Unlocking Deeper Connection in Marriage: The Power of Active Listening

 

 

"The art of conversation lies in listening." - Malcolm Forbes.

 

Marriage is such a gift that society has blown off. It is normal to see spouses being unfaithful and not respecting one another, but more than that, is the lack of connection because there is no communication. Communication is an art form that enhances relationships and improves lives. There are strategies you can learn to improve your communication skills, such as working on your listening skills. Listening more than we speak is hard because we want to be heard. You may even feel that what you have to say is more important than what your spouse has to say. To see major improvement in your communication, you must listen more to what the other person is saying. There is a quote by Epictetus that explains it well, "We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak."

Another tip would be to maintain good eye contact with your spouse to reassure them that they have your undivided attention. Learn to read between the lines of what is being said and what they mean. "The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn’t being said.", a quote by Peter Drucker’s that explains the value of understanding hidden messages and recognizing them through your spouse’s words. In learning to read your spouse, you can show them support and understand how to meet their needs. Then, you can start to show them empathy. When you show your spouse empathy, you let them know that you care, and you are attentive to them. Also, try to avoid distractions when you are speaking. You should create times throughout your day where you can speak to your spouse alone. No kids, no phone, no interruptions.

Listening will transform not only your marriage, but also other relationships you have. Your spouse wants to feel heard and understood, so begin transforming your communication with listening. Your marriage will be stronger, and you will learn more about your spouse along the way!

Embracing the Journey: 5 Strategies to Overcome Obstacles and Triumph

Obstacles in life happen. What is your reaction to them? These 5 strategies can help you conquer challenges and walk confidently in life.

1. Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Learning is a great way to discover techniques that you need to accomplish tasks. One way to cultivate a growth mindset is by reading and challenging yourself. When you refuse to stop, the boundaries that may have held you back before get broken. You step out of your comfort zone and stretch yourself when you have a growth mindset.

2. Set Clear, Achievable Goals: Habakkuk 2:2 says, “…Write the vision, and make it plain on tablets, that he who reads it may run.” Having clear goals is important because where is the end of the race without a finish line? I believe it was Desmond Tutu who said, “There is only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time.” Whatever your goal may be, it can be broken down into bite-sized goals. Maybe you want to run a marathon, so you could start training with a mile, then two miles, then three. One of the main reasons goals do not get accomplished is that we take on too much at once. Set short, achievable tasks every day and you will meet your goals in no time!

3. Build a Supportive Network: Who is around you? Surrounding yourself with the right people is imperative to achieving your goals. The right people will encourage you to conquer challenges, not distract you. The right people will motivate you, not cause you to stumble. You want to surround yourself with people who are where you want to be in your life. Choose mentors and learn from them, even if it is through a book.

4. Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability: Being adaptable is key to walking confidently. Thomas Jefferson once said, “In matters of principle, stand like a rock. In matters of taste, swim with the current.” Being able to be flexible will help guide you through the obstacles by helping you to accomplish whatever it is that needs to get done.

5. Practice Self-Care and Persistence: Self-care can help you regroup, and take things in from a different perspective rather than emotional. Water and exercise are important, but creativity, relationships, and rest are also valuable in our lives. Without caring for our well-being, we run the risk of not reaching our goals and burning out. Self-care will aid in our persistence by rejuvenating and motivating us.

Whatever obstacles you are facing, just know that you can overcome them. From cultivating a growth mindset to self-care, you have the tools inside you to win. Find the right people to pour into you, and watch what happens with just a few sessions!

Echoes of Laughter: Reflections of a Moms Absence

In honor of National Poetry Month, I am challenging myself to write a poem. The prompt is: Write a poem that is also a letter. To your past or future self; to a friend; to an emotion; to a loved one who passed away.

I miss you—
With Mother's Day drawing near.
The echo of your laughter, I yearn to hear.
I miss you—
In the eyes of my children, your absence is clear.
I miss you—
Seeking wisdom, and I stand alone,
Wandering through memories, in whispers, you're shown.
I miss you—
Here, amidst the silence,
Your presence felt in its absence.
I miss you

Navigating Uncertainty: How to Foster Hope with 3 Practical Strategies

 

A reader suggested that I write about having hope for their future. Hope is something that seems to fade, but the truth is that hope is already in our DNA. We just have to know how to bring it out and tap into it. I have three tips for you so you can get your hope back.

The first way to encourage hope to flourish in your life is to focus on what your goals are. The Bible says in Proverbs 16:9, "A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." You plan, God directs. When we are so focused on meeting our goals, there is no time for discouragement to creep in. Try writing down your goals and praying over them and ask God to give you direction. Following the plan of God may not be easy, but you will have a hope that you can not find anywhere else. There is a quote that hits the nail on the head perfectly, "Laziness may appear attractive, but work gives satisfaction." by  Anne Frank.

The second thing I do to make my hope sky rocket is to not surrounding myself with negative things. The more toxic things we consume, the more we give into negativity. Philippians 4:8 provides us with a list of things we should be thinking about; "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." It takes diligence to listen to positive things, but I promise you that it will benefit you more to in the long run.

The final thing I do to keep hope is to increase my faith by reading the Word. When your faith seems weak, hope seems far away. Hebrews 11:1 lets us know how faith and hope work together. It says, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."  The Word increases our faith by taking the Word and begins repairing things. As faith starts to grow it will continue to produce more hope.

So, you can use these three tips to amp up the hope in your life. Encourage others to do the same. So many people are stuck but they cannot find the way out of the pit. But with these tips, you can use them yourself and be a light for others who are in the dark.

 

 

 

 

Searching for Peace: A Journey From Chaos to Serenity

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

 

 This verse constantly pops up in my life. Believe me, I know how it feels to have a thousand racing thoughts and to have your mind never at rest. I went through a tough season in my life during my twenties. I know how Job felt (to an extent lol) when Satan tried to get him to turn his back on God. It was a testing period that took a lot of out of me physically, mentally, and spiritually. My family was also going through a rough season with my dad passing, so my family did notice what I was going through. I started having health issues and kept getting weaker by the day, and I thought I was going to lose my mind! It was rough experience, but God is faithful and brought me through by His grace. During that time, I had dreams and God spoke to me about my calling. Even though I was going through so much turmoil, God  spoke to me and gave me a heart for missions.

During this time, one of my sisters went to a church and invited me and two of my other siblings to go with her. I had so much that happened in my life during that time, so my mind stayed constantly worried. But one night the pastor called for prayer, so I went up. I did not expect anything to happen, but when the pastor prayed for me God's peace filled me! I had never experienced anything so sweet as the peace of God as I did that moment. The singers were worshiping, and it sounded like angels! I remember I tried to stop worshipping, but I could not! God's presence was so strong that night! God gave me so much peace! All the anxiety and racing thoughts stopped. His peace will help you through anything you face  too! Go to Him and receive it! You cannot explain it, but there is nothing like the peace of God!

 

BIBLE VERSES ABOUT PEACE:

• "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8

• "The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace." Psalm 29:11

• "I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants— but let them not turn to folly." Psalm 85:8

• "Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble." Psalm 119:16

• "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." Proverbs 14:30

• "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Isaiah 26:3

Here is a link to more verses:

http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/index.php?search=peace&version1=NIV&searchtype=all&limit=none&wholewordsonly=no&startnumber=1&resultspp=500&displayas=long&sort=bookorder