Keeping It Young

Some truths about depression:
Some things are necessary in overcoming depression: You have to know God personally and intimately
You have to desire to please God by doing what He says
You have to obey God regardless of how you feel

Some are more susceptible to depression It is especially a problem for those who are responsible to set and keep their own schedule
It is especially a problem for those who don't have a schedule
Those who have a schedule (from a boss or workplace) have less of an issue with depression Self-control is strengthened by their schedule
Self-discipline is set for them already


Some things naturally lead towards depression A setback Sickness
Disappointment
Failure
Guilt

A tendency to follow feelings rather than to pursue obligations 
A willingness to participate in pit-parties or to continually focus on self

Nothing but obedience to God and His Word can overcome depression Ignoring it won't work
Anti-depressants won't work
Substance abuse won't work

Is your marriage struggling? In Part 2 of this series Overcoming A Bad Marriage, Dave and Bethlie share biblical steps for overcoming a bad marriage and restoring what God intended for your relationship.
 
Learn to love again Define it Love and feelings are not the same thing
Love is about pleasing God
Love is being willing to give another whatever it is that they need because you know it is what God commands you to do.

Biblicize it Ephesians 5:25 Husbands love your wives as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her
Older women teach the younger women to love their husbands
Love your neighbor  Your spouse is your closest neighbor so you have to love them

Matthew 5:44. Love your enemy The lowest level of love



Determine to please God Get very close to Him James 4:8
The closer you are to God the healthier you will be
The closer you are to God the stronger you will be

Honor God in the decisions you make and your marriage will be amazing

Take steps to love Learn to give.  John 3:16
Gal 2:20
Proverbs 25:21

Learn to forgive Forgiveness promises not to use another's wrongdoings against them in the future
Forgiveness promises not to talk to other people about another's wrongdoings
Forgiveness promises not to dwell on the other's wrongdoings

Learn to meet each other's needs

Join Dave and Bethlie as they continue this overcoming series with this first in a two part series about Ovecoming A Bad Marriage.
Part 1
What is a bad marriage? Typically marriages don't start badly We meet
We talk
We spend time together
We "fall in love"
We propose
We make plans
We get married.  

Marriage can become bad It happens in a process of time
We don't love each other anymore
We aren't compatible
We are miserable 
We allow hurt feelings to become BIG problems
We allow little things to become bigger things


What do you do about it? Remember your vows For better or for worse
A verbal commitment to honor God and His Word  Divorce is only permitted in a few select cases
Divorce is rarely the best option
Divorce opens the door to more divorce


Repent at the thought of ending it

Happy Valentine's week!
Join Dave and Bethlie as they discuss how love overcomes!

Every marriage faces misunderstandings, but it's how we handle them that determines whether our relationship thrives or struggles. In this episode of Keeping It Young, Dave and Bethlie share practical, biblical wisdom on overcoming misunderstandings in marriage before they grow into bigger problems.
Learn how to approach difficult conversations with humility and kindness, share your needs in ways your spouse can receive them, and present issues without tearing down your spouse. Dave and Bethlie discuss the difference between minor miscommunications and deeper misunderstandings that need addressing.
Whether you're newlyweds or have been married for decades, this episode provides actionable application for maintaining intimacy, avoiding resentment, and growing together as co-laborers in Christ.
What You'll Learn:
The difference between simple miscommunications and destructive misunderstandings
How to approach issues with humility, kindness, and grace
Why making demands always leads to failure in marriage
How to share needs in a way your spouse can process
Practical communication strategies for husbands and wives
The spiritual foundation for overcoming relational challenges

Episode Notes:
What do we mean by misunderstandings? Desires that aren't met
Issues that won't go away
Failure to meet each others needs

How do you overcome them? Approach issues in a right way Recognize the value of humility and kindness allows us to be vulnerable
allows us to develop intimacy (even if it is small)

Recognize that making demands equal failure These usually are accusations that are selfish
They build walls rather than intimacy


Share your needs in the way that your spouse processes Have a right motivation That your spouse will grow spiritually and have God's blessings

Use a  right presentation Don't belittle
Be honest but build A husband especially needs this: I know you are better than this


For a wife - don't process everything with him 
plan how to be kind and to the point

For a husband Be kind and loving in your words
Ask her to pray about the matter
Share it with her and ask her to consider it and talk about it later
Don't be frustrated by her processing



Determine to grow (prefereably together) Know you you are in Christ
Know who your spouse is in Christ
Know that your are co-laborers for Christ You are in this together
Pray for and help each other