Reading through my NIV Couples Devotional Bible, I came across this. Geez, is it ever so true.<P>FRIDAY<P>AUTHOR: Jim Smith<BR>PASSAGE FOR THE DAY: Hosea 2:16-23<P>VERSE FOR THE DAY: Hosea 2:19-20<P>Preventative Medicine<P>When I perform a wedding, I list five words, each beginning with C that represent critical areas in marriage. if these are left untended, it opens the door to sexual vulnerability.<P>The first "C" is calendar. Couples need to block out time exclusively for each other-no friends, no family. Just the two of you.<P>The second "C" is communication - sharing both feelings and thoughts. People frequently admit they had an affair because they found someone else who would talk and listen to them.<P>The third area is caring. The more effort you put into meeting each other's needs, the less likely either of you will be to go outside the marriage to get your needs met.<P>The fourth area is courtship. I see too many spouses stop being affectionate and sensitive to each other. Invariably, the neglected mate gets angry and begins to shut down emotionally. Then, instead of approaching life as a team, they turn into adversaries.<P>The last "C" is commitment, especially during those times when you feel disillusioned with marriage. And of course, in a Christian marriage the couple is committed to Christ, as well as to each other.<P>No list of reminders can completely ward off the possibility of an affair. That's why couples should establish boundaries for behavior and relationships with others. In any male/female friendship, a person needs to ask: "What deep need is being met by this friendship?" If the answer is a need that only your spouse should be fulfilling, you should re-evaluate that friendship.<P>Any time you enjoy another person's company more than your mate's, and you continue to cultivate that relationship, you are a prime candidate for an affair.<P>On which of the five "C" areas are you and your spouse already doing well?<P>* Brainstorm one or two things you might do to improve your relationship in each of these five categories..<P>Additional Scripture Readings Exodus 20:14; Matthew 5:27-28; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
