by Jenise La Vonne,

It’s been two years from my last relationship to this one. That two year time off was some of the most well used time of my life. I focused on two things which included knowing and understanding my self-worth and developing a deeper relationship with Christ.

Unwilling to give up on love, I prayed and asked God for someone to see me the way that He does. In all of His glory and wisdom, he responded to me with this,” Before I can give you someone who sees you the way that I do, you must first see YOURSELF the way that I do.”  I humbly yielded to the Lord and His instructions, spending hours in the word and in prayer. As I pulled closer to God I began to see EXACTLY who I am and what I am worth in Christ. When my love came along I was WHOLE, making his presence the icing on the cake of my life.

I have learned so much being in this new relationship and I’d like to share a few things to be on the lookout for in your relationship.

1. Less Comparing, more Considering. It’s an awesome idea to aspire to have a successful relationship like those around you, however it is critical that you do not fix your mind to think that your relationship has to be EXACTLY like your peers to be great. What works for one couple may or may not work for your relationship.  So instead of trying to mold your relationship into an exact replica of someone else’s, consider the one you’re with. Think about your significant other’s personality, needs, and desires and figure out what works best for YOU.

2. There’s only ONE you. There are no two people on this entire earth that are exactly the same. With that in mind, understand that no matter how similar you and your significant other may be you are STILL two different people. You will NOT always agree on things or have the same understanding on things simply because you are DIFFERENT.

3. Expect to LEARN. Each experience you share with your boyfriend/girlfriend is NEW. Even if some things seem familiar it is still new because there’s no one else like your significant other. Their thoughts, actions, and reactions are theirs alone so you are bound to learn something new.

4. Remember. Reminisce on what got you to the decision of committing yourself to your significant other. Think back and talk about how you all began as well as your desires for a relationship before you were in one. Remembering will keep you in mind of where you want to go.

5. JESUS: Head, front, and center. Pray, fast, read and discuss scripture together as well as individually. Disagreements, and uncomfortable moments will be WORLDS easier when you keep Jesus (and His word) before you, as well as making those good things even sweeter!

Jenise LaVonne is a young woman with a passion to be the best she can be in Christ, as well as help others to achieve that same goal. Inspired by the changes of life and the depths of God, Ms. La Vonne is an avid learner, taking joy in sharing her findings with anyone who will listen. For more information, Jenise La Vonne can be reached at www.lovejeniselavonne.com