[Marriage] Two Ticks and No Dog
Have you ever heard the phrase That’s like two ticks and no dog?
We often say that in our marriage seminars when we’re talking about a couple who’s trying to get from each other what only God can give them.
[Parenting] How To Find Boundaries as a Grandparent
Boundaries with grandparents can be a tough topic, but when you talk and find a balance you can come out stronger on the other side.
Listen as Joe shares his experience trying to set boundaries with his children’s grandparents and now honoring those boundaries as a grandparent himself.
[Marriage] How To Set Boundaries with Family
Why can’t we spend Christmas with my family? How long are your parents going to stay? What did your parent’s say in front of the kids?
Couples will run into these questions (and more) over the course of their marriage. It’s important to love and honor your in-laws, but it’s also important to set boundaries and establish expectations.
Part of doing that is having a conversation with your spouse and determining how you will approach everything from holidays to overnight visits and more. There are NO set rules. For some people, the more time they can spend with both sets of families the better. For other situations, couples may want to set limits because of distance between homes. It’s not about cutting things out, it’s about finding what works for you and your spouse. Make sure you take their concerns and desires as seriously as you do your own.
[Marriage] How To Create True Intimacy
Problem-solving the wrong way can end up in relationship conflict. It’s not about whose idea is best or winning an argument; the goal is to solve a problem.
Listen in as Joe and Denise share the biblical way to problem solve as a couple.
How to: Communicate with Your Spouse
In marriage, you are going to have to communicate with your spouse all the time. You can’t avoid it if you want to build a strong, healthy relationship.
Talking at and communicating with your spouse are two different things.
DO YOU FALL INTO ONE OF THESE PATTERNS?
Many people fall into the pattern of avoidance. They think that they shouldn’t cause conflict, so they shouldn’t get “real” with their spouse, but that’s not right.
Other people feel that it’s their responsibility to say whatever hits their brain and that’s not right either.
You and your spouse are meant to be a problem solving team. You are a gift from God to each other. You have a responsibility to help each other get better, but you must also remember that they are a child of God and you are to walk in love with them.
WATCH
Laugh-and-learn a few tips on communicating with your spouse.
WORK ON IT
It’s important that you avoid getting offended when your spouse points something out that you could improve. Yes, it’s important for them to do this in love and not in a hurtful manner, but it’s your responsibility to keep the channels of truthful communication open, so they feel comfortable enough to share. In this way, you are both getting better and stronger – together.
THE TAKE AWAY
Don’t try to be “nice” because that kind of communication only builds walls between you two. Walk in love because that will build the intimacy needed to create an even stronger, healthier marriage.
Gain the skills you need to give the right response to the right person at the right time – including your spouse.
Click for more marriage building resources.
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Related Articles:
Are you Overlooking God’s Gift to You?
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(Marriage) How To: Get to the Heart of Communication
One of those most given reasons for divorce in America is, “incompatibility.” In other words, we’re struggling to know how to talk or how to listen to each other.
The Word of God gives us the solution to the communication problem.
THE TAKE AWAY
Remember, that you get out what you put in, when it comes to your heart and communication.
Take this week to read Matthew 12:34-35 and list on way you can get more of the “good” in your heart.
Learning to communicate is a skill most of us were born without, but it’s not too late to learn.
Here are some resources to help you gain the skills you need to build successful relationships:
NEW FROM JOE (on MP3)
BEST SELLER (on DVD)
GROUP RESOURCE (Small Group Bible Study)
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Related Articles:
The Benefits of Walking Together (as a couple)
Five Tips for Rekindling the Romance
Does Your Marriage Lack Vision?
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Building Something: Quality Time
Being married is a privilege! Having someone to share life’s journey together with is a gift. And in spite of all the craziness life can bring, you can have a great, loving, and successful marriage!
It starts with realizing that great marriages don’t just happen. Great marriages are built. The relationship you have with your spouse is the most intimate and precious relationship you will have on this earth. Take time to develop it so you can enjoy life together.
Marriage Building Tip#1
DO THINGS TOGETHER
Five Tips for Rekindling the Romance
Romance isn’t just about candlelit dinners and roses. Romance is rekindled in little things we do every day to put a little love in the bank.
It’s the kind gestures and the selfless acts that will build intimacy and bring the romance back.
Three Benefits of Walking Together
Walking with your spouse is great practice for the lifelong process of becoming one.
Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction? Amos 3:3
You are a team now. You’ll spend your life solving problems, getting in agreement (in prayer) and growing together. Continue reading…
God’s Vision for You
When you honor and reverence the Lord and delight in doing His Word, God says you will be full of joy. God doesn’t want you moping around.
He wants you to be full of joy in every part of your life; that includes your marriage.
