Advice For the Bride and Groom

Blog Challenge - Day 6

This post of part of a 13 day "half marathon" blog challenge" in which I am chronicling our marriage, the best advice we have received thus far, as well as lessons learned over the past 9 years.

One of the fun little things we did at our reception was pass around a small spiral bound notebook asking that our wedding guests write a brief message advising us in our marriage.  I haven't pulled it out in nine years, but when paging through it, much of it was very wise and some of it was pretty funny.  Enjoy.

Communicate! Share your thoughts - about today, tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, next decade, etc...

Enjoy each other...sex starts in the kitchen.  In other words (Dave), doing dishes & sweeping the floor leads to great benefits! (And sometimes babies)

Take interest in each other's interest.  Take the time to learn and participate in each other's activities.

Elizabeth, my mother told me that I should do FIRST each day whatever my husband asks me to do before I do what I need.

Dave, something your Dad did that always meant so much to me is notice when I cleaned the house, arranged flowers, fixed a nice dinner, etc - the everyday things a woman does in the home.

Don't make love by the garden gate.  Love is blind, but the neighbors ain't.

The shortest "formula" for a successful marriage is love the Lord, put your mate above yourself and forgive much.  Love each other actively in word and deed and listen to each other well. 

Serve breakfast for supper.

Always turn your socks right side up before putting them in the dirty clothes.  Keep a fun attitude and an upbeat sense of humor.

What I share is something that I've been learning and that is, to be content in all circumstances.  There is a time and season for everything.  So...live each day to it's very fullest!

I also want to share something that has recently "hit" me in a new way: Christ's inconceivable love for each one of us and through that he will listen to you any time.  If you are struggling with something just talk to your Heavenly Daddy.

May God hold you in the palm of his hand, and may he never make a fist.

Follow your parents' example.  Read Willard Harley's book His Needs Her Needs and implement his suggestions.  Say "thank you" to each other for all the nice things you do for each other.  Never stop appreciating the little things.  Love well.  Expect your marriage to improve with age and pray and work your hardest to see that it does!

I just want to say remember that this is God's gift to you and that He is the molder and you are the clay!  He likes to take time and make it just right.

Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well."  He will answer your prayers in His perfect timing.  Patience.

Psalm 127:3 & 5 "Children are a blessing from the Lord.  Blessed is the man whose quiver is full." (he he he)

What about you?  What was the best advice you were given before you got married?  What do you wish you had paid more attention to in the beginning?

Sharing with: NOBH