"...The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. .."-1 Corinthians 7
I'm just laughing as I'm writing this webpage. As a single guy at age 26, I never thought I would be doing a webpage on this issue at this point of my singlehood life. The reason for doing this today (9.23.03) is because I'm looking to help my younger baby brother prepare for his "big day"-wedding next year in June-yeah!
The best source is God and you can find the best marriage resources in the Bible. That is what all the resources down below lead up to-God's Word. As I was surfing the web on Christ centered marriages, I found these links:
"Genesis 2:18
The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."
Covenant/Marriage Relationship with our Creator-Heavenly Father-God
"But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee"-Genesis 6:18
"is a solemn promise to engage in or refrain from a specified action.
More specifically, a covenant, in contrast to a contract, is a one-way agreement whereby the covenanter is the only party bound by the promise. A covenant may have conditions and prerequisites that qualify the undertaking, including the actions of second or third parties, but there is no inherent agreement by such other parties to fulfill those requirements. Consequentially, the only party that can break a covenant is the covenanter."-Wikipedia
"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant.."-Hebrews 13
Marriage/Couple Relationship Challenges
I'm not married yet (Nov 06'); however, I would like to share some wisdom from God's word after many rcecent incidents (e.g. friend's boyfriend "pushed her around", so she went to a guy's friend's house overnight this past week; parents' going through a season of challenges again; friends just broke-up; co-worker asked me to work for her as she is going through a "mental breakdown"; financial challenges; etc..) lately.
My personal input is the need of God to be the center of your marriage relationship-this means have Jesus the Lord of your finances, house, jobs, totally everything...(learn more!).
I believe there is some "spiritual attacks", which the "man of the house" needs to be equipped to combat the enemy-Satan-"he" wants to divide whatever God brings together! When I was at my parents' house one weekend, I notice the "tension". I decided to do what I do at my house, which is playing "Christian music" 24/7 in various volumes (low at night and loud during the day). Somehow this brings a "positive", "peaceful", "God present"-environment; try it!
I could say most or all of the recent incidents is caused by the "lack of fellowship/socializing" with others (better with believers/Christians because of the encouragement to build one another up in a "Godly" way!). We need to be part of a "community" that helps support one another, which is one of the reasons why I love it at Morris.
Still not married (July 7th of 2007) as I write more on this topic. This has been a growing and on-going issue in my intermediate family, so I decided to "google" on this. I found some interesting advice...
"Whatever your living arrangements are, certainly some important questions regarding the purchase of a home have entered your marital discourse a time or two. And the topic of buying a house is often a hot-button for couples: the mix of the financial and emotional elements too often lead to a conversation catastrophe."
"Turning financial trouble around
The first step is to recognize that being different is not being inferior. God put different gifts and abilities in the marriage, and it takes two people working as one to succeed in the home. Since men often are guilty of excluding their wives from financial decisions, a concerted effort must be made to use their gifts and abilities as counselors. Honesty between partners is an absolute necessity. Almost anyone can handle a situation if he or she knows about it and is a part of the planning.
Get help
If the problems and the communication gap are very intense, most couples will need outside help to get on the right track. Seeking counsel for marriage or financial problems should be as normal as seeking medical counsel. God has established various gifts and abilities throughout His kingdom, and unless couples are free to use them, someone�s ministry goes wanting. "Without consultation, plans are frustrated, "
"Married couples often argue about money and finances. The wife complains, "He won't put my name on the bank account." The husband grumbles, "She spends too much." She gripes, "Our house is falling apart, but he only spends money on his hobbies." He wishes she would keep track of her spending."
"
Newspapers and websites across America are saying that on 07-07-07, more marriages are occurring then ever in history. Wedding Chapels and churches are booked across the land. But could we be in a time, a Joel 2 time, where our marriage to Jesus is of higher priority than our natural marriages? What if God would really test us on the urgency of this hour, and in particular the Biblical Joel 2 mandate? Let the Bridegroom come out of His chamber and the bride out of her dressing room (see Joel 2).
We have received the following report that a pastor said to a couple, "I cannot marry you on 07-07-07, even though the day is set. I must go to Nashville on 07-07-07--it is the highest priority." The couple was understandably upset by the decision of the pastor, but the following week a special guest speaker spoke on Joel 2 at the Church declaring, "Let the Bridegroom come out of His chamber..." With tender hearts toward God, the couple publicly asked forgiveness for their response to the pastor and said, "We are going to Nashville and will postpone our marriage."
We are receiving many reports now of couples changing their marriage dates because they have heard, The Call. I believe that pastors must make hard decisions, for it was the priests who were to weep between the porch and the altar, crying out, "Spare your people, Oh God." Also, the elders have been affected with internet immorality and compromise. We must gather and bear the reproach before the Lord. Who knows, He may turn and pour out His Spirit as promised in Joel 2:28, "And afterward I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh..."
"
" 9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."-Ecclessiastes 4
Covenant
" 31 "The time is coming," declares the LORD,
"when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah.
32 It will not be like the covenant
I made with their forefathers
when I took them by the hand
to lead them out of Egypt,
because they broke my covenant,
though I was a husband to [d] them, [e] "
declares the LORD.
33 "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel
after that time," declares the LORD.
"I will put my law in their minds
and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people. -Jeremiah 31
"The need for marital counseling cannot be emphasized enough, even for Christians, because we live in a world that often encourages the destruction of marriage. As Christians, we additionally recognize the presence of an enemy, on the prowl to devour (1 Peter 5:8) marriages. From the beginning, marriage has been part of God's plan for His creation, and Satan is vehemently against this precious tradition. If we need evidence that we are in trouble, just take a look at the divorce rate both in Christian and non-christian environments. "
"The diamond industry also adopted a voluntary System of Warranties with no independent monitoring to claim that their diamonds do not originate from conflicts. These warranties are rarely kept - in a survey conducted in February 2006, Amnesty International found that only 18% of retailers had a policy toward ensuring their diamonds were compliant with the Kimberley Process.
While diamonds have been used to fund conflict, the problem is not the diamonds themselves but the rebels, governments, and individuals who exploit diamonds and in turn, other humans, to achieve their illicit goals."
"Dan Ashley: "So if a jeweler tells you that it was mined in socially responsible circumstances, that's tough to prove."
Beth Gerstein: "It's tough to prove a lot of times. Conflict diamonds get mixed into the general supply and you can't tell a blood diamond from a blood-free diamond."
The bottom line is ask a lot of questions and don't be satisfied with sketchy answers. "
Fireproof - Official Trailer, from Godtube.com "FIREPROOF is an action-packed love story from the creators of FACING THE GIANTS that opens September 26, 2008 in theaters across the country."
Fireproof Trailer
"Lt. Caleb Holt lives by the old firefighter's adage: Never leave your partner behind. Inside burning buildings, it's his natural instinct. In the cooling embers of his marriage, it's another story.
After a decade of marriage, Caleb and Catherine Holt have drifted so far apart that they are ready to move on without each other. Yet as they prepare to enter divorce proceedings, Caleb's dad asks his son to try an experiment: The Love Dare.
While hoping The Love Dare has nothing to do with his parents' newfound faith, Caleb commits to the challenge. But can he attempt to love his wife while avoiding God's love for him? Will he be able to demonstrate love over and over again to a person that's no longer receptive to his love? Or is this just another marriage destined to go up in smoke?
Release Date: September 26th, 2008 (limited) " Fireproof Movie Trailer (2008), from youtube.com
Fireproof passes $23M at box office
, Published by Minnesota Christian Chronicle — November 2008 "NASHVILLE, Tenn. — "Fireproof" continued its impressive run in its fifth weekend in theaters, passing the $23 million mark and losing only 17.1 percent from the previous weekend, according to studio estimates.
The film — the latest release from the makers of "Facing the Giants" — was boosted in part by its opening in 85 new cities. All total, it played in 898 theaters, seven fewer than the previous weekend.
It finished No. 11 for the second straight weekend with a weekend estimated gross of $2,137,000, putting it at $23,610,000 for its entire release. Its loss of 17.1 percent from the previous weekend is unusual; among the other Top 20 movies that have been in theaters more than one week, all of them lost anywhere from 27 to 57 percent.
Fireproof finished sixth among the top 15 movies on a per-theater average, making $2,380.
The movie tells the story of how a firefighting captain played by Kirk Cameron works to save his failing marriage. "The Love Dare," a book featured in the movie," has been No. 1 for three straight weeks on The New York Times' paperback advice bestseller list. It is published by B&H Publishing Group.
Fireproof, filmed on a $500,000 budget, was made by Sherwood Pictures, which is owned by Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Ga."
Fireproof interview: Light Talk episode 17
"Description: Featured guests: rnStephen & Alex Kendrick (Facing the Giants), promoting their new movie, Fireproof. rnwww . fireproofthemovie . com rnrnKuturi Edwards, Pastor of For All Nations Church rnCasey Wright, Children's Director of International Friendship Ministries rnrnFeatured comedian: rnKelli Sisney www.kellysisney.com" Stephen and Alex Kendrick of Fireproof: OUT ON SEPTEMBER 26!!, from Godtube.com "Kelly speaks with Stephen and Alex Kendrick about Fireproof and their motive behind it. See Fireproof out on SEPTEMBER 26! Www.fireproofthemovie.com"
Related Sites:
Interview with the cast of FIREPROOF the movie
"FIREPROOF movie producer/co-writer Stephen Kendrick talks about marriage and true love.
Co-star Erin Bethea talks about the romance that the movie portrays." Behind the Scenes of Fireproof with Kirk Cameron - CBN.com, from Godtube.com "700 Club Producer Gorman Woodfin talks with actor Kirk Cameron about the new movie about marriage restoration that opens in theatres September 26. Hear about the hit movie Fireproof. The Christian Broadcasting Network. To see more from The 700 Club, go to http://www.cbn.com" Behind the Scenes of Fireproof with Kirk Cameron - CBN.com, from youtube.com Weekend to Remember-Family Life...Fireproof your marriage, from youtube.com Fireproof: God's Amazing Grace, Love & Compassion, from youtube.com "Never has a video clip captured the essentials of God's amazing love, grace and compassion. Taken from Fireproof, Caleb Holt is in a marriage that appears it can't be saved. But how can he give love if he doesn't understand what it means to actually receive it. Powerful, and sure to capture the essence of God's love for you. "
*see GoodnewsEverybody.com-Testimony, Salvation, etc...
"personally leads you through daily devotionals, records your thoughts and experiences, and ends each day daring you to perform a simple act of love for your spouse. This 40-Day journey equips you to melt hardened, separated hearts into an enduring love that can withstand the flames of fear, pride and temptation. The Love Dare book will help you reinforce and enrich your marriage, earn back a love you thought was lost, and hear more about the One who not only designed unconditional, sacrificial love—He illustrated it.
In a world that attacks, devalues, and redefines relationships every day, learn how to rescue and protect your marriage from the firestorm. Take The Love Dare and FIREPROOF your relationship. "
*see GoodnewsEverybody: Life-Love The Love Dare: A Conversation with John Thompson and Andrea Dennis, from youtube.com "In this video conversation Aaron Linne talks with John and Andrea about the Love Dare book from the movie Fireproof. " Amazon.com, $8.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Tower.com, Tower Price: $7.86 The Love Dare - Bulk Discount: As Featured in Fireproof the Movie
Paperback
List Price: $359.76
Our Price: $194.99 Case of 24
You Save 46% (allbibles.com)
1. "It Had to Be You" (1947)
One of our favorite movies. Ginger Rogers is the original "Runaway Bride". Her wedding dresses are unique and stylish. The story line is delightful. Look for it on late night TV.
2. "The Wedding Planner" (2001)
This plot has a bride's nightmare of the groom falling for the wedding planner. You might find some ideas for planning your own wedding though.
3. "The Wedding Singer" (1998)
Here is a hilarious look at the type of music you don't want to have at your wedding reception!
The Wedding Singer trailer
" The 1998 trailer for the classic Adam Sandler comedy "The Wedding Singer"."
4. "Runaway Bride" (1999)
When Ike Graham (Richard Gere) writes a column about Maggie Carpenter (Julia Roberts), she is outraged and he gets fired. Predictable, but fun romantic plot about the importance of knowing and loving oneself before beginning the journey of marriage. There are lots of pretty bridal gowns to look at, too.
5. "In and Out" (1997)
Another movie about wedding plans going astray and the importance of knowing oneself prior to tying the knot. The final wedding scene is a classic.
6. "My Best Friends Wedding" (1997)
This romantic comedy about sabotaging a wedding shows how true love does win out in the end.
7. "That Old Feeling" (1997)
Only Bette Midler could mess up her daughter's wedding night. Fun movie about dealing with divorced parents at a wedding reception.
8. "Betsy's Wedding" (1990)
Told from the father's perspective, this is a story of how a wedding can take over a family's life and finances.
9. "Oklahoma" (1955)
A look at simpler times and simpler weddings, along with an old fashioned chivaree.
10. "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" (2002)
This great movie about an interfaith relationship and planning a wedding is a must see for all brides-to-be!
My Big Fat Greek Wedding Trailer
" My Big Fat Greek Wedding Trailer"
Music
-Contemporary Christian
Michael W. Smith-How To Say Goodbye
Here’s an example of a wedding reception itinerary:
1. Set Up - D.J. should set up 1 1/2 hours before the first guest arrives
2. Introductions
3. First Dance
4. Blessing
5. Eat and Mingle
6. Father/ Daughter Dance
7. Mother/ Son Dance
8. Toast
9. Cake Cutting
10. Garter and Bouquet -or - Anniversary Dance
11. Dollar Dance (optional)
12. Final Dance and Closure
22Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy, cleansing[b] her by the washing with water through the word, 27and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church� 30for we are members of his body. 31�For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.�[c] 32This is a profound mystery�but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.-Ephesians 5
Above are some reccomendations from my personal searching on the web. For you experienced couples out there, please contact me for your personal reccomendation. Thanks
Thank you for visiting GoodnewsEverybody! Please feel free to e-mail me (Sal) at info@goodnewseverybody.com on any comments, suggestions (e.g. any new websites),complaints, or anytype of feedback to improve this website.
