Growthtrac insidetrac, Life Changing Marriage Resources

Podcast #12

Important Please Read

• Slowing Down
• Appreciating Your Spouse
• Annoying Habits
• The Passion Plan

Mentioned in the Podcast
• Jim Burns' book, Creating an Intimate Marriage click here
• The Jim Burns Interview click here
• Neil Anderson's book, Experiencing Christ Together click here

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

We rarely (I don't think we ever have) discuss DVD's,
especially of the Family Home Entertainment genre.

I've made an exception.

The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was released in theaters last year, and last month, Disney issued a four-disc special edition collection which it will discontinue on
January 31, 2007.

A post on La Shawn Barber's blog caught my attention...

click - Read More Here on La Shawn Barber's Blog

I still remember the buzz and anticipation as we awaited this film
months ago. Not only is it quality family-friendly entertainment,
but also an unmistakable, easy to understand picture of the
Christian message. Definitely evangelistic.

Your Partner's Most Annoying Habit

I was reading through the Chicago Tribune last night and picked up on a recent US Magazine poll about "What's Your Partner's Most Annoying Habit?".  The Tribune says we are a poll-obsessed world.  This was a sampling of an online poll they encountered this past week. I had a good chuckle as I read through the results. http://www.usmagazine.com/i_us_i_poll_0

54% not picking up after themselves

39% snoring

7%  ditching trash detail

In the comments section of the poll I saw the following  - "When my husband leaves the toilet seat up, I sit down and get a wet bottom."

These habits can definitely become annoying, if you let them.  I believe it's a matter of personal attitude that defines whether we look at this as annoying or as quirky. 

Do you define your roll/chores in the home as 50/50 proposition?  I've found in my marriage that nothing is 50/50.  Sometimes it's 100/0 or 0/100.  I can look at everything my husband does as annoying, or I can accept him for how God created him.  I can ask him to kindly do something for me, or I can berate him with words that tear him down and make him feel and inch tall.  It's my choice.

Sure, it's annoying to have to pick up after someone, to have them snore or forget to take out the garbage.  We all have our faults.  But, is it really worth the battle?

Slowing Down

My husband and I had an opportunity this past week to take a vacation.  It's been a long time since we've been away for more than a long weekend.  Over the past two years we've dealt with the illnesses and death of parents and an entire year of unemployment.

I woke up early one morning before sunrise and had an opportunity to watch the first streaks of light appear on the horizon over the ocean.  I watched in amazment as little by little the colors changed and the sky was filled with oranges, yellows and pinks.  Eventually, the sun started to poke it's head up and slowly rose over the water.  It was beautiful. Whenever I'm by the water, I feel the power and majesty of God.  The strength of the ocean amazes me and all of the creatures God has put in the water.

I thanked God that morning for giving me a new day and for a loving husband still sleeping in a warm bed.  I thanked him for another day to love my husband and I thanked him for providing the miracle of a gorgeous sunrise. 

I try very dligently to take 15 minutes out of my day to be still and be with God.  It's a deep desire within me to feel His presence.  I'm not always successful.  When I realize it's been a day or two, my heart yearns for Him. When I'm not still and quiet, my heart becomes disturbed and impatient.  And... mostly my husband takes the brunt of my impatience.

God has given us an amazing opportunity to be with him everyday.  He has so much to show us and teach us - especially about his love.  I desire that love and I want to give that love.  Slowing down for just a moment filled my heart to overflowing.  It set the tone for a wonderful and loving vacation with my husband.