Four Communication Barriers and How to Spot Them

By Communication, Conflict, Marriage 11 Comments

Silence is a powerful communicator. Whenever we see a marriage that is slowly disintegrating, it’s usually followed by the couple concluding “they can’t communicate” or “they don’t talk anymore.” These couples believe that their non-talking is a lack of communication. When in fact it’s the opposite. When you don’t talk, silence sends a surplus of negative messages. Silence is powerful in its own way. Silence is not the cause of poor communication – the fear of pain is. It’s human nature to seek pleasure and avoid pain. The truth is people actually avoid pain first, then seek pleasure. And under…

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Three Tips for Cultivating Lifelong Love

By Communication, Marriage 9 Comments

Lifelong love does not happen by chance. It’s an art that must be learned, practiced and honed. Every successful marriage is the result of two people working together to diligently and skillfully cultivate their love. It takes intention, and is well worth the work. So how can you reach a level of ultimate love in your relationship? Today, we are sharing three tips that will help you and your partner build heartfelt and prevailing love. When you combine passion, intimacy, and commitment, you will be well on your way to a growing and flourishing a healthy marriage and lifelong love….

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Solving Six Common Saboteurs in Marriage: Part Two

By Communication, Conflict, Marriage 2 Comments

Last week, we started our 2-part series on common saboteurs in marriage and how to stop them in their tracks. Most marriages will likely fall victim to one of these sneaky attacks at some time or the other. They tiptoe into our marriages without a sound, and can go undetected until they have already made a mark. However, there are ways you and your partner can fight these saboteurs. Today, we are picking back up on our series and discussing the final three: drift, debt, and pain from the past. Let’s dive in. Saboteur Four: Drift Many couples complain, and…

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Solving Six Common Saboteurs in Marriage: Part One

By Communication, Marriage 7 Comments

Have you ever wondered to yourself, if this marriage is supposed to be so good, why do I sometimes feel so bad? If so, your marriage has probably fallen victim to one of several predictable sneak attacks. These sneaky saboteurs creep up on us and slowly drift into our relationship without so much as a whisper. And before we know it, we have fallen victim. In our two-part series, we are exposing six common saboteurs in marriage and how to combat them. This week, we want to dive in on the first three: busyness, irritation and boredom, and how you…

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The Benefits of Adventure in Your Relationship

By Marriage, Recreation, Time 8 Comments

“The pleasure which we most rarely experience gives us greatest delight” – Epictetus Most couples tend to play it safe when it comes to adventure and trying new things. Life is going along ok and you are making it, you’ve found an easy groove in life and love – so why change it? Eventually, if you’re not mindful about the groove you are in, it will become a rut. You can’t cross the sea by staring at the water. Adventure requires that you jump into the experience. Dopamine in the brain is essential to happiness. As we age we lose…

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What to do When Career Goals Collide

By Careers, Communication 5 Comments

When you are both passionate about your future and your careers, your dreams and goals can sometimes collide. Life will take you many directions, and career goals can shift and change. For example, you may have been promoted and asked to work in another city. Or perhaps a new baby is in your future. On the flip side, maybe one of you lost your job and you are starting fresh. When it comes to careers, it’s important to remember that your career is not only an expression of your gifts, but the tool that provides for your family. Balancing your…

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Navigating Unspoken Rules and Unconscious Roles

By Communication, Marriage 2 Comments

Do you know that you live by an invisible rule book? You may not even know you have it, but all of us do. You likely have harbored unspoken rules of what a great marriage should look since before you were married. And along those lines, chances are you have an idea of what roles you and your spouse should play once you are married. Without knowing it, couples are drawn into acting out roles they form from a blend of their personal dispositions, family backgrounds and marital expectations. For many couples, this can be a big speed bump in…

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Finding Strength in Surrender: Part Two

By Scripture, Self Reflection One Comment

“I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.” Philippians 4:11 Last week, we started our two-part series on the benefits of surrender. When we open our hearts to surrender, we release the burden of maintaining our ideals of what a perfect life should be. We learn to love the life we live in, and let go of faults or mistakes. Lastly, we learn to forgive and not dwell on the past. There is immense power that is found in surrendering. It’s finding the strength to carry through that can be tough, sometimes. This week we are touching…

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Finding Strength in Surrender: Part One

By Self Reflection 4 Comments

“The greatness of a man’s power is the measure of his surrender.” – William Booth There is radical power in surrender. Strength is found in letting go of a clenched fist, and emptying the weight you are holding onto. By surrendering, you release the burden of maintaining what you deem a perfect life should be, and free yourself of the load you carry on your shoulders. In this two-part series, we are exploring the positive effects of surrender, and how this powerful tool can lead to untold inner strength and happiness. Lose your life to find it To find your…

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Charting Your Course as a Couple

By Communication One Comment

We’ve all heard jokes about people who never want to stop and ask for directions – they think they can find their way without help. But when it comes to your future as a couple, stopping to discuss your direction together is an essential ingredient needed to get on the same track. It takes a lot of strategic thought to determine who you are and where are you headed as a couple, not as individuals. Slowing down to figure this out is imperative. Charting your course in twelve month increments is a key approach to maintaining a healthy relationship. Additionally,…

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