For your encouragement, here is a note from my dad,
along with Part I of a compilation of short quotes
he received from various believers around the world
regarding "peace and joy in the family."
I'll post additional parts as he sends them out. I
found them very pithy and helpful. If you're
interested, more of his writings can be found at
http://www.graceforgodliness.org/search.php?string=
and http://www.graceforgodliness.org/books.php.
-benj -----------------------------------
Dear friends:
Re: Peace and Joy in the family
The attached one-page quotes are Part One of the compilation of what I
received in response to the request I sent out a few days ago (see
below). I will continue to compile the rest of the responses too, and send
out one page at a time. Please share with friends and ask if they want to
share their experience in a few words...
The family life is under attack all over the world. May God help us to do
our little part.
[Of the attached notes, the first quote is from a husband who was married
Dec. 31, 1959.]
Thankful for your help,
Your brother in the Lord, Joseph --------------------------------
Peace and Joy in the Family – Part One (Here are words of understanding from couples for couples to consider.) “Always try to do things together especially in the kitchen and almost all things at home. Try to read the Bible together following a schedule to complete the whole Bible in one or two years.” husband, USA "Always communicate" husband, Australia “Always be kind and gentle to your spouse.” wife, USA “One thing that we have found very helpful is to always pray together before we go to sleep. It is hard to come to the Throne of Grace if there is something going on between husband and wife. God Bless!” husband, USA “For both spouses: Increase your appreciations and decrease your expectations. Plan couple-time without the kids. Weekly if possible. Hold hands whenever possible. Husbands: Treasure and cherish your wife. Never, ever, ever raise your voice in anger. Walk away if you have to, but do not yell at your wife. Be quick to ask for forgiveness when you have offended her in any way. Listen and affirm her feelings. Do not try to fix her. Help with the chores & kids. Especially the kids. Share with your wife not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually too. Especially spiritually.” husband, USA “ I often am a complete failure as a wife. I struggle more in this area than any other. The Lord is helping me but I really think I would be lying if I said I had a peaceful or joyful home most of the time. Not despairing but speaking honestly that the Lord is working in me and my husband. One day I will I'm sure have a testimony on this matter.” wife, USA “My grandma would always say never go to bed angry at one another. Respect each other.” wife, USA “Choose your battles carefully. Serve as you were serving the Lord.” wife, USA “Be patient and tender in all things...if you don't give your spouse the benefit of the doubt, then who will?” husband, USA “RESPECT.. "In showing honor to one another take the lead." (Romans 12:10) CARE.."keeping an eye, not in personal interest but also what interest your spouse". (Phil. 2:4) husband, USA “Husbands : love unconditionally, wives: respect unconditionally.” wife, USA "Believe God that you can still find joy in home situations that are not to your liking." husband, USA “AFTER GOD, GIVE YOUR SPOUSE FIRST PLACE IN YOUR LIFE. LOOK FOR WHAT YOU NEED, INSIDE YOUR HOME AND FAMILY. LOVE THEM, FORGIVE THEM, PRAISE THEM, ENCOURAGE THEM, AND BLESS THEM. WORK AS HARD TO PLEASE EACH OTHER AS YOU DO TO PLEASE OTHERS. BE AS "NICE" AT HOME, WITH YOUR FAMILY, AS YOU ARE OUTSIDE OF THE HOME.” wife, USA “I have found that it pays to be sensitive to the voice of the Spirit. Especially after an argument, I often feel the gentle prod of the Spirit to make things right and apologize to my wife. I often do so right away, and find that it immediately restores harmony. Sometimes my wife also indulges in unexpected humor, which not only makes me laugh but eases the tensions immediately.” husband, India “Be humble, forgiving, and listen to your spouse when she/he talks. Make her/his desires a priority ahead of yours.” husband, USA “Don't think you have to talk to your spouse about everything. There are many things, better left unsaid. Be thankful for each other and to each other.” Wife, USA “Bless, bless, bless your spouse all your days; blessings will follow you all your days.” husband, USA Please share these quotes. www.graceforgodliness.org. | 
