House or Home

Twice a month Alex and I participate in a marriage Home Group from our church, Jubilee.   We've been in a group for the past year and a half.  How we got started was by attending a 6 - week class called: Love and Respect last February.   From there we have been fully engaged in our Home Group.   It has truly helped our marriages especially now with Maximus.  It has shown us that just because we have a child doesn't mean our marriage ends.  Doesn't mean the romance stops.  Doesn't mean we can't have date nights.   To us having a child just means it's going to require more work but it's also going to be rewarding.   We want Max to learn the true meaning of marriage - Marriage that is a covenant made before God.  Not just a piece of paper.  Not about the size of my diamond.  It's about the years spent together.  The times we've come together in prayer.  The memories we've created.  Being an inspiration to other married couples.  Most importantly:  Showing Love and Respect to one another.   Not arguing in front of Max.  Always letting Max know how much I love his Daddy.  

Right now we are reading the book: House or Home by Chip Ingram.  It's been a good lesson so far.   This past Sunday we discussed marriage being a Holy Covenant. We've made a vow together. Our  vows are serious.  Divorce is NOT an option. Adultery is serious and many other deep topics.   But the one thing that really stood out to me was adultery.  Why?  Because it just saddens me when you hear couples cheating, make lewd comments about their spouses or thinking it's OK to say that the opposite sex is cute, hot or whatever.   For instance Alex to this day thinks NO OTHER WOMAN is attractive.  Esp in Hollywood.  For years I used to think Yeah Right!  HA!!!  But overtime I've come to realize that he is genuinely honest about that.   But when we were going over our scripture:  Proverbs 6:20-29 I got total conviction.  The reason being is yeah I may joke around that some guy in Hollywood is cute or whatever but in reality I'm not respecting Alex.   Yes I am human and others might think that is a justification but it's not - Not in Gods eyes. So, as the scripture was being read I got teary eyed and had to quickly apologize to him.  Now that wasn't easy to do but when I looked at him and said I am sorry for disrespecting you, I knew exactly how he felt all these years. He's right  - He doesn't think no other woman is attractive. I finally understood.  I thank God for that.   

The lesson that we both learned was even a slight comment can lead into something BIG such as adultery.  We know that sacrificing our Sundays to be in Home Group pays off.   We can manage a child and still keep our LOVE alive.   Why should we conform to what the world thinks or does?  Why don't we break the chains of divorce?  Why not be the couple that Max aspires to me?   I know that our marriage isn't perfect.  We have our daily struggles but what I can tell you is that I am Truly Madly Deeply in Love with Alex.   We've gone to hell and back but standing here today I am PROUD to be his wife.   I take pride in our home, marriage and family life.   All the effort is our marriage pays off.   

I encourage you to get involved in your local church's marriage ministry.  Plan weekly date nights.   Engage as a family.  Always show Love and Respect.  Say I'm Sorry.   Always tell your spouse I LOVE YOU.   Encourage.  Pray for him.  Stand up for him.  Never go to bed mad.   

When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it - Ecclesiastes 5:4-5