Prospering Relationships

Growing Prosperity Christian resources to encourage and improve your relationships.

If You Want Your Marriage to Prosper Don’t Trash It!

If You Want Your Marriage to Prosper, Don’t Trash It!

image credits: www.sxc.hu/profile/simmbarb

Why is there such a tendency to run and

find someone to unload all the ugly details on

when a marriage relationship is struggling?

Gossip is not good in any form and

it is especially harmful in marriages.

Why would a spouse want to gossip and air their own dirty laundry about their own spouse?

 

Do You Want Your Marriage to Prosper?

Then Do NOT Trash It!

Deborah McCarragher, author of “Mission Possible – Spiritual Covering,” addressed this issue on her blog in the article “Does Your Garbage Stink? Don’t Trash Your Marriage…”

She explains that when we are emotionally hurt we want to get some sympathy from someone else.  She goes on to quote Joyce Meyer’s advice for hurting hearts: “Run to the Throne instead of the phone.”

Deborah shares why this is so important…

“It’s a simple concept:  when you’ve been emotionally hurt and you want some sympathy from your best friend or neighbor, run to God instead.  He will listen without prejudice and love you without condemnation.  Most importantly, He will not just tell you what you want to hear. He will speak directly to your heart.” (read more)

And, still addressing the issue of turning to others during relationship struggles, Deborah wrote the following powerful message…

“Though we can be an oasis at times for others, we must point them to Jesus, the eternal well of Living Water.  God’s Word quenches every thirst and satisfies truly parched souls.  It holds the key to a fulfilling marriage – even when only one of you follow it’s principles.” (read more)

“Just remember that grace extended goes a long way to fostering harmony in the home.”
— Deborah McCarragher

Go now and take a moment to read the entire article on Deborah McCarragher’s blog. She gives additional advice and biblical insights to encourage thriving, prosperous marriages.

I also highly recommend getting a copy of Deborah McCarragher’s Christian non-fiction book “Mission Possible.” It was written for women who love the Lord, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion. It is meant to encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promise for their spouse and future together.

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you: because he trusts in you.”
Isaiah 26:3

Bottom line: We all know relationships are hard work – especially marriages. And if we want our marriage to prosper then we need to think twice before trashing it and unloading our hurt feelings on others. Strive first and always to take it to the Lord!

May you always run to God first and allow Him to help your marriage to prosper and your life to abound in growing prosperity!

Be Blessed to Be a Blessing –

God bless you always,
Brenda

When your feelings are hurt in your marriage –

Do you run to God first or others?

BEFORE YOU GO…Please leave your answer in the comment section below and then tweet and share with others…

 

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Healthy Relationships: 10 Tips To Encourage Thriving Relationships

Healthy Relationships: 10 Tips To Encourage Thriving Relationships

Improve Your Chances of Healthy, Thriving Relationships!

Healthy RelationshipsHealthy relationships

permit us to connect and

share time with the people

that we care about

in a positive, fulfilling way.

Positive relationships give us

strength and purpose in our

day-to-day lives.

They also bring happiness, joy and love.

“Be tender loving one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another.”
— Romans 12:10

It is no secret that close relationships are the cause of great pleasure in our lives, but they are also the cause of great pain. When relationships start falling apart it can be very traumatic and emotional.

Do you ever wonder how you can have such a deep connection with a person one day and the next day feel like you don’t even know who that person is? How do we bridge that gap and avoid the disconnect in the first place? How do we begin to heal broken relationships and keep them healthy?

10 Tips To Encourage Thriving Relationships:

1. Communication

Communication is one the most important things in a relationship. There is an art to communication and it can continually improve. Humans are not mind readers, so they need to have an ongoing exchange of feelings, problems, needs and desires; while always striving to improve listening and speaking skills. Mastering communication will help avoid misunderstandings and frustration by transforming arguments into effective communication.

2. Honesty

Honesty in relationships is about honorable intentions and actions. Honest people are frank but they act in love. Thriving relationships include people that are honest with each other; their intentions are good and are only meant to help the other person and the relationship. Honesty helps create an atmosphere of peace.

3. Trust

Trust creates strong connections in relationships because people have to rely on each other. When there is trust in a relationship, there is confidence that another person will do what they said they will do and what they are responsible to do. Trust eliminates fear and replaces it with a confident expectation and hope.

4. Empathy

Empathy helps identify the thoughts and feelings experienced by each other, and in turn supports a healthy relationship. To empathize with another person requires taking the time to see and feel things from their perspective and get a heartfelt understanding of where they are coming from, what they have been through, and why they think and act the way they do. 

5. Optimism

An optimistic, positive mindset expects positive interactions and relationships. The optimistic person does not get so shaken up when they hit bumps in the road, but they look for positive solutions and anticipate positive results. Optimism leaves no room for negativity.

6. Genuine

Genuine people are confident in who they are and feel free to be themselves. They have moved past the notion that they must be “perfect” and give themselves and others the permission to make mistakes without beating themselves up. Genuine relationships are real, without false pretense, and mess ups are faced with love and forgiveness; allowing for a healthy, thriving relationship.

7. Loyalty

Loyalty builds faithful relationships. Loyal individuals commit to remaining faithful through the good times and bad. They can be trusted to keep their word and be there when you need them. Loyalty is a core key needed in long lasting, thriving relationships.

8. Respect

Respectful individuals admire and esteem others. People that practice respect are courteous and allow others the right to their own personal space. Relationships with individuals who keep respect active, and purpose to esteem others and value them worthy, are relationships that are healthy and thriving.

9. Reminisce

Reminisce about the past. Remember times shared together; including the good times and the bad. Reminiscing about the challenges and hard times that have been experienced and overcome, strengthens the bond in the relationship. And reminiscing about the good times with a smile and a laugh, keeps the heart and relationship merry. 🙂

10. Love

Love is the bond that holds relationships together. God is love and love should be present in all our relationships. Love chooses to be loving even when the passion and emotion of love is not present. Their are times in relationships when disagreements arise and individuals may not even like each other, but they choose to love each other.

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”
— John 13:34

What’s your relationship standard? If you are willing to start with yourself, and open your heart and mind to make some positive changes, you can greatly improve your chances of having long lasting, healthy, thriving relationships.

May your relationships thrive and your life be full of growing prosperity!

Soar higher,
Brenda

 

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Parenting – Is It the Job of a Parent to Teach Their Children the Truth About God?

Parenting – Is It the Job of a Parent to Teach Their Children the Truth About God?

Be a Parent that Brings Blessings for Generations to Come!

Parenting BlessingsParenting children is one of the

greatest responsibilities on earth.

Our children are a precious gift

from God and it is our job as parents

to train them up to live productive,

healthy lives; spiritually, physically, and financially.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” 
— Proverbs 22:6

Is God faithful and trustworthy? What does that mean to you and your children? As parents we need to know and teach the truth about God to our children; it is our job.

If Not You, Then Who?

Oh, the times, they are busy, chaotic, and confusing! And because of this it is very important to understand that the chances of our children learning the truth about God and about Jesus Christ may not come if we don’t teach them.

We need to make it a priority to be living examples and share the vital truths with our families. There is nothing more important in our lives than salvation for the loved ones we care about and are responsible for. It is dangerous to live with the belief so many have; that they will go to heaven just because they are a good person.

The simple fact is; we are responsible for what our children learn and are taught. Even if they go to school, Sunday school, etcetera, it is our job to make sure they have been taught what they need to know and that they have been taught correctly.

“Do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” 
— Deuteronomy 4:9

The Buck Stops Here

It is very easy in today’s society to “pass the buck.” We just send the kids off here and there and let someone else do all the work. There is nothing wrong with others teaching our children, but it is up to us to determine and choose who and what.

Ultimately, if our child graduates from high school and cannot read, it is our fault as a parent, it is not the fault of the school teachers or school system. If our children only know about Jesus and do not know Him personally, it is not the fault of the Sunday school teacher; it is our fault as parents.

And think about this: Parents who love their children deep enough will be concerned for their children’s welfare and will build a solid spiritual foundation for them during their childhood years. (Psalm 78:4-5)

The Bible is important and declares the truth about God; it is His Word. God our creator wants us to let His Word speak to us and our families. He wants to equip and empower us with knowledge, wisdom, and truth so that we have a firm foundation and will not be deceived.

“That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments.” 
— Psalm 78:7

It gets even better. God has a unique plan for each of us, including our children; a plan to prosper us and give us hope. He left us with instructions for right living so that we can please God and enjoy His promises and blessings in our lives. Parenting can be a difficult job when done right, but a job done right as a parent brings many blessings for generations to come!

May you as a parent, teach your children the truth about God and His Word, so that your family through many generations may enjoy His abundant growing prosperity!

God bless you –

Cheers,
Brenda

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Have a New Husband by Friday – Dr Kevin Leman

Have a New Husband by Friday – Dr Kevin Leman

“Have a New Husband by Friday: How to Change His Attitude, Behavior & Communication in 5 Days”

Dr. Leman writes with humor and understanding as he explains to his female audience How to Have a New Husband by Friday”. He is a Christian therapist, father of four daughters and married over 45 years. He shares this experience with his readers in a humorous yet informative manner.

Have a new husband by Friday?

Is that even possible?

Dr. Kevin Leman says it is…

The New York Times bestselling author and self-help guru shows even the most frustrated wife how she can have a new husband by Friday.

Leman reminds any wife that if what she’s doing to get better behavior out of her husband isn’t working now, it never will. So it’s time for a change. That means it’s time to change her own patterns of behavior.

Here’s how Leman suggests she handle it day to day:

  • Monday: Secrets Revealed: Cracking the Male Code?Yes, you’re different species, but you can work together in harmony.
  • Tuesday: Creatures from Another Planet . . . or Creatures of Habit? To understand men, you have to track ’em to their den.
  • Wednesday: Think about What You Want to Say, Then Divide It by Ten How to talk so your guy will really listen . . . and listen so your guy will really talk.
  • Thursday: Think of Him as a Seal Waiting for a Three-Pound Fish Why making love to your man is a key to who he is and how satisfied he’ll be, and what’s in it for you.
  • Friday: It Takes a Real Woman to Make a Man Feel like a Real Man How to open your man’s heart, revolutionize your love life, and turn him into the knight you’ve always dreamed of.

“While there are numerous marriage books to choose from, this book is different because it examines the childhood role models and learning patterns that affect us in adult marriages. Dr. Leman shares examples of a husband raised by an Overprotective Mother, No-Room-to-Fail Mama, Driven Mother and Disciplining Mother. The fresh look at your husband’s parental influence awakens a new awareness for your marriage.”
— amazon customer review

If you are looking for some insights to help improve your marriage relationship, then you might want to check this book out.

God bless you and may your marriage abound with growing prosperity! 

Cheers,
Brenda

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Christian Parenting – Stop Using Negative Verbal Attacks and Start Parenting with Words that Prosper!

Christian Parenting – Stop Using Negative Verbal Attacks and Start Parenting with Words that Prosper!

Parenting With the Power to Help Our Children Prosper

Parenting with a healthy pattern of communication is possible.

Do you want to help your children prosper?

Just as the world around us has harmful elements, so do our homes; even our Christian homes.

As unfortunate as it is, we often hurt each other, especially our children, with our words.

Did you grow up with parents who used words as verbal attacks?

If you did, I’m sure you hoped you wouldn’t do the same with your children. But the truth is, you will probably repeat the pattern unless you purpose to take action and stop it.

Stop the Negative Communication Pattern of Parenting

Changing your parenting communication pattern from one that uses negative verbal attacks is possible. Developing healthy patterns of communication, which reflect the presence of Jesus Christ, is key!

I’m sure you would agree that the cruel, degrading, judgmental, hurtful words we use to communicate with our children must stop. It is like verbal poison that wounds and destroys our children emotionally. Our words are often negative attacks at a child’s behavior, intelligence, appearance, or value as a person.

Verbal attacks can be direct or indirect. The following statements are some common examples:

  • You’re worthless and will never amount to anything.
  • Don’t act so stupid. Can’t you do anything right?
  • You are no good. Why can’t you be like your brother?

Just because we can’t see the inner damage that verbal attacks cause in our children, does not mean a negative impact still isn’t left lingering in them.

Parenting With Words That Prosper

How do we change a negative parenting communication pattern to one that is positive and helps develop our children into prosperous individuals?

Acknowledging the need to change is the first step. The next step is identifying abusive words we use. Then we need to begin exchanging the destructive, hurtful words with constructive, guiding, nurturing, and encouraging words.

James said the tongue is full of deadly poison and out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. (James 3:8-10) We need to lean on God’s help to keep our words, words of blessing and encouragement.

When our words are full of nurture and encouragement, our children know we are standing with them and not against them. Children need their parents to believe in their potential as they guide and discipline them.

Believe in your children. Help your children see themselves the way God sees them. Help them find their unique, gifted potential and you’ll also find they begin to respond in ways you desire. Once they discover you are standing with them, a healthier communication develops.

Yes. Our children try our patience, irritate us and sometimes humiliate us in ways we never thought possible. Problems, difficulties, disappointments, heartaches and failures are an unavoidable part of parenting. But we can choose to respond with words that heal instead of words that wound.

Bottom line: A parents words have power. We can make our children feel worthless or we can choose to learn how to parent with a healthy pattern of communication; one that helps them think as highly of themselves as God does, and helps them prosper.

May you parent your children with words of love and enjoy a family blessed with growing prosperity!

God bless you always,
Brenda

P.S. Feel free to share your comments…

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Godly Dads Video – D. James Kennedy

Godly Dads Video – D. James Kennedy

Happy Father’s Day!

This video is based on a Father’s Day sermon by D. James Kennedy.

Dads are important and have one of the most important jobs in the world…
and unfortunately it has gone largely unnoticed.

Today we celebrate all fathers and pray that you are all godly dads!

Happy Father’s Day!

God bless you,
Brenda

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Dad, If You Only Knew by Josh Weidmann

Dad, If You Only Knew by Josh Weidmann

Dad, If You Only Knew: Eight Things Teens Want to Tell Their Fathers (but Don’t)

In honor of the upcoming Father’s Day, I was looking for a video to celebrate all dads out there.

In the process I ran across this video and book and decided to do a separate post. For anyone who had, or currently has a Father who is an active part of your life; you know how important your dad is. And for those who don’t, you also know the great struggle that loss can cause in life.

The book: Dad, If You Only Knew: Eight Things Teens Want to Tell Their Fathers (but Don’t)” by Josh Weidmann and coauthored by his dad James Weidmann, sounds like an excellent resource for helping dads connect with their children.

Someone on Amazon commented that it is a great resource for both parents, and not just dads. The older I get, the more I also appreciate the positive influence of friends and family when it comes to raising children. Especially with so many single parent families. Raising healthy children is a job that requires utilizing all the help that is available.

Here is the description for the book “Dad, If You Only Knew”:

Listen Up, Dads! Your Teen Is Talking to You!

As exasperating as parenting can be during these volatile years, your teen is depending on you for steady faithfulness, love, and guidance. And because teens often find words elusive and expression difficult, they probably haven’t told you the things they wish you somehow automatically knew. So let Dad, If You Only Knew… be your guide. Josh Weidmann, just out of the teen years himself, joins his father, James, to help dads understand where their kids are coming from. It’s a messy world they live in, and meeting them in it is no simple task. But knowing these essentials now makes fatherhood eight times easier!

Welcome to Your Teen’s World

It doesn’t matter if you have the most picture-perfect, ideal-in-every-way teen or one who’s in full-swing rebellion. That teen you love is a “riddle wrapped in a mystery.” No father can know what his teen is really thinking.

That’s why youth communicator Josh Weidmann teamed with his father, Jim, to help you bridge the gap. In Dad, If You Only Knew…you’ll get an open, honest glimpse inside the teen mind. Josh’s extensive research, combined with pointed direction from a father’s heart, provide you with the practical guidance you need to establish a healthy, thriving father-teen relationship. It’s one you desire, your teen needs, and you both can’t afford to miss.

Story Behind the Book

“The resounding cry of teens for their fathers rings in my ear. I have been speaking to youth for five years and the greatest void I see in teens’ lives is the one left by their dad. I am only twenty-three years old myself, and to this day I can say that my dad is the most influential man in my life. Because of his impact, I have asked him share in this book. We have written this message in hopes of helping dads reengage in the vital father-teen relationship.”
— Josh Weidmann

God bless you –

Cheers,
Brenda

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Happy Mother’s Day – We Love You Mom!

Happy Mother’s Day – We Love You Mom! Video

Celebrating Mom Today!

Happy Mother’s Day!

~ Celebrating all moms today and letting you know we love you and appreciate you from the bottom of our hearts. ~

Have a Blessed and Wonderful Day!

God bless you,
Brenda

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