1. Marriage, Marriage Relationships, and Today’s Challenges LLC Home and Family Workshop October 19-21, 2012

2. Marriage Marriage relationships Today’s challenges Values, difficulties, extreme situations

3. God’s Word Instructs: Regarding Marriage Each person is equally valuable. Man and woman, equal but different tasks. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth” (Gen 1:27,28).

4. God’s Word Instructs: Regarding Marriage With God’s Word, a man and woman are joined in marriage: – Lifelong covenant. – Faithful in good days and bad. – Serving and supporting each other. The holiness and permanence of marriage brings security.

5. Difficulties in Homes and Families: Relationships within the home Establishing a family requires commitment: – Managing our time – Responsibility – Everyday life is strenuous and full – Rewarding and fulfilling – What requires the most also gives the most Here too the gospel is our strength. We need to feel the support of fellow travelers. Every generation receives strength from the Creator to follow His perfect plan!

6. Difficulties in Homes and Families: Relationships within the home Home and Family need much of our time. Spousal relationship needs also caretaking: – Time for each other as a couple. – Personal time. Nurturing the spousal relationship is caring for the family. Spousal Time Personal Time

7. Difficulties in Homes and Families Adversities belong to everyday life: – Weariness – Burdens of today obscure the big picture – Illness – Unemployment – Financial trials Nurture the home’s well-being. Conflicts and trials must be dealt with in the home.

8. Difficulties in Homes and Families: Relationships within the home Lack of communication can create difficulties: – Does my spouse have time for my thoughts? – Am I being heard as an individual? – Do I have time for my spouses thoughts? – Is my spouse heard as an individual? – Are we in mutual agreement on how we use our time, faith matters, life’s questions, and raising our children? – Are we drifting apart? – Do we dare talk about negative matters?

9. Difficulties in Homes and Families: Relationships within the home Problems in the parent’s relationship affects the children. In conflict situations, the children often suffer. Extreme situations: – Abuse or exploitation of children. – Children are traumatized. – Professional help needed.