When Craig and I shared the 3-part series on our broken sex life (mid-February – March newsletters), we candidly admitted that was one of the two times our marriage hit its lowest points. The other precarious period occurred when we were thoroughly invested in our first full-time ministry. Craig was a popular youth pastor; I was intent on being a …

Years ago when Craig was a pastor, I remember a situation that was profoundly enlightening for me. We would soon be going on a pastors/wives retreat (there were over 20 pastors on staff), and I was in charge of an activity for the wives. I loved those women, and I wanted to do a great job for them, so I …

First, an honest evaluation: Which of you is more hesitant to look at his/her emotions? And therefore….also more reluctant to look at his/her partner’s feelings? Before we go any deeper, Craig and I ask that you take this first step of faith to assess – not to assign blame or weakness or inadequacy. Instead, this is merely an identification step …

Welcome to 2020! Don’t know about you, but the move from life during the holidays back to the real world of daily living is rather a jolt for us! In light of that, and how much we’ve forgotten from way back in November, Craig and I thought a bit of a review was in order. We’ve been exploring our inner …

I remember Craig pointing out the stats several years ago. It was surprising to me then…and still is now. Know how many verses in the New Testament talk about money (or wealth, possessions)? No less than 2300. And 11 out of 39 parables are about money too. The conclusion we have to agree on: What we do with our money …

The Confession: Emotions—too often they’re the bane of my existence! I can hear you thinking: Carolyn, you’ve committed a cardinal sin. One with crystal-clear boundaries, which I have obviously crossed. As a woman, how dare I admit to sometimes having out-of-control emotions? And to be moody? Seriously? Yes. Let’s go there—women AND men. Because sometimes…wait for it…sometimes MEN can be the moody partner in a …

Part One: Husbands on the Hot Seat  Think you might not relate to this one? Hang in there with me as I tell my story… I first noticed Craig during our orientation at college. Part of that busy week was the election of our class officers, and Craig stepped right up to the plate to run for president. I remember watching him …

 Wives on the Hot Seat: Be Realistic, Be Honest, Be Courageous Pop quiz time!            Read and write out your answers separately, and then compare. Where are you two not on the same page? What blesses and nourishes me will in turn bless my husband                        Do I truly believe this? Does my husband believe this?                        Why or why not?                        What does this mean? An …

Been to a wedding when both bride and groom vowed to do this for each other? Felt a nearly overwhelming desire to stand up and shout, “Time out! Can we talk about this?” Yeah, me too. How can something that sounds so good be so bad? Or maybe better put: Can such a sincere motivation go so wrong? First: Only God can meet all …

Craig and I were on long a road trip when we decided to visit the rest stop just ahead. He pulled into a parking space next to the sidewalk, and we groaned a bit as we climbed out of the car, stretching stiff limbs. Almost simultaneously, we glanced towards the building, noting where the restrooms were. And then we looked …