Marriage is meant to make you more like Christ, but it’s also supposed to be fun. Laughter is an important part of the recipe. Listen to Susie’s discussion with speaker Ted Cunningham, founding pastor of Woodland Hills Family Church in Branson, Missouri and author of the book Fun Loving You. He offers advice for bringing the fun back into your marriage and learn to enjoy life with your spouse. Here are a few tips that are crucial for building a strong marriage:
• Make laughter a part of your home, every day. Don’t take yourself too seriously or make the mistake of thinking that laughter is childish. Ted suggests buying a trampoline. “Try having dignity… on a trampoline. It doesn’t work.”
• Remember that your spouse is not part of the daily grind of life.. rather, they are someone God has given you to help you through the grind.
• Keep honor high – laugh, but don’t make your spouse the butt of your jokes.
Ted points out that many people have a “divorce-proof marriage,” but they may not be enjoying each other. Marriage shouldn’t just be something to get through, but a relationship to bring both of you joy and comfort during the times of trial. Give yourself room to be messy, make mistakes, and try new things. Even if your adventures turn into disasters, the shared experience will bring you closer as a couple and add to your bank of memories. Laughter burns calories and builds intimacy, and life is too short not to enjoy it.
Ted’s other books include Young and In Love; Great Parents, Lousy Lovers; and Trophy Child: Saving Parents from Performance, Preparing Children for Something Greater Than Themselves.
Key Scriptures: Song of Solomon 2:15; Ecclesiastes 7:1-2
Theme Song: Shake by MercyMe
This program has been previously aired.
Image: Flickr
