When you’re married to a partner who finds it difficult to open up and communicate with you, you have to get creative. Verbally expressing what you’re feeling, what you need, and what matters most to you, doesn’t come naturally for everyone. So, while you can’t force your spouse to open up and talk to you about anything, you can encourage them by introducing activities and a … [Read more...]
5 Sweetest Day Hacks to Create the Sweetest Life With Your Spouse
Marvin Gaye's smooth voice singing "How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You" is one of the most renowned relationship songs out there. Released in 1965, it has helped couples love and last for decades. But what does it mean to be loved, especially in marriage? Of course, that's the million-dollar question that has a million different answers. I mean, in every relationship, love … [Read more...]
Divorce: Is It the Answer to Lazy Husband Syndrome?
Divorce. It's the ugly "D" word. In fact, it causes emotions that are the direct antithesis of everything most people feel when they get married: joy, elation, excitement, hope. Rather than these, thoughts of divorce often lead to dread, embarrassment, fear, sadness. We usually don't toss that word around lightly. At least we shouldn't. I mean, not for stuff that's fixable … [Read more...]
3 Engagement Behaviors That Can Ruin Your Marriage
There's something about a great proposal and you want in. You've seen couples who are doing marriage right and you think you've met "the one." After seeking out marriage advice on google, from your pastor, and your closest married friends, you took the next step. "Will you marry me" has been asked and answered in the affirmative and you're preparing to walk down the aisle. But … [Read more...]
Best Marriage Advice: How to Stay in Love in Your Marriage
I've written in the past about not letting divorce enter any portion of your marriage. Some of the best marriage advice I've ever heard is it should never be spoken, used as a threat, or even joked about. That is key to having a lasting marriage. But what happens when you've done that, and you don't like it? Or, you don't like your spouse? Is saying no to divorce and … [Read more...]
4 Prayers to Fireproof Your Marriage
You fireproof your home. You make sure the stove is off and there are no piles of brush near the dwelling. Along with that, you ensure the electrical wiring is good and you purchase fire retardant furnishings. What about your marriage? Are you willing to fireproof your marriage? 4 Prayers to Fireproof Your Marriage In this article: Forgive quickly Demonstrate … [Read more...]
Practice These 5 Communication Levels to Boost the Intimacy in Your Marriage
We know communication is vital to any relationship. Communication is the heart of the human connection. It can be verbal, or it can be nonverbal. Either way, rest assured, communication exists whether you are saying anything or not. It is the pathway by which we get to know one another better. Our likes and dislikes, joys and sorrows, similarities and differences are all shared … [Read more...]
7 Tips for Finding Peace of Mind in Your Life and Your Marriage
Give anyone a choice between chaos and peace, and they will undoubtedly choose peace. Peace of mind is what we all strive for. No matter who you are, or what you do, no one wants to feel overwhelmed, stressed out or weighed down by the day-to-day burdens of life. We want freedom, joy, and the peace that comes with it. When we are unable to find inner peace, it carries over … [Read more...]
Happy Easter, Happy Marriage
,This Sunday is the most sacred of all days for those in the Christian faith - the day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Even many who don't regularly attend church will be making it to the house of the Lord this week. But beyond a packed church, patent leather shoes, new suits, colored eggs, and chocolate bunnies - Easter Sunday means something to … [Read more...]
6 Ways to Spring Clean Your Marriage
Spring is in the air. Flowers have started blooming, people are wearing shorts, and that spring feeling is irresistible. But how about in our relationships? Regardless of the month of the year or the temperature outside, an opportunity to spring clean your marriage should never be overlooked. 6 Ways to Spring Clean Your Marriage In this article: Learn to appreciate the … [Read more...]
3 Tips for Having Godly Friendships With the Opposite Sex
I am an advocate for Godly friendships with the opposite sex, but I have also heard many arguments suggesting that Christian males and females cannot be friends. A majority of intimate relationships develop from a friendship, which shows the reason why they are necessary. But they are needed for more than just potentially meeting your spouse. They are also essential for … [Read more...]
10 Reasons a Marriage Ministry Can Be as Effective as Marriage Counseling
Years ago when we moved to Atlanta, one of our first priorities was identifying a church home. We visited many churches during our search to make sure one main criterion was met. The church needed to have a strong marriage ministry which, in some ways, can be as effective as marriage counseling. We believed that marriage is a covenant between us and God. As a result, we … [Read more...]
Woman Warrior: 10 Ways You Should Fight for Your Marriage
Everybody knows marriage is difficult, particularly if you don't put the time and effort into building a strong foundation. It gets easier with time, but during the process of growing into mature, selfless spouses, marriage requires a will to fight for the union. Marriage is not for the weak-minded or soft-hearted. Marriage is for warriors. But being a woman warrior can be … [Read more...]
Be Careful Who You Pray For in a Spouse
"I prayed for a husband, and God answered my prayer." I hear it all the time from married women; however, their tone of voice isn't as gleeful as you might imagine. They prayed for a man who will love and adore them, yet they get annoyed when he wants to show affection and be close 24/7. They call this type of man "needy." What we fail to realize is that when we pray, God has … [Read more...]
Step Family Life: 5 Very Real Concerns of a Biological Mother
When my husband proposed to me, I was elated. He was finally going to put a ring on it after six months of dating. This was in 1999, so I realize this may seem odd. However, I knew in my heart that he was my husband and I told him this. I am also a mom of a beautiful six-year-old daughter, Gabrielle(Gab). She is my everything. Her father wasn’t in her life and wasn't even … [Read more...]