Mitchell & Wanda Morgan

Our featured couple is Mitchell & Wanda Morgan of Plaquemine, LA! Please read their Q&A with me! You will be truly blessed by this amazing couple; I was!

ZF: How long have you been married?

The Morgans: We have been married for 28 years.

ZF: How long did you date/were you engaged before you got married?

The Morgans: We start dating as kids, seventh & eighth grade. We were engaged 4 years before we married.

ZF: How soon after meeting your spouse did you realize he/she was "the one"?

Wanda Morgan: We started as friends. After about six month of being friends, I realized that he was the one that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I am not sure about how you first know, but all I can say is that it’s a feeling, a feeling so strong and so real that the very thought of not having that person in your life depresses you and make your life seem unlivable. It’s just requiring this person to be a part of your life and you are instantly happier when you get to see and be around your partner.

ZF: What are some ways you communicate with your spouse & how important is open/honest communication for you?

Mitchell Morgan: When communicating with your spouse, it is important for you to be open and honest with them and you should expect the same in return. This should include sharing your thoughts, feelings, desires, and emotions. If you bottle up these emotions, it can lead to resentment, arguments and an eruption of anger when these [emotions] finally come out. When you do express your feelings, even if they are negative feelings, you should speak with a calm and respectful tone. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with your partner can lead to greater intimacy and closeness. When you are on the receiving end of listening to thoughts and feelings, you need to be an active listener for the best results. Hearing and listening are two different things. When you are listening, you actively understand the words as they are said. Hearing is just hearing the sound with no understanding. When you are ready to react, keep a calm, even tone and never shout or yell at your partner. Shouting and screaming will not lead to a happy resolution; sitting down and speaking calmly to each other will! The most important part of communication is the resolution. Nothing will be fixed or changed unless you come up with a plan to solve your problem. It certainly won’t just disappear! There will always be a solution of some kind, but only with effective communication can the solution be found. Changing the way you communicate could be one of the most effective ways to save a troubled marriage. It can be difficult to learn the correct way to communicate, but it will be worth the time and effort in order to save your relationship. Being open and honest is vital to any relationship and only by doing this can you expect a long and healthy marriage.

ZF: How do you put God at the center of their relationship?

Wanda Morgan: We always put God in everything we do. He is so great! He gave me this especially wonderful relationship I have with my kids and my husband! When you put God as the center of your relationship, everything will turn out right... fine! Whatever trials you encounter you can solve because God will not give you a problem that cannot be solve; it's just a test for you, on your faithfulness to Him. ZF: How do you encourage each other in your walk with God? Mitchell Morgan: Encouraging words make a difference. You know the kind of person who makes you feel you can do it, whatever "it" is? That’s the kind of person God wants us to be. Paul gave a good guideline when he wrote that everything we say should build up the one who is listening. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29). Think positively. Look for things to encourage. Speak positively. Be an encourager. Encourage others daily. Choose to specialize in encouraging words, not in critical comments. As Paul wrote, "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification" (Romans 14:19). Speak positively. Be an encourager. Encourage others daily. As Paul wrote, "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification" (Romans 14:19). The following points give practical ways to be an encourager. ZF: How do you show love and appreciation to your spouse? Wanda Morgan: It is very important to always appreciate your spouse in whatever he does for you whether big or small. The bible says love covers a multitude of sins, meaning that even if you were disappointed with something he did, the love that you have for him will allow you to remain calm and appreciate him for who he is. Marriage has a lot of challenges, challenges that lead you closer to God so that He can direct your path. When my husband does something good, big or small, I use words: "Thank you."; "I appreciate that."; "That makes me feel so special when you do that."; "You’ve just made my life easier/more fun/happier because you did that." A light touch on his arm, face, hand, etc. when saying thank you or smiling big in response to what he has said! A quick kiss, a quick, light rub on his back, a squeeze of his hand or knee & most of all, a "loving you up look" with the words "thank you". Amazing the wonderful response I get! Wow, what amazing answers to some tough questions! Not many people can be married for 28 years & still say they are happily married! I can tell you that my marriage will be even more enriched since reading this! Brother Mitch & Sister Wanda, I thank you so much for sharing your secrets to success with our readers! I have a feeling this may save some marriages! Please stay tuned for another awesome couple!