What’s New at FamilyLife?

How Lance and Jess Miller learned about God's plan for marriage.

This is one of the nitty-gritty issues of marriage and family life.

Marriage Memo readers offer some practical and biblical advice.

In his article, "How Do You Change a Bad Attitude," Dave Boehi asked for ideas from readers.  Here are 50 of the emails we received.

In his article, “How Do You Change a Bad Attitude?” Dave Boehi asked for ideas for readers. Below find the second group of emails we received.  Want to read the first 50?  Find them here. 51. I’ve always thought that attitude is a choice.  You can choose to be let a bad situation get you […]

5 things to share with girls about being women of God.

After a Christmas storm knocked out electricity, my biggest struggle was dealing with a sour mood.

Deep pain brings us to the end of ourselves, but these principles help make sense of life in the aftermath of incredible loss.

As Christmas day approaches many of you will be finishing last-minute details at work, or driving to Grandma’s house, or shopping for groceries before the big meal.As we gather with friends and family to celebrate Christmas, I am reminded of couples who have an extra reason for rejoicing this year. Couples like Drew and Angie. […]

Give meaningful gifts this Christmas — Christmas gifts to pass on to future generations

Here’s a list of holiday CDs with songs that focus on Christ’s birth.

Four ideas for telling very young children the truth in a way they will understand.

Formulating a strategy for dealing with the stress of that accompanies holidays with loved ones.

The normal stress of the holidays is multiplied for stepfamilies.

Stepchildren often feel caught between their biological parents.

A young widower shares his struggles.

This recipe became a family tradition for Thanksgiving brunch.

We hope that you will be encouraged as you read the following stories of real people. Nothing is impossible with God!

Teaching children how to focus their hearts and minds outward on others during the holiday season.

What to do when remarriage destabilizes a child’s world.

The difficulty of seeking the respect and acceptance of a stepchild.

The first two years of stepparent-stepchild relationships tend to be tense and stressful for everyone.

Stepparents must develop a secure bond with their stepchildren.

A delicate balancing act for blended families.

And so it comes to this: Two men finally facing off in a winner-take-all contest. Both men are successful and accomplished, yet both have walked through the valley of defeat.  Both live with the fact that fame and job security is fleeting. Both men are supported by millions and both are ridiculed and condemned when […]

We need to guide our children and grandchildren into the habit of giving thanks in all things.

A "chance encounter" reveals how God is extending FamilyLife's outreach.

Until we understand why God created sex, we won't make sense of His commands regarding sexual purity, for His commands always relate to His purposes.

Remember Hebrews 12:2 as you look forward to a future payoff for your parenting efforts.

Problems arise when a biological parent continually tries to guide, guard, and direct the stepparent’s every step.

Divorced parents who fight with each other are trampling on their most prized possession—their children who have to live in both homes

Finding an effective stepparent role is a challenge.

Improving your relationship is a challenge, so be intentional.

Two tips for beginning a new marriage and a new stepfamily.

Sarah and Michelle alike found themselves jealous of their stepchildren.

How my husband’s love helped me understand that my breasts didn’t define me as a woman.

Following are reader responses to the Marriage Memo of June 18, 2012, “Fifty Shades of Caution,” by Dave Boehi.  You can read additional comments at the end of the online article. 1. I totally agree with you.   Thanks for the warning about this book.   I haven’t really heard much about it until I recently read […]

It seemed my folks were always helping someone.

It hurts to watch a child suffer rejection from an uninvolved parent. Or from an inconsistent parent who promises time together and repeatedly breaks the promise.

A marriage is built on shared memories over the years.

Who doesn’t enjoy a good story? Especially a love story? As a writer for FamilyLife, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing lots of men and women about their marriages and families. But no one has been married as long as Orvil and Edith Thomas. Their commitment to one another has never wavered for more than […]

“Looking back, I’ve caused us a lot of grief simply because I was a bulldozer. Bulldozers are powerful machines.” “I was a very obstinate guy and wanted things to go my way. Unfortunately … I even hate to admit it … I cheated on my wife for about 10 years of our marriage. She never […]

Lessons my wife and I have learned about how to enjoy time off.

1 Date + 8 Teens = 0 Romance Okay, so maybe it wasn’t the smartest equation I have ever calculated. But my heart was in the right place! Hubby and I have attempted to make most Friday nights our “date nights” from the time our children were toddlers. They have always been “at home” dates, […]

FamilyLife President Dr. Dennis Rainey spoke at the 2009 Weekend to Remember® marriage conference in Grapevine, Texas, before nearly 4,000 people. During the weekend he wrote some impressions of how God is working through the cause of the family to touch the lives of people across America and even around the world. Saturday, February 14 […]

One of my bedrock, foundational beliefs in life is: Take your vacation time. Another is: Enjoy your vacation time. That sounds simple, but I’ve been surprised by the number of people I’ve encountered over the years who say they often don’t use up their allotted vacation days. Not me. I know I need my vacation. […]

Impressions from the largest Weekend to Remember conference in 33 years.

Recent plans for our regular date night were derailed for my husband and me.

It is hard work, but someone must be willing to be the first to break the cycle if a relationship is to be restored.

Whether you’re preparing for marriage or looking for a refresher, you and your spouse can benefit from a Weekend to Remember marriage conference.

Sometimes marriage is warm sea breezes … and sometimes it’s the pungent smell of drying paint.

I recently read five articles about marriage in one day. Guess which was my favorite?

One of the favorite letters FamilyLife has received over the years was from a grown daughter who expressed her amazement at the changes in her parents after they attended a Weekend to Remember marriage getaway.

A young law enforcement officer watches an elderly couple model lifelong commitment and faith ... and his life is changed forever

The interviews on FamilyLife's daily radio program help me make daily choices that are honoring to the Lord.

The God who created the giggle box gave us the privilege of using it.

We needed a biblical foundation for our marriage.

Here is a list of things which some people think make for a successful marriage.

We gave a Weekend to Remember a chance.

People need God’s blueprints for marriage and family now more than ever.

My friendship with Jim is built on a foundation of 37 years of shared adventures

This perspective can make your marriage an oasis in the middle of a thirsty culture. It can give you the ability to love for a lifetime.

A participant in a pilot showing of The Art of Marriage® shares his experience

My parents could have taken the easy way out, but they chose to remain committed because it was the right thing to do.

Reflections on our trip to the Weekend to Remember marriage conference.

A Weekend to Remember® marriage conference is an investment that can make even a strong marriage stronger.

When a husband and wife turn their lives and their marriages over to God, amazing things happen.

Merry and I just returned from a Weekend to Remember® marriage conference at the Gaylord Texan resort in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. When you stay at the Gaylord Texan, it’s hard not to rave about the incredible setting; the hotel’s huge atrium is a wonderland of streams, vegetation, and winding paths evoking different regions of […]

A few weeks ago I received a phone call from my oldest friend, Mark Allen. He and I met as kindergartners in Eugene, Ore., and went through school together until we graduated from high school. He was calling to say that he and his wife, Jenny, would be visiting Branson, Mo., for a business conference, […]

If there is one thing that continually reminds me of the importance of reaching out to families, it’s the e-mail we receive here at FamilyLife. The stories people tell reveal a common thread: People today are hungry to learn how to build a good marriage, and when they learn how to build it according to […]

One of the hardest things I've done as a single parent

It's probably going to happen to each of us—in a time of frustration, we’ll say something negative we regret.

If we believe in marriage like we say we do, it's time to start taking responsibility for our relationships.

Scripture proclaims the value of mutual support or accountability in marriage.

Our devotional time together is my favorite part of our marriage.

Our devotional time together is my favorite part of our marriage.

High expectations for marriage don’t have to result in disillusionment.

These "connecting" components will help you grow spiritually as a couple beyond your expectations.

Passion in life isn’t just something that happens; it must be sought.

Your marital relationship will change significantly when your baby comes.

Your marital relationship will change significantly when your baby comes.

Admiring your husband is no less important now than it was the day you got married.

How to understand your husband and get the intimacy you long for.

When Gary was ready to become the leader in our home, I had to learn to trust in God and allow my husband to perform his God-given role.

My husband, Rob, and I have worked through many struggles and problems in our marriage. The fact that we remain married is a testament to God's grace and power.

A woman's tongue has the power to build up or tear down her marriage.

Four steps to save your marriage when things go wrong.

With a little creativity, you can plan some innovative romantic excursions at home.

The Song of Solomon is a book full of godly wisdom about sexuality, marriage, and romance.

You'll be amazed at how a mom can set up Daddy as the hero of the house in his children’s eyes ... and you'll be amazed at what this will do for your man.

Your husband needs to be reassured that you still think he's wonderful, even if the rest of the world doesn't. Here are three ways you can build him up.

How to keep your marriage on the front burner of life.

Putting God, others, rest, and work in their proper places.

These 10 ideas will help you invest your time in your car, instead of waste it.

Giving thanks in all circumstances helps us remember that a sovereign God orders our lives.

You’ll never find the time to have fun with your spouse; you have to make time.

By the time Doug and Patty Daily faced their most difficult trial, their marriage had come a long way from the days when they prayed one of them would die.

List created by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

Money is a key factor in marriage breakups, but the economy is also keeping some couples from finalizing divorces.

Helpful tips for conquering a necessary task.

You can do it!

Economic winters are not excuses to show fear but opportunities to live by faith.

Four steps to getting where you want to be.

"It’s a layoff. Your position has been eliminated." I felt stunned. Betrayed. Embarrassed. Expendable. Insignificant. Angry. Terrified.

A marriage marked by unshakeable commitment is a beautiful picture of Christ's relationship with the church.

You may not understand why God allows you to experience sorrow or hardship, but you can cling to the truth of His Word.

After Brian Birdwell was injured in the attack on the Pentagon, he faced a long road to recovery, with the help of his wife, Mel.

Emotional and spiritual recovery involved several key spiritual decisions.

How many times has God used catastrophes in our lives to redirect us from a path of self-destruction?

Seven ways a wife can show her support.

Whatever circumstance in your life you are facing that requires perseverance, find the will to keep going.

I realized that by lying in bed, sick and unable to accomplish anything, I was actually achieving what I wanted most.

Any marriage offers occasions on an everyday basis for us to choose the needs of our spouses over our own.

This story is just one example of how God changes hearts through the love of others.

The following comments were given by women when they were asked, “What ‘no-no’s’ do you have for a man about relating to his wife?”

God uses marriage to complete and “perfect” a man and wife.

What I did when my husband wouldn't change his irritating ways.

What can you learn about the state of many marriages today from Google’s most popular searches? Sadly, quite a bit. To see for yourself, go to the homepage for Google and type in “My husband.” Google’s “auto complete” function will then provide you with a number of suggestions to finish your search phrase, based on […]

Partial truth is not truth. We have to be diligent to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Poem as read by Dennis Rainey on the radio broadcast of "FamilyLife Today".

These four techniques can give men and women better understanding.

Many people are desperately searching for answers.

Sometimes the greatest joys of marriage are the little things that most people probably take for granted and don’t realize are blessings.

As we interact with the LGBTQ+ community, we need to balance truth with love and compassion.

If money is causing tension in your family, consider this three-step plan.

Sweet Love My husband and I recently celebrated 38 years of marriage. I still remember the day we met as though it was yesterday. We were introduced after our college spring concert. He was strong and handsome. In fact, he was just too good looking and manly to be real! It would take us another […]

I’m starting to see more and more media reports exploring the benefits of arranged marriages vs. the modern Western model of dating to find a “soul mate.” Generally they’re pretty objective about the pros and cons of both. In the typical American marriage, the couple already has a head start on getting to know each […]

by Karen Loritts, Sabrina Beasley, and Tracey Eyster   Sweet love My husband and I recently celebrated 38 years of marriage. I still remember the day we met as though it was yesterday. We were introduced after our college spring concert. He was strong and handsome. In fact, he was just too good looking and […]

On May 16, 2011, Dave Boehi wrote an article called "Is  Marriage a 'Dying Institution'?"  Readers were invited to respond, and here are 100 of their comments.

Editor’s Note:  In the Marriage Memo of May 16, 2011, Dave Boehi wrote on “Is Marriage a ‘Dying Institution’?”  Readers were invited to respond, and included here are some of the responses we received. Click here to read additional responses. 101.  In my humble opinion, marriage is not a dying institution. We humans are more comfortable […]

There was a rift between us, and someone had to make the first move.

A happy love life is good for your children.