We should grow together!

Saturday afternoon, my husband and I decided we should go out and eat. We went to one of my favorite restaurants, Red Lobster. It was really refreshing to get out with my husband and children. My son behaved so well at the table and our daughter was sleeping most of the time. It was a perfect dinner.

Well, as my husband checked his work Blackberry, I stared at him. I was proud. I told my husband, "You know, you've changed." He smiled and asked, "Really? How so?" I explained to him that by change I mean, he's grown. You see, I notice a huge difference in the Kellus I knew before we got married and the Kellus and I know today. They are two completely different people, ranging from his recreational interest to his work ethic; even his spirituality. He has grown. As we continued to chat, he gave me the same compliment.

This drew me to compare our relationship with Christ to our marriages. When we accept Christ into our hearts, we begin on our earthly journey that is filled with growth! We go through things in life, ultimately to grow. We're tested, tempted and tried along the way. But, the things we endure are not in vain. This is how we grow; it's how we learn. This is what happens in our relationship with God. This is also what happens in our marriage relationship.

Marriage is filled with all sorts of test, Amen? I know I can get a witness. Sometimes we probably wish God would have written a Marriage Manual exclusively for us; one that instructs us on how to live with our mates. That would be nice, but it's certainly nonexistent. It may feel like it's one thing after the next that we go through. But, truth is, the things we are facing is really going to build your marriage testimony. Scripture tells us that All things work together for the good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.(Romans 8:28). This includes things we face in life in general, but also in our marriages. Again, God can use things we go through to build our testimony.

Think of things you previously went through in your marriage. How did you make it out and did it bring you and your spouse closer? Did it help you grow?

In the first three years of our marriage, my husband and I endured a lot. I'll spare the details, but the Lord really has carried us through some very trying times. However, the things we went through together made us stronger; stronger in our Faith and stronger in Love with each other. God had to show us how to go through those things together; how to be each others comfort during times of grief and how pray each other through difficult decisions. This is one very effective way to ensure growth in your marriage; prayer and unity.

We can also help each other grow by being supportive. Our husbands/wives need us to be their cheerleaders. We should always provoke them to do good works- to be successful. They should walk out of the door knowing they have a strong support system at home. This boost their confidence and makes their road a little easier, especially if they were feeling insecure.

Our relationships should be one that is constantly growing to higher heights. Today, I challenge you to sit down and think about how your spouse has helped you grow in life. Think about what you have done that helps your husband/wife be successful in all areas in their lives. I encourage you to pray and ask the Lord to help you be a blessing to your husband/wife. Tell them how proud of them you are and how blessed you are. Share your thoughts with them.


Thank you for visiting Marital Bliss eMagazine's blog today. For more weekly devotionals, be sure to come back http://maritalblissonline.blogspot.com and visit our website http://www.maritalblissonline.com.


Have a blissful week in your marriage!


Warmly,
Kennisha Hill

Heated Argument -vs- Discussion

Who likes to argue? Yelling back and forth about a particular thing that you couldn't come to a consensus about. The truth is, it doesn't have to take all the yelling in the world to get your point across. Because, if you're strong-willed like me, yelling doesn't matter...it would take a sign from God to change my mind. These are my honest thoughts, but it brings me to my point.

You can have a successful disagreement about something without taking it outside and strapping your boxing gloves on. This is called a discussion. You should have healthy discussions about everything because it's important to confront every issue you face in marriage. Yes, somethings are annoying. But, yelling at your husband/wife about it will not solve the issue. It will only cause more friction. Here's what I encourage you to do the next time you feel like erupting your volcano in an argument:

1. Pray before you approach your spouse about it. I jokingly say, "I need to be in an attitude of prayer" before I talk to my husband about it. This is actually a half-joke because it's really true. If not, I may say the wrong thing that will only make matters worse.

2. Be calm and collect. Sometimes we can be guilty of already having an ulterior motive. We know we are going to go off. Don't go there. Instead, approach the situation with peace and love. There's no need to go off. Trust me, it doesn't make you look like the winner. It actually makes you look ugly. And who wants to look ugly?

3. Be open to hearing his/her side. This is especially challenging for me. Most times I have the "I'm right"mindset and instead of really being open to hearing his side, I'm prepared for an argument. Well, just listen, hear your spouses side and be rational. You never know what you could actually learn from your spouse.

In marriage, you will have millions of disagreements. But, you can have successful ones. It's okay to agree to disagree. If it is something that's crucial and heavy, then coming to a consensus will only help you more forward. Pray and ask the Lord to show you the best way to communicate to you spouse about a disagreement. And then, listen and take heed.

Do you find yourself in constant battles? Today, decide to speak life in your marriage. Everything doesn't have to become a heated argument. Be gentle. Be graceful. Be loving!


Warmly,
Kennisha Hill
www.maritalblissonline.com

I love it when my spouse cooks....

...a mouth watering ribeye or t-bone cut steak! He cooks it just the way I like it! With, a touch of Tony Chachere and tiny onions swimming in a sea of spiciness! This delightful piece of beauty with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans melts in my mouth and takes me away into marital bliss!
What about you?

What is your favorite meal that your husband/wife cooks?

I'd like you to comment about your favorite meal that your spouse cooks and be as descriptive as you can! Your entry could be in the next issue of Marital Bliss eMagazine! Be sure to list the exact ingredients in case our readers want to give it a try!

Questions? Comments? or Want to keep your entry private?
Write to us at maritalblissonline@gmail.com

Have a wonderfully blessed and blissful weekend!

Warmly,
Kennisha Hill
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Should we ask, even if we don't want to know?

Let's talk about Honesty in Marriage.

Last week, I came to my husband with a spontaneous question. We were watching something on television and my question came out of no where. I just wondered what type of response I'd get- especially because it was spur of the moment. I asked him "What are your spiritual struggles? What's your temptation?". Now, for confidential purposes, I won't share his answer. However, I will share how his answer sort of took me in for a surprise. Ever heard someone say "Don't ask if you really don't want to know?" Well, I did want to know but probably shouldn't have asked because his answer stayed in my mind and was near unshakable. What have I done? I thought.

But the Lord spoke to me about exactly what happened. You see, God has been dealing with me about prayer and really seeking his face on behalf of others I come in contact with. So, I bought a prayer journal and have been writing prayer request I receive and scripture that I can use to pray for that particular person. It's really been a blessing to me. And, yes, I have been praying for my husband...for traveling grace when he's on the road and just overall strength as he continues doing an excellent job as head of this household. But, I honestly should dig a bit deeper. I need to know specifically what his spiritual needs are; what his temptations are, and I need to pray with him concerning those.

Prayer is powerful. Scripture tells us where two or more come together, God is in the midst of us. (Matthew 18:20). And so, this tells me that if my husband is before the Lord asking him to take something away or to help him with something, I need to be asking the same. Likewise, husbands should do the same for their wives.

The bottom line is, we are all not perfect. We have our own independent struggles that we are dealing with. So, what we need to do is not take the information our spouses give to us (especially when they are completely honest) and we shouldn't get upset. Instead, we should appreciate their honesty and go before the Lord in prayer! You do believe there is power in prayer, right? I pray you do.

I pray this word would quicken you in your marriage. Let it cause you to care and love your spouse enough to want to know what they are dealing with so you can take it to God in prayer. Know that he is capable of healing, restoring, delivering and mending. Let God do it!

Blessings to you this week,
Kennisha Hill

www.kennisha-hill.com | www.maritalblissonline.com