In the midst of a brief cold snap right now, this thought caught my attention. I wonder how many of us continue to struggle with the understanding of God's call in our lives both in our homes and in our roles in our churches. I know beyond a shadow that God has called me to provide green pastures, but at times the pouring out becomes a drain in my marriage - even with the most godly, supportive husband in the world. How do others maintain the balance?

After several years of marriage, I think one comes to expect times of boredom, tedium, turbulence, and conflict. You take it in stride, knowing that the times of peace, fun, and attraction will return in due time.

When it comes to weathering the winter of marriage there are a few keys to arriving at permanent spring that I've learned since my own ministry marriage has been to the brink of break-up and back in 2003. The first one is that it takes a commitment of time, money and energy of about 1 year to restore a struggling marriage. You an your husband need to tell yourselves every day that 1 year from now this winter will be only a memory if you devote yourself to positive change. The second is that relationship education skills (including courses on communication skils and changing rut patterns) along with mentoring have an 80% success rate in rehabilitating hurting marriages and chrisitan counselling has a 20% sucess rate. So if you are struggling, sign up for a "PREP" course or a similar communication skills course in your area and find yourselves a mentor couple who will commit to meeting weekly with you for accountability, vulnerabilty and support for at least 1 year. If these resources lead to specific issues that need counseling than get a counselor for that issue (usually family of origin issues that are causing hurtful repeating cycles in your conflict resolution skils). Take heart, the best is yet to come!!!! We have gone from near separation to a wonderful and fulfilling marriage that neither of us ever thought possible and so can you!