The echoes of a royal wedding from an earlier era are difficult to ignore.

The backdrop is the same: the opulent red-and-gold decor of the grand Throne Room at Buckingham Palace. And the mischievous smiles on the faces of some of the bridesmaids and page boys – and endearingly bewildered expressions on the others – are strikingly similar.

But, 30 years after the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, the official wedding picture of Prince William and Kate Middleton also reflects the differences between the two couples’ relationships.

 

 In the article “Test driving marriage,” the group Focus on the Family noted:

No strings attached. Test-driving a relationship by sharing living quarters appears to be the perfect solution. If it works out, great! If not, no harm done.

Or so you thought.

Damage does occur when couples choose to live together. Marriage cements love with a commitment. Living together leaves you vulnerable, causing you to doubt the level of your partner’s dedication.

Studies show that couples who live together before marrying have a higher tendency to divorce. It seems the short-term commitment of living together often equals short-term commitment in marriage.

If you’re not ready to get married, do you really think you’re ready to live together?

Tim Hawkins on Parenting

Adrian Rogers – Simplicity of Salvation (4 4)

Here’s a couple who went to a FamilyLife Conference and how it made a difference in their marriage.

Monarchy: The Royal Family at Work_Part 7 of 7