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://i0.wp.com/firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/emily-finch-2zHKCzj-dmM-unsplash-scaled-e1603887480118.jpg?fit=600%2C241&ssl=1241600Mitchell 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
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://i2.wp.com/firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pexels-emma-bauso-3585812-1-scaled-e1603139105338.jpg?fit=600%2C253&ssl=1253600Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-10-19 16:25:162020-10-26 09:17:55How 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://i1.wp.com/firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Engaged_MarriedFun.jpg?fit=800%2C344&ssl=1344800First 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://i2.wp.com/firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/HowtoFindGoodRelationshipAdvice.jpg?fit=800%2C454&ssl=1454800Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2020-10-05 21:46:132020-11-03 11:29:16How 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://i1.wp.com/firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/AdobeStock_204872376-1-scaled-e1601405748913.jpeg?fit=600%2C252&ssl=1252600First 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://i0.wp.com/firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/annie-marek-barta-qRqEfUfw7TM-unsplash-scaled-e1600372568255.jpg?fit=600%2C199&ssl=1199600First Things Firsthttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngFirst Things First2020-09-17 15:56:282021-01-08 14:32:415 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://i0.wp.com/firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/neal-e-johnson-TXYLc5lEuM-unsplash-scaled-e1600194965377.jpg?fit=600%2C205&ssl=1205600First Things Firsthttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngFirst Things First2020-09-15 14:36:272021-01-08 14:32:484 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://i0.wp.com/firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/romane-van-troost-sn61a37mbUM-unsplash-scaled-e1600112159255.jpg?fit=600%2C319&ssl=1319600Gena 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://i1.wp.com/firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/pexels-jasmine-carter-888923-e1599138867989.jpg?fit=450%2C228&ssl=1228450First 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://i1.wp.com/firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/taylor-brandon-rNnoXb3Zq7g-unsplash-scaled-e1599138592732.jpg?fit=450%2C229&ssl=1229450Reggie 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://i1.wp.com/firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/analise-benevides-eNFA3RFYd-A-unsplash-scaled-e1598964520989.jpg?fit=450%2C675&ssl=1675450First 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://i1.wp.com/firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/pexels-burst-373977-scaled-e1598964259994.jpg?fit=450%2C300&ssl=1300450Gena 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://i1.wp.com/firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/404188-PCTX7A-527-scaled-e1598384620982.jpg?fit=450%2C203&ssl=1203450First 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://i0.wp.com/firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/tanner-ross-BqFurADddWQ-unsplash-1.jpg?fit=1000%2C441&ssl=14411000First 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://i1.wp.com/firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/jonathan-borba-LLBLQAbzfpw-unsplash-scaled-e1597672710464.jpg?fit=362%2C115&ssl=1115362First 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
2020 might be the year everyone wants to escape from and/or forget for so many reasons. This means we shouldn’t be surprised to learn that many of us are looking for ways to escape the pain and fear. One of the escapes that has seen a dramatic increase in use during the coronavirus pandemic is…
https://i2.wp.com/firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Pandemic-and-Porn-pexels-soumil-kumar-735911-1.jpg?fit=1400%2C900&ssl=19001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2020-08-12 11:52:122020-10-27 10:51:25What You Need to Know about the Pandemic and Porn
How long should a couple be engaged before getting married? Great question! There isn’t a “magic number” and it doesn’t matter what everyone else is doing. What matters is how well you both really know each other and if you are both ready—individually and relationally—for that big “forever” next step. To help guide you through…
https://i1.wp.com/firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/samuel-rodriguez-3jTLp4o7jDc-unsplash-scaled-e1597092595990.jpg?fit=450%2C268&ssl=1268450First Things Firsthttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngFirst Things First2020-08-10 16:50:352021-01-08 14:33:32How Long Should A Couple Be Engaged Before Getting Married?
When everything else in the world is having to adapt because of a pandemic, why not throw romance into the mix! Thus “quarandating” is born. Quarandating: Dating while in quarantine. It’s an interesting concept I’m not sure anyone would have predicted-—though let’s be honest, 2020 has been an enigmatic year. Nonetheless, as you consider the…
https://i1.wp.com/firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/woman-sitting-on-sofa-while-looking-at-phone-with-laptop-on-920382-scaled-e1596204386643.jpg?fit=500%2C272&ssl=1272500First Things Firsthttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngFirst Things First2020-07-29 08:39:372021-01-08 14:33:425 Things To Know About Quarandating
“I just want to do it right, I want to know what I’m supposed to do.” I kept saying this to myself while I was getting ready to be married. Plus, I wanted to prepare myself for anything that could come our way. I wanted a rock solid marriage with a foundation no earthquake could…
https://i1.wp.com/firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/vince-fleming-Ago_XP43ae0-unsplash-scaled.jpg?fit=2048%2C1366&ssl=113662048First Things Firsthttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngFirst Things First2020-07-24 14:33:012021-01-08 14:33:48We're Getting Married And Everyone Is Giving Us Advice
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…
What You Need to Know about the Pandemic and Porn
2020 might be the year everyone wants to escape from and/or forget for so many reasons. This means we shouldn’t be surprised to learn that many of us are looking for ways to escape the pain and fear. One of the escapes that has seen a dramatic increase in use during the coronavirus pandemic is…
How Long Should A Couple Be Engaged Before Getting Married?
How long should a couple be engaged before getting married? Great question! There isn’t a “magic number” and it doesn’t matter what everyone else is doing. What matters is how well you both really know each other and if you are both ready—individually and relationally—for that big “forever” next step. To help guide you through…
5 Things To Know About Quarandating
When everything else in the world is having to adapt because of a pandemic, why not throw romance into the mix! Thus “quarandating” is born. Quarandating: Dating while in quarantine. It’s an interesting concept I’m not sure anyone would have predicted-—though let’s be honest, 2020 has been an enigmatic year. Nonetheless, as you consider the…
We’re Getting Married And Everyone Is Giving Us Advice
“I just want to do it right, I want to know what I’m supposed to do.” I kept saying this to myself while I was getting ready to be married. Plus, I wanted to prepare myself for anything that could come our way. I wanted a rock solid marriage with a foundation no earthquake could…