We have already heard the popular phrase, “there isn’t a testimony without first going through a test” This is very true and if you ask anyone with a story what it took to get where they are now, you better pull up a chair because they will keep you for days. Every married couple must face various tests throughout their marriage. Here are 4 tests every Godly … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Exercise Your Faith in Your Marriage
Faith is something many of us operate in on a daily basis. Believing is something that you haven’t yet seen. That’s faith! Assurance, belief, confidence, and conviction are all synonyms for the word faith. For example, when you sit in a chair and you have confidence it will hold you – that is a type of faith. When you believe in a power higher than yourself that is also a type … [Read more...]
The Easiest, Simplest, Happiest Way to Stay Grateful (Every day)
“No matter how bad you think you have it, somebody always has it worse.” I’ve heard and used that phrase countless times in my life, when I felt down and frustrated about my problems. While there is some truth to that statement, I decided to stop using it as a trampoline to snap me back into walking in a spirit of gratitude. Earlier this year I heard a message preached at … [Read more...]
The #1 Reason Why Christian Women are Still Single
The other day I received this question in my inbox: "What do you actually have to do as a single Christian young woman to meet your man. Wait? Or is there are something else?" With so many Christian singles hearing dating advice like “wait on the Lord,” it’s no wonder this sista is confused and looking for real answers. The messages to Christian singles are conflicting. … [Read more...]
How I Told My Wife I Was No Longer a Christian
Before my wife and I were married, we asked each other what was the biggest fear we had about one another. My fear was she would be too indecisive, and would not be satisfied with the choices she made throughout our life together. Her largest fear about me was that I wasn’t Christian enough for her ideals of a husband and a family leader. Through the years our fears played … [Read more...]
5 Things Every Father Should Share with His Sons
As we approach Father’s Day, we are often thinking about the gifts we can give our Fathers. I’m led to reflect on the gifts my father, grandfather and other father figures in my life gave to me. It’s important as a man for me to realize where my foundation comes from. In my case, it comes from those life lessons from my Dad and Grandfather. Respect My grandfather was a … [Read more...]
9-Year-Old Praises God Until Kidnapper Releases Him
On March 31st, 9-year-old Willie Myrick was abducted outside of his home. While in the kidnapper's car, Willie kept singing the gospel song "Every Praise." According to the young boy, the man who kidnapped him was cursing at him and telling him to shut up and after 3 hours of driving around he let Willie out of the car and told him to not tell anyone what happened. When 11 … [Read more...]
‘Black Nativity’ Review: Family, Faith and Forgiveness
Black Nativity is a great addition to your movie-going plans this holiday season! It is a family-friendly film with something for everyone to enjoy. The film is a contemporary adaptation of the original Black Nativity play written by acclaimed poet, Langston Hughes. Black Nativity is a story that centers around Langston Cobbs (Jacob Latimore), a rambunctious teenager who is … [Read more...]
A Powerful Marriage is Better than a Perfect Marriage
It's a total waste of time to try and make your spouse or your relationship perfect. There will be times when all you can do is pray. This is just a nugget of wisdom my husband and I share with couples during pre-marital and marital counseling. In particular, the engaged couples who only see roses and rainbows need to know that their marriage will be far from perfect. … [Read more...]
Five Marriage Lies We Should Stop Telling
A good marriage should be built on honesty, right? So why do we keep telling so many lies? Here are five widespread marriage lies we need to stop telling ourselves (and everybody else): The person you married should stay the person you married. I hear this one all of the time and every time it sounds equally as ridiculous. How many of us are exactly the same person that we … [Read more...]
What I Lost When I Got Married
As I was transporting my children to and from various appointments this week I reflected on the life I had before I found myself taking care of all these other people. I was in my late twenties when I said "I do" but before I walked down the aisle and shortly after, I recognized there were a couple of things I could no longer hold on to. First was my need to stay … [Read more...]
How The Bible Defines Your Role As A Spouse
by Latoya Irving In my previous article we discussed the order of the house regarding God, spouse and children. Now let's look at the roles of the husband and wife so we can understand why spouse comes before children. This is a spiritual look, not to be confused with the physical everyday needs of spouse and kids. This may be a controversial topic, as it was hard for me; … [Read more...]
Who Comes First In Your Marriage?
by Latoya Irving In marriage there is a certain order in the household. God is first, then spouse, then kids. A lot of people have a problem with that order. Some want to put their spouse before God, some want the kids before the spouse, some want God only when He is needed. Let's take a look at how the home should be. 1. GOD-The reason God has to come first is because He … [Read more...]
“Surviving” The First Year Of Marriage
by Latoya Irving Now the honeymoon is over. Some of you are discovering each other's bad habits, wondering if you made a mistake. Don't fret - some of those feelings are normal. Here are some tips to help you survive the first year of marriage: 1. Pray, pray, pray. If you have never needed prayer before, you are going to need it now! Pray for each other, but most … [Read more...]
How Has Having Children Affected Your Faith?
My daughter's in a small Christian school for kindergarten this year. She's learning all about creation and God's grace and beauty in all things. She's taken to the lessons in a big way and it makes me kind of bummed that I haven't been doing this all along. We say prayer before meals and I teach her about being grateful and thankful and appreciative for all our blessings. But … [Read more...]