Looking through the eyes of love

We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Everyone goes through trials and no one is an exception to the rule. Trials come occasionally in our lives but it is the attitude that we have when we go through them that matters most. If we have trials, do we tend to complain and blame God for bad things that come to our lives? On the other hand, have we learned to humbly say thank you in the midst of trials? As what they always say, it is easy to say thank you if your life is going so well but how do you dare respond when trials come?

My wife and I have been married for 11 years and last year I could say is one of the toughest years in our marriage. I have been an engineer and worked for ten years in my chosen profession. Recession was all over the world and since I worked before in a consultancy firm, that has projects, mostly in Europe and U.S.A. our company had to close and retrench most of their employees. Unfortunately, I was one of them and losing my job had given us a financial strain in our family. I did not have a job for two months and my two kids have been hospitalized. Due to financial problem, we sold our car and believed that the Lord will sustain our every need. In the midst of our trials my wife and I did not lose heart, the two of us were more bonded than ever. Looking through the eyes of love was indeed the song for us in that year.

After two months of going through rough times, God indeed sustained us. God gave me a job in an international company. I had the highest salary in years that was more than what I expected. I believe God only tested our faith on what extent on how we will put our trust in Him. Now my family is enjoying the goodness of the Lord to us.

The two of us prayed through every rough time, we found our faith growing and our walk with God deepening. One more lesson learned, if your partner is going through a difficult time, gather and pray, but do not carry the burden. Even you may want to carry his load and make it yours do not do it. It will only make your partner feel weaker and a failure. Instead, support your spouse, encourage and stand firm for him.

One of my favorite authors Stormie Omartian says, “Trials can be a purifying fire and cleansing water. You do not want your partner to be burned or drowned; you want him to get refined and be renewed. If nothing can separate him from the love of God, then no matter how bad it get’s he always has hope!”

How to get your finances in order

For most marriage couples finances or money matters have been a frequent issue. Many couples usually get into arguments on how to get their finances in order. You can get your finances in control if you have a shared dedication, proper choices and a realistic financial plan.

Every married couple must have a budget plan. A budget is nothing more than a predetermined spending plan that puts into practice the objectives you have developed together. For example; if both of you have budgeted seven hundred dollars for a vacation trip, when you spend within that amount there will be no guilty conscience on your part. When shopping with your family you can set aside an amount to be spent for your kids, wife and other needed necessities.

• Do not go to a mall and shop without an object on your mind this will result to impulsive buying that will lead to unwanted amounts on your credit card payments.

• You can estimate your expenses every month and set aside a budget for each category. Set aside a budget for primary commodities like house rent or mortgage, groceries, water and electric payments, tuition fees etc. As you estimate your expenses, you can probably come close to the actual numbers.

• Both of you must analyze and talk about the situation. Discuss about what you owe, what you own and where you are spending your money. Solve one problem at a time. For example, you want to prepare for your child’s education. Start saving a few dollars every month in a bank or invest in a proven and stable college education plan company. By doing that you will also develop a habit of saving on your part.

Couples go through their marriage having financial issues in their marriage, and the major requirement is discipline. Discipline does not mean a change in your entire lifestyle. You can narrow down your expenses by choosing the right lifestyle inclined for your family. You are a couple now, you are not on your own so adjusting with your finances, lifestyle, and reordering your priorities is a part of your package in marriage.