And the two winners of the drawing (from my previous post) of the $20 Amazon gift card and a copy of my women’s Bible study Whispers of My Heart: Daughters of the King Bible Study is….
Drum Roll … Stephanie H and Michele Mobley. Congratulations to you! I’ll contact you to award your prizes.
And thank you to everyone for a fabulous response to my drawing. But why let the fun stop? Here’s another opportunity…
Yippee! It’s another Book Giveaway! And I’m so pleased to feature Andrea Merrell’s new book on marriage: Marriage: Make It or Break It. I’ve only been married 47 years (haha!) but I found such value in Andrea’s book that I asked if I could feature it. And she will send the winner of the drawing an autographed copy! See below how to enter your name into the drawing.
Here’s a little taste from the book. Enjoy!
Here’s a little taste from the book. Enjoy!
Speedy Bumps
by Andrea Merrell
Speed bumps are a pain for drivers, but they serve a significant purpose. After living in our current home for over thirty years, some of our neighbors—all four of them—decided to have a number of these dreadful inconveniences installed on our not-so-widely-traveled country road.
I was not a happy homeowner in the beginning, but sometimes it is what it is.
Soon after the petition was delivered to the powers that be, a sign was posted at each end of our road: Caution: Five Humps Ahead. Instead of grumbling, I decided to look at this change as a safety precaution for my granddaughters and the neighbors’ children. All the smart people in our area adapted to the change and conditioned themselves to slow down when approaching one of these humps. It didn’t take long for the community to memorize the location of each one. They figured out quickly that flying over one of these devices without braking could tear up their car or propel them into a ditch. Not a fun way to spend your day or your hard-earned cash.
Do you see where I’m going? Spiritual, mental, and emotional speed bumps arise in every marriage at some point. (Tweet that!)
Some are larger than others, and not all are strategically placed. They’re put there to warn us to slow down and approach with caution. If we ignore these speed bumps—or keep flying over them without slowing down to think about the consequences—our marriage could end up in the ditch. When that happens, the marriage might require costly repairs, be totaled, or go up in flames.
Some are larger than others, and not all are strategically placed. They’re put there to warn us to slow down and approach with caution. If we ignore these speed bumps—or keep flying over them without slowing down to think about the consequences—our marriage could end up in the ditch. When that happens, the marriage might require costly repairs, be totaled, or go up in flames.
Angry words never solve a problem, and the hostility makes it difficult to move past an offense and make up. The angrier you allow yourself to become, the harder it is to stop. You can literally work yourself into a frenzy that becomes a downward spiral, picking up momentum with each barb. There’s no stopping until you hit the bottom with a thud.
Before you lose control, take a step back and count to whatever number it takes to keep those prickly barbs inside. Watch your words and check your attitude.
It’s hard to hug a porcupine. **
** Excerpt taken from Marriage: Make It or Break It by Andrea Merrell published by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Used by permission.
Andrea Merrell
Andrea Merrell is an associate editor with Christian Devotions Ministries and Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She is also a professional freelance editor and was a finalist for the 2016 Editor of the Year Award at BRMCWC. She teaches workshops at writers’ conferences and has been published in numerous anthologies and online venues. Andrea is a graduate of Christian Communicators and a finalist in the 2015 USA Best Book Awards. She is the author of Murder of a Manuscript, Praying for the Prodigal, and Marriage: Make It or Break It. For more information visit www.AndreaMerrell.com or www.TheWriteEditing.com.
Here’s how to enter your name into the drawing. Make a comment on this blog post or through the Contact page on my website. I’ll draw the winner on the evening of August 11th, 2017.
Speed bumps are not fun. ☺
Definitely not, Jennifer, but they do serve a great purpose. Thanks so much for stopping by. Blessings! 🙂
Hi Jennifer! Great to hear from you. Bumps in marriage are hard. Thanks for entering the drawing. I’ve put your name in!
Warning signs – yes – why we act surprised I do not know!!! This looks like a must read book!!!
Thanks, Nicci. You’re right … we do act surprised even when we know they’re there. Blessings! 🙂
Hi Nicci, thanks so much for visiting and putting your name into the drawing. Great point you made! Why are we surprised there are problems? It’s usually when we don’t recognize the warning “speed bumps.” All of us can benefit from Andrea’s wisdom. Thanks again!
Kathy, thank you so much for hosting me on your blog and allowing me to share with your readers. Blessings! 🙂
My pleasure!
I would add another speed bump–physical health concerns–which can definitely be a challenge in a marriage! But all suffering or unpleasantness can be used by God to make us more like Jesus. It has a purpose! 😊
(Romans 8:28 and Romans 5:3-5)
Good point, Joy. Thanks for sharing. Blessings. 🙂
Thank you Joy for sharing that very, very important truth. I’ve loved your faith in God since I met you. You inspire me! I’ve put your name into the drawing. Blessings on you today!
As always
Ad always I look forward to Cathys ability to shine a light on what I need to look at
Thank you so much, Lisa, for checking in on the blog. Just to clarify, the book I’m featuring is not my own. Andrea Merrell wrote it. But thank you for the compliment.
I hope you’re doing better. I’ve put your name into the drawing. God bless you!