Marriage Partnership Newsletter

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The official newsletter of Marriage Partnership magazine
Thursday, December 13, 2007

Welcome

It happens most nights: crawling into bed, I fully intend to have a heart-to-heart with God. But soon after the "Dear Lord," my thoughts begin to wander, and the next thing I know, my alarm persistently reminds me it's time to start another day. For all our best intentions, it's difficult to find time for prayer. Adding a spouse into the mix—along with a desire to pray together—makes having a regular prayer time seem impossible.

Fortunately, praying with your spouse doesn't have to be an unattainable goal. This week, MP regular contributor Rachael Phillips shares a personal—and humorous—look at the difficulties of joint prayer and gives some practical tips for jump-starting your everyday prayer routine.

The hectic pace of the holiday season can scramble schedules and cause conflict. But this time of year doesn't have to trigger stress! Read on for ways to handle finances, food, and fun this Christmas.

If your spouse is looking to shake up your sex routine but you're a little hesitant, check out Real Sex. MP's columnists address trying new things in the bedroom and other sex quandaries.

Divisive issues are a reality of marriage, so weigh in on how you've coped. This week: the pack rat versus the purger. Does one of you believe in saving everything, while the other employs a "use it or lose it" philosophy? How have you worked out those differences? Let us know, and please include your full name, your spouse's name, and your state of residence.

Who makes the bed? What gets your spouse "in the mood"? If you're curious how your marriage stacks up to others', take our marriage quiz and find out! Then watch for the results in an upcoming issue of Marriage Partnership magazine.

And we invite you to visit MarriagePartnership.com, where you'll find articles and resources to strengthen your marriage. May you delight in a Savior who longs to be the center of your life.

Blessings,

Elizabeth Diffin
for Marriage Partnership

To reply to this newsletter: marriage@christianitytoday.com

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Relax in the quiet comfort of your home and leisurely browse our online store for family-friendly gifts, books, movies, and music. And you'll also appreciate our famous low prices!

Featured Marriage Article

SPIRITUALITY / HUMOR & FUN
Not Tonight, Honey
I just knew we'd pray together every day. Uh … right.
by Rachael Phillips

Steve held my hand and offered a simple, profound prayer. I thanked God for our perfect love.

Newly engaged, our 20-year-old hearts shared the deep conviction that our marriage would set new holiness records. We would pray together every day.

It didn't happen.

More …

More Articles on the Marriage Channel

HEALTH & HOME
Healthy Holidays
This time of year doesn't have to bring stress to your family's fun, waist, or wallet.
by Renae Bottom

REAL SEX
"He Wants to Try New Things"
Also: "Too Dry for Sex"
by Michael Sytsma and Debra Taylor

Good Buys

Praying Through the Deeper Issues of Marriage
With her straightforward and hopeful approach, Stormie Omartian tackles 15 serious threats to a lasting marriage, and shows you the way to God's healing and restoration.

Sacred Marriage
Your marriage is more than a sacred covenant with a spouse; it's a spiritual discipline designed to help you know God better, trust him more fully, and love him more deeply.

Christianbook.com's Christmas Shop!
Christmas is just around the corner, and you can find the perfect gifts, books, DVDs, and CDs at our famous low prices. We're here to make your holiday shopping a breeze!

Subscribe to Men of Integrity
From Christianity Today International in association with Promise Keepers, this bimonthly magazine addresses issues men face and includes daily devotions by well-known Christian leaders. Request a FREE trial issue today!

If Only He Knew
This was the first book Gary Smalley wrote challenging men to understand the needs of women. He gives ten simple steps to strengthen any relationship with a woman and to understand their emotions.

Quick Tips

Tough Love

The holidays are supposed to be about togetherness, but in most families, there's at least one relative who descends on every celebration like a rain cloud. Brother-sister writing team Bill Klatte and Kate Thompson, authors of It's So Hard to Love You: Staying Sane When Your Loved One Is Manipulative, Needy, Dishonest, or Addicted, offer these four tips for dealing with a troublesome loved one (TLO):

1. Have realistic expectations and hopes. Remember that your TLO will be as troublesome during the holidays as throughout the year—possibly more so. Adjust expectations accordingly.

2. Plan ahead. Decide ahead of time what you and your spouse will do if your TLO tries the usual tricks—leave the gathering, ask him or her to leave, speak openly instead of cringing or whispering behind closed doors. Have several options figured out ahead of time. And be sure to carry out your plan if necessary!

3. Consider new ways to celebrate. What can be done differently this year to avoid or cope with the same old problems? Can you leave the party early or try a different location? Be willing to change traditions or create new ones.

4. Be flexible and tread lightly. Keep in mind that the holidays may not be the best time to drive home your point or stand rigidly on your principles. More normal days will return, and you may find it's more effective to go easy on your TLO until after New Year's.

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This Week's Poll

Do you and your spouse set a price limit on your Christmas gifts for each other?

Vote here, and see how your answer compares to others'.

Results of Last Week's Poll

Where are you spending the holidays this year?

With both sides of the family: 39%
With my family: 23%
At home by ourselves: 19%
With my spouse's family: 11%
With friends/non-family: 3%
Other: 3%

Total votes: 298

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