Is your relationship stale? Give your marriage a makeover

"Wives, understand and support your husbands … Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives …"

-- Ephesians 5:22,25 (Message)

We're living in the era of the "makeover."

What have you made over this past year?

Have you considered making over your marriage?

With the proven statistic that 50 percent of marriages end in divorce, it's obvious we need some makeovers and maintenance in how we're handling our marital commitments.

When problems start to arise, couples can get disillusioned about the prospect of marital bliss. Money, time management, children, health issues and the pursuit of dreams cause people to lose their focus from fanning their flame with their spouse to worries and outcomes regarding possible losses that may occur.

Like rolling that refreshing splash of paint color on our walls, we can follow some Godly guidelines to keep our marriages fresh and alive.

Remember what you enjoyed together when you dated. Play an old song from your dating years that could stir up dormant romantic feelings.

Use discretion when bringing up a serious issue. When your spouse comes in the door after a hectic day at work, it's not the time to confront them with your list of problems. No one is at their best when they're tired or fatigued.

Don't spend all your time together discussing problems. Find ways to keep the conversation light. Adding some humor from time to time can keep things playful and fun.

Showing interest in one another's dreams and finding ways you can promote them is a great way to keep that special bond between the two of you.

Giving mercy by overlooking the small things that irritate you shows the unconditional of love of Christ. There's enough tension regarding major issues. We don't need to dramatize the little things as well.

Doing something kind for your spouse, like placing a love note on the steering wheel of the car so they can start their day with a positive thought from you or placing a chocolate kiss or mint on their pillow at night can set the mood for romantic thoughts.

Finding a role model can help. If there is another couple you know or enjoy who has a good marriage, invite them over or go out to dinner with them. Watch how they communicate with each other and see if you can pick up a few pointers.

Making the effort to fan the flame can help makeover our marriages from mediocre to enjoyable.

• Annettee Budzban's new book "Spend a Moment with God" can be ordered through bookstores or online bookstores, or by calling the toll free number (877) 289-2665.