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!

 

 

HOT Summer

Some guys profess their love with flowers, but not my Maurice!

This summer, I experienced a surprise that will stay with me forever. It was a hot, sunny day, the kind that makes you dream of poolside lounging and cool breezes, but my husband had something else up his sleeve. Out of nowhere, he called me outside. He had a surprise. I had no idea what to expect—a cute summer dress, maybe? A dinner reservation? But when I stepped out, I couldn't believe my eyes. There, gleaming under the sun, was a brand-new, fire-engine-red Chevy Blazer!

To say I was shocked would be an understatement. This was the car I’d admired for so long, always drawn to its sleek design and sporty look. The red color was perfect for summer, bold and vibrant, and the Blazer itself just screamed adventure. It was as if he had brought a bit of the summer sun down to earth just for me. And let me tell you, the first time I slid behind the wheel, I felt like a million bucks.

Now, every time I hit the road in that gorgeous EV Blazer, I can’t help but smile. It’s more than just a car; it’s a reminder of his thoughtfulness and the excitement of a summer surprise. Here’s to many more sunny drives and memories in this “hot” gift of a lifetime from the hottest guy ever!

 

Lil Maurice Rated PG

Praise God! When I was a little tike, of about five years of age (1975). I guess I thought I was some kind of explorer or zoologist or something, because I used to go around searching for Moby Dick (the fictional whale). I can't remember hearing the story, and I know I didn't read the long novel. But I was obsessed with finding this creature. Which is kind of embarrassing when I think back on it. Somehow I got the idea that Moby Dick lived down in the sewer system, under the manhole covers.

One summer day a friend and I, with our big afro's and bell-bottom pants, were playing at my house. My mother (RIP 1/8/50- 5/19/86) decided to take me and my friend with her so she could see her friend, who lived in another part of the hood. When we got there we sat on the front porch. The nice lady offered my friend and I some watermelon. After eating that, my friend and I went around to the back of the house, as my mother and her friend sat on the front porch talking. While in the backyard, being simple ones my friend and I had the bright idea to bark at the German-Shepherd across the fence. We stood there barking for a while like animals or more like Garanimals. Then l decided that wasn't too fun, so I went off alone to continue my search for Moby Dick. 

I walked over to the alley, and saw a manhole cover. I could hear the water down under the cover" so I stooped down and began to lift the manhole cover up. I had the cover up at arm's-length while I was still stooping. Then I pushed the cover over on it's back. In doing this I fell forward head first into the manhole. When I first knew I was going to fall, I thought to myself "It would be 'shaarp' if I could do a flip and spin like the gymnast do". As I was thinking that it miraculously was happening in slow motion 🔁. I ended up hanging from the side of the manhole, on the same side but facing the opposite way I fell. While hanging there I could see and feel the rushing water soak my shoes and splash about six inches up my legs. Then I saw the iron steps that are on the side of a manhole right in front of me. For a split second I thought "I could use these steps to go down and look for Moby Dick". But that would've been a bad choice, being pro-life and all, therefore a little fear set in and I decided to climb out. As I was climbing out I remember looking over a little angry at my friend, he was still barking at that dog. I couldn't believe it! When I got out I ran around the outside of the house and told my mother what happened and showed her my water soaked pants. I'm not sure if she believed me at the time. But we did leave soon, and we never went back over there. More recently I began to think that other than a miracle it would've been physically impossible for me to end up hanging and facing that opposite way if I didn't do that particular flip and spin. Fortunately that manhole cover fell backwards and didn't come down on me hanging there or my hands, fortunately the manhole steps were right in front of me, and again fortunately a car didn't come flying down the alley at the wrong time.

God's word says and I bear testimony to it: "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" Hebrews 1:14. And Jesus Christ said: "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” Matthew 18:10 

Parents: Please teach your children how to play safely.