Pastor’s Thoughts: Invest in your marriage…

April 28th, 2008 admin Posted in Pastor's Thoughts |

The past six months have been a bit unbalanced in the Hauser home. I have eaten a bit more and less selectively. I have slept less. I have cut corners on taking care of the lawn, the house, and even my marriage. I guess that is what can be expected when twins come, while juggling a toddler. So about a month ago, Andrea and I had a talk and decided some things have to change. We have to invest in our marriage. Here are some priorities that we agreed upon that I would challenge you to discuss with your spouse.

Date Night. We decided that twice a month we need some time alone, out of the house. It does not need to be an expensive dinner, or a movie. It could be a bike ride or a walk.

Get Away. Our budget at this time doesn’t allow for a cruise or a big trip, but we took off for a couple of days a few weeks ago, just to get reacquainted. We did very little, and yet it may have been one of the most relaxing vacations yet in our marriage. Even if it is for only one night, we have vowed to take two get-aways a year.

Prayer and Devotion.  We realized as good or bad our personal time with God may be we need to be spending time together focused on God’s Word and in prayer on a daily basis. We are currently using Night Light by Dr. James and Shirley Dobson each night.

Grow. Pastor Matt has introduced me to a couple of great books. For Men Only and For Women Only by Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn. Some of the CrossPoint Home Teams are using these books for there devotions. Andrea and I spent time on our get away reading and discussing these books in order to understand each other better and strengthen our marriage.

I know that the greatest gift I can give my kids is to be in a home where there is a Christ centered, loving marriage. I ask God to give my marriage, and yours the discipline to become that kind of marriage.

Matthew 7:25 (NIV) The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.