General Conference: "Nuturing Marriage"

by Miriam Caldwell | More from this Blogger

12 Jun 2006 09:27 PM

In his talk "Nurturing Marriage," Elder Russell M Nelson speaks about the importance of marriage. He also speaks about the importance of taking time to make your relationship stronger. He says:

"Marriage brings greater possibilities for happiness than does any other human relationship. Yet some married couples fall short of their full potential. They let their romance become rusty, take each other for granted, allow other interests or clouds of neglect to obscure the vision of what their marriage really could be. Marriages would be happier if nurtured more carefully."

Elder Nelson goes on to share the doctrinal reasons for marriage. He reminds us that marriage is ordained of God. He also tells us that it is the foundation for social order. He shares scriptures that support these facts.

Elder Nelson then goes on to share three ways that we can improve our marriages. He says, "My suggestions use three action verbs: to appreciate, to communicate, and to contemplate."

Elder Nelson suggests that we show our appreciation with "thank you" and "I love you." Complimenting your spouse is another way to show that you love them. Elder Nelson urges us to take the time to truly communicate with your spouse. You should spend time really listening to each other. He says this about contemplation:

"My third suggestion is to contemplate. This word has deep meaning. It comes from Latin roots: con, meaning 'with' and templum, meaning 'a space or place to meditate.' It is the root from which the word temple comes. If couples contemplate often-with each other in the temple-sacred covenants will be better remembered and kept. Frequent participation in temple service and regular family scripture study nourish a marriage and strengthen faith within a family. Contemplation allows one to anticipate and to resonate (or be in tune) with each other and with the Lord. Contemplation will nurture both a marriage and God's kingdom. The Master said, 'Seek not the things of this world but seek ye first to build up the kingdom of God, and to establish his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.'"

This is a wonderful talk and I hope that you will take the time to read it with your spouse. Elder Nelson gives sound advice on how to make your marriage stronger. A stronger marriage can benefit everyone.

Learn more about Miriam Caldwell

Miriam is a SAHM mom of three children. She has a daughter who is seven, and two sons, four and two. She loves being a parent and spending time with her children.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger