What is one powerful expression of love that a husband can show to his wife? The answer is not based on love languages, the checkbook balance, the newest fashion trend, or the latest research. One of the most beautiful gifts a husband can offer his wife is praying for her regularly. Keep reading for a […]
You love your husband deeply and want God to work in his life. You know the importance of praying for him. But you feel like a deer in the headlights: you don’t know how to pray for your husband. You don’t know the right words to say. You’re afraid your prayers won’t be “good enough.” […]
If you’ve experienced the pain and tragedy of divorce or have watched a loved one endure that process, you understand how it hurts the people you love most. Divorce can come with emotional, mental, spiritual, and sometimes physical trauma. Depending on how we process that trauma, we can develop healthy or unhealthy coping mechanisms. The […]
Relationships in blended families are often like that box of chocolates Tom Hanks references in the Oscar-winning film Forrest Gump: “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get.” Suppose I could speak freely and honestly; blended family relationships, well…you never know what you’ll get. When Scott and I look […]
Marrying someone who has been before is a lot like opening a novel in the middle and trying to read it. You don’t know the characters, the setting, the plot line, or the events that led to the mid-way point. And in some cases, you find out you’re the villain! Being a second spouse can […]
When people ask us to name one of the biggest problems that we see in blended families, we talk about misplaced priorities—when a husband or wife puts their children ahead of their spouse. It is one of the most common reasons for divorce in remarried couples. We’ve counseled many blended couples, and we have seen […]
When you get married again, you will likely feel a variety of emotions–excitement, nervousness, anticipation, and perhaps even a little fear. Your kids will experience the effects of remarriage, too, and they also feel a slew of emotions. The difference is that as an adult, you have developed the skills and maturity to express and […]
The pain of divorce is real and raw and cuts you to the core. As a result, you probably made promises to yourself–sometimes called inner vows–so you won’t experience that kind of anguish ever again. That’s an understandable response, but those promises you make to yourself after a divorce can cause more harm than you […]
Blended families face unique challenges that bring out a wide variety of emotions in you and your children, especially when you are beginning to blend. Feeling anxiety over blending your family is common, not only for you but also for your children. That anxiety and sadness can linger and interfere with their daily lives. The […]
Developing Great Communication with Ex-Spouse! Learning to interact positively with your ex-spouse can have a profound impact on the kids you share and your newly blended family. And regular communication is an essential element of co-parenting. But what happens when co-parenting success is hindered by an uncooperative ex, bitterness, or day-to-day frustrations? In this article, […]