Living Together Before Marriage

'Living together' before marriage a statistical risk


Posted on Mar 26, 2008 | by Michael Foust, Baptist Press

WASHINGTON (BP)--Does living together before marriage increase the chances for a successful marriage? The answer may surprise some.

Between 50 and 60 percent of all marriages begin with the two partners cohabitating, and many of those couples no doubt believe they are making a wise move up front. But living together before marriage actually increases the chances of divorce in a first marriage -- 67 percent of cohabitating couples who marry eventually divorce, compared to 45 percent of all first marriages.

That and other myth-busting facts form the core of a new book by Mike and Harriet McManus, "Living Together: Myths, Risks & Answers" (Howard Books), with a foreword by Chuck Colson. Co-founders of the organization Marriage Savers, the couple have invested much of their lives trying to help strengthen marriages and push down the divorce rate.

The biblical warnings against cohabitation, the book says, are affirmed by statistics showing it's a bad idea.


For complete article go to: www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27699

Presidential Easter Message

Presidential Message — Easter 2008
by President George W. Bush
Mar 23, 2008

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/03/20080321.html

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies." -John 11:25

(Washington, DC)—The following text is released by the White House:

Laura and I send greetings to all those celebrating the joyful holiday of Easter. (Mrs. Laura Bush poses with the 2008 State Easter Egg Display/White House photo by Shealah Craighead)

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ reminds people around the world of the presence of a faithful God who offers a love more powerful than death. Easter commemorates our Savior's triumph over sin, and we take joy in spending this special time with family and friends and reflecting on the many blessings that fill our lives. During this season of renewal, let us come together and give thanks to the Almighty who made us in His image and redeemed us in His love.

On this glorious day, we remember our brave men and women in uniform who are separated from their families by great distances. We pray for their safety and strength, and we honor those who gave their lives to advance peace and secure liberty across the globe.

Happy Easter. May God bless you, and may God bless our great Nation.