The Marriage Ark

By: Melissa Baker

I have read that 50 percent of all marriages in the United States end in divorce. 50%!! Literally half of the couples that vow to be together "until death do us part" end up throwing their marriage away. That statistic is truly heartbreaking to me. Marriage tends to be something people chose to end nowadays instead of putting in the work to fix it. Please don't misunderstand, I am not in any way judging those that have had a divorce. Sometimes, its unavoidable and out of our hands. But what if every couple had more resources at their disposal? What if they had another perspective? Maybe marriage counseling was not an option for some couples. Maybe they didn't think anything in the world could help their situation. Are you in this situation right now? What if I told you that there is help. There is hope! There is a book that can provide resources to have a lasting and forever marriage with your spouse! If you are in need of a little extra help in your marriage, look no further! In the Marriage Ark, Margaret Phillips puts things into perspective, and offers tools that you probably didn't know were available from a book. You will learn how to build intimacy, as well as dig into other topics and issues that may arise in marriage. The Marriage Ark will give you the building blocks for restoration and teach you how to love your spouse like God loves us. Marriage is not for the weak. It takes work. It takes mutual respect. It's not always easy but it will ALWAYS be worth it. Give your marriage a chance to survive the storms and grab a copy of the Marriage Ark TODAY!


About the book:

Married couples are an at-risk population. Thousands have been shipwrecked and did not survive. Of those that survived, not all are thriving by any means. Experts are now predicting a coming tsunami. The Marriage Ark is a definitive blueprint that can equip couples to build a vessel or examine their existing vessel that is capable of enduring high winds and lashing waves.

Through the story of Noah, enduring principles are found that provide vital elements for an intimate and lasting marriage. The tools for building the marriage ark, the pitch that holds the planks together, building intimacy in stressful times and conditions, and learning to appreciate the differences in our maleness and femaleness are a few of the topics addressed.


About the Author:

Margaret A. Phillips, M.S., holds a master's degree in clinical psychology. She is a clinical fellow in the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and has completed 30 years in private practice as a licensed Marital and Family Therapist. She lives in Nashville, TN with her husband where they enjoy their children and 13 grandchildren.

If you would like to experience The Marriage Ark for yourself, you can grab a copy here.

Mended- Book Review and Giveaway!!

By: Melissa Baker

For my entire life, I have had a pretty good relationship with my mother. I have always loved and cherished our relationship and we continue to be close, even as we get older. But I do realize that mothers and daughters don't always get along the way my mother and I have. I have learned to never take that for granted. However, Something about this book drew me in and I was very interested in reading this amazing book. Even though I have never had to restore my relationship with my own mother, I feel more equipped to help others who are struggling, now having read this book. It truly is a wonderful tool for mothers and daughters to restore their hearts and mend their relationships. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is a mother, daughter or both! 

About the Book:

This magnificent duo has created a safe and logical space for readers to take practical steps toward restoring and enhancing their mother/daughter relationship. No matter how good or fragile the relationship is, change starts with an earnest prayer. Blythe and Helen say, "As a first step, we invite you to acknowledge that you want a different future. Don't focus on how yet. Just tell God you want to make things better between you and you need His power to do so."

In each chapter of Mended they focus on some of the most sensitive topics that have fractured mother/daughter relationships and share how to take a pivotal step in the right direction. They have pulled from their triumphs and generational trials, plus some relatable stories from some of their friends, to offer some key concepts for restoration. A few of their suggestions are to value the relationship over being right, only be responsible for your own thoughts and words - not hers, to love who she is becoming - not focusing so much on who she was, and extending forgiveness even if she has not asked for it. All of these lift the mantle of heaviness over your heart.

And now for the giveaway!! a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for my personal opinion and blog post.

Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe

By: Melissa Baker

In the city we live in, each school in the district has a phrase or slogan that they use to represent the school. Our oldest son started middle school this year. In starting this new adventure, I learned that the middle school's slogan is "your vibe attracts your tribe". At first I thought it was kind of weird. But as I thought about this saying more and more, I have come to love it! And it is so fitting, not only for middle schoolers but for every person, men and women alike. The vibe or attitude that we put off, will affect who we attract. If we are constantly negative, the people around us will be negative. The situations we find ourselves in, will also be negative. If we are constantly positive and happy, guess what? We will suddenly find ourselves surrounded by friendly people and more positive situations. We human beings, feed off of eachother. So we should want to attract people that will bring the best out of us. 

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17

The same works with who we chose to put in our lives. If we surround ourselves with a bad or negative crowd, we are slowly going to turn into the people that they are. So as christians we must be careful who we chose to let in our lives. We must imitate Christs humility in our relationships, so that we can live more positive and joyful lives. We should want to attract Christ-like people, but in order to do that, we need to be Christ-like as well.

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,  not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus..

Philippians 2:2-5

So just a friendly reminder "Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe". Be careful as to what vibe you are putting off. 


Have a great day!