In the movie, Mom’s Night Out, it shows us how we can get so caught up in the do’s and don’ts of parenting, that we forget what it means to simply love our kids well.  So if you’re ready to get back to the basics, let me start by asking you a question... When was the last time you sat on the floor and played with your child?  At its core, parenting well means getting on your child’s level—whether it’s painting...

Recently, I said something to my wife that I thought was harmless…I don’t even remember what it was. I was surprised when she didn’t respond favorably. I asked her what I said wrong. She said “It’s not what you said, it’s how you said it.” She couldn’t have been more correct.  How we say things are so important. When communicating with your spouse, remember your tone. Is it soft or harsh? Second, remember your...

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pressures and busyness of life, you’re not alone. And if you aren’t careful, those things can lead you to a searing desert where joy evaporates. But solitude and silence are an oasis that can help you gain perspective in at least five ways. First, solitude and silence can make you feel helpless and help you realize you’re not in control of so many things in life. And when you...

Let’s face it: we all make mistakes. And more often than not, the recipient of those mistakes is our spouse.  But small failures in a marriage don’t mean it’s time to give up.  Instead, it’s an opportunity to be honest with ourselves about the areas we struggle in so that we can learn.  So here are some common marriage mistakes and how to overcome them.  First, we often take our spouse for granted.  Instead, it’s...

It’s easy to instruct your mate on how they can be a better husband or wife.  But maybe it’s time to look at yourself.  Maybe it’s time for you to be the best you can be.  How? First, accept your spouse for who they are. Love them unconditionally. Accept their wonderful qualities…and their flaws. Second, applaud your spouse.  When you see your spouse doing something good, encourage them with your words. Third,...

Today I realized that I’ve been writing and speaking about how to have a great marriage, but I haven’t been putting all of it into practice.  Why? Well, a house flood, new book, financial pressures, family health challenges, and busyness have all played a role in keeping me from focusing on my marriage. But there’s no excuse. So, what am I doing about it? First, I’m re-reading some of my own blog posts on marriage...

Since the beginning of mankind, people have been trying to figure out what love truly is.  We’ve gotten answers from poets, novelists, theologians, even singers. So who has it right?  What is love?  Well, I may not have the perfect answer, but I would like to share with you what I’ve learned about love after 25 years of marriage.  Here are the Do’s and Don’ts of Marriage.  First, DON’T be selfish. DO put your...