Happy Valentine’s Day to my forever Valentine! Someone asked me the other day about dating and relationships. It was funny because I do not consider myself a “pro” in this area but a constant “work in progress.” Levi and I work hard on our relationship every day and it is not always a “walk in the park” – so don’t let this picture fool you. I am on my knees praying for him and our relationship daily, and many of those prayers are about asking for humility and God’s grace and forgiveness for my humanness, imperfectness, and selfishness. Levi is about as easygoing as they come and I’m like a fiery, passionate, crazed wild stallion; unpredictable with a tendency to be a slave to my emotions. So when I was asked about relationships the other day, I had to think about it for a minute, and here’s what I came up with…
.
.
1. To all my single ladies out there, run fearlessly after Christ and whoever is keeping up with you, consider them a potential partner in life. And, as far as “dating”, remember, until you are married, that gentleman you are seeing is potentially someone else’s husband.  So tread carefully, respect each other, and don’t drag out pain and heartache.  Seek God first, He knows what you need!
.
.
2. Be partners in life: you should complement each other. It’s great to have things in common but also see the value they bring to the table and skills that you maybe don’t have. I am not a handy(wo)man, cannot do anything with a hammer, do not have patience with “projects” and home improvement, and plants come to me to die… so thank God for Levi who thrives in all those areas.
.
.
3. Have a state of the Union: every 3 months, discuss the state of your “union”; things that are going well, things that are not going well, areas you both can improve upon. And don’t be afraid to hurt each other’s feelings; when you really love someone you are not afraid to tell them things that will make them or your relationship better. Reminder, speak from a place of love on this, not anger. And if you are on the receiving end, be open to a little positive criticism that could make you better.
.
.
4. Married ladies: keep it HOT! As my 60+ year old, conservative, Jesus loving mother said at my wedding shower (in front of my entire bridal party, aunts, cousins, and future in-laws), “have a lot of sex.” But for reals, intimacy between married couples is sacred and healthy!
.
.
Finally, put the needs of one another first and lift them up in prayer daily! Relationships do take work so if you are dating, maybe ask yourself, do I want to fight with and fight for this person for the rest of my life??? I can’t imagine doing any of this life, the good, the bad, or the ugly without my Levi! He makes me better!