Simplify Complexity: Christian Relationship Advice & Help

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.

Hosted by Pastor Brian Wallace

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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?

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.

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?

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

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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?

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

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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 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

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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.

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.

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?

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

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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?

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.

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.

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.

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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?

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

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