Something Good For the Hubby & Kids

I love to try new products, especially if they are free and relative healthy for you. I recently received my free samples for the Emerge-C Vitamin mix and immediately had my kids to pick a flavor they wanted to try. Each one of course picked a different flavor. I picked the Orange and it was fabulous. The taste was great. My girls liked the berry warmers the best and wants us to buy some to always have around. I do like the fact that the mixes are caffeine free and and include Vitamin C and Antioxidants. I have found a new way to give my kids their Vitamins. It's a quick way to mix and get your vitamin fix while on the go. I was not paid to do this advertisement, I only received the products and would like to share a link for you try it also. Click http://h5.sml360.com/-/oye3 to receive your free sample and share your story.

Control Freaks Ruin Marriage

I will be the first to admit that control was going to be the death of my marriage in the beginning. There were several (ok tons) of times when I not only used control, I abused control such as; telling my husband that he better not touch the heating/air setting in the house as it was just at the temperature “I” wanted.  How rude, as if when he got hot or cold he was to suffer for my convenience? I can vividly remember me telling him to put the toilet paper roll on a certain way and to squeeze the toothpaste from the bottom and not the middle. Really??? How crazy with control was I to allow these mundane things to cause tension in our marriage?

Control is simply doing and having it our way whether or not it works for anybody else. In a marriage that is a recipe for disaster. No one likes to be controlled. It was the main reason most of us wanted so badly to become adults and leave our parent’s home. Control will cause a spouse to want to escape and it will lead to a deteriorating relationship. I’m a recovering control-aholic and you can be also.

If control is your issue, crack the whip on the control freak, and free yourself and your spouse. I know you are probably saying, but if I don’t tell him/her what I want or force them to see it my way (which we think is the only way) then there will just be chaos in the long run. Trust me when I say your relationship will be a lot more fulfilling when you allow your spouse to have a say than to force it to be done a certain way. Spouses are partners who encourage each other to think and give their perspective for the benefit of all involved. Doing this builds team work, confidence, and validates that each person is a valuable asset in the marriage. It even sets the stage for positive negotiations and fosters oneness.

Breathe through, don’t jump so quickly to handle or direct an issue or concern. Don’t allow fear and control by taking charge of your spouse cost you your marriage in the long run. Believe you me, the price of divorce is much more expensive than whatever monetary value or power gain you can place on an issue that will soon be a distant memory. Not taking control doesn’t mean a decision won’t be made, it just means that both spouses must be patient and learn the art of sharing in the decision making process. Remember you “MARRYME4LIFE”, so do life together.

Ready, Set, Marriage!!!

On any given Sunday, my couch becomes tailgate heaven. I get my gear, my food, my drinks, my wife and lay back in the best seat in the house in-front of the big screen. My wife and I know which teams we are cheering on to victory and even if we disagree on who should be the winner, we do so agreeably. We understand that many elements make the game and one missing piece on the field weakens the team as a whole if someone else doesn't make up for that person or persons performance or absence things can and will fall apart. Truly understanding that to win a game a team must play cohesively to walk away with the W in the win column is a given when watching a game.

But lets roll back to before the team ever hits the field. There are behind the scene preparations that must be taken care of in order to effectively handle the field and the opponent. No team with out preparation and anticipation of what could go wrong during the game sits by idly or figures they will just go off instinct. Each player understand their position and practices to perfect their craft. No team, goes on the field without going over plays to win and counter the opponent.  No team goes on the field without coaches and assistants that line the sideline and fill them with encouragement, notes and plans in order to get the W in the win column. And when everyone plays their part and a win happens it feels great. The same principles, preparation and anticipation should go on within our marriages.

I know, marriage is not a game. However, principles apply, game plans need to be followed, and un-sportsman like conduct or crossing boundaries bring penalties or delay of progress for the marriage as a whole. The players must remember that it's not about individual accomplishments but about the team overall. The beauty of having the team attitude is that even though your intentions and actions are for the team, perks of being with the best and playing your best allow you to shine through and everyone benefits. The same holds true within marriage. 

Times will come when attitudes, beliefs, and opposition will come on the field against your marriage. When these opponents show up, whether or not you and your wife are ready and in position to work as a team will determine the outcome. If team efforts are at the forefront of the relationship, everyone benefits.  In order for teams to be great they play together, encourage each other, correct faults, and grow with each passing game test.  Even after occasional mishaps, a team must get geared up to go back into the next game better than before.  We as couples should always remember the importance of preparing (reading), interceding (praying for) and living by principles (stay away from fouls) in order to advance our married life for good field position, forward progress, and Winning.  Remember, you may not always agree but for the good of the team (marriage) we put aside "me" efforts and focus on "we" efforts. Enjoy your spouse because you Married Them 4 Life.

T & T

Marryme4life

https://www.facebook.com/Marryme4life

https://twitter.com/marryme4life

http://www.meetup.com/The-Atlanta-Married-Couples-Social-Group-MarryMe4Life/

"The Year of Yes"

Rely On Who Holds 2013: The Year of Yes

Now that 2012 is yesterdays news, and 2013 has arrived there is a since of newness and possibilities that await discovery. It's almost like coming out of a holding pattern and into the promise of the reality. So this year the theme for 2013 should be "The Year of Yes". Yes to Prosperity, Yes to Possibilities, and Yes to Peace.  The NIV of 2 Corinthians 1:20 states- For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. 

This year we will grab hold of our Father's promises of Yes and exercise our own Yes Reflex and step into receiving God's best for our marriage, our family, and our future.  We will commit to leave behind disappointment, and un-forgiveness. We will stop the rear view walk and step into the Faith Walk. We do not know what the future holds, but we have confidence in who holds our future. The answers to our prayers are Yes, Yes, and followed up by our AMEN's. Our marriage will be blessed, our families will have favor and blessing, and our prosperity in every area of life will be fulfilled to his glory. When we exercised our Yes reflex at the Wedding Altar, we took the promise and walked in faith believing that our mate would "Marry Me 4 Life". This promise is a hourly, daily, weekly, monthly and yearly walk. Therefore, We proclaim 2013 to be "The Year of Yes", the year where God's promises of Yes will come to pass. This is OUR YEAR and OUR MARRIAGE will be filled with GOD's Best and a Resounding YES to his promises for life.

Believing God's Best For Marriage in 2013
Tony & Tarenia
MM4Life

Betrayal Is Not A Good Look

Betrayal is a lonely and hurting feeling. Especially when the betrayal is committed by a love one, lover, or friend. Confiding in someone takes courage, vulnerability, and often times emotional and physical nudity. You see, betrayal only happens when trust has been extended and trust is only extended when we feel this person is safe, or so they seem. Yet, we forget that not everyone who enters our lives falls into the category of "Trust Me I Have Your Back". Not everyone we meet is Loyal. Loyalty is a character trait that has to be developed. You either understand and practice loyalty or you constantly commit acts of disloyalty.  

Some would say that Loyalty depends on the situation that a person is put into. However, situations don't create the person, the person gives power OR gives up power to the situation. Loyalty is a trait that overtime will become the biggest snitch in a relationship you will find. When it rears it's unsightly head how do you handle it? Do you give the person a chance to redeem themselves or quietly exit the relationship with your heart in your hand and tears in your eyes? Just remember, seeds start covered in dirt but they must push through the dirt to reach their full potential. 

How are you at being a loyal and trust worthy spouse, friend, employee, or co-worker? Would people say that you are consistently showing loyalty and trust within your everyday relationships? Whatever we emit, that shall we receive. It is imperative that we understand the benefits that loyalty bring into our everyday existence. We are mirror images to a world where the "Crabs In A Barrel" mentality thrive and loyalty and honor which should be on display seem to be a dying characteristic. If you have a spouse, a friend, a family member, or you are displaying disloyal behavior check it now. Kindly but firmly put out into the atmosphere that Loyalty and Consistency in Relationship is a Must, and Without It, There's No Building Foundation, and No Real Trust. 

Marriage is 4 Life,

T n T, (Tony & Tarenia)

MM4Life.com

We Know It's Hard, but Here are 10 Ways to Bond Your Blended Family

Is your blended family, not blending?  Don’t worry; get them to bond instead of blend!!  Think about it, how many people have a close relationship without bonding on some level. It becomes difficult, if not impossible to want to have a relationship with someone you have no common interest with. Your friends are people who make you laugh, think, push you to greater heights, and just make you feel accepted. Kids want to be accepted and loved. Validate and show interest in your new family and watch God move fear, attitudes, disrespect, and walls of resentment. Open yourself up and watch others become transparent with you.  Try these bonding family activities:

1. Play a board game or video game together – Taboo or Wii are great games to show your fun side

2. If a sport is what captures the attention of the child, get involved, watch with them or train with them, you may just get in shape or find a new hobby

3. Cook together – It’s a great way to learn how to “Blend” different items to achieve a great outcome and kids love to eat meals they have prepared

4. Get the kids involved in saving money – ask who will clip coupons or watch for bargains, even allow a child (with your help of course) to set a budget and shop for weekly items so they feel a part of the family

5. Set up family talent night – invite their friends over and make it a fun event-

6.  Choose a weekly movie night – Have each kid pick a week where they get to choose the movie the family watches – eat pizza and popcorn and enjoy

7. Have the kids do a photo shoot where you are the photographer – allow them to do a dress up scene, or dress like one of their favorite stars and watch their personalities come alive- allow them to photograph you also and make a scrap book with the different looks to share with others.

8. Ride bikes together or take walks around the neighborhood

9. Do a dream board or book together (learn to encourage their dreams)– find magazines with interesting pictures, items, or places and cut them out and place them on the board or book

10. Dance together – find music from your era and show them the dances from your time, then allow them to put on their music and show you the latest dances that are trending now.

Over time bonding will give way to blending and before you know it, everyone will enjoy being together. It takes time and intentional effort on the adult’s part. Children may not seem receptive at first, but keep trying. Consistency is the key, don’t start it and then stop it. Once the bonding process has taken place the blending process becomes automatic. Your marriage is worth the extra effort to welcome everybody into the family and allow them to feel like they belong. Remember, your marriage and family are a blessing and gift from God. (Psalm 127:3)

Marriage is 4 Life,
T n T, (Tony & Tarenia)
MM4Life

                                                             

I Want Others To See How Much You Mean To Me

Simply telling someone you care may not be enough. There are times when you have to show it in other ways. Take for instance when guys send flowers to their girls workplace the impact is so much more far reaching than if he had them sent to the house. The whole day, everyone that enters her space at work will ask her about the flowers and think highly of who sent them.  Those flowers just announced to everyone around her that she is special and cared for in a deep and meaningful way. Yes, she may not be the flower type, but trust me, EVERY WOMAN want's others to know that she is loved and thought about.

Ladies, your man wants the same attention. No, don't send flowers to his work. Depending on where he's employed that's probably not a good look. But don't negate the fact that he wants others to know that he is "THE MAN". His ego needs to be stroked in front of others and often. Compliment him on his work ethics, his style of dress, how great he smells,  his sense of humor, or other things that would make him feel appreciated. Men love to know that they are wanted and needed. If he is a great father or father figure let him know and encourage that sense of pride and commitment in side of him. If he makes you feel safe and secure, remind him that you appreciate the security he provides in your relationship. Serve him in front of others, never talk negatively about him towards your family or friends. Hey everyone has flaws, none of us are perfect. But talking about each other's flaws in front of others shouts disrespect in the worst possible way. Work to build each other and forgive grievances that are bound to come up day to day. Words and acts of deeds help to keep the relationship balanced and at ease and shows your spouse that your love and admiration for them has no limit and sees no end. This Marriage is 4 Life, Enjoy it to the Fullest.


Marry Me 4 Life,
T n T, (Tony & Tarenia)
MM4Life