Hey friends!

Happy Marriage Monday to you! 🙂

I recently had a friend tell me that the two biggest causes of divorce are money and in-laws.

Wow! Have you heard that before?? I did some research and she is right on!

Our relationship with our in-laws has a definite impact on our marriage satisfaction!

Thankfully, I am blessed to have wonderful in-laws.

John’s parents, Bob and Jackie, have been gracious since day one. Over the past 10+ years of marriage, they have provided unconditional love, support, and encouragement. I am grateful!

Today is my mother-in-law’s birthday and as we prepare to celebrate her ~ I’ve been reflecting on our relationship. I’m thanking God for the gift of having Jackie in my life. 🙂

I’ve often joked with Jackie that we should write a book ~ we’ve both invested a lot into making our relationship/friendship into what it is today.

We’ve been willing to share, listen, pray, forgive, extend grace, and seek to understand one another.

All of the talks, time and prayers have been worth it! 🙂

I also appreciate Jackie’s sensitivity to my relationship with my mom. Although Jackie didn’t have a daughter (until me, and soon Gwen!) ~ Jackie has been careful to honor my special relationship with my mom, while building and pouring into our important “mother-in-law/daughter-in-law” relationship.

Jackie is a great cook, has passed on many great recipes my way, as well as taught me the importance of always cooking with an apron!

In honor of her birthday ~ here is a recipe I’ve concocted for anyone desiring a closer relationship with their in-laws.

Recipe For Strong “In-law” Relationship

4 cups of Love
2 cups of Loyalty
Dash of Faith
3 cups of Kindness
4 cups of Understanding
1 cup of Friendship
5 spoonfuls of Hope
1 barrel of Laughter
Pinch of Forgiveness (no substitutions)
Dash of Thoughtfulness (not optional)

Take love and loyalty and mix thoroughly with faith.
Blend in kindness and understanding, add friendship and hope.
Sprinkle abundantly with laughter. Garnish with forgiveness and thoughtfulness.
Bake with sunshine.
Serve with generous helpings. Enjoy!

How about for you, dear friend? Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to enjoy a healthy, enjoyable relationship with their in-laws? I’d love to hear from you!

Also, Focus on the Family has a number of great resources for anyone desiring wisdom, assistance and/or help with their in-law relationship. If this is a difficult area for you, please do not allow your relationship to suffer ~ God has good plans for you and your marriage!!!

I wonder…before you close this post ~ would you take a minute to pray for any friends you know who wrestle with their in-law relationships?? May God breathe fresh life, love and grace into all in-law relationships today!
Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*! Have a Marvelous Monday!
P.S. For more Marriage Monday ideas, please visit my dear friend Julie from Come Have A Peace!
P.S.S. Happy, Happy Birthday Jackie! May your day be filled with all of your favorite things!


Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: (Proverbs 31:28)

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