Increasing the Love

   Marriage is a cool situation, because it's a decision that two people make to give each other their families. They, their immediate and extended family all become one big family. How cool is that??

   Well, it can be cool, unless you don't get along with them. This is such an important step. Building a strong relationship (for us women) with our mother-in-law is crucial. She has the ability to tell us things about our husbands that we probably wouldn't know for years.

   If you are an engaged couple, I would strongly suggest having a sit down conversation with your fiance's mother. The stories she tells you about how she parented him, taught him, disciplined him, and helped him will teach you so much about your future spouse. Not only about the habits he may have in the future, but the childhood and leadership he had within the home.

   When I met my fiance's family, his mother told me so many things I hadn't known previously. The only way she could cure his migraines, the ways she got him to listen to her, and do what she said, etc. Man was that enlightening! I never knew the importance of being in a close relationship with my in-laws.

   “Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God” (Ruth 1:16).

   I love that this quote from the scriptures says "thy people shall be my people." It is important that we put aside any differences with the other family or parents, and love them. Love them because you love your husband or wife. They are their people, and they want you to love them as much as they do. 

   As you experience this transition and gain so many extra siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, etc. you will come to know of the true joy the family is.

To find out more about what I believe:

lds.org

mormon.org

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2000/03/building-good-in-law-relationships?lang=eng

Beware of Pride

   As I studied about counseling as spouses and couples, "beware of pride" was stuck in my head. Really the majority of stubbornness, and inability to see eye to eye comes from this. A prideful heart can be difficult to overcome, but not impossible. 

   https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1989/04/beware-of-pride?lang=eng

   Just as the stories in the Book of Mormon explain that the pride of the peoples hearts destroyed them, it is similar within a marriage. Those who cannot speak, council, and UNDERSTAND each other are bound to struggle. An open mind is essential within a relationship.

  "Behold, are ye stripped of pride? I say unto you, if ye are not ye are not prepared to meet God. Behold ye must prepare quickly; for the kingdom of heaven is soon at hand, and such an one hath not eternal life." (Alma 5:28)

   I have struggled with this topic at times, as I am sure most people have. Sometimes it can be hard to see another persons point of view, especially when things aren't going your way. Please, council together, speak together, pray together, and remember what is so important, and why you are doing what you are. These things will help overcome any obstacle placed in your path.

To find out more about what I believe:

lds.org

mormon.org

Fielity Within the Bonds of Marriage

We live in a world full of dishonesty, one night stands, and free-for-all's. It is a rarity for people to wait for marriage to be intimate with someone. That is the way God intended sexual relations to be, between a husband and wife.

 

   Definition of Fidelity (n.): faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support. (Taken from dictionary.com)

 

   The traditional bonds of marriage are something that can't be compromised. Getting to share special moments, knowing you have someone by your side, and always having your spouse to work things out with you. In this day and age, it is becoming more popular to skip that whole step, and just continue on as if a couple is married, even when they are not.

 

   Intimacy is not disgusting, sinful, or wrong within the bonds of marriage. It is a gift from God, and it gives us the ability to reproduce, and reap the benefits of bringing children into this life. What a better way to bond than to start a family with the person you love?

 

   I am so excited to turn the love I have for my fiance into an eternal bond through marital covenants. I have been waiting to find my prince charming, and he has come. When I marry him in the temple this summer, that fidelity and 100% trust in each other will be strengthened even more. I know marriage can be difficult, and temptations will arise, because the world is filled with filth.

 

    I know as I stay faithful to my husband, we will both feel an exceedingly great amount of joy, inexplicable to those who choose not to be bound to the one person they want to spend eternity with.

 

 

To find out more about what I believe:

 

lds.org