Love and War

James and I are hosting a marriage study called 'Love and War'. We read a chapter or two from the book and watch a dvd together. We are half way through and it has been very helpful. The fun part is seeing your friends an extra night in the week!
Some of the main points are:
marriage is hard.
God is using our marriage to change me/us.
We are very different.
Only God can fill us. We are both broken vessels in need of God to fill us. Psalm 62: 1,2, 5-8 (if you/we catch that - life will be alot easier folks). There is hope for redemption through the grace of God.
Ask yourself 'what would it be like to be apart of something beautiful?'. One of the men on the video said 'when your spouse is upset, take it serious but don't take it personal'. I like that phrase. If someone is upset, it is not always your fault! Let them go to God and sort themself out. You do not always need to be the hero and you are not always the bad guy. This may not make sense to you. But I shall write it anyway :0)
Where is life found? only in GOD. Other things may bring joy... but LIFE can only come through God. Yes, there is joy in a clean kitchen or a hot dinner. But not life :) There is joy in date night, the to do list done - but not life. Life is me and Jesus - Full Stop! as we say in Ireland (period! for you americans).
Cheer each other on in your relationship with God. Pray together.
Have shared adventure. What makes your heart come alive? Where would you like to go if you could go anywhere in the world? Do fun stuff with your spouse. You know? Fun? the things you did before kids? hmmmmm
I am looking forward to all of the adventure James and I have planned for this summer. We are very blessed to know God and are blessed to be following His Way. His way brings life, freedom and a whole lot of fun! We are not having a new baby (those are fun but not for me this year, thanks!) We are not moving states, jobs, house. We are settled and ready to enjoy the summer that God has given us. Yay for marriage and a big yay for God's way in marriage that leads to happiness and contentment. If you are looking for a good book on marriage - Love and War is good. So is the book 'Love and Respect'. Well, four weeks down and four to go. I'll let you know how the rest goes.