Advantages of Getting Older

https://www.lds.org/media-library/images/mormon-channel-daily-quotes-meme-april-faith-1943084?lang=eng

Yes, there really are advantages to getting older. 

• I've lived long enough to see consequences of actions. Things that seemed to be bad at the moment have turned out to be good in the long run. For example, my poor health has helped my husband become very loving and supportive.

• I've learned whose advice I can follow. I've come to respect my husband's advice. I saw the counsel of the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints come true. They counseled for years to get out of debt, live within your means, avoid Home Equity Loans, and store food and necessities. Those that followed this advice were all right when the "Down-Turn" came. 

• I've learned not to worry if children do immature things. They are learning. Have faith in them. Give them time, love, a good example, good principles, lots of encouragement, and trust God to make up the difference. Children usually become great adults because of, and in spite of, our efforts as parents.

Marriage Principles That Have Helped Us

I wrote this in about 2006 to answer a friend's question. In 2018 we just celebrated our 46th wedding anniversary, and it just keeps getting better and better.

I had just read this article in our church magazine* and remembered the question you once asked me about how to have lasting relationships. This couple is one of the happiest, most charming couples I have ever met. He is the Lord’s prophet and the leader of our church. They are in their nineties now and President Gordon B. Hinkley recently said:

     "I am so grateful for her. For 66 years we have walked together, hand in hand, with love and encouragement, with appreciation and respect. It cannot be very long before one of us will step through the veil (of death). I hope the other will follow soon. I just would not know how to get along without her, even on the other side, "(life after death).

Talk about a love story!

My husband and I both came from unhappy homes where our parents were divorced. We each joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in our teens and have tried to follow true principles instead of our parents examples. It has been very difficult for us, but we have learned so much, now we have a fulfilling relationship, and the joy of seeing two of our children happily married.

Changing Our Marriage by Changing Me

I wrote this in about 2010. Our marriage keeps getting better and better each year.

In the early years of our marriage I believed my husband loved me, but I sure didn’t feel very loved–  now I do. What has changed? Is he really very different–  am I? Sure we have shared a lot, but have we really changed all that much? What is different now?

A friend mentioned that she thought I have learned to relate better with my husband. I think she is right. I can remember an instance several years ago. I had packed up some Christmas decorations and placed them in the doorway informing my husband that they were ready to go up to the attic. For the next twenty minutes I watched in mounting frustration as my husband walked around the boxes. Finally I blurted out, “Why aren’t you taking the boxes to the attic!?”

He calmly replied, “You haven’t asked me.”

I thought I had. I thought I had been very clear.

Dating, or Why I'm Glad I don't want to be a Teenager Again!

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-00-0060-the-phone-call?lang=eng

I've written a lot about marriage. This video about dating was made in the late 1970's. I still enjoy it every time I see it. It reminds me why I don't want to be a teenager again!  It also shows how friends can help each other and how we all need to learn social skills. Enjoy! (Did you recognize Jimmy from the old Superman movie?)

Secrets of a Happy Marriage -- Acceptance and Appreciation

I like this video of different people expressing love for each other. Gives you something to think about.

Ok, if you each are committed to your relationship and to loving each other, you are off to a good start. What next? Actually, the real key is love. Commitment is a part of love and so is acceptance. You can't really love someone if you don't accept and appreciate them for who they are.

My husband and I have put acceptance to the test. We are so different from each other! He is an