MARRIED COUPLES: Pray Like Garanimals!

Perhaps I'm dating myself as a child of the seventies, but when I was a young I loved to wear Garanimals! You didn't need your parents telling you what to wear, because all you had to do was match the animals on the tag to know what clothes went together.  The introduction of this coordinated system was fun, promoted maturity, and helped children feel good about themselves.

Now that I'm a married "grown woman" (as Mary J. Blidge so aptly put it), I have found the need for learning how to match once again.  The best wedding gift we received was advice: Be sure to pray every single day together without fail!  At the time it seemed easy enough, but as the days passed by after our "I Do", we worked hard to make it a critical part of our routine.  We both know that prayer has kept us standing as outside forces have beat up against us.  Darryl always says, "God is the head of this union"... Scriptures says, "a three-fold cord isn't easily broken"... I say, "Amen to both"!

Praying together is mandatory in a healthy, God-centered marriage relationship.  If a couple hasn't both decided that Christ is their glue-connector, then staying together may be difficult when life kicks into high gear.  Can't we all agree that staying married is the ultimate goal???  Statistics say that almost half of Christian marriages end in divorce.  I wonder how many Christians are getting married equally yoked, with wise counsel established, and equal goal lines ahead.  Let us not rush to our own desires and not see the team's desires as most critical!

Garanimals teach children how to match clothing outfits by using various animals on the tags.

So this is where, praying "Garanimal Style" becomes necessary! As married couples build their daily prayer life, it is imperative that matching prayers take place when together or individually.  Garanimals clothing are so cool, because they are built on a "coordinated system", and so should our prayers be.

Uncoordinated Prayer: 
Theresa prays, "dear Lord... please send the Ordells to Italy to live in a palace."
Darryl prays, "dear Lord... please send the Ordells to the Dominican Republic to live in a shack."
There is NO coordinated system of prayers.  This shows not only being out of sync with each other, but it also shows a lack of communication on our part.  If you don't talk it out and map out a plan, you'll never make progress.

God will not answer prayers that divide a married unit.

Prayer is a serious thing, it involves power, accuracy and expectancy... and a turning of the will!  Our wills should be clearly directed to God's agenda if we want the most effectiveness.  So when couples see no activity, they must reconvene and address what is being prayed.  Perhaps many couples don't want to take the risk of praying together due to the possibility of exposing their opposition of desires!

Get on one accord and pray like Garanimals together!  First, discuss what you'd like to see God do in your future.  Whether it's praying about a job change, purchasing a house, having children, moving to another state, going back to school or even going on vacation... pray like Garanimals - find a coordinated system so that your prayers will be effective!

Mark 3:25 states: 

If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

Just recently, Darryl and I were discussing something in our lives that we anticipated God to do.  I assumed we were both cheering for the same team and expecting the same result!  Darryl listened to me go on and on and on and on and on and on... (did I say he actually listened to me go on and on?) and after I finished my tirade, he broke IT down and ME down too!

This is how my husband viewed our prayers:
Theresa was praying/asking for God to bless us in a particular way, as if it may not be possible for us to receive or be considered for a blessing.  
Darryl was praying for God to get us ready for the blessing so that we could be good stewards over it, because he knew the Lord was more than able to fulfill the request!

Our prayers were not on a coordinated system... or should I say, we were close, but not quite matching and praying Garanimal style!  Our belief system had to be set the same way, then we had to ask in agreement. I was still hoping and he had already been there and done that.

Garanimal Style Prayer:
Lord, prepare us for the blessing that is coming our way. We know that you are a specific God that tailors our blessings in a unique way.  We cannot be unprepared when you decide it's time for us to receive the blessing.  We want to maximize our miracles and be the right stewards over every gift you bring to our house.  Most importantly, let your will be done in our lives. We submit to your agenda, your timetable and your plans of prosperity.  Be it unto us according to your Word and our faith! In Jesus' name... Amen.

Now, sometimes we're just not where the other spouse is in our ability to ask the Lord for our needs.  This is okay.  When you come together for prayer, it can still be Garanimal style if one of you says, I'm just not where you are yet, but I'm willing to come in God's presence with you to work it out so we can get on one accord.  When both of you are saved and walking in relationship with Jesus Christ, then agreement is possible.  If you cannot reach a place of agreement with what to pray, there's still a way to pray like Garanimals!

Garanimal Style Prayers when you can't Agree:
Lord, we're at a crossroads in our marriage.  We're in separate corners of the ring ready to come out swinging to get our way.  I want to go to Alaska, and they want to go to Hawaii.  They want to go to one church, while I want to go to another.  One of us wants to quit our job and the other wants to look for more work.  One of us isn't in love anymore, and the other wants to stay in this marriage for better or for worst.  Neither of us want to give up our desires, but we all that we can agree on is that you are a just Judge.  You will have to call the shots on this dilemma, you turn our wills to your will.  Send a clear and precise sign that will get both of our attentions so that we don't let our differences cause a breach in the covenant.  Help us oh Lord for there is none other that can fix our marriage but you... In Jesus' name, Amen... so be it...

Even if it hurts, ask your spouse to sit in prayer to find agreement.  Remember, before it gets completely divided consider their option and God's option before you fight to the death for your own way.  All in all, I speak life to your marriage decisions.  May the Lord use every situation to teach you all how to merge into a powerful unit full of focus and precise in their prayers!

Amen,

Mrs. Wow

Need help getting a prayer routine started with your spouse? Check out this blog for pointers: http://ournewlywedchronicles.blogspot.com/search/label/home%20life

Be sure to look out for my upcoming training session in prayer for wives: Praying a Boaz Blessing over Your Husband!  This session will give you directives to take before the Lord when asking him to bless your husband, you don't want to miss it!

Email theresa@harvestwords.com for more information. This will be scheduled for an online video program and an in-person session for engaged and married women. Information will be posted on the webpage too: www.harvestwords.com

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"Married Mondays" - #6 - This week's inspiration for our Readers!

My mother spent the majority of my childhood as a Grammy award winning songwriter.  She used many of her life experiences to pen melodies that came from her deepest emotions.  Every lyric of every song I know from her catalog has left an indelible print on my heart.  Just today I was singing a simple lyric she wrote, "you inspire me..." Actually I can't even remember the artist or the song this line comes from, BUT I do remember a time when I tried to imagine having a husband to inspire me for a lifetime.  Now... as God has seen fit to bless me at this part of my life journey, we have each other.  I feel like the moon has lit a pathway on the ocean for me to find the way to my destiny.

Inspiration causes you to walk towards each other to find encouragement.

There were times when I wasn't sure if I'd find someone to trust, because giving someone access to your heart and emotional well-being is a powerful surrender.  Marriage can give another person the power to either lift you up mentally and emotionally or tear you down.  That coupled with your own idiosyncrasies and insecurities causes the waters to get even deeper.

My husband has introduced me to country music.  This week's song is "Like I Am", by Rascal Flatts.  The lyrics are amazing, "...I can feel the change, the change you made in me, but will I ever see all the things you see in me ... when you say that I'm one of a kind, baby I don't see it, but you believe it ... I promise you, I'll try to be that kind of man, because you love me like I am".  Check it out and find the inspiration to inspire your lover.

For marriages this week, Darryl and I are praying for couples to inspire one another in being who they were meant to be together.  The word "inspire" is defined as: to fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something, esp. to do something creative.  To the Ordell's, it is to love in a magnificent manner, we see it as the pouring into someone's soul in the deepest of places.  This becomes even more precious when you've gone through hard times and still find the power to pour into someone in the midst of your own pain.  We pray that we...inspire you to get back to the basics of love or stay in it for better or for worse.

This week, share with readers how your spouse inspires you or how you both plan to get started in this area.

Happy living & loving!

The Mr. & the Mrs.

"Married Mondays" - #5 - Short & Simple Question for our Readers!

Hanging out at a birthday party!

Many who know us, know we travel a lot!  Darryl is gone more than I am these days; nevertheless, it keeps us paying attention to the relationship we are honored to share with each other.  One of the best things about being married to Mr. LBD (as I affectionately call him) is that he loves to surprise me.  Not too long ago, I was excited on our date night to go see what I thought was a fireworks show, but he surprised me with tickets to Alvin Ailey's dance production.  I never know with this guy!  There are times our date may be the typical movie and dinner, but sometimes our budget says to keep it simple.  Whatever our financial standing, we make a point to have date night.  Last week we went to a birthday party and hung out with friends instead of hanging solo.  The other day our date night was simply going to Ihop at 1:00 am!  Sometimes it just helps to get outside the house, hold hands and do something together.

One of the greatest misconceptions about dating your spouse is that you have to spend lots of money to make it wonderful. This is not true. As a matter of fact, we challenge you all to take $20 and see what fun things you can do for hours around town with that money!  Branch out to picnics, walks on the beach, bike riding, visiting a winery, people watching and more.  Just be sure to do your "grown thang", invest in the most important person in your life, and don't let busy days cause you to forget how spectacular your spouse can be!  ...and it doesn't matter who initiates the date—just make sure you go!  If you have to initiate the date, don't let that discourage you. Your spouse may really see it as a sexy jesture!

Have you heard this Luther song "Grown Thangs" about a couple going out on a date, getting a baby sitter and just having a night out?  Check it out, get out and hang out no matter how much cash you have!


Today's Married Monday question:
What is the best Date Night you and your spouse have had? Share what you did in case some other couples need some great ideas!

"Single Saturday's" - #3 - weekly question as you ponder your path!

It's interesting what you'll do to make a relationship work.  It's even more interesting what you won't be willing to do to make a relationship work.  When my husband married me, he inheirited my two girls, Peace & Joy.  As a result of his adoption, we start and end every day by picking up crap! 

Once when a friend was getting married, she came to spend the weekend with me prior to the big day.  Before she left, I told her I wanted her to go with me to walk the girls.  As I handed her the leash, I also handed her a little green bag for the poop.  The walk began and eventually nature had her way and the dogs had to "go".  After they finished, the stinch filled the air then I motioned for her to pick up the crap!  She looked disgusted, but I told her, "this is your first lesson in marriage... everyday you have to pick up crap!"  It's true... no relationship is free without it.  

As you fantasize about how glamorous and glorious it will be to be married... just remember the crap will come but love can handle all!  Now if you're going to pick up crap, be sure to have your baggies to gather it up and throw it away.  Don't let stuff simmer... or the smell and intensity of it all gets worst.

Single Saturday Question of the Week:  
How good are you at picking up crap???  Do you think you could handle arguments, hard times and communication problems ... and then forgive your spouse, let it all go and push on with your day???

"Single Saturday's" - #2 - weekly question as you ponder your path!

Do you embrace the mystery?

One of our greatest pleasures in life as a married couple is knowing we never cheated on ourselves as singles! We lived! We took the journey head on and found out who we are as individuals. This is not a task that many find necessary. Most singles are so busy wanting to hook up, that they don't know who they are presenting in relationships.

Do you know who you are? Have you expanded your horizons to increase the attraction level the opposite sex has for you? The first week we wanted to know what you're looking for in someone else, but this week's question is geared towards knowing if you know how cool it is being you. 

SINGLE SATURDAY QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

Ladies and gentlemen: How do you embrace the mystery of being alone? 

"Married Mondays" - #4 - Short & Simple Question for our Readers!

Always have each other's back!

How are you doing?  Ready to face the week?  Today we want to provoke couples to be more cognizant of each other, through the good and especially the bad.  As time rolls on, we often forget to make our spouse a priority. Some begin to value things and others more than the one God blessed them with in marriage.  Never forget to give yourself away to each other.

Today's question: How does your spouse make your life easier?  Remember the first time you realized they had your back no matter what.  It could've been something as simply as doing the dishes; picking the kids up from school or supporting you as you took a chance on a new business venture even though there was no money in the budget to do so.  As you ponder our question, find a way this week to make your spouse's life a little easier, what ever it takes!  Think about it this way:  God pours into each of you so you can pour into one another.  If she puts you first and you put her first, you're both taken care of.

"Married Mondays" - #4 - Short & Simple Question for our Readers!

Hey family!  We didn't forget our married couples.  Today when I was making a late breakfast for the Mister, he was on a somewhat important phone call that couldn't be ended when I placed his food on the table.  I motioned for him to come eat, and I slipped into the other room with my food as I sat on the bed running through my "to do list" in my head.  My thoughts were interrupted when he came to the door and told me to finish eating at the table.  It really didn't matter to me at that moment, since my mind was preoccupied.

When he finished his call, Darryl said something very important. "I've spent most of my adult life eating on the run, standing up, sitting in random places—we need to always remember to take the time to sit at the table, look at each other, and enjoy our food together!"

How true is this for couples? We're always so busy trying to do "the next thing", that we often negate the present moment we can spend with each other.  One of the most important parts of a meal is the fellowship.  Today's question: How do you and your spouse spend quality time with each other and are you getting enough of it?

Today's song suggestion is quite hysterical! When this song comes on in the house, we both crack up laughing while singing! Check it out to add a smile to your day!

"Single Saturday's" - #1 - weekly question as you ponder your path!

It's been brought to our attention, that single folks want the same opportunity to gain insight, exchange ideas and be encouraged on a weekly basis... just like the married folks do! So here we go!

A solid relationship is like great choreography!

WIFE'S INTRO:
Being single till 40 showed me plenty of things about dating, understanding who you are, and more importantly... understanding who you want to "GIVES' YOUR TIME TO"!!! Man, I tell you I could write a book just on the "types" of guys I've dated! It got to be funny ... My family actually suggested I not date people whose last name started with certain letters.  Yes, my single life was funny.  One thing I can definitely say, I knew what I was looking for...and never settled, even if I got caught up in the moment!

HUSBAND'S INTRO:

My perspective was slightly different...I had no idea what I was looking for.  I just wanted a woman that was pretty to me.  So, I had a few rules to help navigate through this mind-field that we call dating.  1) Never introduce ANYONE to your mom, period.  If you've met my mom, you understand.  2) Never date Dee Dee's, Shakia's or anyone whose name ends in two vowels.  3) And last but not least, Always, Always go to church...any man can get a "date" there!

SINGLE SATURDAY QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Name the top 5 attributes you'd want the person you would like to marry to possess. (Note: "Being a Christian" is a given, so think harder...)

A new online book!

Cheer Up Your Wife is a free online book that shares great insight into marriage for those just jumping into the waters and for those a little weary of swimming. Singles can even gain a wealth of information from the chapter, God's Dowry.

Author Althea Dupree serves up a well balanced blessing for readers! There's no cost to click for the book, so log on frequently as chapters are added to the site.

"Married Mondays" - #3 - Short & Simple Question for our Readers!

Hey married people! Did you survive the holiday with family, friends, food and church?  Well, we're off to our third week of "Married Monday's", and we're looking forward to you sharing your experiences so that others will be encouraged and you in the process.

This week we're going to dig a little deeper:  Have you ever put anything before your marriage?  Maybe you've gotten bogged down with work, church  or hanging just out with friends, and your marriage went from #1 to #527!  Share a story about how your eyes were opened to this fact, how you expressed it to your spouse, and how you dealt or didn't deal with the situation.  As newlyweds we have to learn the art of putting our marriage first as we make the transition from being single.  Also couples that have been together for years can get in a slump and need to be reminded of this fact.  So let's bless each other with this first hand knowledge on the subject.

This week's song is a duet with Anita Baker & Babyface called, "Like You Used To Do"... we think it speaks volumes to this week's topic! Check it out and enjoy!  Also, consider joining us in Florida for A Date With God in August. This may be just the refresher your marriage could use!