Making Time for God

Do you ever feel that you are so busy coping with the pressures of life that it is a struggle to make time to spend with God? A woman's work is never done. It can be hard juggling everything that needs to be done, spending time with your husband/family, catching up with friends, cleaning the house, doing the shopping, ironing, pressures at work etc. I've tried to be organized and write a list of jobs that I need to do, and I take great delight in crossing them off when they are completed. But often it seems that just as one list is finished, I need to write another even longer one! It can be very discouraging! 

Many times, we can feel that there isn't enough time in the day to get everything done. Time. It is something we all treasure, something we wish we had more of, but it just seems to slip so quickly through our fingers. I find myself thinking sometimes if only I had time I would.... spend more time in prayer and reading the Bible, helping people etc. 

It is at these times that I find I need to assess my priorities. What should my focus be each day? My main aim as a Christian should be serving God and putting him first no matter what I am doing. Jesus said there are two important commandments ...

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-38)

How can we do this? I believe the most important way to do this is by remembering these commandments in all we do. Firstly, we need to love God with all our heart, soul and mind. If we love God with all our heart then we will want to spend time with Him and give Him the best times of our day. 

Start the day committing it to God in prayer and asking for his help and guidance throughout the day.

Very Blessed,

 

3 Ways to Build Better Communication in Marriage

I smile as I remember our stories when Percy and I were in our dating years. We rarely got to see each other and we sent handwritten letters whenever we want. Hihi! :P 

Just a generation later, we have hundreds of ways to communicate. Call/text. Facebook. Facetime, Skype. The list could go on and on… As technology increases, you would think communication would become easier. But it’s really not. If anything, I believe that effective communication in marriage is becoming MORE difficult. 

Notice I said effective communication in marriage. I believe there’s a big difference between talking and communicating. And I’ve learned that effective communication in marriage is essential. Let me share with you what I have learned:

1. Pick one night a week to have a no-technology evening. Turn your phone and computer off, and let your spouse know you are making time for them. Don’t expect them to do the same; just show that you are there

2. If your spouse is talking to you about something, set aside any distractions. Look at them, listen, and say something relevant in response.

3. Ask your spouse how you can be a better listener and communicator. By humbly approaching them and asking how you’re doing in this area, you’ll show that you care about them enough to make a change. Be prepared to respond with grace instead of arguing back if they tell you something that you can work on. 

Above all, I believe that the key to effective communication in marriage is prayer. The truth is, much more important than a three-step plan for better communication in marriage is to take time to communicate with the Creator of marriage. Ask God to guide you as you build better communication in marriage.

Xoxo,