Relationship Navigator – My Best Friend

My husband Ken is my best friend and I would rather spend time with him than anyone. We like to do simple things like; garden, have coffee, go for walks on or near the beach, in our neighborhood, and sometimes we go on outings and small getaways. No matter what we are doing, we enjoy our time together.

So it makes sense to marry your best friend because you will be with each other through thick and thin. We know that life can be hard; there will be times that try your soul, so make sure you marry someone that you want to work through the tough times with, as well as the great times.

An excellent place to begin is by taking Romans 12:10 to heart,

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

I have learned much about the Father’s love through my husband’s actions toward me. Whether you are married or not, living a Romans 12:10 kind of life will enrich you and all of your relationships.

love, best friend, husband, honor

Relationship Navigator – Encouragement

Encouragement is a gift that uplifts and inspires its recipients. I have been writing a little about the relationships of Ruth, Boaz, and Naomi, and realizing how much Boaz reminds me of my husband. Both men can be described as men of love and integrity, wisdom, and last but not least, handsome. When I speak these things to my husband he is greatly encouraged and inspired even more to exemplify these attributes.

Words have great creative power so the greatest challenge on any given day can be to keep those words sheathed until they can be applied with love. After all, the gift of encouragement requires me to first of all be sincere, loving and authentic in my sentiment if this gift is to accomplish its goal. Think about someone you love and care about, what are some of the aspects of who they are that bless you? That is where I begin. I think about these things and when I am with that person, these thoughts come bubbling forth as encouragement.

Here are some applications of encouragement from the Word: “But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief” Job 16:5. Often times encouragement is coupled with the word “strengthen” as seen in Acts 15:32, “Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers.” In just these two instances we see the power of this gift. So be encouraged to consider the attributes you appreciate in those around you, and the next time you are together, avail yourself to the sheer joy and energy of being the gift of encouragement.

There is nothing like listening to a loved one speak kindly about you as you listen. “Kind words are like honey — sweet to the soul and healthy for the body” – Proverbs 16:24

Relationship Navigator – Behaving with Love

C.S. Lewis said, “Do not waste time bothering whether you “love” your neighbor; act as if you did. As soon as we do this we find one of the great secrets.

When you are behaving as if you loved someone you will presently come to love him.”

Sometimes this is a good rule of thumb in marriage. When I feel that my husband does not understand or is not mirroring love toward me, I have a decision to make.

The reminder that I love him with all my heart is critical especially when there is disagreement, if my heart is to ensure that no seeds of discontent are planted. As we move through this holy week, we are reminded of the ultimate price that was paid from a heart of love that is incomprehensible. My goal is to emulate this love with all that God has placed at my disposal; and how great is that love!