Who sharpen their tongue like a sword, And bend their bows to shoot their arrows—bitter words.
Psalm 64:3 (NKJV)

Picture this. Carrying a bow and some arrows, you walk into a room full of people. You then start shooting arrows all over the room. Some of those arrows hit the wall. Some hit the furniture. But some hit the other people. You look over to see one of those arrows sticking out of the chest of your spouse. You cry out that you didn’t mean to. You were just shooting around and weren’t planning on hitting anyone. But you did. And now they’re badly hurt. That arrow is out there and you can’t bring it back.

Your words can be like those arrows in that they can be devastating. People are hurt by words that are thoughtlessly spoken as much as words that are said with the intent to harm. And like those arrows, you can’t take them back. They’re already out there. Those wounds can take a long time to heal. Many people are still hurting from words that were said years earlier.

Read more… Are Arrows Flying in Your Marriage?

Previously, we’ve talked about renewing your desire to have a great marriage and how to work at doing what God’s asked you to do to move closer to that dream marriage.

Now it’s time to realize that having the dream marriage is not a destination, but a journey. There is never going to come a day where you wake up and say “wow, I’ve arrived at a great marriage, I’m done.”

You’re not done. The great marriage relationship is a journey. It’s a process that needs maintenance to keep from slipping back down into mediocrity.

Read more… The Dream Marriage 3: Keeping It

Last time we talked about the first step towards a dream marriage, which was to believe it’s possible and to rekindle your desire for it.

Now it’s time to take another step towards achieving that great marriage.

Read more… The Dream Marriage 2: Getting It

Admit it…you want a great marriage.

No wife grew up thinking “I can’t wait to get into a miserable marriage.” And no husband got married thinking “I’m looking forward to this marriage becoming a huge weight around my neck.”

But all too often, that’s what the marriage relationship turns into.

Read more… The Dream Marriage: Desiring It

It’s the time of year when we all start thinking about the goals we’d like to accomplish in the new year. Maybe some of those goals are to lose weight, quit smoking, start exercising, get promoted, or make more money.

Unfortunately, many times, having better relationships doesn’t even cross our minds. We think something like marriage is just going to take care of itself, without making a conscious effort to really work at it.

Read more… Is Your Marriage on Your New Year’s Resolutions List?

It’s that wonderful time of the year…or is it?

Christmas is great. It’s that time where we celebrate the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ.

It’s the time when families come together and get to spend quality time with one another. Uh-oh, that’s also when, for many people, that “wonderful time of the year” turns into “I can’t wait until Christmas is over.”

Are you looking forward to Christmas with a small (or large) sense of dread in seeing various family members and in-laws?

Read more… Marriage Bible Verse of the Week - Receive & Give the Gift of Patience

Find yourself feeling anxious or uptight? Maybe confused or too hectic?

Sometimes in our lives, there are just too many things going on or challenges facing us. Whether it’s from our marriage, job, finances, or other parts of our lives, we can allow things to bring a sense of turmoil.

Read more… Marriage Bible Verse of the Week - Peace, Be Still

Looking to get something specific out of your marriage or from your spouse?

Usually in marriage, there is something we expect or want to get in the relationship. Love, affection, compliments…those are a few of the many things we would like to receive from our husbands or wives.

The Bible tells of how to get what you want in your marriage. It’s a little strange sounding because it’s the complete opposite of what we naturally think we should do.

Read more… Marriage Bible Verse of the Week - Getting

Are you spending time with your spouse? Do you really know them? Or are you both too busy to do anything more than give a quick “hello” or “goodbye” as you’re coming and going each day?

Read more… Marriage Bible Verse of the Week - Two Equals One

Are you feeling guilty about something? Maybe something you’ve done in your marriage?

As a Christian, if you’ve repented and asked for forgiveness, then God promises to forgive you. Not only that, but He chooses to forget that sin even happened.

Read more… Marriage Bible Verse of the Week - No Condemnation