Your wedding was not the most important day in your marriage. Today is. What if I could tell you about the future of your marriage? For the moment, let’s say I can. (Because I can.) Brace yourself, my newlywed friend. I come from over 25 years in the future of your marriage. What do you…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/creating-a-brand-a2BZAKHGGCo-unsplash-1-scaled-e1613491352827.jpg8792048John Daumhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2021-02-16 11:01:332021-02-16 13:35:065 Ways Your Relationship Changes After You Get Married
Don’t beat yourself up over the blues; just beat ‘em.
“Post-Wedding Blues” are absolutely a thing. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. And definitely don’t feel bad for feeling them. You don’t need to be worried or secretly guilt-ridden. “Blues” are totally understandable. And you can get your head around your heart. Check this out… Which of these television couples were you just hoping could…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/blake-carpenter-uOrmKHggRY4-unsplash-scaled-e1613398701860.jpg20481368John Daumhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2021-02-15 09:18:332021-02-18 10:29:30Do I Have Post-Wedding Blues?
Make their heart happy with these out-of-the-box ideas!
Valentine’s Day is a great time to get outside the heart-shaped chocolate box and celebrate love and romance in a BIG way! If you want a hand in making this day unique for your Valentine, you’ve come to the right place. These 10 creative ideas will help you connect and play as you set this…
If you’re dating, in a long-term relationship, or engaged, you may be wondering what marriage is like. You probably have friends with good marriages and those who have so-so marriages. Perhaps you’ve got questions, but you don’t know exactly how to ask. Questions like: Is it hard? Is it worth it? Why get married? Well,…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pexels-emma-bauso-3585798-scaled-e1611164869571.jpg355900Gena Ellishttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngGena Ellis2021-01-20 12:48:002021-01-21 11:53:4610 Things You Need to Know About Marriage
How gritty are you? Is your marriage gritty? Do you teach your kids to be gritty? In her book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, Harvard-trained psychologist and researcher Angela Duckworth examines what it takes to stick things out and accomplish long-term goals. Grit has everything to do with how we do family relationships. …
You said, “Yes!” Congrats! Now, the planning begins. Where to start? The venue, music, big or small wedding, indoor or outdoor, caterer, DJ or band, wedding cake, dress, tux, bridesmaids, groomsmen… OH MY! Lots of preparation for the big day, but what about preparation for the marriage? What can you do to focus on the…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/emily-finch-2zHKCzj-dmM-unsplash-scaled-e1603887480118.jpg241600Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2020-10-28 08:18:152020-10-28 10:54:53The 5 Do’s And Don’ts Every Engaged Couple Should Know About Preparing For Marriage
These 7 things can help you build a strong relationship.
What’s the difference between a loving, warm marriage and one full of friction and conflict? Trust. There are probably many items on your checklist for having a strong marriage. If there’s one that ought to be at the top of the list, it’s trust. How do you establish trust in marriage from the start? 1.…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pexels-emma-bauso-3585812-1-scaled-e1603139105338.jpg253600Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-10-19 16:25:162021-03-16 13:12:44How To Establish Trust In Marriage From The Start
You’re getting ready to marry the love of your life, and you’ve been reading card after card wishing you a marriage full of love and adventure. With that comes the hope of fulfillment in each other and the desire to have fun, because who wants a boring marriage?! No one… Here are 3 easy things…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Engaged_MarriedFun.jpg344800First Things Firsthttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngFirst Things First2020-10-05 22:19:012020-10-27 10:44:32We’re Engaged. How Do We Make Sure Our Marriage is Fun?
You want to have good relationships. You want a healthy marriage AND you want to be a great parent, a wonderful friend, fiancé, or co-worker. But relationships are sometimes complex. They aren’t always easy. Issues arise. And if you’re like me, you could just use some help sometimes. The internet gives us ENDLESS information on…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/HowtoFindGoodRelationshipAdvice.jpg454800Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2020-10-05 21:46:132021-04-01 17:22:46How to Find Good Relationship Advice
When you marry the love of your life, they bring so many different things to the table for the two of you to share. Their personality, adoration for you, commitment, maybe some furniture or experience with things you don’t know how to do. And don’t get me wrong—this sounds lovely (and it is…) until one…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/AdobeStock_204872376-1-scaled-e1601405748913.jpeg252600First Things Firsthttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngFirst Things First2020-09-29 14:56:002021-01-08 14:32:32What to Do When You Aren’t Crazy About Your Future In-Laws
Engagement season is upon you—congrats, by the way!! With the pretty ring comes some planning, excitement, questions, and ultimately preparing for marriage! With that being said, here are 5 tips to help newly engaged couples thrive during the engagement season: 1. Have the big conversations before you’re deep into planning. If you haven’t already, make…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/annie-marek-barta-qRqEfUfw7TM-unsplash-scaled-e1600372568255.jpg199600First Things Firsthttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngFirst Things First2020-09-17 15:56:282021-03-16 11:55:475 Tips For Newly Engaged Couples
If you want your best self to show up on your best day ever, practicing self-care while planning your wedding should be at the top of your to-do list. Planning a day that is ultimately about 8 hours but signifies a lifelong commitment can be stressful, I’ll be the first to admit it, having planned…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/neal-e-johnson-TXYLc5lEuM-unsplash-scaled-e1600194965377.jpg205600First Things Firsthttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngFirst Things First2020-09-15 14:36:272021-03-22 22:30:034 Ways To Practice Self-Care While Planning A Wedding
It’s that time of year! The leaves are changing colors and falling. There’s a cool breeze in the air. Pumpkin spice is the flavor of the season. We’ve moved past the laid-back summer and now it’s FALL, the season of football, fun… and romance. Here are several romantic fall fun date ideas that bring out…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/romane-van-troost-sn61a37mbUM-unsplash-scaled-e1600112159255.jpg319600Gena Ellishttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngGena Ellis2020-09-14 15:36:262020-10-27 10:46:5430 Romantic Fall Date Ideas For Couples
You’re in love, you’re engaged, and you don’t want the butterflies you’ve had all this time to fly away. I mean who would? But sometimes, in the midst of wedding planning and preparing for marriage, you can forget to do the very thing that brought you to this relationship milestone: Date! And that’s what this…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/pexels-jasmine-carter-888923-e1599138867989.jpg228450First Things Firsthttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngFirst Things First2020-09-03 09:14:392021-01-08 14:33:055 Dates Every Engaged Couple Must Do Before the Big Day
Your wedding day is approaching. You’re looking forward to all the benefits of a fun, stable, vibrant marriage: deep intimacy, unbreakable connection, and unconditional friendship. Taking the time to prepare for your marriage can help you mix all the ingredients necessary for a strong relationship and satisfying marriage. Here’s how – and why preparing for…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/taylor-brandon-rNnoXb3Zq7g-unsplash-scaled-e1599138592732.jpg229450Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-09-03 09:10:192020-10-27 10:47:545 Ways Preparing for Marriage Can Make Your Relationship Stronger
Is marriage on your mind for your future? If it is, it doesn’t make a difference whether you’re a single searching for that special someone, in an “endgame” relationship, or perhaps already engaged when it comes to preparing yourself for marriage. If you know in your heart of hearts that you want marriage to be…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/analise-benevides-eNFA3RFYd-A-unsplash-scaled-e1598964520989.jpg675450First Things Firsthttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngFirst Things First2020-09-01 08:49:012021-01-08 14:32:08How to Prepare Yourself for Marriage
OMG! It finally happened! I’m engaged! There are so many things to do: Venue Bridal Party Flowers Wedding Dress Ceremony and Reception Honeymoon location Once you’re engaged, the focus turns to make sure that the “Wedding of Your Dreams” occurs. Yes, your wedding is important, and there are many details that go into making your…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/pexels-burst-373977-scaled-e1598964259994.jpg300450Gena Ellishttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngGena Ellis2020-09-01 08:44:432020-10-27 10:49:10How to Prepare for Marriage
*Clink!* Champagne flutes (or rocks glasses if it’s your preference) meet to toast the “Yes!” you just said. Before you even have the chance to sit down, enjoy the butterflies and process what just happened, the congratulations come serendipitously. People begin to ask ALL THE QUESTIONS, poking at what’s next— Have you picked a date?…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/404188-PCTX7A-527-scaled-e1598384620982.jpg203450First Things Firsthttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngFirst Things First2020-08-25 15:43:472021-01-08 14:33:108 Things No One Tells You About Being Engaged
It’s normal to get nervous about important decisions. Asking yourself, “Am I marrying the right person?” is one of those nervy decisions because marriage is a lifelong commitment, not something that will come out easily in the wash if you’ve not made the right choice. So you weigh the odds, make a list of pros…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/tanner-ross-BqFurADddWQ-unsplash-1.jpg4411000First Things Firsthttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngFirst Things First2020-08-18 14:05:022021-01-08 14:33:175 Signs You Should Break Off Your Engagement
The morning light playfully casts its shadows on my husband’s face. I ask myself, once again, in my half slumber, if this is really my life. My mornings are filled with “I love you’s” and kisses (morning breath and all) and an alarm set purposely to snooze so we can cozy up to each other…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/jonathan-borba-LLBLQAbzfpw-unsplash-scaled-e1597672710464.jpg115362First Things Firsthttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngFirst Things First2020-08-17 09:58:452021-01-08 14:33:22What I’ve Learned During My First Year of Marriage
5 Ways Your Relationship Changes After You Get Married
Your wedding was not the most important day in your marriage. Today is. What if I could tell you about the future of your marriage? For the moment, let’s say I can. (Because I can.) Brace yourself, my newlywed friend. I come from over 25 years in the future of your marriage. What do you…
Do I Have Post-Wedding Blues?
“Post-Wedding Blues” are absolutely a thing. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. And definitely don’t feel bad for feeling them. You don’t need to be worried or secretly guilt-ridden. “Blues” are totally understandable. And you can get your head around your heart. Check this out… Which of these television couples were you just hoping could…
10 Creative Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is a great time to get outside the heart-shaped chocolate box and celebrate love and romance in a BIG way! If you want a hand in making this day unique for your Valentine, you’ve come to the right place. These 10 creative ideas will help you connect and play as you set this…
10 Things You Need to Know About Marriage
If you’re dating, in a long-term relationship, or engaged, you may be wondering what marriage is like. You probably have friends with good marriages and those who have so-so marriages. Perhaps you’ve got questions, but you don’t know exactly how to ask. Questions like: Is it hard? Is it worth it? Why get married? Well,…
Is Grit the Secret Ingredient to Successful Relationships?
How gritty are you? Is your marriage gritty? Do you teach your kids to be gritty? In her book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, Harvard-trained psychologist and researcher Angela Duckworth examines what it takes to stick things out and accomplish long-term goals. Grit has everything to do with how we do family relationships. …
The 5 Do’s And Don’ts Every Engaged Couple Should Know About Preparing For Marriage
You said, “Yes!” Congrats! Now, the planning begins. Where to start? The venue, music, big or small wedding, indoor or outdoor, caterer, DJ or band, wedding cake, dress, tux, bridesmaids, groomsmen… OH MY! Lots of preparation for the big day, but what about preparation for the marriage? What can you do to focus on the…
How To Establish Trust In Marriage From The Start
What’s the difference between a loving, warm marriage and one full of friction and conflict? Trust. There are probably many items on your checklist for having a strong marriage. If there’s one that ought to be at the top of the list, it’s trust. How do you establish trust in marriage from the start? 1.…
We’re Engaged. How Do We Make Sure Our Marriage is Fun?
You’re getting ready to marry the love of your life, and you’ve been reading card after card wishing you a marriage full of love and adventure. With that comes the hope of fulfillment in each other and the desire to have fun, because who wants a boring marriage?! No one… Here are 3 easy things…
How to Find Good Relationship Advice
You want to have good relationships. You want a healthy marriage AND you want to be a great parent, a wonderful friend, fiancé, or co-worker. But relationships are sometimes complex. They aren’t always easy. Issues arise. And if you’re like me, you could just use some help sometimes. The internet gives us ENDLESS information on…
What to Do When You Aren’t Crazy About Your Future In-Laws
When you marry the love of your life, they bring so many different things to the table for the two of you to share. Their personality, adoration for you, commitment, maybe some furniture or experience with things you don’t know how to do. And don’t get me wrong—this sounds lovely (and it is…) until one…
5 Tips For Newly Engaged Couples
Engagement season is upon you—congrats, by the way!! With the pretty ring comes some planning, excitement, questions, and ultimately preparing for marriage! With that being said, here are 5 tips to help newly engaged couples thrive during the engagement season: 1. Have the big conversations before you’re deep into planning. If you haven’t already, make…
4 Ways To Practice Self-Care While Planning A Wedding
If you want your best self to show up on your best day ever, practicing self-care while planning your wedding should be at the top of your to-do list. Planning a day that is ultimately about 8 hours but signifies a lifelong commitment can be stressful, I’ll be the first to admit it, having planned…
30 Romantic Fall Date Ideas For Couples
It’s that time of year! The leaves are changing colors and falling. There’s a cool breeze in the air. Pumpkin spice is the flavor of the season. We’ve moved past the laid-back summer and now it’s FALL, the season of football, fun… and romance. Here are several romantic fall fun date ideas that bring out…
5 Dates Every Engaged Couple Must Do Before the Big Day
You’re in love, you’re engaged, and you don’t want the butterflies you’ve had all this time to fly away. I mean who would? But sometimes, in the midst of wedding planning and preparing for marriage, you can forget to do the very thing that brought you to this relationship milestone: Date! And that’s what this…
5 Ways Preparing for Marriage Can Make Your Relationship Stronger
Your wedding day is approaching. You’re looking forward to all the benefits of a fun, stable, vibrant marriage: deep intimacy, unbreakable connection, and unconditional friendship. Taking the time to prepare for your marriage can help you mix all the ingredients necessary for a strong relationship and satisfying marriage. Here’s how – and why preparing for…
How to Prepare Yourself for Marriage
Is marriage on your mind for your future? If it is, it doesn’t make a difference whether you’re a single searching for that special someone, in an “endgame” relationship, or perhaps already engaged when it comes to preparing yourself for marriage. If you know in your heart of hearts that you want marriage to be…
How to Prepare for Marriage
OMG! It finally happened! I’m engaged! There are so many things to do: Venue Bridal Party Flowers Wedding Dress Ceremony and Reception Honeymoon location Once you’re engaged, the focus turns to make sure that the “Wedding of Your Dreams” occurs. Yes, your wedding is important, and there are many details that go into making your…
8 Things No One Tells You About Being Engaged
*Clink!* Champagne flutes (or rocks glasses if it’s your preference) meet to toast the “Yes!” you just said. Before you even have the chance to sit down, enjoy the butterflies and process what just happened, the congratulations come serendipitously. People begin to ask ALL THE QUESTIONS, poking at what’s next— Have you picked a date?…
5 Signs You Should Break Off Your Engagement
It’s normal to get nervous about important decisions. Asking yourself, “Am I marrying the right person?” is one of those nervy decisions because marriage is a lifelong commitment, not something that will come out easily in the wash if you’ve not made the right choice. So you weigh the odds, make a list of pros…
What I’ve Learned During My First Year of Marriage
The morning light playfully casts its shadows on my husband’s face. I ask myself, once again, in my half slumber, if this is really my life. My mornings are filled with “I love you’s” and kisses (morning breath and all) and an alarm set purposely to snooze so we can cozy up to each other…
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