In the last few weeks, I have attended two bridal showers. At each one, the host asked for each attender to share some words of wisdom with the bride-to-be. Many pieces of advice were offered, including
Please take a moment to pray with me for these couples as well as the many other couples that are getting married in these summer months:
“Lord, I pray for each couple that is getting married. May you bind them together as one. I ask that you would reveal to them the sweet joy of knowing another person so intimately. Use them for Your glory each moment of every day.
I also ask, Lord, that you would be with each marital couple that is represented in this group. We pray that our marital relationship is pleasing in Your sight. Continue to work in us, both as individuals as well as a couple. May You be glorified!
In Jesus’ name we pray–“
Genesis 2:24 (NIV) For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
Your turn to share: What words of wisdom would you share with a bride-to-be?
Sincerely, Kristin 
July 14, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Some words of wisdom I received were don’t try to change your husband. Instead, change yourself. Also, don’t refold the laundry when he’s already folded it. (That’s a hard one for me…..I like it folded a certain way.) But my favorite came from my brother-in-law who happens to live next door…….Love your neighbor as yourself.
July 14, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Remember to keep God first in your life. For God is your source of joy and peace. It is when I expect my husband to make me happy that I get in trouble. 🙂
Make your home a place of refuge from the daily grind. Let him know regularly that he is King of the castle and you are his faithful Queen.
July 14, 2008 at 10:58 pm
We just celebrated 23 years last week and since November we havae done the Weekend to remember and 2 small group couples bible studies: on communication and boosting your mate’s self esteem. To any bride to be I would say to look at both of those things now! It could save a lot of misunderstanding and tears! Though it has also been a blessing to know that we can still be learning more about each other this many years later and we want to!
July 15, 2008 at 8:25 am
I would say, try to listen more than you talk. I also love the advise I heard Olive Hockey give, to make every day a contest to see if you can outgive your spouse.
July 17, 2008 at 1:57 pm
this little list is great. when my husband and i have attended weddings, it always brings us back to our own vows, our love, our commitment, and our life lessons.
it’s good to be able to offer wisdom to those entering a season of life that we’ve already experienced… but it’s even better to look back on our own lessons and remember our “first” love for one another!
July 26, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Top 5 most important things I have learned in almost 25 years .
1. Pray together.
2. I can “be right” or we can “be happy”.
3. Use my tongue sweetly, not sharply, or not at all. (especially not at all to complain to others)
4. Play together. (this is my favorite!)
5. Say “Thank you for….” and “I love you” multiple times a day.
July 12, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Words of advice to those who have been told to give 50-50 to their marriages.
GIVE, and it shall be given unto YOU…..in good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and pouring unto your lap!
GIVING FIFTY-FIFTY does not work. In order to gain the respect and deep-love of your mate, you must be willing to give 100 percent. That’s Right! 100%. 🙂
When you GIVE 50%,……..you RECEIVE 50%.
Remember, your mate has been told of the 50-50 advice in the past, as well, so he/she is set to GIVE just that. And feels that’s fair.
When you set out to give 100%, you will have less arguements and frets, because even though you will not be able to give the full 100% EVERY day, keep a mindset is that you are going to “go for broke”, and “give” it. When you feel that you are giving your partner 100%, he/she will be feeling the same, as they are setting out to give “You” 100%.
How can you lose, offering 100%?
If you give 50%, and your partner gives 50%, where is the other 50% going that you are not giving, and your partner is not giving? It’s certainly not going into the relationship to strengthen it.
The 50% you are NOT giving is going SOME place,….and it’s normally invested in someone who doesn’t mean as much to you (and never will) as your partner means to you !
Give 100%……….give ALL you can. You’ll receive the same.
“Give, and it shall be given unto you! In good measure!
God Bless.
August 19, 2011 at 7:43 pm
I just got married in July, so I don’t have much advice as far as the married part goes, other than it can be really hard and to pray daily with your spouse because it is the only thing that will help you through those tough times!
My advice is for the wedding. My day was amazing because of this:
I prayed at every opportunity for our day and our marriage. I woke up to a rain filled morning and prayed fervently for our outdoor wedding that the Lord would bring sun upon our day. I prayed with my girls at breakfast as we enjoyed a feast. I praised when the sun finally peeped through the clouds. I prayed for my first look that he would find rest. I praised Him when everyone was at pictures and that they were safe. My girls and I prayed at lunch for my marriage and the tough times to come. I prayed in my car before I walked down the aisle. We had a group prayer at the end of the reception with all of the guests. And finally, my husband and I prayed together the night of our wedding before we experienced the ultimate love between a man and a woman.
He carried us through our day (which was amazing and so love filled!) and He has carried us through our first month of marriage. Don’t forget to praise Him, because ultimately He brought you together. And He is what will hold you together during those hard times.