Simplify Complexity: Christian Relationship Advice & Help

How important is finding compatibility to you when dating? When seeking a life partner, you don’t want to choose anyone. You wanna find someone you’re compatible with, but what does that mean? The word compatible is where two things are able to exist or occur together without problem or conflict. There are some things that you don’t want to mix together such as baking soda and vinegar, or bleach and rubbing alcohol. When you combine these chemicals they create something that is toxic and unsafe. This is also true in relationships. The reality is some people don’t mix well. When you put them together they create something toxic. When joining together in the union of marriage, your personalities, & worldviews should complement each other. It’s not to say everything is perfect and you don’t experience challenge, but for the most part you’re good for each other, and together you’re good for others. In this podcast we discuss things you want to be mindful of when seeking compatibility in the dating process. Don’t underestimate the importance of this stage and your responsibility to choose wisely. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace & Keonte McDonald The post Finding Compatibility When Dating appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Disagreements, frustrations and disappointments are impossible to avoid in relationships. Although we can’t avoid disagreements and frustrations in relationships, it doesn’t mean they have to turn into arguments. Disagreements aren’t the same as arguments. An argument occurs when two sides are approaching a disagreement in unhealthy and unproductive ways. An arguing couple in most cases isn’t seeking resolution, rather they are seeking to be right or prove someone wrong. Bad relationship arguments go to the next level, with extremes of yelling, name calling, or shutting down? Normally both side walk away not talking, and more upset than before. SO WHAT DO YOU DO? What do you do when an argument has moved you to not talking? Although our desire is to avoid arguments, especially bad ones, sometimes they happen. When your tempers are flaring and frustrations are overflowing, how do you reengage one another for the betterment of your relationship/marriage. In this podcast episode we share practical tips to help you win the battle for your relationship verses winning an argument. If you desire to have a healthy marriage/relationship you have to be able to recover from bad arguments (FYI… Frequent arguing is an indicator that you need to work on better communication skills as a couple to avoid arguments altogether). Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace and Keonte McDonald The post How to Recover from Bad Relationship Arguments? appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Have you ever found yourself frustrated or disappointed when dating? A disappointment is a negative feeling that results from something not living up to an expectation. When we open up ourselves to romantic interests (e.i. dating) we normally have some form of hope or expectation. An expectation to meet someone we like, where feelings are mutual, and a lasting relationship is formed. Unfortunately, like many journeys getting to the destination can be a long and bumpy ride with unexpected challenges. It’s difficult to avoid disappointments when dating! So what does a person do? Do you just not date? Do you not allow yourself to get emotionally connected by hardening your heart? The answer is neither. The truth is, 80 to 90% of our dating disappointments are self-inflicted. In this podcast episode we look at some of the dating disappointments we experience, and point out key things you can do to minimize or eliminate them all together. Please share this someone you know who needs encouragement as they navigate dating. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace & Keonte McDonald The post Dating Disappointments: How To Overcome Them! appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

What does it mean to be honest about your Relationship mistakes? A mistake can be intentional or unintentional but the key is, it’s wrong. It is a form of behavior that is either dishonest, unjust, or immoral and often violates another. In life and in relationships we make mistakes, the question is, what is our response once we commit them. For some, the urge is to ignore their wrongdoings, make excuses, or even worse blaming others. This is a form of self-deception and will lead to someone repeating the same relationship mistakes over and over again. Recently in an interview Shaquille O’Neal spoke candidly about his past marriage and specifically his mistakes. In the interview he was given the opportunity to gloss over the roll he played in the breakdown and eventual divorce of his marriage. Rather than ignoring his error, he boldly corrected the interviewer and shared his relationship mistakes that led to the eventual demise of his marriage. This showed a maturity and a willingness to grow and be better.  It is our ability to be honest with God, ourselves, and with others that helps us find healing from our past errors. How do we get there? How do we gain this form of self honesty, and avoid repeated headaches. If you desire to live a blessed life and maintain healthy relationships this is one episode you won’t want to miss.  Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace & Keonte McDonald  The post Being Honest about Your Relationship Mistakes appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Any solid entity needs a solid foundation or anchor to bring it stability. Consider for a moment a ship without an anchor. It would find itself fighting against the current, drifting from place to place unable to remain in one place. Consider a home and the destruction that would follow after a storm if it lacked a strong foundation. This is no different in relationships. People want strong healthy relationships, but they find themselves drifting and shaken after the storms of life. What is stabilizing your relationship? There are many practical things that we can do to help bring stability to our relationships. The most important thing is finding that stable and immovable object outside of our relationship first. I ship can’t anchor on it’s self and a relationship can’t either. Meaning if you only look within the relationship, you’ll be limited to find something strong enough to keep it. God is that immovable object that is able to stabilize not only you, but your relationship. How do you practically allow God to stabilize your relationship? In this episode not only will we share how God brings stability, but also practical things you can do to stabilizing your relationship in Christ. If you too have tips you do to help you relationship please share this in the comment section. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace and Keonte McDonald Scripture: Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builder is wasted. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good (Ps 127:1, NLT) The post What is Stabilizing your Relationship? appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Why is it when a woman chooses a man that is deemed undesirable by the world, people attack her character, assuming there’s an ulterior motive? As if her motives can’t be pure driven from the heart and wisdom. Recently on a podcast Channing Crowder attacked the character of Ciara and Russell Wilson. In his podcast Channing proclaimed that the only reason Ciara is with Russell Wilson is because of his money. In summary Channing felt Ciara’s EX rapper Future was a better catch, and that Russell Wilson was a square. Sadly, Channing contributed to the insinuating idea women are only with nice guys (i.e. a square) for their money. We are here to proclaim that not all woman are gold diggers. A “Gold Digger” is slang that refers to a person who engages in a relationship for money rather than love. In this episode, we discuss how insulting it is to label women as Gold diggers, because they choose a man others characterize as less appealing. We also discuss how sad it is that we try to put a negative cloud over the NICE GUY. I.E. those who desire to be good man, clean cut, and not run the streets. Men who desire to be law abiding cities and take care of their children and family. This is a great episode that will challenge your perspective and encourage you before you label others, or allow others to label you. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace & Keonte McDonald Photo Copyright by sifotography 123rd Photos The post Not ALL Woman are Gold Diggers appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Have you ever made a rash decision that you regretted later. In life we all have moments or things where we are urged to loose control. This could be something common such as an act of cutting someone off in a moment of road rage, or it could be something uncommon such as a violent attack upon a cheating spouse. In the case of Will Smith, it was going on stage at the Oscars and hitting Chris Rock. The point is out-of-control behavior is something we all must be on guard against.  Learn from vs Judge from It’s easy on the outside to look at another persons negative behavior and be self-righteous, but Jesus reminds us to be careful when casting stones. We are not better than other people. We all need grace. When approaching other people’s sin in judgment, we should always consider how we’ve also sinned. In no way shape or form do we want to condone Will Smith’s out-of-control behavior. As everyone is hyper analyzing Will Smith’s behavior, we must all recognize that we too have the ability to lose control. Although it may look different sometimes for the better or for the worse, these moments give us an opportunity to reflect on how do we avoid falling into the same trap of lost control. Possibly destroying your marriage, your relationships, your children, and your future. In this podcast episode we’ll take a look at how we are all susceptible to out-of-control behavior. We will examine things we can learn and most importantly what are things that we can do to prevent out of control behavior in our own lives.  Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace and Keonte McDonald  The post Learning From VS Judging Will Smith’s Out-of-Control Behavior appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

To celebrate or not celebrate Valentine’s Day, that is the question? Just because something is a cultural norm, it doesn’t mean it has to be a normal practice for you. Valentines Day is a national celebrated holiday, but its value varies from person to person. Some people love it, the romance, the gifts and special attention that comes with it. Yet for others, the day doesn’t mean as much. It’s not to say they don’t enjoy romance, gifts, or special treatment. It just doesn’t have to be on that day. How do you keep something pure when it becomes commercialized? In this podcast we desire to have a discussion about Valentines Day. We are not obligating you to agree with our view points, but rather encouraging people to give thought to the things they do. With many things there are good and bad aspects. The key is asking, does it fit for you. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace & Keonte McDonald The post Should you Celebrate Valentine’s Day appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

How does one remain happy and content in singleness? Be intentional in your approach! Finding happiness and contentment in singleness is not an accident. Just as having a happy marriage isn’t. Obtaining success in life requires you to take action. God tells us that one reaps what they sow. If you are purposeful in your choices as a single man or woman then you will reap the benefits. Our challenge for you as you step into the new year is give yourself single goals. Goals aren’t just for those in relationships Many have heard of couples having relationship goals, but often we leave out goals for those who are single. As a single man or woman, it’s just as important to give yourself goals as you strive to achieve success in your singleness. Otherwise you’re just aimlessly living day today hoping happiness finds you. In this podcast episode we share some great New Year single goals that will help you obtain success in 2022. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace & Keonte McDonald Register for our Free “New Year” Dating Realignment Webinar February 10, 2020 Photo Copyright by 123rf Photos, loganban The post “New Year” Single Goals appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Dating can be a rollercoaster!!! There are moments in the dating process where you have emotional highs. You meet new people, you meet someone you like, you get to know that person, and maybe it turns into a something special. Yet, there are also the lows. You can’t find a date, you meet bad people, or find yourself rejected. What is your approach to dating successfully? Do you have dating goals? When dating, a major mistake people make is they do it aimlessly. They don’t really have a plan or target, but just hope for the best, hoping to meet the one! As you set new year resolutions for 2022 don’t forget to give yourself dating goals. In this podcast we will discuss possible new year dating goals you can give yourself as you seek to find a spouse, bettering your chances of success. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace and Keonte McDonald Exciting News to Kick off the Year:  For ten days in January I will have my book Chasing Happily Ever After on sale for only $5.00 (50% OFF). On January 20th we will host a FREE Marriage Tune-Up Webinar. To register click here.Join our mailing list for other great updates throughout the year. The post “New Year” Dating Goals appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

It’s often said in sports, “if you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse.” I believe this saying is not only true in sports, but in relationships. As a spouse you should always be seeking to grow. How can you be a better husband? How can you be a better wife? One way to be intentional to grow in your relationship is by setting marriage goals, and what better time to set goals, than in the New Year. If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit nothing! New Year Resolutions are a great way to start a new year. A person has an opportunity to reflect on their past. Consider things that went well, things not so well, and list areas of improvement. To keep making the same mistakes, but expecting different results is insane. If you want your marriage to be better then do better. Don’t repeat the mistakes you made last year in your marriage. Take time to reflect with your spouse. Ask the question, what are areas I can improve in and then set S.M.A.R.T. marriage goals Sometimes when it comes to goal setting we need help. In this podcast we share key New Year marriage goals that are impactful, but also easy to implement. We offer examples of how you can apply them and more importantly measure their success. Invest in your marriage today and it will pay dividends throughout the year. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace and Keonte McDonald Exciting News to Kick off the Year: For the next ten days until January 15, 2022 I will have my book Chasing Happily Ever After on sale for only $5.00 (50% OFF). On January 20th we will host a FREE Marriage Tune-Up Webinar. To register click here.Join our mailing list for other great updates throughout the year. Photo Copyright by 123RF, Sharpner The post “New Year” Marriage Goals appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

How are you approaching family & in-laws within your relationship? When it comes to weird uncles, hardheaded cousins, or even that overly intrusive Mother, family dynamics can be challenging. So much so terms such as Monster-in-laws are used to describe them. Although we all have “THOSE” family & in-laws it doesn’t mean challenging family dynamics have to destroy your relationship. You have the power to determine how much your in-laws wreak have it on your relationship. When it comes to family sometimes you can feel you don’t have choices, but that’s a lie! You always have a choice. Although they come at a cost and aren’t easy, setting boundaries when dealing with family is critical to a successful marriage. Loving a sibling or parent, doesn’t mean you have to be a door mate, nor does it mean they have the right to destroy your marriage. In this podcast we want to talk about the challenge dynamic of family and in-laws, offering advice and tips that will spare you future headaches. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace & Keonte McDonald Key Scripture: He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate ( Matthew 19:4-6 ESV).” The post Dealing with Family & In-laws this Holiday Season! appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

If you had to choose between Looks vs character, which would you choose? Thankfully when approaching relationships a person doesn’t have to choose between looks vs character. Both play an important role within relationship. Yet, too often people place more emphasis on looks rather than character. Most people when choosing whom to date are driven by external attraction. Unfortunately, the emphasis of external attraction keeps people from seeing the most important part about a person and the success of a relationship. Who a person is on the inside (i.e. character). Don’t allow superficiality to consume your dating or marriage experience! I believe in our culture we put too much emphasis on what we see. Whether marketing campaigns or social media the battle against superficiality is what relationship face. Although attraction plays an important role within a relationship, it shouldn’t be the primary thing that drives your relationship. People shouldn’t move into a committed relationship primarily based on looks, and they also should be moved out of a relationship when looks fade. In this podcast we take a hard look at the battle between looks vs character. We share helpful hints to maintain a healthy perspective of both as you navigate your relationship. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace & Keonte McDonald SCRIPTURE: Let your beauty be not just the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on fine clothing;  but in the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God (1Peter 3:3-4). The post Looks vs Character: The Battle Against Superficiality appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

There’s an old saying, don’t put your business in the streets. Yet, how does this apply in the 21st century? In the age of social media, blogging, and streaming people are sharing more personal information about themselves in an ever increasing way. Yet, when sharing, when do you cross the line. When can sharing become damaging, to you personally. This is extremely problematic in the area of relationships. One of the challenges of sharing too much information about your relationship, is it involves more than just you! We may not always realize the impact or effect of what we share has on our spouse or mate. Think twice before you post, stream or upload! In this podcast episode we take a look at how much information one should share about their relationship. We use a recent example of Jayda Pickett and Will Smith. Some people felt Jayda had crossed the line as she began to talk about her sex life between her and will smith. Putting their business in the streets! Although they are not your average couple as they live a very public life, there are some things that we can learn from their experience. No matter where you are in a relationship process, understanding the balance of how much you share on social media or in social groups is important to maintaining a healthy relationship. We want to encourage you to communicate with your mate and build boundaries as to what you share publicly with others concerning your relationship. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace and Keonte McDonald The post How Much Is Too Much When Sharing About Your Relationship appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

A myth is a widely held but false belief or idea. There are ideas people hold that aren’t always true. Unfortunately, people pass on these false ideas or personal preferences as truth, forming myths. Myths can be passed down from generation to generation, mentor to pupil, or even through social media platforms. Although something sounds true, or people say it’s true, it doesn’t always mean it’s true. God warns us to be vigilant. The need to be vigilant is also important when dating. God desires for everyone to avoid the negative effects of falsehoods. There are Christian dating myths that are causing confusion or challenging people as they search for a mate. Don’t allow traditions or opinions to shape your understanding of truth. When it comes to Christian dating myths there are many views and perspectives people hold. Unfortunately, people share these views and preferences as truth, when they are not. In this podcast we welcome special guest Eric Demeter, author of How Should a Christian Date, to the show. We have fun exploring various false ideas surrounding dating and hopefully liberating people from a closed perspective. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace, Keonte McDonald, and guest Eric Demeter The post Christian Dating Myths appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Is there a right or wrong amount one should spend on a wedding? Weddings can be amazing, but they can also be extremely costly. The average wedding in America is 30,000 dollars. Yes, you read that correctly. People are spending on a wedding the same price you can buy a car, or a down payment on a home. Is spending this amount wrong or something you should feel guilty about? How much should a person spend on a wedding? There are varying & passionate opinions when approaching costs for a wedding. Often times women and even men have thought about their dream wedding from the time they were children. To them this is a once in a life time experience, and their feelings are to spare no cost. Therefore when dealing with peoples dreams and expectations you have to be sensitive. Although you may disagree, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your opinion is the right one. For the most part, there isn’t a right or wrong amount one should spend on a wedding, accept on TWO occasions. In this podcast episode we take a close look at the subject of how much a person should spend when planning a wedding. We share from a non-biased perspective, and then a personal perspective when approaching this subject. We then offer helpful tips for couples when discussing this subject among yourselves to avoid disagreements. Finally we give two exceptions when a cost for a wedding can be outside the will of God. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace & Keonte McDonald Did we miss something? Please leave your comments and share. The post How Much Should One Spend On A Wedding? appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Traumatic events are incidences that cause physical, emotional, spiritual, or psychological harm. Sometimes relationships face challenges as a result of incidences between a couple. This can be a spouse who does something dishonest, or a partner who says hurtful things. Yet, in relationships there are some traumatic events that don’t come from the couple, but rather come from outside sources. For example, this can be a spouse who loses a mother or father, or one who get’s let go from their job. These outside traumatic events in relationships can be just as harmful to a marriage as an internal argument, if not handled with care and respect. Unfortunately, you can’t always control what happens in life circumstances There are times when life just isn’t fair. Moments, when you get blindsided. Over the past two years, people all over the world have been dealing with the distress of a pandemic, losing loved ones, financial woes, and health scares. These events can bring distress upon an individual. Eventually this stress will find its way to erode a healthy marriage or relationship. You can’t ignore outside challenges that are happening to your partner. How you approach the trauma your partner maybe experiencing is critical to your relationship’s health and future. In this podcast episode we talk about some of the outside traumatic events couples experience in relationships, and how those events might negatively impact couples. We offer helpful tips you can apply in these challenging moments, even if you feel frustrated or unsure how to help. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace and Keonte McDonald The post How to Approach Traumatic Events in Relationships appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Is it proper to compare marriage to a business? There a lot of things we can compare marriage too. Some people compare marriage to a rollercoaster, and the ups and downs one may experience. In my book, Chasing Happily Ever After, I compared building a house to building a solid relationship, and the importance of a strong foundation. Even God compares marriage to our relationship with Him. So is it a fair to say marriage is a business. Recently there was a post on social media where a particular person did just that in justifying their actions and viewpoints. Which begs the question, is marriage a business? “Men need to stop disrespecting women and asking them to marry them with a 1 carat diamond ring. If you can’t afford a ring 3 carat or better you can’t afford a wife. It’s bigger than being materialistic. Rather, it’s about being able to see with your third eye. It is about being able to read in between the lines that marriage is a business. Whether y’all like it or not, Disney messed peoples heads up with, “happily ever after”. You cannot start a business without some type of financial backing! What can we do for each other??? If you don’t have enough money to spend on an inanimate object such as a ring, you are not ready to invest in a business (i.e. marriage). Go back to the drawing board.”Facebook Post Your worldview shapes your perspective, and in-turn your perspective molds your actions. When we hold certain perspectives, those perspectives shape how we see and live. For example, when someone has the perspective that sex is sacred and only meant for marriage. It will cause a person to keep themselves from multiple sexual partners and saving sex for marriage. On the other hand, if someone views sex as a tool for enjoyment and to be explored. It will most likely cause that person to be promiscuous and have multiple sexual partners. When it comes to comparing a marriage to a business. We have to ask how does that impact our actions. Does doing so have a negative impact or positive impact upon how one approaches relationships. In this podcast episode we take a look at this comparison, and answer some of these questions. In the end is marriage a business? Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace and Keonte McDonald The post Is Marriage a Business? appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

It has been said, “diamonds are a girls best friend.” So naturally a woman’s probably going to want one when getting engaged. A diamond ring has become a staple among what is offered when proposing in marriage. Yet is it superficial of a woman to reject a man’s engagement, if he offers something other than a diamond? This is a sensitive subject because many women feel passionate about marriage and the engagement process. This subject recently came up as a topic circulating on social media. Which begs the question, is it superficial to demand a diamond engagement ring. In this post a particular woman, who will remain nameless posted the following… “Men need to stop disrespecting women and asking them to marry them with a 1 carat diamond ring. If you can’t afford a ring 3 carat or better you can’t afford a wife. It’s bigger than being materialistic. Rather, it’s about being able to see with your third eye. It is about being able to read in between the lines that marriage is a business. Whether y’all like it or not, Disney messed peoples heads up with, “happily ever after”. You cannot start a business without some type of financial backing! What can we do for each other??? If you don’t have enough money to spend on an inanimate object such as a ring, you are not ready to invest in a business (i.e. marriage). Go back to the drawing board.”Facebook Post Superficial is defined as, one lacking the ability to show depth of character or understanding. This post has drawn many responses as it says a lot! Even while reading it, it may have struck a cord within you. Although there are many things we could talk about when reading her post, one subject that pops up is the thought of being superficial, and whether or not an attitude of demanding a diamond shows a lack of character or understanding? The emphasis of our topic today centers around the word “demand.” There’s nothing wrong with a woman wanting a diamond ring, or even asking for one. The question that we’re asking is, is it superficial to rejects one’s engagement if the ring is not a diamond. In this podcast episode we have fun discussing different points of this post, but then we also take a serious look at what is superficial, and when we are possibly lacking depth in our approach to relationships. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace and Keonte McDonald. The post Is it Superficial to Demand a Diamond Engagement Ring? appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Singleness IS NOT a disease, not is it a bad thing! Being single isn’t purgatory, an in-between period of life that you have to suffer through until you get to something better (aka marriage). First off, who said marriage is something better. If you ask some people, marriage can be jail, but that’s a different topic. Singleness is an amazing part of life that you don’t want to miss out on. Yet, if you are not careful a discontent spirit can cause you to do just that. The key is to getting the most out of singleness is YOU! Once you’re married, YOU ARE MARRIED! Life goes through seasons, and each season of life we are told to enjoy it. Yet with each season of life we are growing and becoming better people. Singleness is no different. You have the ability to make the most of it. In this podcast we share tips that can help you find the joy of being single before you miss it. If you’re content in your singleness we maybe be able to offer ways that you can make it even better. Ultimately, we want to encourage those who are single, not to miss out on this amazing time period of your life. Get the most out of thing on this because once it’s gone. It’s Gone! Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace and Keonte McDonald Key Scripture: Eccl. 3:1-5 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,  a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them…. Eccl. 3:22So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot. For who can bring them to see what will happen after them? Picture Copyright: mimagephotography – 123RF Photo The post Getting the Most Out of Singleness appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Experiencing a tough breakup is like loosing apart of yourself. For those that have experienced a breakup or divorce can understand the emotional and physical toll it can take on you. In relationships you invest a lot to make them work. You open up your heart to another person, trusting that they will value it. Unfortunately, many times that is not the case. Trust is broken by one, sometimes both, and hearts are left behind in the wake of its destruction. So what do you do? Are there tips to healing from a breakup? The road to recovery is often long and difficult, but absolutely obtainable. One would be lying if they said healing comes easy. The truth is healing takes time especially depending on the depth of the relationship and hurt. The good news is healing does exists. The pain you feel doesn’t have to haunt you for the rest of your life, “if” you choose not to allow it. In this podcast episode we share proven principles that you can apply to your life helping you gain healing from a breakup. Pastor Wallace opens up sharing his own battle with heartache and how these principles helped him. Like a scar from a deep wound, healing doesn’t mean forgetting. Rather, healing means you are able to move on in life with joy and peace that God can provide. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace & Keonte McDonald The post Tips to Healing from a Breakup appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Messaging bad habits in marriages have lead to more unnecessary conflicts than I care to count. Don’t let them happen to you! Good communication is critical to any successful relationship. Unfortunately, many couples don’t always consider how they communicate over messaging as part of their good communication skills. The truth is people spend way more time messaging than actually talking over the phone. Therefore understanding basic do’s and don’ts of messaging in marriage will save you many headaches in the future. Messaging is still fairly new when you consider the age of telecommunications.  For the most part, couples know that rolling your eyes or yelling isn’t good communication. It doesn’t necessarily stop people from doing it, but at least they know it’s not helpful. Yet, do couples know how they text can cause someone to feel like you are yelling at them, or a simple emoji to your spouse can brighten their day. In this podcast episode we have fun discussing some of the do’s and don’ts of messaging in marriage. This differs quite a bit verses dating so we thought we would split them in different shows. If you care to listen to the tips we share to those dating you can check that out too. It will definitely give you a perspective of how they differ. We want to hear from you! What are some of your embarrassing moments? Did we miss something? What advice would you share when messaging? Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace and Keonte McDonald The post Do’s and Don’ts of Text Messaging in Marriage appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Have you ever made a text messaging gaffe while dating that may have cost you another date? Good communication is critical to any successful relationship. This is even more apparent early in the dating process, because one mistake could end your interaction forever. Therefore there are unwritten rules of communication when dating, yet with each generation these rules evolve. Today the primary form of communication is text messaging. Whether messaging through text or direct message (DM) the do’s and don’ts of messaging when dating are there, but do you understand them? Messaging is still fairly new when you consider the age of telecommunications. For the most part people know that you probably shouldn’t call someone ten times in one day after your first date (aka unwritten rule). Yet do people know that probably shouldn’t text someone ten times either. Messaging is a whole new world. We have basic etiquettes, emojis, bit-emoji’s, abbreviations, memes, videos and pictures. Using all CAPS is a no-no, and sending the incorrect emoji could cause embarrassment and spell doom. In this podcast episode we have fun discussing some of the do’s and don’ts of messaging when dating. We share some of our embarrassing moments and other helpful tips that can help you navigate communication in the twenty-first century. For those married, we have a part 2 discussing do’s and don’ts to be release next week. We want to hear from you! What are some of your embarrassing moments? Did we miss something? What advice would you share when messaging? Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace and Keonte McDonald The post Do’s and Don’ts of Text Messaging when Dating appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Is your relationship Private or Public? This is a question that takes on a new meaning today. In the past to say your relationship was private (a.k.a secret) meant you didn’t tell anyone about your relationship. For example, your friends, family and others in your community didn’t know about or had little details of your relationship. Today this isn’t how many define a private relationship. Today a private relationship is one that is not posted on social media for the world to see. This is regardless if your family, friends and close community know about your relationship. If you’re not posting your relationship on social media today, there is an idea that you’re keeping it secret or private. People approach social media differently, for some they post pictures of everything they do and for others they are more conservative and intentional as to the things that they post. This raises the question when it comes to relationships; what should you post? Should you keep your relationship private on social media? Social media isn’t good or bad, it’s an instrument or tool. When answering the question, should you keep your relationship private there isn’t necessarily a right or wrong approach, rather one has to look at their life, their values and decide what is best for them. There are many different variables and pressures that come with posting or NOT posting on social media. There are also healthy and possibly unhealthy motives of why one post or DOES NOT post their relationship. In this episode we explore all these variables and give our thoughts as to things you can be mindful of as you navigate social media and relationships. What say you? Please leave in the comments your take on this question should people post about the relationship on social media? Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace and Keonte McDonald The post Should you Keep your Relationship Private on Social Media? appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Getting married is an exciting time! A big part of that excitement is moving in together. This is what a couple has been dreaming about and waiting for. That moment when their lives fuse together as one. Although this is exhilarating, it can also be stressful. I believe the first year of marriage can be one of the most stressful and difficult years of any marriage. Part of what plays into this stress is moving in together, and all the adjustments that come with it. Often times couples aren’t communicating pre-move. Many are not even aware of what thing they should discuss or prepare for before moving in. As a result they are blindsided! Caught off guard with challenges or resentment that can splinter a couple before they even get started. In this Newlywed Chronicle, I want to talk about things that you should think about and begin to communicate as you are seeking to move in together. Don’t underestimate the complexities of the move. Manage the stress by being proactive! The better you start your marriage the higher chance of its success. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace The post Moving In Together: Managing the Stress (Newlywed Chronicle Ep. 4) appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Why do we push things off that are important? Going LIVE on social media throughout the week to share faith, life & relationship encouragements is something God placed on my heart, and is important to me. One of those is my Newlywed Chronicles. I started off two months ago committed and consistent. It was going good! Yet as the weeks went on, my consistency waned. The next day turned into the next, which turned into next week, and now it’s been almost a month. During this time God convicted me, “stop putting off until tomorrow the things I should do today.” As I seek to rectify my mistake I want to use it as an encouragement today to you. Pushing things off until tomorrow isn’t just a me problem, it’s a human problem. There are things we know are important, things we know we should do, but we don’t do them. We allow other things less significant to take their place. This is also true in relationships. There are important things you should be doing, but you’re maybe pushing off doing them. Maybe it’s having that tough conversation. Maybe it’s planning that date you promised to do. Maybe it’s having intimacy with your spouse that you haven’t done in over a month. Whatever it is that you’re pushing off, it is ultimately hurting your relationship, because it’s not getting done. In this Newlywed Chronicle episode, I want to encourage you don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today! Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace The post UGH! Why do I put off until tomorrow, what I should do TODAY? (Newlywed Chronicle Ep-3) appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

The term breadwinner referees to the primary or sole income earner in a household. Throughout much of history the male has occupied this role, while the wife mainly took care of the kids and home. This didn’t make it right or wrong, but was a result of tradition. During World War I in America this tradition began to change. Woman took to the work force more than ever to meet the needs of the country, and to pay the bills while their husband’s were at war. Yet, once the war ended, the role of the breadwinner would never be the same. Today it is not uncommon to find many women who make more money than men, and wives who are the primary income earner for their family. Again, this doesn’t make it right or wrong, but there are plenty of people who feel indifferent about the subject of the wife being the breadwinner. Recently this topic has become headline news as a result of Wendy Williams, and her comments toward Tabitha Brown. In short, Tabatha was grateful to be in a position to be the primary breadwinner for her family, and expressed excitement for her husband to retire so he could focus on other pursuits. Wendy got wind of this, and shared her doubts publicly that their marriage would last, if Tabitha chose to support her husband. Unfortunately, Wendy expressed her doubts from a place of recent hurt, as she previously supported her husband who ended up leaving her. In this podcast episode we take a look at the idea of the wife being the primary income earner of the home. We ask the question is it OK? Is it right or wrong for the wife to be the breadwinner? We also look at what the Bible has to say and why possibly some people may struggle with women being the breadwinner. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace & Keonte McDonald The post Is it Right or Wrong for the Wife to be the Breadwinner (Wendy/Tabitha Drama)? appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Self-Sabotage: To destroy oneself physically, mentally, or emotionally hindering your own success and well-being. Relationships have their challenges, but what happens when you are part of the problem, versus part of the solution? When this occurs you are self sabotaging your own relationship success. The hard part about self sabotage is often times there is an unawareness or self-deception. Meaning, a person doesn’t see how they are contributing to the problem. They are quick to point out what others are, or are not doing, but not themselves. Stop pointing the finger, and begin to evaluate your own actions. One of the best things people can do to obtain relationship success is take a really hard look at themselves. Self examination is a biblical principle. God tells us that the heart is more deceitful than all else, and is desperately sick; who can understand it (Jeremiah 17:9)? He also tells us to test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves (2Cor. 13:5)! In this podcast episode we first examine ways people sabotage themselves in relationships. Next we discuss things people can do to avoid self sabotaging their relationship success, and ultimately be part of the solution versus the problem. Whether single or married, this is an important topic that everyone should listen into. Please post your comments, leave a review, and share with a friend. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace The post Are you Self Sabotaging Your Relationship Success? appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

What do you do when there is a loss of trust within a relationship? Trust is a foundational piece to any relationship. Unfortunately there are moments within a relationship where that trust is broken. Maybe it’s a partner who has good intentions but doesn’t do all the things they promise to do. Maybe it’s someone who continually does something hurtful. They say they’re sorry, but their actions aren’t changing. Even worst, maybe it’s a scenario of someone cheating on another. Regardless of the severity of the breakdown, if a relationship is going to survive, trust must be restored. How do you rebuild trust in a damaged relationship? Our topic this week comes from a listener, Izabel: Izabel says, “hello, I just wanna say thank you guys for doing what you do on your podcast. This is the first one I’ve even listen to and now I’ve just about gone through every one. I went searching for some hope somewhere new, and definitely found it. It lifts my spirits! I go to listen to this when I am having anxieties about my relationship as a reminder that God is in control. My partner and I have started listening together on car rides to work every morning. I was wondering if you guys could do one a topic on rebuilding trust in a damaged relationship. If you were to do that it would be so amazing, thank you again.” Rebuilding trust in not impossible! In this podcast episode we’re grateful for Izabel sharing such a great topic. We will first talk about what happens when there’s a breakdown in trust within a relationship. We will then offer critical tips that one can take in order to rebuild trust in a damaged relationship. This is not an easy process and will take patients and much prayer. But it’s also not impossible! If you know someone who is struggling within a relationship this is a great podcast to share with them. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace and Keonte McDonald The post Rebuild Trust in a Damaged Relationship appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Is it possible to know someone, yet at times feel like you don’t? In life, people change! Hopefully for most of us those changes are for the better. As we get older and we have life experiences, those life experiences impact us differently. As a result we are not who we used to be and we’re not going to be who we are. This doesn’t mean we all have dramatic changes, but it does mean there are new things that we learn about ourselves and there will be new things we learn about another. Learning new things about your spouse is never more evident then when you become newlyweds. When dating a couple takes time to learn one another. I call this data collecting. It’s through this process that you collect information to determine whether or not if they are who you want to spend the rest of your life with, marry. But just because you’ve spent time to learn someone, doesn’t mean that that’s all there is to learn. One of the challenges newlyweds will come across is the frustration they are learning each other all over again. In this Newlywed Chronicle I highlight reasons why people feel they’re learning a person all over again in relationships. This is not a bad thing but it is something to be conscious of, not allowing it to frustrate and spoil your relationship. I end by offering 5 points that will help you better your relationship when growing together. Learn each other within a relationship never stops Be confident in the choice you madeTalk, Talk and then talk some more Enjoy the moments Check your expectations Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace The post Learning Each Other All Over Again (Newlywed Chronicle Ep-2) appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Life is full and chapters and seasons In life we have chapters, or some know them as seasons. These are periods of time that represent major events and transitions. Sometimes these chapters can be great, and life is good. Unfortunately, there are also seasons of pain and challenge. It is during these times we must remember God is constantly at work. Today I am excited to share the start of a new chapter in my life. Yet, as I share the joys of this new chapter, it’s important to understand the challenge of my previous chapter, and how the hand of God carried me through to today.  In this podcast I want to encourage you regardless of the season of life you are in. Just as God was able to carry me through he can do the same for you. Remember seasons change, chapters end and new chapters begin. Remain faithful in your season and continue to trust in God. To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. A time to be born, and a time to die. A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away. A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak. A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.Eccl. 3:1-8 Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace The post New Chapters (Newlywed Chronicle Ep-1) appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

What a wonderful feeling to be newlyweds, but now what? There are an array of joyful emotions one feels when they first get married. The joy to fulfill a dream you’ve longed to see. The satisfaction of finally being able to reach a goal you’ve patiently waited for. The relief of finishing all the engagement and wedding planning obligations. Finally you are married, yet getting married is not the END, but rather the beginning. Congratulations, you’re newlyweds! Now what? I’m always amazed within ministry the number of couples that have major challenges within the first year of marriage. I’ve seen these challenges become so great that some even begin to talk about divorce. How is it possible a couple in one breath can say I do, and in the next say I quit? The first year of marriage can actually be one of the most difficult years of being married. This is because there are so many different transitions and changes happening all at once. Even more so for those couples who have waited to move in until they are married. Buying a home or renting a home, where to move, budgeting, sex, sex disappointments, new schedules, new habits, old habits, cleaning differences: these are just a few of the many hurtles that newlyweds face when they begin their marriage journey together. In this podcast episode Pastor Brian Wallace shares the exciting news of recently getting married, and offers fresh tips that will help others who are newlyweds, navigate this exciting yet fragile time. Whether single or marriage there is important information you can gain from this episode. There’s always something you can learn and pass on. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace & Keonte McDonald The post Congratulations, You’re Newlyweds! NOW WHAT? appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Dating someone of a different race isn’t always easy. Often when people are of a different race there are differences. These can be cultural differences, religious differences, child rearing difference or even economic differences. Therefore, when trying to connect with somebody romantically where these differences apply, it can be challenging. What are practical tips that can help people dating interracially? Dating interracially takes courage! As much as we want to say we’re an inclusive society, the truth is in many areas we are not. Unfortunately, there is a negative stigma upon those who choose to date outside of their race. This can be spoken, but often times it’s unspoken. It’s the looks or the stairs a couple receives. A big part of dating someone of a different race is stepping outside of one’s comfort zone. Doing this takes courage. God is not a respecter of persons and neither should we. Don’t allow cultural prejudices to keep you from possibly meeting and marrying an incredible person of a different race. In this podcast episode will share practical tips that will help you navigate some of the do’s and don’ts around interracial dating. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace and Keonte McDonald The post Practical Tips for Dating Interracially appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Guarding your heart while dating will help you avoid unnecessary pain. The truth is you can’t trust all people until you know they are trust worthy. Yet, in time as someone shows themselves trust worthy can a person’s guard push them away keeping your relationships from going to the next level. Can a person be too guarded while dating? If the goal of dating is to find a life partner, someone you can love, how can you love someone you refuse to let into your heart? Oftentimes because of past hurts people struggle to let people in. In turn not letting someone in is actually pushing them away. Being too guarded is a form of self sabotage. Whether consciously or unconsciously it will destroy a possibly good thing. In his podcast episode we wanna talk about our guards, and what too guarded while dating may look like? We share how having a guard is important, but also being too guarded can prevent you from experiencing a healthy relationship. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace and Keonte McDonald The post Can One Be Too Guarded While Dating? appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

What is all the buzz about Derrick Jaxn? The social media buzz over the past week or so has been talking about Derrick Jaxn. Derrick is a self proclaim relationship expert who has given relationship advice over the past 8 years or so. He has used this platform to bash men who cheat and mistreat women. Yet, it has been revealed that he himself is a cheater. Yes, you heard that correctly. The person who is teaching people not to cheat is a cheater himself. We want to talk infidelity & the Derrick Jaxn Drama Infidelity, unfortunately isn’t new. Infidelity has hurt and destroyed relationships for hundreds of years. Part of our desire as a relationship resource is to help people avoid its pain. What makes Derrick’s situation so damaging is he wasn’t practicing what he was preaching, leaving a black eye on relationship resources that couples so desperately need to build strong lasting relationships. In this podcast episode we will talk about infidelity & the Derrick Jaxn drama. We talk about the black eye it left and how people shouldn’t allow it to distract them from relationship resources. We will also talk about navigating adultery in marriage and what steps God would like a couple to take where there is infidelity. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace & Keonte McDonald The post Let’s Talk Infidelity & the Derrick Jaxn Drama appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

It hurts to see a friend possibly caught in a bad relationship. As friends you want to be there for each other, through the good and the bad. So what do you do when you find a friend caught up in a bad relationship? Helping a friend isn’t always as easy as it may appear. Often times those caught up don’t always want help. Either they don’t feel something is wrong or they are not willing to break off the relationship. Bad relationships come in all shapes and sizes. For some reason when we think of a bad relationship we immediately go to the worst possible scenario. The advice we give in this podcast will focus mainly on the lighter side of unhealthy relationships. Though the advice we share can apply to abuse or infidelity, the deeper the challenge the better it is to get specific advice dealing with that situation. If you find our tips helpful or have some tips of your own please share in the comment section of the website. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace and Keonte McDonald Photo Copyright by milkos / 123RF Photos The post Tips to Help a Friend Caught Up in a Bad Relationship appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Why does it appear that the nice guy always gets overlooked for the bad boy? Many times women will say they want a Good Man. Women will share how they desire a man who is caring, thoughtful, patient, understanding, and generous, A.K.A the nice guy. Yet, when it comes time to choosing a man it appears that many women overlook the nice guy and are drawn to the bad boy. WHY? What’s up with women and bad boys? What is a Bad Boy? A Bad Boy as defined for this podcast is the guy who has rebel edge to their characteristics. This can range from criminal to just attitude. Often times this is the guy who is nonchalant, rough, unsympathetic, street smart, smooth, and a womanizer. The bad boy isn’t limited to these characteristics nor defined by all of them, but in the end they are the guy who sees a woman and isn’t afraid to take action, and unfortunately the same guy who breaks hearts. On the other hand the nice guy is the one who may not be as smooth, or charismatic, lacking that rebellious edge. They are the guy who gets labeled boring. They are often the guy who is afraid to approach the woman and even worse get stuck in the friend zone. In this podcast we welcome special guest Dana Tyler and ask the question why? We have fun talking about reasons why woman overlook the nice guy for the bad boy, but then we get serious and offer suggestions to help the nice guy get the right girl, and help the good girl avoid the wrong guy. How do you define the bad boy? Why do you think women are drawn to the these types of guys? We want to hear form you. Please share in the comments. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace, Keonte McDonald & Guest Dana Tyler Photo Copy Right by fotogestoeber 123Photo The post What’s UP with Women and Bad Boys? appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Friendships can be difficult to maintain when one enters into a romantic relationship. There’s a saying, two are better than one. Friendships are a critical part of every person’s life. It is our friends that partner with us, laugh with us, cry with us, drive us to be better, and celebrate with us. But what do you do when that friendship is deteriorating due to a new romance? Maintaining friendships takes work! The truth is there’s only so much of oneself that a person can give. As people get older, life gets busier and it becomes harder to maintain connections with people we love. This can be even more difficult when someone steps into a romantic relationship. The time that someone spent with a best friend on the phone or going out for the evening is now spent with someone else. Before you know it a friendship that was once strong and vibrant has become splintered and dull. In this podcast episode we want to talk about maintaining friendships when new romances enter the scene. Whether you are the one stepping into a romantic relationship or the friend that may feel abandoned, how do you navigate this change? We will share key perspectives that will help you as you enter this change and tips you can apply to maintain your friendship. Hosted By Pastor Brian Wallace & Keonte McDonald Photo Copyright by langstrup / 123RF Photos The post Maintaining Friendships after You or They step into a Relationship appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

What good is love without action? Imagine for a moment a marriage without words. Where a couple were unable to speak through sound, sign, or pen. What would be said? I would argue a lot could be said. The husband cooking for his wife, taking her on trips, or helping her with her needs would speak volumes. The truth is showing love will always speak louder. What do your actions say about you? There’s a saying that talk is cheap. The reason behind this is it doesn’t cost much to speak a commitment, but the real sacrifice and cost is following through with one’s commitment. Unfortunately, a lack of caring action is harming more relationships than anything else. See, love loses its value when it isn’t followed by action. In this podcast episode we explore how important showing love is and the impact it can have upon strengthening your relationship. The post Showing Love vs Speaking Love appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Dating can have its ups, but it can also have its downs! It feels good when people find you attractive. It feels good, when you’re going out on dates, getting to know someone and forming bonds. It feels even better when that relationship turns into something promising, a deeper commitment. BUT, what about when people aren’t attracted to you. When you want to date, but no one wants to date you, or when you do date only for it to end in letdown and sorrow. How should one navigate the disappointments in the dating process? Negative experiences in the dating process can leave deep seeded scars if you don’t deal with them properly. In this podcast episode we discuss navigating disappointments in the dating process. We discuss ways people can guard themselves from major letdowns. If you are looking for more guidance in the dating or courting process check out Pastor Wallace’s book, “Chasing Happily Ever After” available on Amazon. If you are dating, or have friends who are dating this is one episode you don’t want to miss. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace & Keonte McDonald The post Navigating the Disappointments in the Dating Process appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

You would think the holidays would bring joy and cheer to the hearts of everyone, but unfortunately that just in the case.  Life has its challenges, and at times these challenges can be frustrating, stealing one’s peace and joy. Often an area of frustration comes from relationships. When in a relationship there’s no where one can hide or turn off the annoyance of another. Facing the same frustration day after day can be emotionally consuming, and before one knows it, they’re overwhelmed with anger in their relationship. So, what do you do when you find yourself consumed with frustration in your relationship? Anger its self isn’t bad. One should be frustrated or annoyed when lied to, or miss treated. Yet it’s what you do with your frustrations, and annoyances that can result in destruction. Especially if one allows their anger to overwhelm them. In this podcast episode let’s talk, why people might be overwhelmed with anger in their Relationship. To do this, we first examine reasons why people become overwhelmed with frustration, and then share tips to help them deal with their anger in constructive ways. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace and Keonte McDonald. Key Scripture: Ephesians 4:26  “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 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. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. The post Reasons why people are overwhelmed with anger in their Relationship? appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Is it a bad thing to rush into marriage? Marriage is one of the most important choices you will ever make? It’s because, who you choose to marry will impact you for the rest of your life. For those who make a wrong choice or marry prematurely it can bring heartache, frustration, and sadly divorce. Therefore why rush into marriage? There isn’t a “ONE” timeframe fits “ALL” when choosing “WHEN” to get married! Their are those who have gotten married quickly after dating/courting and their marriage has turned out great. BUT there are many that have ended in tragedy. Our goal for this podcast isn’t to say that getting married quickly is always bad. Rather, we want to highlight key reasons you should AVOID getting married too quickly, and reasons why it might be okay. Are you considering marriage or know someone who is? Then stay tuned and share it with a friend? Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace & Keonte McDonald KEY SCRIPTURE: Luke 14:28 “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? 29 Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. 30 They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’ The post Why Rush Into Marriage (LIVE)? appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Holiday Loneliness is a real thing! There are singles who are challenged with loneliness throughout the year, and then there are singles who are very comfortable with their singleness. To understand that you don’t need a romantic partner to find fulfillment is critical to healthy living, but yet even those who are secure in thier singleness can find it more challenging to deal with holiday loneliness. During Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years singles are constantly reminded they are single. Whether if it’s a song, a movie, a party, or social media holiday moments are enhanced when you get to share them with someone. So what do you do? How can you avoid the holiday loneliness blues? In this podcast episode we share tips that can help you navigate the barrage of feeling that can come during the holiday. What do you do during the holidays? Please share your thoughts and tips on this subject. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace and Keonte McDonald Photo Copyright by Iakov Filimonov / 123RF Photo The post How to Avoid the Holiday Loneliness Blues appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

In 2020 we saw one of the most contentious political environment in history. This has brought a major divide within our our country, and sadly within our homes. Many couples are experiencing intense communications breakdowns, and this challenge is taring a part marriage. How should couples navigate politics within a relationship? In this podcast know episode we discuss possible challenges couples are facing navigate politics. We emphasize the priority of the home and step you can take with your partner to approach disagreements. In the end, it’s important to remember that Jesus isn’t Democrat or Republican. It’s God who is the author and finisher of your faith, and love for each other is your identify mark. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace Keonte McDonald The post How to Navigate Politics within a Relationship appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Is opposite attraction something you should pay attention to? Hollywood has often sensationalize the idea of opposites attract. There’s a glamour and excitement that without it a relationship is dull. As exciting as it may be to date someone who is very different than you. The question we need to ask, is opposite attraction practical when building a lasting relationship? Relationships need more than excitement to be long lasting. The thing about excitingment is that it comes and it goes. The question we want to answer in this episode is, are opposite attractions a good or bad thing? Should people be intentional to pursue someone who is very different than they. Please welcome guest Dana Tyler as we discuss this and more. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace and Keonte McDonald The post Opposite Attraction: The Good, Bad, & Ugly (LIVE) appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Should you care about being equally yoked when dating and getting married. The word equally yoked is a term that is often thrown around when people talk about marriage, but what exactly does it mean and is it something people should even pay attention to. The idea is a spiritual term that many are not familiar with, because we are no longer primarily an agricultural society. Regardless of your faith or what you believe in, the concept of being equally yoked has a tremendous impact on the health and longevity of relationships. Those who ignore its principle become painfully aware of its absences, if they don’t recognize its meaning. Ignorance isn’t always bliss. In this podcast episode we explore the meaning of being equally yoked, where it originated from, and how it applies to all couples today. Whether you are married, single or dating this is an important subject to better understand relationships and improve on your approach to relationships Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace and Keonte McDonald The post Equally Yoked: What does it mean and why it’s important appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

In relationships you are bound to have disagreements, but what do you do with them? When you take two different people who were raised differently you are bound to have disagreements. A disagreement is when two people have differing view points. For example, you believe the house should be cleaned weekly whereas your spouse may believe it should be daily. The challenge of opinions, is often what leads to conflict and fights. An approach that can help couples navigate disputes is their ability to agree to disagree. What does it mean to agree to disagree? For some this can be ending the discussion, but there is no conclusion. Anytime there is a lack of closure in a dispute the dispute is bound to happen again. Agreeing to disagree isn’t leaving without closure, but it’s finding a middle ground that you can agree upon. Listen to the full episode and learn tips that will help you deal with arguments and disagreements in your relationship. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace & Keonte McDonald The post Agree to Disagree: Tips to Dealing with Relationship Arguments appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Have you ever desired to ask someone out, but struggled to build the confidence to do it? If you’ve ever lacked confidence to ask someone out, you are not alone. All people of different backgrounds have found themselves intimidated in one way or another to approach someone they may like. This intimidation keeps people from possibly meeting in building what could have been something great. All that’s left is disappointment of what could’ve been? Don’t let that be you. Learn confidence building tips that can help you avoid this type of regret? In this podcast episode we look at reasons why people may struggle to communicate their feelings. We then offer confidence building tips that can help you overcome anxieties or intimidation to ask someone out. If you have helpful suggestions that have helped you please share in our comments. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace and Keonte McDonald The post Confidence Building Tips for Asking Someone Out appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

Co-parenting is hard. It requires working together and communication. In part one we shared tips to help couples navigate different parenting styles, but how do you work with a person where you difference drew you a part? There is a reason why couples are divorced or no longer together. Maybe someone hurt the other or cheated on them. Whatever the cause the challenge of working together drove them a part, but now they have to work with that person to raise a child. How do you do that? How do you communicate with someone who you dislike or don’t trust. Children often feel the pain and tension separated parents have. This is why it’s so important that parents learn how to parent together regardless of what happened between them. In this podcast episode we take a look at some of the challenge parents face when raising children while separated. We’ll offer practical tips you can apply to work in harmony for the betterment of your child.  Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace and Keonte Mcdonald Photo Copyright by rawpixel 123rf photo The post How to Navigate Differing Parenting Styles (when separated) appeared first on Simplify Complexity.

What do you when how you want to raise your child differs from your spouse? Everyone has an opinion on how to raise children, but what happens when those opinions differ when you’re married? How do you work through the challenge of having differing parenting styles? In this podcast episode we take a look some of the challenge parents face when raise children. Specifically the challenge when you don’t see eye to eye. We’ll offer practical tips you can apply to work in harmony for the betterment of your child. Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace and Keonte Mcdonald Photo Copyright by rawpixel 123rf photo The post How to Navigate Differing Parenting Styles (when married) appeared first on Simplify Complexity.