Strengthening Marriages

As this is the season when we often make resolutions, I wish for us to make some promises together.  At the beginning of 2011, I encouraged you to remain in the Bible, taking time each day to spend with your Lord.  Of course, I wish for you to continue this habit in 2012 too.  So does God.  He considers those visits important and promises to speak to you through his word.
In addition, this year I wish for you to resolve with your spouse to have regular husband and wife time.  This alone time can occur at any time of the day.  The important thing is to be together...with no kids and no technology vying for your attention!
Such together time is critical.  You simply need to carve it out of your busy schedules.  After dinner you can sit on the couch and simply talk.  Or, you may choose to eat popcorn and watch a movie together.  You can formalize it into a date night.  Whoever said you had to stop dating once you took your wedding vows?  Just as dating strengthened your relationship when it was in its formative stages, so dating can strengthen your relationship years later.
Solomon paints a picture of what wedded love should be like - at any age!  Men, our view of our wives is to be:
                        Like a lily among thorns
                            is my darling among the young women.
                                (Song of Solomon 2:2)
And, women, you are to declare about your husband:

                        Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest

                            is my beloved among the young men.
                                I delight to sit in his shade,
                                    and his fruit is sweet to my taste.
                                        (Song of Solomon 2:3)
Your spouse is your help-meet.  You can't meet each other's needs if the two of you aren't spending enough quality time together.
Through the Holy Spirit we can grow in this most sacred earthly relationship that God has given us.  Why He even has the power to rekindle the flame of love that has burned doen to just an ember...or one that has been extinguished.
May Christ be exalted in our married lives in this new year!

Pastor Rich
(By the way, if I am going to ask this of you, that means I am asking it of myself.  So, you can ask me how Kathy and I are doing.)