Sunday, February 16, 2025

Praying for Your Spouse: The Power of Prayer in Marriage

Praying for Your Spouse: The Power of Prayer in Marriage
Praying for Your Spouse: The Power of Prayer in Marriage

Praying for Your Spouse: The Power of Prayer in Marriage


I'll start by saying this. For the Christian marriage, prayer is vital. If you are in a "seasoned" marriage like mine, then you already know the challenges couples face every day. You have survived all the ups and downs and you know there will be more. If you are in a young or perhaps a brand new marriage, trust those of us who know - there will be ups and downs. There will be challenges. There will be tough times, but your marriage is worth the fight. Do your fighting on your knees. Taking time to pray for one another will deepen your marriage relationship and your walk with the Lord. Today, we're going to dig into the importance of praying for your spouse. We will look at Scripture passages that will inspire your prayers for one another, and provide practical tips to cultivate a habit of interceding for each other.

The Importance of Praying for Your Spouse


Prayer strengthens the bond between couples and it helps us understand our spouses on a deeper level. Praying for your spouse helps you to:

Love and respect your spouse:
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her. Ephesians 5:25
Ephesians 5:25 reminds husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. Praying for your spouse helps you love him or her the way in this special way.

Support each other through challenges:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7
Pray for guidance, resilience, and comfort during difficult times. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us not to be anxious but to present our requests to God.

Enhance spiritual growth:
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor; for if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up!  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
As a couple, praying together will deepen your faith and strengthen your relationship with God. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 highlights the importance of companionship and support in both spiritual and physical journeys.

The Power of Prayer to Change Your Marriage
The Power of Prayer to Change Your Marriage by Stormie Omartian is available here!

Scripture Passages for Praying for Your Spouse


Here are some powerful Scriptures to inspire your prayers:
The Lord bless you, and keep you;

The Lord cause His face to shine on you,
And be gracious to you.  Numbers 6:24-25
Pray for your spouse’s safety and strength to face daily challenges.
Having cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7
Ask God to relieve your spouse’s stress and fill them with His peace.
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18
Pray for your spouse to develop a deeper relationship with God.
Being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3
Pray for open communication and a spirit of cooperation between you and your spouse.

Pray Big for Your Marriage: The Power of Praying God's Promises for Your Relationship
Pray Big for Your Marriage: The Power of Praying God's Promises for Your Relationship by Will Davis Jr. is available here!

Practical Tips for Praying for Your Spouse


Set a Regular Time for Prayer:

Carve out time each day to pray together. Make praying together as natural as breathing air into your lungs. Develop a culture of prayer in your marriage. As individual Christians, we should pray at various times throughout the day. As a couple, set aside time to pray together every day.

Use a Prayer Journal:

Write down specific prayer requests and praises for your spouse. This can help track answered prayers and encourage gratitude.

Incorporate Scripture:

Use Bible verses as a foundation for your prayers. This not only reinforces the importance of prayer but also keeps your focus on God’s promises.

Pray Aloud and/or Privately:

When new to prayer, especially praying together, some may feel more comfortable praying aloud, while others may prefer private prayers. Find a style that works best for both of you at first, but make it your goal to learn to pray aloud together.  There is something very special about listening to your spouse pray, especially when your spouse is praying for you.  Work towards gifting your spouse with hearing you pray for him or her.

Pray for Each Other’s Desires:

Take time to understand what your spouse desires in his or her personal life, work, or spiritual journey, and bring those requests before God.

Praying for your spouse is an invaluable practice that can transform your marriage. By intentionally lifting each other up in prayer, couples can grow closer, navigate life's challenges more effectively, and foster a loving and supportive environment. Remember, your prayers matter, and as you seek to connect with God, He will work wonders in your relationship.

Make the commitment today to start praying for your spouse. Let the power of prayer lead you towards a deeper bond that reflects God’s love in your lives.

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Praying for Your Spouse: The Power of Prayer in Marriage
Praying for Your Spouse: The Power of Prayer in Marriage

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Sunday, February 2, 2025

Cute Valentine's Day Recipes to Wow Your Loved Ones

Cute Valentine's Day Recipes to Wow Your Loved Ones
Cute Valentine's Day Recipes to Wow Your Loved Ones

Cute Valentine's Day Recipes to Wow Your Loved Ones

Valentine’s Day is not just about flowers and chocolates.  It’s also a fantastic opportunity to get creative in the kitchen! Whether you're planning a romantic dinner for two or a fun gathering with friends, these cute Valentine's Day recipes will help you express love through delicious food.  Here are several cute Valentine's Day recipes to wow your loved ones.

Heart-Shaped Pancakes

Start your Valentine's Day off with a sweet treat by making heart-shaped pancakes. To create these, simply pour your pancake batter in a heart shape on your griddle. You can use cookie cutters to help shape them.  Top them off with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of maple syrup for a breakfast that says “I love you” from the very first bite!

Strawberry Shortcake Cups

Strawberry shortcake cups are perfect for sharing. Layer fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and fluffy cake cubes in small cups or jars for an easy dessert that's both cute and delicious. Not only do they look pretty, but they’re also portable, making them great for picnics or taking to a Valentine’s Day party.

Love Bug Cookie Pops

Get creative with love bug cookie pops! Start by baking your favorite sugar cookies and let them cool completely. Once cooled, decorate them with colorful icing and attach lollipop sticks. Add edible eyes and use chocolate chips or sprinkles for embellishments. Arrange these fun cookie pops in a decorative jar, and you’ll have an eye-catching treat that’s perfect for gifting!

Heart-Shaped Caprese Salad

Impress your loved one with a fresh, healthy dish like a heart-shaped Caprese salad. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to create mozzarella and tomato slices. Layer them with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic dressing. This tasty, visually appealing salad is not only easy to make but will also add a fresh touch to your Valentine’s Day table.

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

No Valentine’s Day celebration is complete without dessert, and red velvet cupcakes are an all-time favorite! Bake a batch of these classic cupcakes and top them with rich cream cheese frosting. To make them extra special, add heart-shaped sprinkles or edible glitter. These vibrant cupcakes are not only delicious but also make a stunning centerpiece for any Valentine’s Day dessert spread.

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

Indulge your romantic side with homemade chocolate-dipped strawberries. Melt semisweet chocolate and dip the strawberries halfway in the chocolate. For an extra touch, drizzle white chocolate over the tops or sprinkle with crushed nuts. These elegant treats are perfect for sharing and are a classic way to show love on this special day.

These cute Valentine’s Day recipes are sure to make your celebration one to remember. From sweet breakfast options to sweet desserts, cooking together can be a wonderful way to bond with your loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create some delicious memories!

Valentine's Day Recipes From Around The Web

16 Easy Valentine's Day Treat Recipes from Mums Make Lists

11 Easy Valentine's Day Desserts from Peas and Poppies

Valentine's Day Cookies from Walking on Sunshine Recipes

30 Delicious Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes from Budgeting for Bliss

Valentine's Day Muddy Buddies/Puppy Chow from Lifestyle of a Foodie





 
Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Cute Valentine's Day Recipes to Wow Your Loved Ones
Cute Valentine's Day Recipes to Wow Your Loved Ones

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Friday, January 31, 2025

Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids

Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids
Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids

Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids

Valentine’s Day is not just for adults.  It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to express their creativity and learn about love and friendship. Engaging in Valentine’s Day crafts also creates an environment for communication and bonding between kids and parents. Plus, these activities allow kids to create gifts for family and friends. Here are some fun and easy Valentine’s Day crafts for kids.

Heart-Shaped Cards

One of the simplest and most classic Valentine’s Day crafts is making heart-shaped cards. All you need are colored paper, scissors, and some art supplies like markers, stickers, and glue. Start by folding a piece of paper in half and cutting out a half-heart shape. When you unfold it, you’ll have a lovely heart-shaped card. Encourage your children to decorate it with drawings, love messages, or even fun facts about the recipient. These personalized cards are sure to spread joy!

DIY Friendship Bracelets

Jewelry-making can be a fun experience for kids, and creating friendship bracelets for Valentine’s Day is a great way to commemorate special bonds. Gather colorful beads, string, and craft wire for this activity. Children can develop patterns with the beads and give their creations to friends or family as a token of love. This craft not only allows for creative expression but also teaches kids about the importance of friendship.

Jewelry Making Kit for Valentine's Day
This jewelry making kit is available here.

Love Bugs

Transform ordinary supplies into adorable love bugs! Using pom-poms, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, and construction paper, kids can create little love bugs that symbolize affection. Have them glue googly eyes onto the pom-pom and attach pipe cleaners for antennas. Kids can get imaginative by adding wings made from colorful paper. These cute crafts can be used as decorations or gifts!

Valentine’s Day Wreaths

A heart-themed wreath can be an exciting craft to display at home. Kids can use a paper plate as the base and decorate it with heart cutouts made from various colored papers. Use ribbons, glitter, and other embellishments to make the wreath visually appealing. Hang them on doors or walls to add a festive touch to your home!

Jar of Love Notes

Kids can create a “Jar of Love” filled with sweet notes for family members. Provide them with colorful paper and pens to write messages of love, appreciation, or even silly jokes. Once they’ve filled the jar with notes, you can decorate it with washi tape, ribbon, or stickers. This craft is a heartfelt way for kids to express their feelings and share them with others throughout February.

Painted Rocks

Another fun activity is painting rocks with Valentine’s Day themes. Gather some smooth stones and let kids use acrylic paints to create hearts, smiley faces, or love messages. Once the paint is dry, these painted rocks can be placed in gardens, around the house, or gifted as tokens of affection. This environmentally friendly craft allows kids to be creative while also giving them a chance to explore nature.

Valentine’s Day Collage

Lastly, encourage kids to make a Valentine’s Day collage using magazines, newspapers, and scrap paper. They can cut out images and words that represent love and friendship, and arrange them on a larger sheet of paper or poster-board. This project helps develop fine motor skills and encourages teamwork if done in groups.

Valentine’s Day crafts for kids not only spark creativity but also teach valuable lessons about love and friendship. So gather your craft supplies and make this Valentine’s Day a memorable one filled with fun projects!

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40 Valentine's Day Books for Young Readers
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From Around the Web

Here is a list of Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids from around the web:










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Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids
Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids

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Verse of the Day from Bible Gateway