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Blind optimism says our spouse is our perfect soulmate who can do no wrong--but this only sets us up for painful disappointment. Hope and help are found in confronting the hard facts of marriage together.

Christmas is a very big deal to our family! We’re the kind who play Christmas music by the end of October, put up the tree and ceramic village at Thanksgiving, and aim for a bigger, better outdoor light display every year. We could watch...

“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” (Deuteronomy 7:9) “‘For this reason a man...

In the sadness of goodbye, we can have priceless conversations about the very real hope that’s found in Jesus.

Our sons’ and daughters’ lives look a lot different than they did just three months ago. Instead of hopping on the bus each morning to join their teachers and friends at school, they open a laptop and study at the kitchen table, alone.After-school...

From the time we fell in love, Rob and I dreamed of raising a big family.It felt like just a few short years before we were parenting a full house with four children. Life with siblings meant our kids were used to hand-me-downs, sharing toys and...

As kids, my brother and I were as opposite as could be.Clever and introverted, he could craft a poem one moment and expertly repair an engine the next. He was loyal, fearless, and tenacious in his points of view. As his sister, I was instead the...

Over the past several months, our kids have faced the harsh realities of growing up in a broken world. A dangerous virus has infected our communities. The devastating pain of racism is exposed for all to see. We’re caught in the crossfire of...

Beyond normal stress or a bad mood, what signs are your children showing you that they need professional help? Here are 5 ways to tell.

Anger and conflict are dominating the headlines. Our families are grieved, exhausted, and struggling to cope. Yet in the storms of life, our marriage can be one of life’s greatest blessings.

“Dad, I’ve got a problem with my algebra class. See you later!” our daughter blurted out before slamming the car door and running off to school. That quick confession cracked the door open to expose academic struggles, secrets,...

Summer is so close, we can almost taste the popsicles. We’ve survived months of early mornings, homework drama, and the never-ending grind of packing lunches. Our kids know the freedom waiting on the other side of final exams, field days, and...

A white dress hangs in all its elegance, waiting for our daughter’s wedding day. The stack of gifts for her new home keeps growing as parcels arrive on our porch. A flurry of emails—catering menus, lease agreements, travel confirmations—fills her...

One upheaval after another has stolen the comfort of familiar routines and cherished traditions for our kids. But God is ready and able to show us what they want—and need—the very most. Let’s start with these five gifts to our children this year.

Remember when you first fell in love? Your relationship felt like the most exciting, rewarding part of your life.From the moment you woke up in the morning until your head hit the pillow, you were focused on your love. As you discovered each...

Every relationship demands a certain level of trust to function well. I rely on my local bank teller to deposit funds correctly to my account. I put faith in my doctor to prescribe the most helpful medication for my sickness. I depend on the trash...

Thirty years ago this fall, I fell onto my knees in my dorm room and gave my life to Christ. He used his church to turn a stubborn, confused teenager from darkness to light. As a young believer, the church was my greenhouse where I grew in faith...

In the past, every day held exciting discoveries about the one whose ring you now wear on your finger.His ambition and strong work ethic filled you with admiration. Her free spirit and spontaneity brought fun and excitement to your life. His...

As our kids face doubts, temptation, and fear, God knows we feel inadequate to help. How can we give thanks when we’re frustrated and helpless as moms and dads?

While walking down the aisle, my husband and I had no idea that depression would take such a toll on our marriage again and again. But even depression doesn't get the last word over God's redemption.