A Timeless Wedding...Continued from page 5

PRAYER ACRONYM

P is for Priorities ? Jesus, spouse, children, career, church,
rest/recreation. Each req. TIME (quality and quantity).

R is for Respect ? each other's freedom. Don't try to control (you can't anyway).

A is for Acceptance ? Some things can be changed; some can't. Whatever cannot be changed, accept it. What can be changed, let the Lord do it.

Y is for Your Commitment . . . forgiveness. Think of Jesus on the cross. He loved us enough to forgive our sins, and was committed enough to die for them. You must love each other enough to forgive ? even when feelings are crushed, and committed enough to stay married ? even when you're numb. Pray through it, and the Lord will restore your feelings.

E is for Encourage ? privately / publicly. Be Best Friends. Confide, listen, share, be interested. An angry person cannot be a loving person. Don't yell unless the house is on fire.
Criticize constructively, and even then only after much prayer. Constantly build each other up.

R is for Romance ? In the big & little things, be spontaneous, candlelight dinners, letters, things that say "you're special", "you're my lover".

PRAY for each other and with each other ? everyday!

HEART ACRONYM

(G) “First name” and (B) “First name” I want to talk to you about how to unlock the joy in your marriage using the acronym of HEART.

H, “First name”, (G), Hear her with understanding ? not solutions. Listen to her without distractions. Offer your support and validate her feelings. Though your roles are different, you value is equal

E, “First name”,(B), Encourage him ? even when he fails. You are your husband's most important human encourage. Be patient, kind and forgiving. Remember, his heart grows warmer the less you nag and the more you cheer him on.

A, “First name”, (G), Affirm her for who she is. Your opinion of her is the most powerful mirror in her life. Learn her needs and make them a top priority. Treat her gently, both in the tone of your voice and the touch of your hand. Nurture her, and love thrives, neglect her, and love dies.

R, “First name”, (B), Respect him with honor. Demonstrate that you value things which are important to him. Deep inside, he needs to know that you have confidence in him. And never allow him to be the brunt of anyone's humor, especially yours.

T, “First name”,(G), Trust her fully ? and be trustworthy. Consider her your confidant in every area of your life. Practice openness and honesty, to create an environment of trust.

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Tom Kaplan is a minister in Winston, GA.