Matrimony Matters: More Thoughts on Marriage

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Although we are closing out this month of love, remember to always love your spouse as you would yourself . Here are some more thoughts on marriage and remember ...matrimony matters.

Love,

Neah B

The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.

-Audrey Hepburn

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.

Mark 10: 7-9 (NIV)

A successful marriage requires falling in love  many times, always with the same person.

-Migno McLaughlin, The Second Neurotics Notebook (1966)

May your fountain be blessed,
and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.
A loving doe, a graceful deer—
may her breasts satisfy you always,
may you ever be intoxicated with her love.

Proverbs 5:18-19 (NIV)

Once a woman has forgivin her man, she must not reheat his sins for breakfast.

-Marlene Dietrich

However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Ephesians 5:33 (NIV)

Matrimony Matters:Thoughts on Marriage

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I believe that marriage is one of the most beatiful things that anyone can enter into. Sharing your life  and growing older with the one you love. When you have been with that person for years and you still get the butterflies when you're around them is somethin' special! Don't get me wrong; trails, dissagreements,and struggles will come. But in hindsight, it makes your bond even stronger.Through it all, good times are up head if you just hold on! Despite our hardships, I would certainly marry my husband all over again. Too much joy has been born into our marriage that I wouldn't trade it for anything. To my Hubby JB, I Love You. To my VVV readers, enjoy!

Love,

Neah B

Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate, but through being the right mate.

-Barnett R. Brickner

More marriages might survive if the partners realized that sometimes the better comes before the worse.

-Doug Larson

Don't marry the person you think you can live with; marry only the individual you think you can't live without.

-James C. Dobson

The Meaning of Love

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  Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

(NIV)

                                                               

Love is much bigger than what can be defined in any dictionary. Love is the respect and affection we long to recieve as much as we give. Love influences the choices we make. No matter what is said or done, true love will understand and forgive. Love is more than a mere feeling but a choice. When attraction wavers and storms blow into your relationship, love will be left standing. Here are some other thoughts I that I feel express the true meaning of love.
Love,
Neah B

You never lose by loving.You always lose by holding back.
-Barbara DeAngelis

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed. Never throw anyone out.
-Audrey Hepburn

And above all things have fervent love among yourselves: for love shall cover a multitude of sins
1 Peter 4:8-9

Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get...only with what you are expecting to give...which is everything!
-Katherine Hepburn

For God so loved the the world, that he gave his only begotten son,that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life
-John 3:16

The Path To Progress

 

 (poster courtesy of adcouncil.org)

If  you want the rainbow, you've got to put up with the rain.

-Dolly Parton

When striving to acheive something, the path isn't always so smooth. Many unexpected factors begin to surface. The class you figured would be a fun skillbuilder seems like a trying annoyance. Your weight loss and fitness plan plateaus. The little bussiness prospects you had seem to be slowing up and drying up. That clutter that you stumbled over reminds you that your "I will be organized this year " plan isn't exactly working. You even start second guessing yourself and begin thinking that it's silly to even try embarking on your goals. DON'T BE DISCOURAGED! Though your progress may be stalled, it doesn't have to be stopped.

1) Learn from your mistakes and keep moving

2) Continue to learn all you can.

3) Seek wise counsel

4) DON'T GIVE UP

Love,

Neah B 

Mistakes are a fact of life, it's the response to error that counts.

-Anonymous

If you do not have wisdom, ask God for it. He is always ready to give it to you and will never

 say you are wrong for asking.

-James 1:5 (NLV)

If we had no Winter, the Spring would not be so pleasant. If we did not sometimes taste adversity,

prosperity would not be so welcome.

-Charlotte Bronte

But be strong. Do not lose strength of heart. For you will be paid for your work.

- 1 Corinthians 15:7 (NLV)

We are glad for our troubles also. We know that troubles help us learn not to give up. Whenwe have learned not to give up,it shows we have stood the test. When we have stood the test, it gives us hope.

- Romans 5:3-4 (NLV)

Get Started!

(photo courtesy Tammyamorton.com)

The secret of getting ahead, is getting started.

-Sally Berger

We're almost near the month of January! Have you been succeeding in your goals or your resolutions? Have you even gotten started? Whatever the goal in mind, GET STARTED! If you have gotten started yet progress has been stalled, start back up again. I'll even admit for myself that some goals have been greatly accomplished while some have fallen by the wayside.Your task at hand(great or small) can seem like a burden the longer you let it linger...even if it's something you want to do! So get organized, write your plan,gather your supplies, re-arrange, re-decorate, lose the weight, build the muscle, or take the class. Whatever you do, just be sure to GET STARTED!

Love,

Neah B

Some good comes from all work.Nothing but talk leads to only being poor.

Proverbs 14:23

 

You must do the thing you think you cannot do.

-Elanor Roosevelt

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.

-Helen Keller

The time came when the risk it took to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.

-Anais Nin

Be of Good Cheer!

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At Christmas play and make good cheer, for Christmas comes but once a year.

-Thomas Tusser

The Christmas spirit is everywhere and with only 11 days until Christmas, it grows with each passing day. If you are not welcoming the spirit of Christmas into your heart, it's about time you had! Put away the troubles of the day and the negativity that surrounds our daily lives. Be of good cheer and embrace this season of love, warmth, and miracles.

Love,

Neah B

A miserable heart means a miserable life; a cheerful heart fills the day with song

Proverbs 15:15

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear"

- Buddy, Elf (2003)

A cheerful disposition is good for your health;
gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.

Proverbs 17:22

"If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world."

-J.R.R Tolkien

And that's about it, friends. Be cheerful. Keep things in good repair. Keep your spirits up. Think in harmony. Be agreeable. Do all that, and the God of love and peace will be with you for sure. Greet one another with a holy embrace. All the brothers and sisters here say hello.

2 Corinthinthians 13:11

" No matter what looms ahead, if you can eat today, enjoy today, mix good cheer with friends today enjoy it and bless God." 

 -Henry Ward Beecher

Worry weighs us down; a cheerful word picks us up

Proverbs 12:25

Open House

Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

1 Peter 4:9

(picture courtesy of ipadforums.net)

As you all know, tomorrow is not only Thanksgiving but the kickoff of "The Holiday Season".

Friends and family will be arriving by the droves. It's time for opening your home and welcoming your guests with warmth and seasonal salutations. Let laughter and the smell of comfort food fill the air along with your favorite holiday tunes and shows. No matter how humble your home is, as long as it is clean and filled with holiday spirit you will make Thanksgiving and many holidays to come memorable for all who enter your abode.

"The joyous spirit of the season radiates from the home, where family and friends gather for fun and food."

-Celebrate the Holidays with Campbell Soup Company (1990)

"...Your home reflects who you are. When people leave your home, the should leave with a sense of knowing something they didn't know about you before. When people walk into your apartment or house, their mood should change.The atmosphere of your home should reflect peace and well -being. People should sense the presence of God in your home. It should be an oasis for thirsty,weary souls."

-The Power of being a Woman by Michelle Mckinney Hammond (2004)


Happy Thanksgiving,
Neah B

Give Thanks, Give You

Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So, spread your love everywhere you go.
Mother Teresa

A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:25

Thanksgiving (along with Christmas and New Years) is fast approaching. Although its a time of thankfulness and counting the blessings given to us, we often neglect the "giving" part of Thanksgiving. Like Chirstmas, Thanksgiving is about giving gifts, but of a different kind. This season give your kindness, your love, your thoughtfulness, your helping hand,or....YOURSELF.

Just your time, your presence or the sound of your voice will speak volumes to those who haven't seen you in awhile. So send a card, call them up or just show up!

I myself, experienced that today. My Grandmother Charlotte, who lives clear across the country, literally showed up on our doorstep! She was just going to send money but decided it was more important to send the give the gift of herself. She refused to miss the birth of her first great-grandson.

Along with the gift of self, don't forget to contribute to making someone else's holiday special by giving to shelters, donating food or time to serve food to those who won't have the bountiful feast that you have.

Give thanks, Give You, Give Love,

Neah B

The Power of Being a Woman



There is power in being a woman; even more than we we realize. Author Mckinney Hammond gives not only biblical insight, but straight talk; woman to woman. She puts many things into prospective that we often 

forget, overlook, or take for granted. 

Of the various topics Hammond touches on, these resonated with me the most:

* As a woman, your vulnerability, influence (NOT MANIPULATION) and virtue are strengths. Don't try to hide them or be ashamed. 

*All you have to offer a man is within you. Don't take for granted the talent of homemaking or your feminine touch.

*Your God-given femininity is a gift; you are a force without having to be forceful.

I hope you ladies will pick up a copy, be blessed and revel in the wonderful woman that you really are.

Love,

Neah B

Inside the Jewlery Box

The jewelry box sitting on your vanity may be adorned with lace, pearls or satin. Its beautiful to look at and houses your favorite accessories. But what good would it be if  it didn't have any jewels within? It serves us no purpose if it doesn't hold anything pretty inside.

Remember ladies: You can be a showstopper like Marilyn day in and day out. But if you don't have the  heart (like June Allyson or Judy Garland) or the brains (like Lauren Bacall or Jane Russell) or even the class of Audrey Hepburn, your pretty packaging does you no good.

"Like a gold ring in a pigs snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion."

Proverbs 11:22

So ladies...

BE KIND- A kindhearted woman gains respect,but ruthless men gain only wealth

Proverbs 11:16

BE SMART- She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

Proverbs 31:26

BE VIRTUOUS- A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.

Proverbs 12:4

BE STRONG- She is clothed with strength and dignity : she can laugh at the days to come.

Proverbs 31:25

"The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode  but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.It is the caring that she lovingly shows.The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years

-Audrey Hepburn

Love ,

Neah B

Fearlessly Feminine

" I enjoy being a girl" from the movie The Flower Drum Song (1961)

Hello Ladies,

Today's Wednesday Wisdom, has to do with relishing in the fact that  you are a female.As women, our strength is on the inside. In fact, in the Greek language, it is defined as " strength under control".( The Power of Being a Woman by Michelle McKinney Hammond, 2004). Embrace your femininity and don't be afraid to display it outwardly in your appearance. Be beautiful, soft, and delicate. I know we are always on the run and must be comfortable and prepared for anything, however never forget to:

*Slide on your favorite shade of lipstick or gloss and blow those sweet kisses.

*Slick on your favorite mascara and bat those lashes proudly!

* Spray on your signature perfume and let your glorious scent waft into the breeze.

* Fill your head with glamorous curls and waves from time to time.

*Find that dress or skirt that tastefully flatters your unique figure and stop traffic!

*Step into those heels and strut!(or even cute sneakers or flats with curve hugging jeans).

Now I know that we all have our own unique tastes, but the point is whatever is undeniably feminine DON'T BE ASHAMED TO DO IT!

Love,

Neah B

"How lovely to be a woman" from the movie Bye Bye Birdie (1963)

"I'm definitely a woman and I enjoy it"

-Marilyn Monroe

"I don't mind living in a man's world as long as I can be a woman in it."

-Marilyn Monroe

Be Virtuous

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.

Proverbs 31:10

"In Hebrew, the word "virtuous" literally means "excellence", while the word "virtue" means "force". You, as a woman, never have to demand respect-just be excellent.No one can argue with excellence.Excellence is a force because excellence demands respect.A woman of excellence is a force to be reckoned with." -Michelle Mckinney Hammond The Power of being a Woman (2004)

Ladies, I know that through the daily grind of work, caring for husbands, families,and just everyday activties, sometimes we forget that we are queens;that we are excellent. Our days and circumstances become so demanding that we feel we must be too. We as women are made with a gentle (which is not a synonym for weak;don't get it twisted), feminine spirit and inner strength balancing out a man's outer strength.So if we are to just be excellent, you will have no choice but to be respected.

Love,

Neah B