"A successful marriage requires

falling in love many times, always

with the same person."

Mignon McLaughlin




Dear Jewell,
The Marriage 101 newsletter delivers practical information showing you how to have a happy, successful, and fulfilling marriage - Right Now!

We guarantee that if you are open to change your situation by applying the tips and principles in the Marriage 101 newsletter, you will have a great marriage! Every month, we will discuss challenges that couples are facing every day, from dealing with finances, to in-laws, intimacy issues, and more. A "happily ever after" exists, but it takes, faith, hope, and [unconditional] love.


SHARE THE NEWSLETTER WITH THOSE YOU KNOW.

Balancing Your Life
Everyone deals with the issues of balancing life. As a Christian, you have a huge advantage over the general population because you can rely on the guidance of God. If you start every day with prayer, you will be centered and have your priorities in order before you start making all of the little decisions that are a part of our lives every day.

The following ideas may help you to make key decisions that will back up the priorities you want to establish:
1. Learn to say 'no' - Many times we spread ourselves too thin by taking on too many projects at work, volunteering at school and church, trying to accomplish too many home improvements, or committing to other projects when there are simply not enough hours in a day. It is important to give to the community and church, but make sure that you are doing it for the right reasons and say 'no' if you can't fit it into your schedule.
2. Set aside family time - Most people do not keep the Sabbath (the Lord showed me that it is whatever day you spend time with God and family). Families need quality time to together. Make a date with your family to do something everyone enjoys.
3. Don't let family infringe on work, or work infringe on family - Many people spend too many hours at the office and neglect their spiritual and family lives. Evaluate the amount of time you work and decide if it is healthy. On the other hand, there are people who allow their family to interrupt their work and drag them into drama that turns their focus away from their jobs too often. You may need to set boundaries with your family concerning appropriate times for them to call you. Make sure that they understand what constitutes an emergency.
4. Fill your spiritual gas tank - Just as a car can run out of gas, you can run low spiritually. However, if you give yourself those special times with God, you will be more productive throughout the day and be a blessing to the people you come in contact with. Keeping God in first place in your life is easy if you take some time (start with 15 minutes) to read the Word of God and pray.

5. And most importantly, don't forget - ME TIME. ME TIME is daily. It is a time to relax, read a book, pray or watch your favorite show with no interruptions. Also, take at least one day a month, where your spouse will watch the children and you can enjoy a couple of hours by yourself or with friends (and vice versa).
� 2007 by Jewell R. Powell
In This Issue
Balancing Your Life
In Sickness & In Health
Happily Ever After

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WINNERS
4 Sisters Only Event

AMC Gift Card
$20 value
Angela Evans

Spa 2 Go Nail Care Set
$50 value
Lisa Howard

Gift Card
$50 value
Jafaru Osumah

Marriage 101 and the Workbook will be on sale for $10/each thru Dec 31, 2007.
They are a great gift for married and/or engaged couples


MARRIAGE QUOTE

I now think of marriage like I think about living in my home state of Minnesota. You move into marriage in the springtime of hope, but eventually arrive at the Minnesota winter, with its cold and darkness. Many of us are tempted to give up
and move south at this point, not realizing that maybe we've hit a rough spot in a marriage that's actually above average. The problem with giving up, of course, is that our next marriage will enter its own winter at some point. So do we just
keep moving on, or do we make our stand now - with this person, in this season?
That's the moral, existential question we face when our marriage is in trouble.
Bill Doherty





In Sickness & In Health

Remember the day of your wedding. Whether you had a big wedding or married quietly, you have happy memories of the day of your union. You and your spouse made vows with the hopes and dreams about the future. I'm sure that you took your vows very seriously and you can close your eyes and remember the room, and perhaps the smell of the flowers chosen for your special day. Remember the first kiss made as husband and wife.



Most of us do not realize what we are committing to when we vow, "in sickness and in health". At that time we are on top of the world and marrying a strong and vital person. We cannot imagine a moment when the person standing next to us in their wedding clothes may be lying in a hospital bed and unable to take care of themselves or out of work for months and unable to help pay the bills. And yet we did make that commitment before God.



Lewis and I have had to deal with a lot of health issues since we've been married. The biggest was my four months in the hospital. The best advice that I can give, especially to those who have not gone through this situation, is to have disability and health insurance. Both of them have saved us tremendously. I never would have imagined being in the hospital for four months with a hospital bill of $1 million dollars. Yes, $1,000,000. However, because of health insurance, we did not have to pay a dime. In addition, because of his sicknesses, and me being a stay at home mom, disability insurance has helped us out. Both types of insurance are affordable and it's better to be smart and have them than to be foolish and not have the coverage you need.



You are the vehicle God can use to keep your family strong while your spouse goes through a difficult time. Some studies suggest that children and families are not affected as deeply while they are going through a traumatic situation as they are by the aftermath of the tragedy. For example, the scare of having an ambulance arrive at your home may not impact your child as much as if a child feels neglected and/or sees you stressed, if you are not faithful and strong after the event.



Whether your spouse has a traumatic accident that is temporary, or a long term debilitating disease, you can have the strength to do what you need to do. You will have to rely and trust on God during this rough time. It is important to get a support system of family, friends, and church family. Having a support team around you will help to buffer you and balance the weight of additional responsibilities that you will have to manage until they are back on their feet. Remember that God will not give you more than you can bear and that the joy of the Lord is your strength.

"but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
Here are some things you can do when going through a difficult time:



Take care of yourself and your family and take it one day at a time
Have faith that God will also take care of you, your spouse, and your family
Ask your friends, church members, and family for help - especially to get some "ME TIME"
Try not to let pride keep you from the blessings other people can and will offer to you and your family
Take time out to touch base with God every day. Even if you can only take a couple of minutes before you get out of bed to take care of your spouse, direct your thoughts toward God. Ask, listen, and expect to receive wisdom to make the most of the day ahead.
� 2007 by Jewell R. Powell

Happily Ever After
You don't have to ride into the sunset on a white horse to live happily ever after. The key to a loving, lasting marriage is making faith your foundation. Our faith in God gives us hope and strength as individuals; it brings the same hope and strength to your marriage. It's what makes the impossible - possible. "With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26). Living according to Christian values makes us kinder and more loving people; it also makes kinder and more loving spouses.



Here are some ways that you can make faith the foundation of your marriage:



Couples that pray together, stay together



When you pray together, you're speaking to God with one voice and one heart. There is no right or wrong way to pray together as a couple. You might choose to recite prayers from a book or take turns praying.



Prayer is a time to be open and honest. You'll feel much closer to one another when you're able to be vulnerable in each other's presence. Plus, it just feels good to know that God is there watching over you, not just as individuals, but also as a union.


Read the Bible together


Read your Bible regularly - and read it together. You might even select a certain day and time. It will give you "together time" and a chance to discuss your faith. The Bible is our guide for daily living. Share the learning process.



Also, society sends us messages that aren't always consistent with a faith-based marriage. With God's words fresh and strong in your mind, you'll be less likely to be influenced with negative forces.



Marriage vows are promises to God



When you said your vows, you were making a promise to your spouse. But you were also making a promise to God. Remembering that God is part of your commitment can give you the strength to push through when times get tough.



Ultimately, God brought you together as man and wife. Your marriage is one of His creations, so cherish it as much as He does.



The Man upstairs gives marriage advice



As Christians, we know that God is our refuge when we are facing trials and tribulations. We might ask him for strength when a loved one is seriously ill. We might ask him for courage when we have to take a stand. Yet, we often forget that we can turn to God for help with marital problems.



Instead of fighting for power or control, turn your difficulties over to God. The bible states in 1st Peter 5:7 that we are to cast all our cares [all our anxieties, all our worries, all our concerns] upon Him; for He cares for us. Seek His wisdom concerning your marriage as you do in all other areas of your life.



Christians are servants



Thinking of others before yourself is a requirement of the Christian faith. Practice that same selflessness with your spouse. Your sacrifices don't have to be earth shattering. There are lots of small ways to say "I'm putting your needs above my own." Offer to clean up the dinner mess while your spouse takes a bath. Give your spouse the fluffier pillow. Little acts of generosity send a big message.



TO EVERY thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven (note: finish reading Ecclesiastes 3). EVERY thing includes marriage. However, what ever season you are in, FAITH is the glue that holds it all together, you will always come out strong.

NOTE: If your spouse is not ready to read the bible and pray, then don't put them in bondage to do these things. As long as someone in the house is praying and reading the bible, then you will lead by example. Don't allow this to become another point of disagreement for your marriage.


� 2007 by Jewell R. Powell


For those who just signed up at the Bridal Expo and For Sisters Only, I hope you enjoy the newsletter. It was a pleasure meeting everyone. Remember: 'Happily Ever After' exists when you live by FAITH!
Jewell R. Powell
Author & Marriage Coach
Marriage www.marriage101.us>101
www.marriage101.us

by Jewell R. Powell, The Marriage Coach and author of Marriage 101: Building a Life Together by Faith. Visit us at www.marriage101.us