Building Up (in Marriage)

"Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands." Proverbs 14:1

Building Up:

My husband and I are going to be celebrating our FIFTH anniversary this year. I have grown alot and have learned a few things along the way.

Here are some thoughts on building up a godly relationship:

#1 Communicate Honestly

When a problem arises, learn to talk things out as soon as you can. Eat, drink, calm down... then spend some time discussing what the problem was. (It doesn't matter if it's big or small... talk it out privately.) Pray first. Speak kindly and honestly. Let the other person know how they can improve. Be honest where you messed up and seek forgiveness. (Eph. 4:26) Make changes accordingly. If they ask you to do something differently, submit and do it. (1 Cor. 16:16)

#2 Pray Specifically for your Spouse

Pray for him while he works. Pray for him to have wisdom, discernment, blessings, and encouragement. Ask him to give you things to pray for specifically. Pray for his personal relationship with Christ. Pray it grows and develops. Pray for him to have his own prayer time and daily Bible reading time. As he grows, so will you. Pray for him to have fun days and for him to enjoy hobbies/adventures. Pray that he'll be a better husband and father and even a better worker. (Gal. 6:2)

#3 Grow in Knowledge

Learn to understand your spouse. Learn to figure out what pleases him. Listen to what he complains about or makes requests on... and try to do what you can to fix that. DO that FIRST! Example: My husband today asked me to focus my attention on the laundry load, so first thing after he left, I did that.... and God kept my girls asleep while I did! When I honor my husband's requests, God blesses my work.  

Improve yourself. Pray for God's help in areas that you need to change. Keep trying! :) (1 Peter 3:5-6)

Do you feel like your husband doesn't know your requests? I have two ways that my husband sees what I need done (in the house) and sees what my likes/wishes are. First, we have a white board in kitchen that has the main weekly goals on it. He uses it to figure out how he can help me around the house. :) Second, my husband uses "Evernote" for work and home projects. I created a NOTE that has all my wishes and desires in it. I can update it as I want to... but it gives him liberty to do things when the time is right and/or the funds are available.

If/When your husband does something for you, praise him highly!! Do it extravagantly. It encourages him to do more. :)

Does This Work??

By submitting myself and putting my husband's requests/needs before my own, GOD rewards and blesses my work. I don't worry or stress anymore. I trust my husband to help me and support me. I know God will take care of him and reward his work at the workplace. In our marriage and our home, we are happy and enjoying the fruits of our labor. :D

"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear." 1 Peter 3:1-2