If you have a job managing others, you instruct, give orders, set deadlines, and discipline when necessary. But my wife and I have found that “work mode” isn’t always helpful in our marriage.  The skills and strengths we demonstrate in the workplace aren’t necessarily an asset in our relationship. In fact, they can be a liability. Instructing each other, giving orders, and trying to discipline one another can...

Getting the kids situated in a new school year can be all-consuming.  There are new schedules, new activities and new challenges.  Just dealing with all of the newness can wear you out.  Well, in the middle of the madness it’s easy to push aside spending time with your spouse.  So, even though it will take some planning, try to schedule a date night, just the two of you, at least once every couple of weeks.  Or,...

Do you remember your first date with your wife? What about the first time your husband kissed you? Thinking back to those early days of dating is a great way to rekindle the passion in your relationship. If it's possible, re-create your first date or re-enact your marriage proposal. Spend time just sitting on the couch together talking about what you thought the first time you met . . . or when you realized you...

Does it sound something like this? "What do you want to do tonight?" "I don't know, what do you want to do?" "I don't know… is there anything at the movies?" Then you find yourself sitting in a dark theater, not talking to each other, watching a movie you really didn't want to see anyway. Instead, do something different. Go for an evening picnic at the beach or lake. Play tennis. Go bowling. Check out your...

Marriage is really hard….and takes a lot of work. Even after all that hard work, I still mess up. I mean, I want an awesome marriage, but I still DO the things I shouldn't, and DON'T do the things I should. One day I praise her, the next I put her down. One day I'm happy with her, the next I'm angry. So, what can I do? Sure, I'll ask for forgiveness, and I'll work to handle it the right way next time. But...

Here's what I mean. When we get married it seems like the niceties of dating go out the window. She stops shaving her legs every night and he stops covering his mouth when he belches – the whole neighborhood can hear him. Sure, it's great to be comfortable with our spouse, but we still need to work at keeping the magic alive. So as you're going through your daily routine, think back to the nice things you used...

It's the gift of L.O.V.E. L stands for listen… pay full attention when your partner talks. Stop what you're doing and don't interrupt. O is for observe... make getting to know their likes and dislikes a priority. V is for value… value them for who they are…what makes them unique. And E is for encourage…build them up with your words and actions. Four little letters that spell out lessons in love. It's the...