Honoring marriage

Here's my thought about honoring marriage.

Yes there are three of us in this marriage! A three cord strand that is not easily broken. That is how our marriage has survived everything that's been thrown at it. We married as committed Christians under Gods law as well as the state requirements.
I have always believed in marriage. I got married in church the first time too but as an agnostic at that time don't believe that it was truly blessed by God.

God undoubtedly had a hand on my life however, blessing us with four healthy children.
Marriage IS different to living together. I have spoken to many who can confirm this often after many years living together. It brings them much more security and just a feeling of moving to another level. To say it's just a piece of paper is a load of crap! It's a much deeper level of commitment and emotional cost. If you can't commit to marriage then i don't believe you should have children. Children are a much greater responsibility than committing to another adult. Yet people quite happily have children almost without a second thought!
Marriage is still a subject for ridicule and scorn by many. It takes real hard work to make it work and too many couples give up at the first hurdle. I think those who criticise are often bitter and jealous because they have failed.
I do believe that living together prior to marriage is okay. Controversial for a Christian but as long as you are committed to getting married, i have no problem with "try before you buy". It could prevent a disaster.
Honoring marriage isn't just part of a Christian code for me but a moral code that is found in other cultures and religions. As a result of the lack of respect for marriage we have seen a breakdown in family values and society as a whole.
We have just celebrated twelve years of marriage and that's something we are both very proud of.