Category

Self Reflection

5 Valentine’s Day Must Do’s for Your Spouse

By Communication, In-laws & Family, Self Reflection, Time 8 Comments

Valentine’s Day is almost here! No other day of the year focuses so closely on love, so this is your perfect chance to show your spouse how much they mean to you. If your marriage is strong, these ideas will strengthen your bond. If you’re struggling, they’re great ideas to spark the positive changes you’re craving in your relationship. Today we’re sharing 5 things you must do for your spouse on Valentine’s Day this year. They’re designed with flexibility and creativity in mind, so take them and make them your own! The possibilities are endless. Write a love letter. Hand-writing…

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Mom Guilt: Remembering the Value of Being a Stay-at-Home Mom

By Careers, Communication, Conflict, In-laws & Family, Self Reflection, Time 3 Comments

I feel embarrassed to be a stay-at-home-mom. How can I put more value into that? Mom guilt: it’s a dreaded concept, and an unfortunate reality for most mothers. No matter what choices they’ve made regarding raising children and investing in their careers, women feel guilty. There seems to be no right answer, and there is definitely no perfect choice. In today’s video, Leslie tackles the mom guilt monster and discusses ways for mothers to start feeling more secure in their decisions. You’re feeling immense pressure because you’re the only mom your kids have, and you’re trying to be fully present…

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The Power of Community

By Communication, Self Reflection, Time 3 Comments

We were designed by God to love and be loved, know and be known, serve and be served. These are some of the greatest gifts we can ever give and receive. Simply put, we are created to live in community with one another. It is in this context that we are propelled to flourish in our relationships and every other area of our lives. Building a strong, supportive community is arguably never more important than when navigating our marriages. It’s not only a matter of surrounding ourselves with people, but choosing the right people. Here are three ways you can…

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3 Ways to Reconcile After a Conflict

By Communication, Conflict, Self Reflection, Time 5 Comments

Overcoming conflict in marriage is hard. Sometimes we don’t know what to do to a make amends when we’re wrong; other times, we struggle to forgive our spouse when we’ve been hurt. Conflict is complicated and complex, and it can be very painful. Today we’re sharing three ways you can reconcile after a disagreement with your spouse. Admit when you’re wrong–with NO excuses. It’s not easy to muster up the courage to say, “I was wrong.” But if you know you’re in the wrong, it’s essential to admit it so that you and your spouse can move forward. Refusing to…

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The Importance of Spiritual Intimacy: Choosing to BELIEVE TOGETHER in 2016

By Communication, Conflict, Self Reflection, Time No Comments

Of the various “types” of intimacy in a marriage, the pursuit of spirituality together is one that’s often forgotten. When schedules get busy and life is chaotic with jobs and chores and kids, seeking God with your spouse too often becomes last priority. But spiritual intimacy is immeasurably powerful, and its fruit flows into and invigorates all other facets of a marriage. Even the most happily married couples eventually discover an innate longing to bond with their lover in a deeper way, not just for comfort, not just for passion—but also for meaning. Our lives go on day after day….

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Sharing Spirituality: Tips for Creating a Consistent Devotional Time Together

By In-laws & Family, Scripture, Self Reflection, Time, Uncategorized No Comments

How can we have a consistent and meaningful devotional time together? Remember when you were dating? It seemed like it was so easy for the two of you to share a special devotional time together. The two of you were eager to spend time together in the Word, and you promised yourselves that you would always continue that ritual. But something’s different now. Since you got married, it’s hard for you to engage in shared prayer and study time. Maybe the demands of daily life have interfered with your ability to coordinate with one another. Or maybe devotional time just…

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6 Dangerous Statements To Say In Your Marriage

By Communication, Conflict, Self Reflection, Time 2 Comments

Your words matter. They carry power, and they can be forgiven–but hardly forgotten. They can fuel or kill momentum, build up or tear down. They are givers and takers of life. And it’s so very important to remember that they can never be taken back. We have all said things that we regret. We have hurt, torn down, or criticized in moments of frustration. And it’s likely that you have done this to your spouse–perhaps multiple times. You know the drill: harsh words, immediate regret. Most of us know better. To cut down our spouse with our words is never…

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7 Ways to Dial Back Holiday Stress

By Communication, Conflict, In-laws & Family, Scripture, Self Reflection, Time No Comments

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’” – Luke 2:13 (NIV) Jesus came to earth to bring peace and save humanity. Christmas was established to celebrate his birth, and to give us time to focus on the greatest gift ever given. But somewhere along the way, the holiday season shifted from a time of thankfulness and peaceful reflection to a time of overwhelm, stress, and discord. Unfortunately, the holidays have become a season that…

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Too Scared to Speak Up: How Do I Open Up to My Husband?

By Communication, Conflict, Self Reflection No Comments

I’m so scared of speaking up. How do I open my feelings up to my husband? Many times, we find ourselves hesitant to speak up about our feelings to our spouses. Because we value harmony in our marriages, we find it easy to withdraw inside ourselves to avoid even the thought of creating conflict. In the spirit of making peace, we often misstep. When your spouse asks, “What’s wrong,” and you respond with, “Nothing,” you’re actually hurting your relationship. Sound familiar? It’s better to be up-front and honest with your spouse, even if it’s a little scary–and even if it…

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5 Ways to Refocus Your Marriage for the New Year

By Communication, Self Reflection, Time No Comments

Here we are at the end of another calendar year. For some of you, this year has been a high. Your marriage and family are in order, finances are good, loved ones are healthy. For others, maybe you have faced some significant challenges this year. Most likely, you fall somewhere in between. There is something about a new year and a fresh new start that triggers new hopes and dreams in all areas of our lives. For the purpose of this post, let’s focus on marriage. In this coming year, let’s resolve to refocus, rekindle, and maybe even revive our…

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