Erin Prater

Here are some tips for thriving during, and after, your spouse’s absence.

When my husband deployed, my world fell apart. But God pieced me — and us — back together, stronger than ever.

You need to confront the what-ifs and how-tos before the separation to lessen the worry.

When we marry, few of us picture spending extended amounts of time away from our mate. Then reality sets in.

Eight practical tips for keeping close to your spouse despite the fact you are miles apart

Few things in life test wedding vows like chronic illness.

First responder marriages face the same challenges as civilian marriages, plus an entirely unique set.

You might not feel like planning, but a little inconvenience now can save a lot of heartache later.

God’s promises are solid and surprisingly applicable to military life.

‘God calls you to give yourself, to deny yourself, to be other-person oriented, and you can find life in it.’

All relationships take work, but your first responder marriage may make the Jones’ look like a coffee-fetching “internship.”

Nothing quite assists a spouse in understanding his or her role of helpmate like a chronic illness.

The goodbye is over — good for you! You’ve made it through what was most likely the toughest moment of your time apart. The next thing you have to look forward to? The reunion! Here are some tips for making it from the moment after goodbye through the …

When your spouse is diagnosed with a chronic illness, you begin to realize that your life, your spouse’s life and your marriage will never again be the same.

Marriages have tough times regardless of a spouse’s career choice.

The author describes her personal story of triumph over the pain of a military deployment.

Upon returning home from deployment, it’s typical for service members to feel out of sorts.

‘I’m not ashamed of my experiences because I know … I’ll be able to use what I’ve been through to help and bless another. …’

When it is time for your child to leave home, goodbyes are never easy.

Your son or daughter may have left home, but don’t forget that once a parent, always a parent.

How do you parent in the face of some interesting (and possibly foolish) decisions on the part of your child?

Letting go wasn’t easy for Phil and Cheri Straw. It became even harder when their college-bound daughter changed career plans.

Feeling overwhelmed by your new parenting role? Sifting through your mixed emotions might reveal some practical answers.

What’s a hedge? And why would you want one in your marriage?

A hedge is a protective investment that will help your relationship to flourish like never before.

Building and protecting a strong relationship may sound a bit like getting a root canal. But is it really?

These simple steps can make a world of difference in your marriage.