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December 13, 2008

From the Marriage Junkie’s Family to Yours

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Merry Christmas Friends!

Like many people, this is our favorite time of the year!

The colorful decorations … the smells of eggnog (lattes) and gingerbread (lattes) … the familiar songs we can’t wait to hear (and after a month of non-stop play, we’re ready for the eleven month break until we hear them again).

But rather then making Christmas a spectator sport by watching and observing the celebratory sounds and sights of the season, Christmas is about taking part in “spreading Christmas cheer.”

At that very first Christmas Day, God spread the Christmas cheer with the angels, who in turn, spread the Christmas cheer with the sheepherders who in turn, spread the Christmas cheer with anyone and everyone they came upon. (see Luke 2:8-20 below)

Due to the economy and other factors, there are a number of opportunities to “spread Christmas cheer.” Look around, listen to what people are saying (or not saying), prayerfully ask how you could bless others and “spread Christmas cheer.”

Those on the receiving end of our thoughtfulness seem to appreciate it more than any other time of the year.

Think creatively!

  • gift cards to a supermarket or superstore for food and/or toiletries
  • donate clothing with the gift receipt for easy size exchanges
  • provide a Christmas tree or decorations
  • decorate the home of someone who can’t decorate it themselves
  • make a week’s worth of meals for a family in need
  • adopt a family for the season and make their Christmas bright
  • invite people to your home for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day meals

Our family has already had several opportunities to “spread Christmas cheer” this year and the kids have especially enjoyed being a part of the giving side of things. It has made the season so much more rich and magical!

We wish you the best this Christmas. May you experience the peace, joy, and love that seem to abound during this time of year!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

K. Jason and Kelli Krafsky

marriage junkie

P.S. Check out and forward my post “Your First Christmas as Husband and Wife: Making it Fun, Memorable and Stress-Free”

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS DAY

“There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, ‘Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re looking for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.’

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please Him…

They (the sheepherders) left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.

Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen.” (Luke 2:8-14, 16-20 The Message)

 

November 19, 2008

Will the Obama’s Affect African American Marriage Rates?

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the-obama-familyI have to admit that I, being a Marriage Junkie, hadn’t really thought about this until I read “The Obamas can be model for marriage” (by Cynthia Tucker – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution).

One of the most significant changes President-elect Barack Obama could have over the next four years has nothing to do with who he appoints to his Cabinet, the pieces of legislation he signs into law or the inspirational speeches he gives.

It has everything to do with his marriage to Michelle.

For more than four decades, great concern has been expressed about the condition of the African American family and the state of marriage in the black community.

In 1965, The Moynihan Report, a Department of Labor sponsored report raised concerns over the rising out-of-wedlock birthrate amongst African Americans (at the time, one-quarter of births were to unmarried women). Over the years, many black leaders, ministers and celebrities have voiced concern over the rising levels of fatherlessness and family breakdown in the African-American family. In recent years, campaigns such as Black Marriage Day and the African American Healthy Marriage Initiative have attempted to raise awareness of the importance and necessity for marriage in the black community.

(A great report to read is “Responding to the Black Marriage Crisis: A New Vision for Change”)

Could 2008 be the beginning of a new and much needed trend that revitalizes black marriage and the African American family?

Barack Obama gave a Father’s Day Sermon on the issue of fatherlessness stating that too many black fathers are “missing from too many lives and too many homes.” They “have abandoned their responsibilities, acting like boys instead of men. And the foundations of our families are weaker because of it.”

After getting some flack on his message from the likes of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Obama defended his message saying, “I won’t back up one bit in asserting that is a problem that we have to be honest about.”

In the years to come, if marriage gets revived in the black community, I believe it won’t be due to new legislation or new laws … it will likely be due to the genuine example of the healthy and loving marriage of the new President and First Lady. Barack and Michelle Obama exemplify the characteristics and qualities of married life that married couples and singles (despite their color or race) can be challenged and encouraged by.

And this opinion comes from a married, white guy who voted for John McCain.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Posted at Ramblings of a Marriage Junkie (www.marriagejunkie.com) by K. Jason Krafsky, author of Before “I Do” (www.fullmarriageexperience.com) who is in all ways a Marriage Junkie.

Copyright © 2008 by K. Jason Krafsky – Permission granted to use and reproduce with proper source citation.

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October 10, 2008

Thousands Hope to Fireproof Own Marriage – Join 40-Day Love Dare Experiment

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“The 40-Day Love Dare Experiment is a challenge every married person should take! Not only do you benefit personally from the Love Dare; you get to share the journey with many like you who dare to learn what it means to love!”

- Marriage Junkie

Inspired by the Love Dare featured in the movie, Fireproof. the Association of Marriage and Family Ministries has created an interactive site to help “you as an individual or couple to journal your 40 Day Love Dare™ experience.”

On the site (http://www.40daylovedare.com/) “you can write your own personal entries capturing your experiences (totally private), and have access to our general blog. You can also use the message board to ask questions and interact with others on the journey.”

The stories, the testimonies and the real life exchanges show that the fictional story of Caleb and Catherine are close to reality for many couples. Whether you’re married or separated, a newlywed or an oldywed, in a great marriage or a marriage that is on the brink … you need to check out this site … you need to experience love as it was intended … I dare you to take the 40-Day Love Dare Experiment!

Check out

post from Ramblings of a Marriage Junkie (http://www.marriagejunkie.com/) – the regular fix for those committed to reviving marriage & reducing divorce.

K. Jason Krafsky, author of Before “I Do” – Preparing for the Full Marriage Experience (http://www.fullmarriageexperience.com/)

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September 30, 2008

Fireproof Debut Engulfs Solid 4th at Box Office

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‘Fireproof’ has strong debut in theaters

Associated Press – 9/29/2008 6:45:00 AM

“The latest movie produced by Sherwood Baptist Church of Albany, Georgia, has had a strong opening weekend.

Fireproof, starring Kirk Cameron as a firefighter who turns to God to save his marriage, premiered in fourth place with $6.5 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates.

Media by Numbers adds that on a per-screen basis, Fireproof was second only to the weekend’s top film, Eagle Eye. That’s because Fireproof was shown in just 839 theaters nationwide, compared to thousands of theaters showing other movies.

Media by Numbers says “Fireproof had the year’s highest grossing opening weekend return of any film (except 3-D Hannah Montana) released on 1,000 screens or less.”

Fireproof’s box office was boosted by advance sales to churches that bought blocks of tickets. Last week, Regal Entertainment Group’s website listed Fireproof at #1 on its “Fandango 5 Week’s Hottest Tickets” list.”

FIREPROOF YOUR MARRIAGE! Great resources for dating, engaged and married couples.

 

September 24, 2008

Before "I Do" Turns THREE!

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It was three years ago today that the shipment of 10,000 copies of Before “I Do” arrived at our top secret warehouse in Enumclaw, Wa. Box-by-box (455 of them) were moved from the truck to the storage room. With a sore back, I wondered if I made the right decision to self publish this book.
Would anyone every buy it? Would churches like it? Would couples get much out of it?

With half the stash now sitting in pastors offices, couples homes, bookstore bookshelves, and a few at the Amazon warehouse … I am humbled by the kind responses from lay leaders and pastors who use Before “I Do” and find it such a helpful tool in their premarital work. I am especially moved bythe couples themselves who share how Before “I Do” has made a profound impact in their relationship.

My passion has always been to help churches create effective premarital ministry, pastors and lay leaders gain confidence in working with engaged and seriously dating couples, and to prepare couples to live the Full Marriage Experience.

With hundreds of churches and organizations using Before “I Do” (and more than fifty on the National Registry of Before “I Do” Providers), and an estimated 1,000+ couples using the book to prepare for their marriage, and having countless discussions with leaders on premarital issues … the last three years couldn’t have been scripted any better! It has been quite the ride.

Self publishing was one of the best decisions I ever made!
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of making the first three years of Before “I Do” the ride of a lifetime!

K. Jason Krafsky

author, publisher and distributor for Before “I Do” – Preparing for the Full Marriage Experience

Check out http://www.fullmarriageexperience.com/ to find out more about the book.
 

September 24, 2008

Before "I Do" Featured Resource on Fireproof Website

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Before “I Do” – Preparing for the Full Marriage Experience has been selected as a Featured Resource on the FireproofMyMarriage.com website. (View page)

FireproofMyMarriage.com is a site to link couples who watch the upcoming Fireproof movie (due out Sept 26, 2008) with tools, books and help for their marriage.

Before “I Do” is found on the homepage for Engaged Couples, as well as a special mini-article for engaged and seriously dating couples contemplating marriage.
Fireproof is gaining national attention this week (the week of its release). Check out these articles:
“Making marriage fireproof” (The Washington Times – 9.23.08)
“Group ticket sales could ignite Fireproof” - (Los Angeles Times – 9.23.08)

Check out the movie trailer at www.FireproofTheMovie.com!

 

September 24, 2008

Marriage Junkie Tees – NOW JUST $10!

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For a limited time only …

Marriage Junkie T-Shirts are just $10 per shirt (plus S/H)! That’s HALF OFF!

Choose from four different color shirts (White, Black, Blue, Gray) with different messages that showoff your addiction … to Marriage!!!

 

August 22, 2008

Clever Ad Campaign Lures Those Who Need Help With Their Relationship

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IHateHimSoMuch – This clever website and the billboard campaign has created quite a buzz down in Tampa Bay.

Marriage is not always bliss and love is not always in the air. So, to reach out to those who are frustrated, upset or possibly disgusted with their mate, IHateHimSoMuch.com is there to give some surprising support.

But rather than being an online ranting session, the site gives tips, ideas and resources to make a bad relationship better. Check it out at http://www.ihatehimsomuch.com/.

 

August 8, 2008

Married? Ask this question daily.

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“What was it like to be married to me today?”


-During his plenary speech at the Marriage & Family Ministry Conference in Phoenix on 08.06.08, Norm Wright posed this question for spouses to ask themselves at the end of the day.

 

July 30, 2008

A Story of Commitment and Love Without Equal

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As a marriage junkie, I have heard and read my share of love stories. Many of the stories are similar. Some are intriguing. A few are memorable. Just a handful are inspiring.

I stumbled across the headline, “The most beautiful wedding of the year as scarred soldier marries his sweetheart,” and focused on the “beautiful wedding” part of the title as I clicked on the link. I missed the middle part of the article title.

This is one of those heart-gripping stories that forces you to look in the mirror and ask, “what would I do if I were in their place?” The initial answers that pop in your mind run counter to the storyline.

All I can say is WOW!!!

The courage, the perseverence, and the essence of love are reflected in this story. Kudos to the author, Angela Levin for capturing the love story in such a candid way, and to Martyn and Michelle who lived it, and shared it with the rest of us. Your love is an inspiration to many of us who thought we knew what unconditional love looked like.
 

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