Where Shall We Begin?

[Richard OFfill]

Betty and I were taking a walk that leads around a walking path behind the houses and then brings us back home. (I live in Orlando, Florida). One day as we were making the circle we past a house where  significant work being done. We didn't know what was going on, but whatever it was it was taking a long time. Anyway to make the long story short, it became evident to us that a sink hole had developed  under the house. Sink holes are somewhat 'common'  here in Florida because of the porous rock and the water that weakens it causing a cave in under the house.

When discovered compaction grout is pumped under the house to shore it up. I think the grout is a cement mixture. Anyway, it made me remember the story Jesus told about building on the sand.

Let me get down to 'nittie gritties'. Our families are being eroded. It is not always evident. But as with the sink holes there are exterior signs. In the case of the sink holes there are cracks in the walls or the doors don't close. It is amazing that in case of these warnings steps are immediately taken to refortify the house and repair  the damage. In case of a disintegration in a marriage in spite of the danger signs, often no steps are taken and the marriage caves in.

I am about to write an article about revival and reformation. That is revival and reformation in the home. By the way, revival and reformation in the home is much more than taking the wife out to Olive Garden or the kids to hit a basket of balls at a driving range.

If someone were to ask you what are some signs of a 'sink hole' in the marriage what would you tell them? Then what would you tell them to do about it?

[newbie]

i'd say one of the first signs of a sink hole in a marriage is separate vacations...

[K7]

For us it's the tone of voice is often the first outward sign that there's trouble.  Followed closely by not smiling at each other, rudeness justified as "I was just joking".  For some reason when you're involved, you think you're fooling everyone and that no one knows - but the kids know and other couples who've been there, recognize it and need to call it out.  Pray with the couple in trouble, speak words of encouragement, give personal testimony of how God has helped you grow closer.

[Larry Lyons]

For us it's the tone of voice is often the first outward sign that there's trouble.  Followed closely by not smiling at each other, rudeness justified as "I was just joking".  For some reason when you're involved, you think you're fooling everyone and that no one knows - but the πkids know and other couples who've been there, recognize it and need to call it out.  Pray with the couple in trouble, speak words of encouragement, give personal testimony of how God has helped you grow closer.

Wise words K7. Welcome to the forum!!