The happiest wives in America - HUMAN EVENTS

"The most surprising finding in this new report is that, on average, the happiest marriages among the next generation are those who have no children and those who have four or more children. When the faith factor is added into the equation, it becomes no contest: 59 percent of wives with four or more children who attend religious services regularly are very happily married, compared to just 38 percent of religious wives with no children, 30 percent of childless, less religious wives, and about 20 percent of married mothers who do not attend church regularly."

I'll speak for myself and say that this article is very accurate in describing our family life: very happily married, 5 kids, attend Church every week. Lest I appear to boast of myself, let me hasten to give full credit for our long-term contentment to our religious beliefs, which do make ALL the difference in our roles as husband and wife, and also as parents. Our children are taught from babies, that marriage between a husband and wife is sacred, and meant to last not just for this life, but for all eternity. This document contains all the essentials for a happy family. As I sat in Church and listened to another husband/father express deep gratitude for his wife and children, I looked around at my own little family: I had both my arms around two of my kids snuggled up on either side of me, while my husband held our youngest cradled contentedly on his lap, and another leaned against him from the other side. I thought to myself, "It doesn't get any better than this." Is our family "perfect?" Do we never have our disagreements, squabbles, or dirty laundry (think about that one!) Do we never have our challenges and trials? Of course not--what life doesn't experience some turbulence? Think of our religious beliefs as being the "bumpers" you find in a bowling lane that keep you from rolling a gutter ball. Yeah, sometimes we bounce off the sides, but overall we're heading in the right direction. Truly, there is no more sublime, peaceful feeling than to quietly and reverently worship together, knowing we are all in this Forever Family for the long haul. If you've tried the relationship advice of the secular world and come up hollow, if you feel like your marriage and family life are heading for the "gutter," if you want a happier marriage or family, start here. The happiness, peace and contentment are no illusions; there are real answers to life's dilemmas, families and marriages are meant to be FOREVER, and you can have that life too. Joy in family: It's the purpose behind your creation.