The official newsletter of Marriage Partnership magazine
Thursday, September 23, 2004
We all know kids are demanding and need lots of attention and care. You love your children and want the best for them, so you perform your parental responsibilities day in and day out—getting them ready for school, packing their lunches, and cooking their dinner, while your spouse totes them to practices, reads them bedtime stories, and tucks them in.
Meanwhile, your marriage takes a backseat. What used to be your top priority dropped to second place long ago. In this week's article, "A Child-Centered Life," learn how you and your spouse can create a stable home for your children by caring for each other first.
Kids aren't the only thing that can take time and energy away from your marriage. Work and stress can easily sneak in and steal your intimacy. Read "Hounded by Foxes" to learn how to reclaim your love life in the midst of a hectic schedule.
Once in the habit of spending time alone with your spouse, consider redecorating together as a fun way to bond! Read "Home, Stylish Home" to learn how to create a place you love while growing closer as a married couple.
This week, my prayer is that you and your spouse will find time away from all the distractions to simply be with one another.
![Wesley English]()
Wesley English
Newsletter Editor
the Marriage Connection
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FAMILY CONCERNS
A Child-Centered Life
What to do when your world revolves around your kids.
By Jill Savage
My six-year-old son, Austin, stood at the door and cried, "Mommy, don't go!" as I placed a small overnight bag in the car. My husband, Mark, had just called me from an out of town trip and asked me to join him for a 24-hour overnight getaway in Chicago before returning home.
I'd struggled making the mental adjustment. Mark had called me on my cell phone while I was waiting in the carpool line at our older son's high school.
"What are you doing?" Mark asked, calling from the Phoenix airport.
"I'm waiting to pick up Evan." I responded.
"Are you feeling spontaneous?"
"Not particularly," I answered, finishing with, "What are you up to?"
"Meet me in Chicago," Mark said. "Drive up there tonight, and let's take some time for just the two of us."
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BETTER SEX
Hounded by the Foxes
Nabbing the thieves that steal your intimacy.
By Joseph and Linda Dillow and Peter and Lorraine Pintus
HEALTH & HOME
Home, Stylish Home
Decorate—together—to create a place you'll both love to be.
By Terry Willits
![The Ragamuffin Gospel, Revised]()
The Ragamuffin Gospel, Revised
In this updated version of his bestseller, Brennan Manning
explains that God loves us rags and all, accepting us for
what we are, not for what we do. Includes new epilogue.
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![The Prayer That Changes Everything]()
The Prayer That Changes Everything
Join Stormie Omartian as she invites you to connect with
God, thank him for his presence in your life, and
acknowledge that he has unlimited ability in any situation.
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![Left Behind & Tribulation Force]()
Left Behind & Tribulation Force—Lowest Price Ever!
Two videos for an amazingly low price! Left Behind sets
the stage for post-rapture believers to confront evil, and
the action continues in Tribulation Force! $3.49
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![Today's Christian Woman]()
Today's Christian Woman Magazine
You face a lot of challenges every day, and Today's Christian Woman has the inspiration, insight, and the much-needed laughter that brings balance back to your day.
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![]() Secrets to A Great Marriage 2004: A One-Day Marriage Revolution
Provide married couples in your church with a refreshing vision for "marriage as it's supposed to be." This inspiring all-day event will feature some of today's top relationship experts who will provide practical training and encouragement that can revitalize the marriages in your church and community.
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ChristianityToday.com wants to help you integrate your faith in the workplace. Visit FaithInTheWorkplace.com for information and encouragement about personal development, leadership and management, and living your faith at work.
![]() Subscribe to Today's Christian Weekly Newsletter
Each weekly issue contains inspiring, real-life stories about everyday Christians just like you! You'll receive engaging and informative articles on contemporary faith, dramatic personal stories, and regular features on church life, pop culture, divine humor, and Bible trivia.
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Boost Your Creativity!
Want to relieve stress and enjoy life together? Try these 5 fun ideas!
- Eat out at a new ethnic restaurant. Try that little Mexican place around the corner, or explore the wonders of sushi. Find a spot that serves up great atmosphere as well as delicious food.
- Sleep in another part of the house. Or pitch a tent in the backyard for a change of pace.
- Create a "couples collage." Collect favorite keepsakes, ticket stubs, mementos, Bible verses, fun photos. Then mount them on poster board, create a scrapbook, or cover a kraft box (no, not the mac & cheese kind!) you can use to store future memorabilia.
- Do something you've always wanted to—but haven't. Take your spouse to the opera (yes, this may involve a bit of loving sacrifice to the other spouse!), or a history museum. Take turns. You choose one week, and your spouse gets to choose the next outing.
- Plan a trip together. Whether a second honeymoon, a dream vacation to Europe, or a long weekend at the beach, collaborating on where you'll go and how you'll spend your time an be almost as much fun as the trip itself.
—Marla Alupoaicei
Marriage Connection
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The Real Thing
Through the years we've discovered what true God-love is and what it isn't—and what that means for our marriage.
Testing Our Vows
I thought I would have my best friend forever. Now I wasn't so sure.
Christian Sex Rules
A guide to what's allowed in the bedroom
A Loving Focus
To Dr. James and Shirley Dobson, unconditional love is a decision—one that requires more than the leftovers of their time.
The Purpose-Driven Marriage
Use these five biblical purposes to give direction to your marriage.
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How often do you and your spouse spend time together away from your children?
- More than once a week
- Once a week
- Every other week
- Once a month
- A few times a year
- We don't have children
Vote here, and see how your answer compares to others'.
How often do you and your spouse have sex?
- 2 or more times a week: 32%
- 2-3 times a month: 20%
- Once a week: 17%
- Once a month: 8%
- A few times a year: 7%
- Sex? What's that?: 7%
- Once a day: 5%
The To-Don't List
Six rules every parent needs to follow
(Almost) the Last Lap
"Some days it feels like my 11-year-old doesn't need much parenting; other days I feel like I'm still dealing with a little boy. Can you help clarify my role during these years?"
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