‘”THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT OUR MARRIAGE IS” SAYS LEO AS HE GIVES TIPS ON HAPPY MARRIAGE

Unhappy marriages seem to be the rule, not the exception these days. The key to obtaining a successful marriage may be just as baffling to you as understanding a foreign language . Leo Slingerland, Family Media's CEO has been married to his adorable wife, Anneke, for the last 45 years and still counting. They are blessed with three children of their own; Stephan, Wendel and Pascal. They have also adopted three others: Yup, Amber and Annabelle. When he told me about it, shock was all over my face and the only question that ran through my mind was “how do you stay in marriage that long in this time and age?” He shares his secret on his blissful marriage.

“When people hear that my wife Anneke and I have been married for 45 years, they inevitably ask, ‘What's your secret?' This kind of question comes from two kinds of people – single ones who want assistance in finding the right person to spend the rest of their life with, or couples who want to see their relationship last.

“I know it may come as a surprise to many people who maybe struggling in their love life but believe me, keeping the fire of love alive and blazing is really easy and practical. The most important facts that we cannot evade are – firstly, seek out the principles in God's word that relate to strong relationships; i.e the Bible which has solutions to all problems. Secondly practise them in your marriage.  

“As I've often said, I am a firm believer that the Bible is our user manual for life. If we take God's word and truly apply it in our lives, we will have joy and success, not just in our relationships and marriage, but in all areas. My advice to all of you is that you let the scripture be the focal point of your lives,” counsels Leo.

Well you have heard it from one man whom people can turn to when their relationships are shaky and not as blissful as they should be. As Leo says, the Bible trully is the answer to everything and following what it says can make all the difference. 45 years of successful marriage is no doubt a reflection of God's grace; it is success we would all desire.

You too can make your marriage a blessing; but remember to make the Bible your user manual in life.