Be Thankful :)

This month has been a month of Thanksgiving, I didn't wait til Thanksgiving Day to give thanks for all of the things I am thankful for, I did it daily. I haven't been here this month because I have been so busy getting everything ready for my little one who will be here in just a few weeks. I thank each of you for coming by my blog and being supportive of what I do here. I pray for God's blessings to cover you all. 

Thanksgiving is about more than just food and fun, It's about truly sitting down and realizing how blessed you are. So many others don't have what we do, God covers us with His blessings even though we are undeserving. We have to remember to be thankful daily because just as He gives them, He can take them away. I am so thankful for my little girl who will be here on the 11th if she stays breech and if not then I'll let her decide when she is coming :). Some of you know that I lost a baby at the beginning of the year and that nearly devastated me. I had pretty much given up and then I found out I was pregnant with her. This year has been a year of ups and downs but one thing never changed, God stayed by my side through it all and I am so thankful for Him!

We held Thanksgiving at our home this year and it was a success. We had plenty of food and goodies, family in every little corner and games. We spent the entire day just celebrating our family and what God had done for us. I hope you all had a pleasant day and that everything went how you wanted it too.

What are you thankful for this year? What did you do for Thanksgiving?

Be Blessed,

Regina Cozad

Even in the Storm There is Peace

Do you ever wake up just feeling so weary and burdened?

 Sometimes when we arise in the morning the devil is right there to remind us of all the hurtful things of yesterday and days past and it causes us to just feel alone and helpless. Some days it can be so frustrating to even get up but we know our family needs us. 

I want to encourage all of you, before you even let your feet hit the ground, grab your bible and read, even if it is just a verse or two. Pray for your family and how you can apply what you read to your day. Sometimes we just get so overwhelmed with life and where we are that we forget that the one who died for us and walked this life knows exactly where we are and what we need. He is just waiting with open arms for us to fall into Him and let Him guide us and give us peace through the storm. There is a saying "sometimes God doesn't always calm the storm, but calms His child through the storm." I'm not sure who wrote it but it's so true. Sometimes my life is a struggle and I know that a lot of my readers probably think I have it all together but that isn't true I'm human just like you and I fall just as you do but that is why I started this blog to encourage you that even when we fall we have to get back up and keep on going. You can come here and share how God lifted you up and encourage someone going through the same thing that they will make it.

I pray that you can be encouraged here no matter what you are going through. Know I will be praying for you if you need it, I'm here to walk besides you in the storm because we need community and friendship. God created us to help one another, to serve others when they need it. You never know what the person next to you is going through so always offer a smile, open a door and reach out to those around you even if they reject you, God knows and sees all things.

Are you struggling today? Do you have a testimony of how God has calmed you through a storm? What bible study do you use? When is your quiet time with God?

I'm also linking up today at Christian Mommy Blogger for Fellowship Fridays, come by and see what others are talking about.

Be Blessed,

Regina Cozad

Happy October!

Happy October to all of my wonderful readers!

Thanks for coming by and standing with me as I try to share what God has laid on my heart to share.

This month holds so many things for me, some are hurts and painful memories from the past that try to drag me down, while some are happy memories and some are just things that have to be done like the remodeling, fall cleaning, and getting ready for my little newborn baby girl that is due to make an appearance in December!

What does October hold for your family? I'm super excited about Fall and getting my house smelling like Fall is here! That is always the one thing I look forward to each year, I get excited walking into Walmart or any store really and seeing all the Fall colors, decor and of course the seasonal candles (oh how I love candles). We are in the midst of remodeling and boy can I tell you my home is some what upside down but we are getting there, one day at a time. 

Fall means family and fun, getting back into routine, and really getting back into step with Jesus. I have that struggle that we all do, finding that quiet time to just settle down with my Bible and just falling at Jesus's Feet and saying Daddy, what is it you really want from me? I want to fall into His arms, the arms that were tied to the cross, I want to hold the hands that were pierced for my sins. I need to be in the arms of the One who died for me. During Summer time I read my bible and I pray but it isn't like I really want too, it's always rush rush and to me that just isn't good enough. I need to really hear what God is wanting for me and for me as a wife to be a better leader at home and helpmate to my wonderful God given husband (sometimes I wonder how in the world did I get him, I definitely didn't deserve such an amazing man of God!!!) If we get too busy for God, then we are definitely busier than He ever intended for us to be. Let's learn to lean on Him and make sure that our time with him isn't out weighed by the things of this world! 

I am praying that we use this fall time to get back into step with God and really let Him lead and shine His glory on our lives and marriages. Let's learn to let Him show us what He wants, instead of always going after what we think is best for us and what we want for us. May God lead you today! 

What are you doing this Fall to get back close to God? How are you preparing you home for Fall? I would love to hear from you!

Be Blessed,

Regina Cozad

It's that time again ~Fall Time~

It's that awesome time of the year again! Time for Pumpkin everything, hayrides, snuggling by the bonfire with the hubby and kids, and holidays with family! Of course every year we also have the awesome FALL Challenge where alot of bloggers link up with Courtney over at www.womenlivingwell.org and make our homes a haven that is peaceful and inviting. You can read more about the challenge here and have a chance to win an Ipad mini.

You don't want to miss out on this challenge, I'll be posting here and also linking up Courtney's post where you can find others who are joining in. Be sure and come back each Monday in October and see what we are doing next! I don't know about you but Fall is my favorite time of the year and I love to decorate my home in fall decor and spend time with the family. 

What is your favorite thing about Fall? Are you going to be joining in the challenge? What are somethings that God has been working on you to do this Fall? Can I help you pray about anything?

Be Blessed,

Regina Cozad

Homeschooling - What are your thoughts?

So today I am asking all my readers for your opinions and advice on homeschooling.

 The reason for this post is because I really don't feel that our local public school really teaches what the kids really need to know. My four year old nephew has been in preschool a little over a month and doesn't know any more than when he started besides what I teach him at home. It honestly disturbs me to the point that I'm ready to take him out and start homeschooling today! 

I have talked to a few parents at my church who use the A Beka Academy curriculum and they love it. They say that it really teaches more than regular school. Also I know people who have been using online resources to teach their children, I really just want some advice on homeschooling. Is it effective? What do you use?  

I personally feel it will be better on him spiritually and also mentally. He won't be in a bad environment but a Godly one. He's had plenty of bad environments in his past homes before he came to me. Please tell me what you think of homeschooling and how it has affected your children or children you know. Thanks in advance.

Be Blessed,

Regina Cozad

Make a difference in the lives around you!

Today is Monday, A new beginning to a brand new week, a new week to accomplish something different. 

My morning began with studying God's Word and pondering what He wants me to do for Him this week. My duties as a wife will be done and my everyday things will be taken care of but at the end of the day what I accomplished for Him will be what matters most. How did I show others His love and compassion? Did I say things that were encouraging and uplifting?

Sometimes we get so busy with life that we forget why God created us and that is to love one another as He loves us and to show His love to those that do not know Him. I want to challenge you all this week to do something a little bit different and really reach out to those you see and show them God's love and compassion because you never know what a difference you can make in someone's life who just might be struggling and need a little encouragement to help them along the way.

How will you make a difference this week? What are somethings you have done in the past to help those around you? What would you tell someone who is going through a tough time right now? 


Be Blessed,

Regina Cozad

Stay enthusiastic about God

Studying God's Word is such a blessing to our lives!

This morning I started a 13 week study of Ephesians called Glorious Grace with HelloMornings, I absolutely love it. We are learning about more about God's wonderful Grace. Today talked about God's Grace on Paul and how He called him. How are you drawing closer to God? 

Today I want to ask you a question, Are you still as enthusiastic about living for God as you were when you first started on this wonderful heavenly journey? Are you still as passionate? 

I want to encourage you all today to never lose that enthusiasm, keep your joy alive, do whatever it takes because in the end if you let the devil steal your joy then you will be miserable. Here are a few things to keep you encouraged and joyful :

• Read your bible daily
• Get together and do bible studies with friends
• Be involved in your church (don't have one then reach out and find one, if you are in Louisiana then get with me I can help your find one that is very passionate about Jesus)
• Prayer and worship

I hope today this has encouraged you to stay enthusiastic and joyful in Christ. I pray that you all find what helps you to stay focused and God centered.

What are somethings you are doing to stay focused in your walk with God? Share with us what is on your hearts today.

Be Blessed,

Regina Cozad

Making Time for the Important Things

Our families are what matters most!

Do you ever just take the time to think about those around you? Do you really spend the one on one time you need to with them so that they know that they really matter to you? Sometimes we get so caught up in our day to day activities, that we forget to just stop and spend time with the ones God gave us. 

Our spouse needs us to just stop and show them that we care, our children need that one on one time that helps them to see they are appreciated and loved, our family needs us. It's time for us to take the challenge and stop being so busy that we can't really love and spend time with the ones who need us most.

A few ways to spend time together:

Family game night

Take a walk together

Sit around and take turns sharing what is on your heart

Start a hobby as a family

Do the chores together 

Go out to eat together 

I challenge you all today to really make time for each other because everyday isn't promised, enjoy the moments that you have together, every day is a gift.

What is something you can add to this list? What can you do to spend more time together as a family?

Be Blessed,

Regina Cozad

Stay positive, even in the rain

When being strong fails just hang onto the one who is strong, God!

You know the saying when it rains, it pours, well that has been my life for the last month. So much has been going on and I feel like I just can't catch my breath. A few weeks ago, my husband was working and cut his right thumb almost off on a table saw, but God had His hand on him because they were able to save it and although it will be a long process of no work and surgeries, it could have been worst. A few other situations have been going on that I won't go into detail about, it seems life has just been hounding us and the devil has been trying to just bring us down. I apologize for not being here encouraging you all, but I felt like how can I encourage when I am feeling so down. I know God has his hands on us even though we don't know what the future holds but I will hold to His promises, His will is always better than ours. He is my positive in the midst of this negative season.

I am learning through these trials to dance in the rain and be content with where I am. So much is happening that I don't understand but I know God has a plan. I am slowing gaining my organization and planning back that had just gone haywire. I am using my schedule I found from Darlene at Time-Warp Wife, you can get it here: http://time-warp-wife.blogspot.com/2011/12/free-printable-daily-housekeeping.html. It is simple and so easy to do. I hope you all are having a fabulous summer! We are going on Vacation this weekend and it is most definitely needed.

What do you do when hard times come? How do you cope when it feels the devil is beating you down?


Be Blessed,


Regina Cozad

Day 7 of Love&Respect

First, I want to say I'm sorry for being absent for awhile, things have been very hetic in my life and are just slowing down. We buried my pastor of 21 years and He had been the pastor at our church for over 50 years, He died with cancer and it still breaks my heart to think about it. He was such a great man and very selfless, always cared about helping others no matter the cost.

Second, my health has been up and down, I was put on bed rest for a few days after passing out at the graveside service of my pastor, and a lot of others things that I won't bore you with but I missed being here and prayed daily that if any one came across the page that was new or been here before that they would find encouragement. My little break was nice but I'm going to continue where I left off in my challenge because this book is really marriage and life changing and I hope that if you haven't finished reading it, started reading it or even heard of it, you will get in today and order it and follow along.

It can be ordered at the main site for Love and Respect or at Amazon.

In chapter 7 it talked to the wives about being forgiving and respectful no matter how unloving your husband is being and it also told the husband to forgive and love your wife no matter how disrespectful she is being. No spouse wakes up and says "what can I do to upset my beloved today?", We are all human and make mistakes, we need to learn to forgive and not hold things against one another. We must forgive as God forgives us when we do things that we shouldn't do. We need to learn to say "I'm sorry" and really mean it from the bottoms of our soul and move forward and never bring it up again. I am preaching to myself also, I'm in no way perfect but I want to help others as I learn these things so that we can be the wife that God created us to be.

What did you learn from Chapter 7? Are there somethings that you need to work on and let go of that you are holding against your spouse? What is your advice to others about forgiving one another no matter how hard it is?

I pray that today we will learn to forgive and move forward in the marriage God gave us :)


Be Blessed,

Regina Cozad

Day 6 of Love&Respect Challenge

I want to encourage each and every one of you to live out your marriage and your life according to God's word and you will see a major change that you will be happy with. Alot of people don't realize that our lives are not our own and when we let God take the driver seat, we will be amazed at how He can turn things around we never thought could be fixed.

In this chapter, we seen wives and husbands that because they lived according to scripture, God changed their marriages and restored what they thought was lost. Loving when the wife is unloveable and respecting when the husband is unworthy to be respected, Scripture says to Respect when they don't seem to deserve it and it says to love even when they are unloveable. So many people don't get this and don't understand why they can't get off the crazy cycle, we must learn to talk about what upsets us and move on from it, don't make it a heated argument but communicate the issue and fix it.

What did you learn today? What are some things that God is showing you that you need to work on?


Be Blessed,


Regina Cozad

Day 5 of Love&Respect Challenge

Today I have a question for all the wives out there, Are you trying to decode the messages that your husband is sending you? Do you understand that he needs respect just as much as we need love? Are you being the mature adult and making the first move to stop the crazy cycle and have a better marriage?

Today's chapter was on decoding the messages we are receiving and making the first move to just stop the crazy cycle and be better no matter how unloving or disrespectful the other spouse is. This book is such an eye opener and I pray no one has to be like the man who had to go to jail to decode the messages his wife was screaming out to him, saying just love me, show me you care, instead of always trying to be right and prove your point. So many times instead of showing our hearts, we try to show our knowledge and that we are right no matter the cost and hurt we cause our spouse.

Are you learning to decode the messages? Are you making changes? Share your experience below, I'd love to hear from you. I pray you all have better marriages from your efforts to change your marriage for the better.


Be Blessed,


Regina Cozad

Monday

Monday I will continue the challenge. Morning sickness has taken over today and its rough but ill be back Monday if not sooner.  In the mean time think of what we've already learned and pray for the Lord's guidance. God bless you all.

Be blessed,

Regina Cozad

Day 4 of Love&Respect Challenge

Today we read in Chapter 4 of Love & Respect and it stresses that men need that unconditional respect from us because when he feels disrespected, he will act unloving and stone wall because he feels he isn't appreciated. Dr. Emerson tried to explain to us how they see arguements differently than us and they deal with things differently from us.

We have to learn to speak the respect language, if we are going to get anywhere when trying to talk to our spouse and solve an issue that has been there bothering us. It's time to get off the Crazy cycle and learn to love and respect each other no matter the situations that life throws at us! We need to quit complaining and critizing them and learn to praise them for the things they do. :) I can't wait til tomorrow to see what else Dr. Emerson tells us that can help us have a better marriage.

Now it's your turn,

Do you have a praise report of what this challenge is doing for your marriage or for yourself? Do you have any questions or anything you would like to share? I would love to hear from you.

Be Blessed,

Regina Cozad

Day 3 of Love&Respect Challenge

Chapter 3 taught us today that we as wives have to learn to show unconditional respect for our husbands, two words that society feel men don't deserve but the Bible clearly states is mandatory in marriage. This is one subject that if brought up, women get defense and say they don't deserve my respect because they don't show me love, but the Bible says to show them unconditional respect regardless because by our actions and words they can be won to the Lord.

1. Are you a respecting wife?
2. Are your actions and words showing Christ?
3. When things aren't going the way you think they should do you lash out? or do you show the love of Christ?

These are just a few things we need to think about from day to day. I was once wrote on here via comment on a previous post about respecting our husbands by a man that called me a 50s wife, little does he know that I was born in 1991! I was brought up in a church and that taught me what the Bible says, the scripture was instilled in me as a child and shown to me by a Proverbs 31 momma! I don't have it all together and I do make mistakes (no one is perfect), but I live the scripture and I won't apologize for it. I want to be the wife that the Lord intended for me to be and I want to help others to be the wife that the Lord intended for them to be, that is why I have this blog today.

My prayer today is that the Lord will show us as wives, how we can show our husbands unconditional respect daily and how we can be that Proverbs 31 wife that He intended for us to be.

Your turn,

What did you learn today? What are you doing to show your husband unconditional respect?

Be Blessed,


Regina Cozad

 

Day 2 of Love & Respect Challenge

Communication is the key in every marriage.

Today we read chapter 2 of Love & Respect and we learned that miscommunication can cause a lot of arguments that really don't have to happen. When the wife is feeling unloved she lashes out and the husband feels disrespected so he reacts and then walks away feeling worthless. After many years of marriage a lot of people never realize the issue that is causing the continuing silly disagreements and keeps the crazy cycle going, instead of identifying them and then proceeding to work them out, they just give up or keep up the cycle. The bible tells us to work it out and for the husband to love his unloving wife and the wife to respect her unrespecting husband. We don't always feel that the other is worthy of their need but we must do it anyways. Their tank needs filling because when it runs empty or is cut off then there is conflict that didn't have to be.

We have to decode our messages that we send one another to clearly understand what each other means by our actions or words. In the chapter today it talks about the wife saying she has nothing to wear when she really means she has nothing new to wear and then the husband says he has nothing to wear when really he means he has nothing clean to wear. Women and men or so different which causes a lot of our small silly fights that really don't have to escalate into a huge knock out fight. God made us different, lets embrace it and learn to understand each other.

Your turn to speak up!

What did you learn today? Did God reveal to you anything that you need to work on to be a better understanding spouse? What's on your heart today?

Be Blessed,

Regina Cozad

Day 1 of Love & Respect Challenge

First I want to wish all of my mothers out there a Happy Late Mother's Day, I had all intentions of writing a post yesterday but this little baby of mine just had me sick and couldn't do much yesterday.



My hubby cooked for our family yesterday and we had a lazy relaxing day and great church. Over all it was a great Mother's Day, I hope you all enjoyed yours.

Today started our new challenge, we are reading a chapter a day til we finish and each day we will come here and reflect on what we read and how we can apply it to our marriage. You can read more about the challenge here, this challenge is to show wives how to respect their husbands and husbands to love their wives.

We get on a "Crazy Cycle" and don't even realize it and then we must learn how to get off and this book will tell us. The Crazy Cycle is this "Without Love She reacts and Without Respect He reacts" sounds familiar doesn't it? This book is based on biblical facts and today we read Chapter 1 and we learned how sometimes we don't realize that our lashing out in hopes of fixing our spouse really just makes them feel disrepected and that sometimes wet towels and peppered eggs can cause a big arguement and leave the wife feeling unloved and the husband disrespected. Today I want to learn to not try and fix my spouse but to understand how his heart works and learn to respect him even when I am feeling unloved. Simply learning to communicate is something that can help a whole lot of arguements and tomorrow we will read more about that.

What did you learn today while reading Chapter 1? What are somethings that you will be working on today? Are you enjoying this challenge so far? Tweet about it with the hashtag #GodlywifeyChallenge


Be Blessed,


Regina Cozad

Back to Routine

Today I'm getting back into my routine of getting up early and reading God's word, I have been but not like I use to and I see the effects of it. My mornings usually consist of getting up with the hubby and getting him off to work, then prayer for him and our family, and then my Youversion bible plans. Since I found out that I'm expecting again, my morning routine has changed a little, and no I'm not complaining because I know in December it will all be worth it.

Sometimes we just have to kick the devil in the teeth and make time for God, for He cares for us. When things aren't going smoothly and it seems the devil has just got you bound, take time to just pray and let God take over again and put the devil under your feet where he belongs. I pray you all have a splendid day!

What is your morning routine and how is it beneficial to your family and own spiritual needs? What do you do to stay on track?

Be Blessed,

Regina Cozad

So I joined the Hello Mornings challenge and I'm getting back into routine, anyone interested can sign up, registration closes Wednesday.

http://Hellomornings.org/

God blesses us

So you all know about my miscarriage and if you don't you can read more here, it literally tore me down but I kept my faith and stayed strong that God knew exactly what He was doing. I went on, even though a part of me hurt, with my everyday life and the things that never stop. We attended a marriage conference and just enjoyed each other, all the while I felt something was wrong because I never resume "my monthly", I called my doctor frantic to get me in and see what was going on.

In the meantime I found my answer, I took a home test which came out positive, the dr did a test and it was positive, although we weren't sure how far I was, they were sure it was definitely a new baby. Yesterday I found out that in December we will have a little one :) and I just wanted to share this wonderful news with you all. Thanks for the prayers and all the comfort through the hard times, God has truly blessed us with this unexpected miracle! I feel so happy and alive again :) Babies truly do bring Joy!

To every wife who is struggling with infertility, miscarriage, and other issues that may be keeping you from getting the child that your heart is desiring, don't give up! God blesses us when we least expect it. I am praying for those that want children and haven't gotten them, that God will remember you like he did Sarah and many others in the bible.

What is some advice you may have for those struggling right now with infertility? How long did you and your spouse have to wait til you were blessed with little ones?


Be Blessed,


Regina Cozad

New Challenge coming! Are you with me?

Are you wanting to step out in your marriage and take a step that will strength you marriage? Will take a challenge with me and be blessed by an amazing life changing book by an awesome man?

Starting May 13th I will begin blogging on my experience with the Love & Respect Book by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, and I would love for each of you to do this with me. It is available at most books stores and also for kindle and ebook. Everyday we will read a chapter and search deep within ourselves and our marriage to see what we can do to strength what we have and beat the statistic that divorce happens to everyone, It doesn't have to, we make the difference. We will hold each other accountable and see what God will has in store for us.

Are you interested in a better marriage? Will you take this challenge with me? Tell your friends and family! Get everyone you know invovled!

Quiet moments...Grow in God

Today has been a lazy day because it is cold and dreary out and that just makes me want to snuggle on the couch with my nieces who are here visiting. It's in these moments that I can grow in God by reading my Bible and praying. Sometimes I think we as wives get too busy doing others things that we neglect these moments that are so important to our spiritual lives, our marriages, and our children's lives.

Our spiritual needs is the most important thing and when we neglect it, it is usually at that time that everything begins to just fall apart. I want to encourage you to take time to just draw near to God and really let Him guide you. I have really put all my trust in Him over the last 2 months because I honestly don't know how else I would be standing. I found out some awesome news on the 16th and I can't wait to share it but I have to wait til after the 30th, but I know it was truly God's doing. When we truly surrender self and let God have His way, our life will bring forth things we never thought possible! Keep believing for God's will in your life and family.

What are you doing to grow in God? What are some things God has blessed you with as a result of giving Him all of you?


Be Blessed,

Regina Cozad

God is always there

Hello to all my readers! I first want to say that I'm sorry you haven't heard from me in the past 2 weeks. We had chicks hatching, dr appointments, and a lot more going on and it seemed I just couldn't find the time to get on and really connect here. I have been praying about God's will here so please if any of you have found help here, let me know, don't be afraid to reach out because I do check to see if anyone responds.

Today is a new day and I do plan to blog more and really be a help where I can. I am not perfect and I do not proclaim to be, I'm striving just as you are to be a better wife and christian. I stumble and fall just like everyone because like you I'm human, but with Christ walking besides us we will survive. I want to say thanks to everyone who comes here and shares the word about what I do here. I appreciate you.

Today I woke up with a little something on my heart that I want to share with all of you. I have been very emotional the past few weeks and I'm guessing it is all the stress from all I have been going through and I have to say I had moments where I just wanted to crawl into a hole and stay there but God brought me through. Instead of crawling into the hole, I hit my knees and prayed about it, God helped me through and I now see that He has a reason for everything He lets us go through. He never gives us more than we can bare even though sometimes we want to ask "really God?" because we feel we are going to collapse. No matter what you are going through always trust that God is right there leading you through.

Your spouse always knows when something is wrong so enlighten him and let him help you pray about the situation, sometimes we want to take it out on them forgetting that God put them there to lead us, protect us and take care of us.

I pray today for those struggling with something that God will lead you through and send you joy, peace and happiness in the midst of the struggle and I pray you will allow your spouse to help you overcome the situation.


Be Blessed,


Regina Cozad

Our Marriage is Our Garden

We have been working alot in our garden getting it tilled and ready to plant and it made me think of how our marriage is alot like a garden.

 You have to get the grass and weeds out of the soil because if not it will be a battle when the crop comes, just like in your marriage you have to eliminate all the friends who are just there to try and see your marriage fail, the negative attitudes and selfishness that will slowly destroy what God created. Galatians 7-9 says (Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.) so we must be cautious as to what we sow in our garden of marriage.

Sowing good seeds in your home such as:

•  the beatitudes found in Matthew 5:3-11,
• the fruit of the spirit which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23),
• praying together for God's will in your marriage and home,
• Doing your duty as the wife of your home without being told.

These are just a few things that are used here in my home and I wanted to share them with you all because God laid this on my heart almost a week ago and I am finally getting to sit down and write them out. I also want to encourage those that the devil has been telling that you can't make it as a godly wife and that you will never be good enough, that is a lie from the depth of hell and if you let God help you, You will make it! All things are possible through Christ which strengthens us!

What seeds will you start sowing in your marriage this week that will make your marriage a better harvest then if left the way it is right now? Do you need someone to help you pray about a situation in your life if so leave a short prayer request and I and the Love and Marriage community will be praying with you.

I hope you all have a great Tuesday!!!! May God be with all of you!

Be Blessed,


Regina Cozad

Help Him Feel Respected

Men thrive off of the respect they are shown from their wives and those who matter to them.



Today's post is one that has been on my heart and I asked a few men that I know and look up to, to help me out and tell me a few things that help them to feel honored, repected and appreciated in their home and marriage. Below are a few things that they gave me.

• When in public and I tell you something that you may or may not appreciate, please do not make a scene but wait until we get home to discuss it or just let it go.
• Keep our house clean and tidy so that when I'm home you aren't rushing about, but can spend time as a family instead of doing something that could've been done while I was working.
• Unplug from social media and socialize with your family.
• When it comes to pleasing me sexually, please don't say no or I have a headache all the time but instead say yes because that is what let's me know you are still attracted to me and I please you in all aspects of our marriage. (1 Corinthians 7:5 says "Deprive not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your lack of self-control.") Granted we know that sometimes you just don't feel like it but don't make it a habit, reschedule.
• When I call please answer, I know you answer for all your friends and family so why not answer when I call because I am your beloved and if you are busy make time for me.
• Respect me and be submissive, please let me lead as God intended me too, show you trust my decisions although you may not agree with them.
• Do not accuse me of things just because you feel the need to, that is hurtful and makes me feel dishonored and disrespected.
• Keep our home clean and comfortable, warm and welcome, have my clothes ironed, bring my food to me after  a long day of work, Do not make me ask for things.
• Please quit fighting with me over stupid things that don't matter, walk away and think on it and pray that God will help us not continue in this hurtful thing.
• Help me to pray and fast for God's will in our marriage and that I will let God lead me.

Sometimes just sitting down and asking our husbands how we can help them to feel more respected, honored, appreciated and cherish can help us to see that we need to make some adjusting. We aren't perfect but we should strive to be, after all we are more precious than rubies (Proverbs 3:15). I do pray that somehow this list will help you and feel free to add to it.

My prayer today is that God will show us how we can help our husbands to feel honored and respected as the leader of our home. What are somethings that you need to work on and how can you help your husband feel more respected?

Be Blessed,

Regina Cozad

New things coming!

I have a few things in mind to do here at Love and Marriage and I wanted to share them with you first to see what you thought about them.

1. Friday I will be doing a post on things wives can do for their husbands to feel respected and appreciate in their marriage and home.

2. Maybe you have been wanting to get organized and into a rountine but haven't really gotten around to it, well I'm thinking of doing a challenge to help us out and have community to keep us going.

3. The Book "Love and Repect" by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs is absolutely awesome for couples to read together or just alone, I will be doing a challenge where we read it and discuss how it is helping us.

4. I'm going to do a challenge with a new book coming out that I'm getting the honor of reading and help launch called "The Passionate Mom" by Susan Merrill. I have to say absolutely a wonderful parenting book!

These are just a few of the things coming up here at Love and Marriage so be sure and subscribe and follow on Facebook, twitter and Pinterest so that you don't miss out. Let me know what you think and if you would be interested. Any one that would be interested in guest posting also get with me and let me know. I'm exploring new things here at Love and Marriage to help you all stay encouraged and fighting for a happy long marriage! It may not be easy but it is well worth it!

Today is Wednesday so be sure and join the Women Living Well Wednesday Link Up party at www.womenlivingwell.org and read some awesome inspiration from some awesome bloggers.



Be Blessed,


Regina Cozad

Quiet Moments

In those quiet moments God can communicate with me, but when it's busy and loud I often miss His calling out to me.

Today I woke up and just listened to the quietness. The kids are out for spring break and they were still asleep and even the dogs were quiet, and if you lived at my house you would know that is odd because they are never quiet in the mornings.

I took that time to just pray and thank God for all His blessings in my life. He gave me a husband who leads our family by the word of God and is always there for me, wonderful family that is always encouraging me, and He gave me all of you who come here and encourage me to keep on blogging and helping you to stay focused on God and having a happy marriage.

Sometimes we just have to take a moment and tell God thank you for a loving spouse, a roof over my head, family that loves me, a church family that will lift me up when I'm down, a vechile that gets me where I need to go, and your word to direct me when I stray from the path I'm suppose to be on.

Take time to today to just say Thank God to the One who created me and you! Also tell your husband thank you for working hard to support us and for leading us spiritually. What are you thankful for today? Share with us!


Be Blessed,

Regina Cozad

Sunday Scripture

Proverbs 15: 31-32
"The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise."
"He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding."

Today is a lazy Sunday at my house. I have spent my day just enjoying my family.
Tomorrow I will get back to blogging and reality but today is just a relaxing day.



Be Blessed,

Regina Cozad

Direction

First I want to say welcome to Love and Marriage, Thanks for coming by! You can connect here and be apart of a community striving for happier homes and marriages. You can subscribe via email on the right hand side of this page so you don't miss a single post, link on FB www.facebook.com/loveandmarriagecommunity, Twitter@sladezmommy, and Pinterest www.pinterest.com/silligurl91. Come back anytime!


Today I am praying for direction and guidance for Love and Marriage, I truly enjoy blogging here and I will continue no matter what, but the direction I am praying for is what God truly wants me to share with you all. If you have been looking for a specific something and I haven't covered it please feel free to email me or comment below and let me know. I want to help all that I can and I'm here with my sleeves rolled up and gloves on ready to dig in and help.

Today out of no where came a blog post on my heart so next week I will try and get it published but it will take time and effort. It will be on things that make men feel respected and appreciated by their wives. So I'm calling out to all MEN, if you would be interested in making a list and emailing it to silligurl91@gmail.com, it would be appreciated! My husband and a few other men are already making a list so come on help. This will give you a chance to be involved and a chance for us women to know what we can do to better help you feel respected and appreciated in your role as a husband.

So today I'm asking all that come here to say a prayer about what you would like help on and pray that God will lay it on my heart. Thanks to all who come here daily or weekly or whenever, I appreciate you all and love you much.



 Be Blessed,


Regina Cozad

We work together

First I want to say welcome to Love and Marriage, Thanks for coming by! You can connect here and be apart of a community striving for happier homes and marriages. You can subscribe via email on the right hand side of this page so you don't miss a single post, link on FB www.facebook.com/loveandmarriagecommunity, Twitter@sladezmommy, and Pinterest www.pinterest.com/silligurl91. Come back anytime!

You ever find yourself in a rut of arguing over nothing but it seems everything turns into an argument?? This is normal in marriage so don't think that life is over and there is nothing you can do about it. Sometimes we get so busy in life with all of our daily activities that we forget to make time for one another and then when the other tries to interact, we are too busy and snap, causing an argument.

Today I want to share with you a simple memory verse that my nephew who is 4 had to learn, it comes from 1 Corinthians 3:9 "We work together". We must learn to work together, make time for one another, interact with each other, during the day send a brief text message or call on breaks and just say I love you. When we start making time for one another and build our marriage up, we no longer have time for small arguments that really shouldn't have happened in the first place.


Prayer: Today Lord I pray for those of us struggling to learn how to build our marriage and stop arguing over small things and letting the devil take over our emotions. I pray you would lead us in the way you want us to go as a wife and mother. Help me and guide me, In Jesus name, Amen.

What are you struggling with today? How can you make it better? I'd love to hear from you below.


Be Blessed,

Regina Cozad

A new day

First I want to say welcome to Love and Marriage, Thanks for coming by! You can connect here and be apart of a community striving for happier homes and marriages. You can subscribe via email on the right hand side of this page so you don't miss a single post, link on FB www.facebook.com/loveandmarriagecommunity, Twitter@sladezmommy, and Pinterest www.pinterest.com/silligurl91. Come back anytime!

Psalms 30:5 "For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." 

I am standing on the promise that weeping may be here for the moment but Joy cometh in the morning! God said He wouldn't leave us comfortless but He would be our comfort. I have complete faith He is holding my husband and I through this dark spot in our life. Today I woke up with a peace and comfort, I know most people would be crying and asking why but God has just gave me a peace that lets me know He has a plan. 

Today I am opening my windows and cleaning my house! I am praying for God's divine will in my life and for His guidance on where He wants me to go and what He wants me to do for His glory and honor. 

What do you do in times of trouble and heartache? Share below and let others know how you cope with things?

Be Blessed,

Regina Cozad

A letter to heaven

Dear God,

I don't understand why you chose to take my little one whom I love so dearly even though I never met him/her. At just 8 weeks along and so tiny, you held the master plan and it said that you needed a precious angel and you chose mine. This is very hard for me to just let my little one go because I wanted to have him/her here with me, but I understand that you know best and needed a perfect little angel in Heaven. Please hold my little one close and tell him/her to find my Paw Paw Jules and tell him happy birthday for me please. I love you and my little one, please kiss him/her for me. I can't wait til the day I can be there with you. Amen.

A Heartbroken Mother

I prayed this yesterday when I got home from my doctor appointment. I went in expecting an miracle but God had another plan, He needed an angel and called my little one home. When my doctor explained to me that the blood work showed I had indeed miscarried, I was numb and didn't want to hear it but I knew God knows best and this was His plan. All of my friends and family told me they were sorry to hear and they would be praying for me but still inside was this deep feeling of emptiness and hurt. I looked at the toys and children clothes I have accumulated in hopes of one day they would be filled and used with the little hands and body of a child, my child and I just asked why? Last night, I got my answer in my dream, God needed a new little angel and mine was the one He called home. He is making me strong and giving me a testimony to use to encourage others facing the same hurt and emptiness. I rest knowing that I'll met my little one in Heaven one day and I just have to strive to make it there. So today I'm smiling because I know God has this under control. Yes there will be moments where I hurt and cry but I know God has his arms around me.

Prayers today to all who are going through this kind of pain. I love you all and thank you so much for being apart of Love and Marriage community. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any post on the right hand side of the page and also go by and follow me on pinterest.

Be Blessed,


Regina Cozad

8 weeks :)

First I want to say welcome to Love and Marriage, Thanks for coming by! You can connect here and be apart of a community striving for happier homes and marriages. You can subscribe via email on the right hand side of this page so you don't miss a single post, link on FB www.facebook.com/loveandmarriagecommunity, Twitter@sladezmommy, and Pinterest www.pinterest.com/silligurl91. Come back anytime!

So I have been put on bed rest for the past week and 1/2 and it has been killing me but I guess it was God's way of telling me to rest and just let Him take care of things. My family has really come behind and really taken care of everything and just let me rest. That comes from a strong bond and because I always take of them. It makes a person feel good to know that she is appreciated.

I encourage all of you to take time to rest and re-cooperate, My hubby took me out to eat the other night just to get me out the house and let me know he loves me. Please be praying for me, tomorrow I go in to see my doctor about the baby. Today I'm 8 weeks and praying for a good pregnancy with no issues.

Do you need prayer? Leave a comment below and I'll be praying for you.

Be Blessed,

Regina Cozad

Announcing!

First I want to say welcome to Love and Marriage, Thanks for coming by! You can connect here and be apart of a community striving for happier homes and marriages. You can subscribe via email on the right hand side of this page so you don't miss a single post, link on FB www.facebook.com/loveandmarriagecommunity, Twitter@sladezmommy, and Pinterest www.pinterest.com/silligurl91. Come back anytime!

My husband and I have been trying for almost 10 months to have a child. We have been praying and seeking God for His will. I was to the point that I was just going to give up, when out of no where my friend asked me if I had my monthly yet, so much had been going on that I hadn't even realized that I missed it haha. Well I looked at my calendar and was pretty much like ok if I am ok and if not oh well because I couldn't take those negative answers anymore so I wasn't even going to take a home test.

My hubby asked me to take one so I did and what do you know! It said pregnant!

So today I just want to encourage those that are struggling with the idea that maybe children aren't in your future and it just isn't meant to be. Don't give up! Keep praying and staying faithful to God, He will come through. Sometimes He doesn't answer in the way we want Him to but He is always on time and always faithful to see us through.

I have been on bedrest from a few complications so please understand that it why I haven't been posting but I do check my email and to see if you comment, so if you need me to pray for you, have a question or just want to chat, feel free to contact me :)

Be Blessed,

Regina Cozad

Smile

First I want to say welcome to Love and Marriage, Thanks for coming by! You can connect here and be apart of a community striving for happier homes and marriages. You can subscribe via email on the right hand side of this page so you don't miss a single post, link on FB www.facebook.com/loveandmarriagecommunity, Twitter@sladezmommy, and Pinterest www.pinterest.com/silligurl91. Come back anytime!

Today is a day to smile! Smiling is contagious and passes on to everyone you see and smile at.

Today I have a great reason to smile! I have the most amazing husband and family in the world!

God is blessing us in ways we don't deserve! (news to come in a future post maybe next week)

So many wonderful things are happening!


Today try greeting your spouse with a smile and a hug when they come through the door instead of what all went wrong that day......if you must tell them wait til after dinner. :)


Be Blessed,

Regina Cozad

Happy Valentine's Day!

First I want to say welcome to Love and Marriage, Thanks for coming by! You can connect here and be apart of a community striving for happier homes and marriages. You can subscribe via email on the right hand side of this page so you don't miss a single post, link on FB www.facebook.com/loveandmarriagecommunity, Twitter@sladezmommy, and Pinterest www.pinterest.com/silligurl91. Come back anytime!

Happy Valentine's Day to all of my Love and Marriage Readers! May you have the best day ever!

Whether you are working today or staying home, remember it's the little things that count. Yes we like material things and they are nice but what matters most is the raw emotions and sincere moments that we celebrate today. Remember how you felt on your first date or what you did to impress your spouse while dating?? Try that today, Really show them how you feel and how much you appreciate them.

I snuck out of bed this morning without my hubby noticing and made him heart shaped waffles and delivered them to him in bed...he kept blinking thinking he was still asleep lol. I sent him to work with a pork chop sandwich, chips and a love note written just for him. When he comes home he will will have his clothes in the bathroom, his towel and wash clothe set out, dinner on the stove and the evening to just relax and I also have a sheet for him to read that I signed, that just tells him how I promise to really try this year to be a better wife.

I pray you all have a great Valentine's Day and remember to Celebrate Jesus in the midst of it!


Be Blessed,

Regina Cozad