The marriage rate has been on a steady decline over the past five decades.  Why this disturbing trend?  It’s because some people think that living together rather than getting married is the way to go.  The number of unmarried couples living with each other jumped from 1.6 million in 1980 to 13.6 million in 2008.  Are there consequences for co-habitation?  Well, findings from Pennsylvania State University indicate...

One of my favorite things about working at Family First is the opportunity we have to influence thousands of families across the country through our iMOM Morning and All Pro Dad’s Day school breakfast programs. Parents and kids gather monthly before school to laugh, learn, and grow closer to each other. As parents, this is a valuable way to stay connected with our kids by discussing tough topics and a great way to...

There are lots of qualities that matter: character, integrity, stability. But here’s something else to consider: look for someone who encourages you and has a positive outlook. It’s hard to have a happy marriage when your partner constantly criticizes you or makes you feel inadequate. Your spouse should be trying to build you up, not tear you down. And, it’s easier to have a happy marriage when you’re with someone...

As we jump into another New Year, I’m guessing that you’ve already put the pedal to the medal and are driving into January very quickly. But before the days start speeding by, I want to briefly share with you a few things that I hope for you in 2013. First, I hope that your marriage blossoms. I so want you and your spouse to move beyond mere survival and have a flourishing marriage…a marriage filled with peace,...

This last day of 2012 is the proper time to remember those we have lost this year.  The list includes brave service men and women whose names we will never know; celebrities whose names we do know; and, of course, some of you may have lost those closest to you.   As we reflect on their lives, we remember the brevity of ours, and this should give us incentive to pursue our life to the fullest.  That means a life...

I’ve been married for 23 years and have had children for 22 of those years. During that time, I’ve learned many important things. I’ve learned that children grow up so fast. I’ve learned there are very few things I really can control and I’ve spent too much time trying to control too many things. I’ve learned that marriage takes a lot of hard work. I’ve learned how selfish I am and how dangerous my tongue can be....

I remember when our oldest daughter, 16 years old at the time, came home and told us a boy had asked her to the homecoming dance.  I agreed that she could go but reminded her that I would need to interview him before the event.  She was embarrassed about it but knew it had to happen. You see, I had already prepared her several years before by telling her that I would need to sit down with any young man who wanted...