"Prayer Changes Things"

36 days until “THE BIG DAY” Through pre-marital counseling one of the many great things we learned was how to pray with each other. All of our counselors recommended that we pray together at least once a week if not more. Candace and I haven’t been as consistent as we would like at this and it reflects in our relationship and how we interact with others. Our marriage prep counselors taught us a 3 part prayer to do in 6 minutes 3:6. 3 different parts 1 minute each ( cause yal know how some people be trying to pray forever.) The first parts is about the things we are THANKFUL for ; Part 2 are the areas we need to REPENT in and Part 3 we PRAY FOR OUR SIGNIFICANT OTHERS. Strong, Quick, and Powerful all one minute each, 3 parts. 3:6. This morning Candace took the initiative to make sure we did and I’m very grateful for that because it revealed a lot to me. First, it showed me that it gives us the ability to affirm each other on a consistent basis. Next, I noticed it reveals to us the areas that we know that we messed up in so the other doesn’t have to go out of our way to try to point out that area. We can have faith that GOD is working it out. Then, it gives us the opportunity to encourage and uplift one another in areas that we need it. Finally, and most importantly it keeps GOD in the center of our relationship. With 36 days left until we are officially "ONE" we are trying to implement 3:6 into our relationship on a more consistent basis. Feel free to hold us accountable. "Prayer Changes things."

~Tommy

Six tips for being Six weeks out

The events leading up to the wedding can be so much fun; this weekend I had my first bridal shower , next weekend will be the Atlanta bridal shower, Tommy and I will sign the lease to our new apartment, and then before we know it we’ll be back in Atlanta for our wedding!

As things begin to speed up, I have created a reminder list for myself on how to stay focused over the next six weeks before our wedding. Like any big experience, you know that there is often a calming before the storm and you must guard yourself and your heart so as to not be distracted. After all, “the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy.”

Here are my top 6 tips for being 6 weeks out:

1. Remain Accountable: Stay covered and grounded; these are the weeks when you’re waiting season seems so close to its end, and you have to continue to remind and encourage yourself that “your fruit will bear in due season” (Psalms 1:3) Sometimes I get so excited and anxious about our marriage, that I forget to simply enjoy the season that we are currently in. We have to tighten our belts and use wisdom in how we spend our time together.

2. Remain in a disciple relationship: My mom and I have been reading Stormie Omartian’s book, “The Power of a Praying Wife.” This has been a great opportunity for my mom and I to both grow and also for her to pour into me as I transition into a new phase of womanhood (as corny as that may sound). It’s been a great read and helps me to prepare. I know that there are only so many books and studies that you can take part in, and that the real experience comes from just experiencing marriage, but use the resources around you to at least build up some reserves.

3. Have fun!!!! Enjoy the showers and the gifts, and the time “being single.” Not that, marriage puts you in some type of crazy bondage, but just enjoy the season of being single!

4. Stay prayed up! Continue to fill yourself with the Word of God. God’s word and the Holy Spirit is really what is carrying me at this point. It’s been easy for me to get distracted by the stresses of work and the attractive lingerie. Lol I have to stay in the word of God. Now I’m not really a morning person, and there are different views on when is a good time to seek God, but really yes you can seek Him anytime and you should seek Him all throughout the day, but giving Him your attention first thing in the morning, I believe will help to keep you covered and focused before you even step out into the world of chaos. I didn’t really get this concept until I tried it, and it made all the difference in how I started my day.

5. Love your fiancé, but don’t get too lovey –dovey with him. Ladies, yes he is a Christian, but he is also a man, and you can be sure that his hormones are raging and ready to really “minister” to you! So just be conscious of the subtle things you may do, say, or wear, that can possibly trigger something in your man. And of course it’s different for everyone, you just have to study and learn your partner.

6. Tie up any loose financial ends: make sure you are both clear on how you will be stewards of your money both for your lives as a married couple and also for the remaining wedding and housing expenses. Communication is really the key in this area. Don’t purchase or make any financial decisions without consulting your fiancé especially if it affects you both. This is not just, “oh why do I have to get permission?” it’s simply out of respect and a form of protection for you. Shoot, if you haven’t gotten the idea that it’s not just about you anymore and that you need to communicate your choices, then the next 6 weeks is a great time to get that revelation.

Love ya’ll; talk to you during week 4.

~ Candace

Who's The Bride?

In Ephesians 5:31-33 Paul states to the Ephesians church, “ For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and the two will become one flesh: This is a profound mystery but I am talking about Christ and the Church. However each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself and the wife must respect her husband.”

Every time I read that passage I’m amazed by Paul’s wisdom. Also, every time I read this verse I’m encouraged to become better. A better Man, & a better Fiance' (soon to be Husband.) The more I understand that I’m a part of the church ( Christ's Bride) and I see how he treats his bride (me) the standard I set for myself rises that much higher on how I should treat my Bride. To his Bride he’s always gentle, compassionate, patient, humble, encouraging, and forgiving; he makes his bride pure. That’s the kind of Husband I inspire to be like, I want to be like Christ. I want to treat my Bride the way that Christ treats us; I believe anything else is missing the mark. Although, I know it’s easier said than done I’m willing to try. Every time I’m offended by Candace I begin to hear a small voice in my head that says,“Why or how does she do that to me?” But not even a split moment later I also get a conviction in my Heart from the Holy Spirit that states why and how do you do that to me. Instantly I know I must forgive her and Love her with all my heart. Even though, I still don’t respond as speedy and prompt as I should, this is where I’m growing at in life.

“Although I’m nowhere close to where I need to be. I strive to treat my Bride to be, the same way Christ treats the bride in me.”

How do you want to be like Christ?

~Tommy

“I like you”

Hi, I can’t believe our wedding is less than 59 days away. It is absolutely amazing to see the transformation God has done in us over the last 2 + years.

I don’t think it’s actually hit me yet that I’ll have the marvelous responsibility of being a wife, and some day mother, but this week I want to share with you some of the things God has revealed to me throughout our courtship.

During this 2+ years, I have grown to understand a little bit more about how selfish I can be at times, and truth be told, I don’t think you know how selfish you really are until you have to share with someone else. Tommy has learned the importance of how to speak truth in love, and how to express his love for me in a way that I can receive it, whether that be through affirmation or a hug.

And truly, the list goes on. And I’m sure we will continue to grow, shed layers, and be molded by God into the best woman/wife/mother, and man/husband/father He wants us to be in the coming years of marriage.

Another thing that I have realized lately is just how much fun I have with Tommy. We have these really crazy laughing spells sometimes that we just can’t control. I mean, if there’s one thing I love to do, it’s to laugh! And what a pleasure it is to be able to experience such joy with your friend and soon-to-be spouse. Now as ya’ll know from our previous blog entries, it’s not always laughs, but as the book of Ecclesiates says, there is a time for everything, and I’m glad we get to experience both sadness and laughter. I appreciate so much more the times when we are in our “Happy Place” as our marriage counselors call it.

In addition God has reminded me just how nice of a person Tommy is and how fortunate I am to have him as a friend and a future husband. I mean, one day we were on the phone together and I just had this Ah-ha moment of, “wow, you’re just so nice, I just like you….I mean you’re fun, and just so nice. “ LOL and for those of you who know Tommy personally you know he’s a man of few words and replied, “…thanks…?”

Well, to wrap it up, I just want to say thanks for traveling with us through our journey and I can’t wait to share more with ya’ll as we near the big day. And if there’s one thing to take away from this entry, it’s to take some time and just think about where you’re at in life and where you were just a few months or years ago, and how different things are (hopefully). God can really do some great things in your life if you just allow Him to be Sovereign and lead you; now you do have to put in your part, but don’t ever forget who the true director in this story of life is.

Love ya’ll,

~Candace soon-to-be Claiborn IV

What is inside of you?

Wow! We are actually down to less than 85 days until our wedding day. On our strive to oneness we are actually having to make real decisions along the process. For instance, how are we paying for the wedding, where are we going to live, how we are going to handle our finances, etc. As we make these serious decisions we really are getting a heavy dose of true intimacy. Like our Pastor's wife constantly states, "Intimacy means just that, (In- to me –u – See)" being in a relationship and actually having to discuss real issues can really bring the realness out of each other. Now, making these small decisions although they seem big to us gives us the opportunity to see what actually makes us tick, and exposes what is actually inside of us. The more Candace and I try to implement the characteristics of Christ in our lives the better we are at interacting together. The Holy Spirit guides us to respond accordingly over and over again. We can only respond consistently with a gentle answer to turn away from conflict/destruction if the Holy Spirit rest within us. Which brings me to my main point on why we need to flee from Sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18) because where Lust, Selfishness, perversion, and the like rest, the Holy Spirit will refuse to rest! The Holy Spirit is all about Love, Giving, and Purity. What’s inside of you?
~Tommy

Influential Woman:

Over the past few weeks I have been realizing how critical of a role my attitude plays in altering the environment of our relationship.Tommy detests a negative/or complaining spirit and for him any kind of complaint without a solution is futile and utterly destructive for a person’s spirit. (Remember, these are my words not his…but from what I gather from our conversations and his response to complaining attitudes, this is the bottom line.)

And truthfully, I agree with him, although sometimes you just want to vent about your day or just your frustrations. I used to think, “yeah, that’s the great part about having a mate: someone to talk to about EVERYTHING, someone to just be truthful and transparent with. But the reality is, no matter how open and transparent your relationship is, your man is not your girlfriend, and most of all he is not God! He has bad days too, and you have to be sensitive to when is right time to vent or simply “express your feelings” and when you should just leave your frustrations at the Father’s feet, and have a quiet and content spirit.

This can be a challenge for me, but as I continue to grow in Christ and also learn my role as a woman, and as a wife-to-be, I am beginning to grasp the concept of truly “Seeking first the Kingdom of Heaven”. You see, if I continue to “VENT, AND VENT, AND VENT” Tommy begins to get worn out and “un-motivated” to talk to me. There is only so much negative talk you can share; you have to use wisdom and realize the power and influence that you as a woman truly have in setting the environment for your male/female relationships.

So as I practice these tools myself, I encourage you ladies to also apply the skill of applying the 5 W’s a little differently:

1. Knowing who to talk to

2. What to share with them

3. Where is the best place to talk

4. When is the right time to bring up the subject

5. Why you’re choosing to share this issue/subject with them.

***Remember, despite how strong, protective, wise, or patient your SuperMan is, he is still just a man, a mere human, and Truthfully, God should be the 1^st one you run to when you’re overwhelmed or stressed, or confused, or whatever! Seeking Christ first will allow you to do all your talking and expressing without talking his ear off, and it will also allow the Holy Spirit to enter your situation and calm you down. And lastly, you will hopefully have received a new direction or solution to your issue that you can positively share with your man.

Most men are problem solvers, so talking just to talk can get really old and frustrating for them, but if you already have a solution, they may be a little more inclined to engage in the conversation, knowing there’s a point to the story, and better yet, that your positively responding to it.

Well I hope this was helpful, I’d love to know your thoughts on the issue.

~Candace

He Lives in You

We are elated and thankful when people tell us this blog is inspirational; but one thing we want to set straight is that this blog is not meant to be inspirational but rather made to be educational. My view of inspirational is when you look at something and have the response of Wow! What they are doing is great. On the contrary, things that are educational not only have you saying wow! What they are doing is great, but I feel empowered & equipped to do the same thing. Our motivation for this blog is not just to share what Candace and I are learning on our journey towards marriage. Instead our motivation to show you what Christ has done in our lives and is capable of doing in yours. If you know Candace or myself then you know that neither one of us has a spotless past, that is until we allowed the Holy spirit to rest inside us to cleanse and forgive us of our past, present, and future. Furthermore, the Holy spirit has defined us and I can think of no better example than this.:
Most of my close friends know that the Lion King is one of my favorite movies, I think it is so much deeper than animation. Specifically I want to concentrate on the part where Simba forgets who he is; and the Baboon (Rafiki) has to remind him of not only who he is but more importantly who he comes from. He comes from MUFASA the KING of PRIDE ROCK! Therefore, that is really what this blog is about a reminder of who we come from the real KING the real ROCK (JESUS CHRIST) It is totally understood that this world has the ability to make us sometimes forget like Simba. Also, like Simba I think its our duty to look deep into our reflection. If we don’t see anything at first I think we need to take Rafiki’s advice and “LOOK HARDER”. Until we are fully convinced that he lives in me and he lives in you (Gen 1:26-29) and understand we are called to be Kings and Queens since we are made in his Image. In conclusion, I would like to restate we are so thankful for your encouraging words, but this blog is so not about us; its more so about the Christ that lives in us. By which empowers us to live this lifestyle of sexual purity. Finally, I have a strong conviction that it is no accident that you’re reading this blog. It is meant for you Yes you! To realize that “He Lives in You”.

~Tommy

“What a Man wants, What a Man needs”

Ladies, I thought I knew, but I had no idea. There is something that the men in our lives need more than love, money, or even sex! It’s RESPECT!!!

I learned this a while back, but over the past few weeks I saw it play out much differently than I had imagined. I thought respect for my fiance was telling him how proud I am of him, and how much I love him, and how excited I am to have him be the leader of our household. When little did I know I wasn’t giving him the respect he truly needed.

According to our marriage counselors, my fiancé, like most men, didn’t need an “A- da boy; great job”, he needed me to trust him, trust his abilities, his judgments, and most of all trust the God in him.

Respect for him is a silent, quiet, respect that speaks louder than words. It’s the stillness of my lips when he makes a “wrong” turn, but I just wait patiently trusting that he knows where he’s going and that we’ll get there ontime, and it’s even the bigger things like trusting that he knows we’re getting married in just as little as 4 months and that he’s setting himself up, with Christ’s help, to be able to provide for our family and give me the security that like most women, I need.

The RESPECT factor is huge to any man, whether it is your significant other, father, uncle, pastor, mentor, or brother. The Men in our lives want to know that we really trust them and even more so, that we trust their relationship with Christ.

So, I share this with you because this personally is a challenge for me; I am very verbal and opinionated, and although I do trust and respect my fiancé, I sometimes talk entirely way too much or just at the wrong time.

These are just a few verses that help me to remember how to respect my fiancé:

Ephesians 5: 33 “ So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must RESPECT her husband.” (New Living Translation)

Proverbs 13:3 “ Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.” (New Living Translation)

Proverbs 10:19 “ Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” (New Living Translation)

~Candace

Blessed to be a Blessing

I’m a firm believer that we as a people are blessed to be a blessing. It is so easy to get so consumed with one self and think that everything that we receive is for us, but I totally beg to differ. I can’t even count the amount of people/couples that have poured into our lives and blessed us and everyday I pray that we will do the same to others. We never know who is watching us and we never know what effects our relationship or actions will have on other people; we can either leave a really bitter taste with someone or a great taste. I hope we leave the latter. The more Candace and I try to strengthen our Christian walk with purity and holiness the more we realize that this really isn’t just about us but it’s about everyone we come into contact with and the generations that will follow us that is trying to build a relationship with Jesus. As we stated at the beginning of this blog to everyone that is being faithful to Christ and is part of this “Worth the Wait Revolution” Wait doesn’t necessarily mean forever. According to our wedding website Candace and I have 123 days left and we can’t wait…I mean we will wait..Ahh you know what I mean…. But seriously, we as believers are called to be the salt of the world (Matthew 5:13) and one of Salts uses is to reduce bitterness. When we come in contact with others by us being the salt we have the opportunity of leaving others feeling bitter or assisting them to feel better.. Do you leave people feeling/ tasting Bitter or Better?

`Tommy

“Learning how to be loved”

This weekend Tommy and I along with his mother visited my family in beautiful Atlanta, GA. It was a fabulous time of fun, excitement, laughter, and love. I couldn’t have asked for a better time of unity. And as I sat in amazement of how awesome and detailed God is, I realized how loved I am by my family and Tommy as well.

With wedding planning all ready and finalized I found myself getting a little too needy and sometimes just plain out wanting too much. Learning how to be loved takes a certain level of humility and that’s what I experienced this weekend. I’m fortunate enough to have wonderfully talented sisters and mother that our wedding was practically custom-made for Tommy and I.

Now there’s a difference between being controlled and being loved; and I’m glad to say that I experience the latter. When someone offers to help you and to do something for you, don’t let pride stop your blessing. We are never too “grown” or too particular to accept someone else’s help and suggestion.

This also does not mean to take advantage of other’s giving; be lead by the Holy Spirit and return to those that which they deserve. When someone decides to pour into your life they are sowing seed with the intent and prayer that it will yield good fruit. So be grateful for the love you receive, use it to produce good fruit and simply enjoy being loved.

Not accepting love is just as prideful as thinking that you deserve it and that it’s your right to receive it.

Receive God’s gift of love ( 1 John 4:16), and as you are lead by the Spirit receive those whom He uses to love you in the natural also.

Sometimes you just have to learn how to be loved!!

~Candace

Tunes From the Heart

A few days ago, someone had the audacity to ask me if Candace and I ever got into arguments or got into disputes. My answer was, “What? Do we? Man, we be going at it much more than either one of us like,” If you know me then you know that I’m a let you know how I feel type person right out the Gate ;I’m pretty much what you see is what you get, and Candace is no slouch in that area either. Therefore, sometimes those two personality traits clash. Yet, I can honestly say that the disputes that we get into are healthy arguments/disagreements that need to be settled. They usually start off with very small offenses that don’t get acknowledged or stated up front that ends up growing into a big conflict. For instance, this past weekend Candace was starting to tell me how she thought one event reminded her of another event when I jumped right in and told her how I begged to differ before she even got to finish her statement. Of course, she was offended but instead of me seizing the opportunity to Apologize I held to my statement and the conflict escalated from there. Then, after a long drawn out sequence of dramatic conversations we got back to the main issue and cleared everything up. So that was my example of being quick to speak and slow to listen. (I learned it doesn’t turnout very well.) I guess that’s why the Good Book says (James 1:19) be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry. Not just listening to the person’s words but to their “Heart” behind the words. Be quick to listen to the “Heart”. As we all seize this opportunity of purity we gain a more sensitive ear to the Heart. Are you Sensative to the Tunes from the Heart?

~ Tommy

Sexual Tension: Re-directed

Hi, hope ya'll have been blessed by the stories and thoughts Tommy and I share so openly with you; it's been almost 7 months since our first blog and I'm so flabbergasted by all that God has done in our lives and the lives of you all, the blog readers. I pray that God will continue to inspire us and use us to bless your lives.

So with that said, I want to share with ya'll the consistent reminder that I have been receiving from sources that will go unnamed… of the importance of really spending time in God's presence daily. Now before I go on, let me preface this by saying that this is not a "quick-fix" or a "get out of temptation free" tool, but rather just the will of God for our and your lives.

Alrighty, so the other day I realized that Tommy and I had been really "good" if you would, as it pertains to our sexual purity; my thought –life was pure, we overall or at least I didn't experience any recent sexual urges or temptations..To God be the Glory. But when I began praising God for that, especially thinking about how close we are to being married and how difficult it can be to really "run from sexual sin" (1 Corinthians 6:18) and to live " holy" (1 Thessalonians 4:3), I said "wow, God this is really great!"

I thought about if there was anything we did that was different than in the months past: had we not been spending that much time together? But that wasn't the case; the truth of the matter is that we had both been consistently and faithfully seeking God's face. God exchanged and redirected our sexual tension with His Attention. And as not to boast in ourselves, because it's the Holy Spirit that draws you to the Lord (1 Corinthians 12:3), but our thoughts and actions were so on Christ, that we did not make time for distractions.

Now yes, of course distractions came and I'm sure will continue to come right up until we say "I Do", but honestly staying fed by God and exercising it with others: believers in Christ and non-believers helped to keep us in right-standing with God.

So, I hope that was helpful to many of you who may be struggling in this area, but for those of you who have had success with this, we'd love to get your feedback of this question:

Q: How do you allow God to participate in the sexual tension re-routing and re-directing process in your daily lives?

~ Candace

Network!!!

Ohhh My!! Ohhh My!! 2009 is getting real. What a Great year it has been thus far, we've gained a New President, The Pittsburgh Steelers just won the Superbowl, and I'm getting married in a little over 5 Months I mean it's getting real if it isn't already. For Candace and myself, wedding planning is going great everything seems to be in order, payments are being made, invitations are going out; this wedding stuff is going as smooth as possible. We can give a tremendous amount of credit to Candace's SISTERS, our families; and a host of friends for helping us with this. It is so comforting to be covered and surrounded with so much Love and prayer. No matter what phase we are at in life it is a must that our network consist of a host of people that will encourage, uplift, and strengthen us with truthful words that we need to hear. Not words that we want to hear but words that we need to hear. I'm more than grateful that we have that. To keep this blog short and sweet. I Corinthians 15:33 says "Bad Company corrupts Good Character" If we want to make this year as great as it possible can be, we all need to stay away from "Bad Company" and instead surround ourselves with people that will give us Prophetic words not Pathetic words. We are still about saving lives now! We must remember to be supported with Good Character before we try to save Bad Company. My Network is way better than Verizon. Who's in your Network?

~ Tommy

Time

Don't be discouraged by the interruptions in your time and planning. As frustrating and annoying as it can be, see them as opportunities for your growth and submission to God. I share this with you out of my personal challenges and tests of surrendering "my time" to God. When my plans are interrupted or just totally thrown out the window, I'm reminded that I am directed by God and His timing is best. For me, I am beginning to enjoy and accept Tommy as God's provision for my need for companionship.

I think everyone needs that one person who is like your cheerleader and a source of encouragement, especially during the times of frustration when you feel like your plans have been totally discarded. My fiance really fulfills that need for companionship and support. God knows "exactly what you need even before you ask" (Matthew 6:32) so not only should you trust God when your life is"interrupted," but also learn to enjoy and receive your spouse as God's perfect provision for your need for you, especially during those times.

~Candace

"A Woman without her Man is nothing"

Depending on your own experiences or even how you view me will probably determine how you interpret or think about this title.

This weekend while Candace and I were out in D.C. a older lady came up to us after seeing that we were engaged and said " See I think every man has a rib out there somewhere and when you two walked into the room I could tell you two were together." Then she proceeded after many other words to say, "and Young Man I think you found your rib!"

It is so unique and amazing to me how Christ took the Rib out of the Man to create the Woman, and then births Men out of Women to create this complete circle of life. Therefore, he made us so relational that we need both of us, male and female in order to exist; we are compliments of one another. I'm sure there is a reason why Candace can hold a conversation longer than I can, and there is a reason I think big picture while Candace thinks details; it is needed for us to reach a level of fullness together.

Our Pastor Donnell Jones (Not the singer) put it best to us one day; the Bible says in a marriage two become one not the same, so just like a Nut and a Bolt are two separate individual items, but when put together they make perfect unity. So is a Husband and Wife. You may be asking "How does this all tie back into Sexual Purity?" Well by not giving yourself away before you are married and have made a total commitment to each other, it forces you to not only begin to acknowledge each others’ differences but it also opens up the door for you to be able to appreciate each others’ differences. So for us as individuals, we need to work on our qualities that we will bring to the circle so we can help fulfill. For couples, we should try to focus on what our mate contributes to our fulfillment. Our God is such a relational God and I truly believe he puts people in our lives so we can get extra glimpses of who he really is. So as Candace and I move towards our onedom (if you will, if that's a word), All I can say is

"A Woman, without her, Man is Nothing". or

"A Woman, without her Man, is nothing".

I think both of them fit, you pick.

~ Tommy

“Taking Care of Business”

Wow, where do I begin… So much has transpired since our last blog. I could share with you my experience of being a supportive fiancé and friend to Tommy during the passing of his last grandparent, or how stressful the financial portion of planning a wedding can be, or even how testing it is sometimes to learn the importance of really work as one, or most recently the pressing attention needed to have clear communication with one another. But instead I have decided to share with you my gratitude to have Tommy as my friend and soon-to-be husband. Ladies, there is nothing more appealing to me right now than his astounding humility and intentional love for me!

I am seriously in awe of how humble he is; now often times when we argue it’s because of something that I messed up on (and no, right or wrong should never be the focus of a disagreement), but who likes to be wrong? Anyway, growing in Christ with Tommy has really taught me how to live in excellence and in love. He’s not too proud to admit or to apologize when he makes a mistake or realizes he didn’t respond in love. That blows my mind; the Bible says that … “Husbands are to treat their wives like Christ treats the church…” and Tommy is truly an example of that word.

It is my advice to you to always speak up and tell those around you and especially your partner of your admiration for them. And as humble as they may be, it’s always encouraging to know that you appreciate and notice their effort in loving you. After listening to a sermon by Pastor Bryan E. Crute and Lynette Crute of Destiny Metropolitan Church in Atlanta, GA, I learned the importance of respect and admiration towards your husband. This word really touched me; it reminded me that nothing is ever too small to celebrate and your man is probably just praying and wishing you notice his effort to love you.

Don’t be like the wife in T.D. Jake’s new film “Not Easily Broken”; don’t ignore and push your man so far away that he finds the need to look for love and respect outside your marriage. Ask yourself, “Who’s taking care of your man?”

I know I am!!! And I pray and declare that no one else will ever have to answer that question for me.

~ Candace