This week we unpack why joy is a choice and how laughter acts like medicine in your marriage (Proverbs 17:22). From ditching unrealistic expectations to practicing playful connection, we share simple habits that keep your home light, loving, and led by the Holy Spirit, no matter the messes, schedules, or grease-fire burgers life throws your way.

What You’ll Learn

• The theology of joy in marriage: Why “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10) is more than a verse, it’s a daily decision.
• Mindset > moments: Life is 10% what happens, 90% how you respond, how choosing gratitude changes outcomes.
• “Stick to the good”: A Romans 12 practice to shut down nitpicking and nourish admiration.
• Playful rhythms that bond you: Banter, inside jokes, sibling threads, and saying, “If it’ll be funny later, it’s funny now.”
• Kid culture you’ll want to copy: Let children’s joy reset the tone of your home.
• The joy killers to avoid: Gossip, slander, and airing grievances online—and what to do instead.
• Words that build: Speak to the king/queen in your spouse; use affirmation to shape atmosphere (James 3).

Practical Ways to Laugh More (and Fight Less)

• Make joy a habit: Put a sticky note on the fridge, “How can we laugh more today?”
• Create playful rituals: Share a “highs only” dinner recap, swap GIFs during tough days, revive a silly inside joke.
• Write tiny love notes: Lunchbox, Bible, toothbrush mirror; 1–2 lines of gratitude or flirty fun.
• Plan micro-fun: Quarterly family adventures (camping counts!), and 24-hour birthday getaways for just the two of you.
• Babysitter swaps: Lower the cost of date nights by trading childcare with friends.
• Reframe the moment: Spaghetti on the floor? Make a smiley face first; clean up second.
• Choose a better story: Late work night ≠ rejection. Lead with curiosity, gratitude, and connection.
• Model repair: If you snap, apologize in front of the kids, show them how joy returns after rupture.

Scriptures Mentioned

• Proverbs 17:22 — A merry heart does good like a medicine.
• Nehemiah 8:10 — The joy of the Lord is your strength.
• Psalm 16:11 — In His presence is fullness of joy.
• Romans 12:9–21 — Cling to what is good.
• Galatians 5:22–23 — Joy is fruit of the Spirit.
• James 3 — The tongue’s power to bless or burn.

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