Healthy + Thriving Relationships

SERIES: How to Hear God’s Voice.Building a relationship with God is paramount to being able to discern His voice from others.  But we don't treat our relationship with Him the same as we do our other relationships.  My best friend is a great example.  We have been friends for over 30 years.  I could pick her voice out of a crowd,  know it's her by the way she walks or knocks on my door.  The same could be said of my husband.  The more time we spend with those we care about the more our ears are attuned to who they are. It's the same with our Father, God.  The more time we spend together the easier it is to hear Him.  Are you taking the time to get to know His voice?  Do you talk with Him on a regular basis or just when it's convenient or when you need something?  No relationship will be long-lasting that way - especially no healthy one.  God wants a healthy relationship with you. See MORE resources @ TarahandGordon.comSee MORE resources @ TarahandGordon.com

SERIES: How to Hear God’s Voice.Erwin Mcmanus once said, true maturity is shown by the time it takes us to respond in obedience to the voice of God.  Are we waiting around forever.... or are we taking action?This episode is a fun one because it helps show us some practical steps we can take to be able to discern God's voice.  Spoiler: It includes taking obedient action when we think He's speaking, no matter how silly or crazy it may sound.  It is a practice in obedience.  What does that look like?  Listen in for more!See MORE resources @ TarahandGordon.comSee MORE resources @ TarahandGordon.com

SERIES: How to Hear God’s Voice.Have you ever asked the question "How do I knoooow it's God speaking to me?"   Friend, you are not in this alone!  We usually ask this question when trying to find confirmation or direction in our lives.   Gordon and I have practiced the habit of seeking God for most things but there are still times of doubt, confusion, and sometimes anxiety.  And oftentimes these feelings lead us to a standstill.  We don't want to make a move without clarity and assurance, but "waiting on God" or "praying about it" for too long isn't good either.  Oy, doesn't it always comes back to balance?Sometimes when we're at a standstill it's good for us to think back to the last thing we know, that we know, that we know, God said to us.  Maybe we aren't finding clarity now, because we haven't been obedient to the last thing He told us to do.  We talk more about this in today's Podcast - Check Your Voicemail ;) See MORE resources @ TarahandGordon.com See MORE resources @ TarahandGordon.com

SERIES: How to Hear God’s Voice.I remember really struggling for a long time about hearing God's voice.  When I would reach out and ask Him questions or seek guidance I felt unsure if I was hearing Him.  Is that you God?  Or is that just me?  I know I'm not alone in this.  I still struggle with this today, but not as I once did.  Nowadays His voice is a little more clear.  His tone and pitch have become familiar. So how do we get to that place of feeling unsure to feeling confident it's Him?  That's what this series is all about and we start with the biggest question of all - Are you sure you want to hear what He has to say? See MORE resources @ TarahandGordon.comSee MORE resources @ TarahandGordon.com

SERIES: Dating + Marriage MythsRethinking Cultures Ideas and Reengaging With Reality.First, a shoutout to researcher Shaunti Feldhahn! We absolutely love Shaunti's books (which are all researched based), and actually based today's myth off of her wonderful book "the good news about marriage." Because don't we need good news in the area of relationships?If the 50% divorce rate is accurate, then why in the world do so many of us have the pull to get married in the first place? Could culture and old research be wrong about this number?The answer is *Spoiler*, heck yes! And this is a beautiful thing!Culture has told some of us that you have a 50:50 chance of marital success, but we've got another perspective.  So click play and let's re-engage with reality! See MORE resources @ TarahandGordon.comSee MORE resources @ TarahandGordon.com

SERIES: Dating + Marriage MythsRethinking Cultures Ideas and Reengaging With Reality.A.K.A.  getting married will fix our relationship problems, fix my problems, fix my loneliness, give me purpose, make me happy, etc.   Have you ever thought these things?  Maybe subconsciously?  I get it, we've been there!  It's easy to put people in our life (even imaginary ones) up on a pedestal.  But can I tell you an honest truth?  No one person will make you happy or fix things and truthfully, that's a lot for someone to carry! Culture has told us some of us that getting married will fix our problems, but we've got another perspective.  So click play and let's re-engage with reality! See MORE resources @ TarahandGordon.comSee MORE resources @ TarahandGordon.com

SERIES: Dating + Marriage MythsRethinking Cultures Ideas and Reengaging With Reality.Compromise. It's THE thing that most of us hear is the most important aspect to a healthy relationship and more importantly a healthy marriage, right?  But maybe compromise has lead us to something more damaging below the surface? Keeping score. So if "compromise is key," how do we do this in a way that doesn't lead to keeping score?Culture has told some of us that compromise is the key, but we've got another perspective.  So click play and let's re-engage with reality! See MORE resources @ TarahandGordon.comSee MORE resources @ TarahandGordon.com

SERIES: Dating + Marriage MythsRethinking Cultures Ideas and Reengaging With Reality."Everyday should be Valentines Day!"C'mon, friends. I get where the idea is coming from, but it's seriously setting a bar that no one can reach.  Do I tell my husband "I love you," everyday? I sure hope so.  Do I go out of my way to make Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies everyday?  No I don't.  Why?  Because that's too much. Holidays are special because they're a day out of the ordinary.  And that's what Valentines Day is also  all about - celebrating love in an extra special way... Like with a Peanut Butter Kiss Cookie :)Culture has told some of us that every day should be valentines day thus ruling out this Holiday as unimportant or over-the-top, but we've got another perspective.  So click play and let's re-engage with reality! See MORE resources @ TarahandGordon.comSee MORE resources @ TarahandGordon.com

Gordon is the king of celebrations and making a girl feel special.  Ever since we began dating all those years ago he has done something to make the day special.  Does it always have to be a BIG event? No. Should he just do nothing? Well, no ;)  It's just about doing something - ya man's gotta put in some work! Ok, Ladies too...sometimes ;)Maybe you want to do something you just have no idea what to get her/him for valentines day. Well my friend,  we've got you! Listen in for some great tips to make your day special and separate from the rest.   See MORE resources @ TarahandGordon.com

SERIES: Dating + Marriage MythsRethinking Cultures Ideas and Reengaging With Reality.The idea of L.O.V.E as we know it today is all about feelings.  And the message of today is, if I feel it then it must be true - or - feelings are a legitimate reason for making foolish choices (only fools rush in, right? #Elvis).  But what happens when those feelings ultimately change?  When the emotional high isn't there anymore?  If we rely on our feelings as the ultimate decider of our choices, you may live with lots of regrets.  And, my friend, that's the last thing we want for you and your relationships.  Culture has told some of us that love is the end-all-be-all excuse to do whatever the heck you want, but we've got another perspective.  So click play and let's re-engage with reality! See MORE resources @ TarahandGordon.comSee MORE resources @ TarahandGordon.com