2018 is upon us, full of new adventures, new possibilities, and new beginnings. Whether you set New Year's Resolutions, goals, or choose a One Word, no matter what you call it, this is a great time to evaluate the previous year and see where you can grow.
There are two areas that we can all grow in. By choosing one, or both, of these areas to focus on for growth, you can never go wrong. One area is getting into the Word more, which we talked about last week. To read more, click here. The other area is our marriage. My One Word for 2017 was marriage. My marriage wasn't in trouble, I just wanted to grow more. I choose six areas of my marriage to focus on. Some I did really good with, others not so much. What I did learn is that it is an on going process. Even had I done incredible in all six areas, I would still have plenty of room for growth.
Today I want to share my six areas of growth with you. Whether marriage is a goal you want to focus on this year or not; whether your marriage is in rough waters or is sailing smoothly; these are areas we can all afford to focus on.
Pray harder over your marriage and for your husband
Are you a praying wife? Pray harder. Is prayer for your husband and marriage something you haven't really done? Start. Intentionally pray daily for your husband and your marriage. I don't mean prayers of "Help him to not be so selfish" or "Make my husband romantic" or "Show him that he needs to help with the kids and house more." No. I mean prayers that God would help him to have a sound mind, prayers for health, prayers over his relationships, prayers that He would desire to be a Godly man, those kind of prayers. I've said it a million times, but it bears repeating: you are the only one who can pray for your husband in this way and you are likely the only one praying over him. Your prayers are vital.
Date your husband more
Date your mate ladies! My grandparents had eight children. Their lives revolved around their children and their work. Once all of their children were grown and out of the house, my grandparents didn't know each other anymore. Their marriage was on the brink of ending. Your children will one day grow up and move out of your home. If you don't date your mate and spend real time with each other truly getting to know each other and grow in your relationship, you will look across at each other and see a stranger. Not sure how often to date? Do what works for you. If you can date weekly, do it! If monthly works better for you, do it! Every six weeks, do it! Whatever it is, just date. A date doesn't have to be a bank-breaking event. Find things to do that are inexpensive or even free. My husband and I love doing things like driving around to garage sales, picking up our favorite restaurant and taking it home to eat while we watch a movie together, or get ice cream and go for a drive around the lake. Whatever it is, just do it.
Intentionally think of him throughout the day and let him know you were thinking of him
Daily activities keep us so busy. We need to intentionally think of our husband throughout the day. When you are at the grocery store, pick up his favorite candy bar. When you wash his clothes, go back to the prayer and pray over him. When you walk past your wedding photo hanging in your hallway, pause and think of the day, then text him and let him know you are thinking of him and you love him. Those little moments of thinking of him throughout the day bring a sweet romance to your heart, which helps later on in the bedroom.
Read marriage books by trusted pastors and authors
There are so many great books out there on marriage. There are also so many books out there that do not hold good, Godly advice. Seek out books to read by pastors and authors you trust. Don't have the time to stop and read? Totally okay! Audio books and podcasts are great! You can listen while you go about your day. I love listening to podcasts while in the car or cleaning the house. Not sure where to get books by trusted pastors and authors? Lifeway has a wonderful collection by people you can trust. Just a few of my favorites are: Power of a Praying Wife, Love Dare, Kingdom Marriage, Uncommon Marriage, and The Marriage You've Always Wanted.
Become your husband's biggest cheerleader
The world isn't always nice. Your husband likely deals with negativity at work. Maybe a boss who isn't always kind or co-workers who don't treat each other nice. Maybe you have neighbors who aren't always friendly. Or maybe he has family members who don't treat him right. There are so many chances for negativity to enter your husband's heart and mind throughout the day. This is where you can help. Become his cheerleader. When the world throws him negativity, you praise and encourage him. Tell him that you are proud of him and that you appreciate him. Point out his good qualities and hard work.
Be kinder to your husband
It's easy to take our frustrations out on our husband. When we are upset with something not going right or the kids not listening, it's easy to spew that anger on our husband. He's there. He's an easy target. Let's strive to be kinder. To use kind words and to not take out frustration on him.
What are other ways you can grow in your marriage this year? Share in the comments.
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Forever My Girl is a new movie coming out January 19th telling the story of country music super-star Liam Page who left his bride, Josie, at the altar choosing fame and fortune instead. However, Liam never got over Josie, his one true love, nor did he ever forget his Southern roots in the small community where he was born and raised. Liam unexpectedly returns to his hometown for the funeral of his high school best friend, he suddenly faced with the consequences of all that he left behind. Liam and Josie face hardship and learn about forgiveness. But will they find their way back to each other?
Check out the trailer:
This is my first year to do a "word" and I get here and discover that my word is the same one you choose for last year: GROWTH.
ReplyDeleteThis may sound odd, but my husband and I are very blessed by the bad marriages that we had before we found each other. Having been damaged and hurt in the past made us both very determined to make ours a marriage lead by God. We talked about the things that cause us pain and do our best to remember that we are not the ones that caused the damage. We will soon be celebrating our 7th year of marriage and 8th together. We know that God has blessed each of us with the other and we grow more in the Lord everyday.
Lesa, thank you for stopping in. I love your word for this year, growth!
DeleteThank you. Great word!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Great advice
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