combating the attack on marriage: one date night at a time

my date night attire 
pants: Gap, clearance // shirt: Target, clearance // heels: Kohl's, clearance [find them here] // clutch: Target, gift // necklace: Caroline G., free from a Facebook offer
{p.s. use code BLOGS10 to get 10% off your purchase from Kohl's}

once in a blue moon we finally get to go on a date. 
and i get to dress up pretty and wear heels and not have to carry around a huge diaper bag. 
and then, almost every time without fail, we get in some ridiculous argument as we're leaving.
it's like all these outside forces are trying to keep us from taking the time to be together. 

actually, i know there are forces out there trying to keep us from strengthening our relationship. 

there are many things out there that are trying to bring down families. 
it can be "simple" as people's priorities focused on work or school or anything outside their family so they choose not to spend time with each other and they grow apart. 
or it can be financial struggles that lead to contention in marriage.
or it can be more harmful like addictions, infidelity, or abuse. 

every day we hear of a new battle in the war on families. 
every.day. 

as Elder Perry said in General Conference this weekend, 
"The strengthening of families is deteriorating at an alarming rate." 

this was a common theme this weekend, that families are under attack. 
but there are ways to combat it. 
through hard work, love, and dedication we can rise above the things the world throws at us. 

"The best marriage partners regard their marriages as priceless." - Elder Clayton

we can make time for one another, like going on date nights even just for an hour. 
we can make it a priority to communicate often with one another. 
we can include the Lord in our relationship and follow His example.
we can put each other's feelings and needs above our own. 
we can choose to get rid of anything that will distract us from our family or tempt us. 
we can make ourselves better people which will in turn make us want to better our relationship. 


i know we still have many years ahead of us that i'm sure will see their share of struggles. 
but i also know that if we can make the commitment now to continue to work on our relationship and develop good habits, we can face those battles with confidence and come out stronger than ever. 

28 comments:

Kim Bird said...

Adorable! It's crazy how we get wrapped up in life and forget to take time for ourselves as a couple!
You look adorable! I'm in love with mint and coral right now!

Anonymous said...

You're an amazing example to me. First of all, that outfit is perfect. Second, I couldn't agree more. We don't have any kids yet, but it seems like this "outside force" is constantly trying to put things in the way of attending the temple as often as we should. We need to make more of an effort, for sure! Thanks, Megan!

katilda said...

I love your thoughts on marriage, I admire your openness/honesty, and I covet your white pants.

Anonymous said...

Super cute outfit! My husband and I have neglected our dates due to the foster/adoption process. We recently went out for a few hours and remembered just how much we need those times away to renew ourselves. Time alone with each other is definitely a priority again.

Unknown said...

Loved this post :) Also, can you stop being so gorgeous with that short hair because it makes me want to chop mine off.

Jane said...

I seriously think dates are the key to a stronger marriage. Or really just spending intentional time with each other. It is SO easy to get wrapped up in the most petty things in life.

Amberly said...

I love this, and your pants are adorable!!! They look so great on you.

Anonymous said...

This is great! I completely agree, there are always going to be outside forces that will try to ruin your date or day! I just try to keep calm and think of the positive day ahead! Even though it can be tough at times!!

Unknown said...

Love this simple yet chic outfit. Visiting from the link up. I'm also hosting one this Thursday April 11. Show me your favorite Spring Trend. HOpe you can join. I'm also doing a giveaway for a $300 gift card to Gap. Check it out.

Agi:)

vodkainfusedlemonade.com

Meghan said...

Great advice! I am always trying to get more advice on how to have a better marriage, before I become married, so I'm able to combat problems early! xo.

Unknown said...

You look wonderful as always. I love this post! I feel like many people don't realize the work marriage takes. Love isn't just a feeling it is a choice, a choice that has to be made every day to keep that feeling alive! I love hearing others who have similar views on marriage :)

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing. I'm making an effort tonight and going to a movie we've been putting off seeing. So tonight it is! I also posted the quote you had bolded in this post on my FB- I loved it! :)

Brittany T. said...

love it! and agree!

Rachel said...

You look beautiful! And it really is important for us to place a strong priority on our marriages!

Amanda Kristeen said...

Great post! Wasn't conference just wonderful? And amen, to forces trying to stop the strengthening of marriages! PS you look lovely. :)

bonbon said...

You are so itty bitty I would never in a million years guess that you had popped out a child.

Unknown said...

This is such a cute outfit. I love simple but colorful looks. I'm going to pin it to my pinterest boards :)
My Blog
-Meg

Stacey said...

Love this outift! You look beautiful!!

Jenna said...

Well-said, Megan! And you look fabulicious.

Cassie @ Live.Laugh.L0ve. said...

You look amazing!! Can you come pick out my clothes everyday?! ;) Great post too! Keeping our marriages strong is so important + date nights definitely help do that!

Housel said...

Oh man I know how that it is! Every time my husband and I go on a date that happens to us too! or when we go to church for some reason too:/ Keep fighting the good fight lady!

alesha said...

love this! isn't it interesting how dumb little things can get between you when you're trying to have a good time together. it's so frustrating and then you realize someone else doesn't want you to enjoy your time with your spouse. i feel that makes it easier to push aside the silly arguments/thoughts and just be there and love your spouse.

p.s. i'm one of the fellow bloggers from amberly's giveaway. thought i would stop by and follow you and i'm so glad i did! :)

Kassi said...

I LOVE that outfit! And really appreciate your thoughts on marriage. I can totally see it too... marriage and families are being attacked these days. Priorities definitely need to shift back!

Why Girls Are Weird said...

Yay for date nights and putting your marriage first.

Matt & Maren said...

Um okay, you're adorable:) I just started reading your blog and read through some of your "favorites". I love your honesty! You are such a strong woman!

Courtney B said...

Hottie!!! And I love this post! It makes me feel so much better that we aren't the only ones who get in some ridiculous argument right before we have plans! Such a good way to ruin a good night! I guess that's exactly what the adversary is going for though, no?

Unknown said...

This post is wonderful. I totally agree. It's so important to work on our marraiges. I loved the quote from conference that said a good marraige is our gift back to God. I think that definitely makes me want to work on keeping my marriage great.

Karina Marie Powell said...

Loved General Conference! and you look gorgeous! Loved this post! perfectly said!