A fruitful marriage takes nurturing and some submission.

the song of solomon: PART ONE

I don't always open up about things that are very personal.  Mainly because I don't want to be vulnerable.  The thought of opening up is enough to give me cold sweats.  If I had a pair of sunglasses, I would put them on right to hide my...um well...bashfulness.  The odd part is, those that know me in everyday life would probably not categorize me as bashful or shy by any means.  I do however, have one kryptonite if you will...talking about intimacy.   I know that other people might struggle with casting out their shortcomings, but to me, it is almost inconceivable.

Here goes...

I became a Christian my Sophomore year of high school.  Before that, there were no real "rules".  I was brought up in a liberal atmosphere.  I can remember my mom not wanting to take my dad's last name.  When I was young, she would tell me that she didn't want me to drink or smoke, but if I did, she'd rather know.  My dad on the other hand, was very conservative and there was a constant struggle in our home to make sure that he didn't always "catch on".  My dad seemed a hopeless romantic and my mom less so.  Ok, enough dishing, baby steps here :)

When you get married, you may bring with you notions that may not be in the best interest of your marriage.  Maybe the house you grew up in wasn't romantic, maybe it was worse than that. Then there's the fairy tales that depict marriage in a whole different light, and an unattainable goal to reach, or is it.

I believe one of the greatest keys to a successful and thriving marriage is to WORK AT IT!  To throw some whimsical light on the subject, just think about fairytale princesses.  (insert classical music playing in the background)  Belle had to deal with Beast's anger issues.  Cinderella was ok with the fact that her prince, couldn't remember what she looked like.  Jasmine had to deal with Aladdin, not only being a peasant, but worse of all lying to her.  Ariel, was almost dumped because she lost her voice.  Snow White and Sleeping Beauty had it easy, they were "rescued" by their princes.

A fruitful marriage needs nurturing.

Even when you're tired.

Even when you're stressed out.

Even when there are dishes that are piled in the sink resembling Mount Everest.

Even when...you don't want to.

Especially when you don't want to.

You need to intentionally focus on Biblical principles that are revealed through out the Bible.  For me this is sometimes a struggle.  Remember that liberal house I told you about?  Yeah, the idea of being a submissive wife does not always come naturally to me.  I have to rely on God's word.   God teaches us to uphold our husbands as the head of our households.  But with that, we will reap abundant rewards.  Getting married, means you enter into a covenant with your husband and he with you.  He is your friend before all else.  When you lift up a friend with admiration and respect, doesn't the relationship flourish?  It is the same in marriage.

The Song of Songs shows us a deep admiring love.  The love that God intends and WANTS for us. Today,  I wanted to share this first passage with you.  I pray that it blesses you and your marriage.

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find me cutting a rug here:

{monday} craft-o-matic, sumo's sweet stuff, craft, making the world cuter, keeping it simple, mad in crafts, sew can do, diy home sweet home, naptime crafters, ducks in a row, i should be mopping the floor, rain on a tin roof, boogie board cottage, i believe, 

a proverbs 31 wife, home stories, crafty confessions, my thrifty chic

{tuesday} not just a housewife, funky polkadot giraffe, bebetsy, brucrew life, lady bug blessings, nap-time creations, chef in training, cozy little house, homework, rustic pig
{wednesday} made in a day, trendy treehouse, lil' luna, someday crafts, high heels and grills, sew much ado, 733, free pretty things for you, night owl crafting, i bequeath love
{thursday} house of hepworths, somewhat simple, katies nesting, 36th ave, mandatory mooch, artsy-fartsy, what's cooking, easycliving, katherine's corner, thrifty thursday, beyond the picket fence
{friday} tatertots and jello, whipperberry, thirty handmade, ladybird lane, simply sweet, simply designing, the answer is chocolate, happy and blessed home, kitchen fun
{saturday} the gingerbread blog, too much time, a little claireification,