My Answer: "My wife of 26 years rang me at work and said she has left me and wants a divorce that was over 2 weeks ago.""rd from her since no contact at all, been told she's at her sisters house. I don't even no why she left. I'm so broken and hurting any advice?

 In my opinion, I say that you pivot. I humbly suggest the following:

1) Fully Assess the Situation, Leave No Stone Unturned – She may have left hints and clues before now but unfortunately, most men are not emotionally intelligent enough to pick those up. I will suggest something later, to help with that. This your life. The data says it can take 2 years minimum to emotionally recover from a divorce so take this seriously.

You will have to believe what she says for now. Perhaps she’s bluffing but don’t count on it. Because women are generally more cunning than men are some ways, you might consider hiring a PI to confirm there isn’t more going on than she says. This way you will have some answers you seek and the data you need for proof of a divorce. An “alienation of affection” suit can also be filed, and the cheater sued for the interference of your marriage (Depending on the state, and country).

Consider that if she has not been cheating, perhaps she’s completely frustrated and feels that there is no hope for the marriage to change for the better. If this is truly the case, you may haven’t taken the lead. Perhaps you haven’t gently asked her how’s her heart and listened to her uninterrupted. Take this time to truly reflect on your part in this. Were there any harsh words that you said to her that hurt her heart or any insensitive actions? Were there something(s) that you promised her that you kept putting off? Was there something very specific that she was counting on that you never addressed or followed up on?

2) Don’t Contact Her, Don’t Chase After Her For Now– This is her show right now. Let it play out. Understand that women are fickle and it takes time for them to calm down. Chasing after her like a high school boy won’t help. It will make you look weak in her eyes. As much as it hurts right now, nurture and take care of yourself. Show yourself some dignity, respect, and keep your masculine frame. She will miss you at some point. If and when she does, you will be ready and a better you.

3) Upgrade Everything You Thought You Knew About Your Wife & Marriage– Once married, most people will never read a single book on marriage and relationships. You might feel that you don’t want to also. What do you have to lose except your wife? I highly suggest that you get these books and read them one after the other. It would be better for you to know much of what these say before speaking to her again. It will also be a great help if you both agree to attend counseling. They are:

- “The 5 Love Languages” by Dr. Gary Chapman

- “Love and Respect” by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

- “When Sorry Isn’t Enough” by Doctor Gary Chapman

- “For Men Only – A Straightforward Guide to the Inner Lives of Women” Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn

- Wired for Love" - Dr. Stan Tatkin

If you do not like reading, you might find them in an audiobook version. These should also help you to develop your emotional intelligence.

4) Focus on Yourself Now – We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them. – Albert Einstein.

This is the time to shift your focus. Go to the gym, work out. Start eating healthier. As you read your books and reflect on your marriage over the past years, this is a time to journal and reflect on your thoughts. Most men don’t think of this, but it’s essential. Be careful of the thoughts you think. You are both adults. Stay focused and stay away from vices, drinking, etc. You will need to be sober and alert during this process. I have seen matters like this change in an instant.

5) How is Your Spiritual Life? – You are hurting now, and likely feel as if you have been thrown away. I have been there, I get it. You will need time to heal. Take it. I can tell you that it will go better if you engage the spiritual side of yourself during this time.

God was there on your wedding day 26 years ago. He’s watched over it since that time up until now. He knows exactly what is driving this, and its end state. He has and is always waiting to hear your prayers. He knows you and your wife intimately, from the number of hairs on your heads to your DNAs… backward. Ask Him for guidance, peace, and direction. Matthew 7:8 (NIV) 7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Establish a regular prayer time. Ask God what you should do and reveal anything that you need to correct with her and make recompense if needed.

6) Watch Your Words & Don’t Speak or Act Recklessly - This is a very sensitive season for you both. She may have all kinds of people speaking to her. Don’t fall into the same trap. Stay focused on what you are learning from your books, and what you hear in your spirit as you write in your journal. You might even hear something in your prayer time. I would suggest that this not a time to speak rashly or act recklessly.

7) Live Your Life to the Fullest - In doing so, there should be no extramarital relationships of any kind. If you want God to honor your prayers and petitions, you must first honor him.

Take short trips, volunteer, and look for opportunities to serve others. Remember, she’s still your wife and even though it appears that she doesn’t love you right now, this is where God’s word does its best on your behalf, no matter how this goes. You might make some good friends too.

This passage was likely the commission given to you both by the priest on your wedding day. In a season similar to this, I learned best, what true love means. I give you 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (NIV) 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.

I kindly ask you to memorize this verse. It will guide you as you walk out this journey. I hope this helps.

-John

My Answer: What’s the Hardest Part of Being a Black Person?

 This is one of those “How big is the universe” kinds of questions because the answer will be as different as all 328M people in the United States. However, as a 58-year-old Black American, I would say the hardest part was learning that I was far more than just the complex polymer: melanin in my skin. In fact, it's less than 3% of all the chemicals in my body. So why do people make such a big fuss over it? The short answer is, it wasn’t hard for me. I chose not to identify with my race as others did.

I learned to be excellent and that is what I wanted people to know me for. I learned early on that some people were systematically taught not to expect much from me based on my race and would almost always underestimate me. It started in grade school. Grade school is the critical formative years. If I had to pinpoint where that happened for me there were two incidents.

1) Fourth Grade – My teacher assigned us a project to write our own story. I was an avid reader and had a vast imagination. I wrote my story and turned it in. When they were graded, everyone received their stories except me. I asked my teacher about my grade and she dismissingly stated that she was still grading it. Days later, my teacher asked my mother if I had a certain book at home (most kids had a toy box. Mine was a book box). She had already rifled through the many books inside and did not find the named book. The teacher obviously assumed that I plagiarized a published book. I received my assignment without an apology, explanation, or commendation. Little did she know, she revealed the significance of my work regardless.

2) Sixth Grade – My sixth-grade class was selected to perform a song for those who would be in attendance at our graduation ceremony. Our teacher loved 50s music and we were singing a 50's song. On the day of our last rehearsal, the accompanying pianist could not attend. I told my teacher that I could play it. I was 11 years old. He excitedly replied, “Show me!”I showed him by playing the piece in front of the whole class and we finished the rehearsal. 

My teacher was amazed. Little did he know, I was already playing full church services in my father’s church since I was eight. He wanted me to play it for the assembly. Suddenly there was a big flap about me playing instead of the school pianist. It was overridden and I played the program. On the day of, all the teachers and parents were amazed. Most had no idea that I could play the piano at all, at least that well.

I realized that I had two skills that exceeded their existing education system. One teacher didn’t acknowledge me for my writing talent and did not endorse my talent or me. My musical skill was recognized by a very savvy teacher thus, I was recognized and celebrated.

In both instances, the color of my skin had nothing to do with either. I learned that if I can be exceptional, and with a little faith, I will succeed in life.

Today I am a college-educated, Persian Gulf War Veteran, a 28-year Aviation Maintenance Expert, an Ordained Minister, a published author of 14 books, a screenplay writer, a holder of a U.S. Patent. I am also a BMI writer, and I have several pieces of music that is currently played on TV and radio. I am not done. I am working toward making my Sci-Fi novel into a single-feature, motion picture and I have many other projects in the queue. In short, I now know that I am made into the image of Almighty God and that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I never view my race as an issue to overcome and simply proceed like it’s so.

-John

Photo by ZU photography on Unsplash

A Word To The Lonely During This Christmas Time

 It is no secret that depression increases over the holiday seasons. Many are away from family or the family dynamic may be dysfunctional so seeing some family members again can ramp up the stress. As a minister, I understand the power of prayer and the peace that you can receive from it. It is not magic or some spiritual incantation. It is simply a private conversation between you and God who, by the way, is excitingly waiting to hear your prayers. He will never share what you say with anyone else. Moreover, He has the ability to change your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual problems if you sincerely believe that He can and will.

That is still one of the reasons I read the Bible because there are people in there that at some point, experienced the same things that I do. I have shared one of the effective ways to deal with holiday stress and loneliness.

Here is an article from the world-renowned Mayo clinic on the subject.

You don't have to be alone. Reach out to someone that you haven't heard from in a while. Do your part to connect with someone who may be feeling like you.

Merry Christmas,

John

An Incredible True Christmas Story From WWII

 In the times and seasons that we find ourselves in, I wanted to post something that would give hope. It did not take long to find the touching story of "The Incredible True Christmas Story From WWII's Dark Days" by John Champion, December 25, 2017.

I am sure there were more stories that happened throughout Europe and if you know of any, please contact me. I would love to share them.

In the last days of the war in World War II, the German Army was attempting to make their final push against the allies. You could imagine fighting during the wet and cold, winter of Germany in 1944.

There is a small cottage on the German-Belgian border occupied by a mother and a 12-year-old boy named Fritz Vincken. A knock at the door broke the quietness of the house and in come three American soldiers, one of them seriously wounded. They were armed, desperately cold, on Christmas Eve. 

The Nazi Regime considered sheltering Allied soldiers as an act of high treason for a German citizen for which she could shot and her property confiscated. Yet, she invited them in any way and tended to their wounds.

It wasn't long before suddenly there was another knock at the door. In comes four Nazi soldiers. She took one of the biggest gambles of her natural life. She invited them and sternly told the cold and hungry soldiers that there would be no killing in her home that night. She and the boy had a fatted chicken that they were going to prepare for Christmas dinner. They prepared the feast for their Christmas guests.

They agreed to her terms and turned their weapons over the woman and they shared the meal together without so much as an insult.

The Christmas visit gets even better. One of the German soldiers was a medical student before the war began. Surprisingly, he began to treat the wounds of the American soldier. In the morning, the Germans gave the Americans their spare compass and directed them back to the allied forces. They even told them how to avoid all the Nazi-occupied areas. 

Over the years Fritz Vincken has been sharing the story over many years. It has been shared with "Reader's Digest," and even former President Ronald Reagan shared it once in a speech that he gave in Germany. 

In 1995, Fritz found one of the soldiers who had also been sharing the story also and for years. In this time and season, can't we put aside our differences for a while? Can't we stop the hostilities and appreciate the real meaning of Christmas? Let's start today.

-John

My Recommended Reading List For Books on Marriage & Relationships

 I am a "Quora" writer and I often recommend marriage and relationship books that have literally changed my life. The following books have changed my perspective of marriage and relationships and have made me a better person and partner. Here are my top recommendations:

1) “Love And Respect” - Dr. Emerson Eggerichs; This was the first marriage and relationship book that blew me away. It was the first book that opened my mind as to how messed up I was in the treatment of my wife. As I practiced what I learned, things got better and in some cases, a whole lot better. Dr. Eggerichs does a great job at explaining in plain language so even a child could understand.

2) “The 5 Love Languages” – Dr. Gary Chapman; You may not have given it much thought but each of us have our own "Love Language." If you never knew this, this is an awesome book to help you understand yourself and your wife's love language.

3) “When Sorry Isn’t Enough: Making Things Right With Those You Love” – Dr. Gary Chapman, Jennifer M. Thomas; As mentioned before, we all not only have our own love language but our own apology language as well. This is a great book that compliments "The 5 Love Languages."

4) “Communication Miracles For Couples:" Easy and Effective Tools To Create More Love and Less Conflict” – Jonathan Robinson; This is a brilliant book to read together. You can take one paragraph or a page at a time and discuss it.

5) “For Women Only” – Shaunti Feldhahn; This is a book that decodes men for women. It gives them a "birds eye" view of why men think and act the way they do. It is a must-read.

6) “For Men Only” - Shaunti Feldhahn and Jeff Feldhahn; Men, if you ever wanted to open the top of your spouse's head to look inside to see what's going on in there, this is the book for you. It explains the things you always wanted to know about how women think, like why she has to make the bed before leaving the house and so much more. You should read "For Women Only" also.

7) “Trading Places” – Les & Leslie Parrott; Sometimes, couples are so engulfed with their own world, that they rarely imagine what their spouse's world is like. This book helps couples see and internalize their partner's world. After all, the goal of effective communication is to gain understanding. Once you fully understand, you will be able to reply and respond better to your partner.

8) “The Art of Loving” - Erich Fromm; I found that this gem of a book breaks down loving another person in a way rarely thought of or discussed. We all think we know how to love our spouses, family, friends, or people in general. This book takes you deeper and challenges you to make your love for your spouse, an art form.

9) “Couple Skills: Making Your Relationship Work” - Matthew McKay and Patrick Fanning; Becoming an effective couple is a skill set. There are "core" things that all couples should be doing to be a couple and to even level up.

10) "Wired for Love: How Understanding Your Partner's Brain and Attachment Style Can Help You Defuse Conflict and Build a Secure Relationship" - Stan Tatkin PsyD, does a wonderful job revealing the secrets of the brain and how it can help or hurt us in the context of relationships. It can be technical sometimes but always great information that will help you to understand yourself and your partner.

11) “Boundaries In Marriage” Dr. Henry Cloud & John Townsend; Sports teams, Special Forces teams, Flight Crewmembers, construction workers, and chefs all have boundaries when working together. Without them, there is chaos. Effective relationships are no different and this book clearly helps in this regard.

12) “The 17 Essential Qualities of A Team Player” – John Maxwell; Pick any professional sport, and you will find those who are professional athletes are likely in the 3% of all in the country, even the world. Talent is just the beginning. They must now learn to work as a team to complete and especially to be champions. Some couples do not realize that they are a team. Hence, they need to read this book.

13) “9 Things You Simply Must Do to Succeed in Love and Life: A Psychologist Learns from His Patients What Really Works and What Doesn't” – Dr. Henry Cloud; If you cannot master yourself, you will find that you will only arise to a certain level even with a spouse. You need to be able to succeed for yourself first before you can be of help to anyone else. A must-read.

14) "Extreme Ownership" - by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin; These former Navy Seals lay down some serious verbal fire with this book. Believe it or not, CEOs, Vice Presidents, and Directors of companies will place blame, pass the buck, and will not own their stuff when it comes to their own mistakes. A difficult or failed marriage has the potential to wreck you physically, spiritually, and emotionally, not to mention your children (if you have them), family and friends. Your attitude and the choices that you make will determine your outcome. Being a Christian, veteran, and father, I have learned a lot from their book in more ways than one.

15) “The Like Switch” – Jack Schafer, Ph.D. with Marvin Karlins Ph.D.; Written by a former FBI Agent, he explains techniques that will be useful in life and certainly with a spouse. We're not always going to be on our "A" game. Knowing what to do to get back in the graces of anyone is a skill worth learning.

16) "Effective Prayers for Your Future Spouse - A Daily Devotional" - John Williams; Yes, this is my contribution to help couples develop a time of prayer and reflection on marriage as they are walking their journey to the marriage altar. I share and clearly explain in a thirty-one-day devotional, some key marital concepts based on Biblical text that parents, pastors, and pre-marriage counselors may not have told you. This is a great resource and is offered in an audiobook version as well.

17) "The Good News About Marriage - Debunking Discouraging Myths About Marriage and Divorce" - Shaunti Feldhahn; Shaunti does it again with great insight based on her research on marriage. She dashes to the ground the many long-held myths about marriage held by most people. This is a gem and a very informative read if you are considering getting married now, or in the future.

I have read these and many more books on marriage and relationships (about 40+). I learned so much and could now correct the things that I did wrong. When we know better, we have an opportunity to do better.

I hope this list and commentary were helpful for you. Kindly read them for yourself. After doing so, you can then recommend them to friends and family. They are less costly than counseling and if you practice what you have learned, you may rarely if ever need it.

Full Disclosure: Each of the links includes my affiliate Amazon link. This means that you will be supporting me and my blog by purchasing any of the books I recommend from this site. Thank you in advance for your support.

-John

Happy Thanksgiving!

I remember as a little boy waking up to the smell of turkey first thing in the morning. I would come downstairs and greet my mom good morning. She would still be cooking something on the stove to go with the Thanksgiving Day feast.

My brothers and sisters would gather around the TV to watch the "Macy's" Thanksgiving Day parade. Manhatten was literally thirty minutes away from our home but I hated the cold weather and was happy to watch from home.

My parents would always invite people over for dinner. It might be my Uncle Tommy from South Jersey, a fellow Pastor, or my Aunt Letty. We didn't particularly like our Aunt Letty, bless her soul, because she would curse every now and again and yell at us kids for no apparent reason. At the same time, she was always the life of the party. We never knew what she was going to say next.

We all have those crazy Uncles or family members that don't march to the same beat as us. Nevertheless, let's give God thanks for them. No matter our opinion or perspective, God created them for His special purpose on this Earth as well. 

In our blessing for the food, let us remember those who are serving in the military around the world, our first responders, and those who are working today. Happy Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving.

-John

"What Is So Special About “Wormhole Moon?”

 As a passionate Science Fiction author, I care about the story and all the things that capture the imagination of Sci-Fi readers and will hopefully hold their attention.  

What I feel is special about the “Wormhole Moon” series is that it was planned to be a series and film from the beginning. That said, the characters are well developed with interesting character arcs. As they interact with each other, their relationships grow over the course of time. 

You are pushed forward in time by fifty years. Technology that is in its infancy now, you will see used routinely. Additionally, each character has an interesting past that is not revealed all at once. As you see them challenged, they will grow, and new aspects of their personality begin to emerge.

There are also outstanding group dynamics within the various organizations. The pressures of new challenges and the pushing of their regulated boundaries cause them to adjust and flex in ways that previously had not have been required before. That said, new leaders are required to step up to the challenges as old ones are promoted.

There are professional relationships, friendships, and marriages that will be tested. Rich friendships grow and others are no more. You may feel the pain and loss as the characters do.

The weapons of the ships, military vehicles, transportation, etc. are those never seen before in film. Since our new friends from Meritor have come, their technology has been a great help to the world as you will see in the book.

Finally, “Wormhole Moon” adds a spiritual aspect to Science Fiction that you do not normally see. I is well woven in all three books and it is part of some of the culture of the characters.

Indeed, the book is unique, and I thank all of my readers for giving it a chance to be included in your library. 

John Williams

My Answer to the Question: "What are the signs that your spouse needs more attention from you?"

 It isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some people will withdraw when they need attention, while others will be very vocal. This is what I suggest.

1) Don’t Wait for Your Spouse to Tell You – If you have been busy on a Saturday and you haven’t engaged with your spouse on a meaningful level by noon, this is your moment. If he has been sitting on the living room couch watching TV or reading the paper, gently walk over and sit across his lap! What husband could resist? Men need to feel that their wives still want them and love their wives to be playful.

Guys, same thing, during the week or weekend, she’s in the garden or doing something in the den, walk up behind her, squeeze her tight, and kiss her on the neck like you used to do when you were dating. Switch things up sometimes. Let her know that she’s still your girl!

2) Routine is The Enemy of Spontaneity – Couples often get in a rut because they allow it. Don’t allow it. Book a bed & breakfast get-a-way. Perhaps you have a limited budget, so have a deli make you a picnic basket or make it yourself. Plan a great location and check the weather. Hide the basket in the back of the car and bring a nice blanket to set the moment. When they are looking so surprised and ask, “Hey, what is this for?” Simply reply, “Just because.” Taking a little bit of time to share a special moment with your spouse can be precious.

3) Knowing Is Better Than Guessing – By now, you should know your spouse's “love languages.” If you don’t, I highly recommend the book, “The 5 Love Languages” by Dr. Gary Chapman. The attention I mentioned before is great and needful, but what good is it if you are not speaking your spouse’s love language every day?

Ladies perhaps on the weekend your husband plays with that old car in the garage... again. You don't like greasy old cars, and you feel his hobby steals time away from you. He may know that but it may be his way of relaxing and taking his mind off things (His Yoga). You may have even complained about it a little.

This time, put on your old jeans, roll up your sleeves, and bring him a cold glass of lemonade. Ask him what he's doing and show a genuine interest. He might be surprised at first and explains. You decide to hang out with him as he shows off his mechanical expertise. You even hand him a wrench or two. It won't be long before you’re both having a real conversation. Each time it gets easier. Before you know it, he's taking you out on a date again and your love is growing. What changed? You began speaking HIS love language "Quality Time."

Now for the guys, perhaps you are the type of person that is quiet, and you don’t say much. Your spouse likes to talk and may talk enough for you both. Maybe that is because one of her top-three love languages is “Words of Affirmation.” If this is true, say more words of affirmation to your spouse… Ex. “Hon, I may not say this as often as I should, but I really appreciate it when you do…” or “Hon I appreciate your skill in making the front of our house look so beautiful. Those flowers really make it stand out.”

Make sure your words are genuine and sincere. It is NOT about YOU right now. HER love language is “Words of Affirmation” and try to speak it as often as possible.

As you read the book, you will find out other love languages that your spouse may have. I encourage that you read it together and practice what you've learned. It has the potential to change your marriage in a big way.

To read more articles like these, kindly visit John's Quora page.

-John

"Effective Prayers for Your Future Spouse" - Day 2, Thank God in Advance for His Provision for You Both

 

  The following excerpt is from my book "Effective Prayers for Your Spouse." Most people get frustrated with dating, and online dating because they don't realize how difficult it is and how much help they will really need. Since love, covenant, and marriage were created by God, it would be a good idea to ask Him for help. I also share Biblical wisdom to prepare you to be the best partner that you can be by the time that you meet them. This book is designed to be a 31 day devotional. Here is day two.

  God has many names. One of my favorites is “Jehovah Roi,” proclaimed by Hagar, the servant-maid of Sarah, wife of Abraham. It means the Lord who sees; in some translations: “The Lord God who sees me” or “The Lord who sees to it.” She ran away with her son Ishmael and found herself without water and food in the desert. It could have meant certain death for them both. God not only provided but gave her wise counsel as well.

    In the context of God’s provision for you and your future spouse, I would use two names. 1) “Jehovah Jireh, The One who sees my needs and provides for them.” 2) “Jehovah Rohi,” The Lord, my shepherd, I shall not want for any good and beneficial thing.

    There will be times when it may seem like you may not have all that you need before you meet your partner. Perhaps you already know who they are, but many obstacles stand in the way. Knowing that God is a provider is comforting. Not only is He a great provider, but a loving shepherd as well, and sees the challenges and knows what timing is best. We cannot look into our future, but God can. We can trust that He will always provide the very best for us at the right time and guide and give us wise counsel when we ask. Kindly say this prayer:

    “Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you that you see my future spouse and that you know all things. I trust you to provide for us every good and beneficial thing that we need to be together in your perfect timing. I will not fear or worry. Whenever I am in doubt, I will remember to cast my care upon you, for you care affectionately for me (1 Peter 5:7). I thank you for you are my good shepherd and that I can trust you to lead me exactly where I need to go at the right time. Thank you, Lord and I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Thank you for reading this post. If you would like to ask additional questions, would like to book me to video conference to your group or Bible study, kindly contact me at my email address. If you would like to see my other books, please click here. Thank you.

-John

Email: john.williams.author@gmail.com

"Effective Prayers for Your Future Spouse" Day 17 - Pray That You Both Will Listen...and Well

 

Day 17

Pray That You Both Will Listen...and Well

    In almost every book you will find on marriage and relationships, communication is the one thing that is always discussed. The most critical part of that is listening. James 1:19 (NIV) says “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” To be more specific, there are different kinds of listening. There is the kind where we are distracted and hear what is being said, but we’re not actually giving our full attention to the speaker. Then, there is listening to form a rebuttal or reply to the speaker. The kind I am talking about is what is called “active” listening.

    It takes a certain amount of humility to truly listen to another person. Active listening is where you make yourself a blank piece of paper that the speaker can write on, uninterrupted. You might ask a quick question to validate what is being said, but you are focusing your attention on the speaker in a deliberate effort to understand. You verify by repeating what was conveyed in your own words, i.e., “So if I understand you correctly, you said…” Doing this makes the speaker feel heard, and their words appreciated. If you did it right, they acknowledge that you received their words and heard them correctly. This is the kind of communication that all couples sorely need. Will you try this type of listening? Will you try it today on your future spouse, family, friends, or a co-worker? Kindly say this prayer:

    “Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that you help my future spouse and me to be the kind of partners that are humble enough to listen to each other. Help us to learn and master the skill of listening that we may better understand and abundantly grow together. Anoint our ears to hear each other, the voice of the Holy Spirit as he guides us into all truth (John 16:13) and our hearts to receive. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”

    If you enjoyed this post, the book can be found here. There is also an audiobook version as well.

-John