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Marriage

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September 18, 2020

Summer Vacation at Unicoi Lodge and State Park + Life Updates

September 18, 2020
I know life is different for each of you now. This whole COVID thing has changes this for forever. But this post is really not about that.

I wanted to talk about some of the changes that are happening in our family. I thought it would be fun to share. 

I hope you all will drop in the comments to let me know what's new for you and your family. How are you adapting, coping, and growing in the midst of so much change.


We went on our first family trip we haven't been on vacation in years. We didn't do anything elaborate not that you can in this current climate. Fortunately we enjoy fishing and camping so we took a trip to the north Georgia mountains. 


The Unicoi Lodge is more like staying in a hotel although it does have a nice courtyard. But we did go fishing near by as well as visited there man made beach. There was plenty to do although I couldn't do much in the heat being pregnant.

We had a great time and would definitely recommend it if you are ever in Georgia. I know we will be back but next time having a cabin is a must. We need a kitchen.

So I now your thinking what's the big update....

We are expecting a second child #Johnsonspartyof4. This was totally unplanned and I definitely struggled to cope with the change. Morning sickness surely did not help the process.

But I know this is a blessing and I'm not sure I would not have had the courage to plan for a second. Now that I am working full-time finding balance is hard enough with Rose. 

I didn't think we could juggle two but I must be wrong. Because God clearly has other plans.

Speaking of work, COVID resulted in a layoff as well as resignation. I survived the layoff only by God's grace. I was only 4 months in when the layoff happened and there were people who had been with the company longer than myself.

But God saw fit for me to stay and it has been a blessing for our family. After paying off my car we decided to start looking for a home.

Buying a home is nothing like I thought. It's a sellers market, there is shortage of homes available, and houses are literally going under contract within a day of being on the market.

We have gone under contract twice and unfortunately neither home worked out. We decided that a new construction would be the best option for us because negotiation costly repairs are tough in this process.

But I know God is going to lead us to a home that is perfect for our family and suits all our needs. I am hoping to get a nice size yard to we can restart our garden. Which is exciting because Rose loves being outside and my husband already has a list of items he wants to plant.

God willing I will be able to update this post with a photo of our new home. My first plan of action will be to get our refrigerator organized using my Dollar Tree post.

Since Rose stop breastfeeding our fridge looks a lot different. Plus being pregnant I tend to need a lot of snacks and ginger ale to cope with the nausea. Whenever we get in our new home, I will be sure to record the process of organizing our kitchen.

Since COVID our church has closed and I have had a hard time staying consistent with attending online. But my bible study routine was fairly intact until my work hours changes.

Nonetheless I know I will get back on track. I still love using my faith journal and Jesus Bible (you can read the Jesus bible review here). I decided I am going to give my DIY Journal a try this go round don't know that I will like it better but I figured I would give it a try.


I'm loving these essential oil diffuser and lavender oil. I usually get it started during bible study and keep it going all day.

My second plan of action when we get into our home is to start a new sourdough starter. I decided to let my old one go when we moved. 

I figured it would be too much to keep up with and didn't know if we would have the space to do so living with my in-laws.

But I definitely have noticed the difference without it. I have found that I get upset stomach more often now that I am not eating sourdough regularly. I can't wait to try to new recipes and get back to my sourdough waffles!


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July 23, 2020

10 Must Have for Couples Camping Outdoor Adventure

July 23, 2020
Camping outdoors |  Here are 10 things you will want to have with you to enjoy your time outdoors with you loved one. Want to go camping but need a simple, minimalist, budget-friendly packing list? camping hacks | camping ideas | budget friendly vacations | budget friendly for couples | camping beginners  #camping

One of my favorite things about summer time is camping. This is definitely one activities where you don't have to be concerned about the COVID pandemic. I know it's probably hard to believe that a girly girl like me loves camping.

But I actually really enjoy camping. Every year at the end of summer my husband and I pack up and hit the outdoors.

If we're not camping then we're more than likely fishing. Now I'm not the best at fishing or rather I don't have the patience to sit and wait endlessly for a fish to bite. But I have caught a (capital A) fish in the past.


If possible definitely wait until the heat dies down a bit. We hit 100 degrees last summer and no one should be outside all day in that heat.

If you enjoy this post, you may find these marriage blog post helpful when it comes to being intentional in your marriage.

Since the addition of the little one we haven't been camping. She is a wild sleeper and we didn't think our 2 person tent would work well. But we also didn't think she would do well with the extreme heat and cold nights.

No need and putting yourself or little one in a situation that will agitate them or make them fussy. As I am sure you know if you have little ones yourself.



We did a lot of fishing last year. We visited a few different lakes in Paulding and Douglas County.

Captured this beautiful picture at Sweetwater Lake in Lithia Springs, Georgia. They have canoes, camp site, and fishing area. 

Anywho I'm hoping we will be able to do some camping this year as well. In preparation I figured I would go ahead and share camping must haves. You can find outdoor sites near you.



10 Camping Must Haves 

Plus a few more I threw in for extra comfort. Check out this list if you're considering hitting the outdoors this year make sure you grab these camping essentials. Believe me you don't want to be caught in the middle of no where without these items.

  1. Portable folding chair
  2. Outdoor blanket
  3. Tent
  4. Air mattress
  5. portable induction cooktop
  6. plates
  7. silverware
  8. sunscreen
  9. sunglasses
  10. hand wipes
  11. bug repellent
  12. portable phone battery
  13. chap-stick
  14. sneakers - great for walking the trails
  15. reusable water bottle
  16. tea kettle - must have if you want coffee
  17. ceramic mugs - must have if you want coffee
  18. binoculars





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Camping outdoors |  Here are 10 things you will want to have with you to enjoy your time outdoors with you loved one. Want to go camping but need a simple, minimalist, budget-friendly packing list? camping hacks | camping ideas | budget friendly vacations | budget friendly for couples | camping beginners  #camping
August 22, 2019

6 Simple Ways to be Intentional in Marriage

August 22, 2019
Discover 6 simple ways to be more intentional in maintaining a healthy relationship. These tips are perfect for couples looking to reignite their chemistry.

Marriage is a life long commitment. Filled with highs and lows. Staying happily married is hard work.

No marriage can go on without problems or conflict. Unless both spouses choose to silence there own voice in order to avoid conflict.

When you put two people under one roof, there will always be some kind of conflict. It may not be a fight but there is going to be disagreements - that's natural.

Let alone when those two people decide to procreate. Having children can make it difficult to maintain a relationship with your spouse. Not to mention the addition of maintaining a household and working.

I personally believe our life priorities should be God, marriage, children, and then everything else. But, how do you execute that on a daily basis?

Well ultimately it is up to you. When it comes to your marriage being intentional is important to maintaining your connection.

6 Simple Ways to be Intentional in Marriage

  1. Finding ways to spend quality time together.
  2. Talking with one another.
  3. Collaborating with one another on the finances, parenting, and household decisions.
  4. Compromising to solve issues that arise. 
  5. Loving on one another - even when your upset.
  6. Finding hobbies to do together.
  7. Fight fair. Don't raise your voice or belittle one another.

It all boils down to this simple question. How can we keep the spark going? Keep that question at the forefront of your mind and acting accordingly.

Remember that spark you felt when you first met. Remind yourself of those early on relationship experiences that make you smile.

No matter what you go through as a couple. Chemistry doesn't dissolve. It may fizzle out. But its always there. It just needs a little spark to be reignited.

Don't allow a temporary situation cause you to forget the reason you said I do.

Download your 30 Day Marriage Challenge - filled with conservation starters and things to do - now! #stayingmarried

If you enjoy this post, you may find these Marriage blog post helpful when it comes to using the bible as a instruction manual for marriage.

I hope that this post has encouraged you. Here are a few of my favorite bible study resources. This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (meaning if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won't cost you anything)! Thank you so much for your support as this helps me afford the expenses of my online ministry, read my disclosure policy.
  • War Room Movie, this movie is so inspirational definitely a must see movie
  • Kingdom Woman, a great foundation book for woman that is bible based. 
  • Fervent a great book for understanding the importance of prayer in every aspect of life. 
  • Faith Journal, my go to for bible study, prayer, and all things faith related


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Marriage Advice | Discover 6 simple ways to be more intentional in maintaining a healthy relationship. These tips are perfect for couples looking to reignite their chemistry. Marriage tips | Love and marriage | Biblical marriage | Godly Marriage | Marriage Challenge 30 days #marriage #intimacyinmarriage #christianmarriage
July 11, 2019

How to be a Godly Wife

July 11, 2019
Women bible study ideas | Discover the scripture truth about being a Godly wife. This scripture bible study is perfect for newlyweds and wives who need help understanding how to be a good helpmate.  Bible study plans | bible study printables | devotionals | scripture studies | bible study reading plans #affirmation #prayer

I have been reading Exodus for a while now -let's just say it's taking me longer than I'd like to admit. I'm still struggling to balance it all.

Anyways while reading Exodus I came across a verse that confused me. Honestly it seemed rather out of place. I found myself rereading the verse over and over out of fear that I missed something. There was simply no lead up to it.


Watch the How to be a Godly Wife Full Video now! Of course, if you enjoy this video and are not currently subscribed, I would love for you to subscribe to my channel.

At a lodging place on the way the Lord met him and sought to put him to death.Then Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son's foreskin and touched Moses' feet with it and said, “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me!”So he let him alone. It was then that she said, “A bridegroom of blood,” because of the circumcision. - Exodus 4:24-26 ESV

I was lost. What had made God so angry so fast. Well after reading it in several different versions I realized what angered God.

Moses had failed to fulfill his end of his covenant with God. Although God wanted to use Moses to save the people of Israel. He wasn't going to do so without the covenant being met.

Zipporah being a Godly wife she recognized that she could intervene and save her husband life. Because she knew the word. Zipporah stepped out on faith and circumcised her son to save Moses life.

How to be a Godly Wife what I've learned from Zipporah 

  • As a wife, you have the power to save your husbands life.
  • You maybe physically smaller than your husband. Spiritual strength and power is just as important - if not more important than physical strength.
  • Let God's word be the instruction manual for your lives.
  • Don't be afraid to step out on faith on your husbands' behalf. Your prayers and spiritual action go a long way with God.

Never underestimate your value as his wife. You are his helpmate, he needs you.

Stand on God's word and don't be afraid to step up like Zipporah.


Watch the Prayer for your Husband Full Video now!



If you enjoy this post, you may find these Marriage blog post helpful when it comes to using the bible as a instruction manual for marriage.

I hope that this post has encouraged you. Here are a few of my favorite bible study resources. This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (meaning if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won't cost you anything)! Thank you so much for your support as this helps me afford the expenses of my online ministry, read my disclosure policy.
  • War Room Movie, this movie is so inspirational definitely a must see movie
  • Kingdom Woman, a great foundation book for woman that is bible based. 
  • Fervent a great book for understanding the importance of prayer in every aspect of life. 
  • Faith Journal, my go to for bible study, prayer, and all things faith related
  • If you enjoy listening instead of reading, you may want to consider trying Audible. It is a great way to listen to books, if you use my link you get 2 free audiobooks when you sign up for the 30 day free trial.


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Women bible study ideas | Discover the scripture truth about being a Godly wife. This scripture bible study is perfect for newlyweds and wives who need help understanding how to be a good helpmate.  Bible study plans | bible study printables | devotionals | scripture studies | bible study reading plans #affirmation #prayer


April 04, 2019

Christian Girl Tips for Marriage Transition

April 04, 2019

When it comes to marriage preparation seems to be a word we rarely speak of. It seems as though wedding planning seems to be the only preparation we take before tying the knots. unless you have the foresight to have prenuptial counseling.

You're likely unprepared for the unpredictability of living with your spouse. We surely we're. Even if you live together prior to being married. Things change once you get married. I can't verbalize how it changes but it just does.

June 21, 2018

Intimacy as a Young Christian Wife

June 21, 2018

I am so excited to share the fourth part of my Young Christian Wife series video! Intimacy is key to a healthy marriage. So don't use intimacy as a weapon. Can't wait to share more in the upcoming Young Christian Wife book

April 26, 2018

Becoming One as a Young Christian Wife

April 26, 2018

I am so excited to share the third part of my Young Christian Wife series video! There was so much positive response from the previous video I wanted to continue. This series has really inspired me and I am looking forward to expanding this series into a book, which I will hopefully be able to share with you all this winter. 

Scripture Genesis 2:24
Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. - ESV 



Becoming One Flesh 

  1. We are each others helpmate.
  2. Leave the mines for ours. 
  3. Leave your past to create a new life together. 


Quote
When you get married you unit and become one flesh. 

Watch the Becoming One as a Young Christian Wife Full Video Here. Of course, if you enjoy this video and are not currently subscribed, I would love for you to subscribe to my channel.


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October 11, 2017

4 Prayers for Marriage

October 11, 2017

One of the messages I receive most often is prayer request for Marriage. I absolutely love that you trust me enough to ask me to pray for you and will continue to do so. I hope you will extend me the same favor. I wanted to share 4 prayers that you can speak over your marriage.

Love 

Dear Heavenly Father, please help my marriage to be deeply rooted and established in love. In times of trials and tribulation help us to find love as pure as the love we have in you. Give us the wisdom to understand how deeply you love us, so that we may better love one another. In Jesus name we pray Amen.

Faith 

Dear Heavenly Father,  in times of uncertainty and weariness, enlarge our faith to believe in you. Knowing that you will provide for our every need. Help us to remember and believe in the promises and power of your word. Allow us to encourage one another faith and remain calm knowing we always have you. Grant us the faith to move mountains. In Jesus name we pray Amen.

As a thank you for reading my blog, you can download your Prayers for Marriage Cards now -no email required!

Purpose 

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to find who we are in you. To not be moved by our own selfish desires but to seek to glorify your Kingdom with our works. May we humbly seek and find you. Grant us the grace to walk in your purpose for our lives. In Jesus name we pray Amen. 

Temptation

Dear Heavenly Father, strengthen our marriage so that we may resist the temptation that comes our way. Give us the desire to live in obedience to you and your word. Guide us and keep us on your righteous path for our lives. In Jesus name we pray Amen.


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October 05, 2017

Marriage and Dreams

October 05, 2017

I am so excited to share another marriage chat! Since you guys enjoyed my last video on Submission in Marriage I figured we should keep the conversation going. I enjoyed sharing how dreaming almost derailed my marriage. It's so important that everything you do be about us and not me. Of course, if you enjoy this video, I would love for you to subscribe to my YouTube channel.


As a newlywed sometimes it can seem as though everyone else has it together and you are the only one striving to be a better wife. Of course, that's not the case but my biggest lesson thus far has been learning the importance of dreaming together so I wanted to share. Watch the Marriage and Dreams full video now!

Read-Along- My Favorite Tools




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July 12, 2017

Confessions of the Young Christian Wife: Intimacy

July 12, 2017

Now this is a touchy topic is a pretty weird one for me to be diving into. I know I share a lot but there are some things you just want to keep to yourself. Intimacy is such an important competent of marriage.



June 26, 2017

A Wife's Secret to Happiness

June 26, 2017

Image Credit: Chellbee and Melvin Pigee

I spent the past 25 years of my life dreaming of the day I would complete graduate school, climb up the corporate ladder, and be the first of a small few women of color Chief Executive Officers for a healthcare organization. Beware if anyone said different I was ready to go to war with my laptop and sword (which is a metaphor for my smart mouth). Dreaming will do that to you.

When you become attached to this life you have imagined instead of the reality you are living in you get tunnel vision. If you have ever been in a tunnel you know your vision is limited. Tunnels are dark and often times you can barley see what is in front of you.

My Story

I was so use to being single that when I met my husband I didn't understand what it meant to share your dreams. We discussed the things we wanted for our future. But I was still seeing our dreams as mine and his. Not our dreams.

It took a long time for me to understand his dreams are my dreams and my dreams  are his dreams. Our dreams have to be what is best for our family. Otherwise we will never have any peace in our home.

We will constantly be raging war on another protecting our dreams at all cost. Assuming the other is against us or trying to keep us from being happy. What I learned the hard way is there is no happiness for me if we aren't together and our home is at peace.

The Takeaway

As a society of dreamers we tend to be pretty attached to our dreams. So much so that we will rage war on anyone that questions, challenges, or speaks negatively about our dreams. We spend our time fantasizing about how our life would be when and if our dreams came to fruition. So much so we fail to realize the very things that are in front of our eyes.

 

How it Applies to our Life?

  • Don't get me wrong dreams are great but only when used properly. You can't allow yourself to dream so much that you neglect those that you care about especially your spouse.
  • Dreams are meant to be shared. There are very few dreams of mine that are inclusive to only me. How lonely would that be, to have everything you thought you wanted and no one to share it with. 
  • Your dream is meaningless without God. I can't tell you how many times I tried to go at it alone. Telling God, don't worry I got this just to turn around and fall on my face. Now I surrender all my dreams to God. I pray that whatever his will is over my life that it be done. I trust that anything he has in store for me will be greater than anything I could ever imagine.


What we can learn about being a Wife

  • You and your husband need to dream together. Both of you need to lead the charge on each others dreams.
  • As a wife surrender to your husbands leadership. You very well may not agree with the path that he has chosen for your family but you need to support him anyways.
  • Most important pray. Pray that God has his will and ask for his guidance. In times of strife give your burdens to God.  
  • Never be spiteful or passive. Just because you and your husband don't agree on the best path for your family that doesn't give you permission to be passive or sabotage your spouse. 
  • Chose to be a wife of excellence. Even when things don't seem to be going your way. 


Read Along- My Favorite Tools



In your marriage, how have you overcome going from I to Us? 

 

March 29, 2017

Confessions of the Young Christian Wife: Becoming One Flesh

March 29, 2017
Image Credit: Chellbee and Melvin Pigee
This post contains affiliate links which may generate a revenue for ChellBee when a purchase is made. You can read more on my FAQ page.

This month in the Confessions of the Young Christian Wife we took it back to the beginning of the Bible, to the book of Genesis. As you all know I am on a quest to better understand the role of the wife and marriage based on the Bible. In particular what it meant to be a good Christian wife according to the Bible 
January 25, 2017

Confessions of a Young Christian Wife: Submission

January 25, 2017
Image Credit: Chellbee and Melvin Pigee
This post contains affiliate links which may generate a revenue for ChellBee when a purchase is made. You can read more on my FAQ page.

I had an interesting thought today, there is no venture in my life that I have stepped into without researching first except that of being a good wife. I am the researcher it's just my thing literally. I know all there is to know about wedding planning, shopping on a budget, and human resources theories and application.

But I don’t have a clue about how to be a good wife. It wasn't until today that the thought crossed my mind, how can I give my marriage all it deserves if we don't have a solid foundation. Usually, I would turn to Google, books, or a blog post but this time I felt it important to base my understanding on my faith. After all faith is what brought us together and God's hands is what will keep us together. So I'm starting this journey to better understand my role as a young Christian wife and to learn more about the word.

Watch the Full Video


Are you Fulfilled in your role as his Wife?

Early on I thought being a wife would be easy, like most young women think. Honestly I thought things would stay the same, because we already lived together and were partners. Now 6 months in I realized marriage takes work and its a 2 way street.
  • Are you struggling to balance marriage, life, and work?
  • Are you fighting with your husband more than you would like?
  • Are you wondering if you made the right choice?
  • Are you feeling like the burning flame (you and your husband once shared) has dimmed? 


“Marriage is for a lifetime. We want to spend that lifetime happy and fulfilled.” - ChellBee

Why its all Important?

Marriage is not inherit to anyone, it takes a concentrated effort. You've probably heard that a thousand times right. I have too and let me tell you I never believed it until right now.  Our nature is to fix our issues by voicing our opinions, after all we want to be heard especially in our marriage. Well I don't know the answer to how to fix it, but I do believe the foundation for marriage has already been provided to us in the Bible.




Ephesians 5:22-23





“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. ” - Bible ESV


I'm starting with a rather controversial verses about how to be a good Christian wife. I think this is a popular and likely misunderstood verse. I'm not an expert or minister. But I do understand human nature and psychology. With that being said our personal experiences shapes how we interpret the information with consume. So how I interpret this verse is completely different than how you may, but none the less these were my takeaways.  I know that some of you absolutely are not willing to submit but hopefully this will be some food for thought for you.



Allowing your Man to be the Man

Submission in marriage is so important to a healthy marriage. Remember submission is not about being childlike or docile. But it's about allowing him to lead you and your household. This makes perfect sense when you think about it right. We are all lead by someone and your husband should be that someone you want to follow. He should set an example of the type of person you strive to be and enable your betterment as a person.

Needs of Men versus Women

This passage really sets into place the difference between the sexes. I don’t think it's speaking on gender roles or traditional/biblical roles as much as it speaks to the needs of women and men. Although we all thrive on both. When you really think about it our essences at the core craves one over the other. At the core,
  • Men need respect.
  • Women need love.

Lean on your Husband and Leverage his Strengths

This passage really put things in perspective for me. As wives it’s important to pull the best out of our husband to ensure our advancement as partners. Ultimately submission to me doesn't mean women must shrink themselves. As much as it is about allowing men to be men.


Personal Note

I don’t believe allowing your husband to lead means silencing yourself. I believe the goal should be to be on the same page and to respect one another even when you disagree.


Favorite Bible Resources


What to Expect?

We’re going to explore marriage, being a wife, and Christian as seen in the bible throughout this series. Join me on this journey, let's read and discuss these passages together. I'm looking forward to comparing notes.

What are your thoughts on Submission in Marriage?

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April 04, 2016

The Ultimate Guide to Beautiful Professional Engagement Photos

April 04, 2016

When I first received my engagement photos I was underwhelmed, to say the least. Keep in mind I will be the first to say I have extremely high expectations. So I typically am underwhelmed, just being honest. During the wedding planning process, I quickly learned my disappointment was of my own making. Miscommunication or the lack thereof was my downfall.

March 01, 2016

6 Things you Need to Know Before Planning your Beautiful Wedding

March 01, 2016

Image Credit: Sweet Ice Cream Photography

Congratulations future bride, wedding planning can be a difficult process especially if you are unfamiliar with the process. I wanted to share some of the simple mistakes that I made during the wedding process. Especially since I almost headed to the courthouse and skip the wedding planning process altogether.
October 22, 2015

The Truth About Cohabitating for the First Time

October 22, 2015
Image Credit: Tanja Heffner

So you're happy and you've decided to move in together. Well, I am not a guru on the topic but this is my first-hand experience and lesson learned. My hubby and I have been living together for 2 years now and I can honestly say every day with him is amazing. I don't always do a great job at the below but these are things that I have been working on and it has made a noticeable difference in our relationship and strengthen our bond.