The 6 Ways Your Marriage Can Thrive in a Busy Season

I’ve come to the conclusion that more often than not, we find ourselves in a busy season of life. There is always a new assignment at work, another child’s dance recital to attend, another book to read, a new trip to take, another practice to drive the kids to, another meal to cook, another day of yard work, and now Christmas. The list goes on and on. 

So how can our marriages not only survive but thrive in these seasons? Here are six ways your marriage can thrive even through the busiest times of life:

1. Set aside a little time throughout the day. Our days often have a couple minute-long breaks here and there. So instead of checking your Twitter feed, posting on Facebook or staring off into space, make those moments count. Send a quick email or text, or make a phone call to your spouse just to let them know you are thinking about them. It’s a simple way to interact frequently and consistently without taking too much time out of your schedule.

2. Be busy together. If you find that your wife has committed to serving at school next week, serve with her. If your husband is coaching your daughter’s soccer team, volunteer to help coach with him. You may not be able to get rid of the obligations in your life, but you can certainly thrive in the busyness if you go through it together. This may even turn out to be a sweet opportunity for you to grow as a couple as you learn to interact in a new way and in a new place.

3. Leave notes around the house. You may not have hours to spend with your spouse each day, but you can take a few minutes in the morning or at night to jot down a quick love note and stick it somewhere you know your spouse will see it—on the bathroom mirror, on the kitchen counter or even on the steering wheel in the car. This will be a creative reminder of your love in the midst of the craziness of life.

4. Plan dates in advance. Planning ahead will always help you spend time wisely in your marriage. If you know you have a date set for next Saturday, you each will work to get things done for that special night. So sit down with your spouse in advance and pick a night you know will work for both of you. Then calendar it as a very important appointment.

5. Say “no” more. It’s sometimes easier to say yes when someone asks you to do something with or for them than it is to say no. It’s OK to say no more often, even to good things, so that you can focus your energy and attention on your spouse.

6. Leave more margin on your calendar. If you don’t block out time on your calendar each day where you don’t schedule anything, it will fill up by default. Leave room for the unexpected—the child who needs to be picked up, the call to get the A/C repaired, the friend who needs help—so that your focus can be fully on your spouse when you’re together.

What are some ways in which you and your spouse have worked to keep your marriage thriving in the busy seasons of life? I’d love to hear your suggestions in a comment below.  
 By Mark Merrill

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL THE SOLDIERS/TROOPS IN THE WORLD

We are wishing all Soldiers/Troops everywhere who cannot make it to be with thier loved one and families MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL, may the Lord bless you all and Keep and reward you all.
Seasons greetings from Adenike Salako Blog's World.

Merry Christmas, From Adenike Salako Blog's World.

 
We are wishing all our Readers and Fans, Friends all over the world MERRY CHRISTMAS to YOU & YOURS, may the brith of our Lord JESUS CHRIST brings US all joy,favour, good things and overflowing of blessings all around. Merry Christmas again From Adenike Salako Blog's World.

Today Is Christmas, CHRISTMAS ISN'T CHRISTMAS

He was born to live for you (Isaiah 9:6),
Born to lay the foundation for your life,
Existed to show you all He can do for you,
Proved His love through Calvary ordeal,
Died in your stead,
Born to save you,
Raised to justify you,
Coming back to take you for another enjoyment galore,
He desires to meet you and dine with you;
Have you been to Jesus for His cleansing blood?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Christmas isn't Christmas until you give your life to Jesus.

Today is  Christmas so let listen/watch This song to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour JESUS CHRIST, Title Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  

See the Video & Lyrics below Enjoy! Enjoy!! Enjoy!!!. By Michael Henry & Justin Robinett’s “Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays "

"Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays"
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays
We've been waiting all year for this night
And the snow is glistening on the trees outside
And all the stockings are hung by the fire side
Waitng for Santa to arrive
And all the love will show
'Cause everybody knows
It's Christmastime and
All the kids will see
The gifts under the tree

It's the best time of the year for the family
It's a wonderful feeling
Feel the love in the room
From the floor to the ceiling
It's that time of year
Christmastime is here
And with the blessings from above
God sends you his love
And everybody's okay
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays

Bells are ringing
It's time to scream and shout (scream and shout)
And everybody's playing cause school's out
Celebrating this special time we share
Happiness cause love is in the air

And all the love will show
'Cause everybody knows
It's Christmastime and
All the kids will see
The gifts under the tree
It's the best time of the year for the family
It's a wonderful feeling
Feel the love in the room
>From the floor to the ceiling
It's that time of year
Christmastime is here
And with the blessings from above
God sends you his love
And everthing's okay
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays

No matter what your holiday
It's a time to celebrate
And put your worries aside (worries aside)
And open up your mind (open up your mind)
See the world right by your side
It's Christmastime
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays

It's a wonderful feeling
Feel the love in the room
From the floor to the ceiling
It's that time of year
Christmastime is here
And with the blessings from above
God sends you his love
And everything's okay
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays

WHY CHRISTMAS?

I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Christmas is a happy time for almost everyone. For us as Christians, it's a joyful celebration of the birth of Jesus. We marvel at the fact that the Son of God humbled Himself and was born into the world.

But in the midst of all the celebrations, we need to pause and reflect on why He came.

First, Jesus Christ came to proclaim good news to the poor; to those who are spiritually hurting. He came to heal the broken-hearted.

Medical science has found ways to reduce and even remove pain. But there is no cure for a broken heart.

Jesus came to set us free from the bondage of sin. Jesus came to open our spiritual eyes to our spiritual need. He came to lift up those who are crushed by life. He came to give us abundant life.

Jesus came to give us hope and a future. He came to give His life for us. Jesus said, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many".

He came to die so that we will live. Jesus Christ came to this earth to seek and save those of us who are lost, just as a shepherd seeks a lost sheep.

So in all of this hustle and bustle, wrapping paper, and brightly coloured lights, let's get down to the bottom line.

Christmas is about God sending His Son to die on a cross. He was born to die, to give us eternal life. He came to give us eternal inheritance in the Kingdom of God.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Christmas.

Scriptural Reading: John 10:7-21

"The biggest public toilet in the world" A glass cube and in the middle of nature

Last month, Ichihara City officially opened what it called "the biggest public toilet in the world." A grand gesture that is slightly misleading — it is in fact the largest plot of land for a single toilet — but nonetheless, it's not to be sniffed at.

The toilet, which is conveniently located in front of Itabu Station on the Kominato Railway Line, is boxed in glass and sits smack in the middle of a spacious garden of potted flowers and plants. For privacy, and to fend off any peeping Toms, there is a two-meter-high fence surrounding the garden.

It's a bold use of a lot of space, and that made it odd enough for the press to investigate: NHK ran a video report, as did Asahi on ANN News, while several national newspapers ran articles — not to mention all the blogs that redistributed the story.

Though its strangeness has had quite a few commentators focusing on the quirkiness of the project, with some criticizing it as a waste of space and funds — it cost around ¥10 million — not so many have looked into the "why?" behind it.

"There used to be no public toilets suitable for tourists' use (here)," said an official from Ichihara City Tourism Promotion Department, who explained that Ichihara is an area that attracts a lot of sightseers in spring because of its abundance of natural beauty, which includes flourishing cherry trees and mustard fields.

The area might be beautiful, but the only toilets available for visitors were botton benjo, unattractive pit toilets that appeared old-fashioned and unclean. Those original pit toilets were installed for train passengers at Itabu Station. But with infrequent trains and the area still being popular, many visitors now come by car. "We wanted to create toilets that drivers and their passengers could use as well," the official said.

But why make it so unusual? According to the official, it's hoped that the toilet will become a tourist attraction for visitors to next year's Ichihara City Art Festival, which is currently in its planning stages. The festival is a government-led initiative to improve the area through the "renovation of public facilities with the help of arts," which they hope will attract more tourists and boost the region's economy.

With all this in mind, a budget of ¥10 million seems less bizarre for a single toilet, as does the choice of designer — Sou Fujimoto, a globally prominent figure who recently rocketed to international fame with his company's winning proposal for the new Taiwan Tower, the "21st Century Oasis," a startling design inspired by the banyan tree.

Fujimoto was recommended by Fram Kitagawa, art director of Art Front Gallery, the organization that Ichihara city entrusts with the management of its arts festival.

"I thought it would be quite interesting. Public lavatories are something both private and public, so designing them can be a very motivating challenge for architects," explained Fujimoto in an email interview. "I was also enthusiastic about the fact that Itabu Station is surrounded by such wonderful wildlife. I thought it was a great opportunity to rethink the relationship between architecture and nature."

That relationship with nature, however, is not yet fully realized. Most of the images that have been published in the media so far were taken on April 6, the day of the toilet's official opening ceremony. The view of numerous plant pots laid out on the ground surrounding the loo led some onlookers to question the budget and design. But the area had only just completed its first stage of construction, and the soil has yet to settle properly. Since nothing could be planted, the pots were in fact ad hoc improvisation for the opening. The city assures everyone that in the future, the garden will resemble Fujimoto's original concept — a wild grassland area with trees lining the fence.

The fact that the toilet is only for women, which city officials say is simply to keep the number of users and queues manageable, may also change.

"I'm hoping to discuss with the city making the toilet open to both women and men in the future," said Fujimoto. "As an architect, I'd rather prefer the toilet was used by everyone, regardless of sex. That would enable more people to share the experience."

In the meantime, Fujimoto has designed another toilet, which is adjacent to the garden and available for both men and women to use.

The architect himself hasn't actually used the glass-encased toilet, though he did sit on it its basin at the opening ceremony. "I could enjoy the spectacular view while still feeling protected," he said. "No other toilet would allow you a feeling like that."

 

 

 

Culled from Yahoocom

Some 10 Things Wives Want to Hear From Their Husbands

These are some 10 more things wives want to hear from their husbands.

1. “I’m your biggest fan.” Everyone wants someone to celebrate their wins and encourage them in their struggles. Be sure your wife knows that you will always be there to cheer her on.

2. “I’m thankful for the little things you do.” If your wife makes you coffee every morning, appreciate this small act of kindness with thankfulness. Don’t fail to notice the small ways she shows her love to you each day.

3. “Let’s take a walk together.” Show your wife that she’s important by prioritizing your day to set aside time to be with her.

4. “I miss you when we’re apart.” Remind your wife that she is constantly on your mind whether you are at work, in the car or anywhere else. Never take her presence for granted.

5. “I’m here for you.” You won’t always understand everything that your wife is going through. But you can listen and sympathize with her by letting her cry on your shoulder when life gets tough.

6. “You’ll always have me by your side.” No matter what life throws at you— parenting challenges, hard financial decisions or family tragedies—let your wife know that you’re walking with her and will carry her if you need to.

7. “I want to be the man you deserve.” Realize that there will be times when you fail your wife. When you do, apologize, learn from those mistakes, and let her know that you want to be a better husband.

8. “You love others so well.” Be sure she knows that you see the way she interacts with her friends and family. Then be a voice of encouragement to her in these relationships.

9. “I love you more every day.” Never let your wife forget that she is lovely, beautiful and breathtaking. Show her that you will continue to romance her for the rest of your life.

10. “How can I serve you today?” Your wife needs to know that you want to support and serve her in everything she does. Just asking this question will convey to her how much you care.

What are some other things wives want to hear from their husbands? Please share with me below.

 By Mark Merrill