Life & Love – Page 2

The Best is Now

March 7, 2022 By Joceline Raad

“The best is yet to come!” is a popular phrase commonly used by most people – myself included! However, a few years ago, I had an epiphany that revolutionized my outlook toward the present season in my life. There is no wrong or right with this phrase, but personally I realized that I was actually living “the best” NOW.

“The best is yet to come!” ultimately deprives us from fully embracing our present moment

Saying “the best is yet to come!” takes us to believe that today can be better, hence takes us to want more, and in a way, ultimately, deprives us from fully embracing our present moment. Ecclesiastes 6:9 speaks about enjoying what we have now – it does not mean we should not have dreams and aspirations – instead, it means God is in control so embrace today. I started believing and claiming that “the best is NOW”, lo and behold, my days and weeks changed drastically to the positive. Eccl. 3 shows the different seasons in life; I was determined to either enjoy and/or embrace different seasons because every season is temporary.

Whether you are currently single, dating, married, with little child(ren), with teenager(s), with adult child(ren), ENJOY THE NOW. Find beauty in the season of waiting for your future spouse and allow yourself to fall in love with God. Embrace the dating season with your boyfriend where everything is sensationally new and there is never a need to rush. Enjoy the married season without babies by taking advantage of each other’s company to the fullest. Be grateful for the season of having little ones where you learn to be selfless and uncover inner strengths. Open up your eyes and realize that the best is NOW. When you do this, your days will be seen through a different lens – a lens of gratitude and appreciation for everything and everyone you have now.

28 Day Love Challenge

February 1, 2022 By Joceline Raad

Happy February darlings! 💗 [Español? Haz clic AQUI]

We are kicking off the 28 Day Love Challenge whether you’re single or married. This challenge incorporates the 5 Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman as well as implementing a daily prayer reference based off The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian (married version).

Single? Start the 28 Day Self-Love Challenge. May this Love Challenge ignite the desire to love yourself and grow in love with God. During these 28 Days: Pray everyday… Write daily in your devotional… Put your phone down when spending time with your family. Let’s seek to fall in love with God together!

Married? Start the 28 Day Love Challenge. May this Love Challenge ignite the desire to grow in love with your spouse. During these 28 Days: Pray for him everyday… Say I love you everyday… Put your phone down when he’s talking. Let’s tend our garden of love & Marriage together!

Click here to start today

Happy 5 Years Mi Amor!

July 2, 2020 By Joceline Raad

*July 3rd, 2015 – The best day of our lives!*

Dear Juan Felipe Raad,

It’s our 5 year wedding anniversary! A 5 year anniversary is traditionally symbolized by wood, which represents long-lasting strength, wisdom and forgiveness. Throughout these past 5 years, we have experienced that and more. It is said that by the 5th year of marriage, the couple has begun to develop strong, deep roots, like that of a tree, preparing them for a long-lasting relationship. So in other words, we are just getting started mi amor!

I don’t think neither of us ever imagined this beautiful life we built in such a short time span. When we said I do, we simply did it knowing that God will guide us the entire way and it has been so. We’ve realized that marriage takes work from both of us and a willingness to concede regardless of whether we want to win an argument. It’s about being selfless while making sure we are mutually giving our best to one another with love & respect. Disagreements have taught us to communicate more effectively and forgive. Most importantly, understanding that Christ must remain our rock and the Holy Spirit our guide. Our goal to have a happy and healthy marriage is not just priority to us but for the sake of our children and their children after them. I wanted to write 5 things that have made me crazy in love with you but I couldn’t just write 5, so here are 10 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT YOU!

You seek to always be guided by God in every decision. We have made numerous decisions these past 5 years and in each one of them I have been a witness of you seeking God’s guidance. Thank you for being a man of God.
You make me feel gorgeous! Even now with my big ol’ belly! Through your words and actions I feel loved, wanted, and cared for. Thank you for making me feel like the most beautiful woman.
You dream big! You set the bar high in our goals and lead me to dream bigger. Thank you for being a man of faith.
There’s nothing too difficult for you. You never say no to a challenge. Thank you for being a conqueror.
Easy to forgive. And may I add, easy to forget. Thank you for easily forgetting every time I’ve offended you with my words and actions.
You never bring up the past. This is such an admirable quality that I believe women in general need to work on. Thank you for not looking back at our past mistakes.
You never raise your voice. Something you taught me. I came from a big family so being loud (especially when we were upset) was in my nature, but you taught me that it’s disrespectful and unnecessary in order to get a point across. Thank you for speaking polite & respectful words to me.
You are an amazing daddy to our babies. Thank you for giving your best and being their hero!
You always look and smell your best for me. I know that made you blush LOL but it’s true. Thank you for that!
You live up to your nickname: SUPERMAN which is why you seek to be the best in everything. Thank you for being competitive because it takes us to win, win, win!

I’d be lying if I said you are perfect but throughout the years your imperfections are being perfected and that continues to make us perfect for each other. How many times did I say “perfect”? Haha! Anyhow, these past 5 years have flown by! I know I constantly remind you of how blessed we are and how much I LOVE the stage we are in now as young parents of 4 little ones but it’s because I’m grateful to God for giving us this bigger-than-fairytale life. Our life wouldn’t be what it is if it wasn’t for you and me becoming one. I love you with all that I am and I live to serve you & make you the happiest, most blessed man on planet earth! Happy 5 years superman.

Why You Should Plan an Annual Getaway with Your Spouse

January 11, 2019 By Joceline Raad

At the Top of the Rock Observation Deck in NY

The best trip of our lives was our honeymoon, hands down! It was the first time we took a vacation alone away from everyone and everything we knew to one of the most romantic locations – the islands of Hawaii! We did a 2-week cruise while island hopping and boy, was it spectacular to say the least! Fast forward to one year after our honeymoon, we were prepping to welcome our first-born son. Six months after Caleb Beau was born, we found out we were pregnant again with our first baby girl. Six months after Olivia Joy was born this highly fertile mama conceived yet again and now we are expecting our 3rd baby in the next few weeks in under 3 years. Life has changed pretty darn quickly but it has been quite the wonderful adventure for us. Contrary to popular belief, babies have not been a burden to our marriage and have actually brought out the best in us as parents and as husband and wife. I am proud of the man and father my husband has become during this new stage in life and I guess I should give myself a pat on the back for uncovering a selfless love and patience I never knew existed within me. We adore our babies and consider ourselves extremely blessed to be their parents, with that being said, my husband and I have unofficially planned to get away once a year just the two of us.

Both of our primary love language is Quality time (thank goodness!). Thanks to this, we make sure to spend quality time every night once the babies are asleep. We talk as best friends, watch a favorite show, and simply enjoy each other’s company. Ever so often (bi-monthly) we put the babies to sleep a little earlier and hire a babysitter to go out for date night. Date night is always fun because it truly feels like we’re dating again!

In spite of it all, it is beneficial for a married couple to get away.

The 3 main factors to prepare for are:

Leaving the kids with someone you trust wholeheartedly
The means to get away
The emotional stress of leaving a chunk of your heart AKA your babies

We are fortunate to have the best grandparents in the world to stay with our babies without hesitation. Consider yourself blessed if you live close to loved ones that can stay with them while you’re away. Many couples opt for a best friend if they do not have close relatives nearby.

As far as having the means, planning a getaway does not have to be expensive. Our getaways have always been 3-4 days max. I don’t think we could be away from our babies longer than that! If you’re financial able to travel, do it, if not, a staycation is still an amazing getaway as long as it’s just the two of you. Honestly, your destination does not necessarily matter – what matters most is that you both are able to be together alone.

Oh the thought of leaving the babies for a day or more literally feels like someone is ripping a piece of your heart out! We left Caleb for the first time, 2 weeks before his 1st birthday and Olivia 1 month after her 1st birthday. The days building up to our mini-getaway were both heart wrenching! I cried just thinking about it and was about to tell my husband to forget about our trip on both occasions, but after some serious prayer and having my mom comfort me (Yes! I’m a mama’s girl – don’t judge,Haha!), I understood the importance of getting away with my husband.

4 reasons why a mini-getaway is a great idea (The 4 Rs)

Rest. Life with babies is the busiest we have ever been especially for me since I am a stay-at-home pregnant mom! This 3rd pregnancy has me feeling a bit tired now that I am well into my 3rd trimester and most of it is because I am constantly on the go in my home entertaining, chasing, teaching, and taking care of my 2 year old boy and 1 year old girl (raising low-tech children is quite time-consuming) all while making a daily home-cooked meal, attempting to have a clean home, making sure my husband is taken care of whenever he works from home, AND being a blogger and shop owner all at once. Obviously, being able to physically rest is our idea of a good getaway! Although our babies are excellent sleepers and nappers, their sleep time simply means I have a few more hours to get things done. A getaway helps you finally REST and actually sleep in without thinking about cleaning the house or making breakfast.
Reconnect mentally. Our life can be a routine. Don’t get me wrong, I am the biggest fan of routine when it comes to babies, but in a marriage, routine isn’t always fun. Because of our schedules, sometimes it may feel like we’re on autopilot. It’s important to be able to pause and reconnect mentally with your spouse. Even if we communicate and ask each other daily how we feel and how our day was, getting away helps with opening up completely and connecting mentally with your love. It’s a time to take advantage of and dream together, discuss the future, set new goals, and visualize them. It’s also a time to reestablish your friendship.
Rekindle the flame. I’ve heard people say that as the years pass, you have to continue to fan the flame. I’m happy to say my husband and I still feel like newlyweds even though we’re about to have our 3rd baby, but a getaway does help to remind us that we are still honeymooners and will be for the years to come God-willing!
Remember life before babies. You may have heard how difficult life can be for empty-nesters, because they revolved their marriage on only being parents. We must never forget that before we were parents, we were just us and the two are one! Your marriage cannot and should not revolve solely on the kids. That’s why it’s crucial to leave your comfort zone of the daily runaround and spend time with your spouse and behave like lovebirds. Remember who you fell in love with and why you said, “Yes” when he popped the question.

Visiting Bow Bridge, Central Park NY where I said, “Yes!” to forever 4 years ago!

One of our favorite places to vacation is at my hometown, NY, because that’s where he got down on one knee 4 years ago and asked me the most magical question in the dreamiest city at the heart of Central Park. Every time we visit, we take a stroll through Bow Bridge, close to where he proposed.

Life with kids may be a bit overwhelming at times and can get awfully busy, but make it a goal this year to have a mini-getaway with your love whether it’s a weekend or a few days. DO IT! Having a happy, strong marriage is the best thing we can do for our children.

My husband surprised me on Christmas with tickets to NY for our 3rd “babymoon”! We had such a lovely and romantic time. Check out a some photos and video from our trip.

Oh there’s nothing like the Holiday season in NY with your love!

How to Treat Your Husband Like It’s His Birthday Everyday!

January 31, 2018 By Joceline Raad

Today is my husband’s birthday! This post is dedicated to wives and husbands. Many times, we can treat our spouses good on their birthday, Valentine’s day, etc. It’s important to treat your spouse as if it were their birthday everyday! Though I am definitely not a marriage expert, I do enjoy being happily married to my love and I can honestly say we are IN love – we’re far from “perfect” but we love the life we built together as a family of 4. I aim to do the following daily, and I’ve seen how it has blessed our marriage. This works also vice versa (for husbands to treat their wives also!). Here is How to Treat Your Husband Like It’s His Birthday Everyday:

Pray for him daily! Cover your husband in prayer always. This is our responsibility as wives. If we are not praying for our husbands, who will? It’s our duty.
Know his Love Language. There are 5 Love Languages according to author Gary Chapman. While we were taking our premarital course with our Pastors, we took the Love Language test and uncovered each other’s love language. My husband’s primary love languages are Quality time and Acts of Service while mine are Quality time and Physical touch. Everyone interprets love and feels loved differently, therefore it’s important to know your spouse’s love language in order to make them feel loved. In other words, I try to make sure I spend quality time with him and aim to serve him daily.
Be his “Bestest” friend. Be each others “bestest” friend – the one he can’t wait to tell how his day went or when he has good news!
Be his support. When he’s stressed, don’t add to it. Be his suitable helper like it says in Genesis 2:18. Be the person your husband knows he can run to for help and a word of wisdom.
Be his #1 fan in everything. I am my husband’s cheerleader. I admire him and love to celebrate him. My husband plays drums and soccer and I love to be his #1 fan in these things.
Give him your undivided attention. Don’t allow any distractions when you are conversing with your husband. We live in a social media world, but being on your phone when someone is talking to you is simply rude. Rule to live by: No cell phone when you are both talking!
Cook his favorite foods. You don’t have to be a chef but it’s always good to learn to cook instead of eating out. Cooking may not be my favorite thing, but I learned to cook basic dishes for my husband and my family.
Don’t nag. There is nothing more annoying than nagging. I do not like nagging nor do I like to be nagged, so don’t do what you don’t like people to do to you.
Don’t speak negatively. Speak with wisdom like the woman described in Proverbs 31.
Always look at his positives as opposed to what he doesn’t do right. Confession time: During the first month we had Olivia Joy (our 2nd baby) I adapted quickly to becoming a mom of 2, yet I was a little stressed perhaps because of the lack of sleep or my body being physically tired and recovering from a c-section. I was easily bothered by the little things and tasks my husband didn’t do, so I would point it out with a bad attitude and it would lead to pointless disagreements and arguments. Then, one night, God showed me that if I wanted to see a change (whether big or small), the change must happen within me first! And from then on, I was determined to only look at the positive and ALL the good things my husband does.
Let him have his alone time/ guy time. My husband has always been a big athlete, from playing soccer weekly to tennis to going to the gym. And now that we’re married with 2 under 2, he continues to enjoy these things – of course, not everyday, but most days.
Spend quality time. This is both of our top love language. Quality time is equally important to both of us. Spending one on one moments is something we love to do daily no matter how busy our life gets.
Have a healthy intimate life. Intimacy is not only sexual but also closeness, one on one togetherness. Our babies go to sleep around 9PM. That gives us at least 2-3 hours to be together, whether it’s our time to unwind, watch a TV show together, or simply laughing about funny things -we know it is OUR time. We value this time and it is one of the reasons we do not co-sleep with our babies. Since Caleb was a newborn, he slept in his bassinet and moved to his bedroom at 3 months. We worked together to get our babies to sleep through the night. A baby that sleeps through the night does not only produce a happy baby, but also happy parents because we are not tired during the day.
Welcome your husband with love. I celebrate every evening when he comes home from work and I show my kids to be happy too! Our toddler Caleb runs to the door and says “Yay!” every time he sees daddy arrive. We welcome him at the door with lots of love and hugs and kisses.
Look your best for him. There are 2 people I try to look good for: Myself and my husband. Being with the babies at home, cooking, cleaning, and doing a number of things, can obviously leave you little time for yourself. However, it’s important to shower first thing in the morning! Do NOT stay in your pajamas all day! I don’t understand how some women can get dressed and look their best when they go out in public but could care less about how they look at home where the main person they should be looking good for, is! Even if you’re not planning to go out, still get dressed and comb your hair. I try to put concealer and a hint of mascara. Do what you do when you go out. Trust me, this will make you feel great at home. Do it for yourself and for your husband.

I hope you are able to apply these ways into your marriage and are able to have a happy married life with your love.