How Can I Put My Spouse 1st … without Becoming a Doormat?
We had a great question on our Marriage Devotional about last week’s idea of serving our spouses. She asked: “How do you put your spouse first without becoming a doormat?” Here’s our answer … assuming there is no “abuse” involved. Start by reading I Peter chapters 2 and 3 for some helpful biblical insights to your question. […]
The 10-minute Marriage Miracle!
Many couples struggle with developing a regular devotional time together. I believe spiritual intimacy is one of the most challenging intimacies to build in a relationship. If you’re like me, you feel a sense of despair because we constantly hear that we should pray more, read the Bible more, etc – but we don’t know […]
Do You Need to Perform a “Bedroom Audit?”
Have “things” crept into your bedroom that are robbing you of physical intimacy? Have you created a pattern that sets you up for failure? Maybe it’s time to perform a “Bedroom Audit!” Karen and I routinely teach that one of the keys to physical intimacy is to make sure your bedroom is one of, if […]
The Most Important Meeting on Your Calendar
I remember the day like it was yesterday. Karen had a rough time in the classroom at school, schedules were changed without her knowledge, kids weren’t on their best behavior, and she was exhausted. The only thing keeping her going was the fact she was looking forward to getting out of the house and enjoying […]
5 Easy Ways to Get Out of the Marriage Rut
Do you ever feel like your marriage is stuck in a rut? You’re trapped in the same routines … getting up at the same time … get ready … go to work … text a few times about schedules … eat dinner … pay bills … watch TV … head to bed … only to […]
Marriage Memorials (Ebenezers)
We just celebrated Memorial Day … a day established to “memorialize,” or remember, our fallen heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country and our freedoms. Throughout this weekend a question has been rattling around in my head: “What can we do to “memorialize,” or remember, our spouses and children on a daily […]
Dealing with the In-Laws and “Outlaws” (part 2)
Many of us struggle with our in-laws and outlaws. We feel like they haven’t accepted our choice of spouse, lifestyle or parenting. Having difficulties with your in-laws and outlaws doesn’t mean you’re in an unhealthy marriage. Conflict is inevitable in every family. Those conflicts can either tear you apart or bring you closer together. The […]
Dealing with the In-Laws and “Outlaws” (Part 1)
WHETHER YOU’RE A NEWLYWED OR AN “OLDIE-WED”, LIKE ME; DEALING WITH THE “IN-LAWS” AND “OUTLAWS” CAN BE A CHALLENGE. Your “in-laws” have profoundly shaped every aspect of your spouse’s life. Your parents, the “outlaws,” have impacted yours. When the two of you start making decisions both of your family’s views and values can clash. Add […]
Are White Lies OK in My Marriage?
Everyone tells a white lie; but we need to ask ourselves why? Some believe that white lies save relationships, ease hectic situations, or buy time. The danger lurks in that once we get started it is too easy to keep lying more and more. Now those “small, little, insignificant” cracks in our integrity grow into serious […]
Easter & Marriage – God’s 3 Step Plan
Easter proclaims Jesus sacrificial death and resurrection to restore our shattered relationship with the Father. As I reflected on this great story of reconciliation and salvation, I couldn’t help but see 3 powerful applications for our marriages! First, God wants relationship and reconciliation: Jesus went to the cross to restore a broken relationship between God and […]