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...

Love Like You Mean It with Bob Lepine | Episode 49

Every year millions of men and women stand in front of their friends and families and pledge a life-long love for each other. The question is, do they know what they’re getting themselves into? The answer is often a resounding “Nope!” Mark and I sure didn’t know...

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...

Prayers for Your Anxious Heart with Julie Gillies | Episode 48

“This is what it comes down to: Do we trust Him?” I love that quote from today’s conversation. Have you experienced worry, anxiety, or fear in this last year? Are those things taking up entirely too much space in your heart? For most of us, the...

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. ...

Don’t Let Fear Be the Boss of You with Katy McCown | Episode 45

Do you ever feel fear when you look towards uncertainty in the future? Your children’s futures? Stepping out into a new vocation? Schools opening back up? Your marriage? Many of us live with anticipation but also great anxiety about what the future might bring...

When Words DON’T Matter in Marriage | #MarriageMonday

This week on #MarriageMonday, we’re following-up on our post last month all about the power of our words. But this time, we’re talking about the one scenario where words really aren’t the most important thing! Jill: Ask any marriage expert about the...

When Your Marriage Feels Dead | #MarriageMonday

This week on #MarriageMonday, we’re sharing a response we shared with someone who recently reached out to us. If your marriage also feels dead in some ways right now, we want you to know that you’re not alone. Dear Mark and Jill: Our marriage feels dead....

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...

Released From Shame | Episode 39

I’m not enough. I’m unlovable. I can never get it right. I’m not wanted. I’m better off alone. I’m better off dead. I deserve this. It’s my fault. All of these phrases are statements that many of us struggle with to some degree. And they are fueled by something called...