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Marriage

When Talking Doesn’t Come Easily

I have a great conversation tool I’ve used for 25 years. Throughout your day, record things to share with your wife. Making notes is a simple act that’s the basis for what I call “couple talk times.”

Unconditional

In the face of infidelity, one man made a commitment to keep loving his wife, no matter how he felt or how she responded. This meant accepting her without judgment no matter how angry he felt. 

A Need for Grace

The more we realize that our performance will never reach God’s level of perfection, the more our excuses shatter. God’s patience makes it possible for us to learn deeper levels of repentance and joy.

Loving at All Costs

The quintessential trait of a good husband is the tenacity to love at all costs. I can’t be like Him unless I return love when my ego is wounded and unless I pursue love when I’d rather avoid pain.

Married couple enjoying coffee in a coffee shop, with the focal point of the image on the smiling wife

Reconnecting Through Conversation

Early on, my conversations with my wife, Jean, felt deep and meaningful. Now mealtime talks tend to revolve around our boys. We need to be more intentional about having more significant conversations.

Talking About Touchy Topics

As a husband, you don’t want to ignore issues, but you don’t want to be a bully. How can you find a healthy balance? Think CR-V: compliment, request and value.

Head Games

Guys, we can resolve disagreements a lot more quickly, and with better results, if we see our wives not as opponents to be outplayed, but as teammates. Let’s be men who can disagree, discuss — and then move on.

Serious illustration of a wife interrogating her husband with a lie detector and a lamp

Can You Be Totally Honest With Your Wife?

 One man accepts the challenge to be perfectly honest for a year. He failed many times; however, his wife prefers the man of integrity that he has become through the efforts of being more edifying.

Do Opposites Really Attract?

Differences don’t have to be obstacles to a healthy marriage. Your spouse’s unique qualities are meant to complement your own. Appreciating the way the Lord has crafted your spouse will help you grow.

A smiling couple relaxing at home, the wife leaning affectionately on her husband’s shoulder while he holds a tablet, symbolizing the importance of the phrase “if you want a better marriage, listen to your wife.”

Husbands, Want a Better Marriage? Listen to Your Wife!

When your wife says there’s something wrong with your marriage, guess what, there’s probably something wrong with your marriage. And for the sake of that marriage, a husband would do well to listen.

Couple standing and talking in their junk-filled garage. He's holding a surfboard, her arms are resting on a picnic basket.

Garage Sale

I like garage sales in general. I mean, why put your garbage in Hefty bags when you can sell it? The problem is, the stuff my wife wants to get rid of is not garbage — it’s my collection of treasures.

Family looking at blueprints

Navigating Life Transitions

Transitions — such as job changes, moves or new stages of parenting — bring their share of challenges to marriage. These changes can be fertile ground for stress and conflict, but they don’t have to be.

Young couple embracing outside

Small Ways to Make Marriage a Priority

Dory had been eager to return to part-time work. Her family needed the income, and she loved her new job. But Dory now realized that her work outside the home was stressing her marriage in ways she hadn’t anticipated.

Illustration of mom holding a bible and looking on in dismay as her husband and young son play video games

A Wife’s Influence

 Your words and actions can influence your husband. If you’ve ever found yourself on the negative side of influence — you know, nagging, whining or manipulating — perhaps these lessons can help. 

Java with Juli: Priorities in Marriage

Engaging in productive and even spiritual activities can ultimately take us away from the higher calling of being a wife. Here are three ways to keep your marriage a priority in during busy times.

Illustration of mad husband hearing his wife make an insulting comment about him to someone she’s talking with on the phone

When You Have a Great One-Liner

Showing disrespect has become a modern marriage pastime. We laugh as our favorite on-screen wives make fools out of their husbands. Watch out or you’ll be in danger of picking up that unhealthy habit.

Why Can’t You Be More Like…

A wife often finds herself jealous when she hears about a husband who does laundry. She’s learned to focus on what her husband does right — listens and shares his hobbies — instead of what he doesn’t.

What Fear Robs From Your Marriage

Have you struggled with fear of rejection, financial troubles or the future? Persistent fear is a spiritual battle. Although our husbands can love and comfort us at times, God alone is our deliverer.

Close up of a smiling wife's face as she's hugging her husband with a Christmas tree in the background

Christmas Expectations

The best gift you can give each other is the gift of grace. Extending grace begins with prayer and intentionally communicating about your expectations, anxieties and hopes for this holiday season.

Java with Juli: Fighting Fair

All couples disagree at times — money, in-laws, sex, the laundry. Conflict seems to be a necessary evil in marriage. But did you know that how you fight is more important than what you fight about?