There is a business principle that might ring true for your marriage: Overhead can eat right through profits. Think about what’s happened at Amazon.com. Because its streamlined structure cuts out a lot of normal business expense, the online giant is making massive profits. Customers shop from home, which reduces labor costs that come with staffing brick-and-mortar stores. Many experts think this is the …
When You Can’t Handle It – Thoughts from 1 Corinthians 10:13
Are you facing something that you feel like you just can’t handle? No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13). …
5 Ways to Stay Close When Travel Keeps You Apart
My husband has to be out of town a lot for work. How can we stay close and on top of things when he’s gone so often? If you or your spouse travel frequently for work, it can be a tricky thing for your marriage. Sure, we all like the benefits that come from a great income and successful career, …
Are You Willing to Follow? – Thoughts from Joshua 1:9
If you are willing to follow God’s leading, it will strengthen your faith—and your marriage. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). The United States military is one of the most powerful in the world. Decisive …
How Spending Time at the Airport Can Help Your Marriage
Let me guess what one of your top ten favorite things in the world isn’t: sitting at the airport waiting for a flight. It’s not like the experience is traumatic – at least not usually. Waiting is usually just annoying. But it can wear you down. Slow moving security lines. Gate changes. Flight delays. These all have the potential to make …
Are You and Your Spouse A Power Couple?
What does it really mean to be a power couple (and why should you care)? Barack and Michelle. Jay Z and Beyonce. Prince William and Kate. You could probably spend a good amount of time adding to the list of power couples off the top of your head. And those are just current A-List relationships. Think of those from days …
Is a Happy Marriage a “Mission Impossible”?
Your mission, should you choose to accept it… (Cue the music) The Mission: Impossible franchise is at it again. The sixth installment of the blockbuster set of films hits theaters during summer 2018. Mega-star Tom Cruise is back as Ethan Hunt, along with other big names as the series, which has grossed more than $2 billion worldwide looks to provide …
Do You Have Money or Does It Have You? Thoughts from Ecclesiastes 4:12
And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12 ESV) The writer of Ecclesiastes (whom we think may need some counseling) reminds us of the importance of having close family relationships. The verse above, which we often cite when we’re talking about marriage, seems to rest in …
Three Numbers that Guarantee You’ll Hit the Marriage Jackpot
In August 2017 a Massachusetts woman hit the jackpot. With odds of 292 million to one, Mavis Wanczyk lined out six numbers perfectly to claim an astounding $758 million prize. Because she’s taking her winnings in a lump sum instead of a 30-year payout, she’s only left with a measly $310 million after Uncle Sam gets his cut. Poor Mavis. …
Do You Have Friends Who Stick With You in Adversity?
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity (Proverbs 17:17 NIV ). Oxford anthropologist Robin Dunbar conducted a study in 1993 in which he determined that humans are only capable of having a certain number of friendships at one time. He estimated that number right at 150. He revised the number a little with the …