Inviting God Into the Broken Places of Your Marriage
You can rebuild intimacy and trust after emotional distance or past wounds. Consistency is key. It's like cherishing a valuable vase. The vase is fragile requiring protection and special care to keep it beautiful. But if or when you become careless, the vase can easily fall, break, or become damaged. And while repair may not be easy, it is possible.
So how do you overcome brokenness in your marriage? By making common Christian spiritual disiciplines a part of your life and marriage. I know from experience how prayer, meditation, scripture study, commitment and grace turns brokenness into blessing.
In my book, Our Blended Family, God revealed lessons for marital success, I shared how to keep joy alive amid stress, parenting, and busy schedules. It is our personal story of faith, healing, and togetherness.
Seeking God's strength and guidance allow God to heal your brokenness. As you heal, you can better overcome resentment and even learn to forgive through practicing your faith, even when the pain feels fresh. You experience true forgiveness the moment you choose to release bitterness and rebuild trust.
Repairing from hurt or brokenness takes time, patience, and a whole lot of grace. I know this because I’ve lived it. But God, in His mercy, took the broken pieces of my past and began crafting something new, a story of healing, hope, and second chances.
CovenantStrong.org.
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.” — Colossians 3:15
Love and blessings, j&c
Happy Romance Day
Real talk couples. Today is February 12, just two days away from expected, anticipated, and celebrated Valentines Day. For many, Valentines Day represents a national, even international, call for people to be intentional about connecting with love interest at all dating stages, including the beginning stage for those seeking coupling.
Are you planning something special? Are you among the many who wait for Valentine's Day to be intentional about planning a romantic evening, or better yet, just simply taking the opportunity to express your love and or affection, appreciation, and gratefulness for the special somebody in your life that you plan to acknowledge on February 14th. Let me encourage you to enjoy the national live day but to also resolve in your heart to create daily expressions of love and memories. Love is greatest when you truly share yourself, your space, and your life.
Relationships, expecially covenant relationships are about daily connections with one another to nurture your relationship to honor and glorify God. Daily connection also prepares your relationships for difficult seasons and challenges. It's like reaping and storing up your harvest to not only survive the famine, but to live without lack. Famine could be anything from health trauma, financial hardship, emotional distance, or anything that causes you to make a withdrawal to your love account (instead of the daily deposit you normallymake by being intentional to express love through connection every day of the year).
Romance Is in the Intention, Not the Size of the Gesture
Real talk, family: Romance is often misunderstood. Most of us have lived long enough to know that romance is not proven through grand gestures, extravagant gifts, elaborate trips, or perfectly planned moments. In fact, romance may not even result in fireworks. Romance is most powerfully expressed through intention.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, I invite couples to remember that romance isn’t about grand gestures alone. Some of the most meaningful moments in my relationship with James were not expensive or big productions (although I enjoyed the big productions as well). They were simple. Quiet. Intentional. Through simply enjoying one another’s presence without pressure or performance we were able to create memorable experiences that were special.
Romance creates close connection in your relationship. Close connection leads to both emotional and physical intimacy. Couples who have close connection experience high relationship satisfaction. Not just on holidays, like February 14, but 24/7, throughout the year.
Romance doesn’t fade because couples stop loving. Romance and connection fades when couples stop being intentional. Romantic gestures are evident when we choose to express love in ways our spouse can feel, receive, and recognize. Not because we have to but because we want to.
Reflection for Couples:
Tonight, ask “What makes you feel most loved by me?” Then choose one intentional gesture the rest of this week that says, “I see you and heard you.”
Prayer:
God, teach us to love with intention. Help us recognize the power of small moments and meaningful gestures. Open our hearts to give love freely, thoughtfully, and consistently. Let our love reflect Your presence in our marriage.