3 PHRASES that can change your marriage.  I AM SORRY.  THANK YOU.  I LOVE YOU.  When was the last time I said one or all of these phrases to my spouse?  It is easy to go about life and think 1) its not me that needs to apologize or surely he/she knows I am sorry, 2) I don’t need to say thank you because they should be doing it anyway or 3) the craziness of life and the stress of our circumstances cause me to forget to say I Love You.  Yet, it is these 3 phrases that have the power to build a foundation, tear down walls, and carry us through tough times.  This week make a conscious effort to use each of these phrases at least once each day with your spouse (and yes, that means outloud J).  Watch the environment of your home increase in joy, peace, and understanding and witness your heart expand with love for your spouse.

1 Cor 13:13  "and now these three remain:  faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love." 

TWO EARS, ONE MOUTH. It is said that there is a reason God gave us 2 ears and just 1 mouth.  Funny how simple that statement is yet how difficult it can be to follow.  Good listening takes focus, effort, and restraint.  Great listening, especially when it comes to our spouses, takes love, humility, and prayer.  When practicing the R (Reconnect) in P.R.A.Y. it is just as important to listen as it is to speak and be heard.  Take extra care this week to really listen to your spouse and also listen for the promptings of the Holy Spirit when it comes to loving your spouse.

James 1:  19-20 “Take note of this:  Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires”