HOW TO FINANCE A MARRIAGE CEREMONY WITH A LOW BUDGET!!!

Financing marriage ceremonies and wedding in Africa especially in Nigeria can be very expensive. This has led to many late marriages. In some cases, the men find their right spouse, but are not able to get married because of the huge cost of financing marriage ceremonies. We should know that the cost of a marriage ceremony is not enough reason to stop any person from getting married. No matter how low your budget is; you can successfully get married. All you need to do is to invite a small number of persons for the marriage ceremony to suit your budget. If your budget for the marriage ceremony is very low, you can also limit your marriage ceremony to the payment of bride price or dowry. The Bible recognizes that the couple is legally married when bride price or dowry is paid. All you need to do after payment of the bride price or dowry is to take your wife to your pastor for marriage blessing. You should know that the ceremony of marriage is not more important than marriage itself. It is only a means to the marriage. Marriage itself is what matters most. Every man should desire to get married. Whether the budget for your marriage ceremony is high or low, it is important that you get married. Once you get married, you will begin to experience fresh favor from God and your financial level must increase. When you’re financially favored you can still do the marriage anniversary as many times you want it.

What is the basic financial requirement for a man before marriage?

There are many men who do not want to get married until they become very rich. In some cases, it may take them years to make the kind of money they need before they get married. Some end up not even making the money. The truth is that you don’t need excess money to get married; rather you need marriage to make excess money. The principal financial requirement for a man before marriage is to have a job that gives him a basic salary, no matter how small. It is very important that you have a regular source of income. If you are operating your own business, ensure you make a steady income no matter how little. Once you have a job and accommodation no matter how little, you can get married. When you are married, God says, you have found a good thing and you will obtain favor from Him. The marriage will not only increase the level of God’s favor upon your life, it will also increase your spiritual strength. The combination will increase favor from God and ideas and skills how to make money when you go about it the right way.

What about places were their cultures demand high budget and bride price?

The fact remains that cultures are man made and are subject to change. Therefore, it should not stand between people and marriage. God made marriage to be between a man and a woman. What is important is the parents consent and bride price. Once these are concluded the parents of the lady should also ensure that every other formalities that follows, that they are considerate and their demands are what the proposed in-law can afford. They have a role to play to ensure the happiness of their daughter are not dashed by unreasonable demands of their relations who did not contribute to the upbringing of their daughter. There are unscrupulous individual who do not like good thing coming to others so they will do every thing to stop it.

Rather than one delaying his wedding for financial reasons, it's better to have a low profile wedding, receive God's favor, and then prosper.

ATTRIBUTES OF A GOOD WOMAN!!!

Most of men's problem is finding a good woman. Some men have been deceived and dazed by a woman's looks, at some point in their lives. Many of them have wasted countless hours and spent fortunes chasing after women who lied to them and basically treated them like dirt. Some regret the lost opportunity to marry a woman who was not exactly physically attractive but was a good woman.

Below are some attributes of a good woman: 

1. She is confidence and family oriented: I believe that one of the most important qualities of an amazing woman is definitely her confidence. Every woman should possess this quality! A woman that is self-confident, that trusts her abilities and exudes confidence all the time is totally irresistible in the eyes of men everywhere. Also, she has a close relationship with her family and avoids bad worldly external elements that may taint its sanctity and purity.

2. Compassionate, gentle and affectionate: Avoids yelling and hurtful confrontational words that can later cause long term damage and resentment. Most men are attracted to women who show they care about the people or things around them. They want to be with someone who’s nice and caring and who can satisfy their need for affection because most of them are only big babies inside that tough exterior. So, don’t be afraid to show your feelings; just try not to smother him because, just like you, he still needs his freedom and that doesn't mean he doesn't love you.

3. She has a big heart and approachable: Thinks about others and knows how to talk to them and treat them. Most men prefer a woman who is approachable, who seems accessible like the girl next door, someone nice and gentle whom you can proudly introduce to your parents, and who’s not afraid of ruining her make-up if you touch her face. So, try not to seem too unavailable because this will only intimidate your dream man!

4. Understanding and Unselfish: Considers you in every situation. She does her part of the work in the relationship to make it strong. Every man wants to be with a woman who is understanding and nice, who’s not nagging him all the time and who's not trying to control his life. Also, a man would really love a woman that accepts him the way he is, that loves him for who he is and who doesn't try to change him. I wouldn't like someone try to change me either; I would gladly try to improve my behavior to make somebody happy, but that would be my choice.

5. Good with kids: If she is unable to be patient and understanding with kids, it is quite possible that she will not be able to be patient and understanding with you.

6. Cooks and cleans well: Women are virtually useless if they do not have domestic skills. Don't get me wrong, men should learn these things too. It's just that you should expect this from women just like women expect a man to buy her a drink. They naturally attain a gift for maintaining life at home with every gentle touch. What a beautiful thing.

7. Patient and encouraging: Men are powered by their ego, which is a known fact and a sex trait they have. You don't have to constantly compliment men all the time, but be encouraging! A man likes to know if he gets a promotion at work, makes a great meal, is having a hard time, or dealing with a life issue, that he has your encouragement and support. Tell him, leave him a note, or even send a card. He'll love you for it! Men love women that are also patience. Sometimes this may be difficult given that time of month but a good woman will have patience, who does not rush things or always in a hurry to get things done.

8. Sense of humor: I guess since nobody likes someone too serious and uptight, it’s understandable why men like women with a great sense of humor. They want someone with whom they can laugh and have fun, because in every relationship there are a lot of other things that matter more than sexual attraction. Don’t worry that you might seem silly or childish; chances are that he is even more childish than you! Don’t be afraid to be yourself! If a woman has a good sense of humor and loves to laugh most of the time. This is a big plus. Life is not that serious all the time so we must learn to drop our corporate grown-up act occasionally. We are all still children.

9. Smell nice: While looks aren't everything, every man likes for a woman to smell nice. Use a great shampoo, wear a great perfume, or just use a fabulous lotion. Whatever scent you choose will be the one he associates with you, so make sure it's a great one! Every time he smells it, he'll think of you and go crazy with comfort and love.

10. Can enjoy and appreciate the simple things: A good woman should be able to enjoy the simplest things in life. Sitting down together and talking over some tea or wine. If she is not able to enjoy the bare minimum, it's time to look for somebody new. A good woman appreciates what she has been given. It's the simplest things in life that count.

11. Independent and Hard working: Is positive about her job and works hard at it. Does not complain and nag about work all the time. Knows how to save her money and spend it realistically (not caught up in lavish living unless affordable). She does not use your money all the time and belittle you for not having enough. In my opinion also, independence is a must-have quality for every woman, whether she wants to attract the man of her dreams or not. Men need a lot of affection and care as well, but just like you, they may feel the need for space now and then too. So, that’s why I believe a man will be more attracted to a woman who’s independent, who has her own friends, hobbies, and especially her own life beyond the relationship that she’s in.

12. Honest: A good woman is not afraid to tell you the truth even though you may not like it.This is another extremely important quality that every woman should possess in order to be true to herself and to attract the man of her dreams. Obviously, a lot of men want to be with a lady who is sincere and honest and who doesn't like lying or cheating. Well, who wouldn't? Even though most men want to create the impression that they’re really tough, they still can get hurt pretty easily and that’s why they want to trust the woman with whom they’ll be in a relationship. So, try to be sincere, and even though you may think that the truth will scare him, I think he’ll appreciate your honesty!

5 TRAITS OF A GOOD MAN

These are the qualities that makes a man stand out  and be labelled a good man!
1. PROMISES –  A man’s word is his currency.  A respectable  man is a man of his word. He says what he means and means what he says. His word is his bond. A good man will keep his promises to his woman. He won’t break dates and be a no call and no show. He will not play with your emotions.  He remembers to call you when he says he will. A man who values his woman keeps his promises. That is the way he shows that he cares.

2.  Intimacy is something that is natural to human nature. However, pressuring a woman whom he just met for sex is not of a good man’s nature. A man who has any intentions of being a good mate to you does not pressure you for sex when he meets you. A woman is not a vehicle to be driven. Her body does not need to be test driven. A woman is a gift from God, and her time, attention and affection should be appreciated, not taken for granted. If a woman meets a man who wants to test drive her physical body, emotions and feelings, it’s best that she point him to a car dealership, bid him goodbye and don’t look back! A woman deserves a good man who will respect her.   

3. A good man will let a woman know what place she has in his life. He will give you a title, whether that title be friend, girlfriend, boo, woman, lady, or wife, he will introduce you as such. He will introduce you according to how he feels about a woman, no surprises. Good men in general tend to be very protective. We mark our territory. If a good man loves you, he is willing to profess it to others. 

4.  A good man is not a selfish man. He puts his woman first and is always sure to address any issues or concerns that she may have. A good man desires to do things that make his woman happy. The opinions of his lady count to him. He understands that a happy wife means a happy life. 

5.  When a good man wakes up in the morning, his mission is to make sure that his family is taken care of in every way, to the best of his ability. He wants to make sure his woman is happy and satisfied. Providing for the people he loves and cares about, whether it’s financially or with sweat equity, it’s all a part of a good man’s DNA. A good man has no limits to the thing provides for those he loves.* A good man believes in uplifting his family, allowing himself to be an image that his family can look up to.  They in their life label him as a good man. 

* A good man has a desire to protect and provide for his woman. Even if he may currently not have the financial ability to provide for a woman he still has a deep desire to. If he doesn't want to see his mother working diligently chances are he does not want to see his woman work diligently either.

RELATIONSHIP MISTAKES TO AVOID!!!

For us to experience bliss in our relationship, I have carefully outline the mistakes we need to avoid. Mistakes are inevitable as it is commonly said but it can be avoided or limited when we observe the pointers that can prevent us from making a regrettable one. Carefully read through the following mistakes to avoid.

1. Don't assume your partner would know how you feel

Communicate your feelings.  Man and woman are two different gender. They see things differently and as a result what tickles a man and woman are different. Many people think their partner should know how they feel, what they are thinking of and their mood. However, this usually does not work as we think. Find the right avenue to discuss how you feel. Assumption does not solve issues it only compound problems.

2. Never expect much from your relationship

Failure to meet your expectations could bring about disappointments. A lot of people usually expect their partner to satisfy all their needs. For instance, your partner cannot give you joy no matter how caring or affectionate they might be. If your joy is not from the inside, no one else can make you joyful. Don't make your expectations high. They are human and cannot meet all. But when you have low expectations, you won't have much of heartache or emotional trauma.

3. Avoid cheating on your partner

Try as much as possible to confide in them emotionally and sexually and remain faithful. Don't keep anyone as your confidant other than your spouse. Cheating destroys the trust and happiness in a relationship. Stay away from all avenues to cheat on your partner. Also no man or woman can keep their partner faithful. The fear of God keeps a man/woman faithful.

4. Avoid playing the blame game

Blame does no good to a relationship or one's partner other than frustrate life out of them. When you blame your partner, it shows that you are shelving your responsibility off you. Be courageous and bold enough to be responsible for your actions. Also, rather than blame, mutually discuss any issues that can affect your partner or the relationship.

5. Don't promise what you cannot fulfill. Only do what is within your limit

As people seek to be loved or accepted in a relationship, they often tend to magnify their capacities. Hence, this will make them dishonest or feel unworthy with their partner. In a bid to be accepted, do what you can do and promise what you can fulfill.

6. Don't dwell on residual knowledge

A lot of us usually believe we have what it takes to handle our relationship in terms of knowledge and wisdom. But we often dwell on our residual knowledge and this will not help us. We need more experiences and ideas from people who have practical and proven knowledge about relationships. Read books, attend seminars and listen to educative programs. This will equip you with the knowledge to handle your relationship. The Bible in 1 peter 3:7 says,  "Husband dwell with your wife according to knowledge, giving honor unto her......." Without acquiring the necessary knowledge from God on how to dwell with your partner, you will only be living together and not dwelling together.

7. Don't do it alone, involve God

It is believed that a threefold cord is not easily broken. Who you share intimacy with in your relationship determines the strength of your relationship. Most of us involve friends, parent or colleagues in our relationship but their contribution usually affects us negatively. When you involve God in the affairs of your relationship, He will give you the strength and wisdom to handle any issues. Don't believe you can do it successfully without God. Psalm 89:21 says, "With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him." If God bring you to it, He will also take you through it.

8. Don't try to make a wrong relationship work

After seeing warning signals, most people blindly remain in their relationship thinking they can make it work. An abusive partner may not change even if you do all you can. Be sensitive to use your head and heart in determining the real nature of your partner. Don't be carried away by a show of affection or love. They are not genuine. Don't waste your time and resources on making a wrong relationship work. It is better to have a broken engagement than to build on a faulty relationship. What God is not in, will not work no matter the effort you put into it.

9. Don't just profess love but express it

Love is best practiced when it is not only professed but expressed. It is expressed in words and deeds through sacrifice and commitment. Don't just say "I Love You", say it when you mean it and when you need to reaffirm your vows to your partner. Love is action not words, people treat you the way they feel about you, words lie, actions don't. If you know what right but don't do it, you are in the same category with the person that do not know. The need to feel ‪#‎Loved‬ is a top ‪#‎Emotional‬ need we all have. Learn how the one you love needs to feel Loved.!!

10. Don't remain as you are

Work to improve yourself in all areas of your life. Develop your emotional, spiritual, financial and mental life. Stagnancy sucks relationship and slow poke its growth. Endeavor to be matured emotionally as this would save you from being hurt or pained. Maturity creates a level of independence for you in your relationship. Don't remain immature this year. The Bible says that God's grace is sufficient for us. Always ask for God's grace to develop a quality character that reflect Jesus and knowledge required daily to be able to sustain your relationship to the end

11. Don't be suspicious

Do not create room for suspicion in your relationship. Be consistent always in what you say or do. Because suspicion creates a form of doubt and negative image of the person that is suspected. It breeds worry and fear even if it lack an element of truth. When you become suspicious, it will affect the trust level of your relationship. Don't create an avenue to be suspected rather discuss any issues that can lead to suspicion. Be open in discussion and avoid secrecy.

12. Don't dwell on falsehood

"You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free". There are many people who are envious of your relationship and the only way to ruin it is when they say untrue things about it. Don't hold on to lies, falsehood or untrue statement; however, seek to know the truth from your partner by communicating effectively. Don't react to hearsay but find the truth.

13. Avoid becoming impatient

It takes patience to make relationship work. Impatience causes a lot of havoc such as anger, abuse, nagging and other issues. There are some issues that can be solved amicably with "I'm sorry" but impatience will magnify it. Cultivate patience in your lifestyle and relationship. Patience does not mean you are silly or weak, it only shows your level of maturity.

14. Avoid living a false life

Be yourself! Many people live less than their true self by trying to please others. This will make them function less than their original self. Try to be yourself and live your best. It is better that you are accepted the way you are than to be accepted for who you are not. Don't make the mistake of living a false life, it shows you lack originality and stability. 

Mistakes can be avoided in your relationship when you follow the necessary steps. Don't live in assumption but talk out issues, don't be suspicious but clarify any element of doubt, don't live a false life but be your real self. Never cheat on your partner but ensure to remain faithful to your promises. A single mistake can affect the success of your relationship. Endeavor to avoid it as much as you can. Remember, issues are inevitable but can be limited. PEACE!!!!

MEN NEED TO FIND THEIR VISION BEFORE BRINGING A WOMAN INTO THEIR LIVES!

The most important discovery of a male is his vision. Vision gives a male a sense of meaning in life. Vision provides security and meaning for the female also because she came into your life to help you go to wherever you are going.You should never marry a woman if you don’t know where you are going. That’s an abuse of a woman. She came to help you, to help you with what, is the question. The male was created first. First doesn't mean you are better, it means you are responsible for everything that comes after you. God never taught the woman anything, He automatically made the male her teacher.

The greatest gift God gave man is not the gift of sight, but the gift of vision. The greatest enemy of vision is sight. Sight is a function of the eyes but vision is a function of the heart. Never trust your eyes over your vision. Vision shows you what could be, sight shows you what is. Always live by what you see with your vision, and not what you see with your eyes. The Bible says we walk by faith not by sight. Vision contradict your eyes.

If you have no vision, you can be lead by good things that are not right. Good things are not always right. Vision is purpose which you can see.A man who knows his purpose doesn't go home and sit in front of the television with beer in his hand, drinking for five hours. Vision makes you a finished man. Your vision is your true concept.

To know if a vision is from God, it will make you look like a fool. If they believe you the first time you tell them, it’s not from God. Joseph ran and told his daddy, I saw myself sitting on the throne. His brothers said are you crazy? If they don’t think you are crazy, its not a vision from God yet. Joseph’s brothers couldn't handle his dream; they threw his clothes off and threw him in a pit. Joseph never got angry. Joseph in the pit must have said to himself, this is not what I saw. If what you see is not what you saw, then what you see is temporary. Your job is your temporary employment. Enjoy where you are, because it isn't permanent, its temporary. When his brothers took Joseph to the desert and threw him into the pit, it had to be one of the pits right next to the highway, where the merchants caravans would be coming all the way from Syria to Egypt to do business. They had to have thrown him into the right pit right next to the highway. It was the right pit that the caravans had to pass. When his brothers saw the caravans, the took him out of the pit and sold him on the side of the road to the caravans. He was in the right pit right next to the right highway, because the free transportation that he needed to get to the throne was coming that same highway.

 If a man wants to marry a woman, the first question a woman should ask a man is not do you love me?, but where are you going. Work before woman, vision before woman, assignment before woman. When a man finds his work, he secures the peace of the woman. A woman doesn't come to compete with you, she comes to complete you.

Most men marry women like companies hire people. Some companies hire people and don’t give them anything to do. It's so frustrating to hire someone and not tell them what to do. When a man discovers his work, then he’s ready for a woman to help him in his work.The woman was created to help the man. If someone is coming to help you, you must be doing something. God said, I will make for him a helper. Everything God built into a woman is to help her man. When some men meet some women, they feel threatened, because they've got no project for her to work on. A woman needs a mans work to be fulfilled, because, she’s a helper. A helper comes to help you. If you need to lift a podium, and you need help, you either need someone as strong as you are, or stronger. We think the woman is the weaker vessel. The word weaker in the Bible means delicate, not without strength. The helper has to either be as strong or stronger, to help you with your work.

WHAT IS A MAN'S VISION THAT GOD GAVE HIM?

SELF-IMAGE: The first thing God gave the male was image, because the most important thing males must have is a self image. His self-image and self confidence is in God. And he must know he is the image of God. 

BE IN HIS PRESENCE: The second thing is that the first place God put the man was in Eden, in His presence. The male was placed in the garden first but the female was presented to the man in the Eden. The female met the male in the garden(God's presence). A woman should always marry a man who you meet in God's presence. If you meet a man in the presence of God you cannot go wrong. You don't go outside of the presence of the Lord to meet a man and then try to bring him in the presence of God.

WORK (VISION): The third thing God gave to man was to work (Assignment/vision). God gave man work before woman. Your work is not your job. Your job is what they pay you to do. Your work is what you were born to do. You can retire form your job, you cannot retire from your work because your work is your gift. Your work is your purpose; your purpose is the original reason why you were created. Your work is your source of vision. Vision is purpose in pictures. When you see what you were born to do in pictures, that is your vision. When you find your purpose and see it in pictures, you have discovered your vision. The woman met the man working. You need a man who is working. A man who loves to work.

HOW DOES A WOMAN HELP A MAN IN HIS WORK? PROVERBS 14:1

WISE WOMAN: The Holy Spirit is called the same thing a woman is called 'HELPER'. That is the one who comes along side to help. Holy Spirit does not take over our life, He always comes to help us do what we are doing. So you don't pray and ask Holy Spirit to take over your life. It is a wrong prayer because He is not structured  or designed to do that. The Bible says, " when the Holy Spirit comes, He will guide us into all truth and bring to remembrance all things you learnt". If you know nothing, He will keep reminding you "you know nothing", "you know nothing". Knowledge (information) gives the Holy Spirit materials to use when you are under pressure. So a man must be sure he has a plan in place for his life before a woman comes in because a woman like the Holy Spirit comes loaded and equipped ready to help. She got intuition, wisdom, insight, intelligence, sensitivity, power, incubation, anointing and she comes into your life ready to help but if you are doing nothing she can't help you do nothing. She is a provider. You give her a sperm she produces a child. You give her a home she gives you a beautiful house to live in. She is an incubator. God designed a female to be an incubator. An incubator is something that gives life to everything. If you give a woman a word, she will give a sentence. You give her a sentence, she gives a paragraph. You give her a paragraph, you get yourself a book. You give her frustration, she multiplies it and give you hell. A female is an incubator, she receives information, expand it and gives it back to you. A female never keep anything. Incubators never keep anything. they will hold it for a while but you will eventually get it back, and it never comes back the way you gave it out. It comes back multiplied. That is why a woman will bear a pressure for twenty years and one day all of a sudden she goes crazy on the husband. A woman is an encourager. When a man begins to share his vision with you, you need to encourage him even when it seems impossible. God also designed a woman to be a receiver. She is built to receive which means whatever she sees she desires that is why women never have enough. And this create problems for a man if not controlled. Proverbs 31 says a noble woman does not cause her husband to go after spoil. That is a wise woman even though she sees what she wants she does not pressure her man to get it. You don't demand things that will put pressure on your husband. You cannot have everything you see. In a marriage the man is a provider, the source and the woman is suppose to be the incubator. How? Male was design by God to carry the weight of the entire family. Wherever something comes out of sustains it. That is where Father comes from. The male man comes from God. Father means source or sustainer. God created the male out of Himself. God is the Father of the male and his source. The female did not come from the soil. She came out of the male which means the male has become the source of the female.So the male is the father of the female. He is the source and the sustainer of the female. The word "FATHER" means the source and sustainer which means everything you source you gat to sustain. God is responsible for creating the male and then created the female from the male. Secondly, He is a cultivator and the woman is suppose to be the provider. He is the giver and she is the receiver. He is the protector and she is suppose to be the encourager. He is the developer and she is supposed to be the nourisher. He is a teacher and she is suppose to be resource. A woman is design to help a man fulfill the assignment God put in a man to do. A woman is not the the one who comes to destroy what he was assign to do. You don't marry a man and dictate how he is suppose to live. A helper does not run the show. A wise woman helps her husband achieve, studies her husband and constantly does not irritate him, criticize him. A wise woman keeps asking him a question. She tries to find out what his dreams are, his vision is, what his desires are. Her goal is to study him to really get his vision because you cannot help somebody who you do not know his assignment.

FOOLISH WOMAN:  Foolish woman is the one who comes into a man's life that is already doing something, instead of helping him because her foolishness and possess with her own plan believes that what she is doing is more important and that she needs her man to do it with her and forget whatever he is doing and do what she is doing. That is a usurp of authority on the man. A woman who finds out that her man has a vision should not create two visions in the house. Submit your vision into his vision. If a woman comes into a man's life and do not submit her vision to the man's, she is creating a division that will ruin the marry. A woman's sense of direction in a marriage is subject to the man's headship! She takes her lead from him! The man uses His vision, talents, skills, power and authority to bring out the very best out of the woman and thereby ensures that her gifts are fully developed to the glory of God. So that is why a man must discover his vision first before looking for a helper! And also a woman is advised to ensure she marries a man with a vision who will help her fulfill her own vision. A woman is a helper and not a destroyer.

Finally, a man needs a woman who can be a helper, the one who can incubate his dreams, encourage him to pursue God's goal for his life, a healer in time of stress, who will not become his number critics but his number protection, one who will be there for him.