Strengthen Relationships in Good Times and Heal Relationships in Bad Times

The chapter that I studied this week was Strengthen Relationships in Good Times and Heal Relationships in Bad Times. 

The reading begins by saying "successful marriages are established and maintained on principles of prayer." This is something that I feel very strongly about. When I got married, I always believed that it would be so important to pray together as husband and wife, because it draws us nearer together and draws us closer to God!

Elder Dallin H. Oaks says, "Conflict is a universal part of marriage. For many, unresolved contention eventually leads to the dissolution of the marriage. Prayer, however, can help protect couples from divorce by healing the relationship and restoring harmony to the marriage." The reading explains that prayer has a de-escelating affect on conflict. I challenge all of you to turn to prayer in times of conflict, to avoid saying things that are not meant and to ensure that you are in the right state of mind!

Studies show that partner-focused prayer transforms relationship goals and facilitates forgiveness! 3 Nephi 11:29 says, "Satan strives to stir up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another, to disrupt the holy union of marriage in a blatant attempt to make us miserable like unto himself."

My husband has always told me that Satan does enough to hurt individuals and that he is already causing us to feel bad about ourselves. He says, "Satan is already doing enough, why must we help him?" Because of this, my husband is not the type of person to cause conflict or to be involved in drama, because he knows that Satan already has an affect. I challenge everyone who reads this to be able to remember this as well, and focus on being positive, Christ-like, and an advocate of the gospel!