A few years ago, Don and I were at a crossroad in our marriage and we had to decide if we were going to remain married even though we didn’t like each other. It was not easy to live with this question hanging over my head nor was it pretty. The realization that we did not like each other was painful, but we had no idea how to break from it. One day, we decided to have a … [Read more...]
3 Signs That Your Marriage is Really Worth Fighting For
Marriage isn’t a requirement in our culture. People get married because they want to. Now of course we can debate whether or not folks are getting married for the right reasons, but whatever those reasons are, it is a personal choice. And for most of us, the decision to get married is not one taken likely. Some serious thought usually takes place before people decide to say, … [Read more...]
If Divorce is Not an Option, What is?
For those couples who’ve decided that divorce isn’t an option, what happens when you experience those marriage valleys? It's easy to think your current challenge will last always. You may feel the frustration and be all out of suggestions for improvements—especially within the confines of a marriage. In those moments, some couples automatically think of leaving. However, for … [Read more...]
Why Divorce Should Not Be “The New Normal”
Unfortunately, the truth is, divorce does seem to be the new normal. We're considering divorce quicker than we're looking for a solution. What happened in our marriages that made it easier to flee than to fight? It seems as though when things become more challenging than we imagined, a large majority of couples aren’t willing to do the work. Marriage is a life changing … [Read more...]
5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Quit on Your Marriage
The word “quit” in this heading is not a synonym for divorce. I'm not talking about divorce, the “quit” I’m referring to is slightly different. There are couples who have decided to remain in unhealthy relationships, but have emotionally checked out. For whatever reason, whether it’s cheaper to keep her or it’s just more convenient to stay, these couples are purposely … [Read more...]
VIDEO: Short Film Addresses – What Happens When Your Spouse is a…CHEATER!
You may have watched the hidden camera TV show, Cheaters. I've been unfortunate enough to allow it to steal some of my time. To me it is a mix of a bad detective show, Jerry Springer, and a bad comedy. But it touches on something that affects many marriages. It dives into what happens when you find out your husband or wife is a...Cheater! Infidelity in marriage is no … [Read more...]
VIDEO: Short Film Steps Inside a Marriage Going Through Storms
Is your spouse aware of the expectations you have in your marriage? Have those expectations gone unmet, and led to disappointment? Over time has this led you to resent your spouse? The Marriage Pressure Points Ministry, has created another powerful short film titled, Storms. The film allows you to step in the middle of a marriage going through storms. As you view the film … [Read more...]
How to Predict and Prepare for Storms in Your Marriage
Storms in your marriage are inevitable. Just like thunderstorms, you know at some point there will be one. Thanks to weather forecasters we are usually forewarned. But what about storms in our marriages? Is it possible to know in advance when they are coming, or are we just at their mercy? More importantly, how do we prepare for the storms? I'm willing to bet you own an … [Read more...]
Are Your Expectations About Marriage Unreasonable?
by Tara Pringle Jefferson I just got finished reading Fighting For Your Marriage, a book that I think should be required reading for EVERY couple - whether they are about to walk down the aisle or if they've been married for 20 years. It's just that good. After reading it, I felt like my marriage was brand-new and I was ready to be the best wife I could possibly … [Read more...]
Marriage Lessons Learned In Grad School – The Weekly Meeting
by Tara Pringle Jefferson Growing up, we had what you would call "family meetings." No big deal, just a half hour or so for everyone to go around and say what was on their mind, at a time when they had everyone's full attention. I remember feeling important during those meetings, because my parents were listening to me, my sisters were listening and my feelings were … [Read more...]