Has anyone ever asked you to pray for them and you said you would...and then you forgot? I've been there. It's one of those out of sight, out of mind situations that leave you feeling like crap the next time you see that person. Well, for married couples whose lives are held together by the ever-important third strand, forgetting to pray is not an option. Since we already have … [Read more...]
5 Sweetest Day Hacks to Create the Sweetest Life With Your Spouse
Marvin Gaye's smooth voice singing "How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You" is one of the most renowned relationship songs out there. Released in 1965, it has helped couples love and last for decades. But what does it mean to be loved, especially in marriage? Of course, that's the million-dollar question that has a million different answers. I mean, in every relationship, love … [Read more...]
5 Scriptures to Help You Through Sickness in Your Marriage
No one ever wants to hear bad news about their health. Whether you go to the doctor for a routine visit or you're forced to see a specialist because of a specific new ailment, most of us desire a positive outcome. But what do you do if you're suddenly faced with sickness in your marriage? It was July 15, 2018 when my friend Chloe found out she had breast cancer. Though a … [Read more...]
Divorce: Is It the Answer to Lazy Husband Syndrome?
Divorce. It's the ugly "D" word. In fact, it causes emotions that are the direct antithesis of everything most people feel when they get married: joy, elation, excitement, hope. Rather than these, thoughts of divorce often lead to dread, embarrassment, fear, sadness. We usually don't toss that word around lightly. At least we shouldn't. I mean, not for stuff that's fixable … [Read more...]
4 Powerful Skills to Help Your Teenager Handle Peer Pressure
More than 20 years ago, my husband and I were blessed to work in our church's teen ministry. We wanted to help spiritually guide their thoughts as they attempted to navigate this thing called life. Back then, the challenges they faced were unlike anything even I had dealt with. School pressure, peer pressure, even internal pressure brought a realm of circumstances somewhat … [Read more...]
3 Marriage Boot Camp Lessons You Should Practice Every Day
It seems that boot camps are all the rage these days. I mean, there's probably a Bootcamp for just about anything. Whether it's learning a new language or whipping your body into shape, it's as easy as a google search and a click to find someone willing to sell their knowledge. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm all for earning a living by parting with some of one's hard-earned … [Read more...]
5 Biblical Ways to Revive a Dying Marriage
In a recent article, I talked about the "labor of love" that is necessary to keep your marriage strong. I pointed out that "labor" means so much more than just "work." It involves bringing a conceived love to life. In other words, giving birth. So what do you do when the very thing you gave birth to begins to die? How do you handle marriage problems that have become terminal to … [Read more...]
Labor of Love: Old School Relationship Tips That Will Keep Your Marriage Strong
Well, it’s labor day weekend and we are all ready to have a good time! The grills are out, the ribs are cooking, the bbq sauce competitions are on, and time with our families is irreplaceable. I’m always excited to see strong black families doing their thing. But I’m also keenly aware of the stigma that has dogged our communities for generations. Often, we are seen as people … [Read more...]
3 Reasons to Trust Your Gut If You Think Your Spouse is Cheating
You can't quite put your finger on it. You're not sure what it is, but something's off. For a while, things between you and your spouse have been off-kilter. There are days where you barely talk and on the days you do, your conversations are as dry as the Sahara. Yeah, something's off. Naturally, you become more observant and certain behaviors have your gut in a knot. You don't … [Read more...]
Unhealthy Relationship Habits You Didn’t Know You Had
They say that if you do anything for 21 days straight you are on the road to developing a habit. The rule is known as the 21/90 rule. Hit the gym for 21 straight days and then follow that up for another 90 days and you're off to a good start. This bodes true for both personal and professional goals. It also applies to both good and bad relationship habits. Sadly, there are some … [Read more...]
3 Engagement Behaviors That Can Ruin Your Marriage
There's something about a great proposal and you want in. You've seen couples who are doing marriage right and you think you've met "the one." After seeking out marriage advice on google, from your pastor, and your closest married friends, you took the next step. "Will you marry me" has been asked and answered in the affirmative and you're preparing to walk down the aisle. But … [Read more...]
5 Prayers to Help Your Child Make It Through the School Year
The past week in our country has been a nightmare. Three mass shootings in California, Texas, and Ohio claimed the lives of 31 people and injured dozens more. We don't know when or where it will happen again. But, one thing is for certain. We can pray. And, I don't mean pray just for the families of the victims, but also for God's future protection for ourselves and our … [Read more...]
Relationship Goals to Aim For Before and After Marriage
Lately, it's hard to read anything on the internet without a hashtag attached to it. It's gotten to the point that unless there's a hashtag, your sincerity is in question. While I have no intention of furthering this communication hiccup, I couldn't help but take a peek at what passes for #relationshipgoals these days. By and large, I wasn't impressed. However, when it comes to … [Read more...]
Generosity in Marriage: 3 Ways to Outgive Your Spouse
Generosity. It's a word that needs no introduction. Usually, it's attached to some form of financial capability. How much money do we give to charity? Do we pick up the tab when out with friends? How much money do we drop in the homeless man's bucket? However, the fact that generosity encompasses more than finance is not lost on those in love. Strong marriages are built by … [Read more...]
King and Queen: How to Treat Your Spouse Like Royalty
"She's your - Queen to be!" If you've ever seen "Coming to America," these lyrics and the way they are sung stand out in the movie. Sang out of tune and high pitched, it was the first line to the song introducing Eddie Murphy's character, Prince Akeem Joffer, to his bride to be, at least the one who had been arranged for him since birth. After her grand entrance, Akeem attempts … [Read more...]