Star Dust

As I was straightening up after a wedding rehearsal, I found a candy valentine heart lying near the altar of the church.

"Hmmm", I thought, "Maybe there will be a little nugget here that I can use in Aaron and Leah's wedding tomorrow." I was hoping to find one of the old standard phrases such as "Love Forever", "Truly Yours", or "Ever Devoted". Instead, I was disappointed to find that this little green heart said, "Star Dust". "Star Dust?" I exclaimed, "Good grief! Who thinks up this stuff anyhow? How in the world can I use Star Dust in the wedding?"

Unfortunately, too many people have a "Star Dust" view of love. They think there's some magical poof from Cupid, and they'll live happily ever after. Before long, however, the "Star Dust" turns to "Star Wars"! Marriages might be made in heaven, but they have to be worked out down here on earth. Then -- a brainstorm hit me! If a marriage is going to go the distance, it needs the real kind of S.T.A.R.D.U.S.T.

S- Spiritual Foundation:

When a couple has a rock solid spiritual commitment, they love each other more deeply. The Bible says God is love -- and as we love Him more, we love each other more deeply as well! There is no other foundation which will stand strong through every storm of life. Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain that build it.

T -- Troubles!

Every relationship will run into troubles sooner or later. My wife, Cathy, recently said, "You can't have a deep relationship with someone unless you've been through some 'stuff' together!" She's absolutely right. If we keep an open heart and humble spirit, we can learn and grow through our troubles. The very things that could tear us apart draw us closer together!

A -- Attitude Adjustments.

We all have the tendency to slide into negativism and fault finding. Every day, we must take our thoughts captive and refocus the way we think. If you look for the best in your partner, and you will find it!

R -- Responsibility.

In a strong marriage, both partners take full responsibility to make it work. It requires a 100% commitment. "I will go the extra mile for you!"

D -- Dedication/Devotion

This says, "I will be yours forever! The other 'D' word (divorce) will not be a part of our vocabulary. I am determined to do whatever it takes to build a great relationship. Such an attitude requires the hard work of resolving difficult issues -- but the reward far outweighs the price.

U -- Understanding.

Seek to understand rather than to be understood. George Truett said, "The reason why marriage is for a lifetime is because that's how long it takes to understand each other!" Actually, understanding is a wonderful journey -- an exploration into the fascinating person God has placed into your life!

S -- Selflessness.

I believe almost 100% of marriage problems are a result of selfishness. The best way to marriage harmony is to have a mindset that says, "I'm here to serve!"

T -- Trust and Tenderness.

Trust is the glue that holds homes together. This is why truthfulness is so vital to every marriage. Tender thoughts, words and actions are love expressed! True love shouldn't remain bottled up inside. It must be communicated.