The Marriage Manifesto | #MarriageMonday

Marriage is our passion. When Mark and I went through our marriage crisis now almost 10 years ago, we weren’t sure what the outcome would be. Trust had been broken. Tensions were high. (You can find the full story here.) But as we’ve experienced healing and now...

10 Hedges to Protect Your Marriage | #MarriageMonday

We have a line of trees along the west side of our country home. The previous owners wisely planted the trees to provide a hedge of protection against the winds that gust across the cornfields of central Illinois. Those trees serve as a visual picture of another hedge...

BONUS: The Slow Fade of Assumptions

Welcome to our third bonus episode of the No More Perfect Podcast! I like to surprise you with a little extra, bite-size podcast goodness every once in a while that’s quick to listen to and helpful for your life. Just to say thank you! Today we want to share a...

Using Your God-Tool of Compassion in Marriage | #MarriageMonday

Last week on the blog, Mark shared a little bit about his journey of surrender. So this week for #MarriageMonday, I wanted to share about a journey of compassion I’ve been on over the years. Colossians 3:12–13 says, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and...

What Does it Mean to Live a Life of Surrender?

This week on the blog, we thought we’d answer a question recently sent to us via email about surrender. No matter who you are or what stage of life you’re in, true surrender is something we all need to understand! Dear Mark and Jill,  When you guys share...

5 Reasons Your Marriage Needs a Vacation | #MarriageMonday

When was the last time you took a break, just the two of you? It’s easy to put it off. It’s easy for other things to feel more important. But this week for #MarriageMonday, we wanted to share a few thoughts on why your marriage needs a vacation. Jill: Mark...

Why Changing Your Thoughts Changes Everything

“We cannot avoid pain, but we can avoid joy. Our inward joy does not have to reflect our outward circumstances. The pursuit of joy is a matter of choice.” – Mary Southerland I recently shared that quote on Facebook and had someone reply, “But...

38 Things We’ve Learned in 38 Years of Marriage | #MarriageMonday

38 years ago, we said “I do.” It was a hot summer day. I wore my mother’s wedding dress and the tux Mark wore was made of wool (what were we thinking?). We knew so little about marriage. Every anniversary we celebrate is huge because they are hard-won celebrations. I...

The Marriage Check-In | #MarriageMonday

Too often married couples are like ships passing in the night. Life is busy and while we may be functioning well logistically, it’s likely that we’re missing out on our hearts connecting in a meaningful way. That doesn’t just happen. Connection has to be created....

Where to Find Help When You’re Feeling…

It’s vacation season, isn’t it? My feed has been full of ocean pictures and sandy beaches lately! And while all that ocean scenery is beautiful, can you imagine if you built your family a house right on the beach? Not along the beach, but right on the sand itself. ...

4 Principles for Our Words in Marriage | #MarriageMonday

Jill: Welcome back to #MarriageMonday! Today, we are taking a look at the power of our words. Our words are powerful, and that power can be used both positively and destructively. When Mark and I think of our marriage before crisis and our marriage after crisis, we’ve...

The Gift of Selflessness

Mark: Saturday night Jill and I watched the movie Call of the Wild with Harrison Ford.  We were both surprised that the animals in the movie weren’t real but rather CGI (Computer Generated Imagery). Jill asked me about ten minutes in if I was enjoying it. I...