Lei over at My Many Colored Days and Morning Glory do this Woman to Woman on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month. I've enjoyed reading the thoughts and I've decided to join in. This week, you are to post tips that have kept your marriage alive. Here are some of mine after almost 5 years of marriage.
*Let me start with a quote by Jeffrey R Holland: "Wives, what of the unbridled tongue in mouth, of the power for good or ill in your words? How is it that such a lovely voice which by divine nature is so angelic, so close to the veil, so instinctively gentle and inherently kind could ever in a turn be so shrill, so biting, so acid and untamed? A woman's words can be more piercing than any dagger ever forged, and they can drive the people they love to retreat beyond a barrier more distant than anyone in the beginning of that exchange could ever have imagined. Sisters, there is no place in that magnificent spirit of yours for acerbic or abrasive expression of any kind, including gossip or backbiting, or catty remarks. Let it never be said of our home or our ward or our neighborhood that 'the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity...[burning] among our members.'"
This is one of my favorite quotes because as a wife and mother, I know that what I say has an impact. In my marriage, when my tongue IS bridled our relationship becomes stronger. It's amazing how the littlest things or the smallest remark can offend.
I also don't talk about my husband in an unkind way behind his back. He never has to worry what I might say to someone else about him. That keeps the trust in our marriage. When we keep ourselves in check, we are more loving and appreciative of each other.
*One of the smartest things we've done for our marriage is put our kids to bed earlier. They are in bed by 7pm and that leaves us a few hours together to be kid-free. This is the time when we can talk, play games together, or watch a movie. It's a perfect time for us to reconnect and take a step back.
*Being selfless plays a huge role in our marriage. When we give more and don't expect anything in return, there is a wonderful spirit in our home and in our hearts. This helps us to remember that we're in this together and it shows our love for each other. We've had many blessings come from doing this.
11 comments:
Thank you for those quotes. My kids are in bed by 9:00 so my hubby and I should spend time together. Although we are getting better at it,especially since he is out of town so much.
What a great post! It is so important not only to watch what we say, but how we say it!
In a world of male and husband bashing, your words are so meaningful. Building each other up is essential. Thanks for such good advice which you have learned in just 5 years. You are building a marvelous foundation for the future.
ditto early bedtimes!
and i just love, LOVE that quote. i remember when he said that at conference and being struck so deeply by his words. it really made me think!
HTML is not acceptable in comments. I can try emailing you, but I don't see that your email address is available on your blog. Or has Morning Glory helped you arleady? I see the button on your post now.
Sorry for all the problems Lei. I just added my email in my profile.
I loved this line "When we give more and don't expect anything in return, there is a wonderful spirit in our home and in our hearts."
Very well said!
:)
GREAT quote!! I think it's interesting that these two verses are right next to each other in Proverbs:
21 The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 He who finds a wife finds what is good
and receives favor from the LORD.
I love Elder Holland's quote too. His whole talk was excellent. Great point about not bad-talking your husband. I try to do the same as well.
Good advice!
Loved this post and it is great advice. I have been married just over six years and it is important to remember to always work at the relationship and not to just drift. A great marriage takes a lot of work but has a lot of payoffs.
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