I may not be considered among the old and wise yet, but I have experienced quite a bit in my rather brief life up until this point. Oftentimes I feel as though I am somewhat of an “old soul” because of the things I have been through, learned, and experienced. While I still have a long way to go, there is one thing I have discovered to be true: life is a journey that requires patience, grace, and love. And love itself requires the most patience and grace of all of life’s journeys.
In our western culture, we often demand and expect instant gratification. Most products and services cater to our crazy, hectic, and busy lifestyles on the go, and we’ve come to mandate nothing less. Unfortunately, that mentality has spilled over into our marriages, families, and relationships. We want a self-serving, drive-thru, instant gratification kind of life, but that’s the opposite of what relationships require.
Love needs nurturing and patience. It is a marathon not a sprint. Slowly it blossoms and grows establishing deeper, stronger roots all the while. The more we love it and care for it, the stronger and more radiant it becomes. This requires patience, endurance, and determination. All of the blood, sweat, and tears though are well worth it because the rewards of a true and lasting love and marriage far outweigh any of life’s other offerings.
There’s a song that I think captures the ebbs and flows, ups and downs, and patience that love requires. It talks of the journey of determination, grace, endurance, and perseverance in a beautiful, unwavering way. Honestly, I adore this song and its captivating lyrics about a bold yet tender and tenacious love and just know you will too. It’s called I Won’t Give Upby Jason Mraz.
Most of us have been in a relationship at some point in our life where we felt unappreciated, unloved, and undesired. Rather than being wooed and affirmed, you’re left convincing the person to love you and see that you are valuable, precious, and worthy of being treated with respect. It’s lonely, painful, and damaging.
I was definitely in a relationship like this before, and I had nearly lost all faith in the existence of my “fairytale.” It wasn’t that I was looking for perfection or unrealistic, but I had always hoped for and believed in finding someone that I loved and adored and who felt the same way about me. My best friend that adventured through life with me. Someone to laugh, cry, and just be with through all of life’s turns and swerves. That person that pushes you to your full potential while supporting you in a loving embrace. This vision and dream was but a mere flicker at one point because of the relationship I had subjected myself to.
Then, I met my husband. Quickly my flicker became a flame, and I found that all of my hopes and dreams for a lifetime partner were not only realized but exceeded. What a treasure and blessing it is to find the one that your heart loves. That person who makes you dream, hope, anticipate, strive, and believe.
There’s a song by Taylor Swift off of her latest album, Red, that always stirs gratitude within me. I’m reminded of the brokenness and loneliness I once felt and the excitement and joy that my husband brought me when he came into my life. The song is called Begin Again, and it’s a message of hope. Hope that love exists and that, if you’re willing to be patient, diligent, and wise, someone who is deserving will come into your life.
I will leave you with this thought: God wants the best for you. Sometimes we settle and compromise for less than that, but God wants you to have faith in His plans for your life. ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ (Jeremiah 29:11). If you’re struggling, questioning, wondering, or searching, take it to your Heavenly Father. Whether it seems like it or not, He cares, is listening, and working on your behalf.
Let me know what you think of the song and, well, anything else you might have on your mind.
I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that no one will ever love my husband as much as I do. There are so many things I know about him that no one else ever will. Many of his little nuances and mannerisms have only been discovered by me. All of the incredible talents, characteristics, and qualities about him could not be admired or appreciated more than I do. I am his number one fan, and I love that man more than anyone ever could or will.
One of my favorite pictures from Steve’s and my wedding day
On the new hit show, Nashville, I heard a song that captured the essence of this concept that no one will ever love my husband like I do. The song, in fact, is called No One Will Ever Love You, and the chorus blatantly states, “No one will ever love you. No one will ever love you. Like I do.” I couldn’t have said it better myself.
When I play this song, I get whisked away to a place of admiration for my husband. I can confidently say that no one will ever love him like I do. That statement goes beyond a sentiment though. It’s also a bit of a reminder and commitment. I’m not just professing my love for Steve, but it’s also a proclamation that I will live in a way that I’m constantly affirming, confirming, and showing this bold statement to be true. That’s a day in and day out commitment to make him feel loved and adored.
While I know that no one will ever love my husband like me, I want to make sure he knows it too J Anyone else feel the same way?
I hope you all enjoy this song. Let me know your thoughts! Like it? Love it? Leave it?
This word packs so much power and punch to it. It’s a word that describes what we desperately need, sometimes struggle to receive, and often fail to give yet must. It’s a word cloaked in mystery while still being transparent. Relationships of all kinds depend on it, while as individuals we all seek it.
Grace is defined as mercy; clemency; pardon. It’s this concept that we are given a gift that is undeserved and unearned. I’m reminded of Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by your works, so that no one can boast.” The ultimate example of grace was set by God who gave us the gift of salvation, freedom, and forgiveness through the gracious sacrifice and resurrection of His son, Jesus Christ when we were so unworthy.
How many times do we forget this gift of grace we’ve been given? We get wronged or hurt by someone, and we assume the worst about their intentions. We seek vengeance, punishment, and justice. Our hearts become hardened, and we seek out what is fair instead of what is right. Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace.” What if we applied that to our relationships, especially our marriage?
Grace doesn’t mean defenseless, weak, or taken advantage of. It means wisdom, love, and self-control. Remember that you were given grace freely and undeservedly, so be gentle and kind in your assumptions and reactions. Proverbs 17: 27 says, “A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.” Display and offer the grace you’ve received and seek.
In all aspects of life, whether in a marriage, friendship, or an internal struggle, grace is a key component. It seeks understanding, wisdom, and discernment. This brings me to a song that I wanted to share with you this month. It’s by one of my favorite bands (fellow Palm Beach Atlantic University alum), Tenth Avenue North. It’s called, Graceoff of their new album The Struggle (which is an amazing album by the way), and I think it might soften your heart like it did mine. It reminded me of the power and importance of grace in everyday living.
When I first heard this song, I couldn’t stop the corners of my mouth from creeping upward into a smile. Not only did I find myself doing a little jig to it, but I enjoyed the playful nature of the song’s lyrics. Despite being jovial, this song also brings about an important message to the table … enjoying our spouse and celebrating our differences.
Before I reveal the song, I have a few questions for you to ponder. Do you enjoy your spouse? Do you take time to just laugh, talk, and be together? Do you stop to think about all of the wonderful things about your husband or wife?
It’s easy to forget that we married our spouse because we actually enjoy and like them. We get caught up in being an efficient team that we often miss each other completely and soon drift apart when the friendship dies. Part of having a great marriage is keeping that friendship strong and reminding one another of the companionship and enjoyment that comes from being together.
That’s why I loved, Toby Mac’s song Made For Me off of his new album Eye On It which just dropped the end of August. While I love the whole album, this song was one that warmed my heart and made me want to take a few moments to consider just how much I appreciate my husband, Steve. The lighthearted tone of the song can’t help but make you want to snag your special someone, and do something fun … maybe even some silly dancing to it in your living room. Hopefully when you hear it, your hearts will well up with gratitude for your spouse … so much so that it spills over into some affirmation and acts of love toward him/her.
Something I have come to value highly in my marriage is the companionship it provides. The fact that my husband is by my side in the good and bad, highs and lows, laughter and sorrow is a blessing of monumental proportions. There is such strength and comfort that comes from walking through life with him hand-in-hand.
My marriage to Steve isn’t a fluke, mistake, or random act of fate though. It’s an undeniable work of God. God gave me Steve, and I have no doubt about that. He is my treasured blessing and gift sent down from my Heavenly Father who knew just what I needed in a husband. Boy, am I thankful for that!
Thinking about this reminded me of a song by Blake Shelton called, God Gave Me You. In this song, Blake so perfectly summarizes the awesome companionship of a loving spouse and just what a joy it is. And it reminds me of how thoughtful our Creator was to establish marriage for us to have someone to travel along life’s roads with. He knew what we needed long before we did.
Genesis 2:18 says, “The Lord God said ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’” There are so many times in my life where I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God gave me Steve, and I can’t help but get overwhelmed by that gracious and perfect gift. He is my best friend, lover, partner, and leader.
I don’t know about you, but it’s nice to stop and realize what a blessing my husband is and just how much he enriches my life. His love and friendship are constant reminders of just how good God is.
Check out Blake Shelton’s, God Gave Me You, and let me know what you think.
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Our society these days struggles with the definition of a husband and a wife’s role. Things have changed, and many people are wanting to re-write the book on what marriage should look like. Traditional marriage and roles are seemingly being tossed by the wayside with people claiming that they’ve reinvented the wheel.
While things do change, and I believe that each couple has to figure out what works best for them, I refuse to invalidate or discard God’s design for men and women as husbands and wives. Again, that’s not to say that there are hard and fast rules with no room for adapting or adjusting within each marriage, but with the “out with the old and in with the new” mentality, came a huge decline in marital success and satisfaction. That says something to me.
There is definitely something to be said for the strengths that each gender possesses. It’s not a matter of inequality but rather different yet complimentary roles that come together in perfect tandem. Men have a God-given ability and responsibility to lead, and women have the God-given ability to nurture and support (Ephesians 6:21-23). This balance between a husband and wife is what creates this beautiful portrait of the marital relationship.
Recently I came across a song that reminded me of the importance of men leading in their homes as a husband and father. I do believe many (not all) women have an innate desire to be led by a strong yet sensitive man, and I believe many (not all) men long to have a woman who will respect and support them. Additionally, the father figure in a child’s life is so crucial on so many levels, which further demonstrates the need for strong, courageous, and loving men who are the servant-leaders of their homes and families.
When I heard this song, Lead Me, by Sanctus Real, I knew it was a song I wanted to share with you all. It touches on that longing of wives and children to have their husbands/fathers lead them while demonstrating a husband’s desire to do so. When I hear this song, I know that it resounds in so many men and women out there. All around, it’s a song that I think many of us can relate to, enjoy, and learn from, which is what I hope for you.
Check it out, and let me know what you think. You can get a copy of Lead Mehere.
A couple of weeks ago, I was able to attend the amazing leadership conference, Catalyst West. It was an epic event that was chock-full of incredibly inspiring speakers, music, and fellowship. I laughed, I cried, and I grew in countless ways. At the end of the three days, I felt inspired, enriched, and excited by everything I had the privilege of soaking in.
One of my favorite parts was the discovery of a band I hadn’t heard of before. It was love at first sound. They are this unique and entrancing combination of gypsy meets soul, and the words to their songs obviously flow from the depths of their souls. It’s music that finds its way into your spirit and pours out of your heart.
This band is called Gungor, and if you can’t tell, they’ve won me over. One of my favorite parts about Gungoris that the heart of the band is a husband/wife duo … bonus! While I’m head-over-heels for almost every one of their songs, there are two that just get me every time – Dry Bonesand Beautiful Things.Ultimately though, the big winner is Dry Bones. I’m not exaggerating when I say I listen to it at least five times a day. I know, I know … I probably shouldn’t admit to this kind of obsessiveness, but I can’t help it. There’s just something about it that gets into my bones (cheesy pun, but I had to do it because it’s true).
Relevant Magazinedid a video of this song with them and the ridiculously cool and talented Kevin “K.O.” Olusola on cello/beat boxing (you read right) that rocks. So check it out, leave a comment letting me know what you think, and purchase the song or album.
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We all have a past. We all have baggage. We all have healing that needs to happen in our lives emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. Truthfully, we are all beautiful messes.
Often times we become acutely aware of this when we enter into a relationship. Suddenly our insecurities, fears, and brokenness rear their ugly heads taunting and tormenting us. Thoughts race through our minds of our inadequacies, and we begin to feel unlovable.
Some people respond to this onslaught of emotional bondage by shutting down. Others simply try to mask it all. The reality is that we need to face it all … honestly and openly. Yes, it’s painful and scary, but when we have met someone we are contemplating giving our heart to, then vulnerability and openness are absolutely essential to moving forward individually as well as in the relationship.
Most of what we think about ourselves is false messages … lies from Satan that try to deter us from the abundant blessings God has in store for us. If Satan can convince us that we are trash, then we never aspire to love, dream, or believe in God’s perfect plan for our life. Right?
That’s why we need to tackle our brokenness head on because each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made by a loving Creator (Psalm 139:14) who doesn’t make mistakes. And guess what? The person you are in love with has brokenness to deal with too, but he/she is still a masterpiece too. It’s about working together through the bruises and scars left by life and realizing that you aren’t damaged but rather equipped with valuable lessons you’ve learned through your experiences. You are stronger, wiser, and refined.
There’s a song that paints a picture of this healing process so beautifully. It’s by a band that I am superbly proud to say I went to college with. Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to build a friendship with them, but I did get to listen to them play around campus. While they may not know me, it doesn’t stop me from being ridiculously supportive and excited for them and the way God is using their band and inspirational music.
Tenth Avenue North is a band that gets it. Their music is straight from the heart with messages that speak to the heart. In one of their lesser known songs, Oh My Dear, you are taken on an intimate journey between two people working through their pain and brokenness.
Take a listen, and let me know what you think! By the way, you can snag this song (or any of their songs) here. You can also get the full scoop on Tenth Avenue North by visiting their website.
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Recently my husband, Steve, and I were snuggled up watching the movie True Country, and although I wasn’t a huge fan of the message of this movie, I did discover one of my favorite new songs that I couldn’t wait to share with you all. It comes part way through the movie, and as soon as I heard it, I fell in love with it.
Whenever I turn this song on, I have to crank it up. It paints this portrait of two people in love working to win one another’s hearts. It reminds me of falling in love with my husband and how hard we both work to keep falling in love with one another each and every day over and over again.
The lyrics are playful and powerful all at the same time. It’s just a great love song called, Give Into Me, and I’ll admit that I’m borderline obsessed with it at the moment. From its sound to its lyrics, I can’t stop listening to it.
Alright, alright, I will stop rambling on and let you decide what you think of it for yourselves. Hopefully you enjoy it as much as I do!
Oh, and here are a couple of my favorite lyrics from the song:
Check it out …
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