Staying in Love is for a Lifetime

People are falling in love everyday. Then you notice that after a short run they are out of love. More and more today I'm hearing couples who have been married less than three years announce that they are no longer in love. This made me wonder why? After all of the hoopla over the wedding and the honeymoon then the first year of marital bliss the real life marriage begins. This is the time when the gloves come off and the true face is shown. 

This is the time that the couple should dig in and become determined to grow their love and relationship. A lasting love takes work, time and patience on the parts of both spouses. The marriage will go through many seasons of change. During those changes the couple will experience different degrees of their love. There will be times when the couple might look at each other and just not feel that loving feeling.

Its during those times that the couple must choose to love one another and push their marriage to another level. People fall in love everyday for many reasons. We see it on TV and in the movies where people meet and then before they know it they are in love, in bed, and standing before the preacher. They have a crazy relationship and end up separated or divorce. Its funny and we think that this is the way love really is. You fall in, have fun, and when it gets rough you move on.

This is not love or a base for a long life with the love of your life. Everyday from the moment you become one you must pray over your marriage. Set your mind to work on keeping your marriage healthy and choose to love no matter what. As the couple in the above picture shows us staying in love is oh so special. This is what God ordained marriage to be and all marital couples should set staying in love as their marital goal. To love one another by any means necessary is ok but to love each other with God as your center will allow for that goal of staying in love for a lifetime.

Excuse me sir...what is your picture of love?

As we approach Valentine's Day many people who normally would not think of love begin to do so. We see men standing in line at the nearest grocery, or drug store with pink, red, and white candy hearts in hand. We see them with roses in red or whatever color they can get them. Some look as if its a chore to be doing this type of shopping. Some look as if they are completely lost just there following the leader. Then there are some who appear happy and take their time to read each card to make sure it says just the right thing. Those men pre-order their roses in her favorite color. They call ahead and make dinner reservations and to make sure she has something sparkling to wear on her finger or around her neck. What makes this man different from those who are doing it because its expected or part of their duty? What makes this man appear truly happy to bring a smile to his loves face? This man has a picture of love in his heart. He sees his spouse as that part of himself that God created from his rib. That someone made just for him. This man knows that Valentines day is set aside to outwardly show the world his love but this man shows his wife that same type of treatment each and everyday. This man when asked what is your picture of love this man sees God and knowing this he sees God as love in his spouse.

This man is a man of God. He knows what love is. Knowing that God is love and that He created marriage for man and woman to become one in Christ allows him to have a picture in his heart of his spouse that places her in the heavens. She is to be cherished as a great prize. As she devotes herself to him in respect and love he in turns gives her his love and respect. He wants to keep a smile on her face at all times. This man also understands that with love sometime there is conflict but it does not take away from the love. Conflict is worked on in a way that both parties are heard and resolution is maintained. Then at the end of the day its back to the love.

In order for anyone to love they must form a picture of realistic love in their mind and heart. They must study the attributes of Christ and see what He gave up for His Bride. Once man forms that picture in his head and heart he can't see his spouse as anything but love. There is nothing that he would not do to show his love, gratitude and thankfulness to God for giving him this gift that's greater than any precious jewel that is on earth.

So with this Valentines day just take a look at the men as they go about with their love duties. Note their non-verbal communication. You will be able to see those men who have a true Godly picture of love for their spouse just by their actions. Those men will be the ones that when asked excuse me sir...but what is your picture of love? Those men would look you in your eyes and with a smile on his face would answer...why my wife of course!!!

Dont fall into a RUT!

If you have been married or in a relationship for awhile its very easy to get into a rut. Even if you are the couple who have date nights after awhile you will notice that you are doing the same old things. Going to dinner at the local chicken or burger joint then going to a movie where one of you or both fall asleep and you have to buy the movie on dvd anyway. You may decide to just stay home and be together as you watch your dvd or cable tv. You may play the same game each and every week. Before you know it you just rather sleep on date night.

We understand that most of us won't be able to do exotic things like sky diving or traveling on an African Safari, if you can then go for it, but there are ways to find adventures in your own hometown and within your budget.

 

Do something out the ordinary; discover a new and exciting activity for both of you. Rock climbing, skating, snorkeling, line dancing in the park, bike riding on a nature trail, riding on a barge, acting out in a historic battle, well you get my drift find something that you can do outside that will add physical activity along with adventure.

 

Again one of the best ways to find a new adventure is to check your local newspaper and see whats happening that week. It could be going to a dog show, a chicken plucking competition, a Renaissance fair, or a watermelon seed-spitting contest. Let your minds soar to another level and just have fun. You never know the both of you may discovery a new hobby.

 

Remember being creative adds spice to your date nights and adventure will keep you in shape. Take turns planning your adventure dates and see who can come up with the best one. The winner gets to do anything that they choose during your after date love sessions.  After your adventure date stop and get a lite meal. Take it home light some candles and take a bubble bath or relaxing shower together. Have fun drying each other off as you talk about your date. Then sit down and feed each other the meal you brought home as you listen to your favorite music and just relax. End your evening creating adventure with each other physically seeing just how creative you can be.

 

 

As always end your evening giving God thanks for his gift of love then just simply fall asleep as you cuddle one another. Only you can keep the boring out of your date nights. Don't fall into the "do the same old thing" rut!!!