After the honeymoon!

Ouch! This is when the real work begins and even on a web site there is not enough space to talk fully about developing and maintaining your relationship with one another. What we can say, however is that we give every couple a modern book about marriage and how to deepen your relationship with one another. It is called 'The Highway Code for Marriage' by Michael & Hilary Perrott (Publisher CWR). This small easy to read book gives you a good basis from which to work, covering all the major areas of married life from money and relationship, to sex and forgiveness.

Here is a little teaching we often give to couples as well:

Ephesians Ch. 5 v.21-3 1
This passage is very important, why not read it together. Here are a few ideas from it:-

MUTUAL SUBMISSION v.21
Part of marriage is to live for the other person rather than yourself; all the time we ought to be thinking, What would THEY appreciate? Not what would we appreciate. Take the example of a present, she might like flowers, whereas he would rather have something for the car. Of course this is simple, but now apply this principle to :- romance, sex, time off, holidays, a night out, and meals.
Answer all 6 alone writing your answers down. Now get together and compare notes! Be VERY honest otherwise the exercise is useless.

A NEW BEGINNING v.31
In marriage a new thing begins, two individuals become a couple, consequently we cannot go on as though nothing had happened. A LEAVING must take place; and this can be a painful thing. It can be helped by setting up house, and so living with in-laws is not to be recommended, but it is much more than that. Discuss how you might react in the following circumstances: -
a disaster in the kitchen, a change of car, a flaming row/silence, an invitation for only one of you to a risqué office party, someone makes a pass at your partner, your mother complains that your partner is badly dressed.
Remember you are to react in a new way! Again discuss your answers.

THE IMPORTANCE OF MARRIAGE v.31
If a verse occurs once in the Bible it is important; this verse occurs four times. Marriage: is given by God (Gen. 2:l8); is equally for man and woman (Gen. 2:18, 20,23); is for the whole of your life (Mtt. 19:6); is very difficult to undo (Mtt. 19:9).
Does this alter your view of the importance of what you are about to do? How will you come to the service? Think of other important times in your lives and discuss them together. Tell one another about the happiest time in your life so far, the saddest time, the most painful time and the worst time.
Remember to be totally honest. It is the only way to begin a new life together.

THE STRENGTH OF A MARRIAGE V.22,25
The strength of a marriage depends upon how much you are willing to put into it; this is two sided:-WOMEN: are to submit to their husbands; this is not very fashionable today, but there can only be one person at the helm, otherwise the ship is in trouble. There can only be one final decision. (v.22) MEN: are to love to the point of death! This is much harder than the women's part. Jesus loved enough to give up everything in heaven and to come to earth, and then to die on a cruel cross for you and me. Men are to love their wives like that, being willing to give up, a new car, a night at the pub, even a holiday abroad. Women, would you submit if. after discussion, your husband decided that you couldn't afford a new cooker.
Men would you be willing to sell your car to get a cooker for your wife?

A final thought COMMUNICATION; how you discussed these questions shows if you're being honest with one another, REALLY honest.