3 Reasons Why a Marriage Works

Last week, one of our college students from our young adult group at church asked for my feedback on a homework assignment (See below).



I had to think about this for a little bit.  Marriage advice articles are a dime a dozen online.  But if I had to boil down all those blog articles (including my own), all the books I've read, all the radio broadcasts I've heard on the topic, what crucial nuggets would I be left with? Here are the answers I settled on:

3 Reasons Why a Marriage Works:

1. A marriage works when two people are more committed to honoring God and their marriage vows than they are to serving their personal happiness. Marriage isn't all happiness and romance, so a couple has to be committed to stick it out through the tough times.
2. A marriage works when both people look for ways to serve, love, and honor each other. Selfishness cannot exist in a successful marriage. Each person should have the attitude of "how can I show love and respect to my spouse today?"

3. A marriage works when it's guarded diligently from potential wreckers -- coming from outside sources or internal (heart) sources. Both spouses should guard against any other human relationship usurping the place only their partner should have. And both must guard against bitterness, unforgiveness, or a critical attitude that can tear a marriage apart from the inside.

What would be your top three? Or what have I left out? Your thoughts, please!

Top Five Jamaica Favorites + One

A decade ago, I first traveled to Jamaica with my then-fiance, now-husband.  I remember leafing through the pages of his childhood photo album, noting the missionaries and ministry guests often seen in and out of Conroy's home, influencing his growing-up years.  In that moment, nearly 10 years ago, a vision emerged in my mind of getting to share with our children this spiritual legacy.  And now, 10 years later, our almost-five-year-old daughter is at an age where she can begin to understand the legacy she's privileged to have.  She's a second-generation PK on both sides.  Her legacy is rich. She gets to witness and participate in worshiping God from two different cultural perspectives, shaping her from an early age.

Hands-down my favorite part of our Jamaica visits.

In addition to this rich spiritual legacy, here are my Top Five Favorites about Jamaica:

1.  The heartfelt, exuberant worship in church -- nothing thrills my soul more than worshiping with brothers and sisters in Christ especially in another culture -- there's no greater bonding experience!

2.  Warm, tropical nights -- no hint of cold in the air, but a perfect reprieve from the hot days.

3.  The white gauzy curtains against the wooden slats in the windows of Conroy's childhood home billowing in the breeze, lending an aura of coolness, even if no cool air is actually felt.  Just looking at them refreshes psychologically, if not physically.

4.  Jacie's exuberant delight in the beach.  She's not much for the water, but loves playing tag with the smallest, lapping waves on the seashore and building "sandcastles."

 

5.  The food!  Ackee, saltfish, jerk chicken, pumpkin rice, juicy mango, breadfruit, plantain, oxtail, hardo bread, spicy bun and Tastee cheese.... my mouth is watering!