Want a Marriage That Lasts? For Best Results, Follow God’s Directions
Part 1 of Two Become One: The Prelude to a Joy-Filled Marriage
Valentine’s Day changed everything.
That’s the night I said “yes” to forever with the man I had prayed for — my best friend, my safe place, my answered prayer. He’s kind. He listens. He loves Jesus. And I still can’t believe I get to marry him.
But if I’m being honest… getting engaged brought up more emotions than I expected.
Because I’ve seen what happens when promises are broken. I know what it’s like to watch a marriage fall apart — not from the outside, but from the inside of my own family.
When I was twelve, my dad sat us down and told us he was leaving. He said he had “fallen in love” with someone else. My mom — a strong, steady RN who held our whole world together — just sat there. I remember watching her heart break.
He still paid the bills. He still showed up for birthdays. But something sacred had been shattered. I’ve never looked at love the same way since.
And now, here I am… planning a wedding. Hoping for a marriage that doesn’t just survive — but actually thrives.
So… What Does God Actually Say About Marriage?
Let’s be real: when we want answers today, we search. Google. YouTube. Podcasts. Instagram. Or even ChatGPT.
But when it comes to something as sacred as marriage — I’ve realized there’s only one place I can go to find the kind of lasting love I want to build: God’s Word.
Here's what I'm learning:
- Marriage Is a Covenant, Not a Contract
It’s not about “what I get out of this.” It’s about what we’re building together — under God. “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” — Ecclesiastes 4:12 - Prayer Is Preparation
It’s not just something we’ll do once we’re married. We’re learning to pray together now — over decisions, fears, finances, and our future. - Truth Telling Is Love, Not Conflict
Marriage isn’t the time to finally figure each other out. It’s the place where we learn to speak the truth in love… and listen well, too. - God’s Design Isn’t Old-Fashioned — It’s Timeless
Reading Ephesians 5 used to feel heavy… until I read it through the lens of mutual service and Christ-like love. “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” — Ephesians 5:21
I’m not trying to be the perfect Christian bride. I’m just someone who wants to break the cycle. I want a marriage where love isn’t just a feeling — it’s a verb. Where we don’t just stay together — we grow together. Where joy isn’t based on circumstance — but rooted in Christ.
And I believe that happens when we start with God’s directions. Not as a rulebook… but as a love letter.
Let’s Keep Talking
This is just Part 1 of the Two Become One series.
In the coming weeks, we’ll talk about trust, boundaries, unity ceremonies, prayer, and what it means to prepare for the forever kind of love.
And yes — the Joy for a Lifetime podcast is returning. I’ll be sharing more of my story, interviewing wise couples and mentors, and having honest conversations about what it really takes to build a Christ-centered marriage.
Let’s grow together. Let’s prepare for more than a wedding. Let’s build a marriage that brings Joy for a Lifetime.
P.S. You may also know me as the notary behind Notary Near Me Florida, where I assist clients with important life documents. Joy for a Lifetime is the heart of my officiant and podcast ministry — but both come from the same place: a desire to serve people well in life's most meaningful moments.
