Cindy and I both came from broken marriages. We met in January of 1986 and married five years later, new years eve 1991. I proposed to her at midnight on Valentine's Day. That time was spent learning about one another.
1. Share dreams and work toward them.
Neither one of us had many worldly possessions, but knew we wanted to one day have our own home. I still live there.
2. Read and live out the Bible together as one.
Cindy was a student of the Bible and much further along that I was at the time. Many discussions in our beginnings were about scripture. Learning together is fun.
3. Actively participate in Church programs.
Once we bought the house we carefully searched for a church home which was Kenwood Heights Christian Church.
4. Vacation and business trips together.
I was away from here for the first business trip. Missed her terribly . . . never again after that. We also had memberships in service organizations which afforded us more time and to make new friends with similar interests.
5. Address family needs, wants and experiences together.
Always to openly address the tough and fun issues together. Also I enjoyed photography and I encouraged her in this hobby. It proved to be very rewarding and memorable.
6. Encourage and support one another.
The word is a powerful tool in understanding. Also the body-language and facial expressions. Don't forget about hugs and simple eye contact!
7. Surround yourself with like-minded people.
The Church Family is the cornerstone with other activities branching out from that. For example, I sat on a community ministries board and Cindy delivered hot meals for the group.
8. Don't get caught in a rut.
Sameness can stifle creativity and enthusiasm. This is no issue to be quiet about. Put it on the table and talk it out.
9. Pray regularly.
Throughout the Bible, God calls us to pray. It is an act of obedience to HIM. It is how we communicate with God, it is always available and gives us power over evil. It keeps us humble and helps us to experience God.
10.Confront and address conflict.
Cindy and I came from totally different backgrounds which required learning and adjusting. Many of these adjustments were worked out during our 5 years of dating. There is no room for selfishness in a marriage. it is ONENESS, LISTENING AND LEARNING. We are all sinners in the cradle of God's love. Trust in Him.
