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To each his own, but I am not a fan of wrestling.  It just seem like everlasting suffering at the hands of another human being.  The word wrestle means, “TO TAKE PART IN A FIGHT, EITHER AS SPORT OR IN EARNEST, INVOLVING GRAPPLING, WITH ONE’S OPPONENT AND TRYING TO THROW OR FORCE THEM TO THE GROUND.”

Over our twenty two years of traveling along our marriage journey, Michelle and I have learned this very important fact, OUR TOMMORROW MAY VERY WELL BE TODAY.  Another truth we have experienced is that “ we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12.  Your husband is not the real troublemaker.  Your wife is not your enemy.  You are not wrestling with your spouse.  There is a weakness in both you and your spouse causing fights but it is the real enemy behind it all.  This troublemaker subtly roams around seeking to devour every marriage.

Godly husbands and wives are targets for the devil.  Marriage was created to reflect the creator of marriage.  God created marriage to last a lifetime and for both husband and wife to become one flesh until death.  I once asked a married couple, are you both ready for the end?  The husband answered, yes!  The wife reluctantly looked away as if to be at a distance in thoughts.  She had not accepted Jesus into her life as Lord and Savior.  I then realized the reason they were at the point of going their separate ways.  I asked the wife, “do you know where you will spend eternity without a relationship with Jesus?”  She knew the answer.  This couple was unequally yoked.  They constantly WRESTLE against each other not seeing the real enemy.

We are living in some dark days in this world.  Man is now woman and woman man.  Children are lost not knowing who they are.  There are transgenders, homosexuals, bisexuals, and some refuse to identify as male or female.  The world is lost with men marrying men and women marrying women.  It is that time when real Godly marriages are being attacked and man-made marriages are celebrated.  Male and female are able to use the same bathrooms in public places.  Television commercials now highlight evil more than ever.  The evil is so wide spread and coming so fast like a woman giving birth with closer contractions and terrible birth pains.  Husbands and wives are walking away from real marriages like streams without flowing water.  The devil is on a rampage and he is after Godly marriages in these last days on earth.  Why?  Because he himself knows that the time is near when Christ will return.  In these last days husbands and wives need to be radical in their marriage relationships by standing up for the truth no matter what.  The truth of God’s creation of real marriage to overcome the evil that has engulfed the society.  Here are three ways to live together in marriage and experience piece and security even in these wicked and evil days.

FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT TOGETHER
Choices are everything.  Good choices lead to good outcomes.   The husband and wife who commit to making Godly choices in their marriage relationships can only experience Godly outcomes.   When a husband sees the truth that his choices affect his wife and the wife realize that her choices affect her husband, and both decide to make the right choices the marriage relationship will withstand the forces of evil that the enemy is launching at marriages in these perilous times.  The truth is, you can both team up and experience God’s peace and comfort to overcome these last days disasters.

FINISH THE RACE TOGETHER
It’s a spiritual race that both husband and wife must run together by praying each other through to the end.  Remaining faithful to the end is extremely important for couples to put into action.  It is the Christian life both husband and wife must steward well understanding that it is a marathon, not a sprint.  Husbands and wives who hold each other accountable in these last days will get the encouragement to not give up on the marriage when the pressures of life come crashing down.  They have each other as support.  More importantly, they have God as their father to turn to for help.

KEEP THE FAITH TOGETHER
Real love perseveres until the end.  The faithful commitment made on the wedding day is the necessary action needed in these perilous days.  “For better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till death we do part” is tested  so strongly in these days.  When both husband and wife guard the truth of God’s word by living the truth of God’s word together, giving in to hardship takes a backseat.  This marriage is solidified in God’s word and cannot be easily shaken.  Peace, Joy, Love and Harmony lay together in this marriage bed resting while others are in turmoil from fear, doubt, temptation and even divorce.  The truth is, many marriages today are ending in divorce as the days get darker in this society.  But the marriage that sits on the rock of FAITH has a solid foundation that experiences peace beyond understanding that only comes from the creator of Marriage.

Now is a great time to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior if you have not done so as husband and wife.  You need that relationship with Jesus as you both journey in marriage.  Your marriage cannot operate well without Jesus.  A marriage without Christ is a dysfunctional marriage and dysfunction produces no peace.

Especially in these end times, Michelle and I continue to pray for your marriages to withstand the winds of adversity coming from the evil one, satan.  His time is short on this earth and it is coming to an end as can be clearly seen.  The Bible is fulfilling.  Jesus is coming back soon.  This is the time for every married couple to fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith.  In doing so you will surely overcome, experiencing the peace, love, joy and harmony you desire in your marriage relationship.  Huddle up and live.

About The Author

Carim Hyatt was born and raised partially in Jamaica, West Indies.  He is one of seven children from the Hyatt family and has grown into a great man of God.  Carim had the luxury of seeing his grandparents model a Christian family life while portraying a marriage in God’s image.  Carim had his mother in his life also and learned a great deal about values and wisdom.

Carim’s passion is marriage and family. He and his wife Michelle, are hosts of MARRIAGE IN A MINUTE, a radio talk show reaching all over the world.   He has authored two books, The importance of Salvation and Staying Married Becoming One Flesh.  Carim’s third book, PURITY IN PREPARATION FOR MARRIAGE is soon to be released.  His journey has taken him from Insurance adjuster to minister through writing and public speaking.  Carim leads men’s ministries, married couples lifegroups, praise and worship along with many other areas of ministry as God has led him.  Carim and his beautiful wife Michelle have appeared on Television programs , namely TBN, speaking about marriage and family.  He is a great motivator, mentor and loves the Lord with all his heart.  His passion is to see every marriage go the long haul while being molded into God’s image

Join Carim on this great journey as He reaches the unsaved for Christ while continuing to encourage marriages and families.

Read all our marriage articles on Jamaicans.com

Visit our website: www.MarriageVantagePoint.com for great resources to help you and spouse.

Listen to our weekly podcasts: https://anchor.fm/carim-hyatt

Photo – Deposit Photos

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According to the 17th annual report from Post Office Travel Money, Montego Bay in Jamaica ranked 17th among the 20 least expensive holiday destinations in the world for British travelers. The report ranked the 20 destinations on the basis of a cost comparison of the average prices for eight items: a cup of coffee, a bottle of beer, a glass of cola, a 1.5L bottle of water, a glass of wine, a bottle of insect repellent, and a three-course meal that included a bottle of wine. The costs of the individual items were then added to create a cumulative total.

The costs of these items in Montego Bay, a travel destination prized for its bird sanctuary and Greenwood Great House, excellent beaches, relaxed ambiance, natural beauty, and opportunities to snorkel, dive, water-ski, go horseback riding, and parasail, were as follows: A cup of filter coffee: £3.11; a bottle of local beer: £3.02; a 1.5L bottle of water: £0.86; suncream (200ml): £7.11; and a three-course evening meal for two with a bottle of house wine: £62.47. The cumulative total of all the items was £87.71.

Comparatively, the least expensive vacation destination in the world included in the report was Cape Town in South Africa, which had a cumulative total of the eight items of £51.44. The individual prices were: A cup of filter coffee: £1.42; a bottle of local beer: £1.61; a bottle of water (1.5L): £0.66; suncream (200ml): £5.43; and the three-course evening meal for two, including a bottle of house wine: £35.80.

The full list of least expensive destinations identified by Post Office Travel Money were, in order, Cape Town, South Africa: £51.44; Marmaris, Turkey: £57.59; Sunny Beach, Bulgaria: £58.30; Mombasa, Kenya: £58.96; Algarve, Portugal: £59.95; Hoi An, Vietnam: £59.99; Kuta, Bali: £68.10; Tokyo, Japan: £71.49; Colombo, Sri Lanka: £73; Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt: £73.32; Costa del Sol, Spain: £73.99; Paphos, Cyprus: £78.08; Corfu, Greece: £81.35; Funchal, Madeira: £85.02; Phuket, Thailand: £85.33; Mallorca, Spain: £86.03; Montego Bay, Jamaica: £87.71; PoreÄ , Croatia: £88.08; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: £89.51; and Sliema, Malta: £90.85.

Photo – Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB)

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THIS WEEK’S TOP NEWS STORIES

Jamaican and Caribbean weekly news stories

SECOND ROUND OF INCREASES SCHEDULED FOR NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE
The lowest-paying jobs in Jamaica will see another increase in the minimum wage as the second round of increases in just two years takes effect. The second round will provide raises that are more significant than the hikes made in 2022 and will be the largest increase in some two decades. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced the new rates in the House of Representatives, noting that the new rate represents an increase of 44 percent. As of June 1, 2023, Jamaica’s national minimum wage will rise from J$9,000 to J$13,000 for a 40-hour work week. A separate increase will be given to industrial security guards who will see an increase from J$10,500 to J$14,000 per week.

JAMAICAN WOMAN JOINS WORLD WOMAN HERO HONOREE AS SHE RINGS OPENING BELL AT NASDAQ
Jamaican Shari Smith was among a group that joined Federica Marchionni, the Global Fashion Agenda CEO and honoree of the 2023 World Woman Hero award, when Marchionni range the opening bell at NASDAQ for the day’s trading in New York City to mark the end of Women’s History Month. Smith is from Montego Bay and is a communications specialist and vice-president of corporate affairs at WPP, one of the largest public relations companies in the world. Smith described her experience as an “absolute honor and privilege.” Smith is the daughter of Ralph Smith, a transportation mogul based in Montego Bay. She was invited to join the group at the opening bell by the World Woman Foundation. Marchionni is the former president of Dolce and Gabbana and Ferrari and now serves as CEO of Global Fashion Agenda. Smith was the only Jamaican and the only Black woman in the group.

THIS WEEK’S TOP CARIBBEAN NEWS

BELIZE PASSES STRICT TRAVEL RULES FOR JAMAICANS AND HAITIANS
Under new and more stringent immigration protocols, Belize now requires Jamaicans to provide proof that they have paid for lodging before they enter the country, while Haitians can no longer enter the country without visas. The government imposed the stricter rules following a meeting of the cabinet that determined nationals from Haiti and Jamaica, both members of CARICOM, use Belize as a point of transit in attempts to enter the United States illegally. The cabinet invoked Article 226(a) of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which allows Belize’s Minister of Immigration to immediately require a visa for Haitians who want to visit the country and to require Jamaica’s nationals to provide proof that they had paid for non-refundable hotel lodging before boarding flight to Belize. A task force designed to address “rampant smuggling” will be chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration.

THIS WEEK’S TOP JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS

DANCEHALL ARTIST SPICE THANKS ATLANTA SURGEON BY TEACHING HIM JAMAICAN PATOIS
In 2022, the recording artist known as the Queen of Dancehall, Spice, was hospitalized in the Dominican Republic suffering from complications from surgery. She was then flown to Atlanta, Georgia, where Dr. Nicholas Jones successfully performed a series of life-saving operations that saved her life. She showed her gratitude to the surgeon who saved her when her case seemed hopeless by agreeing to his request that she teach him some Jamaican patois. She was happy to teach him popular phrases in patois, including “wah gwaan” and “big up yuh self.” Spice is fully recovered from her near-death experience and subsequent surgeries, and even announced a new song, “Queen of the Dancehall,” which is set to release on April 11, 2023.

THIS WEEK’S TOP BUSINESS NEWS

MORE THAN 350 PARTICIPANTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD REGISTER FOR 2023 EXPO JAMAICA
Expo Jamaica, which is the largest trade and exhibition event in the Caribbean region, has already garnered 374 participants from around the world. Aubyn Hill, Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, announced the fact at a think-tank gathering at the Jamaica Information Service on April 4, 2023, in Kingston. The 48th staging of Expo Jamaica will be held at the National Indoor Sports Center and the National Arena in Kingston from April 27 to April 30, 2023. At the Expo, Jamaican businesses will be able to connect with buyers from around the world. The Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association is hosing the event. According to Hill, about 50 percent of the registered attendees are from Jamaica, while others represent interests from Ghana and Guyana.

THIS WEEK’S TOP ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

CALABASH LITERARY FESTIVAL TO RETURN TO TREASURE BEACH IN 2023
The famous Calabash literary festival will be held May 26 to 28, 2023, in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, for the first time since 2018, and it will include among its sponsors Amazon’s Audible, the online audiobook and podcast service. According to Justine Henzell, co-founder of the festival, this is the first time that a large, global, corporate sponsor has been involved with Calabash. She attributed the sponsorship interest to the fact that Audible recognizes the Calabash brand and trusts that it can develop a collection of short stories about love from Jamaica. Audible is a top internet option for the acquisition of audiobooks, as well as the top producer of Dow label audiobooks in the world. The theme of the 2023 Calabash festival is “Onward Upward – For Word” and will feature authors including Linton Kwesi Johnson, Olive Senior, Xavier Navarro Aquino, Padma Lakshmi, Jeremy Pointing, Ingrid Persaud, Joyce Carol Oates, Margaret Busby, Jonathan Escoffery, Nicole Krauss, Tom Zoellner and Namwali Serpell.

THIS WEEK’S TOP SPORTS NEWS

RETURN OF RACERS GRAND PRIX TO FEATURE TOP ATHLETES
The Racers Grand Prix competition will return to National Stadium in Kingston in 2023 after a hiatus of two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event is scheduled for June 3, 2023, with several high-profile Jamaican competitors, including Shericka Jackson, Hansle Parchment, Megan Tapper, Fedrick Dacres, Traves Smikle, Oblique Seville, and Shanieka Ricketts. Other star athletes slated to appear include Noah Lyles of the US, Wayde van Niekerk of South Africa, and Tobi Amusan of Nigeria. Glen Mills, president of the Racers Track Club, said more athletes will be announced closer to the event’s opening date. Tickets will be available the first week of May, but prices have yet to be disclosed.

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