Ready, Set, Marriage!!!

On any given Sunday, my couch becomes tailgate heaven. I get my gear, my food, my drinks, my wife and lay back in the best seat in the house in-front of the big screen. My wife and I know which teams we are cheering on to victory and even if we disagree on who should be the winner, we do so agreeably. We understand that many elements make the game and one missing piece on the field weakens the team as a whole if someone else doesn't make up for that person or persons performance or absence things can and will fall apart. Truly understanding that to win a game a team must play cohesively to walk away with the W in the win column is a given when watching a game.

But lets roll back to before the team ever hits the field. There are behind the scene preparations that must be taken care of in order to effectively handle the field and the opponent. No team with out preparation and anticipation of what could go wrong during the game sits by idly or figures they will just go off instinct. Each player understand their position and practices to perfect their craft. No team, goes on the field without going over plays to win and counter the opponent.  No team goes on the field without coaches and assistants that line the sideline and fill them with encouragement, notes and plans in order to get the W in the win column. And when everyone plays their part and a win happens it feels great. The same principles, preparation and anticipation should go on within our marriages.

I know, marriage is not a game. However, principles apply, game plans need to be followed, and un-sportsman like conduct or crossing boundaries bring penalties or delay of progress for the marriage as a whole. The players must remember that it's not about individual accomplishments but about the team overall. The beauty of having the team attitude is that even though your intentions and actions are for the team, perks of being with the best and playing your best allow you to shine through and everyone benefits. The same holds true within marriage. 

Times will come when attitudes, beliefs, and opposition will come on the field against your marriage. When these opponents show up, whether or not you and your wife are ready and in position to work as a team will determine the outcome. If team efforts are at the forefront of the relationship, everyone benefits.  In order for teams to be great they play together, encourage each other, correct faults, and grow with each passing game test.  Even after occasional mishaps, a team must get geared up to go back into the next game better than before.  We as couples should always remember the importance of preparing (reading), interceding (praying for) and living by principles (stay away from fouls) in order to advance our married life for good field position, forward progress, and Winning.  Remember, you may not always agree but for the good of the team (marriage) we put aside "me" efforts and focus on "we" efforts. Enjoy your spouse because you Married Them 4 Life.

T & T

Marryme4life

https://www.facebook.com/Marryme4life

https://twitter.com/marryme4life

http://www.meetup.com/The-Atlanta-Married-Couples-Social-Group-MarryMe4Life/

We Know It's Hard, but Here are 10 Ways to Bond Your Blended Family

Is your blended family, not blending?  Don’t worry; get them to bond instead of blend!!  Think about it, how many people have a close relationship without bonding on some level. It becomes difficult, if not impossible to want to have a relationship with someone you have no common interest with. Your friends are people who make you laugh, think, push you to greater heights, and just make you feel accepted. Kids want to be accepted and loved. Validate and show interest in your new family and watch God move fear, attitudes, disrespect, and walls of resentment. Open yourself up and watch others become transparent with you.  Try these bonding family activities:

1. Play a board game or video game together – Taboo or Wii are great games to show your fun side

2. If a sport is what captures the attention of the child, get involved, watch with them or train with them, you may just get in shape or find a new hobby

3. Cook together – It’s a great way to learn how to “Blend” different items to achieve a great outcome and kids love to eat meals they have prepared

4. Get the kids involved in saving money – ask who will clip coupons or watch for bargains, even allow a child (with your help of course) to set a budget and shop for weekly items so they feel a part of the family

5. Set up family talent night – invite their friends over and make it a fun event-

6.  Choose a weekly movie night – Have each kid pick a week where they get to choose the movie the family watches – eat pizza and popcorn and enjoy

7. Have the kids do a photo shoot where you are the photographer – allow them to do a dress up scene, or dress like one of their favorite stars and watch their personalities come alive- allow them to photograph you also and make a scrap book with the different looks to share with others.

8. Ride bikes together or take walks around the neighborhood

9. Do a dream board or book together (learn to encourage their dreams)– find magazines with interesting pictures, items, or places and cut them out and place them on the board or book

10. Dance together – find music from your era and show them the dances from your time, then allow them to put on their music and show you the latest dances that are trending now.

Over time bonding will give way to blending and before you know it, everyone will enjoy being together. It takes time and intentional effort on the adult’s part. Children may not seem receptive at first, but keep trying. Consistency is the key, don’t start it and then stop it. Once the bonding process has taken place the blending process becomes automatic. Your marriage is worth the extra effort to welcome everybody into the family and allow them to feel like they belong. Remember, your marriage and family are a blessing and gift from God. (Psalm 127:3)

Marriage is 4 Life,
T n T, (Tony & Tarenia)
MM4Life