How Normal is Your Marriage Really?

Can't help but wonder if your union is keeping up with the Joneses'? Check out these marriage stats from The Normal Bar: The Surprising Secrets of Happy Couples and What They Reveal About Creating a New Normal in Your Relationship.

By Gena Kaufman

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Is it normal that…I'm not completely honest with him?
Within limits, a few secrets — and even lies — between couples are generally harmless. If you've ever fibbed about those shoes being new ("I've had these forever, I just don't wear them often!") or neglected to tell him that your mom thinks he's a total slob, you're not alone. In America, 43 percent of men and one-third of women have kept major secrets from their partners and approximately three-quarters of people have lied — including those who consider themselves part of a happy couple. As long as you don't take it to extremes — like failing to reveal credit card debt or the fact that you have a monthly lunch-date with your ex — lies that keep the peace and protect feelings are normal.

7 Ways To Be ‘More Like Jesus’ Online

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I have been amazed at what people who love Jesus can write about other people who love Jesus online. I am referring to comments that believers leave on blogs and Facebook postings. Not long ago, I responded kindly to someone who attacked something I wrote. I think his first word regarding my blog was “NONSENSE!”

When he saw my response, he quickly wrote back an apology saying, “I didn’t realize you would read my comment.” Of course, a blogger with respect for his readers doesn’t just write and disappear but reads responses and responds back. That is the difference between a blog and a magazine article.

We live in new world where people can respond instantly to blogs or Facebook postings—often without realizing that “reckless words pierce like a sword.” We of all people should have our words seasoned with love, even when we disagree.

The 5 things you should NEVER say by text

Cosmopolitan

Does texting make us more honest? Or are there some things easier said by text? As researchers at the University of Michigan say we’re more open to disclosing sensitive information via text, Cosmo reveals the five things that should never be conveyed through the medium of a text message. Ever.
1. “I don’t think this is working.”
Admit it, you’d be up in arms if a guy sent it to you, so same goes. Breaking up over text just ain’t cool, whoever you are. As easy as it is to send that text, it’ll be much better coming from you in person. So suck it up... 

2. “Don’t tell anyone, but...”
As a general rule, if your text starts with this then DON’T hit that send button. Secrets should be told face-to-face where the person can’t press a forward button. Word. 

"Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."

"Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10
We all face things in life that get us down, whether it's the death of a loved one, an argument, loneliness, or any other number of things. 


But God's Word tells us not to grieve and find joy in the Lord. 


He is the great Comforter after all =) 


God bless!


godvine.com 

Say You're Sorry

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret.  2 Corinthians 7:10

A friend wrote to tell me of an incident in his home, a scene uncomfortably familiar to many of us. He and his wife had experienced some conflict -- nothing major, just enough to leave the air a bit tense as the breakfast rush ended and the kids disappeared for school.

My friend, Keith, admitted that he had "developed the fine art of winning arguments at any cost, especially when I am in the wrong!" So when his wife began to come down pretty hard on him for what he had done, he was half listening and half preparing his case for a suitable response.

"As I caught my breath," he wrote, "readying my tongue for the task, something happened. Just at that moment, God did one of those surprising things it seems He loves to do. No words came. I watched my wife fall silent in turn, as she waited, girding herself for my self-defense. But in place of my impeccable logic, five simple words came out of my mouth: ‘I'm sorry. I was wrong.'"

Repentance is never easy. We know. It's even bitter at times. But the fruit is sweet: Husbands and wives forgive each other and discover fresh joy, hope and oneness in their relationship. Children regain loving, attentive parents and are raised to fear God and keep His commandments. The estranged are reconciled. The haughty are humbled. The guilty find relief and rebellion. A family reformation begins.

Keith concluded, "Husband, don't argue with your wife from a position of authority or gifting or power or capacity. Don't win just because you can. Simply apologize." And ask for forgiveness.

Don't you love the way that sounds?

Discuss
How often do you repent to your spouse? In what situations do you argue rather than repent when your spouse points out a problem?

Pray
Ask God for a heart that doesn't argue when caught -- that your first thought would not be of self-defense but a desire to see how your actions (or inactions) are affecting your spouse. Pray that you will be quick to admit fault and ask for forgiveness.

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How to Fight Fair in Your Relationship

By YourTango.com | Love + Sex

When navigating the rough and rugged waters of a relationship, one of the trickiest places to steer your metaphorical love canoe through is a conflict. 

Yes, arguments happen and no, they aren't always pretty. And, thanks to the differences in the way our brains are wired, men and women handle them differently. Luckily our friends at Tokii polled their users to give us some helpful tips on working through conflict in a relationship. Now, steering that canoe through tumultuous waters may become a bit easier, so long as you follow these bits of advice (and check out the infographic below). 

1. Hit it head on. No passive-aggressive Facebook and Twitter updates here, people. Rather, the majority of men and women want to deal with conflict directly-62 percent and 64 percent, respectively. In a world where many turn to social media to complain instead of confronting issues in person, this is incredibly refreshing to hear. 

2. But don't say these words. Speaking of refreshing to hear, there are some phrases that definitely shouldn't be let loose when working through a conflict with a partner. For 67 percent of men, that phrase is, "You don't understand"; for 60 percent of women, it's "You need to calm down." Does this mean, "We need to talk" is fair game? 

3. Establish rules. Aside from knowing which phrases will trigger a strong reaction, it's also advised to go into an argument with an established set of ground rules-63 percent of men and 47 percent of women agree. Of course, when to set these ground rules is still up in the air (but mid-fight is likely not an ideal time). 

4. Avoid sensitive topics. The trickiest of them all? Money. Forty-nine percent of women and 44 percent of men say income is the subject that brings about the most conflict within their relationships. 

5. Work together towards resolution. Often the toughest part of dealing with conflict in a relationship is ending it. Men feel they are more willing than women to compromise during a disagreement; however, twice as many women are willing to admit they're wrong. 

Written by Kait Smith for YourTango.com.