Bible Verses: Lost in Translation

Ok so one of my favorite reads is Lost in Translation. It keeps you laughing, it keeps you interested, and it is super practical advice and information. Dr. Steve Stephens is a psychologist so I love that part as well!! Anywhoo I wanted to share some quotes but for sure check this book out it is a must read!! I enjoyed reading it with Jared and talking about it together it really made more sense that way, and it was good to have feedback. Reading with a spouse is lots of fun because they pick up on things that you may have missed and certain details stand out more to them and you might not even notice them. It opens the door for honest communication about your marriage which is great as well. Moving along. . .

P.S.- Next week will be the final week in the marriage series. At that time we will all share what we are planning on reading/doing for our marriages. I will randomly select someone next week to receive a copy of "For Women Only." (1) You can share a study you are interested in, a book you plan to read, a DVD series, or a seminar you plan to attend.(2) Also, please share one piece of marriage advice as well. This will help our young readers and those unmarried to have somewhere to start. If you are single, you can still enter this contest by sharing what book you plan to read that will prepare you for marriage and a tip as well, most of you know it least one married couple. :) postings!! 

Lost in Translation Quotes:
"Criticism kills. Compliments bring life. A healthy marriage provides a positive oasis in a desert of negativity. Compliments help by giving each other two amazing gifts.
1. Uncommon safety. No threatening, judging, or causing your spouse to feel uncomfortable. Encouraging them to be so relaxed in your presence that they feel safe enough to share their deepest hurt and loftiest dream.
2. Unconditional positive regard. Committing yourself to believing the very best about your mate without jumping to negative conclusions or looking for what's wrong. Instead, jumping to positive conclusions and searching with energetic determination for anything good." _ So true I have experienced the results of both of these in our marriage and I can say that criticism is crushing and it is easy to get into a pattern of being critical of your spouse. Criticism does not change someone it just causes a gulf between two people. Compliments can radically change a marriage or any relationship, everyone wants to hear positive things regardless of what tough exterior they might appear to have.

"So how do women get their husbands to talk more? Here are a few ideas:
1. Talk with him, not at him.
2. Don't correct, criticize, or put him down.
3. Watch your tone of voice.
4. Keep it brief and to the point.
5. Ask for his opinion or perspective.
6. Listen to him.
7. Avoid interrupting.
8. Compliment him.
9. Beware of negativity and nagging.
10. Let him know how much you appreciate his input. Also remember that men may not be motivated to chat just for the enjoyment of chatting. He's your husband, not your best girlfriend."
Who doesn't want to hear their man talk more? Anyone pass this list with flying colors? I think I have a long way to go girls. . . but with God's help we will all grow closer to our men and perhaps hear what we all long to hear more feelings. . .

Here's a funny one:
"What's more, each amplifies the other in reciprocal fashion. The more a man loves his wife, the more she'll show respect to him. And the more a woman respects her husband, the more he'll show love to her. It's a chicken-and-egg kind of arrangement. But don't worry about which should come first. If you're a chicken, lay an egg. If you are an egg, hatch a chicken. Faithfully do your part, and watch your relationship grow."

-All quotes by Dr. Steve Stephens
check out his website www.drstevestephens.com