The official newsletter of Marriage Partnership magazine
Thursday, June 28, 2007
It's a word few couples ever think they'll say.
In fact, many Christian spouses actually promise each other they won't mention it no matter what trials invade their marriage.
But as the stressful years of secrets, fears, and loneliness began to accumulate, one military wife started doubting if she could keep her promise to never suggest divorce.
- Read about the sobering disorder that threatened to destroy Mark and Marshéle Waddell's marriage—and the marriages of countless other soldiers returning from Iraq.
- And take some time this Independence Day to pray for those fighting to protect our country's freedom.
- But if it's a more private fight that needs your prayer, find out how both you and your mate can be victorious—whether in a battle over leaving socks on the floor, or an all-out war over adjusting the thermostat!
- Then for a reminder that you're not alone in the marital combat zone, venture over to this week's poll to see how often other readers argue.
And remember, at MarriagePartnership.com, you can get tips for reducing the number of those spats and read suggestions for building a bond that will never succumb to divorce.
Thanks for reading,
Andrea Bianchi
Newsletter Editor
The Marriage Connection
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 PROFILES
War on the Homefront
Just back from Iraq, Navy SEAL Mark Waddell suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. And his wife, Marshéle, was clueless how to help.
By Dawn Zemke
Waves lapped the sand while fireworks lit the night sky with red, white, and blue sparkles. It was July 4, 2003, and thousands gathered at the Virginia Beach celebration to observe the patriotic holiday. Marshéle and Mark Waddell watched the rockets exploding overhead, enjoying the show.
More …
COMMUNICATION/STARTING OUT
Oh, the Mess
Why can't he just pick up his stuff? Like me. Well, sort of.
By Ruth Bergen
HUMOR & FUN
Don't Touch That Thermostat!
Our temperature differences were amusing … at first.
By Deborah Draper
 Surprised by Remarriage: A Guide to the Happily-Even-After, by Ginger Kolbaba
Successfully combining lives in a second marriage can be challenging. From unresolved hurts and unshared histories to resentful stepkids and bitter exes, there can be obstacles to happiness the second time around. But you can have a happy and lasting relationship despite divorce in your past. With candor and uplifting stories, Ginger Kolbaba, herself a second wife, offers practical guidance for those seeking a joyful remarriage.
|
 The Five Love Languages
Gary Chapman identifies the five primary love languages
and teaches us how to use these languages to express our
love in all of our relationships. |
 Marriage Partnership Magazine
This quarterly magazine celebrates and nurtures strong marriages. Written for Christian couples, it'll help you gain (and maintain) a fresh perspective on the joys and struggles of marriage.
|
 If Only He Knew
This was the first book Gary Smalley wrote on challenging men to understand the needs of women. He gives ten simple steps to strengthen any relationship with a woman and to understand her emotions. |
What Are You Really Saying?
Nonverbal signals carry five times the impact of spoken words. So understanding your mate's body language can go a long way to avoiding arguments and strengthening your relationship. Here are six strategies for communicating without words.
- Watch your mate's shoulders. Hunched shoulders may indicate defeat, or that she's feeling overwhelmed. Squared shoulders convey confidence and could mean he's ready for battle. Observing the difference can defuse potential conflict before it strikes.
- Sit and tilt your head when asking your mate to share what's upsetting him. Sitting shows you're open and ready to listen, and inclining your head indicates sincere interest.
- While making dinner, puttering around the house, or when on a date, lean your body toward your spouse. Leaning conveys, I want to be closer to you.
- Pupils dilate when you experience attraction, so gaze deeply into your mate's eyes to signal your love.
- If you're arguing, hand over a glass of water. Gestures and emotions are directly linked. If your wife is defensive, her arms will likely be crossed. Getting her to uncross them (to accept a cold drink) will help dissipate tension.
- Smile. Science has proven that smiling causes others to react more positively to you. Just smiling at your mate can generate good feelings for you both.
—Debbie Simler-Goff
Marriage Connection
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Copyright © Thursday, June 28, 2007 ChristianityToday.com, Christianity Today International
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How often do you argue with your spouse?
- Almost every day.
- Maybe once every few days.
- Once every week or two.
- About once a month.
- Rarely, if ever.
Vote here, and see how your answer compares to others'.
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Do you kiss your spouse at least once a day?
- Yes: 77%
- No: 21%
- I'm not sure: 2%
Total votes: 1,022
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When Mommies Cry
The reality of sharing your feelings with your kids and hiding your tears.
Mom Care
Keep up your daily mom maintenance so you don't run out of gas.
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