BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES

Yesterday, we talked about how God is the restorer of broken lives. However, I think it would be even better if we could prevent so many brokenhearted and crushed lives. I believe the greatest way to do this is to strengthen our marriage, our family life, and to do everything we can to strengthen other marriages and families.

A child can be saved from much heartache and brokenness in later life when brought up in a family where the father and mother love one another, are committed to one another, and the families ties are strong.

Can I encourage you today to strengthen your marriage a little more today? It can never be too strong for the enemy is always lurking around to trip us up. Call your husband now to remind him that you love him. You don't feel very loving to him at the moment? Forget your feelings and do it by faith! And watch what will happen. Plan a delightful meal and have it ready for him as he walks in the door this evening. Write a love note to have waiting on his pillow as he goes to bed.

How many extra things are you doing outside the home this week? How many evenings are you going out? Why not cancel something and stay home with your husband and family instead? Think of a special thing you can do together as a family this evening. Turn off the TV and start reading a serial story together. Or, get each one to do a mime, read a poem, put on an act, or do something fun and you will be the audience.

Batten down the hatches! In other words, close your doors to the outside and shine the warmth of God's sunlight on the inside. Build up your family life rather than things outside your family.

Become a "repairer of the breach and the restorer of paths to dwell in" (Isaiah 58:12).

Love from Nancy