“A
simple 'I love you' means more than money.” – Frank Sinatra
Now that the knot has been tied, the honeymoon is over, and
you’re left with the responsibility of loving your spouse for life, how do you
keep love strong?
Our goal is to offer practical suggestions to help your
commitment deepen—not weaken. To help you keep your promise to love, honor, and
respect both you and your significant other.
Each month we offer advice in newsletter form and also posted
at the “I Still Do” blog (www.IStillDo.info). Think of us as your marital bliss
resource, available for help whenever needed. If you find you are in need of
additional help, we have provided links to additional resources with contact
name and numbers.
John Mayer wrote, “If you had started doing anything two
weeks ago, by today you would have been two weeks better at it.” Maintaining
love in a relationship comes easily to some, but not to all. You’ve committed
to a person for life. Start today to strengthen that commitment by little acts
of love. Here is a great place to start:
“Seven
Simple Ways to Make a Marriage Last”
At least once a
day, do something special for your partner.Even a simple
compliment can work wonders.
Learn to listen to
your partner without criticizing them.
Be kind to your
partner when they are having a hard time and
do something
special to cheer them.
Let your partner
spend time alone once in a while.
Encourage your
partner to be the best they can be.
Take care of
yourself; then you will have more to give your partner.
Find a religious or spiritual walk you can share, and share it consistently.
Remember,
love is a noun and a verb. Love your partner in ways that meet both
your needs. Contributors: Pastors Brian Eastman & Wayne Holmes
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Going Deeper
Need a little more
help than a few sentences of advice? Our “Going Deeper” section is provided to
help you find healing from relationships that are broken or breaking. One
resource will be highlighted each month. For January we are happy to recommend Reverend
Anne Becker. Note that the “Going Deeper” section usually requires a financial commitment
on your part. Here is what Pastor Becker has to say:
Event: “Seeing
Your Partner with the Eyes of the Heart: A Valentine’s Workshop for Couples”
Description:
In this workshop, you and your life partner will explore how
events in each other’s family history, often going back several generations, impact
your day-to-day relationship.
You will witness the effects of the hidden family loyalties
and unstated rules that made you the “perfect match,” yet sometimes drive you
apart.
Through this workshop, you will bring a new level of
awareness to your relationship, one that allows you to love and respect one another
more deeply. Together, in this mutual seeing, you can free your children from
unhealthy family patterns.
Date: Saturday,
Feb. 16, 2013
Time: 10 a.m. to
5:00 p.m.
Place: Dharma
Center
16 Moline Court (off Hamilton Ave. in Northside)
Cincinnati, Ohio 45223
Facilitated by: Rev.
Anne Becker
For more information: http://www.ceremonies-familyconstellations.com/Familyconstellations.html
Registration: The
fee for this workshop is $90.00 per couple. Space is limited to four couples, so
register early. We can also arrange additional workshops.
Contact: annebbecker@gmail.com
513-591-2942
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A general invitation from Pastor
Eastman
Any time
you think that some one-on-one conversation might be useful in
strengthening your marriage, contact me, Pastor Eastman, at
OurChaplain.com / MarriageChaplain.com. We know many counselors and healers who
provide great support to couples, and my job is to help you connect with someone
who is a good fit to help you move forward in your loving and working
relationship. Calling me is best because you will get a quicker
response: 
513 853 6180, but Pastor@OurChaplain.com or text 513 703
8196 will also work.
513 853 6180, but Pastor@OurChaplain.com or text 513 703
8196 will also work.