Erin Prater

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

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

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

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

More often than not, the reality of ‘sickness’ materializes out of nowhere.

First responder marriages are at high risk for marital disharmony, infidelity and divorce.

Few things in life test wedding vows like chronic illness.

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

Most men have a natural bent towards challenge; most women have a natural bent towards relationships.

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

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 …

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. …’

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.

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.

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

These simple steps can make a world of difference 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?