What is love?

Real Love: What It Is—What It’s Not

Marriage Dynamics InstituteCelebration, Commitment, Connection, Faith, Intimacy, Marriage Courses, Marriage Health, Patience, Selfishness

Got any special plans for Valentine’s Day this year? In this season, we often feel obligated to demonstrate feelings of love by purchasing things like candy and flowers, or even more expensive gifts.  And while there’s certainly nothing wrong with giving and receiving gifts, there’s a lot more to real love than hearts and flowers. Love is powerful. It is …

What kind of legacy will your marriage leave?

The Gift of A Strong Marriage (Part 3) Legacy

Marriage Dynamics InstituteCommitment, Faith, Family, Hope, Loss, Marriage Health, When Life is Difficult

Legacy is often thought of in financial terms. It’s the money or the property or the family heirlooms left behind when someone dies. And while that is true,  legacy is not always something you can hold in your hand. Because legacy is what you pass down to those who come after you. That might include money and property, but it …

Woman looking at Christmas tree with a sad expression on her face.

Christmas: To Those Who Are Not Happy This Season

Marriage Dynamics InstituteChristmas, Faith, Holidays, Hope, Loss

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. At least that’s what the song says. And everywhere people greet each other with “Merry Christmas!” or “Happy Holidays!” All over town, churches put on their best seasonal productions, and the music rings out joyfully. Lights twinkle, bells jingle. While at the local mall, Santa offers his best Ho Ho Ho. But …

The Gift of a Strong Marriage (Part 2) — Stability

Melody MorrisCommitment, Communication, Connection, Marriage Health, When Life is Difficult

When you decide to get married, you start making plans. And after you marry, you keep making plans. But you know what they say. Life is what happens while you are making plans. My husband and I had a five year plan when we married. We knew what we wanted to do and where we wanted to be. And we …

Couple reading Bible together - grow closer spiritually

Grow Closer Spiritually with These 6 Ideas

Marriage Dynamics InstituteFaith, Quality Time, Uncategorized

Want a happier, more fulfilling marriage? One route to greater intimacy in your relationship is to grow closer spiritually. Studies show that couples who share a steadfast devotion to their spiritual lives have happier marriages than those who don’t. While that sounds appealing, how does the couple who’s never been “religious,” or those who come from different backgrounds get started? …