Sometimes it’s not about the problem, it’s about making sure she knows you understand her pain. https://youtu.be/-4EDhdAHrOg?si=-I6BmM5HpCD3r-Pd

It is not often that the large, beastly sins are what ruin your relationships. As King Solomon said: Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom.” (Song of Solomon 2:15, ESV) It’s usually the little foxes, the little compromises, that steal the fruit and naw the vines of your life. When you permit these little compromises to stay in your life, it destroys your character, which undermines the trust and love in your relationships over time. This is especially true in marriage, which Solomon describes as a vineyard. You must guard your vineyard diligently! The world, the flesh, and the devil provide opportunities for little compromises every day. They may come in the form of a careless word, a broken promise, an alluring image, or a thousand other things that may tempt you to think, speak, or act in a way that would hurt your spouse, create disconnection, and give the devil an opportunity (Ephesians 4:27). Take some time to think about this. What are the little compromises you find yourself making most often? You don’t have to answer here, but take this seriously and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal these things to you. Ask someone close to you. If you’re married, ask your spouse. They can probably give you a list. Be prepared NOT to defend yourself. Remember, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy. (Proverbs 27:6, ESV)”

I was studying what the Bible says about communication in James 3 the other day. James 3 says a lot about controlling our tongue, 😛 because there is a lot of power in our words for good or bad. One of the notes from the Life Application Study Bible had a suggestion that I thought was very helpful for any conversation, whether you are discussing family business, making jokes, or even confronting someone’s behavior. Before you speak, ask, “Is what I want to say true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?” (LASB note on James 3:2-3) What do you all think?🤔 Does anyone else have suggestions for how we can better control what we say? 🙊

When getting married to Gabriel, our pastor reminded us it’s NOT always pretty being in covenant. You go through it! In the time of Abraham, a covenant (Genesis 15) was made by cutting animals in half and walking through it….. there would be blood 🩸and poop 💩on the ground. NOT PRETTY!!!! 🙈😳😝 It’s ALL about LOVE, truly sacrificial covenant love!!! Sacrificial love is NOT always pretty!! But you go through it because you LOVE them!! 💗 Thoughts??? 💬💭

Leading is an OUTFLOWING of what is inside of us. Simply put, it is our INFLUENCE on the world around us. We are ALL called to lead, so let us all lead with LOVE! How can you lead from love today????