By Eva Marie Everson With one question I opened Pandora's Box. "What, if anything," I asked my husband, "could I change about me to make you happier?" It wasn't that we were unhappy or that I perceived he was unhappy. But after nearly 25 years together, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that while we may adjust to [...]
This month we conclude our examination of Paul David Tripp's book, "What did you Expect?" by finishing Commitment 6: We will work to protect our marriage. So, what is it that produces a marriage of unity, understanding, and love? This kind of marriage is the result of a lifelong commitment to daily marital work and deep trust in God's [...]
Here in the midwest, we have been experiencing a colder-than-average winter—some days setting new records for cold. February's bleak and dreary weather has little to offer with the exception of two things—the Super Bowl (and the parties that come with it), and Valentine's Day. And since connecting marriage and the Super Bowl would be a stretch, even for me, let's [...]
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, [...]
For the next several months our posts will be based on the book "What did you expect?", by Paul David Tripp. It's the best book I've read for addressing why we struggle at times in our marriage, and not simply how to fix it. As we center our lives in Christ first, our marriage will align with God's intended purpose [...]
"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 [...]
Everyone searches for hope. Everybody looks for a reason to continue. Everyone wants to know that what they give themselves to will prove to be worth it. The things we say and do are rooted in deeply ingrained thoughts and desires. We are all on a lifelong treasure hunt. Your treasure may not be my treasure, but we're both treasure [...]
As Valentine's Day approaches once again, you can almost smell the panic in many husbands and boyfriends knowing that their wives or girlfriends are wanting—and in many cases—perhaps even expecting something special to happen that day. I have a certain disdain for these “Hallmark” holidays contrived to sell more greeting cards, chocolates, and flowers than you can imagine. They [...]
You knew what would make you happy. You had thought about it and made preparations for years. You had a mental checklist that was fulfilled by your spouse. You eagerly anticipated the life you always dreamed of—and hoped for. Then life happened. A baby's arrival years before anticipated. An unexpected financial hardship. A lingering medical condition. A life so busy [...]
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 [...]
