Dating
Essays
Making the most of living with extended family
1/8/13In current times, more and more people are pooling their resources together and living with extended family members. Some of the reasons include financial assistance, childcare, and providing care for elderly or sickly family members. Whatever the reason, living with one’s family can be a great experience if approached with the right mindset. However, if expectations, financial agreements, and general house rules are not laid out beforehand, the lack of communication can lead to disagreements…
Celebrating Singleness: Dating is Not a Goal
1/2/13
We were designed to build connections to those around us, to be in communion with others. There is nothing wrong with seeking someone with whom we can share our lives. Yet desiring to be in a relationship becomes problematic if it becomes the focus…
Are Marriages 50/50 relationships?
7/11/12
I once met a young man who insisted marriage ought to be a 50/50 relationship. He dug into his position, and would not listen to my counter-arguments. Each spouse must contribute half, he said, or the deal is off. He was convinced that any other…
Sex is God’s Idea: Sexuality is Part of God’s Perfect Plan
5/14/12
Sex is an important part of God's plan for marriage. God wants you to enjoy and celebrate your spouse sexually. This perspective on sexuality came as a surprise to a couple we were counseling as they entered their second marriage. They had both come to…
Devotions
MEMBERS OF ONE BODY
4/3/13 Read Scripture Verse: Ephesians 4:17-25
Paul reminds the Christians in Ephesus that they are no longer who they were. They are new creatures, renewed in Christ! They used to find it acceptable to be selfish and greedy, but now they are different. They used to find it acceptable to tell…
HELP TO STAND
4/2/13 Read Scripture Verse: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Returning from a week-long cycling trip, Steven badly wrenched his ankle on our own front steps while unpacking the car. What a welcome home! In a moment he went from feeling athletic to hobbled. How quickly things change! Yet he was well cared for as…
Jonah: Attitude Check
12/18/12 Read Scripture Verse: Jonah 1-4
With whom do you connect in the story of Jonah? Maybe you feel like the sailors who don’t seem to recognize God until they are desperate for help and their troubles are looking like they might swallow them up. Maybe you feel like the people…
Resources
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Rekindling the Romance: Loving the Love of Your Life
The Raineys once again offer solid advice on stoking the Spirit's flame in your marriage. This book is designed to help you rediscover why you still love your spouse!
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A Lasting Promise: A Christian Guide to Fighting for Your Marriage
Scott Stanley in known for identifying the underlying issues we fight over. It's not the money, or the dishes, it's things like respect and security. Based on clinical research on why we fight, this guide helps us fight for stronger marriages!
