You’ve prayed and read scripture. Maybe you’ve talked to mentors in your circle of loved ones. Perhaps you’ve even studied couples that seem to have what you want: a loving, communicative, rock-solid connection. And now, you’ve decided that you’re ready to turn the corner on your relationship. Where do you go now? Do you dig in and try to keep

Everyone will experience periods of sadness at some point in their lives. Whether from loss, disappointment, or financial troubles, feeling sad is a normal part of the human spectrum of emotions. For most, sadness is a response to situations and events that occur throughout life. The heavy feelings typically lift once the situation has passed or

When worries threaten our sense of safety and security, many people turn to friends for help. Others may choose to “check out” by indulging in books, TV shows, music, or other forms of entertainment that promise an escape. In this fast-paced world of technology, though, we should consider reviving one lost art of self-care: writing in a

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8 ESV) Marriage is meant to bloom over time, again and again. When it has deep roots and is nurtured well, it becomes strong. After the honeymoon period, past the 7-year itch, and through the various phases of marital growth, you and your spouse can

There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.” ― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol “Life is worth living as long as there’s a laugh in it.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables “I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t laugh.” ― Maya Angelou Laughter is powerful in our relationships. It’s a bridge when

How should we behave in our intimate relationships? Should we hold tight or hold back? Should we press toward each other or press for increasing independence? It’s tough to know. Especially when the negativity of certain relationship buzzwords like “dependency” warns us off seeming too clingy, feeling too needy, or becoming too vulnerable. If

We love good times and obvious blessings. When the sun warms us, and living is easy, we have few complaints. It isn’t too hard during those times to send up prayers of gratitude and feel that everything is right in the world. We rest easy after our prayers and trust in God's goodness. But, inevitably, the tide turns. Good times ebb, and the

The challenges of persistent anxiety are, without a doubt, a relationship stressor. When life is difficult, our most cherished relationships will suffer the strain. However, that strain needn’t break us apart. Instead, we can choose to focus on growth and bonding. Try to remember this: …do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I

When a loved one is struggling with dark thoughts, you want to say the right words. When they suffer and withdraw, you want to do whatever you can to keep them close and to care for them. But, sadly, depression is difficult to overcome, whether you are a person of faith or not. It’s a common condition that works hard to keep your loved one

Anxiety and exercise have been linked for quite a while now in studies and among mental health experts. We’ve heard how beneficial it is to move and release some of the tension and worry we accumulate. Thus, our first inclination might be to relax. We know how soothing it can be to stretch and breathe deeply. So, naturally, exercising for