“So it’s not gonna be easy. It’s going to be really hard; we’re gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, every day.” – Noah (The Notebook)
This quote comes from a scene in The Notebook, (my favorite love story) where Allie and Noah have a huge argument. At this point, Noah expresses how willing he is to work through their disagreements because he wants her no matter what.
Marriage is the partnership between two sinful individuals—and sin plus sin typically does not equal perfection. Within marriage, I’ve been exposed to some ugly truths about myself. My flesh is wicked, constantly battling to overshadow the God that lives within me.
Naturally, we are flawed, selfish, impatient, and battling some sort of insecurity. While it’s easier to frequently be a finger pointer or the self-righteous one, I’m constantly reminded that the relationship is bigger than me. It’s bigger than us. Marriage was designed by God and we all know the enemy ain’t liking that! But marriage is for better or worse, and I have bound our vows around my neck and written them on the tablet of my heart!
Marriage has taught me that it’s crucial to pinpoint your enemy and your teammates. Being proactive and implementing guidelines to operate within is also vital. As I’ve stated before, I don’t necessarily enjoy team sports. I naturally flow better solo. But through marriage, I’m learning how to be an effective team player. Doing so has certainly strengthened my faith. It’s pushed me to rely on God and His truths. I choose not to rely on my own sinful ways, understanding, or strengths. When building a marriage that will last, know that it’s different from Hollywood’s love stories where the people dive off in the car and live “Happily Ever After”.
We never see the crisis they are faced with or how they balance all the things that come with life. Trials and hardships are a part of each of our lives individually, as well as our marriages. It’s inevitable, so establishing a plan of action is crucial for when things happen unexpectedly. We live in a world full of chaos and sin. How will you respond each time the enemy attempts to attack your marriage? Surrendering it all to God immediately should always be our first response.
Additionally, refuse to allow the schemes of the enemy to prevail. Stand firmly with locked arms, united hearts, and eyes fixed on the one who’s paid it all (the Lord). I often say marriage is like a Dorito chip, not the crumbled ones, lol. But with God at top and each of us working our way from the bottom up our individual side to Him, we won’t crumble. He will sustain us individually and collectively.
If you’re looking to strengthen your marriage, it’s important to first fuel your faith and know who’s number one, God. When you’re both pursuing Him earnestly, you can rise above all circumstances! Also, always seek wise counsel. Be consistent. When everything appears to be good, still check for cracks to seal that may or may not be visible.
I recall when we were engaged we made a vow to get marriage counseling every year regardless of how good we felt we were. It’s an ongoing investment to attempt to keep us on one accord. Life is a journey and marriage is a journey for life. As the days roll by I vow to constantly gain a greater understanding of my Husband, myself, and faith! I encourage you to pursue being a woman, man, and/or family after God’s own heart!
Açaí Bowls are a hit right now in our home and across the world for that matter. Demario’s requesting them to go along with his breakfast and he even has them as a post-workout snack sometimes! They’re extremely yummy, quick, filling, and an awesome treat! You can easily add your favorite protein powder, seeds, and toppings to make this bowl your new favorite as well!
Ingredients: (To make 2 Large Açaí Bowls)
2 Sambazon Açaí packets
1 Banana
1 cup of another fruit choice
1/4 – 1/2 cup of liquid (I typically used almond milk or açaí juice)
Honey Almond Granola (Sams)
Coconut flakes
Toasted Almond Flakes
Bananas
Strawberries
Honey Drizzle
Instructions:
Add the Açaí, banana, strawberries, fruit of choice, and the almond milk or juice to a blender.
Blend until it is smooth and creamy.
Pour the smoothie into a bowl and add all the fruit and dry toppings.
If you’ve never attended a Saints game, you should really consider doing so. There’s nothing like a win inside the Superdome after you’ve been biting your nails, hanging on to strangers, and have felt like your heart’s stopped because you’re desperate for a win. When I attended my first college football game to cheer on my husband, I knew nothing about football, but over the years, I’ve learned to love the sport. It’s taught me so much about life.
In football and in life, you win some (Who Dat NATION), and you lose some, but each day and season presents new opportunities to strive, thrive, and grow! In football, losing was an opportunity for those players to learn what skills to develop for the next game. After each game, athletes review the film searching for ways to improve in the areas they made mistakes—while also working to strengthen the areas they succeeded.
This is what separates the winners from the losers.
If you’ve lived long enough, you’ve had some victorious moments and some not so great ones too. As believers, it’s essential that despite what our scoreboard in life looks like, we don’t give up. Even when we are tackled by life, it’s crucial to keep getting back up. Be reminded that even if it appears that we’re losing, we win because God is still on the throne. Jesus has already conquered it all, and we’re always victorious when we’re resting in Him and His promises, even if it appears otherwise.
When I’m winning, sometimes I’m turnt! I feel accomplished! I do give God the glory,
but there have even been many times I’ve questioned, “why me”? On the other hand, as a recovering perfectionist and people pleaser, losses are always difficult for me.
I’m constantly attempting to work out my issues in this area because for one, I’m only perfectly imperfect. When I get out of my own head, I learn that God is pruning me, using me, and preparing me for Himself! Like my husband’s teammates, I study myself (film) and my opponent (the enemy), challenge myself, and ask God to stop me in my tracks when I’m running further away from Him (linebacker moves).
Surrendering to Christ doesn’t mean we get a perfect life in return. It means that we must learn how to pray fervently and press firmly into God in ways we couldn’t before knowing Him. The weapon may form, but it won’t prosper. It’s knowing that “all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose,” (Roman 8:28). This doesn’t mean all things will be good. It may not always look like we’re winning. However, in every situation, good or bad, all things work together for our good. God is always working on our behalf. We may not see that clearly in every situation, but trusting in Him is key! We will always come out triumphant! When we are connected in Christ, this is the true victory.
I love to treat my family and friends to this tasty recipe! The secret is getting the oil hot enough and letting the fish fry until it’s crispy! Growing up, we often had fried fish on Friday nights, and while most people wouldn’t agree with the combo, we always served it with spaghetti and meat sauce, fries, and green salad. Sometimes, I even serve lasagna instead of spaghetti.
Ingredients:
Fresh Catfish fillets (I usually make 2 pieces per person)
Pat dry with a sheet of paper towel then squeeze lemon juice on fish.
Trim catfish of any excess skin.
Lightly sprinkle the garlic powder and onion powder on both sides of the catfish fillets.
Pour Fish Fry batter in a shallow dish and drench fillets, pressing gently to coat well. Shake excess and set aside.
Heat Canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until a bit of fish batter sizzles when dropped in. I typically use an electric skillet or deep fryer to get more pieces cooked at once.
Gently add the coated fillets to the hot oil and fry until golden brown, turning once. It may take 7-8 minutes. Make sure it’s crispy and the batter isn’t separating from the fish. It typically floats when ready!
Remove and drain on a paper-towel-lined plate. Serve immediately.
Almost two months ago, we received news that shattered our hearts into the tiniest pieces; “It’s Retinoblastoma.”
I’d never heard of this cancer, and it took me a couple of days to even learn how to pronounce it. Our youngest daughter, Carly-Faith, was recently diagnosed with Retinoblastoma, which affects the retina, usually as a tumor. It’s rare and typically affects young children, but no one can really prepare your heart to hear that your child has cancer.
As I listened to the doctor advise us on our best options and explain where this journey may lead, I felt weakened. This was a situation that could have easily caused us to lose trust in our Father and allow the enemy to fill us with doubt. So many questions flooded my mind. At that moment, God appeared swiftly and granted me the strength and endurance that I would have never seen myself having under these circumstances!
My husband and I immediately went to the Lord in prayer—praying for specific miracles. One of those miracles was for God to salvage her left eye. However, that wasn’t a part of His master plan. We had to rapidly move forward with enucleation, the removal of her left eye. It would’ve been easy to be swept away by our fear or our feelings…but God. Instead, He revealed to us ALL of the other miracles He was unfolding before our very eyes!
Before COVID-19 and statewide mandatory quarantines, we were scheduled to be back in New Orleans. Had we been in NOLA, the closest place for treatment was Houston! Thankfully, we were home in Nashville, where Vanderbilt Hospital is located. This was a huge blessing and meant we could immediately see a specialist. One of the top research doctors and surgeons for this particular cancer was assigned to us at that hospital.
Surgeons were able to do outpatient surgery on my daughter two days after diagnosis. After weeks of awaiting additional test results we received the news that No chemotherapy was needed because the cancer was removed in the nick of time! Also,it hadn’t spread to her brain or right eye, which was a concern when receiving the diagnosis. There were so many moments where God showed up and proved Himself strong. We were able to share God through prayer and encouraging words with every doctor, nurse, and staff member caring for us on the day of surgery.
Our community showed up for us! Usually, I attempted to be a strong friend and decline help on every level. However, during this time I was able to allow my pride to rest, my fear to bow, and embrace the love of God through His people. Clinging to His truths and promises blessed me with boldness, peace, and FAITH!
Carly-Faith has lost vision in one of her eyes, and that may present some life challenges. However, many people have no hindrance to their physical vision, yet they are spiritually blind, which leads to a road of destruction. It is my prayer that God continues to grace us with wisdom and endurance to boldly discipline our little champion of faith to have a clear vision of her creator. Her story is beautiful, displaying God’s faithfulness, and we’re grateful to have experienced it all with her! May she always have a visual acuity of exactly who God is and the calling he has on her life, and may she fully maximize every ounce of her potential and purpose for the Kingdom of God!
I know some of you may be facing some giants and feeling discouraged by your challenges or circumstances…please, stand firmly on God’s promises! I strongly encourage you to go before the Lord in unfiltered prayer. Understand that it’s ok to embrace your emotions and not suppress them. But also, believe that God is greater than it all! If there is any specific way I can faithfully cover you in prayer, my inbox is open!
Enjoy a space to connect, be empowered and educated to seek Jesus wholeheartedly, identify blind spots, seek growth, learn to love, forgive, laugh, cook amazing food, and understand that living the in the spotlight is not always roses & candy.
