Fresh Growth, Fresh Love: Balancing Life and Love in Marriage

 Spring is a season of renewal, growth, and fresh beginnings—just like a thriving marriage. Just as nature finds balance between rain and sunshine, so must we find balance in our relationships. A strong marriage isn’t about losing yourself or sacrificing everything; it’s about nurturing both your individual identity and your union.

Balancing Work and Family Life
Life can feel like a juggling act—career responsibilities, family needs, and personal time all pulling us in different directions. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV) reminds us, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Prioritize time with your spouse and children, but also set healthy boundaries with work. Remember, success at home is just as important (or even perhaps more), as success in the workplace.

Letting people at work know that you have a spouse and a family is important. They need to view you in the right way. You are not available romantically and your priority is not them.

Personal Pursuits vs. Couple Activities
While date nights and shared experiences strengthen your bond, personal passions also matter. Whether it's a hobby, fitness goal, or ministry work, encourage one another’s growth. Proverbs 27:17 (KJV) states, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” A strong marriage is built when both individuals continue to grow and inspire each other.

Finding new things to do together or new places to explore will contribute to the mutual things that you have in common. Although you don't have to share everything, sharing lots of things makes for a stronger tie with your spouse.

Being “You” and Being “Us”Marriage unites two people as one (Mark 10:8), but that doesn’t mean you lose your identity. Instead, it’s a blending—a beautiful harmony of two lives. Find joy in the balance between being a devoted spouse and a unique individual.

Appreciate what makes you different from your significant other, and balance having time to yourself and with your friends. 

This spring, embrace renewal in your marriage. Find balance, cherish your love, and grow together. We would love to hear how these ideas bring balance to your relationship this spring!

Covenants, not Competitions: The Dangers of Comparing Marriages

The Danger of Comparing Your Marriage to Others

It’s been easy for me to fall into the trap of comparing my marriage to others, especially in a world where social media highlights only the best moments. But comparison is a dangerous habit that can breed discontent and unrealistic expectations. It might even grow resentment. Every marriage is unique, shaped by different experiences, challenges, and growth. Instead of measuring your relationship against someone else’s, focus on strengthening what you and your spouse have built together. It is important for your marriage's longevity!

Five Ways to Focus on Your Own Marriage

1. Practice Gratitude – Instead of wishing your marriage looked like someone else’s, take time to appreciate what’s beautiful about your own relationship. A thankful heart fosters contentment and joy. Make a list if you have to, I did!

2. Communicate Openly – Honest and heartfelt conversations help bridge gaps and build intimacy. Share your feelings, dreams, and concerns with your spouse instead of assuming or expecting them to read your mind. If this is hard for you, share little things first and get used to sharing more.

3. Invest in Quality Time – Every strong marriage requires intentional effort. Set aside time for date nights, deep conversations, and shared experiences that create lasting memories. This is a MUST! You will prioritize time with poeple you love moset

4. Set Goals Together – Focus on your unique journey by setting goals as a couple. Whether it’s financial planning, spiritual growth, or parenting strategies, working towards shared aspirations strengthens your bond.

5. Pray for and with Each Other – Marriage is a covenant, not a competition. Seeking God’s guidance together fosters unity and brings peace, even in difficult seasons.

Instead of comparing your marriage, nurture it. Embrace your journey, celebrate small victories, and remember that love is not about perfection but about commitment and grace. Keep your focus on your relationship, and trust that God is working in your marriage for His glory.

Mentoring in Marriage: A Legacy of Love

As we step into the new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how our marriages can impact not only our own lives but also those around us. Marriage is more than a private relationship—it’s a powerful example of love, commitment, and faith for the next generation.

Proverbs 22:6 (KJV) reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This applies not only to our children but also to the couples we encounter in our communities. Whether we realize it or not, our marriages serve as a living testimony to others. Are we modeling grace, forgiveness, and partnership, or do we let the world see division and strife?

Mentoring other couples is one of the most impactful ways to leave a legacy of strong marriages. By sharing your experiences—both the triumphs and the challenges—you can encourage others to persevere. Invite younger couples into your lives. Show them how you navigate conflict, prioritize communication, and put Christ at the center of your relationship.

We are grateful to have a marriage community within our church. It is helpful to both encourage younger couples and to have older married couples to look up to. Legacy and longevity in marriage helps us all.

This year, let’s commit to setting a good example. Pray together, serve together, and love one another in ways that reflect God’s design for marriage. Your example will ripple through families, communities, and future generations.

We challenge you to reach out to a couple in need of encouragement. Invite them for coffee or tea :) share your story, and offer your prayers. Let 2024 be a year of building stronger marriages and mentoring others in the covenant of love.

As we celebrate new beginnings, may your marriage shine brightly as a beacon of hope and faith. Happy New Year! Let’s walk together, strengthening one another as we build a legacy of love.

Kindling the FIRE of Marriage: Being Covenant Keepers

Marriage is one of life’s greatest blessings, but it’s no secret that it can also be one of life’s greatest challenges. For many couples, there comes a moment when keeping the fire kindled feels almost impossible. The weight of misunderstandings, unmet expectations, and life’s trials can make it tempting to let go. Yet, the beauty of marriage lies in its design by God—a covenant, not a contract.

The Bible reminds us in Ecclesiastes 4:12 (KJV), “And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” A marriage centered on God becomes that unbreakable cord. Even when the journey gets tough, encouraging one another daily can reignite love, respect, and hope.

Here at Walking Together Towards God, we acknowledge the difficulty of ending a marriage and the pain it brings, not just to the couple but to families and communities. While we can’t save every relationship, we will minister to those God sends our way. If you’re reading this, we believe you’re here for a purpose.

To married couples, we urge you: be each other’s greatest encourager, year after year. Share a kind word, pray together, and commit to forgiving often. To those around married couples, be a light of hope and love. Cheer on the relationships in your circle. Your words and actions could be the spark that reignites a dying flame.

As we close this year, we invite wives to watch and listen to this podcast to find encouragement and support. Our theme for next year will be “Covenant,” as we focus on the sacred promise of marriage.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May God bless your marriage and every relationship you’re called to nurture in 2024. Let’s walk together, stronger than ever, toward God’s design for covenant love.

 

Giving Thanks for Your Spouse: Celebrating Thanksgiving All Year Long

Thanksgiving is a time when families gather to express gratitude for the blessings of life, but the spirit of Thanksgiving shouldn’t be limited to one day. As believers, we are called to live with gratitude in our hearts daily (1 Thessalonians 5:18). One of the most meaningful ways to practice this is by giving thanks for your spouse—not just in November, but all year long.

Marriage is a gift from God, a union that reflects His covenantal love for His people (Ephesians 5:25-33). When we view our spouse through this lens, we can see them as God’s provision and blessing in our lives. Whether your relationship is flourishing or you’re in a season of challenge, expressing gratitude for your spouse can transform your marriage.

Proverbs 18:22 reminds us, “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.” This truth extends to both husbands and wives. By acknowledging your spouse as a “good thing” and a sign of God’s favor, you invite joy and gratitude into your relationship.

Here are ways to keep the Thanksgiving spirit alive in your marriage:

1. Pray for Your Spouse Daily: Thank God for their strengths, pray over their struggles, and seek ways to support them.
2. Speak Words of Affirmation: Verbalize your appreciation regularly. Simple words like “thank you for working so hard” or “I’m grateful for how you care for our family” go a long way.
3. Celebrate Small Moments: Cook a favorite meal, share a heartfelt note, or set aside time to reminisce about God’s faithfulness in your relationship.

In Colossians 3:14-15, Paul urges us to “put on love” and “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” Gratitude fosters peace, unity, and love in marriage. As you practice Thanksgiving throughout the year, you’ll find your relationship strengthened and your home filled with God’s joy.

Let’s celebrate our spouses and thank God for the beautiful gift of marriage every day!

Keeping Love Fresh: Lessons from a Crab Date Night

This October, Maurice and I decided to shake things up with a seafood date night. If you’d been there, you’d have seen us both cracking crab legs, bibs on, hands messy, eyes locked over a mountain of crustaceans. It was all very romantic—and a little hilarious. There we were, pinching and cracking away, determined to get every last bit of crab meat. It was an evening filled with laughter, a little bit of shell splatter, and a reminder of why dates are so important for keeping our love fresh. As it says in *Song of Solomon 4:10,* “How fair is thy love, my sister, my spouse! how much better is thy love than wine!” (Or in this case, better than crab legs!)

But this got me thinking: like seafood, marriage requires attention, seasoning, and a little spice to stay fresh. If you don’t keep stirring the pot, you risk letting things go cold. In *Matthew 24:12,* we’re warned that “because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” Isn’t it true in marriage, too? We must intentionally guard our love so it doesn’t grow stale or get too comfortable. Here are three simple steps to keep the fire burning:

Schedule Quality Time. 

There’s nothing quite like sitting across from each other, phones down, and sharing a meal that’s a little out of the ordinary. A fun or unusual dinner keeps you laughing together, talking, and finding joy in each other’s company. And if you’re trying to eat crab without making a mess, you’ll definitely be laughing! *Proverbs 17:22* says, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” Make date night a medicine for the heart and the soul.

Express Appreciation Often. 

Let’s face it: we get so used to each other that sometimes we forget to express how much we care. But that night, between bites, I told Maurice how grateful I was for him. Those little words make a big difference. As *Proverbs 16:24* reminds us, “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” Don’t let your love grow cold—speak words that are sweet and nourishing.

Laugh Together. 

Life is serious enough. Laughter brings us closer and keeps things light. If you can laugh over seafood splatter and messy hands, you can laugh through life’s messes, too. Ecclesiastes reminds us in *3:4* that there’s “a time to laugh.” Find those times together and cherish them!

That October evening over crab wasn’t just dinner—it was a joyful, messy reminder of the bond God has blessed us with. No matter where you are in marriage, make the effort to keep your love fresh. And remember, whether it’s crab legs or life’s other challenges, love is sweeter when you savor it together!

A Family Adventure in ATL

In September, Maurice and I had the joy of taking our two teenage sons on their first-ever plane ride! Watching their excitement as we boarded was a memory I’ll hold close. They couldn’t stop looking out the windows and snapping pictures as the plane lifted off. Seeing them experience this for the first time reminded us of God’s simple blessings, and it truly set the tone for our trip.

Atlanta welcomed us with so many things to see and do. Although we had a big list of places we wanted to explore, God had other plans. We didn’t make it everywhere on our list, but in every moment, we felt God nudging us to just *be together.* From enjoying meals to laughing over shared stories and seeing the sights we could, our time was filled with joy and gratitude.

As parents, we often focus on planning and perfecting every detail, but this trip reminded us that quality time together is what truly matters. God used this trip to remind us to cherish each other, even in the simplest moments. We’re so grateful for this family adventure and the memories we made in Atlanta—especially for the chance to watch our boys take flight for the very first time. 

Enjoy a few of our pictures!