Improving Your Marriage

One of the subtle but pervasive myths we tell ourselves about our marriage is that it takes two people to improve a marriage.  It’s certainly better to have both spouses working on a marriage, but it actually only takes one person to leverage behavior change into improving a marriage.  In other words, it’s not that both my spouse and me have to change to make things better – if I change, it will improve the marriage.

For a first-hand account of how this works, and some very helpful tips on the subject, I strongly encourage you to read this article.

Is Early Marriage A Good Thing?

Our culture currently is sending the message that marrying later is better.  I don’t see this communicated overtly, but average ages of first marriages for both men and women are trending upwards. 

Combine that piece of information with the fact that abstinence education is failing, and one person has a counter-cultural conclusion: we should encourage people to marry younger!  For full disclosure, I did not take this piece of advice.  I married in my early 30’s (criticize away if you must, but believe me – it wasn’t for lack of effort!!).  So, I’m curious – what do some of my younger, unmarried friends think of this advice?  Read the article, and let me know.  Frankly, I’m not sure what I think of his view.

To get you started, here’s the introduction to the article:

Wedding Ceremonies Don’t Need to Be Dowdy

I don’t think I could have gotten away with this at our wedding, but I like the joy of it all.  Solemn does not need to be dowdy.  Joy and dancing are appropriate at a wedding.

I hope their marriage reflects Christ and they stick with their vows.  I hope they had vows?!?

Pastoral Counsel for John & Kate

Dating or Engaged?

Then you should read this.  It addresses the number one problem that I see in the transition from dating and engagement to marriage.

Pastoral Advice for Those Who Want to Get Married

It bugs me (and has since I became a pastor) that engaged couples come to me after the reception hall is booked, the rings are purchased, the reception bubbles have been ordered, the bride’s maid’s dresses have been picked, and the menu has been selected.  It bugs me when I’m the last thing on the list, and they come and expect me to wave my magic wand and pronounce that they are married before God and man.

I know that the idea of entering marriage is exciting and wonderful, and it should be, but let’s make sure we do things right.  So in order to get ahead of the engagement curve,  here’s some pastoral counsel for all involved.

Marriage and Children

When you had children, what did you expect to happen to your marriage?  That it would get better, or worse?  What actually happened?  Now go and read this and compare your answers to the authors – and note the importance of agreement between the two parents…

(HT:  Jesus Creed – I love Saturdays on the Jesus Creed blog!)

Four Reasons to Persevere In Marriage

This is from a sermon series the Co-Pastors preached at GLBC.  You can listen to all of the marriage sermons here, or to read this sermon – keep reading.

Falling in Love? Getting Engaged?

If you’re falling in love and thinking about marriage then you should read this post. Choosing a spouse may be the most important decision one makes in life. Notice, I use the words “falling in love” and “decision” simultaneously – it’s both romance and wisdom that play a part in picking the right spouse. I married up, and it’s God’s grace that I married such a wonderful woman, but I was clueless about picking a spouse.

Fireproof

I’m not much of a movie goer, nor am I a great movie critic but Fireproof looks like a marriage friendly movie. Maybe not the best acting in the world, but certainly a good message. Might be a nice date for Jill and I. Keep reading to watch the movie trailer.