Joining us today is our guest author: Lara Williams ~You can WIN a copy of her book details below~
My man and I would both say the same thing. Our marriage has not been easy. Our unrealistic expectations mixed with poor communication and heavy baggage made us the prime target for a train wreck. And we wrecked hard. To near death.
But God.
He had great mercy on our home. He invaded and insisted with his grace. So here we stand, together in spite of the near devastation. Defying our world’s statistics.
But there still exists a daily battle to meditate upon the true things because the enemy attacks fierce. He hates marriage for it was created to reflect its Maker — full of love, forgiveness, honor, and freedom.
So whether a marriage hangs by a thread or stands a strong fortress, we all must be on guard. I must be on guard. Choosing to think on the true things.
the true things…
My sovereign God purposefully put my man and I together, complete with both of our messes. He knew the trials we would walk through. He foresaw the words we would hurl. Yet he placed us together. To transform us. To refine us. To free us.
I choose to see my man as my brother in the Lord. A fellow runner in this faith race. One whom I’m called to love and spur on towards truth. I am learning to pray rather than criticize and build rather than tear down…all beginning in my thought life.
Love expressed on the face or by the hands is not enough. It’s not love.
True love flows from the heart and pours out regardless of the other.
In spite of how you would define your own marriage today, remember…as long as God is, there exists hope.
Today’s thought-life challenge…
- Spend some time identifying thoughts you are thinking regarding marriage.
- Identify thoughts you are thinking of your spouse.
- Do those thoughts line up with God’s truth and his design?
- If not, one by one, determine a truth that you can choose to meditate upon as a replacement.
- When the lies or negative thoughts invade, declare the true things out-loud.
As a gift to our readers, Lara is giving away two electronic copies of her fabulous book, Savoring Living Water. You can win one today or come back tomorrow to win when Lara shares on being a mommy, simply leave a comment below answering one of the following questions:
- What truths do you choose to think upon to counteract any lies?
- How do you want God’s Word to change you in your home?
Speaker and writer, Lara resides in central NC with her husband and three young children. You can find her online at http://www.larawilliams.org/. And you can read her blog at http://tooverflowing.com/.
Did you miss a story in this series? Go here to catch up and be encouraged!
Photo Credits: Lucarossato.com
Details on Book Giveaway:
You can win an electronic copy of Savoring Living Water by:
You’re automatically entered when you comment below!
Extra entry:
Let me know how you’re following Inspired by Family Mag. (email updates, RSS, FB, Twitter)
A winner will be chosen at random a week from today! If you filled out the email part when you commented then I will contact you, if you’re the winner.
Two copies are being given away, you also have a chance to win on Wednesday, so stop by as Lara Williams shares on Messy Mommy Moments here.
I’d love a copy of this book!
Jaime,
Sorry
You were the winner but your email came back as not valid
Passages regarding humility come to mind… Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord; …consider others better than yourselves. Yup, pride is an issue in our marriage – especially from my side.
PS – Please enter me in the drawing for the book!
Lauren so true, yet I don’t always think of it as pride. Though the reality a lot of times it is. Thanks for sharing.
I love inspirational books that help you through life by reading stories shared by others.
Loni, yes I am a inspirational books/stories junkie esp. when I know they are true stories.
Beautiful post. Thank you!
Paula, yes she did a great job!
I do RSS and I combat these thoughts with Phil. 4:8,9b “…whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable think about such things….and the God of peace will be with you.”
Laura, such a great verse to help fight the fight. My 7yr old recalls this when he is having bad dreams. It applies to so many different areas of our life.
I would love a copy of this book. what a great series thanks for sharing!
Chrissy, Thanks for stopping by we have you down for the drawing of the book!
This book would be helpful in my daily battle with my thought life! I try to remember Phillipians 4:8 “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” If I let this guide my thoughts about my husband, then God’s love replaces my own inadequate love, and our relationship flourishes. The Devil can’t insert his negative thoughts that only serve to divide us. It’s a challenge, but well worth the effort!
Praise the Lord, Laurina! Keep fighting the good fight.
My name is Cassandra and me and my husband is going through a tough time right now in our marriage. Reading these topic is really inspire me to look to the lord more for his help, thank you.
Oh Cassandra, I am sorry to hear that. I just prayed for you! That you and your man would draw close to Him in this time. He is your strength, your wisdom and He LOVES you immensely. It brings tears to my eyes to know that the Lord is using this series to bless many! Continue to seek Him in His word, He listens. Blessings on your journey.
Thanks for a chance to win this book. I’m loving the Run2Him bible study and the Fruit of the Spirit one before that.
Anna, Here’s hoping right! The great thing is she is giving 2 away so more chances for you to win!
All I can say is WOW! This is me and my man.
Maureen
Maureen, so glad Lara’s words touched you where your at!
This is so what I needed to read right now, you have no idea! X
Wendy, Yes, I love how God uses peoples gifting to bless us!
Oh, I love electronic books!! I can listen to them!! I listen to truths straight from HIS Word…the BEST way to counteract lies from the enemy. One of my favorites is Genesis 5:20 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” I no longer carry “baggage” around because I know that God has a purpose for my past…the saving of lives today. So, when the enemy tries to bring in lies (usually stemming from something in my past), I ward him off with this truth.
Debbie,
YES, YES, YES, His Word/Truth gives us strength. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Go Mari! I could very much use a copy of this book and I’m so glad I found this site! Cannot wait to read more as I have a moment!