I am Thankful for my Pastor Husband; the Father of our Children!

I am truly thankful for my Husband. He has been quite wonderful. We have shared many marvelous memories. The Lord has knitted our hearts together in His Love. I daily thank & praise God’s Holy Name for HIS Everlasting Love is priceless.

A Great Father &  Wonderful Man of God!

My husband has been a marvelous father. He respectfully nurtured and engaged our children as they were growing up. We worked harmoniously together.  He has been a great role model. I am thankful that by the grace of God we raised our children in a great home environment.

Our mountaintop  experiences  far outweigh  the moments in the valley.

I can truly say; GOD has been GOOD to me all of my life! I thank Him for HE has BLESSED me/us in ways that I cannot express in words.

“GOD WILL FIGHT YOUR BATTLES”

The Lord has also brought us through much spiritual warfare. He has taught us invaluable Life Wisdom Lessons. Hold your peace because; “GOD WILL FIGHT YOUR BATTLES.” Daily He continues to grow us in HIS Grace Wisdom & Knowledge as we walk in the TRUTH of HIS WORD! We can always think of something to be thankful for. Regardless of what happens the Lord has taught us when you LOVE HIM; “ALL things work together for the GOOD!” “Where the SPIRIT of the LORD is there is LIBERTY.” II Corinthians 3

“GOD WILL take care of you!” I praise and thank the Lord for the liberty that we have found in HIM. I know that it is only by His grace that HE has instilled within us to know without doubt that HE always has our best interest at heart. “I once was young but now I am old, yet, I have never seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread.” Psalm 37

GOD has thankfully allowed us to: “GO ye therefore into the world…”

I am grateful to know that the Lord is omnipresent & I have “BLESSED ASSURANCE” knowing that everywhere I/we are HE is there. We take seriously  GOD’S “CALL” upon our lives as His Elders/ Ministers & Ambassadors. The Lord has allowed us together to see and visit much of this amazing world that was spoken into existence through JESUS CHRIST. There is still so much more to learn & see. One should be ever mindful that everywhere you are GOD is there. “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. The world and them that dwell therein.” Psalm 24 I am thankful for the Lord allowing us to feel and experience His presence wherever we go.

We can always TRUST the LORD. HIS WORD teaches us; “BLESSED be the GOD & FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, who has BLESSED us with every SPIRITUAL BLESSING in the Heavenly places in CHRIST.” Ephesians 1 In the Lord you can discover everything that you will ever need for Life & Living & Eternal life. For this I am eternally thankful. We have learned that “true beauty comes from within.

~ Personal Tribute ~

Give honor where honor is due. I thank the Lord for the many gifts & talents that He has given to my husband/Pastor the father of our children. (As well as the many gifts that are inclusive of our family at large.) He has been and outstanding husband & father as well as a compassionate friend. Loving, strong, patient, firm, protective, at times unyielding and yet kind with our children. We together share a  loving symbiotic union.

He as an Elder can preach, proclaim, teach  and diligently stand upon the Word of God. He is unique in his delivery. Yet, he also embraces what he speaks and teaches. He is cognizant of the responsibility to reach those he is speaking to as he spiritually feeds and ministers to them the Word of God. He patiently, emotionally  and aggressively  is mindful to leave them with a desire to want to know more about the Lord as  the Holy Spirit  ministers to their souls.

A Marvelously skilled Master Minister of Music

To the glory of God  he has seriously and  patiently directed and ministered to many choirs.  He has taught them the importance of  “harmonic blending”   to the degree you can hear a melodic ring when the harmony is on point.  Whenever they learn a song they know who and what they are singing about.  This is not for show but to put forth an effort to always  magnify our Lord in a grand way.  For God deserves our best. And He always deserves our sincere praise!

It is  his God given  gift to skillfully play any genre of music from Gospel to Classical Jazz and make the plethora of crafted key boards dance their own melodic tune. He is not at all boastful about His God given talent. His goal has always been to “GLORIFY our LORD!”

“THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE!”

“Your Gift will make room for you…” Proverbs 18 ~

He has also excelled in the world of technology.  As an astute business man he has been an overseer and managed and mentored and trained many professional project managers within the corporate world.  No doubt he is indeed a natural born leader.  His innate temperament is extraordinary, flexible and resilient.  This has enabled him to be  able to relate to a plethora of cultures, ages and diverse personalities. This is true if you are saved or unsaved. He can engage one on one or to a multitude on a multiplicity of spiritual and intellectual levels. But most important, he is a humble yet very strong Man of God. He can steadfastly exegete, teach, proclaim, expound, rebuke  and stand upon GOD’S WORD without compromise. He has indeed accomplished much to make this world a better place to live in for many.

He is the Love of My life!

Together we daily welcome the presence of the Lord within our home and our lives. Our children are now adults. They are now establishing their own homes. Our love continues to grow and flourish. We do not take the Lord for granted. Nor do we take one another for granted. We are thankful for the spiritual “ONESSNESS” we have been given in the Lord!  As the WORD says; “PRAISE GOD from whom all BLESSINGS FLOW…” THANK YOU LORD!

Life is so much more precious when you share it with someone you are on one accord with. In a consecrated  covenant marriage you love, respect, admire, enjoy & trust one another without question. Precious endless memories abound. Yet, life is full of mountain top and valley experiences. Henceforth we have together learned to major in its joys and minor in its sorrows. To soar and trust God in sickness and in health and the valley or upon the mountaintops.

TRULY GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!

So thankful to  the LORD for there has certainly been much less times in the valley…  There has been numerous mountain top experiences that we will forever cherish.  We are thankful for the life we  have in the Lord.  I THANK the LORD for teaching us how to work together to bring up our children in a home of love, patience, understanding & peace.  Marriage should be unity in action.  To also work together in ministry and business. The Lord’s presence is evident for; “Where two or three are gathered together in my name I am in the midst…” Matthew 18

“I always say: ” I LIVE BEFORE AN AUDIENCE OF ONE!”

WHAT GOD KNOWS ABOUT US IS WHAT MATTERS MOST!

WHEN YOU TRULY LIVE FOR THE LORD; YOUR REPUTATION IS ALWAYS SAFE WITH HIM! FOR THERE IS NOTHING EVER HIDDEN TO HIM!

Together we have experienced “PERFECTION in the LORD” which simply means to be COMPLETE in HIM. We are forever growing in HIS grace as long as HE has us on this side of Heaven.  The beauty about GOD is HE KNOWS EXACTLY where you are coming from. For in times likes these we need A SAVIOR! I can not imagine life without our LORD to HIM we give the GLORY!

Life with GOD is precious!  CHRIST JESUS IS OUR BEST WITNESS

I believe that each & every day is a precious GIFT from the Lord. Know HIS WORD for yourself because; ALL HIS WORD IS TRUE! What is so precious about the Lord is “He is not a respecter of persons…” James 2 Take delight in the Lord be patient because in HIS time, “HE will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37 That are in HIS WILL for you…

The Lord is always there to help us. We in turn need to just reach out, submit and trust HIM! For: “I will look to the hills from which comes my HELP. My HELP comes from the LORD. “ Psalm 121 I am thankful of the Lord’s presence in our lives. He is our Rock, Refuge and strong foundation.

We are to be “As wise as a serpent, yet as harmless as a dove.” Matthew 10

Always keep in mind GOD knows our thoughts motives and intentions. So don’t allow bitterness or regrets to take root.  Time is too precious and you do not want to waste a lot of it in regrets.  Learn to be content knowing that GOD is omniscient. Take some time daily to draw closer to the LORD for HE WILL teach you how to “guard your heart” with diligence. Psalm 3

In closing I suggest;

Women respect your husbands. Husbands respect your wives. Love one another fervently. Single men & women seek the Lord’s direction if you desire a spouse. Hide the Word of God daily within your hearts. You must learn to give up “Me”ness for “We”ness! A great marriage is possible but it takes, love,  dedication, discipline, faithfulness, longsuffering, prayer, sacrifice, unselfishness, work & responsibility. Furthermore marriage is about mutual team work apart or together. Therefore, be willing to give and give in love. Don’t take one another for granted. Learn to be thankful for the time you share with one another.  Embrace Love!

Your marriage should be a reflection of Your LOVE for GOD!

Truly the LORD is my/our  Forever Good Shepherd. We are living in an ever changing world that continues to move further and further away from God’s principles. Know this; Marriage God’s Way Works! Keep God as the Center of your marriage.  Marriage in the eyes of GOd is; “HOLY MATRIMONY!” There are those who will do and say just about anything…  Yes, some will try to undermine your integrity. Do not fear or be discouraged, instead TRUST GOD, for HE WILL; “lead you in the Path of Righteousness for HIS Namesake…” Psalm 23 Honor God in your marriage, in your daily life and within your home. PRAY for DISCERNMENT! Stay connected to GOD & “PRAY without ceasing” all throughout your day.

TRULY GOD IS FAITHFUL! THANK YOU LORD for my Pastor husband the father of our Children. I Love You through ETERNITY. ~ Today & everyday; HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! ~

Why most marriages don’t last! Part 3

Why most marriages don’t last?

Part 3

You can build a strong loving marriage. Working together is key to your happiness. You both have the power to make a fulfilling union. Compassion will help you mutually bond immensely. For your marriage to last it must remain a top priority to both of you.

You are considering getting married? Wow how exciting! You want to make sure you start by building a strong solid foundation. Love, trust, respect and loyalty are a must. They will solidify your union. Your marriage will be what you both make it. It is important to know; many marriages in this 21st century don’t last.

A few things to think about.

Please don’t go into the marriage thinking that you will be able to change each other. There are many resources available when planning your big day. But few think about resources to maintain and build your marriage. For those of you who have never been married before, you must allow for a period of adjustment once married. Living with someone is not the same as dating or being married. The difference is you have not really made a total commitment to one another. You both realize that you can simply opt out at any time…

 

Commit to always treat one another with respect. After the honeymoon period is over remain patient.  Whenever you hit a kink see this as an opportunity to take your marriage to a deeper level. Don’t allow issues that crop up to fester and become sour. Think before you fly of the handle and say something you will regret. It is during this time you need to work together rather than pull farther apart. Don’t take one another for granted. Make it a point to keep you marriage exciting.

A great marriage takes two committed spouses
 

If you have not married; please do not manipulate your potential spouse into a relationship. If you do it will be an ongoing dynamic in your relationship. You should genuinely care for this person and desire to grow together. You want to encourage transparency in order to build a strong secure marriage. Before marrying really have some candid and open discussion as to how you would like things to be in order to see if you are on the same page! Don’t just assume?

 

It is a good to take time and find out more about what each other likes and dislikes. Are you a morning person? Do you sleep with socks on? Do you snore? Are you patient? Do you yell scream and cuss to get your way? Do you rant and rave or manipulate? Or do you sulk and stay quiet, remote cold and unexpressive? Do you think that you should have everything that you want when you want it? Do you want your spouse to do everything for you and be waited on hand and foot and you do very little in return yourself? Or do you like to talk things through… Are you patient kind and loving. If you are you will be able to keep a balance. Or do you quit when the going gets tough?

 

It is the seemingly little things that add up and lead to arguments. It is easier for some to say how they feel when they are angry. Learn to be open and honestly discuss how you are feeling. Don’t make sorry a sorry word. Chill out and warm up to one another. It really is better to say “I am hurting.” Don’t let pride and insecurity dominate your marriage. How else will you settle your disputes if you do not take the time to responsibly communicate with each other? Wait until you have cooled off or can talk without being hostile. Please do not think that by not talking about issues they will go away; they won’t!

A great marriage will last for a lifetime
 

Now that we have discussed some of the not so good things we can move towards what it takes to build a better marriage. You sit down at work and discuss whatever the problem is, right! Why? Because work is a priority and you do not just opt out of your job when things are not going your way. Or if you attend worship you volunteer to do whatever. But when you are at home you are cantankerous? If so this is not good. It is important that you like and respect one another in marriage even more so. Why? Because you say you love this person!

You love them enough to get to know them better. You like them enough to care about their well-being. You care enough to develop loyalty in your marriage. Make sure to have a weekly marriage date. This does not mean you have to always go somewhere. It could just be a quiet relaxed evening committed to spending quality time together. Spend time in the Word together it is a wonderful time to bond. Remember keep your marriage exciting. Life is precious and each day is a gift from the Lord. It is important not to lose sight of this or you will just take one another for granted and improving the marriage will no longer be a one of your top priorities.

Make your marriage a priority
 

Life is about priorities. Take time out to tend to the people and things that are important to you. This is called being responsible. Marriage is the ultimate relationship between a man and a woman. If your marriage is going to last you have to make a conscious effort to work at it.  Keep the embers of love burning to keep it exciting.  Do interesting and adventurous things together!

 

You want to build a mutually satisfying sexual relationship between you as well. Coming together physically as one should be a special time. This is a time of sharing and caring.  A time to experience a time of euphoria together. Marriage is when two can be totally physically one with God’s Blessings. Pray and ask the Lord to help you make this a special time of nurturing, care, love and fulfillment together. It is also a time to be “fruitful and multiply” which is another Blessing from the Lord. You can experience unity when you freely give of yourselves to one another.   Create  a loving environment.  You keep the embers burning by being affectionate and caring towards one another.

 

Each couple is different so together build what works for you. It is okay to have your physical needs met so there’s no reason to be ashamed.  When you have not had sexual relations before, it takes a while to feel relaxed, and become free. It can be quite odd not really knowing what to expect or how to respond. This is natural so be patient with one another. You will have to release some of the things you have heard or thought. Share how you are feeling with you spouse. It will eventually work out. Take time to focus on fulfilling one another’s physical needs. Each couple is different. How often or few or when is between the two of you. The marriage bed is honorable in the eyes of the Lord.

See Part 4