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 It’s been four years now since I walked down the aisle to the love of my life and said “I DO” to a lifetime of love, ministry, surrender, and adventure with my wonderful hubby! I can truthfully say that marriage has been one of the very best things that has ever happened in my life, but I would not be truthful if I said that it hasn't been work and time on each of our parts. There are so many things I could share that we have learned over the past four years through the day by day moments of having two children, living in three different homes, changes of jobs, and now going through the process of raising support to be in full-time college ministry! But, instead of listing all of them, I will share a few of the most important lessons we have learned through our marriage journey so far. Lesson One “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion… And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.” Ecclesiastes 4:9,10a,12 Working together in unity, focused on the same things, being in ministry TOGETHER sharing Christ with your children and those around you is so important because even the Bible says there is strength when there is unity! And, when you are focused on God and keep him a part of your relationship, there is that threefold cord, because Christ has come to dwell with you, and as it says above, those three strands are not quickly torn apart. Back when we had our first son, Daniel, we had some friends greatly encourage us to start having weekly date nights. When they first said weekly, I was shocked because that seemed crazy to try to find a babysitter each week in order to get away for a few hours with my hubby. But, God blessed those times and date nights have been some of my most treasured times since then. Scott and I have been able to spend a lot of time focusing on our walks with God, our parenting strengths and weaknesses, and just having fun playing games, having coffee, and eating together with no little kiddos interrupting! Having God in our midst and taking the time for each other has strengthened our marriage time and again. Lesson Two “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another…” Hebrews 10:24 - 25a Find someone you respect who can mentor and council you biblically throughout the stages of marriage and raising kiddos. This is something that has been very important for both Scott and me. Having someone we can go to who keeps us focused on our relationship with God first and foremost, but also someone who doesn’t put down our spouse is so important! God wants us to be building up our husband instead of tearing down the one God has given us in marriage. These are just a few of the things we have learned over the past four years. Next month read part two where I’ll share two more areas I’ve grown in. And, please take the time to share some of your lessons learned in your marriage journey! Especially for those of us who haven’t been married as long, or those who are newlyweds or even single. We would LOVE to hear from you!  About Natalie Natalie graduated with her Elementary Education degree in 2008 and now serves as a missionary to college students with Master Plan Ministries. Outside of ministry, she loves taking pictures of her husband and two children, scrap booking photo memories of vacations and day-by-day moments. She is so thankful for the opportunity to be a mentor to women who are faced with the peer pressure and endless life choices of daily college life, and is excited to see God’s transforming work as He shows His grace and love to these students and prepares them for the years ahead. Sharing this article over at these awesome blogs.
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