From B:
For the last few months, our monthly article has been discussing the recording of two CD’s.

The last several months were preparation. See, the months of finding songs, writing an original song, arranging the music, recording the tracks, learning the arrangements, recording the vocals, mixing both projects, then sending the Mastered copies off to duplication…all led to December- actually singing and ministering to audiences in 3 different states.

You see that’s when the preparation pays off or falls flat.

See, I’ve noticed over the course of the last few years that when Yvonne and I do a particular couple’s devotion or even ourselves write an article, The Lord will “test” me on that particular subject matter.

Why? I believe He is wanting me to get better in that area or our marriage or my personal life.

He wants us TO APPLY what we learn to make our marriage stronger. He doesn’t just want “prep time”- he wants me ready for “game day.”

I admit that there are times that I’ve failed miserably in applying the very things that I speak so passionately about.

It’s like the football team who watches movies of the opposing team, runs the plays, practices the calls, gives the pep talks, then on game day, they forget everything they have learned. They “get in the huddle” and remain there the entire game.

In our case, December was the Big game. If we recorded songs that were pleasant to listen to, but couldn’t perform them LIVE in front of an audience, we just wasted our time.

A lot of us stay in the huddle; reading the Bible, doing devotions, talking about how to make our marriage/family/ walk with God stronger, but there’s no ACTUAL application. We stay in the huddle.

Now, more than ever…It’s GO TIME!

From Y:

Let’s talk about how much time we spend in preparation for our big speech, our basketball league game or our dinner party with friends we are hosting. We practice. We rehearse. We go over strategy. We prepare for the things in life that are important to us.

Bryan and I have spent a large amount of time over the last six months preparing for our Christmas tour. We debated over song choices. We discussed arrangement choices for songs. We narrowed down the list; crossing off choices, adding new ones and even adding choices back to the list after scratching them off.  We made long trips to the studio. We spent hours agreeing on artwork. I spent hours going around my elbow, past my behind to get the performance tracks loaded and easily available on the Ipad. Why? It was important. It was meaningful and personal for us. It was like birthing a baby. We place alot of value on the outcome.

It got me thinking, do we put the same amount of preparation into doing everything we can to ensure the relationship with our spouse is successful? Do we plan ahead for obstacles we may face? Do you openly and honestly communicate to each other your concerns about a situation that has you anxious? Whatever your situation, talk with your spouse about ways that each of you can use your strengths to ensure your relationship stays on course and grows stronger.

For me- this is crucial. Be willing to take a step back every now and then and ask yourself “is this or that” working? Get over who had the idea, who is responsible for this part or that part and be honest about is it working? Sometimes yes and sometimes not so much. You can’t take it personal or let your ego keep you from correcting course and trying a different approach. I have a saying “throw it (ideas) on the wall and see what sticks”. You have to be open minded enough to trying something your spouse suggests even if it seems foreign to you. If it doesn’t work, above all else do not let “I told you so” even remotely near the tip of your tongue, don’t ridicule, don’t roll your eyes… Just move on.. Try something different. Please be the type of spouse who can hear the truth and not get defensive about it. I beg you.

Lastly- I feel burdened to ask each of you to do a “self check”. Ask yourself if you are focused on being a team with your spouse. Your marriage shouldn’t look like everyone else’s – so stop comparing. Let go of the rules of society that say a man’s job is this and a woman’s is that. Make it work for the two of you. Then own it. Am I a professional singer? No. I own it. That takes the pressure off that I would put on myself of being as amazing as Bryan. I’m a realist- never going to happen. However, I’m the tech girl. I have skills that made our December far less stressful. Bryan owns it. We aren’t critical of each other’s weaknesses. We leverage our strengths.
Life doesn’t have a dress rehearsal. Our marriages and families NEED us to dig in and fight for each other..

Here are some encouraging scriptures to jot down or post…

Matthew 19:6 “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

Ecclesiastes 4:12 “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Ephesians 4 :1-3 Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ^2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. ^3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

James 1: 19-20 Listening and Doing-“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,^20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”

The Hutson’s 2015 Rescue Me Ministries

For more info or for ordering product: Contact us at: rescuemeministries988@gmail.com