The "Words of Wisdom" Notebook

I have learned (throughout my extensive lifetime ;-) that there are two kinds of people who I meet. Those who produce good, genuine fruit and those who do not. I really like the first. I like people who, however flawed, I can count on to show me exactly what Christ living in human vessels looks like; people who speak, act, and live in a manner worthy of praise. Of course, many of these dear folks have their quirks, their fears, and their failures. But they are good--because they have met the living Savior and reflect His grace continually.

For a wedding present, Dalton and I received a notebook filled with advice, encouragement, and exhortation on this thing called marriage. It is full of handwritten notes from a variety of friends and family--people like the ones I described above. I picked out some of my favorites--the ones which inspire me to think and a few which make me laugh.

Enjoy!

Life and marriage is like the ocean! Sometimes the tide is in ... sometimes the tide is out! If you hang  in there and wait it out ... the tide will always come back in!! :)

Our advice would be to communicate, communicate, communicate. If that doesn't work(and lots of times it won't) love in spite of it. And then forgive.

Serve God above all else and you will not fail in serving each other the way He intends. 

Disagreements shouldn't be hidden from your children. If done respectively, they can see that even though people don't have the same thoughts or feelings, they can love one another and learn from each other.

Argue naked. ;-)

Never let the abundance of God's gifts cause you to forget the Giver.

The best stories ever told contain the phrase, "Don't tell _ _ _ _!"

Love like there is no tomorrow!

Find a way to serve the Lord together. Working to accomplish the same goal side by side makes strong bonds and great memories.

This is one of God's greatest gifts and one of His greatest mysteries as now you two become one; that is 1+1=1.

Let your joy in the Lord be your foundation each morning.

As you learn to increasingly honor your parents, now honor each other's parents as well. A long life is a fine thing. As you progress, what they have done and do will make more sense.

Renew your love for each other. Fifteen minutes a day, one day a week, and one week a year.

When all the newness has faded away, when you have found the great fault in your spouse that you can't live with, when their most precious trait reverses as they mature; then you must still openly give them your total loyalty and respect--honoring, loving, and adoring them in all you do. When others speak against them you stand by each other, closing your ears and heart to their words while remembering only how special you are to each other. Let your words and actions always build each other up and teach your children to respect and love your spouse. In other words, be best friends to each other.

"be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath."

Remember, Jacob didn't go with Esau because of the tenderness of the women and children. Men often think women are strong, and they are, but not as strong as men. Be her protector and friend.

If in a disagreement, don't take it to others to get other to side with you.

Both love and respect must be unconditional, not earned.  

"God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him."

:Don't forget the reason we are here in this earth.  It is so that we may know Him. (John 17:3) Everything else flows out of that. In everything that you do may you get to know Him more.

 

What do you think?

What bit of wisdom or encouragement has impacted your adventure of knowing Christ fully?

 

With love!

Frannie