Married life for me is not all about Instagram-worthy photos and likable statuses. There are a lot of things that are more valuable than grand weddings and luxury things. I have summed them up, these beautiful lessons that are now so dear to my heart.

Agency and Accountability

Every choice I make has a corresponding consequence. I need to make better choices because I am not the only one being affected by the results. I have a husband and I have children. My posterity depend on my daily decisions. We are tightly interconnected. What happens to me can also impact them.

Gratitude

When I am grateful I am happy. I learned, over the course of my marriage, to be content with what we have and to be patient with the Lord’s timetable. Gratitude gave me staying power to help me trust in the Lord. Marriage taught me to see the beauty in every situation, how every little thing – both good and bad – contributes to the canvas like strokes of a painting.

Education

Never stop learning. Marriage taught me to cook, bake, tend a garden, manage finances, and many more things. It gave me the drive to educate myself, especially when children came. My husband and I needed to upgrade our intellect. He learned a trade in law school and I continued learning employable skills. Our children have seen this over the years and they understand the value of education.

Family

My daughter once said, “I am surrounded by wonderful people everyday and they are called my family.” The essence of family is when someone feels good being with you. Marriage taught me to do my part so we can build a home where wonderful things can happen. It taught me to be more cheerful, more repentant, more forgiving, more positive, and to work harder… It taught me what it takes to be a family.

Friends

Friendship took on a different meaning when I got married. We can be friends with everyone but we need to choose those who influence us for the better. Marriage taught me to better choose my friends. There are those who we choose to let influence us, and there are those who we need to influence. I learned the difference between the two. And it is never a question whether to choose friends over family. Family always comes first.

Language

A Filipino adage teaches that we need to think seven times before we say something. Communication is vital in relationships. My marriage taught me when to speak and when to keep quiet. Most importantly, it taught me “how” to speak. We can learn to be articulate over the years, but civility must never fade. This is sometimes very challenging as we become more familiar with each family member but we’ll save ourselves a lot of grief if we learn to tame our tongue.

Honesty

This eternal principle has never been more vital than in a marriage relationship: in thoughts, in words, in finances, in plans… in everything. There were times when it was very easy to be honest. And there were times when we needed the Lord’s help to either show honesty to or accept honesty from our spouse. The bottom line is: I have learned to avoid secrets. More secrets often means more lies…

Tithes and Offerings

When I got married, it became more apparent why paying tithing, fasting and giving fast offerings are very important. I learned to see money with another perspective – the Lord’s perspective. If we wanted our family to be more self-reliant, we needed to be better stewards over what the Lord had given. Observing these principles taught me to budget well – both our money and my time. It made me appreciate our blessings more.

Service to Others

I’ve always had a desire to make a difference in the world. Yet what good is it to save the world when we can’t even serve those who are nearest to us? There is a reason why our spouse and our children are placed near us. The Lord taught me a great deal about service through marriage and family: to put them above and before myself. In family life, as a mother, it comes naturally. There has never been a better avenue for service than in family life.

Go Forward with Faith

The best things in life are worth fighting for. Marriage is now mocked by popular worldly beliefs. The family is under constant attack, and we need to fight back. I learned to kneel and ask for the Lord’s help, because I know I cannot do it alone. I know I need to walk by faith every single day and depend on the Lord. There is only so much I can do by myself and giving up is not an option.

Being married, I know I have grown in knowledge and character. Every day I am still learning and I don’t intend to stop. A wise Heavenly Father has designed marriage and family life so His spirit children can reach their full potential. It is, for me, a preparation for the eternities.

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To the unfaithful spouse who has broken the hearts of his family and friends, it is also a difficult time for you. Since all empathy may be directed to the betrayed, it is no surprise that you are left with the blame and harsh labels. You are broken as well. But as to all sinners, the Savior calls to you to come unto Him and know that He can make you whole again. But you need to pay the price.

You Have Offended God

When Alma counseled his son Corianton, he made it clear that adultery is “an abomination in the sight of the Lord… most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost…” (Alma 39:5) Like other sins, infidelity in marriage offends our Heavenly Father. The damage that is caused by this offense is far reaching and, in a way, meddles with the Plan of Salvation. This is so because it is an attack on the family which is the most important unit in Heavenly Father’s Plan. The bitter fruits of infidelity do not only affect the betrayed spouse, but all people that are connected to the couple. The family unit is threatened as well as the structure of a community, a nation, and mankind as a whole. The work and the glory of God is the welfare of mankind. To do something that would endanger that is truly an offense to Him. An offending spouse must realize this truth because, hopefully, this will lead him or her to repentance.

You can Be Forgiven

In the Plan of Salvation, the healing power of the Atonement encompasses all sins and all sorrows. We can always look to the Savior’s great sacrifice so we can be made whole again. The offending spouse can hope for forgiveness. But there is a process. He or she needs to go through the process of repentance. To be forgiven is not easy but it is possible. Take the first step of accepting that your acts have offended God and your fellow beings – your family and the people involved. Once in the path, hold on to the hope that everything will make sense eventually – the pain, the hardships, the sacrifices – all of these things will make your path to forgiveness more meaningful. Most importantly, you needn’t feel that you are all alone in the process. The Savior has promised to succor us in times of need. During this time, He is always there to sustain and help his prodigal children come back home.

Understand What the Betrayed is Feeling

Respect how your spouse feels on the matter. Understand that he or she is probably using a biological response to defend himself or herself from the trauma. He or she may fight, flee, or freeze. Care for your spouse and, however hard it is not to be defensive, try to truly listen. There must be a questioning/communication process wherein you can ask your spouse what you can do to help. Your infidelity may cause your spouse to react violently, to leave you or to just take time to be alone. Respect that. Try hard not to impose your thoughts or your feelings. This is part of the process of making things better. The road you are traveling with your spouse is not going to be easy. There is no specific amount of time this process will take, but know that these things must be endured with patience and an understanding heart.

There is Life after Infidelity

Let’s face it. However hard we hope, we cannot be 100% sure that all offending spouses will be able to keep their marriage intact. Whether the marriage can be saved or not, life must go on. It is sad to know that some marriages do not survive the aftermath of infidelity but it is noteworthy that there are a good number of couples who have gone through the process and are living their lives together, having learned and grown from the experience. All wounds heal in time. It is all up to us if we let the scars pull us down or push us forward. Continue faithfully in the path of repentance and no matter what happens, strive hard to be better every single day. Life is not only limited to our mortal existence so let us keep on moving forward for there is an eternity waiting.

We do not openly talk about the issue of infidelity. Maybe because we don’t feel comfortable talking to the unfaithful spouse or the betrayed spouse. It may even be seen as gossiping by some if we talk about this problem. But it is something we need to address, so that when we know someone who is suffering from these things, whether directly or indirectly, we may know how to help them.

Amid all the brokenness, the Savior offers a bond that can heal things back together again – whether as a family or as an individual. Only He can bind the hearts that have been shattered and the souls that have been torn apart by the sin of infidelity. We cannot expect a perfect world now but we can hope for a bright future where all things will make sense and where everyone will have gained the experience needed to be worthy to be with Heavenly Father again.

To those who have been been betrayed by a cheating spouse, you can take these steps towards healing:

4 Steps You Need to Take If You Find Out Your Spouse is Cheating On You: A Look Into the Issue of Infidelity (Part 1 of 2)

The post Things an Offending Spouse Needs to Keep in Mind In Order to Save their Marriage: A Look Into the Issue of Infidelity (Part 2 of 2) appeared first on morefaith.ph.

Step 1. Take a Deep Breath

I know this one seems so simple that you might question its significance. However, when you hear such devastating news, you need to first stabilize your heartbeat, regain composure and remind yourself that this is reality. Breathing consciously gives you the pause you need to be able to digest what has just happened. Let yourself come to terms with what you have just learned and don’t forget to take those needed deep breaths.

Step 2. Talk to Someone You Trust

At this point, a wild storm of emotions rages inside of you. You want to shout, bawl, and shout again. That is normal. But it is not healthy to keep these feelings all to yourself. Those emotions brewing up inside of you need to be expressed. Find someone you can talk to. Someone you know you can pour all your thoughts and feelings out to and not be judged. Of course, prayer is such a great help but you  also need to talk to someone you can interact with in times of emotional distress. We all need someone we can open up to, someone who can help us deal with such a heart-wrenching trial. It may be a family member, a friend you trust, your Bishop, or a professional counselor.

Step 3. Talk to Your Spouse in Front of that Someone You Trust

Okay. This may sound weird. I know. Why not talk directly to your spouse, right? Just the two of you. Why involve someone else? Well, not everyone has the same level of maturity when it comes to things like this. We all differ in our reactions and in our acceptance. And confronting a cheating spouse is never easy. You may not be ready on your own to handle the information you just discovered, let alone open up about your shattered feelings with your spouse. If possible, call on someone who can help mediate the discussion. There is no script, unfortunately. But you can make one if you like. You just have to get through it, and deal with the specifics as they arise. At least you will have someone who can regulate the heat if needed.

Step 4. Decide with Your Spouse How to Move Forward

Remember, complete forgiveness is possible with time and effort, and marriage is important, but that doesn’t mean you are forced to stay in a toxic relationship. It is not an easy or quick process to forgive an offending spouse, but it is possible, if both spouses are willing to work together to mend what has been broken. And no matter how hard it is to talk to your spouse about life after adultery, you must do it. You have built a life together. It may be a few months or decades. Deciding what you will do from here, will require both of your thoughts and perspectives. He or she may not want to talk about it but it is crucial that you tell your spouse what you think and feel, and what you believe would be the best thing to do next.

Betrayal is very painful. When you were chosen by your spouse to be “the One”, you became their confidant and their partner. So when your spouse cheats on you, you begin to question yourself. “Am I still lovable? What is wrong with me?” This is why infidelity causes such deep pain. But healing is possible. You can rise above the sorrow and live life with hope. You will need to take more than just these 4 steps to put your life in order again but it will happen. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our small efforts will be enough. You will need not question whether you deserve love or not for He has given His life for you. That is reason enough that you do.

To those who have betrayed their spouses through their infidelity, you can take the path that leads to forgiveness and healing:

Things an Offending Spouse Needs to Keep in Mind In Order to Save their Marriage: A Look Into the Issue of Infidelity (Part 2 of 2)

The post 4 Steps You Need to Take If You Find Out Your Spouse is Cheating On You: A Look Into the Issue of Infidelity (Part 1 of 2) appeared first on morefaith.ph.

Cheating Financially

Earnings and spending between spouses need to be transparent. If spouses hide how much money is coming in or going out, it can result in unanswered questions. Husbands and wives need to work together towards financial security and self-reliance. There is much wisdom in this counsel because most marriages that fail have problems or disagreements with money one way or another. The burden of managing finances falls upon both husband and wife NOT just on one of them. To hide information about money matters is cheating in a way.

Secrets

It is said that the more secrets, the more lies. Secrets do not need to be about sexual relations outside marriage to be considered dangerous. It can be as simple as not saying where you’re at or what you are doing when your spouse asks. One may rationalize that he or she is not doing anything bad. “I just want to have my own space and I don’t want anyone asking me about it,” they might say. Nevertheless, it is still keeping things from your spouse. It is not an issue of trust but of personal integrity. Your spouse may believe what you tell him or her because he or she trusts you, but would you really be doing the right thing in such a situation?

Backstabbing

Speaking ill of your spouse is a form of cheating. A spouse is supposed to be the one that builds up and protects their partner. Talking behind your spouse’s back is destroying his or her reputation. This is even worse if you are saying bad things about your spouse in front of your children. Again, one may rationalize that they are just telling the obvious truth or just describing their children’s father or mother, but the question is, “Will that do any good? Will that help?” Concerns between a husband and wife need to be settled between the husband and wife. Bringing it up to other people may create a bigger problem than what is already plaguing the couple.

Complete fidelity is required in a marriage relationship. “Fidelity to one’s marriage vows is absolutely essential for love, trust, and peace.” In these times, infidelity can guise itself in different subtle forms that, if we are not careful, will take a toll on our marriages. Many can fall captive to these not-so-obvious snares of the adversary. May we watch our thoughts and examine our hearts to check if we are already cheating on our spouses. More importantly, may we have the courage to admit if we have done wrong and ask the Lord for help to repent, mend our ways, and strengthen our marriages.

The post 3 Discreet Ways Spouses are Cheating on Each Other appeared first on morefaith.ph.

My Partner Isn’t Perfect And Neither Am I

Before getting married, one may have the idea that his or her chosen partner can do no wrong. I married the most wonderful man and I can truly say I married beyond myself. However, life isn’t roses and sweets all the time. He and I both have moments of weakness. Both of us bring a set of imperfections to the marriage table. When it finally dawned on me that both of us had a lot of polishing to do, it helped us a lot. Before getting married, understand that you and your partner are two imperfect beings who will slowly improve through your marriage.

Some Things Don’t Go As Planned

After our wedding, we planned so many things and set great goals. We were excited to start our life the way we had planned it. Our first year, we dreamed of investing money, having our first child, and both getting great paying jobs. However, the Lord had a different plan for our starting months. We got scammed, I miscarried, and our hard-earned savings were all spent on my operation. The Lord has an interesting way of reminding His children to trust in His plan.

There Will Be Moments When You Wonder

Ever since I was young, I paid keen attention to details. I wanted things to go the way I’d envisioned. The first year of marriage was a happy one for us. We were provided for abundantly. However, there were still difficult times for us, times that saw me kneeling and asking God why we were experiencing such challenges. I’ll admit that there were times that I thought being obedient to His commandment of marriage would spare us from trials. I was so wrong. But in hindsight, I am grateful for those challenging moments. Even now, they continue to increase our faith in the Lord and our compassion towards others.

The Lord Provides

I wish that I had more fully developed faith that the Lord would provide for us. When we started our marriage, it was challenging, and I did succumb to complaining once or twice. It was so easy to be faithless since it was our first time experiencing those kinds of trials. As my husband and I grew in our marriage, we saw the Lord’s hand. He is in the details. He knows our needs and He provides for us. We couldn’t count the number of times that we were astonished by His blessings.

Develop A Sense Of Humor Before Getting Married

In marriage, a sense of humor is really, really important. I saw this in my parents, especially in my mom, but I didn’t know how essential it was until I was a new wife. There were some things neither of us could change: the rice got burned, a task was forgotten, the baby got sick. Yes, these were stressful times but burdens can be lessened with even just a little sense of humor. We learned how to laugh and see the bright side of every situation.

We are doing so much better now and we have learned so much since the beginning of our married life. If anyone ever came to me and asked what they needed to know before getting married, I am grateful that there are moments I could look back on to share these 5 things that have helped and continue to help us even now.

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No one can say that he or she has learned enough from the scriptures. The more one reads, the more one learns. Not only can a diligent reader learn about gospel principles and truths, they can also discover subtle tips about life and relationships that even the best self-help books out there can’t give. If one takes the time to read scriptural love stories, they can learn so much. Here are some examples of love and marriage from the scriptures that we can take inspiration from.

1.) Adam and Eve: Learning Together with the Lord

Part of every marriage is the opportunity to learn something new together. It was on a much different level for Adam and Eve. Both were new on the Earth, enjoyed the blessings of the garden of Eden, and consequently had to learn their way in the lone and dreary world. Needless to say, without other people to turn to, the couple relied on the Lord and His instructions.

In new relationships, learning together with the help of the Lord is important. There will be times when challenges will arise. There will be moments of uncertainty. There will be stages where a new couple could feel helpless. Like Adam and Eve, they should learn how to navigate through life with the Lord’s guidance and help.

2.) Jacob and Rachel: Service and Sacrifice

” And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.” (Gen 29:18)

For Jacob, it was love at first sight. In the scriptures, Rachel was described as “beautiful” and Jacob was willing to serve a long time for Rachel. Despite Jacob’s service, Laban, Rachel’s father was not true to his word. So Jacob had to serve another seven years. However, those years were described as “they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her…” (Genesis 29: 20)

Service and sacrifice are important in nurturing relationships, especially the relationship between a husband and a wife. When selfless service is done for a spouse, the love increases and feelings become tender. President Ezra Taft Benson spilled the beans on happy marriages. He said “The secret of a happy marriage is to serve God and each other.” Think of the moments when a spouse’s service helped bring tender feelings to your relationship.

3.) Joseph and Mary: Accepting the Lord’s Will

No one exactly knows what was in Joseph’s mind before the angel told him about Mary conceiving a Son. Perhaps he had other plans in mind. Despite of that, the Savior’s earthly father wholeheartedly accepted the Lord’s will and plan for both of them.

There will come a time in every couple’s life when the Lord’s will is different from what they have planned. One of the most essential attributes a husband and wife must have is the ability to accept and follow the will of the Lord no matter how difficult and different it is.

4.) Nephi and his Wife: Standing Strong in Afflictions

The journey of Lehi’s family to the Promised Land came with all kinds of challenges and trials. One of these trials was the rebellion of Laman and Lemuel. On one occasion, while on the ship leading to the Land of Promise, the two elder sons of Lehi tied Nephi up. Nephi’s wife together with her children prayed to the Lord and wept to Laman and Lemuel to free Nephi. It’s safe to assume that she stayed with her husband during that terrible ordeal.

Husbands and wives are each other’s strength. In times of great affliction — health problems, rebellious children, financial woes — men and women should be the anchor of one another, both relying on each other’s strength and testimony. Problems may not easily be solved but they can be less painful when shared with each other.

5.) Joseph and Emma Smith: Seeing True Potential

Joseph Smith’s educational attainment was humble compared to Emma’s. She was learned while he was just a plain worker. Despite the differences, Emma Hale married the future Prophet. Even after many years and heartbreaking trials, Emma stayed by the Prophet’s side.

Elder Robert D. Hales said “We don’t marry perfection, we marry potential.” Husband and wife must learn to see each other’s divine potential. It is inevitable that weaknesses will be brought in a marriage, however, when both see the potential innate in their eternal companion, improvement follows.

Isn’t it wonderful that the scriptures also address topics like marriages and eternal companionships? Learning from the examples of these couples can also help us as we strive to achieve happy marriages and families.

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I told myself that I would be very careful in choosing someone when I got married. I was so afraid I would make a mistake in choosing someone to trust and later on have my marriage fail. My mother always told me that choosing the right person to marry is the most important and critical decision you will ever make in your life.

Most people believe in a soulmate. They believe that there is someone who is really destined for you.  I thought it was true too, but as I’ve grown up, I have come to understand that it is I who will decide. It is I who will make that certain man the right one and perfect for me.

Dondi and I were really good friends before we fell in love with each other and got married. I have come to know some of his strength and weaknesses. I got to know what he likes and what he doesn’t. We both knew that we were not perfect individuals before we got married.

Marrying him is the most beautiful thing and the right decision I ever made in my life. But just like older people say, marriage is not like a bed of roses. Along your journey as husband and wife, there are trials and challenges that will come. Your love and loyalty to each other will be put to the test and your commitment to each other will be measured. There will be times when you might ask yourself if you married the right person.

I am grateful for the restored gospel. It guides us in our everyday lives. It brings us hope that families are forever. It reminds me of who I am and helps me understand my role in the Lord’s great plan. Every time I felt like I am already pushing my limit, my Father in Heaven helps me remember that I have a husband who will always help me with my weakness and imperfections.

I remember asking the Lord many times if he was the one for me, and I know Heavenly Father has helped me know that he was the right man to marry. My husband shared with me once his great secret to remaining strong. He said, “You know what, Mama? Since we got married whenever I am having a hard time at work or problem, I always go back to the feeling that I had inside the temple on our wedding day. That feeling comforts me that the Lord gave us His blessing in our marriage. I know that He is guiding us.”

After hearing that from my husband I know for sure that it is true. There may be times when our trials will make us weak, will show our differences from one another, but I hope that you never forget the reason why you chose that person to be your husband or your wife.

None of us are perfect, but if you can accept your spouse’s weaknesses, if you are willing to help that person be at his/her best every day, while they help you in turn, then you absolutely married the right person.

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It is indeed true that behind a man’s success is usually a woman. But I also believe that behind a wonderful woman is a good man, whether that be a loving father, husband, or a supportive brother, friend, or son. When a woman gets married and has her own children her whole life changes. She has more responsibilities, she often has less time for herself, and her priorities change. And because people know how hard it is to be a wife and a mother, often times people wonder how others remain so inwardly beautiful and happy.

Most of the wives and mothers that I know have told me that if a woman is always happy, no matter how hard the challenges she may be facing, the beautiful countenance on her face will stay because the joy that she has is from the inside and not just from outward beauty secrets. One reason for a woman’s lasting happiness is when she knows her worth as a woman. But at some points when a woman feels so overwhelmed by the world’s expectations, she may forget who she is and sometimes even get lost.

A very close friend of mine who is a husband also said, “A wife must know every single day how precious she is. Over time I learned how to make my wife happy and beautiful every single day of her life. I believe that I am a living mirror of my wife.”

This very good friend of mine even shared some reminders for his fellow men on how to make their wives feel inwardly beautiful.

1. Appreciate her. Always be sensitive to this. Don’t forget to say thank you. Showing your genuine gratitude will make her feel that she is valued. Women are very sensitive that’s why they are called to be mothers. Make her always feel that she’s everything to you.
2. Tell her every day how beautiful she is. Tell her these lines especially after a long day doing tasks and duties for your children. When she feels that she’s beautiful to you, her self-esteem will increase.
3. Do not overload her. You are partners, that’s why you should equally work things out. It does not mean that if you work all day, you are excused from doing household chores.
4. Court her every day. Give her your hugs and kisses. Always remember the important events like your anniversary, her birthday, and others. Write her letters, make some cute art for her, sometimes I buy my wife a dress or make her favorite dessert.
5. Listen to her. When she’s trying to tell you something, stop and listen. Especially if your wife stays alone the whole day at home.
6. Respect her. Your faithfulness to your wife increases her self-respect. Never yell at her. Do not embarrass her especially in front of others. Give her words of love and encouragement.
7. Be a blessing and not a burden. Your wife will be your best friend and companion. Never treat her like your maid or your house help. I know most of us men are not as expressive or as sensitive as women, but I assure you that if you’ll help yourself to learn at least some of this, you’ll realize that she’s even more beautiful than the first time you met her.

I am so proud of this man. I am a witness of his great love for his wife. I even understand now why his wife looks so lovely and is always wearing her sweet smile. Her bright countenance inspires other women to remember their great worth. And I am also grateful for a good husband who is always there to encourage, to inspire and to make me feel beautiful always.

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Stereotypically, women tend to express their feelings verbally more often, while men can sometimes struggle to express their feelings out loud. As a result, misunderstandings can arise within marriage. But how can you know if your spouse is trying to show affection in other ways? Here are 5 of the sweetest ways husbands can say “I love you,” even if they’re not using words.

They put your comfort first

The life of a wife and mother can be very busy and sometimes, these women wonder whether the burden will ever be lightened. Husbands are not oblivious to this reality, and often truly want to ease their wife’s struggles in the best way they can. Tasks can often be so overwhelming that a woman doesn’t see the effort her husband puts into providing her the comfort that she needs. One of the ways a husband can show love is to sacrifice his comfort and prioritizes his wife’s. Offering a back massage despite his own hectic, tiring day at work, may be his way of showing love. These little actions by a husband can shout volumes about how much he loves and cares for his wife.

They contribute to chores at home

Many men offer expressions of love in the form of actions. Doing the dishes, the laundry, or tucking the children into bed may be some ways that a husband tells his wife that he loves her. Most women will be able to think of a time when her husband contributed to work around the house, and the feelings of gratitude that she felt then, but sometimes a husband’s contributions can go unrecognized if they are outside a woman’s sphere of influence. Did he change the oil in the family car by himself, or fix something that’s been broken? If he can save his wife from one tiring task, it is a true expression of love.

They listen

One unknown author wrote, “A good husband wipes her tears, but a great husband listens to the story of why she is crying.” Knowing that there is someone who is willing to listen to her, no matter what, is such a comforting thing. Listening is one of the greatest expressions of love and blessed is the wife who has a husband who loves her enough to listen to her pain, happiness, and random thoughts. He may not be able to speak the perfect words, or give the best advice, but his act of sincerely listening is a huge show of love.

They do unsolicited service

When a couple is courting, it is not hard to spot obvious expressions of love such as service, or gifts, but after marriage his surprises can come in subtle yet really sweet ways. Lesson 101 on expressing love is that often it comes in the form of unsolicited service. I remember when we were newly married and I was working and studying at the same time. We did not have a decent table for me to do my work on, so I would sit crouched on the bed. I would often complain of back pain because of this uncomfortable position. Until one day, my husband surprised me with my very own table. Although it was made from recycled materials, I bawled my eyes out. Here was a man who heard my little complaints…and did something about it. A husband can show his love in beautiful ways, just through the little acts of service he does for his wife and family.

They show affection in front of their kids

In her talk “Love Her Mother,” Elaine S. Dalton shared a quote that still rings true today: “The greatest thing a father can do for his daughter is to love her mother.” Indeed, one of the best ways that husbands express their love for their wives is when they let their children see how their treat their mother. When children know that their parents love each other and are happy, it has a huge impact on them. Not only is it a sweet way to strengthen love in the family, it also teaches the children a lot about how men and women should treat each other.

They support their wives in every way

Marjorie Pay Hinckley paid tribute to the ways her husband made her feel loved. She said “I am very grateful for a husband who always lets me do my own thing. . . . He never insists that I do anything his way, or any way for that matter. From the very beginning he gave me space and let me fly. What a man!” When a husband supports his wife in her passions and dreams, and makes her feel that he believes in her, he is a man who shouts “I love you” in his own silent ways. Giving support to the love of his life is a heartwarming way in which guys can show love.

Understanding other ways in which men show love can truly make a woman see her husband in a different light. He may not say “I Love You” as often as she does in a day, but his actions, sacrifices, and support already speak volumes. In turn, expressing gratitude for him and appreciating his efforts are ways in which a wife can further acknowledge and strengthen her bonds with her husband, and help their love and their marriage to grow and blossom.

[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]http://faith.ph/files/2016/02/Picture43.jpg [/author_image] [author_info]A self-proclaimed optimist who tries to see the good in all things life throws at her. A lover of writing, make up, and laughter. A perpetual work-in-progress. -Giulia Garcia[/author_info] [/author]

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In “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” given by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the leaders of the Church expressed their testimony about marriage saying “Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.” For many Latter-day saints, marriage is the perfect avenue to become more like our Father in Heaven. In a marriage setting, Mormons hold this marriage belief that the Lord provides opportunities and challenges that will help both the husband and the wife grow and develop for good. Elder Richard G. Scott worded the marriage experience beautifully when he said “It is so rewarding to be married. In time you begin to think alike and have the same ideas and impressions. You have times when you are extremely happy, times of testing, and times of trial, but the Lord guides you through all of those growth experiences together.”

Although marriage can sometimes be brushed aside nowadays, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints still uphold the importance and sanctity of marriage and the family. Marriage means a glimpse of heaven here on earth.

Full Article: LDS.net

[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]http://faith.ph/files/2016/02/Picture43.jpg [/author_image] [author_info]A self-proclaimed optimist who tries to see the good in all things life throws at her. A lover of writing, make up, and laughter. A perpetual work-in-progress. -Giulia Garcia[/author_info] [/author]

The post What Marriage Means to Mormons appeared first on morefaith.ph.