Category: Greater Joy

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EASY WAYS TO LOVE YOUR SPOUSE!

Want a few bite-sized ideas to TAKE YOUR MARRIAGE to the next level?

1. This week, write down 3 things you appreciate about your spouse. Now, tell them! Your won’t believe how much it builds up your better half!  I am absolutely convinced we can all learn to be encouragers in our marriages.  It’s just like learning a language. Do this every week until it becomes a habit. (You could start with a dramatic, “You are the wind in my sails” or it can be the more casual, “Nobody makes bacon like you!” )

2. Train yourself to say, “THANK YOU” 3 times a day for any show of affection. For some, an act of kindness can be fancy flowers, walking the dog, or the way that spouse makes you feel cared for. For others, it’s the ultimate act of mercy -the diaper change. (#stagesoflife👍🏼) 

3. Build gratitude, cultivate kindness, & enjoy your most important person!

Photo by the oh-so-gifted Ashley Monogue!

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How to accept yourself

There are two creatures that amaze me-the caterpillar and the butterfly. In a sense, they are both butterflies.  I once read a quote said, “Nobody looks at a butterfly and says ,”Hey, look at that converted worm!” Reality says the butterfly has been utterly transformed.  From dull gray to delicate yellow. Is there any creature that reflects our identity as believers in Christ? Death to life. Peasant to princess.
Adjust our vision, Lord.
If we have are believers in Jesus, we know (but struggle to believe) that God HAS a life planned for us. The life He longs to gives is new beauty, not former shame.

It’s not even a makeover! It’s a MAKE NEW!
Proud? He can give us His humility and security.
Vain? He can give us His beauty and peace.
Weak? He can give us resurrection strength.

Every day, I have to have to answer the question “Will I accept myself?”  If you are a human, you will instinctively see the slimy caterpillar as your “mini-me”. You will think of yourself as only suited for the ground. You feel like you are a creature meant for lowly living-primarily in the dark.
Ask Jesus to help you see the truth of your new identity. He does not see you as a worm!
Picture the old chrysallis husk cracking open and falling off. This is your past. Maybe yesterday?
Now, imagine our wings. Our wings are light and free, yet strangely out of proportion! Our remake reflects God’s design for us.
I have always loved butterflies and never knew why. I think it’s because they are transformed beyond imagination. They seem secure and quietly content in their new form. I want to live like that-my function being reflected by my form!
Believe truth and look up to your heavenly stylist. The strength of His smile shines on you. Open your wings!
Now fly because you can.

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Most Important Celebrity Update!

Whether it’s the Oscars or Met Gala, it’s a fun distraction to see the latest glamor of celebs. When does this interest creep from “enjoy” to “worship”? Here are a few ideas:
1. When I begin to idolize celebrities so much that I spend huge amounts of time & money on beauty, that might be a problem.
2. When I begin to spout a celeb’s views on life (rather than come up with my own) that might be a problem.
3. When I begin to believe the lie that “on-trend” is more important than eternal, that might be a problem.
4. When I realize I’m spending way more time scrolling celebrity updates than spending time with Jesus, that might be a problem.

Is it ok to follow, like, share, & be interested in celeb culture? Yes. But, you must be careful. Your self-worth is a fave place the enemy likes to work. He wants to create insecurity in you. Balance yourself with an admiration of on-trend cute and a devotion to the eternal radiance of Christ. God’s definition of beauty is much more than simply visible . He creates beauty of heart & soul. Besides, His makeovers are permanent. ❤️