Some people may look at my relationship with Jimmy on social media and wonder if it’s really real. Are we really that happy together? How could two people actually love each other that much? The truth is—yes, we really are, and every single thing you see about us is real and true. Every expression, the way we look at one another, the way we have Chelsea with Magnolia Legacy Photography capture our moments during every holiday (and sometimes twice!)—it’s all genuine.
I believe the reason why Jimmy and I are so perfect for one another is that we share the same values. We believe God should be at the center of our relationship, and that is where He stays.
We value each other and the time we get to spend with one another over anything else in life. We both believe that some of the sweetest moments in life aren’t grand gestures or elaborate vacations. They’re found in the simple, everyday things—like baking cookies together in the kitchen. The laughter over a flour-covered counter, the teamwork in measuring ingredients, the patience in waiting for the cookies to bake—all of it reflects the ingredients needed for a strong, faith-filled relationship.
Just as a recipe requires the right combination of ingredients to create something delicious, a God-centered relationship needs key elements to thrive. So, I’m going to share with you what we believe is the recipe for a love that is built to last, with God at the center.
1. Trust – The Foundation of Every Recipe
In baking, the right measurements are crucial. If you miscalculate the flour or sugar, the outcome won’t be what you hoped for. The same is true in a relationship—trust is the foundation that holds everything together.
Jimmy and I both had very difficult relationships in the past. If you read our first story I posted, A Love Story Written by God, I talk a little bit about this. Jimmy was the first man I ever dated who took his responsibility of loving me seriously. His past relationships weren’t much different than mine; they were often more focused on what he could do for them rather than working as a team. Because of our pasts, trust was something we both had to work hard to build—it wasn’t just given.
Trusting your partner means believing in their love, their character, and their commitment. More importantly, trusting God with your relationship means surrendering your love story to Him, knowing that He is the ultimate author of your journey together. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
When we place our trust in God, He provides the stability that keeps our relationship strong, even when life gets messy—just like flour all over the kitchen counter!
2. Patience – Waiting for the Cookies to Bake
When you bake cookies, you can’t rush the process. If you take them out too soon, they’re undercooked. If you leave them in too long, they burn. Love works the same way—relationships require patience to grow, deepen, and mature.
We have learned that patience is key when it comes to understanding each other. I have to say, Jimmy probably has to be more patient with me than I do with him—but he would disagree! Regardless, every day we make a choice to respect, listen, and be patient with one another.
Patience means offering grace when your partner makes a mistake. It means being slow to anger and quick to forgive. It means trusting God’s timing in your journey together.
1 Corinthians 13:4 tells us:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
Just as we wait for cookies to bake to perfection, we must also wait for God’s timing in our relationships—whether that’s in seasons of growth, healing, or waiting for prayers to be answered.
3. Communication – Stirring Everything Together
A great recipe requires stirring ingredients until they are well combined. If you don’t mix everything properly, you’ll get uneven results. In relationships, communication is that mixing process—it brings everything together and ensures understanding between partners.
I can honestly say that before Jimmy, I never had a relationship where communication was a priority. Jimmy and I just work so well together. Our past experiences have taught us that being able to communicate effectively with one another is just as important as trust and patience. Respecting your partner and being able to listen and empathize with one another is key.
Open, honest communication creates a deeper connection. Just like we check the texture of our cookie dough before baking, we should also check in with our partner—sharing our thoughts, feelings, and prayers with one another. Jimmy and I do everything together. It works well for us, and we value spending time together over anything else.
James 1:19 gives us wisdom in how we should communicate:
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”
When we listen well and speak with love, we create a relationship that is strong, balanced, and full of grace.
4. Prayer – The Secret Ingredient
Every great baker has a secret ingredient that makes their recipe stand out. In a God-centered relationship, prayer is that secret ingredient. It strengthens love, deepens faith, and invites God into every aspect of your journey together.
Praying together fosters intimacy and trust. It reminds you that your love is not just about the two of you—it’s about God working within your relationship. God is the reason we are together, and praying is the glue that keeps us strong.
Matthew 18:20 tells us:
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
When you make prayer a priority, you invite God into your relationship, allowing Him to guide, protect, and bless your love story.
5. Love – The Sweetest Reward
After all the effort—measuring, mixing, waiting, and baking—you finally get to enjoy the cookies. The warmth, the sweetness, the joy of sharing them together. Love is the same way. It’s not always easy, but when built on trust, patience, communication, and prayer, it becomes something beautiful, fulfilling, and long-lasting.
A God-centered relationship isn’t about perfection. It’s about growing together, learning together, and keeping Christ at the center of everything. Just like baking cookies, love requires effort, intentionality, and a willingness to follow God’s recipe for a strong, faith-filled relationship. I can honestly say that each day I wake up, I don’t believe I could love Jimmy more than I do at that moment—only to realize the next day, I love him even more.
So, the next time you and your partner bake together, let it be a reminder of the sweet, simple moments that make love so special. Because the best relationships—just like the best cookies—are made with love, patience, and a whole lot of faith.
For more information on our fabulous photographer, her name is Chelsea Walker and she is with Magnolia Legacy Photography. You can contact her @chelseawalker@magnolialegacyphotography.com or at her website here.
