Infidelity Doesn't Just Happen

"Here are most important nonverbal communication channels and red flags you should be aware of"......

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/life/infidelity-doesnt-just-happen-it-starts-these-subtle-warnings

5 Ways to Develop Grit in Your Marriage

"Grit can be defined as the power of passion and perseverance. It’s a never give-up attitude. Grit is the Little Engine That Could who says, “I think I can. I think I can. I think I can!” Grit realizes there are no shortcuts to excellence and one of the secrets is long-term tenacity. Grit knows that enthusiasm is common, but endurance is rare.".....

http://www.scottkedersha.com/grit/

Love for a Flawed Person

"You and I just don’t get to be married to someone perfect. It seems obvious enough, but many people get married with unrealistic expectations about who they’re marrying. Here’s the point: you both bring something into your marriage that’s destructive to what a marriage needs and must do. That thing is called sin.".....

http://www.authenticmanhood.com/love-for-a-flawed-person/

To the Spouse Who's "Checked Out" of the Marriage

"You tell yourself there is no hope for the marriage. You tell yourself that you are out of options. Out of love. Out of trust. You can’t bear to even look your spouse in the eyes anymore, because you’ve checked out. It’s over…or, at least, you’ve resigned yourself to that thought.".....

http://sixseeds.patheos.com/ashleywillis/to-the-spouse-whos-checked-out-of-the-marriage/

Date Night Questions

Our church (First Baptist Church Allen) hosted a "DATE NIGHT" this past weekend.  Here are the questions we handed out to couples to discuss on their date:

Starting off easy
1. Share a highlight from the week.
2. Give at least 3 things you are thankful for about your spouse/marriage.
3. What's something fun you would like to do that you two haven't done in a while?

Digging a little deeper
1. What is something you take for granted in your marriage?
2. Where are you making "war" in your marriage right now?  Is that a battle you should be fighting?
3. Do you feel like you make your marriage the top priority?  If not, why?

Next level
1. From the list of the Fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control--Galatians 5:22-23), where do you think you are strong and where do you think you struggle?  Then ask your spouse for their opinion on your answer.
2. In your marriage, where do you think you are more committed to the "kingdom of self"? Then ask your spouse for their opinion on your answer.
3. How will focusing more on the "Kingdom of God" help your marriage? Be specific.

Your Marriage Isn't Hopeless

"I don’t know about your experience with marriage, but there is one thing I know: regardless of who you are, where you live, or whom you’re married to, your marriage has hope.".....

http://www.authenticmanhood.com/your-marriage-isnt-hopeless/

Keys to Unlock Great Communication

"When you ask any couple what the key to a successful marriage is, they’ll likely include “great communication” in their list. But when we’ve asked couples what “good communication” is, we’ve gotten a lot of foggy answers."......

http://www.symbisassessment.com/blog/keys-unlocking-great-communication/?mc_cid=20026eafdc&mc_eid=82de7e3bbf