52 Weeks of Love: Sam & Bennett

Can i just tell you all how much i am learning from the series!

 All your experiences and words of wisdom are just so invaluable!  

Today i have Sam and Bennett, who are like the cutest couple you would ever meet.  

And if i could meet Sam in person, i would definitely go to her spin class, go check out her blog after you finish reading your find out what i mean.  

The lady is so inspiring when it comes to how she lives out Fitness, Food & Faith.

Take it away, Sam!

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Hello Team Pancakes fans!  

Sam here from Fitness Food & Faith. 

 I am thrilled to be talking today about my own marriage as a part of Mrs. P’s series. 

I married my wonderful husband, Bennett, on August 6, 2010.  I came into marriage a little nervous about the first year.  We have several friends who have had very rough starts to their marriages, and although I was so excited to be marrying Bennett, I prepared myself for a lot of hard conversations and situations to pop up those first 365 days. 

Amazingly, the transition from single life to married life was incredibly smooth, easy and full of joy.  We read as many books as we could during engagement about being newlyweds and tried to fit in quite a few counseling sessions to really establish a good base.  I would highly recommend pre-marital counseling to any engaged couples out there – 

it is definitely worth your time and money. 

During the first year, the most important things I learned about marriage were:

Set expectations high and be demanding of your marriage

Always be gentle and make your marriage a place of peace

Take time to pray together daily, even if you don’t feel like it

Let your husband be a man – celebrate those gender differences

Marriage is not about your own happiness but about the revelation of God’s glory

Believe in your husband’s goodwill towards you – show grace when your patience runs out

Ask how your husband would feel most loved and tell him what he can do to show you love

Strive to establish a deep friendship and become intimately familiar with each other’s worlds

We definitely don’t have a perfect marriage and find ourselves frustrated at times, but thinking about all the reasons I love Bennett and how our marriage is truly the greatest gift from God helps me keep a positive and grateful attitude.  I feel very blessed to be sharing life with a man who loves Jesus, loves his family, loves me, and is committed to praying for our marriage and doing what he can to improve it daily. 

Thanks, Mrs. Pancakes, for including me! 

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Thank you Sam and Bennett, marriage is truly the greatest gift from God.  

And the list you've learned definitely warms my heart!

It's a list we should all strive to remember to live by to strengthen our marriages regardless of how long we've been married!

Question of the Day:

Did you and the hubby complete pre-marital counselling?

Did you find it helpful/useful?
Would you consider pre-marital counselling if you are about to get married?