Living Stone Kirkers,

In the middle of the school year, amidst changing seasons, busy schedules, colds and flus sweeping through, it can be easy to slowly find distance between you and your spouse. I want to offer encouragement to have an intentional conversation with your spouse for an "Autumnal Marriage Tune Up." Here are some questions worth discussing. Remember that these questions should be discussed with gentle calm. If you think you'll turn the conversation into an argument, you should pray for your spouse first and ask God to help you to see them the way He does.

1. What's one thing that you feel we are excelling in as a couple/family?
2. Where do you think we have deficiencies? Any ideas about how to work on those?
3. In the last few years, are there any ways that I've changed for the better? For the worse?
4. Any sins we need to confess to each other?
5. If our elder were here, is there anything you'd want to discuss or seek counsel on from him?
6. Is there anything that you've been needing to talk with me about that you've been unable to due to fear of rocking the boat?

That last one is really important to ask with a readiness to hear the honest opinion of your spouse without getting defensive, or being overly eager for your turn to share. Too often couples, as they grow older, are content to just put up with each other instead of continuing to spur one another on in love and good deeds. If you want an excellent marriage, it is going to take profound focus and dedication from both husband and wife to strive to love and honor one another. But since the world has scorned marriage, it is highly important for Christians to demonstrate the glory of marriage by pursuing one another with dignity, selflessness, and joy. Go read Song of Solomon together, and ask if your marriage is characterized by that sort of mutual delight and satisfaction with each other. Then, get to work on yourself so that you make your spouse's duty of love and honor a real joy.

With that, here are some important upcoming events to have on your calendar.

There you have it. Hope you have a fantastic weekend.

For His renown,

Pastor Ben