7 Words That Will Change Your Marriage

A lot of folks would go to any length to tend to their look and outward appearance. We spend billions each year on our appearance. Gym memberships, dieting programs that may or may not work, new clothes and more, occupy our minds. Yes, it is nice that care how we look. But, what do our marriages look like?

More importantly, where does our marital health rank on the list of To-Do’s? Instead of our bodies and physical appearance being top priorities, what if we put that focus on our marriages instead?

The hardest part of parenting, that no one seems to want to warn you about, is the strain children have on your marriage. Children can come between you and your spouse.

As the years go by, the children naturally become our focus, making it easy to lose sight of each other. We don’t take the time or energy necessary to stay connected.

But, this trend can be stopped if you give your marriage a “check up.” I believe there are seven words that, if applied to our marriages, have the power to make this year the best year we have ever experienced as a couple.

1.         Initiate: Remember the courtship? Make an effort to woo your spouse all over again. So many marriages fall apart because people just stop trying.

2.         Prioritize: What is your top priority? It’s where you devote the majority of your time or energy. Turn off the television and put down your iPhone. Your email and updating your Facebook status can wait.

3.         Communicate: In a successful marriage, you have to fight the urge to sweep things under the rug. Don’t allow things to fester. Instead, keep an open line of communication.

When we have “sounding boards” who aren’t our spouses, sure, we might feel a little better, but we are doing nothing to actually resolve situations or improve our relationship.

4.         Listen: The most important part of communicating doesn’t involve speaking; it’s listening. Your spouse wants to be heard.

How can you know what he or she is feeling if you don’t take the time to listen. All too often, many of us are too quick to interject before the person is even finished speaking.

5.         Forgive: Don’t hold onto things. You only harm yourself. When your spouse does something, refer to #3 and #4. Then, let it go. Forgive them and move on.

6.         Love: Without love, there is no marriage. And, that’s why we must keep the spark alive.

This year, set aside more time to date your spouse. And, when you are out, try your best to make sure the kids or grandkids aren’t the primary topic of conversation. Spoil your spouse occasionally.

7.         Pray: It has been said that a successful marriage consists of three people: husband, wife and God. Involve Him more, even in the so-called “little things.”

Let’s resolve together to focus on our relationships more than ourselves this year, and watch how God will bless the efforts.

I am sure there are other words you would add to this list!

Adapted from Brent Rinehart’s

5 Things Not To Do To Keep Your Marriage Happy

Marriage essentially brings two different people together and fuses them as one. And because many people in marriages are people with different backgrounds and upbringings, experiences and expectations, frictions and frustrations sometimes occur.

Hardly would we find a marriage not filled with repentance and apologies along with deep intimacy and companionship, because misunderstandings and feelings of being hurt, bitter, and sometimes anger are necessary baggage of marriage.

Indeed, many couples go through tough times in marriage; but rather than destroy them, such times helped them to discover themselves and made the get more committed to each other.

In the midst of everything, they were able to pull through, essentially because they avoided five things that kill happiness in marriage.

Here are five things not to do to keep your marriage happy: 

1.         Don’t stop praying for your spouse

We only pray for those we wish well. Even when we’re hurt, we don’t stop praying for the one we want to succeed.

Praying for your partner affirms your commitment to them and your belief that together you can forge ahead as a team. It’s in the praying that power is released.

Find creative ways to pray for your spouse and his/her career.

2.         Don’t bear grudges

A grudge is just persistent resentment towards a person due to pain or hurt. And, that grudge can grow and fester until it bleeds even more hurt into a marriage.

Yes you may be the one who is right and offended. But it is better to be one and together with your partner than being right.

3.         Don’t deny your partner sex

Don’t say no to the pursuit of making love in your marriage. Making love together is about a whole lot more than physical intimacy, but physical intimacy is the coming together, the coupling, the connecting. 

You can “make love” by making a cup of tea for your spouse, but making a cup of tea and creating space to physically connect results in different emotions, a different level of uniting.

Making love is like a gift you give to your spouse. And we know that when we give a physical gift, we give it to our partners for them to use as they please.

The reason why many spouses, especially wives withhold sex is perhaps because they are still afraid their husbands will misuse their willingness, and make them feel used. This thinking is wrong in a marriage union.

4.         Don’t take the leadership or feelings of your spouse for granted

Even when we feel like our spouses are lacking, we shouldn’t underestimate the innate abilities God has deposited in them.

If your spouse chooses to follow a direction you are not primed for, hear him/her out. Sometimes, submit to the leadership of your partner.

If you find yourself feeling like you can’t trust your spouse’s decisions, because you feel he or she has misled you in the past or you don’t believe he or she is not just up to it, then I’d suggest you back to point number one: don’t stop praying.

5.         Don’t kill your home with negative talk

We can speak life over our spouses, not calling out their flaws, frustrations, and weaknesses, but calling out the gifts and the goodness that God has deposited within them.

We can speak hope and life, goodness and faith over them instead of death, darkness, and destruction.

Rather than complain, you could say something like, “You always remember to return our movies or feed the fish; you have such a gift of responsibility.”  

When you compliment spouse’s strengths, rather than sing about their shortcomings, it empowers and encourages them, and makes them feel supported.

Adapted from Holly Mthethwa’s  

What Does Water Do To You And Your Family?

There is a strong connection between the human body and water. Water is so basic to the human body that the well-being of your life and that of your spouse and family may well depend on it

·        Did you water makes one feel good?

·        Did you know drinking water brings relieve if you have a craving, a headache, are constipated, hungry, etc.

·        Did you know that water compliments a clear, youthful skin

·        Did you know that actually your brain is 90% water?

·        Did you know your body is about 70% water? The majority of your blood and every cell in your body are composed of water.

Therefore, you need water to function properly. Water is so beneficial, so easy to use, yet so easily overlooked.

But water isn't just water. You need quality water such as Purh2o Natural Spring Water to get the best benefits in drinking water! And who says your family doesn’t deserve the best?

Indeed, in the world of drinks and drinking, water can be your can be your drink of choice!

10 Reasons You And Your Family Should Drink More Water

Water is so basic to the human body and its well-being. It is so beneficial, so easy, and so free. But have you considered why you need more of water?

Your life and that of your spouse, kids and family is precious and you need quality water to ensure your health and body function properly. Indeed, quality drinking water such as Purh2o Natural Spring Water can be your drink of choice! 

Here are Top 10 Benefits of Drinking Water:

1.         It Increases Energy & Relieves Fatigue:

Since your brain is mostly water, drinking it helps you think, focus and concentrate better and be more alert. As an added bonus, your energy levels are also boosted and top-notch!

2.         It Promotes Weight Loss:

Water removes by-products of fat, reduces eating intake (by filling up your tummy if consumed prior to meals), reduces hunger (hello natural appetite suppressant!), raises your metabolism and has zero calories!

3.         Flushes Out Toxins:

Water gets rid of waste through sweat and urination which reduces the risk of kidney stones and UTI's (urinary tract infections). Wouldn't you rather be healthy?

4.         It Improves Skin Complexion:

Water moisturizes and lubricates your skin, keeps it fresh, soft, glowing and smooth. It gets rid of wrinkles. It's the best anti-aging treatment around! A partner you can trust!

5.         It Maintains Regularity:

Water aids in digestion as water is essential to digest your food and prevents constipation.

6.         It Boosts Immune System:

A water guzzler is less likely to get sick. And who wouldn't rather feel healthy the majority of the time? Drinking plenty of water helps your system to fight common cold, flu, cancer and other ailments like heart attacks.

7.         It Natural Headache Remedy:

Water helps relieve and prevent headaches (migraines & back pains too!) which are commonly caused by dehydration.

8.         It Prevents Cramps & Sprains:

Proper hydration helps keep joints lubricated and muscles more elastic so joint pain is less likely. This is good for the elderly too.

9.         It Puts You in a Good Happy Mood:

 When the body is functioning at its best, you will feel great and be happy!

10.       Save Money!

Water is FREE! Even if you choose bottled/filtered water, it's STILL cheaper than that high sugar and fat-filled latte!

Cheers to your good health! Welcome good living!

8 Ways To Stay Friends With Your Spouse

One of the most beautiful things in marriage and life is to see couples who have been married for decades being in awesome friendship which they’ve forged over many years.

It is common to perhaps find this in our parents’ marriage or in other couples, especially how they can make one another laugh with just a word or a look, or the joy they get from just being in each other’s presence - It’s a joy to see and certainly a blessing to experience in a marriage.

But is sincere friendship in marriage easily attainable? Certainly not!

I am convinced most of these beautiful couples would say it’s taken a lot of work to get to where they are at today. But we can achieve true friendship with our spouse if we are committed to it. 

Here are eight ways to maintain and sustain friendship with your partner.

1.         Great Communication

Often, this just means making the time for conversation to happen —eating dinner together without distraction, for example.

Great communication doesn’t just happen. You have to be intentional about it.

2.         Great Listening

This follows from point one. We can’t have great communication if we’re not listening well. Asking questions and making a point to remember what we’re told can go a long way in our relationships.

3.         Loyalty

Stay on each other’s side, always. If someone is treating your partner poorly always be loyal to counsel them well and support them.

4.         Reliability

Knowing you can count on your spouse is so important. Being a man or woman of integrity and following through on your word isn’t just something your spouse should be able to count on, but it’s also a character trait you should strive for in all of your relationships.

5.         Memory Building

Make memories together! Plan special vacations, outings with the grandkids, and fun holidays. You can a lot of pictures and make albums out of them for the kids so the memories are captured forever. Value making special memories for each other.

6.         Shared Values and Faith

You won't agree on everything, but agreeing over the big things like faith and values will help you settle smaller problems when they arise.

7.         Support Each Other's Work or Career

Give grace when job commitments mean less time at home (within reason).

Encourage the gifts and talents of your spouse and urge them to make use of those gifts to the best of their ability. Offer helpful and encouraging feedback. Praise them for the good work they’re doing in their career. 

8.         Keep Short Accounts

This may be the most important! Extending grace and forgiveness can be hard, but remembering that God has forgiven your sins can help put into perspective the shortcomings of your spouse. 

(This should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway: we’re not talking abuse here. If your spouse is abusive toward you, you need to seek help).  

Adapted from Kelly Givens iBelieve.com

8 Healthy Wonders of Water

Did you know you and your spouse and family need quality water to ensure your health and body function properly? Indeed, there is a whole lot of wonders good drinking water such as Purh2o Natural Spring Water can do to your health and well-being.   

Here are just a few:

1.       Stay Slimmer With Water

Are you trying to lose weight? Water revs up metabolism and helps you feel full.

Replace calorie-filled beverages with water, and drink a glass before meals to help you feel fuller.

Drinking more water helps amp up metabolism - especially if your glass is icy cold. Your body must work to warm the water up, burning a few extra calories in the process.

2.       Are You Drinking Enough Water?

Most healthy adults get enough to drink by letting their thirst guide them.

But the exact amount you need depends on your size, level of activity, the weather, and your general health.

You may need more water if you exercise or sweat heavily. 

3.       Water Reduces Kidney Stones

The rate of painful kidney stones is rising. One of the reasons could be because people - including children - aren't drinking enough water.
Water dilutes the salts and minerals in your urine that form the solid crystals known as kidney stones.
Kidney stones can't form in diluted urine, so reduce your risk with plenty of water!

4.       Stay Regular With Water
Along with fiber, water is important for good digestion. Water helps dissolve waste particles and passes them smoothly through your digestive tract.
If you're dehydrated, your body absorbs all the water, leaving your colon dry and making it more difficult to pass waste.

5.       Nourish Your Skin

Fine lines and wrinkles are deeper when you're dehydrated. Water is nature's own beauty cream.
Drinking water hydrates skin cells and plumps them up, making your face look younger. It also flushes out impurities and improves circulation and blood flow, helping your skin glow.

6.       Build Muscle Tone With Water
Drinking water helps prevent muscle cramping and lubricates joints in the body. When you're well hydrated, you can exercise longer and stronger without "hitting the

7.       Lower Stress With Water

About 70% to 80% of your brain tissue is water. If you're dehydrated, your body and your mind are stressed. If you're feeling thirsty, you're already a little dehydrated.
To keep stress levels down, keep a glass of water at your desk or carry a sports bottle and sip regularly.

 8.      Water Boosts Your Energy
If you're feeling drained and depleted, get a pick-me-up with water. Dehydration makes you feel tired. The right amount of water will help your heart pump your blood more effectively.
And water can help your blood transport oxygen and other essential nutrients to you

Source:

Sudden Death of Actress, 24, Shock India

The unexpected death of a cherished Bollywood actress, 24, sent shock waves through India on Saturday.

Pratyusha Banerjee was allegedly found hanging from the ceiling in a room in her house in the Mumbai neighborhood of Kandivali on Friday, according to reports from India news outlets.  Police said no suicide note was found and they registered an "accidental death report," The Indian Express reported.

Banerjee, who was from Jamshedpur, hit stardom in 2010 when she took over the lead role in Balika Vadhu, a popular Indian television drama that premiered in 2008. It has been called the longest-running show in India with more than 2,400 episodes. She later took roles in reality shows such as Bigg Boss – similar to Big Brother in the U.S. – and Jhalak Dikhla Jaa, in which celebrities perform various dances with professional dance partners a la Dancing with the Stars.

She also appeared in Power Couple with boyfriend Rahul Raj Singh, a reality show that features 10 popular celebrity couples who compete with each other over various challenges.The couple was eliminated early on.

“It is unbelievable that she could commit suicide because I know her and she is a strong woman,” actress Dolly Bindra told The Indian Express.

Banerjee's death triggered an outpouring of grief on Twitter.

Bollywood producer Tanuj Garg tweeted, "Terrible, terrible news about Pratyusha Banerjee. Met her once at a party. How extreme must pressures be to drive one to take one's own life."

Source:

Signs That Your Spouse Is Depressed

Marriage brings a lot of challenges and issues that tend to break the resolve of many people to hold on, especially when times are hard and the home-front isn’t bring any joy. Many couples tend to end up becoming violent and abusive of their spouse, while a great number come down with feelings of depression.

So how do you know if you or your spouse is suffering from depression? Do you have symptoms of clinical depression? 

Sure, most of us feel sad, lonely, or depressed at times. And feeling depressed is a normal reaction to loss, life's struggles, or an injured self-esteem. But when these feelings become overwhelming, involve physical symptoms, and last for long periods of time, they can keep you from leading a normal, active life. That's when it's time to seek medical help.

If left untreated, symptoms of clinical or major depression may worsen and last for months or sometimes even years. They can cause untold suffering and possibly lead to suicide. Recognizing the symptoms of depression is often the biggest hurdle to the diagnosis and treatment of clinical or major depression. 

Unfortunately, approximately half the people who experience symptoms never do get diagnosed or treated for their illness.

Not getting treatment can be life threatening. More than one out of every 10 people battling depression commits suicide.

What Are Symptoms of Depression?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of depression may include the following:

•           Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions

•           Fatigue and decreased energy

•           Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness

•           Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism

•           Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping

•           Irritability, restlessness

•           Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex

•           Overeating or appetite loss

•           Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment

•           Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings

•           Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts