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When There’s Something Else Going On Behind the Conflict

When There’s Something Else Going On Behind the Conflict

A minor unannounced U-turn after church escalates into hours of tears and despair for one wife, revealing how everyday preferences quickly spiral into the Crazy Cycle of missing love and respect.

Since God Wants Me to Believe in Him, Why Doesn’t He Just Appear to Me?

Since God Wants Me to Believe in Him, Why Doesn’t He Just Appear to Me?

As a new believer in Christ at age sixteen, I recall one night going outside my home in Peoria, Illinois, and crying out to God to show Himself to me to confirm that what I believed about Him was true. “Just appear to me!” I begged of God.

Profiling a Spouse: The Invitation to Unearth New Insights Explaining Their Behaviors

Profiling a Spouse: The Invitation to Unearth New Insights Explaining Their Behaviors

Most of us long for a better marriage, and that longing is to be applauded. However, how might some go about improving the relationship?

When God’s Plan Does Not Match Your Expectations: The Untold Story Of Joseph Barsabbas

When God’s Plan Does Not Match Your Expectations: The Untold Story Of Joseph Barsabbas

When I went off to military school in eighth grade, where I stayed for the next five years, there was another cadet who entered eighth grade with me.

When There’s Something Else Going On Behind the Conflict

Since God Wants Me to Believe in Him, Why Doesn’t He Just Appear to Me?

Profiling a Spouse: The Invitation to Unearth New Insights Explaining Their Behaviors

When God’s Plan Does Not Match Your Expectations: The Untold Story Of Joseph Barsabbas

What if We are an Exception to Pink and Blue? Part 1

What if We are an Exception to Pink and Blue? Part 1

At times I receive mail or personal inquiries at our conferences to the effect: "We don't fit your description of husband and wife.

Forgiveness: The Ultimate Strategy for Halting the Crazy Cycle

Forgiveness: The Ultimate Strategy for Halting the Crazy Cycle

As we enter a new year, many of us no doubt have made resolutions such as “work on my marriage” or “be a nicer person” or “grow closer to the Lord.” But do we have a strategy to fulfill these resolutions? How do we plan to meet such goals? One often overlooked – but critical issue – is the concept of forgiveness. With God’s help, this powerful act can help us accomplish all of the above – and more. In my next several blogs, I want to focus on forgiveness – the ultimate strategy for halting the crazy cycles in our relationships.

She Nearly Gave Up Too Soon

She Nearly Gave Up Too Soon

In recent blogs, we have been talking about not giving up too soon. Over a year ago, I received this testimony from a wife who nearly gave up, but decided to try one more thing by attending a Love and Respect Conference. Here is her story:

But What if my Spouse Doesn’t Respond? Part 2

But What if my Spouse Doesn’t Respond? Part 2

So why do I disagree with the statement “it takes two” to work on a marriage? Because I have witnessed something else, over and over. I have seen a husband determined to obey the Biblical command to unconditionally love his wife, no matter how unresponsive she is. I have seen a wife unconditionally respect a husband no matter how indifferent he is in return. If this is done in obedience to Christ, and not as a magic formula to manipulate a spouse, something transformational happens.

But What If My Spouse Doesn’t Respond? Part 1

But What If My Spouse Doesn’t Respond? Part 1

Last week I encouraged you to not give up too soon on your marriage. But what if your spouse just doesn’t respond at all? Or things have gotten even worse since applying love and respect? Your natural conclusion is – this doesn’t work! At least not in your situation. After all, it takes two, right?

Don’t Give Up Too Soon!

I receive a lot of email from couples who are ready for divorce. Often they ask, “Is it too late for us? My spouse isn’t interested, and I feel I can’t go on. We are headed for divorce.” Of course, such a plea is usually accompanied by several horrifying and depressing details of what went wrong. It’s no wonder they think their situation is hopeless!

Don’t Give Up Too Soon!

Opportunities To Be Thankful Are Always There

Opportunities To Be Thankful Are Always There

I hope you are all practicing using Thankful Words towards your spouse as we approach Thanksgiving Day! But no doubt some of you feel as though you have nothing to be thankful about regarding your spouse.

Use Thankful Words Around Your Spouse

Use Thankful Words Around Your Spouse

How often do you thank your spouse for what he or she does for you every day? Do you sometimes withhold words of thanks because you feel your spouse doesn’t deserve them or won’t receive them? Jesus Himself put a high priority on thankfulness, and He gave thanks whenever the occasion warranted it (for example, before He fed the five thousand in John 6:11).