Spouses...Together, Sharing, or Sparring, They're Darling

This week's theme...Thankfulness and Giving...

Today, I want to write about spouses. Yes, divorce rates are sky-high and some couples decide to refuse to "tie-the-knot" all together. However, if you look closely at your spouse and then at yourself and remember why you came together in the first place, it's pretty darn special.

Alfred Adler said,
"We only regard those unions as real examples of love and real marriages in which a fixed and unalterable decision has been taken. If men or women contemplate an escape, they do not collect all their powers for the task. In none of the serious and important tasks of life do we arrange such a "getaway." We cannot love and be limited."

My husband and I are unusual in that we rarely argue. Maybe we are a couple who talk together so often that there isn't much left to argue about.

Additionally, we agreed before marriage, that we each had our little quirks and annoyances and that those petty little things could not possibly get in the way of our relationship. That still holds true today, after two children, ages 10 and 7 with special needs (the children have high functioning Asperger's Syndrome and Anxiety disorders), who we enjoy parenting together.

My husband is my best friend. If I am excited about something new, even minute, he will listen and get excited with me. He watches my shows with me and I watch his with him. We enjoy each other's company and enjoy family time with the children and parenting them together.

The Bible States,
"Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking.
It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
-I Corinthians 13:4-8

Are we the perfect couple? No. No one has the perfect relationship. I do know, however, that I am grateful for him and that we chose to be together. I also know that if we continue to court that relationship that it will last forever. If we stop talking, stop interacting, start dividing our interests and ignoring each other's needs, our relationship will go the way of the staggering trends.

Marriage and divorce statistics are at the links here...

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/divorce.htm

http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/peo_div_rat-people-divorce-rate

http://www.divorcerate.org/

As great contrast, here are some articles that express great appreciation for spouses. I really appreciate these writers to take the time and energy to write about something positive regarding their spouse in this time of divorce and betrayal being broadcast by the media.

http://www.msmaze.com/emotional-issues/my-spouse-my-caregiver/

http://fantasticmarriage.com/
http://digg.com/health/Learning_The_Language_Of_Love (origin of the above link)

http://coolpositive.blogspot.com/2007/11/definition-of-true-love-and-orignal.html
http://digg.com/world_news/true_love_and_orignal_love_is_this_pls_read_and_remember_yr_love_one (origin of the above link)

Spouses are a wonderful thing. I am so grateful for mine.

Have a fantastic evening and weekend!

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Give. Serving Our Fellow Men...Equivalent To Serving Our God

What a great country we live in, this great United States of America, that we have the freedom to practice our religion.

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Sunday is a day of rest from our weekly schedule of work. Today is a day that we reserve for worshipping our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

My thoughts for today are to give you inspiring words from both The Holy Bible and from The Book of Mormon as inspiration for this, the week of the U.S. Thanksgiving Holiday celebration.

Short Summary: Serving our fellow men is equivalent to serving our God.

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The Holy Bible

Mathew 25:34-40

34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

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The Book of Mormon

Mosiah 2:16-17

King Benjamin, quoted by Mormon

16 Behold, I say unto you that because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God.

17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

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Short Summary: Serving our fellow men is equivalent to serving our God.

My Goal this week is to keep these inspiring words with me in my thoughts and actions, no matter my own circumstances.

If I don't have substance to give to others, I will give a hug, give a compliment, give a smile, give a thoughtful prayer for their well being. There is always something to give. There is always someone in need of receiving. I am blessed by giving.

May you be blessed this Thanksgiving Holiday and have that you may give to others of your substance or of yourself selflessly as there are so many in need of receiving this holiday season.