Engaged

When you look at this picture what you might see is a cute couple madly in love with no problems in the world. While we were and still are deeply in love what you won’t see is that our hands were covered in poison ivy from a camping trip the week before. We were running late, (shock I know -in case you don’t know this isn’t a new thing 😅😂) Grant had washed his shirt that morning so it would be “fresh”, but had forgotten to put it into the dryer so it was almost soaking wet. He held the shirt out the window as we drove to our pictures to “help it dry”, and I sat there pretty upset and slightly mortified – but looking back I just laugh. I was so upset with him for forgetting, however, now it’s a funny memory that I will absolutely never forget. All to say we all go through tough times in our relationships.

Marriage Tips:

When times get difficult

1. Focus on the good! Make a list of the best traits of your spouse.

2. Stay joyful! Be slow to anger and try to compliment each other through it.

3. Have space! But not too much.

4. Be quick to forgive! Never go to sleep angry.

Before I met Grant I was kind of a serial dater if I’m being honest. All long term relationships of at least a year, but I would jump out of something and jump into something else fairly quickly. At a younger age I wasn’t as focused on dating with a purpose and could this man be my future husband, I was more like – Aw he’s cute, totes in love! If I could go back or rather give my younger self a few pointers I would tell myself to stay single and surrender my heart over to God, to pray, and to wait until He brought my husband into my life. I’m so thankful I didn’t settle, but I definitely could of avoided a lot of heartache in the process if I would have came to this understanding sooner.

Single Tips:

In the waiting

1. Pray! Sit down and write out all the attributes you want in a spouse and pray over them.

2. Wait! It can be hard in the waiting believe me I have been there where everyone else seems to be in the stage you want to be in, but here me loud and clear on this one it is so much better to wait- to wait for the man God has prepared for you. It’s worth it I promise!

3. Grow! During the waiting learn about yourself, love yourself, dig into the word, and prepare your heart as you grow closer to God.

4. Get involved! This is a time where you have so much more time to do the things you want to do so pour into what you love most and become involved in that, in the church, bible study, etc.

Tips for Everyone:

Whatever season you are in be engaged – put down your phone, have a spa day, do something sweet for your spouse, find someone who may be lonely or hurting and try to uplift them! This last one is for me as well – Try not to wish your life away wanting things other people have or seem to have as they post in pretty squares, or wanting to be in other peoples seasons. Live every moment engaged in the season you are in knowing God is a good good father. He knows your hearts desires, He is working things out for your good – and preparing a way, all while loving you so deeply through it!! 🙌🏻

So this Valentine’s whether you’re single, married, divorced, on the mountaintop, or in the valley.

Remember:

You are loved forever, Sis! ♥️

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. • Romans 8:38-39