#131: You Married for Better, but What about for Worse? (Podcast)
When I got married…I didn’t expect conflict, financial pressures, or challenges with children. I always thought the tough part about marriage was finding the right girl. I thought that once I found her, being married was the easy part. When I said my vows I EXPECTED it would always be better. I never EXPECTED that there would be a worse. And there was…
How to Reduce the Stress Level in Your Life
I confess—sometimes I run the car until the gas gauge is past empty. I arrive at the airport just a few minutes before the flight departs. Or I rush from meeting to meeting with no time in between. What does that cause? A spike in my stress level. And this stress is self-imposed! But in […]
7 Signs You’re Showing Contempt Toward Your Spouse
Respected marriage expert John Gottman says that contempt is one of the clearest indicators that a relationship is not going to survive.
Contempt may seem like such a strong word that you dismiss the thought of it being a problem in your marriage, but take a moment to ask yourself whether you have ever shown disrespect or disdain to or for your spouse, or have looked down on them, or been scornful for some reason.
Is Your Marriage Up to Par?
Marriage has been compared to everything from a marathon (you’re in it for the long run!) to a football game (it’s how you play as a team that counts!), but with the U.S. Open coming up next month, I’m reminded that it’s also like the game of golf.
With that in mind, here are six ways life on the fairways and the greens is similar to building a life together. Take some time to evaluate how you score as you consider the ways in which experiencing a rich marriage is like enjoying a good game of golf.
6 Ways to Nurture Honesty in Your Marriage
There were many things Susan and I did not know about marriage when made our vows to each 28 years ago, but we were certain about one thing—the absolute, central need for honesty.
Date nights are great, it’s helpful to know each other’s personality type, and good communication skills are important, but a rich, growing marriage is rooted and anchored in the safety and security that comes from knowing that your spouse’s words can be trusted. That they are true to what they say.
#130: Why You Need a Relationship Bucket List (Podcast)
Busyness is a thief that steals meaningful time and lasting memories. Creating a relationship bucket list will be helpful; it will work in all phases of your life and all relationships. Being INTENTIONAL is the key to having a strong relationship bucket list.
5 Ideas for a Special Graduation Letter to Your Child
Graduations should come with a “Flash Flood Warning” for parents. There are a flood of tears, fears, pride, and joyful and anxious memories that wash over a parent’s heart. It’s not uncommon to look at the graduate and think “Did I teach them enough, show them enough, prepare them enough, help them enough, and love them enough?” Well, it’s not too late. Writing a graduation letter is a great way to share encouragement and wisdom that can change your child’s life.
Are You Holding a Grudge Against Someone?
I heard recently of a man who hasn’t spoken to his father in over a decade. The two had a falling out over something and though the son can’t remember exactly what the problem was, he’s adamant that he is not going to be the one to try to put things right. How sad—ten years of a relationship lost which can never be recovered.
5 Things to Look Forward to in Marriage
Married life is an adventure. And, if you’ve been together for any length of time, you know that sometimes it can be a challenging and tough adventure. As we are trekking on the marriage path, Susan and I sometimes get weary and tired. So to spur us on toward the awesome destination in front of us, we need things to be looking forward to in our marriage.
