Death in a Stepfamily

Today’s guest post is from Laura Petherbridge. Laura is an international author and speaker who serves couples and single adults with topics on relationships, divorce prevention, singleness, and divorce recovery. She is the author of “When ‘I Do’ Becomes ‘I...

Family Matters: Mark and Jill

Last week we introduced our kids to each other.  I thought today would be appropriate to do the same with ourselves and our spouse (if married). Mark and I have spent much of the summer gardening, working in our yard, sitting on our porch , and reading. Outside of the...

7 Benefits of a Staycation!

Several years ago we decided we needed a break for just the two of us. Once we really started to make definite plans, however, we decided to do something different. We decided to take the money we would have used on a hotel or a bed and breakfast and instead use it to...

Fifty Shades of Experience

Well Wednesday’s post started quite the discussion, didn’t it?  If you just read my posts in email form, you might not have seen the 60+ comments on the Fifty Shades of No post I wrote.  Most were in agreement, although some struggled with the post. Let me...

29 Years…

Today Mark and I are celebrating our 29th wedding anniversary.  To say that today is a special day for us would be an understatement. Today I’m reflecting on God’s grace, hope, truth, and promises. I’m also enjoying a “staycation” with my...

Strategies to Help You Set Goals for Your Marriage

Today’s guest post is from Pam Farrel. Pam and her husband, Bill, are international speakers and bestselling authors of over 35 books including Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti. Pam is a special friend of mine…we bonded as we co-wrote the...

Your prayers are making a difference…

So many of you have been praying consistently for my family since my post in February.  I am so thankful to be surrounded by people of prayer. I want you to know that your prayers are making a difference.  They sustained me during the recent Hearts at Home...

Friday’s Quote of the Week

“One of the greatest things a couple can do for their marriage is surround themselves with other happily married couples.” ~Jody Antrim

Ring-a-ling

I’m a visual person.  I use sticky notes everywhere.  I have piles on my desk so I won’t forget to tend to details.  I have a bulletin board and large calendar in my home office that keeps me on track with deadlines.  If not for these visual aids, too much...

Finding the root of pain in your marriage…

Today’s guest post is from Laura Petherbridge. Laura is a 2012 Hearts at Home workshop speaker whose speaking topics include relationships, divorce prevention, singleness, and divorce recovery. She is the author of When ‘I Do’ Becomes ‘I Don’t’—Practical Steps...

Sleeping Single in a King-Size Bed

So many of you have been praying for me and my family and I am so grateful.  I also want you to know that your prayers have made a difference.  In the past few weeks, my husband has made a U-Turn and has been walking back toward our marriage and our family.  I am so...

A celebration idea…

Last Thursday my friends Becky and Julie took me to a tea room for a belated birthday lunch.  On the table was a plate in a plate holder with “Happy Birthday, Jill,” written on it.  When we asked about it, we found that they use a dry erase marker to write...

Morning! Make it Good!

Today’s guest post is from Pam Farrel. Pam and her husband, Bill, are international speakers and bestselling authors of over 35 books including Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti. Pam is a special friend of mine…we bonded as we co-wrote the...

From my heart…

As you have heard me teach over and over, every family and every marriage has its challenges.  For the past few months Mark and I have been in such a season. It grieves me to share this with you, but Mark has chosen to separate. If you are reading this you are an...