Believing Beyond Sight: A Testimony of Faith and Love

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrew 11:1 Faith is believing what you may not be able to prove true. You believe against all evidence in the natural. Do not look at the facts, or what others may say. I heard my pastor say once, “Faith sees it done now, in the present.” So, faith does not look at the circumstances or base its hopes on them. I remember when I prayed for my husband. I wanted to be married so bad and felt like it would never happen. I did not put myself in the dating scene either like someone who wanted to be married should have. But I knew God had someone special for me. So, when my mom got sick and my husband came in the picture, I was so happy. I knew that God had answered every prayer I prayed. I wanted someone who could make me laugh. Check! I always wanted kids (but I could not have any of my own). Check! He had three kids! My faith in God was tested but made stronger as I prayed and trusted God for years. I have journals I have filled with prayers concerning my husband and I look back amazed. There was times I cried over those pages as I prayed to God and chose to trust Him. It makes wonder how I missed the signs, but my husband knew he wanted to marry me the first time he saw me. I could write a book about the love and faithfulness of God in our love story. Even though you may not see things happening, engage your heart in prayer. Believe God is moving on your behalf and what His Word declares belongs to you! Listen to the Word through preaching or on an audio Bible and grow your faith in whatever area that may need it. Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

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