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Keeping Love Fresh: Lessons from a Crab Date Night

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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 intentional
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A Family Adventure in ATL

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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 g
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HOT Summer

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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 go
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Lil Maurice Rated PG

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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
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Spousal Support in Bereavement - Missing Daddy

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We have been silent on this blog. We have been quietly holding each other up. This is why. Just a few years into our marriage, we lost Maurice's dad and on February 23rd my dad passed from earth to eternity. Some would say that we are now fatherless, but we beg to differ. My father - Arnold Lee Harden gave his life to Jesus Christ as a teenager and served in his local church. He then married, had three girls and became a deacon in his latter years. We know that life begins when we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, so my dad is living his BEST life right now! I got that full revelation on Easter Sunday weekend. I was tempted to deeply mourn during the holidays, but then, I remembered that this year was my dad's first Easter with Jesus Himself - how glorious! All couples deal with death differently. When your spouse is hurting, how do you support them? Here are a few things that Maurice did for me. Letting Me Cry I do not think I have ever cried so much on my life. I c
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Communicate Better in 2024

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  Men and Women are different. We communicate differently. Some of us are talkers, others are better at listening. We actually comprehend on various levels that depend on our cirucumstances, mood and history with the person with which we are speaking. Even the words that we are using may have shades of meaning that we did not even intend. Communication is both sharing and understanding. When couples both seek to come to a mutual understanding that is the best starting point. Our goal may be to resolve a conflict or make a decision. Once we share our heart with each other, the next step is being able to completely comprehend your partner's position as well. Here are ten ways for couples to improve communication and increase understanding quickly. - Pray together every day. This will help you align your hearts and minds with God's will and purpose for your marriage. "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:20) This may be a new commi
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We are NOT Falling in Love

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Love is a choice. You do not fall into it. It is a verb because love requires action. Those actions are big and small - from giving roses to saying "I do".  The word LOVE is used so casually that it has begun to lose its significance. Love is not sex. Unfortunately, people love their spouses in the same way they love their sports teams. There needs to be a difference. What is that difference?  Jesus makes the difference in how we love. Greater love has no man than this: That a man lay down his life for a friend. Your spouse is your friend and one that you give up your entire single life for. That is why marriage vows are until death.  Christ gave up his life for His Church as an example to us. It is no longer about "me" but about "we". Love is something that we both DO for each other and it requires sacrifice and commitment. Let's strive to keep our spouse's love tanks full by doing the same things that won them in the first place. Then let's a
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