Double Portion Inspiration

Photo credit:  Highlight Studios My husband and I recently celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary so why not write a post about marriage? I don't claim to be an expert on the subject by any means but, I'm often asked about marriage and how we've made it together for so long. Here are 3 questions I'm asked the most: 1. How did you know he was the one ? Our dating/courtship was very short. After 5 months of dating exclusively, he asked me to marry him. We were both young and knew without any doubts that we wanted to share our lives together.  All I can say is that I knew. I know that's probably not what you expected to hear but it's the truth.  I just knew ! It was unlike any other relationship in my past.  I will often share with singles that if you have to many questions about whether it's the right person on the other end of your relationship, it might not be the right person.  One thing love is not is unsure.  2. What is the key to marriage ? Alton and I...

A few weeks ago, I told you I would be attending a marriage conference. Tyjuan and I (by the grace of God) will celebrate 23 years of marriage in October. We have been together for almost three decades and this was our first time participating in a marriage conference. I love that it was on the heels of Valentine's Day. Most men and ladies are gearing up for the "day of love" on Wednesday, February 14th. This conference was everything I thought and needed it to be. The crescendo of the event was Tyjuan and I renewing our wedding vows. Almost 23 years ago we said them at our wedding ceremony in Orlando, Florida. But this past Saturday was different. We actually knew what we were saying. The day of your actual wedding was pure adrenaline. The dress, the cake, the guests, the minister, the flower, the party, the limo and all of it leaves you wanting more. ALL that money, ALL that planning and within 4-5 hours it is OVER. Roslyn and her father October 28, ...

Last month, Alton and I celebrated 20 years of marriage!   It was an exciting time in our house.   We pulled out our wedding album and the kids couldn’t believe how young we looked when we got married (we were also both a lot smaller).   Wedding Day In 1997 we both walked down the aisle having no clue what the future held.   Neither one of us fully understood two simple yet complex words, “I do”. I’m happy to say that I’m still madly in love with him. I don’t just tolerate him. We’re not just roommates staying together to raise kids. We are FRIENDS! We make each other smile and laugh at our corny “inside” jokes. Now, with that being said, we’re not a perfect couple by any means.   Does he get on my nerves? Yes!   Does he make me want to scream at times? Yes!   Do I get on his nerves?   No!   Just kidding.   Of course I do.   Despite those facts, he’s the one for me and I’m thankful to God...

Beaches and Pools! A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I had a chance to visit one of the most beautiful places.  We had a get away to Hawaii for a week without our kids (thanks Mom for watching them).  I really, really missed my babies but I was thankful for the alone time with my hubby. It was divine! I feel like I live in paradise already. In my home state I'm surrounded by blue skies, palm trees that sway beautifully on a breezy day and the ocean is only about 45 minutes away. What's great about Hawaii though, is the unity of my two favorite landscapes, beaches and mountains . The combination of the two together make for breathtaking views and outstanding photographs! For those who haven't visited Hawaii, maybe you can live vicariously through my experience.  I wanted to share a little about the places we visited and some things I quickly learned about the island.  Here's a list of 10 things I learned about Hawaii : Birds are everywher...

One of my favorite movies is "Why Did I Get Married?"  Even though it came out seven years ago, I still watch it every chance I get.  I can recite most of the lines in the movie so you know I was thrilled to see it playing numerous times this weekend on the BET network.    In the movie, there's friction between the couples and they are forced to think about, "Why did I get married?"  During one of the conversations between the husbands, they make reference to an "80/20" rule.  There's a thought that you will only receive 80% of what you need from your marriage.  When someone comes along offering the 20% you're not receiving, it's easy to think that the grass is greener on the other side.  Some will find it easy to leave the 80% even though they will only receive 20% of what they need in the new relationship.  Watching the movie's reruns this weekend sparked a conversation between me and my husband.  ...