Marriage

Taught by Terry S.

 Elder James E. Faust said that one of the less obvious reasons for divorce is;

"The lack of a constant enrichment in marriage,...an absence of that something extra which makes it precious, special, and wonderful, when it is also drudgery, difficult, and dull." 

He counseled: 

"In the enriching of marriage the big things are the little things.  It is a constant appreciation for each other and a thoughtful demonstration of gratitude.  It is encouraging and the helping of each other to grow.  Marriage is a joint quest for the good, the beautiful and the divine."

In the story Alice in Wonderland, Alice approaches the Cheshire Cat and asks,  "Would you please tell me which way I ought to go from here?" The Cheshire Cat replies, "That depends on where you want to go."  Alice says, "I admit, I don't care much where."  The Cheshire Cat then says, "That it doesn't really matter much which way you go, does it?"  "Just so I get somewhere," responds Alice.  Then the Cheshire Cat reveals an interesting truth, "Oh you're sure to get there if you keep walking long enough."  What is the message?  "Somewhere" is not good enough.  We must know where we want to go and be firmly committed to getting there.

None of us is without sin.  Everyone of us makes mistakes.  We have all been wounded.  We have all wounded others. Happiness does not spring from perfection but from applying divine principles, even in small steps.  When we live the laws pertaining to celestial marriage, we are practicing the same laws that are practiced in heaven.  We are practicing how to live with God the Father and his Son and with our families in the eternities to come.  The time to practice is now.  That is what this life is for.

TWENTY WAYS TO MAKE A GOOD MARRIAGE GREAT

1.  Night and morning prayer.
2.  A weekly planning meeting.
3.  A daily phone call or personal conversation.
4.  a weekly date.
5.  Patience regardless- of missed meals, tardiness, forgotten favors, a thoughtless remark.
6.  Daily service.
7.  A budget.
8.  Listening- not only to what is said, but also what is meant.
9.  Regular attendance- at church and the temple.
10.  Daily scripture reading.
11.  Working together - caring for a garden, painting a bedroom, team teaching a class.
12.  Forgiving each other.
13.  Courtesies- like saying please and thank you, not interrupting or belittling, not doing all the talking.
14.  Soft and kind words.
15.  Learning together by-  reading to each other, discussing ideas.
16.  Respecting-  opinions, ideas, privacy.
17.  Supporting your spouse's-  church callings and righteous goals.
18.  Caring for your spouse's family.
19.  Occasional gifts-  such as a note, a needed item, but mostly gifts of time and self.
20.  Loving with all your heart- (D&C 42:22)