6 a.m. Conversations

Where love meets faith…one morning at a time.

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

  • We Don’t Get Enough Time Together

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Those minutes matter. Those minutes build connection.

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

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

    That stuck with me.

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

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

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

    That’s what keeps the connection alive.

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

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

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

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

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

  • The Harvest, Reaping What You’ve Watered

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Fertilized by Faith, Keeping God in the Garden

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • New Roots, Old Lesson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Pruning Season–Keeping Love from Growing Wild

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Morning Dew

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    I had to learn that.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • The Ministry of Maintenance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    And yes, it’s prayer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • When You’re Loving Through Disappoinment

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

    Yeah. Nobody puts that part on Facebook.

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

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

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

    Either way, it hurts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Love on a Budget

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    And guess what? So did yours.

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

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

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

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

    Nah…it’s just growth.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • The Marriage You Post vs The One You Pray For

    Let’s talk about the highlight reel.

    You know what I mean, those anniversary posts with matching outfits, candlelit dinners, and captions that sound like a Hallmark card. “Married my best friend. Couldn’t imagine life without you.” Yeah, that one.

    But the picture never tells the whole story, does it? Because what we don’t post are the nights you slept back-to-back, the mornings you argued on the way to church, or that moment in the kitchen when you realized “forever” requires way more forgiveness than you expected.

    Don’t get me wrong…post your joy. Celebrate your person. But don’t start believing that curated version of love is the real thing. The marriage you post is polished. The marriage you pray for is processed.

    See, social media will have you out here comparing your behind-the-scenes to somebody else’s highlight reel. You’re looking at their beach vacation photos while you and your spouse are arguing over what to cook for dinner. You’re seeing “#CoupleGoals” while wondering if y’all even still have the same dream.

    But here’s the truth, what’s sacred doesn’t always look spectacular. Real love is sometimes ugly, quiet, and un-Facebookable. It’s the two of you learning to laugh through disappointment, pray through frustration, and keep showing up even when nobody’s watching.

    I remember one time I posted a picture of us smiling at dinner. We looked happy and we were, for about two new york minutes. Five minutes later, we were arguing over who ordered the wrong dessert. The waiter probably thought we were auditioning for a courtroom drama.

    That’s real life. And that’s okay.

    Because the marriage you pray for, the one that keeps you grounded is built in those moments. It’s the daily decision to stay when it’s inconvenient. The whisper of “Lord, help me love them right” when you’d rather prove your point.

    Marriage isn’t performance art; it’s purpose work. It’s two flawed people trying to love each other the way God loves us…unconditionally and without filters.

    So yeah, post your wins. But remember, the best love stories are written offline, in the quiet spaces where you choose grace over gossip, patience over pride, prayer over pretending.

    So think about this, are you more focused on proving your relationship looks good or doing the work that makes it be good?

    Loving By HIS Word–“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” Romans 12:9 

    God isn’t impressed by public display. He honors private discipline. The love you nurture behind closed doors will always outlast the one you perform in public. Pray more than you post, and let your actions preach louder than your captions.

    6 a.m. Quote–“The world sees your pictures, but God sees your practice. Don’t chase likes, chase longevity.”

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

  • Pillow Talk and Silent Treatment

    Now let’s talk about the part of relationships nobody brags about…The Quiet Wars.

    You know, those nights when you both go to bed mad, laying back-to-back like two statues auditioning for a mattress commercial. Ain’t no “good night, baby,” just the loud hum of pride between you and the sound of someone fake snoring out of spite.

    Yeah, that one.

    See, when you’re young, you think communication is all pillow talk. Deep conversations, soft laughs, saying “we got this” after every argument. But when real life shows up, communication turns into who left the lights on, who didn’t take the chicken out, or why you always “say it like that.”

    Let’s be real, sometimes it’s not even the issue that’s the problem. It’s the tone, the timing, or that look they give you that says, “You done yet?” And next thing you know, y’all not talking for two days…over something you don’t even remember starting.

    But here’s the thing, the silent treatment might feel powerful, but it’s really poison. It’s emotional distance dressed up as control. You think you’re teaching them a lesson, but really, you’re teaching them to live without your voice. And that’s dangerous.

    Because once communication dies, connection follows.

    See, love was never meant to be a guessing game. We’re supposed to talk through the mess, not pack it away. Pillow talk is where honesty meets humility. Where you both lay down your pride long enough to listen.

    Now, I’m not saying it’s easy. There have been nights I stared at the ceiling saying, “Lord, I know You said be slow to anger but this woman is testing ALL the limits of grace.” But then I remember if God went quiet every time I messed up, I wouldn’t have heard from Him in years.

    Relationships thrive on what you say, but they survive on what you’re willing to hear. It’s not just about getting your point across, it’s about understanding the heart behind theirs.

    You can’t fix what you won’t face. And you can’t heal what you refuse to talk about. Sometimes, the apology ain’t even about being wrong. It’s about protecting peace.

    And that peace? It’s worth more than being right.

    So, stop letting pride keep y’all in separate corners of the same bed. Roll over, swallow that ego, and start the conversation even if it starts with, “You still mad?”

    Because sometimes the softest “I love you” is hidden behind the hardest “I’m sorry.”

    Now think about this; when silence shows up in your relationship, are you protecting your peace or punishing your partner?

    Loving by HIS Word–“Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” Ephesians 4:26

    God never said you wouldn’t disagree. He just said don’t stay disconnected.
    Love isn’t about avoiding conflict; it’s about learning how to fight fair and forgive fast. When you choose communication over comfort, you honor God and your covenant.  

    6 a.m. Quote–“Pride builds walls. Humility builds bridges. You can’t kiss across a wall.”

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

  • When Love Feels Like A Job You Can’t Quit

    Let’s be honest, some days, love feels like clocking in to a job you didn’t apply for. No benefits, no paid time off, and management (aka your spouse) always has notes about your performance.

    Don’t act brand new, every long-term relationship hits that point. The “I love you, but I don’t like you right now” phase. The “you breathing too loud” phase. The “why do I have to be the mature one again?” phase. Yeah…that one.

    See, folks don’t talk about the grind of love. Everybody’s excited about the wedding, the honeymoon, the “we’re a power couple now” energy. But nobody hands you the manual for when life starts handing out assignments.

    Bills. Kids. Work stress. Body changes. Unmet dreams. That’s when the real curriculum starts.

    Love is work and not the easy kind. It’s the kind that stretches you, humbles you, and sometimes sends you to bed mad, whispering a prayer like, “Lord, fix them…but if You’re busy, fix me first.”

    The truth is, real relationships require daily effort. You don’t just fall in love; you keep working in love. And sometimes that work looks like forgiving when you don’t feel like it. Sometimes it’s letting your partner win an argument because peace pays better than pride. And sometimes, it’s cooking dinner even when you swear you already retired from the kitchen.

    Now, before you start feeling underappreciated, here’s the other side — they’re working too. Maybe not the way you think they should, but they’re showing up the best they know how. Sometimes love looks like a sacrifice you didn’t see. Sometimes their silence is them holding it together.

    One of the biggest lies we were sold is that love should always feel good. Nah. Sometimes love feels like patience on probation. It’s being committed to the assignment even when the feeling fades.

    But here’s the beauty: when you stay consistent, something shifts. Love starts to evolve. You start seeing your partner differently. The same person who once irritated you with their habits starts to comfort you just by being there. You start realizing that love isn’t a paycheck, it’s a purpose.

    See, when you work a job, you get compensated. But when you serve in love, you get transformed.

    And if you stick with it, one morning you’ll look at them messy hair, morning breath, the same person who left socks on the floor and realize you wouldn’t trade it for anything. Because love, the real kind, ain’t about quitting when it’s hard. It’s about clocking in again, grateful that you still have someone worth showing up for.

    Here’s a question; when love starts to feel like work, do you check out or clock back in with gratitude?

    Loving By HIS Word–“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” — Colossians 3:23

    God didn’t design love to be effortless; He designed it to be eternal. When you love with intention, even on the tired days, you’re honoring Him. You’re saying, “This union matters, even when it’s messy.” And that kind of faithfulness builds something feelings never could. 

    6 a.m. Quote–“Love isn’t a vacation, it’s a full-time calling. Some days you’re the boss, some days you’re the intern, but every day you better show up.”

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

  • Small Acts, Big Love

    Everybody talks about “keeping the spark alive.” Sounds nice, right? Flowers, trips, surprises, all that. But let’s be real, life ain’t a Hallmark commercial. Sometimes love looks a lot less like fireworks and a lot more like somebody taking out the trash without being asked.

    Somewhere along the way, we got conditioned to believe love has to be big to be real. Grand gestures. Expensive gifts. Facebook moments. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that small acts done with a genuine heart last a lot longer than flashy moments that fade after the picture’s posted.

    I remember a time when I came home from one of those long, everything-went-wrong kinda days. I was tired, irritated, halfway talking to God and halfway talking to myself. I walked in expecting chaos, but instead, the house was calm. Dinner was on the stove, the TV was low, and the only thing she said was, “You good?” That simple question hit different that day. It wasn’t fancy. It was grace.

    See, love doesn’t always need to announce itself. Real love whispers. It’s in the coffee that’s made before you wake up. The text that says, “Just checking on you.” The way somebody prays for you when you don’t even ask. Those are the moments that build something solid.

    I get it, small things don’t always feel romantic. But if you’ve ever had a season where everything felt heavy, you know how powerful it is when somebody shows up for you in the little ways. Love isn’t proven in the big promise, it’s in the daily proof.

    And here’s the truth: small acts take effort. It’s easy to buy a gift. It’s harder to stay consistent. It’s easy to post about love. It’s harder to live it quietly, when nobody’s clapping. But that’s the kind of love that builds legacies.

    People underestimate how far simple things go. A compliment when you could’ve stayed silent. A hand on the shoulder when words won’t do. Choosing kindness when you’d rather be right. Those are love’s building blocks.

    So if you ever start thinking your relationship has lost its spark, stop chasing moments that look good and start creating moments that feel good. Small things, done with a pure heart, keep the fire steady and that’s what lasts.

    Let me ask you this, when was the last time you did something small just to make your person’s day a little easier? Not because you had to, but because love makes you want to.

    Loving By HIS Word–“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18 The biggest love is often found in the smallest moments.

    6 a.m. Quote—“Big love isn’t about big moments, it’s about small acts that never stop showing up.”

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

  • When You Disagree But Stay

    Let me tell you something nobody preaches about: staying in love when you don’t like each other that much. Yeah, I said it. You can love somebody and still not like them in the moment.

    See, disagreements come standard with every relationship. Folks act shocked when they argue like it’s some kind of spiritual failure. No, that’s called being human. You’re gonna bump heads especially when two grown people with opinions, pride, and Wi-Fi try to share a life.

    I remember one argument clear as day. I can’t even remember what started it, probably something small, like who left the light on or who said they’d take the trash out yesterday. Next thing I know, we’re both silent, not the peaceful kind, the “I’m saying nothing before I say something I regret” kind. You ever had that silence? That “Lord, hold my tongue before my mouth ruins my blessing” silence? Yeah, that one.

    Here’s what I’ve learned though: love doesn’t disappear just because you’re frustrated. But pride will surely try to make you act like it has. Sometimes the real test isn’t who’s right, it’s who’s willing to protect the peace first.

    And look, I’m not saying be a doormat. But every argument doesn’t need a winner. Some days you just need a timeout and a prayer. I used to think staying meant pretending everything was fine. Now I know staying means working through the mess even when it’s uncomfortable. It means learning how to disagree without destroying the foundation.

    Funny thing is, God doesn’t waste even those moments. That friction? It refines you. It shows you where your ego still lives rent-free. You find out real quick whether you’re trying to build love or just trying to win an argument.

    See, people want relationships that feel good all the time but that’s not love, that’s delusion. Love is when you can stand toe-to-toe, disagree, roll your eyes, maybe even sleep on opposite sides of the bed and still show up the next morning with a softer heart and a stronger commitment.

    I’ve realized that “staying” isn’t weak…it’s wise. It means you value growth over being right. It means you understand that one disagreement doesn’t cancel the covenant. Some folks break up over things that could’ve been solved with a deep breath, a little humility, and maybe a nap.

    So here’s a thought: are you fighting to be heard, or fighting to be healed? Because one brings distance and the other brings understanding.

    Loving By HIS Word–“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2)
    Love doesn’t run when it’s hard, it roots itself deeper.

    6 a.m. Quote—“Every argument is a chance to prove that love’s bigger than your pride.”

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

  • Grace For Each Others Growth

    You ever look at your partner and think, “Now, Lord… this can’t be the same person I married”?

    Yeah, been there done that.

    See, nobody tells you that the person you say “I do” to is going to evolve…sometimes into a version you don’t fully recognize. Life has a funny way of growing people up, breaking them down, and stretching them in ways that don’t always fit your comfort zone. And when that happens, grace has to show up where patience runs out.

    I had to learn that growth doesn’t always look pretty. It doesn’t come with a progress report or a warning label. One day, you’re vibing; the next, you’re arguing about why they suddenly need “space” or why they started eating kale. Growth can look like distance, disinterest, or just change you didn’t approve of. But here’s the thing, God doesn’t just grow you; He grows them too.

    I remember a season when my communication was trash, straight-up garbage. I thought “I’m fine” was an acceptable response to everything. Meanwhile, she was over there trying to have real conversations, and I was ducking accountability like a pro. It took time, prayer, and a few hard truths before I realized: if I want grace for where I’m still growing, I have to extend grace for where she is too.

    The problem is, most couples want growth without the growing pains. You want your partner to evolve, just not in ways that make you uncomfortable. You want maturity, but you also want things to stay familiar. But you can’t have both. Sometimes love requires you to let go of the version of your partner that existed five years ago so you can make room for who they’re becoming today.

    And listen, growth is rarely synchronized. One of you might be deep into self-reflection while the other’s just trying to make it through Monday. That’s normal. The goal isn’t to grow at the same speed — it’s to grow in the same direction.

    Here’s the funny part: we’ll pray for God to change our spouse, but the moment He does, we catch an attitude. “You’ve changed.” Well yeah…that’s what we prayed for!

    Grace means allowing people to evolve without holding them hostage to who they used to be. It means realizing you’re not in a competition for who’s more mature; you’re on the same team, trying to win the same game.

    So before you judge how your partner’s changing, ask yourself this: are you giving them room to grow, or are you punishing them for not staying the same?

    Loving by HIS word–“Bear with each other and forgive one another…forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13) Grace is the gift you give when love matures past convenience.  

    6 a.m. Quote— “If you want grace for your growth, give it for theirs.”

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

  • When Conversation Feels Quiet

    Let’s be honest there are mornings when “good morning” feels like too much conversation. Have you ever sat across from the one you love, staring into space, and wonder if they’re mad, deep in thought, or just deciding what to eat next? That silence can feel loud enough to make you start a fake argument just to break it.

    But here’s a truth you won’t hear in premarital counseling: silence in a relationship doesn’t always mean something’s wrong. Sometimes it just means two people are tired, grown, and out of small talk. And that’s okay. You don’t need a daily TED Talk to prove your love.

    People love to romanticize constant communication — “we talk about everything.” That sounds great on Instagram, but in real life? Try talking about everything after 15 years and three loads of laundry. The mystery fades when you’ve already heard every childhood story, know every facial expression, and can tell what kind of mood it is just by the way they shut the fridge.

    Still, here’s where a lot of couples get it twisted, they mistake silence for distance. They panic when things get quiet, as if peace is a bad thing. Maybe love doesn’t always sound like laughter and conversation. Maybe sometimes it sounds like two people breathing in the same room, doing their own thing, but still showing up.

    And sometimes silence is… strategic. Because when tension’s in the air, words can become weapons. You ever been mid-argument and thought, “I should stop talking now” but then kept talking anyway? Yeah, me too. That moment right there is where silence could’ve saved the day or at least the couch you ended up sleeping on.

    Here’s the funny thing about love as you get older: you start realizing that “comfortable quiet” is a luxury. When you can sit next to someone and not say a word…not out of anger but out of peace, that’s growth. That’s trust. That’s not needing to perform love because you’re living it.

    So maybe the next time things get quiet, don’t rush to fill it. Don’t ask, “What’s wrong?” like a detective at a crime scene. Just sit in it. Enjoy it. Let the silence speak for you.

    6 a.m. Thought: When was the last time you sat together in peace and called it progress?

    Loving by HIS Word–“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) Stillness isn’t the absence of connection, it’s the presence of maturity.

    6 a.m. Quote–“If love can survive the silence, it can handle the noise.”

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

  • The Quiet Work of Love

    Since nobody told me I will give you this bit of advice before you say, “I do.” The the butterflies eventually retire, the fireworks fade, and one day, you’ll find yourself arguing over who left the gas tank on empty…again.

    That’s love, the real kind. It’s not picture-perfect smiles and constant excitement. It’s two people trying to navigate life, pay bills, stay sane, and somehow still like each other in the process. Love is beautiful, but it’s also work; quiet, consistent, often overlooked work.

    Let’s be honest at 6 a.m., I’m not out here trying to change the world. I’m just trying to gather my thoughts, remember what day it is, and not trip over the dog. But somewhere between the quiet and the sunrise, I’ve learned a few things about love, faith, and the in-between spaces where both get truly tested.

    At 49, I’ve discovered that relationships aren’t the fairytales we thought they’d be. They’re more like boot camp with blessings. Long days, early mornings, and moments where you question all your lifes decisions. But then, just when you’re ready to wave the white flag, something reminds you why you signed up in the first place.

    I’m a retired Air Force guy, family man, football coach, and a follower of Jesus Christ who’s still learning what love really requires. And even with Him leading the way, I can tell you now: relationships will test your patience, your pride, and yes, occasionally your liver and blood pressure.

    I used to think love was about passion, that spark you feel when everything is new and easy. But real love doesn’t need to be loud to be strong. These days, love looks like grace after disagreement, patience during silence, and laughter when things don’t go as planned. It’s remembering your partner isn’t your opponent, even when they’re getting on your last dang on nerve.

    Sometimes, love is just surviving the day without saying something you’ll regret. It’s realizing forgiveness is more valuable than being right. It’s choosing presence over perfection, and showing up when it would be easier not to.

    And yes, love can feel routine but I’ve learned that routine is what roots it. The rhythm of shared moments, the ordinary days, the inside jokes — that’s where the good stuff grows.

    So no, I don’t have it all figured out. But I’ve learned this: love matures. It trades the fireworks for warmth, the excitement for endurance, and the fantasy for faith. And honestly, that’s a trade worth making.

    Loving by HIS word–“Let all you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:1) Love does not have to be loud to be strong, sometimes it needs to keep showing up day after day.

    6 a.m. Quote—“Love isn’t always fireworks — sometimes it’s just two people deciding not to kill each other before breakfast.”

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