The Daily Minimum for Your Marriage
by Dr. Gary Chapman  

Do you have a daily quiet time with God?  How about a daily quiet time with your spouse?

Most of us believe that a daily quiet time with God keeps our relationship with God vital and genuine.  I believe the same is true in the marital relationship.   

Couples who have an intimate marriage are those who stay connected.   

A daily sharing time with your spouse is an easy way to make that connection.   

Here is what I consider to be the "daily minimum requirement" - just like vitamin C:   

"Tell me three things that happened in your life today and how you feel about them." 

If three seems overwhelming, then start with two or one, but establish a time in which the two of you are sharing your day.   

Life is lived a day at a time and must be shared the same way.

Article is based on the book,   The Marriage You've Always Wanted BIBLE STUDY by Dr. Gary Chapman. Published by Moody Publishers.  For a complete listing of Dr. Chapman's resources, click here. 

How Wives Can Help Husbands Grow
by Dr. Gary Chapman   

Men respond positively to praise.  One of the most common complaints 

men make in my office is, "Dr. Chapman, in my work I am respected.  People come to me for advice.  But at home, all I get is criticism."   

What she considers suggestions, he reads as criticism.  Her efforts to stimulate growth have backfired.

Give him praise.  The fastest way to influence a husband is to give him praise.   

Praise him for effort, not perfection.  You may be asking, "But if I praise him for mediocrity, will it not stifle growth?"  The answer is a resounding "No!"   

Your praise urges him on to greater accomplishments.

This week, Dr. Chapman gives practical ideas on how wives can help their husbands grow.  This content comes from a chapter entitled "For Wives Only: The Fine Art of Encouragement" in the book, The Family You've Always Wanted.

But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance.

Romans 6:17