Keep the Love Alive

A week from today my parents will celebrate their 36th anniversary. They have a good marriage. A really good marriage. The kind of marriage that makes them do silly things together. Things that get on their kids nerves and make them roll their eyes (but of course, we are thankful for it). I can't remember ever hearing them fight. I'm sure they have disagreements, but not in front of us. I've never heard them say anything negative about the other one. We have always known that they love each other, and they have always been a good example of what marriage should look like. 
For all of these reasons, I asked my Mom to write this weeks "5 Things" post. Five things you can do to keep the love alive in your marriage. 

1.  Floss your teeth regularly. Really. "It's the thought that counts" doesn't work for bad breath, and nothing makes it sweet like regular flossing. (Your dad is laughing at me. Why is he laughing? I can promise you he appreciates that I floss!)

2.  Find the place where talk flows most naturally for you both, and visit it as often as you can. For us it's in the bed.  Mornings are good if we're not rushing off, and we have our best laughs there.  And...

3.  ...laugh often. Sing, too. For us singing may even bring on the laughter! Men, if your wife begs you to dance with her dance all the way to the end of the song. Who cares if you really know what you're doing or not?  Besides, who's looking while you dance in the kitchen anyway?

4.  Be careful what you say when you're upset with each other. Don't say things that hurt, and will leave splinters to fester later.

5.  Should be first, last, and all between - be sure your hearts belong to Jesus completely. Get past the embarrassment of praying together. Follow Him closely and wholeheartedly. This pattern for marriage is His original masterpiece, and He'll teach you all the best of it.

It all goes by so quickly, so choose to enjoy each other and take hold of the simple pleasures of life!

In honor of Valentine's Day, I am giving away this print from Yellow Heart Art. To enter for a chance to win, simply leave a comment below telling me who in your life has been a good example of marriage, and why. 

* The fine print: this giveaway is open to residents of the US only, and will close on Friday, Feb. 17th. This print comes in multiple colors. You will be able to choose the color of your choice. If you don't have a significant other, and wish to choose a different print, Leonora has so kindly offered to allow that :)