Most couples assume the greatest challenges in marriage will come from conflict between them. 

But in many seasons of life, the greatest pressure on a relationship does not come from disagreement at all. It comes from external stress. 

Work demands. 

Parenting responsibilities. 

Financial pressures. 

Health concerns. 

The sheer pace of modern life. 

Most couples believe they communicate fairly well. 

After all, they talk every day. They discuss schedules, responsibilities, decisions, and concerns. Conversation is a regular part of life together. 

Yet many of the arguments couples experience are not caused by disagreement alone. More often, they arise from something deeper: one or both partners feeling misunderstood. 

When people feel unheard, even small conversations can become frustrating. 

In many cases the missing skill is not speaking more clearly. It is learning how to listen well. 

Listening may sound simple, but healthy listening in marriage is one of the most important—and least practiced—communication skills couples can develop. 

The early years of marriage are often marked by discovery and formation. As we discussed in the newlywed season, couples are learning how to build rhythms, navigate differences, and practice love in everyday life. As marriage moves into years seven through fourteen, the focus often shifts—but the work remains just as important. 

These are busy years. Full years. Often beautiful and exhausting at the same time. 

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Yet these years hold enormous promise. 

The holidays have a way of lighting up both the beauty and the rough edges of our relationships. We anticipate the traditions, the good food, the laughter, and the moments with people we love. But we also carry the awareness that the season can stir up tension—old frustrations, unrealistic expectations, or the simple weight of an overloaded schedule.

Probably the greatest danger of taking people or things for granted is that we lose our gratitude for them. Thankfulness is a theme that runs cover to cover through the Bible and is a cornerstone of nearly every moral belief system. Yet gratitude is an attitude that seems to be increasingly losing latitude in our culture. 

It’s the small things that make a marriage feel alive. A touch on the shoulder, a shared laugh over morning coffee, a quick check-in before bed — these moments may seem ordinary, but they’re what hold couples together over time.

Parenting is hard. Full stop! As a mom of five, I’ve done a lot of things well over the years—and made plenty of mistakes too. One of the hardest areas to navigate is parenting during conflict. Anger, frustration, exhaustion, and a dozen other emotions can bring out the worst in any of us. Let’s look at three common mistakes parents make in conflict—and some practical ways to fix them.​

We are living in what experts are calling an epidemic of disconnection. 

Why relationship skills are the new mental health crisis response.

A secure marriage doesn’t just make life better for two people; it creates stability, confidence, and hope for the next generation. ​

“When not recognized and broken, generational curses can destroy marriages and families.”

That statement got my attention—and it has kept my attention ever since.

When we talk about strengthening families and communities, one concept consistently rises to the top: Responsible Fatherhood. But what does that really mean—and why is it so vital?

While it's not the only path to a fulfilling life, there’s something unique about marriage that other types of relationships can’t quite match. If you're wondering whether marriage is worth it or if it's just an old tradition, here’s why you should get married—and stay married. 

Anger. Fear. Sadness. Joy. Excitement. You've felt these emotions. All people do. But not all people know what to do with them. Want to know a master skill in understanding yourself and others?

If you've ever been in the presence of a masterful listener you feel quite different than when someone is preoccupied with talking about themselves. Is there anything we can do to listen better?