I’m going to begin a new tradition. Every now and then, I’m going to be on the look-out for articles that really knock my socks off and would bless my Messy Marriage readers too. I’m going to call these posts – Wise Words. So today’s first Wise Words spotlight goes to four women who I think always have great content on their blogs, but I’m going to highlight one specific post from each of them this time around.

1. Ngina Otiende shares authentically from her own life experience in, “6 Ways to Navigate Financial Difficulties in Marriage” at her amazing blog, Intentional Today. If you are in a financially tough season (and who isn’t these days!), you’ll glean some excellent advice—not just on how to cut back—but how to lean into the “lean times” and come through with greater hope and encouragement for the present and future!

2. Kelli Woodford has offered up an amazing “Share Your Story – Ties that Bind” here at Messy Marriage. But today I’m highlighting a deeply moving and authentic post she wrote, “Thru Gritted Teeth {a thankful post}“ on her blog, Chronicles of Grace. I love how she is so real, raw and always redemptive in her writing and this one really shines when it comes to all three of those qualities. In this article, she shares about walking through a dark time while struggling to find God’s joy.

3. Becky Kopitzke blesses me every week with her motherly wisdom at her blog, Time Out: Devotions for Moms, but the one I’m highlighting this time around is, “Put a Little Love in Your Voice.” This article is geared towards mothers, but could be applied to our spouses just as well as our children! Again, I love how Becky is so vulnerable about her messy mommy-hood! And if you missed Becky’s “Share Your Story” article for MM back in December, then please check out her beautifully redemptive article, “Finding Contentment in Heartache.”

4. Elizabeth Spence does an amazing job of “fighting for marriage” over at The Warrior Wives and one recent article that caught my eye and convicted my heart was, “When Maternal Instincts Rule the Roost.“ She gives a honest and disarmingly humorous look at how we sometimes disrespect our husbands in our need to hold down the fort at home. It’s that gentle nudge you know you probably need!

If you didn’t see your blog or article listed here, then hang on, I may be highlighting one of your amazing posts in the near future! Because I do love “blog-hopping!” So then let’s get right to it and do some more blog-hopping at Wedded Wednesday!

Photo by le vent le cri

Joining with NOBH, Works for Me Wednesday and To Love Honor and Vacuum

WW rules:

1. Write in any way you feel inspired about marriage, parenthood or anything that reflects Christ’s redemption in your life.
2. Be sure to include a link to Wedded Wednesday or copy and paste the WW button (it’s hyperlinked, so no need for code) to your blog.
3. Visit and comment on at least one other person’s blog that’s linked up here.

Optional but encouraged:

• Consider setting up your Gravatar profile and Disqus Profile with a link to your blog … it makes it so much easier for all of us to find those of you who blog!
• If you have the time, visit those who visit your blog and comment at their place as well … sort of a “Say it forward.”