouse as well. We must support him/her in all he/she does and believe he/she is capable of doing all things. Encourage each other in all efforts and never say, "Oh, you can't do that!" Instead say, "Sweetie, I know you can do all things through Christ that gives you strength." (see Philippians 4:13)

Believe that God sent the right person to you to be your life partner. Quite often, there are signs that Christ chose you for one another. Do not doubt or downplay those signs. Believe that your marriage is truly a gift from your Heavenly Father. It is true that some people marry outside of God's will, but as long as you are married, believe that you can, with God's help, make the marriage work.

Do not give in to listening to other people’s negative views of your spouse. Believe you know your mate better than anyone and ignore all poisonous words spoken against your loved one.


Marriage-Enhancing Ideas for the Week:

Bedroom: If you are blessed enough to share a bedroom, celebrate it. Find a fun way to decorate or buy something new for the room (as your budget allows) that showcases your romance. Even if you are not able to share a room, the same advice still applies! Celebrate the fact that even if you cannot be together all night, you can still have plenty of romance!


Believe: Show your best friend you believe in all he/she does. Is he thinking of going back to college? Buy him a new backpack. Does she love to draw? Buy her a sketchpad and/or art supplies. For both of those ambitions, you could inexpensively find pens or pencils with (or without) his/her name in it. Or any other ideas you can think of that celebrates and encourages your mate's hobbies and goals.

Art Project Option: Buy or use a thick notebook you currently own. Glue a decorative cover onto it with construction or scrapbook paper to create a unique journal for your spouse. You could add artwork, stickers, or glitter if you like, but not too girly if this is a gift for your manly hubby! Your possibilities are endless from creating a book for poetry, to giving him/her a place to keep notes on ideas for a future business. The point is to show you believe in and support all your soul mate’s dreams!

Week 2: Fun Activity for Authoring

Week 2: Fun Activity for Authoring

This week's fun activity was "Author something together.  Anything from a blog, a letter to family & friends, a Bible study, a blog, or even a story or poem.  Just make sure you both contribute, even if one writes and the other furnishes the ideas."

Although we maintain separate blogs, my husband and I occasionally write either one blog or a series together.  Here is one example of a blog we wrote from our "Armor of God Series." 

The Armor of God: Introduction

Written by my Husband and Me

(Ephesians 6:10) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 

If you find it difficult to successfully battle the "wiles of the devil" it could be because you have not put on the "whole armor of God," but just one or two pieces.  This is why I feel it is so important to study each article of armor individually and how it relates to our walk with the Lord. This will be a series written by my husband and me as we look at each individual piece of armor.

(Ephesians 6:11) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 

In order to understand the importance of the armor of God, you need to understand that spiritual warfare is very real, and not just an allegorical term created by the apostle Paul. Although we are not to become obsessed with them, demons and angels are real, and they are in a continual battle for your soul.  In Luke 22:31, Jesus told Simon Peter that Satan, "desired to have [him], that he may sift [him] as wheat."  Just as with each of us, Satan wanted Peter's soul and was fighting against him. However, the good news is, just as with Peter, God is also with us and for us! Jesus assures His disciple in Luke 22:32, "But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." The Lord and His angels fight for us, but we must daily do our part and actively put on the whole armor of God. 

(Romans 13:11-14) And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.  

Romans 13 describes the armor of God as an "armor of light."  Such a beautiful description and such a perfect way to explain why it is so important to us as Christians and what we must do to stay clothed in God's armor.  

It is very important for the Christian to understand spiritual warfare, since we have an adversary seeking our destruction. God’s Word tells us that Satan is like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Satan is also referred to as the thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. One of Satan’s tactics is to stir people up in anger towards God. Many people blame God for the problems that they experience in this life, and they are oblivious to the fact, that there are two opposing kingdoms at work in the earth.... The truth is that we live in a war zone, and the battle is over the souls of men. If you belong to Christ, then you are in the Lord’s army, and Satan’s kingdom has declared all-out war against you. But the good news is, greater is He that is within you than he that is in the world, and if you remain in Christ until the end, you will inherit eternal life. If you have received the baptism in the Holy Spirit, then you have the power to live an overcoming life, as well as the authority to put the devil to flight. In these last days, it is crucial that all Christians receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, in order to be able to stand firm in Christ, against the many snares of the devil.    

(Ephesians 6:12-18) Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. 

Week 2: Accountability Short Video

 

Week 2: Accountability Short Video

Week 2: Attitude Art Project

 

 

Week 2: Attitude Art Project

Week 2's art project was to "take an old coffee can (or something similar) and wrap any type of paper around it that says, “Replace bad attitudes with prayers!” or simply "Prayers!” Each time you start to feel anger, resentment or other bad feelings for anyone, even a stranger, replace that bad attitude with a prayer for that person. ... "

I used a picture from last year's calendar to cover the can and the scripture verse Luke 6:28 " Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you."

Week 2: Apologize & Attitude

 

Fun Activity This Week:  Author something together.  Anything from a blog, a letter to family & friends, a Bible study, a blog, or even a story or poem.  Just make sure you both contribute, even if one writes and the other furnishes the ideas.

 

Week 2: Apologize & Attitude

 

Apologize:  When you are in the wrong, it is always a good thing to admit, but the admission of guilt must be sincere, or you are wasting your breath.  Whenever you start an apology with, “I’m sorry, but…” this is always a huge red flag that you do not feel any remorse for your actions.  Your words will be full of justifications and there is no penitence involved.  It is just as bad to deflect your guilt by then listing all the things your spouse has done wrong.  For example, if you were confessing a lie, this would be a very poor apology: “I am sorry I lied to you, but I felt I had no other choice because you would be mad if I told the truth.  Besides, you lied to me before, remember?”  When you read that just now, did it cause a flare up of anger from such a confession you have received?  There was no sincerity in the words.  So why would you say such a thing to your mate?

I am not speaking of small tiffs here and there (although we should still apologize for being snippy with each other), but this article is about major fights or if a harmful secret has been revealed.  This is also not about physical violence, for if you ever strike your spouse, you need to do more than apologize, you need serious counseling before you end up in jail and/or divorced.

Do not make your spouse feel guilty for whatever reaction he/she may have, such as anger or hurt.  Let him/her cry or yell (within reason) and do not make your mate feel like the offender for an honest reaction to your poor choices.  Give him/her space as needed until he/she is ready to talk.

An apology should be genuine and humble.  Since I was a teenager, I have always told people not to apologize to me if they did not mean it.  I still feel that way.  I would rather have silence than shallow words.  Please think seriously about whatever you have done that caused your loved one harm.  If you are not feeling true guilt, try placing yourself in his/her shoes and think of how he/she would feel if the situation was reversed, and how you would feel if he/she was the offender instead of you.  Try saying, “I realize you must feel betrayed by my actions,” or, “If you had done this to me, I would feel unloved right now.”

The bottom line is not to take the act of apologizing lightly.  Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turneth away wrath.”  I am much quicker to forgive an offense when there is a sincere apology behind the guilty eyes.  Whatever you can do to make up the error, do your best to try.  Trust can be lost, and permanent damage done when your mate does not feel like you think you did anything wrong.  Sincere repentance can restore a multitude of wounds.  

You may feel the need to give a peace offering after a major fight or confession of an offense.  Gifts are not wrong but are unnecessary.  When you have hurt your loved one, pretty flowers, jewelry, or other gifts will not erase the wounds and often ends up feeling more like manipulation.  You do not need to buy your mate’s forgiveness.  However, once the air is clear, and you are both feeling that all issues are resolved, going out to a nice dinner or dessert to clear your hearts and heads can be a good idea. If you still feel the need to buy a gift, do it a few days later with a note reiterating your desire to keep your marriage peaceful.

When you cause your mate harm, whether irrational or not, your partner will feel like your love must be less than you claim.  Therefore, you should follow up the apology with an assurance of your love.  Also, make a humble vow that you will not repeat the same mistake because you never want to hurt him/her again.  Most of all, do your utmost best to keep that promise.

Attitude:  Have you ever had to work with someone who always had a bad attitude?  Someone who was constantly critical, and nothing was ever right.  They always seem grumpy and rarely smile.  Those are usually your least favorite co-workers.  You know how frustrating these sorts of people are to work with, so why would you want to have this kind of insolence around your mate?  It is very important to have a good attitude with your loved one.  I have seen too many husbands and wives who continually nag and complain, and nothing their spouse does is ever good enough. 

While showing respect to each other is instrumental to promoting a happy marriage, I will address that issue in more detail later.  It is also good practice to maintain a non-critical attitude with others in your life.  When you can learn to spend more time talking positively, you will be in a better mood, which will make you a better spouse.  You may think you are being each other’s sounding board by listening to critical talk of others, but in fact, constant negativity is detrimental to your marriage.  Going on and on about how so-and-so wronged you adds a gnarled and tangled thread of bitterness to your hearts.  It is much better to spend your time dwelling on true, noble, just, pure, and lovely things (see Philippians 4:8).

Mel and I have a rule: whenever one of us is feeling negative, we will ask for prayer and change the subject to focus on positive issues.  We may even take the time to sing a praise song or two.  This shift not only allows us to display the fruits of the spirit of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, faith, meekness, and temperance (see Galatians 5:22-23) with one easy change in attitude, but it invites the Holy Spirit to bless us with God’s presence.  We open the door even wider for God’s bounty when we refuse to let pessimism fester.   

  The truth is people in general are rude, selfish, greedy, jealous, dishonest, and full of carnality.  Based on all the above reasons, the people closest to us can be the cause for the deepest wounds.  The cruel and heartless actions of others are the excuses we use to justify the anger and resentment that is so difficult to get rid of.  However, we are not responsible for any one’s sins other than our own.  We cannot control our friends’, co-workers’, or family members’ actions.  Instead, we can allow the Holy Spirit to guide and control our own hearts and forgive those that have harmed our spouse or us.  We do not have to let harmful people back into our lives, but we do have to remove the root of bitterness choking out our relationship with Jesus Christ.  This may be very difficult, and we can only be successful when we admit and confess that this is an issue of sin in our lives, repent, and then allow the love of Jesus to rule our hearts and let Him change us.  In turn, we will be a calmer partner, our attitudes will improve, and we will be much easier to live with! 

Marriage-Enhancing Ideas for the Week: 

 

Apologize:  Do some serious soul-searching this week.  Are there any issues for which you need to apologize, or even re-apologize with more sincerity?  Make certain there are no barriers between you and your mate.  Come clean, be accountable, and take responsibility for your actions.  Be humble and make an effort to live your marriage with complete honesty.

 

Attitude:  Make an effort this week to keep your attitude in check.  Do not nag or criticize each other.  Also, make a pact to keep each other accountable in steering your conversations away from berating other people, and replace it with praying for those who have hurt you.

Art Project Option:  Take an old coffee can, mason jar, or something similar and wrap any type of paper around it that says, “Replace bad attitudes with prayers!” or simply "Prayers!”  Each time you start to feel anger, resentment or other bad feelings for anyone, even a stranger, replace that bad attitude with a prayer for that person.  Either write a specific prayer for the person or just their name and place it in the can, jar, or box.  At the end of each week, pray again for that person. You will soon find your heart soften in ways you did not expect. Decorate it whichever way you would like: praying hands, hearts, scriptures, etc.  

Week 1: Fun Activity for Apples

 

Week 1: Fun Activity for Apples

This week's fun activity idea is: Pick apples (or any other fruit or veggie) at an orchard.  Wrong time of year or no orchard in your area: go out to eat and just order apple pie or make a main dish or dessert using apples (or any other fruit or veggie)! 

Well, it's been raining pretty non-stop here, so an outdoor activity is not an option this week, and I don't think there is a place to pick apples this time of year anyway. So, I chose the other option.  I created my own recipe and made us a few loaves of apple/sweet potato bread with melted honey-cinnamon butter, and we enjoyed it with apple spice tea! Yum!

Week 1: Accommodating Short Video

 

Week 1: Accommodating Short Video

Week 1: Admiration Art Project

 

Week 1: Admiration Art Project

This week's art project is: Art Project Option: Cut pieces of plain computer or construction paper into fourths.  Make a 26-page booklet (one page for each letter) using stencils, your own artwork, or computer printouts.  You could even cut out each letter from a variety of scrapbook paper patterns and glue them to the pages.  You can add stickers (especially fun alphabet stickers) if you wish. Make a nice cover for it (you could use scrapbook paper for the cover). One idea is to title it, “The ABCs of What I Love About You.” Punch holes in the sheets of paper then tie them together with embroidery thread, yarn, or even rubber bands.  Be careful to dwell on all the personality traits you admire this week, and not on shallow things, although at least one listed trait should flatter your spouse's looks as well.  When the booklet is finished, take the time to read it together.

Here are a few pages from my project.  I deiced to make circles, just for different. I used scrapbook paper and letter stickers, and I tied it all together with a piece of embroidery thread.