6 a.m. Conversations

Where love meets faith…one morning at a time.

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Just a guy that believes in love. 6 A.M. Conversations was born from those quiet mornings when the world is still, and God has something to say if you slow down long enough to listen.

  • Forgiveness

    You cannot build a healthy relationship while dragging yesterday into today.

    Forgiveness isn’t about pretending something didn’t hurt. It’s about deciding that the hurt won’t run your life or your love.

    A lot of couples think forgiveness is a moment. A conversation. An apology. A handshake.
    A prayer.

    Nah. Forgiveness is a practice.

    Daily. Intentional. Sometimes quiet. Sometimes uncomfortable. And if you don’t practice it, resentment will happily move in and redecorate.

    Here’s the real-life version:
    You say you forgave it but you still bring it up.
    You say you moved on but your tone still remembers.
    You say it’s fine but your reactions say otherwise.

    That’s not forgiveness, that’s storage. And stored hurt always leaks.

    Unforgiven pain doesn’t disappear. It waits. Then it shows up in unrelated arguments, passive comments, emotional distance, and cold silence.

    Forgiveness is not saying what happened was okay. It’s saying, “I’m not letting this poison what we’re trying to build.”

    And listen, forgiveness doesn’t mean you skip accountability. It doesn’t mean you lower standards. It doesn’t mean you forget lessons. It means you stop rehearsing the pain every time you want to win an argument.

    Because here’s the grown truth: You can be right and still ruin the relationship.

    Forgiveness protects the future more than it heals the past. It creates room to breathe again.
    It allows trust to be rebuilt. It makes space for joy to return without guilt.

    And yes, forgiveness is hard. Especially when the wound was deep. Especially when the apology came late. Especially when you had to heal quietly.

    But carrying it is harder.

    You weren’t built to hold bitterness long-term. It changes your tone. Your patience. Your openness. Your ability to love freely.

    So let it go, not for them alone but for you.

    Forgiveness says, “I still believe in us more than I believe in this pain.”

    That’s grown love.

    Picture the next disagreement you and your partner have. Does it stay about this moment or does it suddenly become a replay of every unresolved issue you never fully released?

    Ask yourself honestly: What am I still holding that’s quietly hurting us both?

    Loving by HIS Word–“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32Forgiveness is a reflection of grace. When we release what hurts, we make room for healing to do its work.

    6 a.m. Quote–“Forgiveness isn’t weakness, it’s the strength to protect the relationship from old wounds.”

    Marlon Dean–6 a.m. Conversations “Where love meets faith, one day at a time”

  • Patience, loving them through their season

    Let’s talk about patience. Not the “waiting in line at Walmart” kind but the kind that’s required when you’re loving someone who’s going through a season.

    And if we’re being honest, every relationship will face one of those seasons eventually.

    A quiet season. A heavy season. A distant season. A confusing season. A healing season. A “they’re not themselves right now” season.

    And here’s the grown truth: Patience isn’t just about waiting, it’s about how you wait. With grace or with resentment. With compassion or with complaints.
    With understanding or with attitude.

    A lot of people say they want a strong relationship but they want it without the seasons that build it.

    Everybody loves the version of their partner that’s laughing, confident, soft, available, affectionate, and present.

    But what about the version who’s tired? Stressed? Overthinking? Emotionally unavailable? Healing from something they haven’t talked about yet? Trying their best but not showing it well?

    Do you still love them then?

    Patience is grown up love. It’s choosing compassion over criticism. It’s giving grace when it feels easier to give attitude. It’s remembering that your partner is human, not a robot programmed to meet your needs 24/7.

    People don’t always need pressure. Sometimes they just need space. Sometimes they need reassurance. Sometimes they need someone to sit quietly beside them while they figure out what’s going on inside themselves.
    Sometimes they need patience more than solutions.

    And let’s be honest, we all go through moments where we need a little extra grace. But the relationship stays strong when it becomes a two-way street.
    When both people know, “I may not be perfect right now but I am still loved right now.”

    Patience doesn’t mean ignoring problems. It doesn’t mean letting everything slide.It doesn’t mean losing yourself while trying to care for them. It simply means loving them through the season, not around it.

    Because eventually seasons shift. Storms calm. People heal. Clarity returns.
    And the partner who stayed patient, becomes the partner who was trusted.

    Patience builds emotional safety. Emotional safety builds honesty. Honesty builds intimacy. Intimacy builds connection. And connection is what makes relationships last.

    A relationship that survives life’s seasons is a relationship that has learned the art of patience.

    Imagine your partner is going through a tough season and isn’t showing up the way they normally do. Would your first reaction be frustration or compassion?

    Now flip it:
    If you were going through a hard season, what kind of patience would you hope they’d offer you? And are you giving that same patience back?

    Loving by HIS Word–“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2

    Patience is a spiritual act. It’s choosing grace over frustration and love over ego, especially in seasons of uncertainty.

    6 a.m. Quote–“Love isn’t proven during the easy seasons — it’s proven during the seasons that demand patience.”

    Marlon Dean–6 a.m. Conversations “Where love meets faith, one day at a time”

  • Consistency

    Can we be honest for one minute…

    Everybody wants the romance, the passion, the spark, the butterflie but nobody wants to talk about the real backbone of a lasting relationship:

    Consistency.

    Not the exciting kind. Not the “let me sweep you off your feet” kind.

    I’m talking about the everyday consistency. The quiet, steady kind that doesn’t make Instagram highlights but keeps the relationship from crumbling.

    See, relationships don’t fall apart because of one big disaster. They fall apart slowly, through small moments of neglect. Through the “I’ll call you later.” Through the “I forgot.” Through the “I didn’t think it mattered.” Through the “They should know how I feel.” Through the days when showing up feels optional.

    People don’t lose trust overnight. They lose it minute by minute, moment by moment, each time inconsistency whispers, “I can’t rely on you the way I hoped I could.”

    A man who has loved and lost will tell you…it’s the little things you end up wishing you held onto. Not the vacations. Not the celebrations. Not the fancy moments. But the tiny habits of care that made love feel safe. The morning check-ins. The small reassurances. The way they made space for you. The efforts that told you, “You matter to me,” without saying a word.

    Consistency isn’t glamorous. It doesn’t sparkle. It doesn’t come with applause. It’s not grand or dramatic. It’s quiet, patient work — the kind that only shows its importance when it goes missing.

    And yet, it’s the very thing that holds everything together.

    Being consistent means your partner doesn’t have to guess who they’re getting today. It means they’re not afraid to open up because your reactions are unpredictable. It means they trust your effort, not just your words. It means they feel seen, valued, and respected…daily, not occasionally.

    You want to build something real? Be someone they can count on.
    Not just when the mood is right, not just when you feel affectionate, not just when you want something but when life gets heavy, stressful, boring or overwhelming.

    Consistency isn’t about perfection. It’s about reliability.
    It’s about choosing your partner at 6 a.m., at noon, after work, and on the days when loving anybody, including yourself, feels hard.

    Love is the feeling but consistency is the proof. Anybody can fall in love.
    But staying in love, that requires a daily decision to show up fully, gently, intentionally, and repeatedly.

    Imagine going an entire week where your effort, your energy and your presence show up only when you feel like it. Imagine your partner having to guess your mood, your interest or your willingness to connect. Imagine the insecurity that would grow from that kind of inconsistency.

    Now flip the lens, would you feel safe being loved the way you love?
    Be honest with yourself, that answer matters.

    Loving by HIS Word–“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18God reminds us that love isn’t proven by what we say.  It’s proven by how we show up again and again, with sincerity and intention.

    6 a.m. Quote–Love begins with emotion but it survives through consistency

    Marlon Dean–6 a.m. Conversations “Where love meets faith, one morning at a time”

  • Grow With Them, Not Away From Them

    Love doesn’t just ask you to stay, it asks you to grow.

    And that right there? That’s where a lot of relationships get stuck. Because everybody loves the version of their partner that fits the script they wrote in their head. But life doesn’t care about your script.

    People evolve.
    Seasons shift.
    Needs change.
    Dreams expand.
    Energy fluctuates.

    And time has a way of revealing new layers in all of us…some beautiful, some challenging, all human.

    The real question is: Can you love someone through their evolution? Or are you only invested in who they used to be?

    A grown relationship requires flexibility. Not the yoga kind, the emotional kind.
    The ability to say: “I don’t fully understand this version of you yet, but I’m willing to learn.” “I didn’t expect this change but I’m here for the journey.” “I don’t need you to stay the same, I just need you to stay honest.”

    That’s grown. That’s partnership. That’s love that’s built to last.

    Change isn’t the enemy, rigidity is. The refusal to adapt. The refusal to listen. The refusal to let your partner evolve without being punished for it.

    You want to know what keeps couples connected? Grace.

    Grace for the hard days.
    Grace for the new seasons.
    Grace for the version of them that’s trying to heal.
    Grace for the version of them that’s trying to grow.
    Grace for the version of them that’s still figuring life out.

    Because guess what? You’re evolving too. And you want someone who won’t throw your growth back in your face.

    Nobody stays the same forever. Life will humble you, stretch you, break you, rebuild you, and reroute you. And if your relationship is going to survive all that, you have to learn how to adjust without losing your grip on each other.

    Adapting with grace looks like:

    Asking questions instead of making accusations. 
    Being curious instead of defensive.
    Listening without waiting to clap back.
    Offering support instead of judgment.
    Making room for new dreams and new fears.
    Recognizing when your partner is overwhelmed, not “different”

    Relationships don’t die because people change. They die because people stop choosing each other through the changes.

    Growth is inevitable. Distance is optional.

    Imagine your partner is going through a season where they’re reinventing themselves…new stress, new goals, new insecurities, new responsibilities.
    Do you lean in and support the transformation? Or do you hold onto who they were because it felt easier for you?

    Be honest with yourself, are you loving who they are becoming or mourning who they used to be?

    Loving by HIS Word–“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10Honor means making room for growth. Grace means choosing patience. Devotion means loving the journey, not just the version of someone that was convenient for you.

    6 a.m. Quote—Love isn’t about staying the same, it’s about staying committed while everything else changes.

    Marlon Dean–6 a.m. Conversations “Where love meets faith, one morning at a time”

  • Love Doesn’t Grow In Convenience

    Love isn’t sustained by convenience, it’s sustained by intention.

    Anybody can love you when it’s easy. Anybody can show up when the vibes are good, the days are light, and the kids are quiet for once in their lives.

    But real connection? That comes from choosing to be intentional when life is busy, messy, loud, complicated, and inconvenient as hell.

    Intentionality is the difference between:
    “I thought about you.”
    and
    “I made time for you.”

    Those are not the same sentence. One is passive. The other is love in action. Most people don’t fall out of love, they fall out of being prioritized.

    You ever been with someone and realized you’re getting the leftover energy?
    The scraps? The “I’ll get to you when I get to you” version of them?

    That’s what happens when intention goes missing. The relationship turns into something you maintain “when you can,” instead of something you nurture on purpose.

    Let me speak from experience: A man who has loved and lost understands the value of intention differently. You learn that some moments won’t come back.
    Some opportunities won’t repeat. Some chances won’t knock twice. And some people won’t wait forever for you to realize what you had.

    So intention becomes sacred. Intentional touch. Intentional time. Intentional listening. Intentional effort. Intentional gratitude. Intentional growth.

    Not perfect, intentional. There’s a difference.

    Often, intentionality looks small:
    -Sending the text before you forget
    -Giving them your undivided attention
    -Taking initiative instead of always reacting
    -Watching their body language, not just their words
    -Asking “How can I make your day lighter?”
    -Showing love in the way they understand it

    Love grows in the places you deliberately water. Not the places you assume will survive on their own.

    Here’s something a lot of couples don’t realize: If you don’t intentionally move toward each other, life will unintentionally pull you apart. Not in one big breakup moment but through slow distance created by ignored opportunities to connect.

    And listen, intentionality doesn’t mean being perfect or poetic. It means you care enough to show care.
    Simple. Direct. Grown.

    Imagine your partner goes an entire day without doing one intentional thing for you.
    Not one check-in.
    Not one gesture.
    Not one moment where you felt deliberately chosen.

    Now flip it, Imagine you went an entire day without doing one intentional thing for them.

    Ask yourself honestly: Would your relationship feel the difference?
    If the answer is no, that’s the warning sign right there.

    Loving by HIS Word–“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14Love is a verb. A choice. A deliberate action. When we move with intention, we move in alignment with God’s design for connection.

    6 a.m. Quote–Love doesn’t fade, attention does. Be intentional before the distance becomes permanent.

    Marlon Dean–6 a.m. Conversation “Where love meets faith, one day at a time”

  • Honesty Is Necessary

    If you can’t be honest in your relationship, then you’re not in a relationship…you’re in a performance. And performing gets exhausting real quick.

    We love to say, “Communication is key,” but what we really mean is: “Communication is key, as long as it doesn’t make me uncomfortable.”

    But that ain’t how love works.

    Honesty isn’t always pretty.
    Sometimes it’s awkward.
    Sometimes it stings.
    Sometimes it forces you to admit you’re not as perfect as you pretend.
    Sometimes it exposes the parts of you you’d rather keep covered.

    But let me tell you something only experience teaches you: The truth might shake the relationship for a moment but lies will shatter it permanently.

    A man who has loved and lost knows this. You don’t lose people because the truth hurts. You lose them because the truth came too late. Honesty isn’t just about confessing what you did wrong, it’s about expressing what you actually feel.

    It’s saying:

    • “That hurt me.”
    • “I feel disconnected.”
    • “I’m overwhelmed.”
    • “I need more reassurance.”
    • “I’m struggling mentally.”
    • “I need help.”
    • “I’m not okay but I want to be.”

    It’s being real before resentment builds.

    Because resentment is quiet. Resentment smiles in pictures. Resentment says “I’m fine” with a straight face. Resentment cooks dinner and does laundry and shows up, while dying inside.

    Honesty is the medicine that prevents that sickness. Now listen, honesty doesn’t mean being reckless.
    There’s a difference between being truthful and being cruel. Telling the truth isn’t a free pass to lose your filter.

    Grown honesty sounds like, “I care enough about us to tell you the truth gently.”

    Not, “I’m about to say this with no regard for your feelings.” That’s not honesty, that’s emotional laziness.

    Let me tell you something I learned the hard way. Your partner should never have to guess where they stand with you. They shouldn’t have to read your silence like a mystery novel. They shouldn’t have to decode your moods, reactions, or disappearances.

    Speak. Even when it’s uncomfortable. Even when you’re scared it might change things. Even when you don’t have the perfect words.

    Silence builds walls. Honesty builds bridges. And bridges keep relationships from drifting apart.

    Imagine holding something in something small but annoying.
    You tell yourself, “It’s not worth bringing up.” So you don’t.
    Then a week goes by, then a month, then a year and suddenly something tiny has grown into something toxic.

    Ask yourself, what uncomfortable truth have you been avoiding, that honesty could’ve healed months ago?

    Loving by HIS Word–“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” Ephesians 4:25

    Truth spoken with love is a spiritual act. It brings clarity, unity, and healing where silence builds division.

    6 a.m. Quote—Honesty doesn’t destroy relationships, silence and pretending do.

    Marlon Dean–6 a.m. Conversations “Where love meets faith, one day at a time”

  • Respect…The Quiet Language

    Here is a little truth…Love is loud but respect is quiet and your relationship won’t survive without both.

    People think respect is something you pull out during arguments or big decisions. Nah.

    Respect shows up in the small stuff. In your tone. Your patience. Your timing. Your willingness to listen instead of defend. Your ability to care even when you’re irritated.

    Respect is love’s bodyguard. It protects the connection when emotions start swinging wild.

    And listen, I’m not talking about the “yes ma’am / yes sir” respect we grew up with.
    I’m talking about relational respect:

    • Not talking to them like they’re the problem
    • Not dismissing what matters to them
    • Not shutting down when it’s uncomfortable
    • Not keeping score
    • Not weaponizing silence
    • Not assuming they’ll always understand
    • Not speaking to them in a way you’d never speak to a stranger

    Because the truth is, you can be in love with someone and still talk to them in ways that make them feel alone.

    Respect says, 
    “I value how you feel, even when I don’t agree.”
    “I honor your heart, even when I don’t understand it.”
    “I’m frustrated, but I’m not going to make you my punching bag.”
    “I’m choosing to be gentle with what’s important to you.”

    That’s grown. That’s maturity. That’s partnership.

    You don’t really know someone until you see how they treat you when they’re tired, annoyed, or disappointed. 

    Respect is the difference between conflict and damage.

    Let’s make it simple:
    You can rebuild from an argument. It’s hard to rebuild from disrespect.

    Because disrespect plants something in a relationship that doesn’t go away easily…doubt.
    Doubt in your tone.
    Doubt in your intentions.
    Doubt in your safety with each other.

    And once that seed grows? Everything else gets harder.

    So today, check your tone. Check your patience. Check your assumptions.
    Check your ego. Yes, even that.

    Respect isn’t about perfection. It’s about awareness. It’s about slowing down long enough to say, “I love you too much to talk to you like you don’t matter.”

    A man who has loved and lost learns this differently. You learn that peace is precious. You learn that kindness is a choice, not a feeling. You learn that raising your voice doesn’t raise your level of understanding.

    And you learn that the softest approach sometimes leads to the deepest healing.

    Respect doesn’t make you weak. It makes your relationship strong enough to survive the rough days.

    Because trust me, love without respect won’t last.

    But love with respect? That can weather anything.

    Imagine…You’re frustrated. You’re tired. Your patience is worn thin, and your partner asks you something simple.

    You snap, not because they deserved it but because life hit you all at once.

    Now imagine if that was the last conversation you had that day.Would you regret the tone? Would you wish you softened your voice? Would you want the last thing they heard from you to sound like that?

    Marinate on that for a minute.

    Loving by HIS Word–“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2

    Gentleness isn’t weakness, it’s spiritual strength. Respect is how we honor God through the way we treat each other.

    6 a.m. Quote–Respect isn’t how you treat them when you’re happy. It’s how you protect their heart when you’re not.

    Marlon Dean–6 a.m. Conversations “Where love meets faith, one morning at a time”

  • Gratitude…The Key Component

    Let’s start this week with a hard fact: If you want your relationship to last, gratitude can’t be optional.

    We love to talk about love; the butterflies, the chemistry, the spark, the “they’re my person” feeling. And all that is good. Beautiful, even.

    But let me tell you from a man who’s lived a little: Love is the engine. Gratitude is the oil.

    You can ride for a while without it but eventually that engine will shut down.

    See, people don’t walk away because the love disappeared. They walk away because they stopped feeling valued.

    A lack of gratitude makes little cracks that turn into big distances:

    • You stop recognizing their effort, they stop offering it
    • You stop noticing the small things, they stop sharing them
    • You stop saying “thank you” they start feeling invisible

    And once someone feels invisible, the relationship is already in trouble.

    Gratitude is not weakness. Gratitude is awareness. Gratitude is responsibility.

    It’s saying, “I still see you. I still appreciate you. I don’t take you for granted.”  And sometimes, that simple acknowledgment is the difference between love growing or slowly fading.

    Let me be real on this. You can’t treat your partner like part of the furniture and expect the relationship to feel like a home. Appreciation is how you keep the air warm.

    Because at the end of the day, it’s not the special occasions that hold couples together. It’s the everyday moments. The ones that go unnoticed until they’re gone.

    When you’ve loved and lost, you learn to appreciate differently. You learn that consistency is gold. You learn that effort is beautiful. You learn that a “thank you” can carry more weight than a paragraph. And you learn that love grows where gratitude lives.

    So today, start with the little things: Say “thank you.” Say “I see what you did.”
    Say “I appreciate you.” Say it often. Say it sincerely. Say it even when it feels small, especially then.

    Every great relationship has one thing in common. Both people feel valued. Not sometimes. Not when convenient. Daily.

    Imagine your partner suddenly stopped doing one small thing they’ve always done. The morning text, the quick check in, the way they fix your plate, the soft touch on your back, the random encouragement, the quiet way they handle something for you.

    Would you notice? Would you miss it? Ask yourself, what is one small act of love your partner does regularly that deserves a genuine ‘thank you’ today?

    Sometimes the wake up call isn’t the loss, it’s the realization that the gratitude wasn’t there when it mattered.

    Loving by HIS Word–“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

    Gratitude isn’t a suggestion, it’s protection. It keeps hearts soft, spirits open and love grounded in grace.

    6 a.m. Quote–Love might be the reason you start together but gratitude is the reason you stay together.

    Marlon Dean–6 a.m. Conversations “Where love meets faith, one morning at a time”

  • Work-Life, Love, Balance…Really?

    Let’s be real: The idea of “work-life balance” sounds good on paper…until life happens.

    Then it turns into: Work → Life → Kids → Errands → Obligations → Random Stuff → Oh yeah… love.

    Some days you give your job the best of you, the kids the rest of you, and your spouse whatever’s left over after that. Which is usually a half-smile and a grunt.

    Trying to be a functioning adult AND a loving partner at the same time?
    That’s advanced-level living. They don’t tell you that in relationship counseling.

    You ever had one of those days where work drained your soul, the drive home tested your salvation and by the time you walk through the door, your emotional tank is reading EMPTY?

    And then your spouse says, “How was your day?”

    And you respond with the international sign for “Don’t ask me nothing”:
    sighs deeply and sits down slowly.

    Meanwhile, the kids are jumping on furniture like WWE tryouts, dishes are staring at you with attitude, bills are tap dancing on the counter, and the dog looking guilty for reasons unknown.

    This is the part of love nobody puts on TikTok.

    Work-life-love balance? More like work-life-love juggling…blindfolded…while riding a unicycle.

    I remember a time me and a homie were going through that season where work was taking 97% of our energy. He told me:

    “Bro, I came home yesterday, sat on the couch and fell asleep before I could even take my shoes off. My wife covered me with a blanket and just shook her head.”

    I told him, “Man, she didn’t shake her head because you slept…she shook it because you was snoring like grizzly adams.”

    We laughed but then he said something real:

    “I realized I was giving work my best and giving her my leftovers.”

    Whew. That one hit in the chest.

    Because the truth is: Home is your first ministry. Your spouse shouldn’t have to survive on emotional crumbs because work ate the whole loaf.

    But here’s the challenge: How do you stay present at home when work drains everything? You learn to be intentional, even when you’re tired.

    Not perfect. Not overly romantic. Just intentional.

    Sometimes that looks like:

    • putting your phone down when they’re talking
    • sitting beside them even if you’re not talking
    • asking how their day was and actually listening
    • doing one small thing to lighten their load
    • hugging them without rushing
    • choosing closeness even when your energy is low

    It’s not the size of the effort, it’s the heart behind it.

    Because here’s what love learns: It’s not about balancing everything perfectly, it’s about showing up where it matters.

    Some days, you’ll come home drained. Some days, they will.
    Some days both of you are running on fumes. But if you keep choosing each other, even in the exhaustion…you’re doing better than you think.

    Love isn’t about perfect balance. It’s about intentional presence.

    Think about this, are you saving any of your best energy for home or letting the world get the part of you your partner longs for most?

    Loving by HIS Word:“Better is a little with righteousness than great gain with turmoil.” Proverbs 16:8Peace at home is worth more than success anywhere else. God honors the couples who choose connection over chaos.

    6 a.m. Quote— “Don’t give your job the best of you and your spouse the rest of you.”

    Marlon Dean–6 a.m. Conversations “Where love meets faith, one morning at a time”

  • When One Of You Is MORE Tired

    Let’s get something straight. No one in a relationship is ever “just tired.”
    Oh no…somebody is always “MORE” tired.

    And couples treat exhaustion like it’s a competitive sport.

    You know exactly what I mean…
    You say, “Man, I’m tired,” and they fire back like, “You’re tired? please tell me about your oh so tiring day Sire.”

    Now suddenly y’all running down your schedules like two lawyers presenting evidence in court.

    • “I woke up earlier!”
    • “Well, I didn’t sleep last night!”
    • “I did bedtime!”
    • “I did homework!”
    • “I chased the little one!”
    • “I chased both of them!”

    At this point, it’s not even marriage, it’s the Who Suffered More Today Marathon.

    And tag-team parenting?
    Listen…that deserves a medal.

    One minute you’re changing a diaper,
    the next you’re cooking,
    then you’re breaking up a fight,
    then you’re Googling “why is my child making that noise,”
    then you’re pretending to understand third-grade math,
    and then you’re praying for bedtime like it’s revival night at church.

    Meanwhile, your spouse swoops in like a WWE wrestler tagging into the ring:

    “Alright, go sit down. I got this round.”

    That’s love.
    Not the movie type.
    Not the flowers and chocolate type.
    No, the real type.
    The “I’m tired too, but I got your back” type.

    I remember a time me and my boy were both in that “we’re exhausted every day of our lives” phase. He told me:

    “Bro, me and my wife take turns pretending to sleep so the other person has to get up with the kids.”

    I laughed so hard I had to put the phone down. Because we ALL been there.
    That fake sleep is powerful. Oscar-worthy.

    But then he said something that clicked:

    “We’re tired but we’re tired together. And that’s what keeps us close.”

    See, partnership isn’t built in the easy seasons.
    It’s built in the late nights, the school mornings, the messy rooms, the long workdays, and the “oh Lord, they’re up again” moments.

    Tag-team parenting is ministry.

    It’s:

    • picking up where your partner left off
    • passing the baton without complaining
    • cheering each other on
    • knowing when they’re about to snap and stepping in
    • letting them rest without making them feel guilty
    • laughing together about the madness

    It’s realizing you’re not just raising kids, you’re raising a family.
    And that takes teamwork. Every day.
    Even on the days you don’t have the energy.

    The beauty is this. The kids won’t remember who did what. But you two will remember how you showed up for each other.

    That’s where love deepens.
    Not in the big romantic gestures, in the everyday exhaustion where you still choose each other.

    Here’s a quick question, when exhaustion hits your home, are you fighting each other or carrying the load together?

    Loving by HIS Word–“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2Partnership means sharing the weight. God honors couples who lift each other up, especially on the days when neither has much strength left.

    6 a.m. Quote–“Love works best when we’re tired together, not competing about who’s more exhausted.”

    Marlon Dean–6 a.m. Conversations “Where love meets faith, one morning at a time”

  • We Don’t Get Enough Time Together

    Let me tell you something: every couple on earth has competed in what I like to call The “We Don’t Get Enough Time Together” Olympics.

    It’s that unspoken competition where both of y’all are exhausted, stretched thin, and still somehow arguing over who’s more busy, more tired, or more overwhelmed. Like y’all trying to qualify for Team USA: Marriage Edition.

    You know the scene…It’s 9:47 p.m., the house is finally quiet and one of you sighs and says, “We need to spend more time together.”

    The other person nods, then both of y’all fall asleep before finishing the conversation.

    Life be lifin’. And it does not apologize for it.

    Kids got needs. Jobs got demands. Bills got hands.

    And the only “me time” you get is the two minutes in the bathroom before someone knocks like the house is on fire.

    But here’s the wild part, couples still act like there’s a gold medal for who’s “more tired.”

    You ever had that moment?
    You: “Man, I’m exhausted.”
    Them: “You’re exhausted? Oh, okay… tell me more.”

    At that point you’re not even arguing, just comparing trauma.

    And don’t get me started on date night.
    You plan it.
    You hype it.
    You put on clothes that don’t have elastic waistbands.
    Then you end up at Target buying paper towels and snacks like it’s Paris in the spring.

    By the time you get home, romance has left the building.
    You sit on the couch, look into each other’s eyes and both fall asleep before the Netflix sound ends.

    But here’s the truth: time together doesn’t just show up, you have to defend it.
    Life will steal it if you don’t protect it on purpose.

    And let me say this, intentionality is romantic.
    Not the big gestures, but the small moments you fight to keep:

    • Sitting close even when you’re tired
    • Laughing at something that wasn’t even funny
    • Morning hugs
    • Taking a walk
    • Turning your phones off for 10 minutes
    • Just being present

    Those minutes matter. Those minutes build connection.

    I remember a time me and a homie were going through the same “never enough time” struggle, and he told me,
    “Bro, I tried to plan a romantic night and my kids tagged along like they had a Groupon.”
    We laughed for 10 minutes straight, because it was TOO relatable.

    But then he said something real: “We can’t wait for the perfect moment. We gotta make the moments we get count.”

    That stuck with me.

    So yeah, life’s chaotic. Schedules are tight. You’re tired. They’re tired.

    But love still grows when you protect the minutes that matter.

    Not the big ones, the little ones. The quiet ones. The “we’re here together, even in the madness” ones.

    That’s what keeps the connection alive.

    Quick question, are you waiting for the perfect time together or protecting the imperfect moments that already exist?

    Loving by HIS Word–“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

    God reminds us that time is sacred. When we honor it with each other, we honor Him.

    6 a.m. Quote–“Love doesn’t need more hours, it needs more intention.”

    Marlon Dean–6 a.m. Conversations “Where love meets faith, one morning at a time”

  • The Harvest, Reaping What You’ve Watered

    There’s a certain kind of peace that hits different when you’ve made it through a few seasons together.

    You start remembering all the little things you used to stress about. The arguments, the bills, the “you left the cap off the toothpaste again” wars and you realize, somehow, you survived all that and still like each other. That’s growth. That’s harvest season.

    See, everybody wants the fruit but nobody talks about how long it takes to grow it. Love ain’t an instant crop. You don’t plant on Monday and eat by Friday.
    You water it. You weed it. You wait on it.
    And half the time, you’re wondering if anything’s even happening under the surface.

    But here’s the secret: growth doesn’t make noise, it just shows up one day.
    You wake up realizing y’all communicate better. You laugh easier. You forgive faster. You argue softer. That’s harvest, not because life got easier but because you got wiser.

    I remember one evening sitting on the porch. Nothing fancy, just watching the sun dip low, no words, no phones, just being.
    And I thought, this is it. This is what you’ve planted for. The peace after the storms, the joy after the pruning, the laughter that came back after the silence.

    That’s what harvest looks like, stillness that feels safe.

    Now, don’t get me wrong, harvest doesn’t mean the work is done. Farmers don’t retire after one good season. They celebrate, they give thanks and then they start preparing again. That’s how love works. You enjoy the blessings, then you ask, “Lord, what do we plant next?”

    Because love that lasts isn’t about one big moment, it’s about the rhythm of faithfulness.
    You sow, you tend, you trust. Over and over.

    And let me just say this. If you’ve been loving somebody through the ups, downs, dry spells, and reruns of the same argument…give yourself some credit. You’re living proof that love still works when you work it right.

    So celebrate your harvest. Thank God for what’s blooming. And remember, the same hands that tilled the soil deserve to enjoy the fruit.

    Quick question, are you celebrating your harvest or too busy worrying about the next season to see what already grew?

    Loving by HIS Word–“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

    Love is long term work with eternal rewards. Keep tending, keep trusting, and let God handle the timing of your harvest. The fruit will always show up right on time.

    6 a.m. Quote–“The sweetest harvest comes from seeds planted with patience and watered with prayer.”

    Marlon Dean–6 a.m. Conversations “Where love meets faith, one morning at time”

  • Fertilized by Faith, Keeping God in the Garden

    You ever see a couple that looks happy but something about it just don’t last? They post long walks on the beach, cute captions, #powercouple but then outta nowhere, they fade faster than a DJ mixing a song at the club.

    That’s what happens when you build something beautiful but forget to feed it.

    See, love by itself is powerful but love without faith is like soil with no fertilizer. It’ll look good for a minute, but eventually, it stops producing fruit. You can’t plant forever in weak soil.

    When you’ve been married or committed for a while, you start learning this the hard way. You can’t fix everything with another dinner date or apology. Some things only shift when you let God get involved.

    I remember one stretch when we were just…off. Not arguing, just disconnected. Talking but not talking. You know that “roommate energy” season.
    I was trying everything…jokes, favorite food, extra effort. None of it hit.
    Then one night she said, “Have you prayed with me lately?”

    Now, I’m not saying she was wrong, but I did pause mid-bite like, “Wow… not during dinner though?”

    But she was right. We were trying to fix spiritual disconnect with surface solutions. That’s like watering the leaves while the roots are starving.

    Faith is the fertilizer that keeps love growing when effort alone ain’t enough.
    Because let’s be honest, there will be days when you don’t feel loving, or lovely, or patient.

    That’s when God steps in. Faith reminds you why you said “yes” in the first place.

    See, when you pray with your partner, not just for them, something shifts.
    You stop trying to win arguments and start trying to win together.
    You realize y’all are on the same team, fighting the same fight.
    You start hearing their heart instead of their tone.

    And here’s the part that’ll humble you…sometimes God don’t fix them first. He works on you. He’ll whisper, “You’re asking me to change them but let’s talk about that attitude you had Tuesday night over them tacos.” 

    Faith fertilizes the whole garden…patience, forgiveness, joy, desire, gratitude.
    It’s not just church talk. It’s the secret ingredient that keeps love rich and ready for new growth.

    So, if your relationship feels like it’s coasting, water it, yes but feed it too. Pray together, laugh together, serve together, forgive faster. That’s how you keep the soil healthy.

    Because real love, the kind that lasts decades, not months. Always has God’s fingerprints on it.

    Quick question, have you been feeding your relationship with faith or trying to grow it on your own strength?

    Loving by HIS Word–“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” Psalm 127:1Faith isn’t just a foundation; it’s the fertilizer that makes love bloom again and again. Invite God into your garden daily and watch how He keeps your roots steady and your hearts soft.

    6 a.m. Quote— “Prayer doesn’t just change your relationship, it fertilizes your love with faith strong enough to survive any season.”

    Marlon Dean–6 a.m. Conversations “Where love meets faith, on morning at a time”

  • New Roots, Old Lesson

    Here’s the thing about love: it’ll teach you the same lesson more than once until you finally get it.

    You ever look back and realize y’all been arguing about the same thing for three years, just with new vocabulary? Yeah, me too. That’s love’s funny way of saying, “You still don’t listen.”

    See, growth in relationships is tricky. It don’t always happen at the same pace. Sometimes one of you’s reading self-help books and journaling about inner peace while the other one’s just trying to finish their sandwich in peace.
    Balance, my friend. Balance.

    Here’s what I’ve learned: growth in love is like planting new roots. You don’t tear out the whole tree, you just give it better soil. You build from what you’ve already survived.

    But that takes maturity, because sometimes the person you love will start growing in a direction you didn’t plan for. They’ll get new interests, new dreams, maybe even a new attitude. And your first instinct might be to say, “You changed.”

    And you’re right, they did. But so did you.
    The question isn’t who changed, it’s did we make room for each other’s growth?

    See, couples that last don’t grow apart, they learn how to bend toward each other. Like two trees side by side, both reaching for the sun but still connected at the roots.

    I remember one season when I started prioritizing myself more. Working out, reading, praying in my quiet time. I was good but she started feeling left out. I looked at her one day and said, “You can come along for the ride or you can complain from the couch.”

    Sometimes a lil nudge will make them get up. 
    That’s when you learn that sometimes, loving someone means catching up, not competing.

    Growth can feel uncomfortable because it exposes the areas you’ve ignored. But if you treat it like a threat, you’ll end up fighting the very thing that’s supposed to strengthen you.

    Real talk? If one person is growing and the other one’s standing still, the distance between you gets real noticeable. But when you decide to grow together, even at different speeds, you build something that can weather anything.

    So celebrate the new roots. Don’t mourn the old versions of each other. Honor them but keep moving. The best parts of love are still being written.

    Here’s a question, when the person you love starts evolving, do you get defensive or do you dig new roots alongside them?

    Loving by HIS Word–“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” Ecclesiastes 4:9

    God never meant for love to be a competition, it’s a collaboration. When you grow together in faith, patience, and grace, your roots intertwine so deeply that storms can’t shake what He planted.

    6 a.m. Quote–“Don’t fight your partner’s growth, plant yours beside it.”

    Marlon Dean–6 a.m. Conversations “Where love meets faith, one morning at a time”

  • Pruning Season–Keeping Love from Growing Wild

    Let me tell you something about growth…it’s beautiful but it can get messy.

    You ever seen a plant that’s healthy but untrimmed? It starts leaning, twisting, taking up too much space. Leaves everywhere, roots fighting for room. It’s alive, but it’s out of order. That’s how love gets when you stop pruning.

    See, everybody wants the blooming part, the pictures, the anniversaries, the “we made it” glow. But not many people want the scissors.

    Pruning means cutting things that used to work but don’t fit anymore.
    Old habits.
    Toxic reactions.
    Silent grudges.
    That “I’ll bring this up again in the next argument” folder you keep tucked away in your spirit. Yup, that too.

    When you love somebody long enough, you realize growth doesn’t just mean adding. It means editing.

    I remember a time when we hit that good, comfortable season. We weren’t arguing but something felt off. The laughter wasn’t as loud, and the days started feeling repetitive.

    She called me one morning and said, “We do a lot, but we don’t connect like we used to. Something feels off.” And she was right. We were watering the plant, but we weren’t trimming it. We were still growing, just in different directions.

    So we started pruning.
    We cut out unnecessary distractions. The mindless scrolling, the overpacked schedules, the “I’m tired, maybe tomorrow” energy.
    And you know what happened? The love started to breathe.

    Here’s the truth, pruning ain’t punishment, it’s protection.
    God doesn’t prune what’s dead. He prunes what’s alive. Because He knows if you don’t cut back a little, what’s healthy can still choke itself.

    And that’s the same with love.
    Sometimes you have to stop and ask, “What in us needs trimming?”
    Maybe it’s the pride that keeps you from apologizing first.
    Maybe it’s the attitude that makes every disagreement sound like disrespect.
    Maybe it’s the fear of being vulnerable because it’s safer to joke than be honest.

    Whatever it is, cut it back. Gently, but consistently.

    Because love without pruning gets crowded. You lose sight of the beauty in the mess. But when you trim with care, you make room for new growth, deeper laughter, fresher peace, stronger connection.

    So, yeah, pruning hurts sometimes. But so does staying tangled.

    Ponder on this, what needs trimming in your relationship, not because it’s broken but because it’s crowding the good things God’s trying to grow?

    Loving by HIS Word–“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener…every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, so that it will be even more fruitful.”   John 15:1–2God’s love shows us the pattern. Pruning isn’t loss, it’s preparation. When you cut back with intention, you make room for fruit you didn’t even know was possible.

    6 a.m. Quote–“Love doesn’t grow by adding more, it grows by trimming what no longer fits.”

    Marlon Dean–6 a.m. Conversations “Where love meets faith, one day at a time”

  • Morning Dew

    You ever notice how, in the beginning, love’s soft? 

    Everything’s gentle. Every word is wrapped in care. You say “good morning” like it’s poetry, you touch their hand just because and even arguments sound like romantic comedy dialogue.

    But give it a few years, a few bills, a few 6 a.m. alarms and the tone changes.
    Now it’s “good morning” through gritted teeth, “don’t forget the trash,” and “why you breathing like that?”

    That’s what life does, it tries to steal the softness from love.

    And if you’re not careful, you’ll wake up one day next to the same person but not the same energy. Not because the love died but because you stopped protecting the tenderness that kept it alive.

    See, when relationships are new, everything drips like morning dew…fresh, light, easy to grow in. But morning dew doesn’t last all day. If you don’t appreciate it early, the sun burns it off. Same thing with love. If you don’t protect it, busyness, pride, and routine will dry it out.

    Softness takes work and it’s not weakness. It’s strength under control. It’s knowing when to lower your tone instead of raise your voice. It’s choosing a gentle response when you could hit back harder. It’s remembering that your partner isn’t your opponent, they’re your teammate.

    I had to learn that.

    I used to think being strong meant keeping my guard up. I didn’t realize how much power there is in softness.

    I was told once, “I don’t need you to fix everything, I just need you to be there for me sometimes, while I fix it.”

    That one line changed my approach. Sometimes, protecting love means saying less and listening more.

    Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking about fake romance or walking on eggshells. I’m talking about intentional gentleness. You can be firm without being cold. You can be passionate without being harsh. You can disagree without being disrespectful.

    Because love without softness turns into survival. Two people managing each other instead of cherishing each other.

    And here’s the funny part, when you’re soft with each other, you actually stay stronger together.

    That small touch on the shoulder, that quiet “I’m proud of you,” that unexpected hug in the kitchen, that’s how you refill what life keeps draining.

    Protect your dew, man. Don’t let the day burn off what you two built in the morning.

    Here is a quick question, have you been protecting the softness in your love or letting life’s heat dry it out?

    Loving in HIS Word–“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1

    Gentleness is not silence, it’s strength led by love. God’s kind of love stays tender even when tested. It’s the softness that heals what pride tries to harden.

    6 a.m. Quote–“Softness doesn’t mean weak, it means wise enough to protect what’s gentle.”

    Marlon Dean–6 a.m. Conversations “Where love meets faith, one day at a time”

  • The Ministry of Maintenance

    Everybody wants the blessing of love, but nobody talks about the upkeep.

    You wouldn’t buy a car and never change the oil. You wouldn’t move into a new house and ignore the leaks. But somehow, folks think marriage is “set it and forget it” like it’s a crockpot that just simmers on its own.

    Let me tell you something, love don’t maintain itself.

    You have to check on it. Tighten the loose screws. Repaint the walls after a few storms. Replace what’s worn down. And most importantly, remember why you bought the house in the first place.

    See, somewhere between the “I do” and the “what happened to us?” life sneaks in. Work schedules stretch thin. The kids’ needs start screaming louder than your own. You start saying, “We’ll talk later” and later turns into next week. Next week turns into next month. And suddenly, the connection that once felt automatic starts asking for attention.

    That’s not failure. That’s normal. Every engine needs a tune-up.

    The problem is, most couples wait until something breaks to start fixing it. They wait until the spark is gone, the tone’s cold, the distance feels permanent. But the best mechanics don’t wait for the car to stall, they listen for the rattle.

    That little “something’s off” sound in your relationship? Don’t ignore it.

    That look that says “I’m here, but I’m tired”? That’s your cue.

    That moment where the hugs get shorter, the laughter less frequent, and the “good mornings” start sounding like chores? That’s when you roll up your sleeves.

    Because maintenance isn’t punishment, it’s prevention.

    It’s sending that “I love you” text for no reason. It’s grabbing their favorite snack just because. It’s apologizing before pride has a chance to unpack its bags. It’s date night on the porch because babysitters are too high and Netflix is small fee.

    And yes, it’s prayer.

    Not the deep, churchy kind but the quiet kind that says, “Lord, help me not to take this person for granted.”

    I’ve learned that the couples who last aren’t the ones who avoid problems, they’re the ones who maintain connection. They sweep up misunderstandings before they turn into messes. They change the filter before resentment starts blowing through the vents.

    Love is ministry, not magic. You gotta show up, serve, listen, and sometimes start over.

    And the good news? When you do the maintenance, love runs smoother. The laughter comes easier. The peace lasts longer. And the same person who once drove you crazy starts to remind you why you never gave up.

    So think about this, When was the last time you did a “maintenance check” on your relationship, not because it was broken but because it was worth keeping whole?

    Loving By HIS Word—“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9Love requires consistent tending. God honors those who keep showing up — who patch, polish, and pray through the process. The reward isn’t perfection; it’s peace that comes from faithfulness.

    6 a.m. Quote–“Love doesn’t fall apart from the big storms…it cracks from the small leaks we ignore.”

    Marlon Dean–6 a.m. Conversations “Where love meets faith, one day at a time”

  • When You’re Loving Through Disappoinment

    Let’s be honest, everybody loves love until it stops feeling easy.
    You ever look at your partner and think, “Man… this ain’t what I pictured”?

    Yeah. Nobody puts that part on Facebook.

    We talk about falling in love, but nobody talks about staying in love when expectations crumble. When the “I got you” turns into “I’m trying.” When the person you prayed for starts feeling like the person you have to pray about.

    Disappointment hits every relationship not just because people fail you, but because they’re human. And if you stay in love long enough, life will give both of you chances to prove that grace runs deeper than feelings.

    Sometimes it’s big things; broken promises, job loss, betrayal, sickness.
    Sometimes it’s small stuff; the missed anniversary, the words that hit too hard, the way they don’t see your effort.

    Either way, it hurts.

    Now, I’m not here to sugarcoat it. Loving through disappointment feels like hugging a cactus. You want closeness, but it keeps poking you. You start asking questions like, “Why am I the only one trying?” or “Do they even see me anymore?”

    I’ve been there. I’ve sat in the car after an argument, gripping the steering wheel like it was gonna give me answers. I’ve prayed, “Lord, fix this before anything else goes left.”

    And you know what God told me? “Love them like I loved you.”

    Now, that’s the part that humbles you. Because the truth is, we’ve all disappointed God and He never revoked His love. He corrected us, yes. But He didn’t cancel us.

    See, loving through disappointment doesn’t mean pretending nothing’s wrong. It means staying faithful while working through what’s broken. It’s learning to say, “I’m hurt, but I still choose you.”

    That doesn’t make you weak, it makes you spiritual. Because love isn’t proven in the good days. It’s proven when you’re sitting in silence, staring at the version of your partner that’s struggling, and you whisper, “I’m not going anywhere.”

    Now don’t get it twisted, love doesn’t mean accepting abuse, neglect, or disrespect. It means choosing grace where there’s growth, not staying stuck where there’s harm. There’s a difference between loving someone through disappointment and letting someone drain you through dysfunction.

    Sometimes God allows disappointment to reveal what needs to heal…not just in your relationship, but in you.

    Because the same patience you need for them, He’s using to shape in you.

    So yeah, love hurts sometimes. But healing loves harder.

    Think about this, when disappointment shows up at your doorstep, do you shut the door or invite grace inside to help you rebuild?

    Loving by HIS Word–“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8Love isn’t a guarantee of comfort, it’s a calling to compassion. When you love through the letdowns, you mirror the heart of a God who keeps showing up even when we fall short.

    6 a.m. Quotes–“Disappointment exposes where love stops being a feeling and starts becoming a choice.”

    Marlon Dean–6 a.m. Conversations “Where love meets faith, one day at a time”

  • Love on a Budget

    Everybody wants romance until it’s time to check the bank account.

    Love sounds poetic until the light bill, daycare, and that unexpected “car making a new sound” hit in the same week. Then all of a sudden “date night” becomes Netflix and whoever’s got enough energy to stay awake past ten.

    Don’t act like you don’t know the struggle.

    We love to talk about “spoiling our spouse,” but sometimes that just means letting them nap in peace while you handle dinner. Ain’t no rose petals, just chicken wings and quiet. And guess what? That’s okay.

    See, we’ve let the world convince us that love has to be expensive to be meaningful. Social media will have you thinking your marriage is failing because you didn’t do a surprise trip to Aruba for your anniversary. Meanwhile, y’all just trying to get these groceries to stretch til’ payday.

    Let me help you out, love don’t need a receipt.

    Some of the most intimate, powerful moments don’t cost a dime. Holding hands in the parking lot after a long day. Sharing a meal you both cooked together. Laughing until your stomach hurts. That’s the good stuff.

    Because if your love only shines when money’s flowing, it’s not love, it’s leasing. And like most leases, when the funds dry up, so does the feeling.

    The truth is, real love finds creativity when money gets tight. You start seeing how resourceful your partner is. You learn how to make a dollar out of fifteen cents and still have joy left over. You realize it’s not about how much you spend, but how much you invest in time, in kindness, in consistency.

    Now, don’t get me wrong, every now and then, go do something special. But don’t confuse luxury with love. Some of the richest couples are miserable and some of the happiest ones are sitting on a couch eating takeout with matching sweats and full hearts.

    Love on a budget teaches you gratitude. It makes you appreciate the small wins. It forces you to remember that your spouse’s presence is a gift, not a financial project.

    When you can love each other through the lean seasons, you’ll be unstoppable when abundance comes. Because the same faith that carried you through “barely enough” will prepare you for “more than enough.”

    And here’s the truth, sometimes God lets you go through the budget years not to punish you, but to purify your perspective. He’s teaching you that love built on faith, laughter, and teamwork lasts longer than anything money can buy.

    So yeah, romance is nice. But partnership? That’s priceless.

    Think about this, when money gets tight, do you shrink in frustration or grow in creativity together?

    Loving by HIS Word–“Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure with turmoil.” Proverbs 15:16

    God isn’t against prosperity. He just wants your peace to grow faster than your paycheck. The love that leans on Him during lack will recognize His hand during increase. Be faithful in the lean times; they’re the training ground for abundance.

    6 a.m. Quote–“If your love can survive ramen noodles and overdue bills, it’ll thrive when the steak and vacations come.”

    Marlon Dean–6 a.m. Conversation “Where love meets faith, one day at a time”

  • When Your Spouse Ain’t The Same Person You Married

    You ever wake up, roll over, look at your spouse and think, “Now who is this person beside me?”

    Don’t lie, you’ve had that moment.

    They used to wake up smiling, now they wake up sighing. Used to talk your ear off, now you’re lucky to get a “good morning.” Their playlist changed, their patience shortened, their hairline retreated, and their favorite phrase is, “I’m tired.”

    And guess what? So did yours.

    See, when you first fall in love, you meet the version of a person that’s full of hope, hormones, and highlight moments. The wedding vows sound easy when you haven’t seen each other sick, broke, grieving, or just plain fed up. But marriage has a way of introducing you to all the different versions of each other and some of them don’t come with warning labels.

    The truth is, you’re not supposed to stay the same. Life changes you. Kids, bills, health scares, aging parents and all that adds new layers. You can either grow through it together or grow apart pretending nothing changed.

    I’ve learned that loving someone long term means constantly re-learning them.
    What they needed at 25 might not feed their soul at 45. The person who once wanted flowers might now just want quiet. The partner who once wanted adventure might now crave stability.

    But here’s where most couples mess up…we keep loving people based on who they were, not who they’re becoming. We get so attached to our favorite version of them that we treat their evolution like betrayal.

    Nah…it’s just growth.

    You prayed for God to mature them…you just didn’t expect maturity to come with new opinions, new routines, and a new way of folding towels.

    Let’s be real, sometimes that change stings. Because it forces you to change too. It means you can’t love them on autopilot anymore; you have to pay attention again. You have to ask new questions, learn new patterns, rediscover what makes them light up.

    And if you’re smart, you’ll do it with curiosity, not comparison. Because the same God who’s been reshaping them has also been working on you.

    So, when your spouse starts evolving, don’t panic, pivot. Ask, “Who are you now, and how can I love you better today?” Because real love doesn’t cling to who they were; it adjusts to who they’re becoming.

    That’s grown love. The kind that bends without breaking.

    Think about this, are you loving who your partner was or learning to love who they’re becoming?

    Loving by HIS Word–“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Mark 10:9

    God joins evolving people, not finished products. Every season is a new invitation to choose each other again…not out of habit, but out of holy intention. When you honor who they’re becoming, you honor the God who’s still shaping both of you.

    6 a.m. Quote–“Don’t fall in love with a moment, fall in love with a mission. People change, purpose keeps you connected.”

    Marlon Dean–6 a.m. Conversation “Where love meets faith, one morning at a time”