Wow, is there ever a lot that goes into getting ready for marriage! Here are just a few examples:
A House
We’ve been house shopping a couple of times in the past two weeks and are only now beginning to realize the extent of everything that’s involved here. We do have a couple of very promising leads, and we’re particularly drawn to a small 3/1.5 house that’s about halfway between Sarah’s college and my job, and right near our church.
Trying to figure out everything that’s going to have to go into this, we’re a little overwhelmed. We’ve never done this before. Hopefully, we’ll get a lot of the groundwork for buying a house taken care of in the next week or two!
Gift Registry
Over the long Easter weekend, we went to a few stores to try figuring out how to register for gifts. I’m sure the registering itself is easy, but picking things for which to register is pretty tough! Our goal at this point seems to be that we want to register for things that we’ll actually put to regular use, rather than things that we’ll use once, and then let sit unused in closets and cabinets.
Do any of you married folks out there have any tips or hints for us?
Reading Books
We also took some time this weekend to go to the (Lifeway) bookstore to pick up a few books on preparing for marriage, and we’ve been reading like crazy in all our (sparse) free moments. My particular favorite so far has been ‘The First 90 Days of Marriage’ by Eric and Leslie Ludy.
Does anyone have any suggestions for books we should read in the next several weeks? Or any advice on preparing for marriage in general?
Favorite cousin named Kari
Apr 15, 2007 - 4:30 am
Hi Chad and Sarah!
Certainly no house-buying tips since we’ve never done it. But we have read a lot of marriage/relationship books and really recommend:
Love Life for Every Married Couple by Ed Wheat
Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas
Intended for Pleasure by Ed Wheat
Wild at Heart by John Eldredge
Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
As for registering - you guys seem to be on the right track! Practical, practical, practical. Useful stuff is so much better than…un-useful stuff.
Becky and Darden, The Other Family
Apr 18, 2007 - 12:26 pm
About your registry.
I’ve talked to a few married couples who say think about your priorities. The area where you will be staying the most and what you can get later yourselves. Separate the important from the un-important (like fine china and everyday use plates and glasses, luxrious bath towels and regular towels) It was highly recommended that you get some good kitchen towels. I do know you will need replacments every now and then. One of the neat
things is what you would not normally get for yourself, given the
opportunity. Perhaps a vaccum cleaner would be nice.
Anyway, good luck on your serch.
About the books:
Well, (sounds like a deep subject doesn’t it?)
You guys have an abundance out there. Which ones appeal to you?
Some simple advise? Talk everything, everything out and do not let the sun go down on any arguments. We’re glad you two are different but have similar interests and backgrounds. It will go a long way! Never, ever forget your commiment to each other. Always treat each other with dignity and respect. Never let anyone invade your home and lives. This is your sanctuary. Last, but not least, always keep God number one in your lives, individually and as a couple.
Let’s do another hike. How about Mt. LeConte?
Becky and Darden, The Other Family
Apr 18, 2007 - 1:35 pm
We left you a comment on this, but don’t know where it is.
We’ll try later…
Glenn and Cile
May 4, 2007 - 7:37 am
I can’t believe I am writing to Sarah about getting married! Am I getting old or what!!! Two books that we like: The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman and a new one I am reading, Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs. It will save a lot of hard knocks if you will learn from these too. Wish we could be there in June.
Stephen and Beth
Jun 6, 2007 - 8:56 pm
Hmmm?? Advice on marriage. Respect, Respect, Respect!!! Remember that even though you are becoming ONE, you still are each individuals and although you may not always see eye to eye, respect one another’s feelings and opinions.
Also, even though you may not LIKE doing things your spouse does, try to be as involved as you can, without having to change who you are. Some examples,
I DO NOT LIKE TO HIKE UP MOUNTAINS!!! However, I did with my baby and my in-laws, in the rain, and spent the night in a very small cabin without electricity or showers, might I add. And I did have fun. Does that mean I’ll do it every year, NOPE!!! But I just might do it again.
STEPHEN HATES TOWN CENTER MALL. He does not even like to drive near the mall. But he does, once in a while, go to the mall with me, and he does not even complain!!!
Love yall!!!!