Week 41: Undefiled & Undivided

 

Fun Activity This Week: Take a walk in the rain and snuggle under one umbrella. We moved to the state of Washington in April 2019 where we are now in the beginning of the rainy season. Therefore, taking a walk under an umbrella around here will be an easy task to accomplish.  If you live in an area (such as where we moved from), where it rarely rains, or it is not the rainy season, then save this task for another day, and/or simply take a romantic walk outside no matter what the weather and enjoy the fresh air!

Week 41: Undefiled & Undivided

Undefiled:  Keeping the marriage bed pure before and during your marriage will make your sex life that much more special, sweeter, romantic, and much more enjoyable! 

Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.  Hebrews 13:4

If you are single are involved in pre-marital sex (or even considering it), please choose abstinence until you are married.  Besides the fact that pre-marital sex is not pleasing to God, I have read that those that wait to have sex until after they are married have a much better love life.  I can honestly tell you that I was a thirty-nine-year-old virgin the day I got married.  So do not use your age as an excuse to start having sex before you get married.  After finally knowing what sexual intimacy was all about, I am very grateful that I waited.  If you have made a mistake, repent of your sins and do not continue to live in sin.  God forgives and God heals. 

And, of course, after you are married, there is never any excuse to cheat.   

Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart! They also do no iniquity; They walk in His ways. Psalm 119:1-3

Choosing to have an undefiled marriage is saying that you both strive to live pure lives, holy and acceptable, and pleasing unto the Lord (Romans 12:1-2).  When you have such a goal, your marriage is certain to be happy and successful.  

The heart of her husband safely trusts her... She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. Proverbs 31:11-12

I am a person who finds it difficult to trust others. I have been burnt by every friend I have ever had, and that is not an exaggeration. I never thought it would be possible to trust anyone. Without trust, true love does not exist. Yet, I trust Mel 100%. If I did not, I never could have fallen in love with him, and of course, never would have married him. I can put my entire life in his hands and know I am safe: body, mind, and soul. What an incredible honor to have him trust me in return! The husband of a virtuous woman "safely trusts her." The same goes for the virtuous man.  I want to always be worthy of Mel's trust and would never forgive myself if I betrayed his trust in me. I will always be faithful to him physically, but I need to also earn his trust in every other way as well. 

This ties in perfectly with verse 12. In order to maintain my husband's trust, I would always do "him good and not evil all the days of [my] life." To me, this is so simple. I would not cheat on him, lie to him, or steal from him. Those are obvious. However, doing your husband "good" is more than following the commandments. You can defile your marriage with more than just sexual sins. Honor him with your body (which includes NOT dressing proactively), learn to compromise, submit when necessary, and honor him as your spiritual leader and head of your house, and do not talk behind his back. 

Having an undefiled marriage cannot exist without trust in all areas, which is the basis for the two scriptures in Proverbs. One of the most important issues in a marriage is making yourself trustworthy. If you are doing something that causes your spouse not to trust you, I would say that means you are doing him/her "evil." Trust can be re-earned over time, but it is far better not to break this trust to begin with! If you have, first seek forgiveness from Christ, then your partner, and sincerely work on fixing your marriage. I hope I never betray my sweet love's trust and do him "evil." I know my goal will always be to do him "good all the days of [my] life." 

Undivided:  No matter what situations you may face, do not let it cause a rift between you and your spouse.  Stay strong, stay rock solid, stay undivided.

When Mel and I were nearly homeless in 2014, it was the most fearful situation our marriage faced.  In the midst of extreme stress, we talked about our fears often and prayed several times a day to try to keep our spirits up.  We had a very real conversation one night where we admitted we were both terrified that if God chose not to grant us a miracle, that it could change our marriage (God did grant us a miracle by providing a rental literally 4 days before we lost our home.).  More than worrying about living in our vehicle, we are worried about losing one another. Not in the sense of divorce, but in being forced to live in separate locations. We love each other so much that the idea of any kind of separation is worse than anything else we could face.  We never want to be divided.  We were determined that we were not going to let our circumstances tear us apart.  We were (and still are) committed to our wedding vows.  I can preach at you to stay bonded to your mate and talk things through, but I am living proof that scary situations do not have to divide you.  You do not have to be at each other's throats or place blame.  You can pray and cry together and cling even tighter to one another.

Other than facing homelessness, for some strange reason, Mel and I have faced constant opposition. Even on the fourth day we were dating, a woman we were having dinner with went behind my back and told Mel he should not be with me. I will not go into all the details of what was said then or what she later did to further try to tear us apart, but it was very harsh. The day I found out all she had said and done to try to turn him against me, I was so devastated, it caused me to break down and cry. Now understand, I rarely cry, but this hurt so deeply, I openly cried in front of my new boyfriend just one day after we began talking marriage and had confessed our love to each other. I knew he was the man I desperately loved and wanted to marry, and I was terrified I would lose him. Gratefully, Mel saw right through this woman’s schemes, and did not listen to her strange and false accusations; he knew I was the one he was meant to marry.  Mel compassionately held me in his arms and our bond only grew tighter. We knew then that no one would ever divide us.

What we did not expect was that the antagonism against us would remain constant. I will not go into details because it would take far too long, and I do not want to dwell on negativity, but it seems there is an ever-present target on our heads. Friends and even family members have tried to come between us. We have faced (these are issues from other people, not us): lies, lust, false “prophecies,” backstabbing, jealousy in many forms, manipulation, false condemnation, and even theft and vandalism. However, Mel and I have amazing communication, and we talked things through, and we were able to put these issues where they belong: in the trash!

So why are we the focus of so many dangerous plots to come between us? Are we just paranoid? Are we having shared delusions? No, of course not! We know it is because God has been preparing us for a big ministry since before we were born. We are a light the enemy wishes to snuff out. He will use every means he can to try to defeat us which includes trying to destroy our marriage. 

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12

With God’s help, Mel and I are stronger than the enemy and all who oppose us. Every time we face attacks that try to come between us, it only brings us closer together. For one thing, we are both very analytical and logical, and we are able to reason through all the supposed truths we have been fed. We can recognize when someone or something is being used to try to place a rift between us. Yet, we will not be divided because we believe in Mark 10:9 that says, “Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” We 100% believe God has put us together forever. Nothing or no one will ever tear us apart. 

I pray that all who read this can say the same about their marriages, that you do not allow anyone or anything to divide you. Talk things through and cling together. It is amazing how Mel and I love each other more and more every day, and our bond only grows and grows. God had bound us together with chords that cannot be broken. Our love is undivided and eternal, and, therefore, so is our marriage. 

Marriage-Enhancing Ideas for the Week:  

Undefiled:  Be honest with yourself, are there any areas in your marriage where you know you could be purer?  Evaluate yourself not just in areas of sex, but in all areas of your marriage and spiritual life.  Use this week to repent of any areas that need improving and do your best to walk undefiled. 

Undivided:  It is quite common to deal with outside forces that may try to come between you and your mate.  However, we sometimes choose to turn a blind or ignorant eye to the harm caused by friends or family.  Show love to all but make up your mind this week not to put up with anyone who tries to divide you and your soul mate.    

Art Project Idea:  When I used a thesaurus for the word undivided, I was presented with, “complete, entire, whole, total, full, exclusive, and unbroken.”  Then my mind wanders to the song, “Will the Circle be Unbroken?”  While this song has to do with Heaven, the title inspired this week’s art project.

Draw a circle of any size out of any material.  You could even cover a sheet of paper with multiple circles of various patterns and sizes.  However you choose to do it, write the words to Mark 10:9 in the center of your biggest circle (or divide the words among all the circles if you choose), “Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”  The King James Version states, “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man tear asunder.”  Therefore, I like to rephrase the last few words as, “…let no one tear apart,” which is a more accurate definition of the word asunder.   You could even use the words, “Our circle will not be unbroken.”

To make this project more interesting, make a collage of pictures of various years together (be sure to include at least one wedding picture), and glue a circle under each photo, use scrapbook paper with a circle design, or both.  Still include the words to the scripture in a prominent place in the collage. Frame and hang it where all who come to your house gets the clear message that no one can ever come between you and your chosen one!   

Week 40 Fun Activity

 

This week's fun activity was "Have a tea (or coffee) party and enjoy the time talking over all the events of the week.  I’m not suggesting simple tea (or coffee) time that you may do on a regular basis, but make this day stand out.  Use your best plates and cups, bake or buy yummy desserts, and maybe even buy a new kind of tea or coffee for the occasion (if the budget permits). You could even dress up if you choose, at least during teatime (not necessarily for the entire day). Turn off all phones during your special time."

Not our fanciest dishes (then again, we don't really have "fancy" dishes), but this is set up for a festive fall teatime!  The dessert I made turned out looking messy (the jelly inside the phyllo dough leaked out - LOL), but it sure tasted good! 

Week 40 Short Video

 

Week 40 Art Projects

This week I listed 2 possible art projects.  I don't usually give you two art project options, but you could do one, both, or neither!  

Art project #1: "One way to keep God’s Words of faith at our fingertips is to have a favorite verse of encouragement on a bookmark.  You can simply write or print out such a verse, paste it to pretty paper, glue it on cardboard... and even punch a hole in the top and add a tassel made of yarn or thread if you like.  You could even include dried flowers, a photograph, or other thin items and have it laminated if this is an option.  If you can cross-stitch or sew, you can also choose this option." 

As you can see, I chose to cross-stich the bookmark. This is the front and the back of the bookmark I made for my hubby.

Art Project #2: "Make a friendship bracelet out of three different colors. One to represent the husband, one for the wife, and the third for God. You can either wear them, put them on a keychain, hang them in your car, etc. but the idea is that each time you look at them, you will be reminded to make all the right decisions when you acknowledge that Jesus is a part of your marriage.  It will also be an encouraging reminder as well that you have the Lord God Almighty fighting for and with you and your marriage!  If you do not know to how make a bracelet, there are multiple examples on You Tube but here is the result of a search; you can choose which video(s) to watch: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=how+to+make+a+friendship+bracelet  " 

Here are the bracelets I made:

Week 40: Therapeutic & A Threefold Cord

 

Fun Activity This Week: Have a tea (or coffee) party and enjoy the time talking over all the events of the week.  I’m not suggesting simple tea (or coffee) time that you may do on a regular basis, but make this day stand out.  Use your best plates and cups, bake or buy yummy desserts, and maybe even buy a new kind of tea or coffee for the occasion (if the budget permits). You could even dress up if you choose, at least during teatime (not necessarily for the entire day). Turn off all phones during your special time.

Week 40: Therapeutic & A Threefold Cord

Therapeutic:  When I am having a bad day, Mel's hugs are very therapeutic.  The other day I was feeling very discouraged, and Mel took the time to give me a nice long hug.  I felt the weight of the world leave my shoulders and was in a much lighter mood for the rest of the day. I thank God for my husband's strong and loving embrace.

In May of 2013, I started work as a veterinary receptionist (not at the same place I had been a veterinary technician). Simply starting this job and being away from my husband caused me anxiety.  Mel's loving words and support eased my worries.  I put forth my best effort at that job, but the staff was full of lustful men and spiteful women.  Therefore (three friends of mine who had been prior employees of that place had warned me this might happen), the women turned against me and tried very hard to get me fired.  After a horrible and false evaluation four months later and after going to work crying every day, Mel held me in his arms and told me my happiness was much more important than a paycheck.  Consequently, I quit at the end of my shift the next day.  Financially it was scary, but Mel understood that my well-being was much more important.  I had even lost my appetite and could not sleep.  My precious man could not stand to see me suffer.

When you love someone as deeply as Mel and I love each other, their pain becomes your own.  I definitely would have encouraged him to quit if our situations had been reversed. Please never put money, success, or anything else above your spouse when you can clearly see he/she is suffering mental anguish.  Trust God will take care of you.  

This is slightly off topic, but I wanted to point out something else.  I could have easily quit on the spot the day I had my fraudulent evaluation.  However, since Mel and I are partners, I would not have made that big of a decision without him.  Moreover, I truly see him as the head of our house, so I knew I should include him in my choice. So please keep that in mind for any big decisions that need to be made, they must be made together, and, if you absolutely cannot come to an agreement or compromise (although in my opinion, most everything is negotiable), then ultimately, the husband has the final word.

A simple reminder to make your spouse's happiness a priority in your marriage.  God id our number one source of peace and joy, but it is also your responsibility to make him/her happy so do whatever you can to make that happen.  You are your honey’s therapist.  This does not just include talking things out but taking action to assure his/her life has mental stability.  If your loved one has a medical or psychological need that only medication can help, then be prudent enough to know when to support your spouse in seeking outside aid. Again, trust God to take care of you and everything else will fall into place!

A Threefold Cord:  Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.  Ecclesiastes 4:12

The "threefold cord" to which Solomon was referring is God. In other words, when you include God in your marriage, your relationship is less likely to end up broken.  You are less likely to cause harm to one another when you want to please God with your actions.  When you follow Biblical principles, you are less likely to cheat, steal, lie, or participate in other dishonest and harmful actions that could ultimately break your marriage.

Also, note in the verse that it is easier to stand against something or someone wanting to cause harm to you and/or your marriage when you stand as a united team. Do not let adversity, tragedy, or opposition tear you apart. Stand united and allow God to help hold you and your marriage together.

The more you include God in your marriage in such things as Bible study, prayer, and praise time, the healthier and more joyful your marriage will be!

Marriage-Enhancing Ideas for the Week:  

Therapeutic:  If there is any area in your spouse’s life that is causing him/her great mental anguish, do what you can to help remove your honey from the harmful situation.  

Art Project Idea: One way we be therapeutic and help comfort a stressed-out spouse is to remind him/her of the promises of hope in the Word of God.  One way to keep God’s Words of faith at our fingertips is to have a favorite verse of encouragement on a bookmark.  You can simply write or print out such a verse, paste it to pretty paper, glue it on cardboard (thin enough not to make it too difficult to close the book), and even punch a hole in the top and add a tassel made of yarn or thread if you like.  You could even include dried flowers, a photograph, or other thin items and have it laminated if this is an option.  If you can cross-stitch or sew, you can also choose this option. 

 I am not going to suggest a specific verse this week because there far too many verses on hope and faith to narrow it down to just one.  If you are at a loss for which verse to choose search “hope” or “faith” on a Bible verse search engine or look through this blog and choose one I have previously listed.  The idea is to choose one that has special meaning to your spouse.

A Threefold Cord:  When making any major decisions this week, make sure you both pray about it.  When you consider God's will above both of your own and stop and think what Jesus would want you to do, you just may end up surprised how much better the results will be.

Art Project Idea: I don't usually give you two art project options, but here is another idea to choose from. You could do one, both, or neither! Make a friendship bracelet out of three different colors. One to represent the husband, one for the wife, and the third for God. You can either wear them, put them on a keychain, hang them in your car, etc. but the idea is that each time you look at them, you will be reminded to make all the right decisions when you acknowledge that Jesus is a part of your marriage.  It will also be an encouraging reminder as well that you have the Lord God Almighty fighting for and with you and your marriage!  If you do not know to how make a bracelet, there are multiple examples on You Tube (I've been making these since the 1980's!) but here is the result of a search; you can choose which video(s) to watch: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=how+to+make+a+friendship+bracelet  

Week 53: The Number 13: 1 Corinthians 13

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," I will cover only the numbers 1, 2, 3, 7, & 13. (P.S. The number series was originally posted before Christmas, which is why the artwork is Christmas-themed.)

Fun Activity This Week: Instead of singing about the 12 things your true love gave to you for Christmas make a list of the 13 things you want to do for your spouse.  I am not speaking of things that cost money, but you can add those if you choose (and you can add more than 13).  I am suggesting writing a list as a sort of pledge such as, "Twice a week I will take over one of your household chores," or "I can get up half an hour earlier at least once day a week to have a Bible study with you." Or offer to do any helpful things for one another and stick with it all year! Other ideas are baking a favorite dessert once a month, take over carpool for a week, wear sexy lingerie once a month, give a back massage once a month, go for a walk together once a week, etc...  If you are having difficultly coming up with ideas, then ask your mate where he/she could use some help. 

Week 53: The Number 13: 1 Corinthians 13

This week is such an easy topic it practically writes itself.  Well, actually the apostle Paul wrote it for us.  After you read the verses on love, I suggest you also read Galatians 5 (also listed below) and note how very similar the fruits of the Spirit are to qualities of love listed in 1 Corinthians chapter 13.

I love all of 1 Corinthians 13, so I also suggest you read the entire chapter together. In fact (I think I mentioned this before) 1 Corinthians 13:12 is my favorite scripture verse.

As I stated, there really is nothing to add to Paul's description on love, it's pretty self-explanatory. I highly suggest memorizing this list, and when you are feeling anger or frustrated in your marriage, remind yourself of all the things that love is, and do your best to practice those ideals in your marriage!

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never fails.  1 Corinthians 13:4-8

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:22-23

Marriage-Enhancing Idea for the Week: Read the two lists above from 1 Corinthians and Galatians together. Honestly evaluate your actions in your marriage and confess to one another where you need help.  Are you being patient, kind, envious, rude, trusting, etc.? If not, pray together to ask the Holy Spirit for help to improve, then do your best to reflect all that love is to one another from now on!

Art Project Idea: As I was finishing up a box of tissues this week, I realized that the beautiful pattern and sturdy cardboard on the box would be great for this week's art project.  Or better yet, to start saving different beautiful patterns from an inexpensive boxes of tissues to make this project more colorful! Cut out hearts and write all the descriptions of love on them listed in I Corinthians 13. You can also add your own words.  You can either tape them on the walls or refrigerator, punch holes in them and make a mobile out of them, make a mini book, or whatever you choose.  Of course, you can choose any material for this project, just be creative and have fun!

Week 53: The Number 7: Seven Abominations

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," I will cover only the numbers 1, 2, 3, 7, & 13. (P.S. The number series was originally posted before Christmas, which is why the artwork is Christmas-themed!)

Fun Activity This Week: Choose 7 bible verses this week to memorize.  I know that sounds like a lot, but they can be short verses such as John 11:35, which is only two words, "Jesus wept." But make sure you focus on the significance of those words and don't just choose them because they are brief.  Since all my activity suggestions are to be done as a couple, you can split the 7 verses so you do not both have to learn all 7. I realize this means one of you will have to memorize 4 verses and the other 3, but I'm sure you can find a way to make that work for you! At the end of the week, recite your verses to one another and discuss why you chose those verses. Do so over coffee or tea and an optional dessert.

Week 56: Seven Abominations

I realize I last left off with the number 3, but I am jumping ahead to focus on subject matter that better fits the issues I believe are important.

Although this was written for a marriage blog, these issues can be applied to anyone married or single.

(Proverbs 6:16-19 & 27-28) These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

I am not sure why Solomon (who wrote Proverbs) writes, "six," then "seven," but there are 7 items listed.  All of these issues can absolutely apply to marriage (or even to non-married relationships). Let me briefly break them down.  

To be technical, the word "abomination" is listed in Proverbs 20 times.  Some of the same issues listed below are repeated as well as saying God hates things such as a false balance (Proverbs 11:1), the sacrifice and ways of the wicked (Proverbs 15:8-9), he that justifies the wicked (Proverbs 20:10), etc.  There are more items in the Bible than listed in Proverbs that God hates as well (see also Galatians 5:19-21 & Revelation 21:7-8), but for the sake of this writing, I will narrow it down to just Proverbs 6:16-19.

A proud look: How often have you acted superior to your mate in a prideful manner?  You may even have made fun of the other when you think he/she is wrong and laughed and ridiculed the other when you were proved right.  Next time you are tempted to act this way, remember how much God hates pride. Psalm 51:17 says that the Lord will never despise a broken and contrite heart. It is essential to your walk with the Lord to be humble before Him, but also vital to your marriage to be gentle with one another. Do not ever think yourself better than others (see Philippians 2:3), and that includes your spouse. As I always say, yes, the husband is the head of the home, but you are equal partners in every way. Remember to act in love the next time you have a disagreement and know that God hates pride.

A lying tongue & a false witness who speaks lies: I'm including these together because they are both reminding us to always be honest. The second part of that statement probably also has to do with making up stories about another person as well as lying about something. So do not lie to your mate, and do not lie about him or her either. Even exaggerating good qualities is the same as lying. God does not want us to lie even if we are falsely trying to build up someone else's reputation (especially your own).  Honesty is absolutely always the best policy.  

Hands that shed innocent blood: Murder is not the only way to shed blood. Physical abuse can also bring such harm. You do not have to put up with an abusive spouse (even in blood isn't technically shed, but any form of violence still occurs)! It is not wrong to send him/her to jail. If they adamantly refuse to get help, I do not believe divorce is wrong in such a case. Also, do not keep silent when someone else is the victim, related or not. God expects us to speak up for the innocent, and I will even add that this includes violence towards animals as they are also God's creation. 

A heart that devises wicked plans: Notice that one does not even have to carry out wicked plans but just dreaming them up is an abomination to God.  The Lord knows all your thoughts and if you are considering harming someone or breaking the law, you will be held accountable for your thoughts. Matthew 5:28 says we commit adultery just by thinking about having sex with someone not our spouse.  Proverbs 23:7 says that we are what we think.  The Bible also says that whatever we sow in our hearts we will reap in our actions.  Remember that song, "Be careful little mind what you think? For the Father up above is looking down in love."  Well, sing that to yourself every time you are devising wicked thoughts. Repent, and change your thought process! (You can read more about this from a writing from my other blog (Julie's Bible Journey https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/ ),  "Is the abundance of your heart dark and crooked?" here: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/11/is-abundance-of-your-heart-dark-and.html )

Feet that are swift in running to evil: Do not be quick to jump on the band wagon with everyone else doing wrong. That wagon is headed straight to hell!  Be swift to run away from evil. If your first instinct is to run toward the sinful things of this world, you need to repent of your ways and get back to living for Christ! Running to evil includes cheating on your mate and pornography. You do not have to participate if your spouse wants you to do something you know is sinful. It is okay to say no and encourage him/her to repent and walk away from sin.  Pray together that you will be strong enough to flee temptations in your marriage individually and as a couple.

And one who sows discord among brethren: There are so many, many ways we can sow discord. Gossip is the biggest thing that comes to my mind. Remember the above verse speaking against lying? Gossip is rarely truthful or at the most half-truths.  I cannot stand to be around a gossip as many people have harmed me and/or my precious husband with false gossip (I am including from before we knew each other as well). Again, do not talk about your spouse behind his/her back. Also, sowing discord in your home could mean simply being antagonistic and argumentative. Be kind to each other and sow peace and joy. Those are things God loves!

Marriage enhancing idea for the week: Carefully go over the seven things that are abominations. Be honest with yourselves and repent of any of these acts of which you are guilty.  If you need to also ask your mate's forgiveness, do so and be quick to forgive if he/she needs to ask it if you as well.

There is no art project suggestion for the number 7. 

Week 53: The Number 3: A Threefold Cord

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," I will cover only the numbers 1, 2, 3, 7, & 13.

Fun Activity This Week: Two options. Option 1: Create at home (or go to a restaurant), a three-course meal. You can include any three courses, even something simple like coffee before or after the meal.  Celebrate as if it was a holiday and/or have the meal by candlelight! Option 2:  One or both of you choose 3 of your favorite food items and create a fun meal out if it.  In the above artwork, I have made a similar dish with the items (I realize this equals 6 items, but you can each choose 3 so it fits the category 😉.) You can add additional items of course such as seasonings, olive oil, etc. (such as for above I added quinoa and white gravy),but have fun and be creative together!

Week 53: The Number 3: A Threefold Cord

Here is the rest of the verse from the previous post on the number 2:

Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. 
Ecclesiastes 4:12

The "threefold cord" to which Solomon was referring was God. In other words, when you include God in your marriage, your relationship is less likely to end up broken.  You are less likely to cause harm to one another when you want to please God with your actions.  When you follow Biblical principles, you are less likely to cheat, steal, lie, or participate in other dishonest and harmful actions that could ultimately break your marriage.

Also, note in the verse that it is easier to stand against something or someone wanting to cause harm to you and/or your marriage when you stand as a united team. Do not let adversity, tragedy, or opposition tear you apart. Stand united and allow God to help hold you and your marriage together.

The more you include God in your marriage in such things as Bible study, prayer, and praise time, the healthier and more joyful your marriage will be!

Marriage-Enhancing Tip for the week: When making any major decisions this week, make sure you both pray about it.  When you consider God's will above both of your own and stop and think you just may end up surprised how much better the results will be.

Art Project Idea: Make a friendship bracelet out of three different colors. One to represent the husband, one for the wife, and the third for God. You can either wear them, put them on a keychain, hang them in your car, etc. but the idea is that each time you look at them, you will be reminded to make all the right decisions when you acknowledge that Jesus is a part of your marriage.  It will also be an encouraging reminder as well that you have the Lord God Almighty fighting for and with you and your marriage!  If you do not know to how make a bracelet, there are multiple examples on You Tube (I've been making these since the 1980's!) but here is the result of a search; you can choose which video(s) to watch: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=how+to+make+a+friendship+bracelet  Below are the bracelets I made:

Week 53: The Number 2: Teammates

 

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," I will cover only the numbers 1, 2, 3, 7, & 13.

Fun Activity This Week: Pick two charities, or two people, or two families (or a combination) that you can help this week. You can each pick one with a total of two, or each pick two - it's your choice! If you are in financial need, then volunteer time, donate used (but nice) items, or find other ways to help such as babysitting for free, running errands, or visiting a shut-in. Whatever you choose, do it as a couple to honor the Lord!  

Week 53: The Number 2: Teammates

I know I say it often, but I cannot emphasize enough that the two of you are a team.  Help each other out whenever needed. From big projects to little ones, no task is too insignificant. Don't wait to be asked to help, and do not forget to say thank you, even when your spouse helps with a simple task.

Helping each other does not just include housework and taking care of the kids etc., but includes physical, emotional, and spiritual support as well. Lift up each other in prayer and be each other's counselor. Do not belittle or downplay feelings you do not understand, or think are beneath you.  Be his/her teammate and help him/her get through all tough times, no matter what it takes; all others can wait!

Marriage-Enhancing Idea for the Week: Read the verses below aloud together and thank God that you have a spouse to be there for you. And promise to always be there for one another, no matter what you face, and no matter what it takes.

Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.
10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.
11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;
But how can one be warm alone?
Ecclesiastes 4:9-11

(Next time, I will write about verse 12 that follows the above verses!)

Art Project Idea: Use a version of the phrase I just wrote above. Write something such as, "No matter what we face, and no matter what it takes, I promise to always be there for you!" I am leaving whatever you do with those words up to you. You could add them to a scrapbook style page with some of your favorite photographs; turn the words into a card by writing them on cardstock (or any type of) paper and use your own words inside to  make the same promise as well as tell him/her how much his/her support means to you; just use the words alone and frame in a creative way; create computer art and share in private or post on social media; etc...  Whatever you choose, have fun, and, if you choose, add the words to Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 to your project.

Week 53: 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," I will cover only the numbers 1, 2, 3, 7, & 13.

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 one.

Week 53: The Number 1: 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, but preferably more often) 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 2018 in of us wearing our "I love my Husband/Wife" t-shirts: