Failing Marriages...

The secret to a healthy vital marriage seems to be having God as the center. In all the good thriving marriages, I notice that the couples are faithful and holy Catholics. Holiness can be described as being in the state of sanctifying grace-having the Holy Spirit dwelling in one's soul.

Now, being a Catholic To The Core, I can honestly say I haven't met those separated brethern thriving in a non-Catholic marriage. There are some out there! Our Church, the One started by Jesus in 33 A.D. recognizes those non-Catholic "Christian Protestant" marriages as possibly valid, due to the fact that a marriage is a sacramental union between two persons and technically can be accomplished without a priest present...although if you are a Catholic, the priest is mandatory for obvious purposes.

Strictly speaking from a Catholic standpoint, here are some of the characteristics I have noticed being present in a good, holy marriage:

1. God is the center. The spouses attend Holy Mass together as frequently as possible. They pray together frequently. The Rosary-a contemplation upon the mysteries of Jesus' life is prayed together in a family setting...

2. Both spouses are concerned with personal holiness and make a concerted effort to move forward in their spiritual relationship with the Lord.

3. Hence, both spouses follow ALL the teachings of the Church, which are there for our own good. Openess to life! No artificial birth control is used in the marriage.

4. Frequent Confession and the firm purpose of amendment of life afterwards...

5. There is no partaking of porn, alcohol abuse or any other harmful "marriage breaker".

6. Apologies are easily made and acceptance of said apologies by the offended spouse...

7. The spouses spend time doing fun things together, which both may enjoy.

8. They present a united front with the children and act as loving,benevolent dictators, not as wimpy playmates of said children. They raise the kids with their God-given duty of character formation and long term personality goals in mind.

9. The mother stays at home with the children and doesn't work outside the home. Yep, when Dad brings home the bacon, she frys it up...it works so much better this way. He works in his job and when he comes home the house is clean and dinner is being made...she is glad to see him and he is gratified by his lovely wife and well-mannered children. He must handle the dirty jobs and outside lawn care...making his wife feel like a queen.

10. They avoid bad company and ill-advised relationships with those will bring discension into the home. They have good Catholic friends who value their own marriages.

These are the big ten in a happy marriage...it is so nice to be married when two people are willing to be open and giving. Otherwise it can be hell on Earth.

My husband is outside right now, working on a tractor. He knows what he is doing. I haven't the faintest inclination to work on machinery, nor would I be good at it. It is wonderful to have a man who can handle tasks so we save money hiring someone else. Men should work to be handy.

I am great at cooking. I have a lot of practice. I work to improve my cooking and my recipes to please him. Although, he made me an omelet this morning that was delicious. Sunday is his day to cook breakfast. He does it for me out of love and I appreciate him for it. I am blessed to have him! I know he loves me, too. We try and be selfless because we are One through the Sacrament of Matrimony.

Have a great day!