There are so many things God designed a man and woman to experience and enjoy in marriage, but this post just focuses on three of them. I do want to note that the unique characteristics of marriage included below are based on God’s intent for marriage. I realize some marriages are very challenging, dysfunctional, and/or brief. However, imperfect marriages exist because of the Fall, not because of a flaw in God’s design. With that in mind, let’s examine three major distinctions between marriage and friendship.
Are Friendship and Marriage Essentially the Same? (Part 1)
Several weeks ago, I listened to a podcast episode during which a pastor discussed a sermon he’d preached about true love. Ultimately, it seemed like he viewed marriage and friendship as equivalent. He treated them as substitutes—as if there are no major differences between them. But I was frustrated with his message because there are major differences between friendship and marriage, and honestly, that frustration fueled this post.
My (2nd) Conversation with Brittany Braswell on Faith-Filled Food Freedom
I recently had a chat with my friend Brittany Braswell—a Registered Dietician and the host of Faith-Filled Food Freedom—about navigating recovery, especially while developing and maintaining relationships. Her name might sound familiar to you because I've been on her podcast in the past (plus I've interviewed her for TTT). I so appreciate Brittany, and I can't wait for you to check out our most recent conversation!
Dear Single Girl, Don’t Waste Your College Years Chasing Guys
But even though I didn't meet my future husband at college, I don't regret not chasing guys while I was there. I know that singleness was the best thing for me then—and is the best thing for me right now—because I believe God's timing for my life is good. And I believe the same thing about His timing for yours, Single Girl.
When You’re Tempted to Covet Your Friend’s Marriage
True confession—it’s difficult to not covet my friends’ marriages. Even though I know coveting is a sin, I succumb to this temptation far too often. God’s Word is clear about not coveting what other people have, but how can we avoid it?
1 Thing I Struggle to Remember While Waiting for Marriage
Okay, so there are actually many things I struggle to remember while waiting for marriage, but this is one of the biggest. I’ve written other other posts about marriage and how it points to the marriage celebration of Christ and the Church (as described in Revelation). An earthly marriage between a fallen man and woman is a foretaste of what’s to come—but it’s only a foretaste.
3 Ways to Love the Single Girls in Your Life
I recently shared a post with three ways you can pray for the single girls in your life, but as you pray for them, you may wonder how to show them kindness in everyday life. Maybe you’ve been married for decades and have several kids, so singleness isn’t something you think about often. Or maybe you recently got married and want your single friends to know you haven’t forgotten about them. No matter what season of life you’re in, these ideas for loving single girls are applicable.
3 Ways to Deal with Loneliness as a Single Girl
There’s nothing wrong with feeling lonely, friends. But even when you feel alone, you have to remember you aren’t alone. If you’re struggling to keep that truth in mind, I completely understand. Here are a few suggestions for dealing with loneliness in healthy, practical ways.
Don’t Give Up on Love
This idea of not giving up on love (i.e., not despairing as a single girl) has been on my mind a lot lately. Sadly, many single girls do give up on love—which leads them to become bitter and resentful. Sometimes it even leads them to settle for guys who aren’t God’s best for them. So I wrote this poem about not giving up on love to encourage my fellow single girls—and to encourage my future husband.