As we continue looking at building and maintaining a healthy, connected marriage relationship when raising a family, this month we look at developing and maintaining healthy communication with our spouse. You often hear people saying “having good communication is important in your marriage relationship”. But what does that mean exactly? After all, there are many aspects to [...]
This month we wrap up our discussion of Milan & Kay Yerkovich's book titled, "How We Love". It shows how crucial our early childhood experiences are and how they impact how we give and receive love even today as adults. Last month we looked at two of the four love styles that impair how we love others, especially our [...]
Milan & Kay Yerkovich, in their book titled, "How We Love", have identified four love styles that impair how we love others, especially our spouse. They are: The Avoider Style, The Pleaser Style, The Vacillator Style, and The Chaotic (Controller & Victim) Style. Last month we examined how crucial our early childhood experiences are and how they impact how [...]
When you hear the word "cherish", what do you think of? I think of the 1966 song "Cherish" by the band The Association. Yeah, I'm THAT old. The song starts out with these lyrics... Cherish is the word I use to describe All the feeling that I have hiding here for you inside When I hear the word cherish—almost [...]
"I just didn't think it would be like this, " Mary said. She looked completely exhausted and defeated. Sam just looked angry. He didn't want to be with me talking about his marriage to Mary. In fact, if the truth be told, he didn't want to be married to Mary. He'd had i! "Fifteen years—fifteen years!—and this is what [...]
Here we go again. It's that time of the year when many of us reflect on the past year—the good, the bad, and the ugly—and resolve to do better this year. Maybe you had a great year that exceeded your expectations. This is a great time to give thanks for the many blessings God has bestowed on you. But, [...]
This month we continue looking at Commitment 5: We will deal with our differences with appreciation and grace. OK, you've acknowledged that you and your spouse are different. The problem you really need help with is not so much that you are different, but how your sinful choices when dealing with your differences deepen your trouble rather than solving it. [...]
This month we continue looking at Commitment 4: We will commit to building a relationship of love. Many who look forward to marriage think of it as an extended date. Sure, you know your partner isn't perfect, but you love them. You are ready, willing, and can't wait to get married. It's been fun so far, so why should that [...]
This month we begin looking at Commitment 3: We will work together to build a sturdy bond of trust. What is this thing called trust that is so essential to any good, sturdy, and healthy relationship? We are going to examine what trust is, what it looks like in a relationship, and—through some questions—reflect on our own relationship to see [...]
This month we finish our examination of Commitment 2: We will make growth and change our daily agenda. Last time, we examined our marriages, searching for those little thoughts, attitudes, and actions that you must say no to. We will now consider the things we must say yes to, and in so doing give them room to shape our marriage. [...]
