Hi my children,

Just have a few things on my mind that I want to share with you.  🙂

First, winter can be really hard on marriages, especially when babies are added to the mix.  Soooo, I just want to remind you of a few things:

1) Your spouse is not the enemy.  lol.  It’s really hard to remember that when you are getting on each others LAST nerve.  Try to remember why you “fell” in love with them to begin with.  You might not always like each other but always choose to love them.

2) Respect each other.  It’s really easy to nit pick each other to death.  Things don’t have to be perfect.

3) Compliment each other.  I know, I know, it sounds weird and probably awkward but everybody likes to hear that they look pretty/handsome.  Especially by the one they love.

4) Look at each other with love in your eyes.  It’s so easy to just glance at, glare at, roll your eyes at each other.  But, when was the last time that you took your husband/wife in your arms and truly looked into their eyes with love?

5) Please recognize and realize just how blessed you are.  How many young couples have what you have?  A spouse that is a believer, husband/wife that come home every night, a great house, newer cars, children, jobs (and spouses that are willing to work and work hard), bills are paid, health and on and on!  It could be so much worse!  You have no alcohol, drug, spousal abuse or partying.  Wow! That’s almost unheard of in our society.

6) Please live in the moment!  Don’t dwell on the past, don’t bring up past hurts/sins. Don’t compare your spouse to any one else (real or imagined).  They just need to look like Christ!

7) Take every thought captive. If we take that thought and look at it against God’s Word and the character of our spouse, you will recognize the lie that Satan is throwing at you. We are to forgive as the Lord has forgiven us.  Our spouses are not perfect but neither are we.  Love keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Cor. 13:4,5.  Don’t let Satan steal your joy!

8) Stop!  Just sit still for a bit.  Really look around you.  Do you see how the light shines in your child’s eyes when they see you? Do you see the hurt/joy your words can have? Do you see the tired, exhausted look of your spouse?  Do you see how when you truly love (and, yes, that’s an action word) each other how softly your spouse looks at you?  Do you see when you stop and look (really look) at your spouse when they are talking to you how much weight comes off their shoulders just to know that you heard them?

9) Appreciate each other.  You each work hard, at your jobs, keeping the house going, chores, errands, maintenance, children, etc.  Don’t take it for granted.  “Thank you for what you do”, goes a long way.

10) Forgive your Momma!  lol.  These are just some things that I have struggled with in the past and still do from time to time.  It’s easier as you get older to see things for what they are (most of the time) and how truly blessed we are.  Having married young is truly a gift!  You can be one of those couples that when they are old and grey can give testimony to what God has done in your lives and your marriage and the legacy you will leave your children and grand children.  Yes, they are watching!  lol

Scott and I pray for you all daily and love you more than you will every know!

I love you all, Your Momma