Rest. It’s an important part of life. Without sleep, we stop functioning well. Without mental rest and time to unplug, we can end up struggling with burnout, overload, and anxiety. Thankfully, we have days off in our week, and extra days off as holidays. Jess and I have to remind ourselves to take this time of rest. We have a tendency to fill our schedule and push forward when we know we should slow down. Even with good things. We are constantly in a state of learning that we need time to … [Read more...]
6 Tips for Handling the Holidays Like a Boss
Are you stressed about the idea of planning holidays with your family, your spouse’s family, and also wanting to have your own traditions? Family expectations can lead to quite a bit of frustration. Honestly, I never really understood how holidays could be stressful or difficult until I got married. With the words “I do”, I suddenly had more than myself or my family to think about. I now had to think about my husband’s family, and also the fact that Adam and I were now our own little family, and … [Read more...]
11 Irrevocable Truths about God’s Love for You
Thanksgiving. For many, it brings to mind turkey, pie, and time with family. For me, it brings to mind those things, but also the very opposite--loneliness and a very very empty house. You see, four years ago, on the day before Thanksgiving, my world fell apart. At that point, I was still what many would consider a newlywed, as Jess and I had been married just under five months. She left me the day before Thanksgiving and took all of her stuff with her. Her family had driven to our house to have … [Read more...]
A Wife’s Greatest Protector
What does it mean for a husband to be responsible for his wife? Does it mean that it’s his sole responsibility to protect her at every moment of every day from the moment of his wedding vows forward? Does it mean that he needs to go everywhere with her to make sure she’s safe? Or is it something different entirely? I’m a recovering worrier. I’ve always had a tendency to worry about things. If I walk into a situation, I want to have a plan. I prepare for the worst and hope for the best. If I … [Read more...]
Marriage: Our Greatest Mission
When I think about the couples that have been most meaningful in my life, three or four come to mind. These couples have encouraged me to grow deeper in my relationship with the Lord and they’ve been a huge support for me as a wife. There were times when they directly spoke into my life, but I have been more impacted by the way that they live their lives and how their marriages and their love for each other reflect God’s love. When I think of them, I think of how they deeply care for one … [Read more...]
An Open Letter to Single and Dating Women
To My Single and Dating Friends: Do you know how worthy you are in God’s eyes? Proverbs 31:10 says “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” You are God’s daughter. What higher honor can be bestowed upon us? With that said, confidence in our role as God’s precious daughters needs to radiate in our romantic relationships … [Read more...]
Powerful Marriage Advice from an Accidental Adventure
You’ve been up since 5 am, flown clear across the country with a few stops at different airports along the way, landed and grabbed a rental car much smaller than the one you reserved, and made it out of the airport just in time to be stuck in rush hour leaving the city, so a twenty-five minute drive is set to take you an hour. Sound fun? I thought not, but that’s where Jess and I found ourselves last October … [Read more...]
How an Hour of TV Completely Changed My Perspective
We all like a kind word or an encouraging note, right? In marriage, we’re our spouse’s biggest fan. We have the power to help them chase their dreams, and also the power to smash them to pieces. It’s a big responsibility, and what we do with it can have lasting results. "In marriage, we’re our spouse’s biggest fan. We have the power to help them chase their dreams, and also the power to smash them to pieces." Share Tweet When I think about all of the things that I love about Adam, so … [Read more...]
5 Quick Tips for Building Up Your Spouse
You know that feeling when you accomplish something that you didn’t think you could do? Proud accomplishment and a new confidence in yourself are definitely favorites of mine. If you’re anything like me, it’s an exciting moment that you want to share with your spouse. Being married turns so many “me” victories into “we” victories and it’s … [Read more...]
A Husband’s Confession
I have a confession. I have a tendency to be what some might call a stick in the mud. Webster's defines that as “a person who is dull and unadventurous and who resists change.” Maybe not completely me, but I have some tendencies for sure. A lot of it is rooted in my issues with anxiety … [Read more...]