Want a Closer Marriage? Start with a Closer Walk with God

Want a Closer Marriage? Start with a Closer Walk with God

by | Apr 16, 2025 | Articles

When you see a strong, connected marriage, you can be sure of one thing—it didn’t just happen by chance.

A closer marriage is the result of two people intentionally showing up for each other. It’s built in the daily choices: carving out time together, having meaningful conversations, laughing, forgiving, supporting one another through life’s highs and lows. That kind of closeness is a byproduct of connection—and that connection requires time and investment.

But here’s something we often forget: our relationship with God works the exact same way.

We can’t expect to feel close to our spouse if we’re not spending quality time with them. And in the same way, we can’t expect to feel close to God if we’re not regularly making space for Him in our lives. Time in prayer, in His Word, and simply being in His presence—it all matters. It shapes us.

Closer Marriage

And here’s why that connection to God is essential for a healthy marriage:

When we prioritize our relationship with God, we become better spouses. We grow in patience. We become more forgiving, more humble, and more loving—not because we’re trying harder, but because we’re being transformed by His Spirit. He changes us from the inside out.

That’s why a thriving marriage starts with a thriving faith.

Jesus put it this way in John 15:5 (NIV):

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.”

That fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness—is what feeds our marriage and sustains us through every season.

Without staying connected to the Vine, we wither… and our relationships suffer too.

So, if your heart is longing for a deeper connection in your marriage, start by drawing closer to Christ.
If you want to feel more united as husband and wife, begin by staying united with Him.

Because the closer you are to God, the closer you can become to each other.

Thriving marriage

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Your Phone Might Be the Devil’s Favorite Device in Your Life

Your Phone Might Be the Devil’s Favorite Device in Your Life

by | Apr 14, 2025 | Articles

A Reflection on Distraction, Intimacy, and Taking Your Attention Back

My husband and I recently had one of those conversations—the kind that makes you stop and re-evaluate what’s quietly taking over your life. This time, it was about our phones.

We’d already started making some big changes in how we use them, but something about that conversation stirred something deeper in me. Out of curiosity, I looked up the definition of the word “device.” (Yes—on my phone, ironically enough.)

Here’s what I found:
A device is “a deceit or plan to trick.”

Oof. That one hit me, but also didn’t shock me.

Suddenly, I started to see things more clearly. How often is that “innocent” scroll really just a trap? How often does that little ding or buzz pull us away from what actually matters? The enemy is clever—he doesn’t always storm in with chaos. Sometimes, he just gently lures us with distraction… dressed up as entertainment, comparison, or even productivity.

Distraction in Marriage

Distraction Is Spiritual

Let’s call it what it is: many of us are spiritually disconnected—not because God has gone silent, but because we’ve stopped listening.

We’ve traded quiet time for screen time.
Communion with Christ for connection with content.
Real presence in our marriages for mindless scrolling.

And the most tragic part?
We barely notice it happening.

Our phones aren’t evil in themselves. They’re tools.
But they become traps when they start stealing our dependence, our attention, and our peace.

Who Has More Access to You—Your Phone or Your Savior?

That’s the question I had to wrestle with.
And maybe it’s one you need to ask yourself, too.

Jesus hasn’t moved.
He hasn’t stopped speaking.
But maybe we’ve just forgotten how to be still long enough to hear Him.

The constant noise, the pull of endless content, the dopamine hits from likes and notifications—it’s all shaping our spiritual attention spans. And if we’re not careful, we’ll raise children who can’t sit in silence and we’ll grow marriages that struggle to thrive without a screen in the room.

The Call Back to Stillness

Here’s the good news:
You can take your attention back.
You can shut down the noise and open up space for something better.

  • You can put your phone down and pick up God’s Word.
  • You can re-learn how to sit with Him.
  • You can begin to hear again.

And yes, at first, stillness might feel awkward.
You’ll be tempted to reach for distraction.
But stay with it.

Stillness is where intimacy grows. It’s where God whispers. And it’s where peace begins to replace pressure.

Stillness in Marriage

For the Sake of Your Marriage

This isn’t just about your quiet time—it’s about your relationship.
If you’re like many couples today, chances are your phone has become a source of tension in your marriage.

How many times have you heard:
“Can you just put your phone down for a minute?”
“Are you even listening to me?”

It’s time to stop letting a device create distance in our closest relationships.

Let’s not allow something in our hands to steal the intimacy we were meant to have—with God and with each other.

A Prayer to Refocus

Lord, help me to recognize the distractions that pull me away from You. Give me the strength to choose stillness, to quiet the noise, and to tune my heart to Your voice again. Help me love You with my attention. And help me love my spouse with my presence. In Jesus Name, Amen.

If this hits home for you, maybe it’s time for a little phone reset.
Not because it’s trendy—but because your soul needs space to breathe.
And your marriage? It needs presence more than pixels.

Let’s take our attention back—together.

Do you feel like you are all alone in your marriage?

Are your schedules so busy with work and taking care of your family that you are simply too tired to connect?

Wouldn't it be great if you could move from exhausted and alone to connected and supported?

To feel like you were part of a team?

Use Coupon Code: PODCAST20
for 20% off the regular price of $34.97

Find Out More

Finding Peace in Letting Go of Control in Your Marriage

Finding Peace in Letting Go of Control in Your Marriage

by | Nov 15, 2024 | Articles

Have you ever noticed how our desire to feel safe and in control can lead us down a path of trying to control everything around us—especially in our marriages? I’ve been there before, and let me tell you, it never ends well. The truth is that whenever we try to control what is not ours to control, we end up feeling anxious and weighed down.

Why There Is Peace In Letting Go

Finding Peace in Letting Go of Control in Your Marriage

When we attempt to control everything—our spouse’s emotions, their reactions, their choices, or even our life circumstances—it often stems from a genuine longing for safety. We want to avoid pain, protect our families, and keep life as smooth as possible. Trust me, I’ve been guilty of this too many times. But the reality is, we weren’t designed to carry that weight. God didn’t create us to control every outcome or anticipate and prevent every bad thing from happening.

The more we try to take on the role of protector, peacekeeper, and life manager for our spouse, the more overwhelming it becomes. And what’s the result? We’re left feeling anxious, frustrated, and disconnected from the very person we’re trying to protect.
The reason is simple: we weren’t meant to be in control.
God is.

In Proverbs 3:5-6, we’re reminded of this foundational truth: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” This is God’s gracious invitation for us to loosen our tight grip on control and instead place our trust in Him. He calls us to release the weight we’ve been trying to carry and believe that He is more than capable of handling what we cannot.

If you’re feeling that constant tension of trying to keep everything in line—whether it’s managing your spouse, your marriage, or preventing every possible problem in your family—take heart. Not only do you not have to be in control, but you also aren’t supposed to be. When you release that need to manage every outcome, you make room for God to work in your life. You create space for His peace to replace your anxiety. (Insert deep breath here.)

Start With One Thing

Psalm 46:10 offers this beautiful reminder: “Be still, and know that I am God.” When we allow ourselves to be still and trust that God is in control, we find the safety we’ve been searching for—not in our ability to manage everything, but in God’s unwavering faithfulness.

So, here’s a question to ask yourself today: What’s one area in your marriage or family where you’re holding on too tightly? Where have you been trying to control something that isn’t yours to control? Take a moment to reflect on it. Whatever it is, I encourage you to release it into God’s hands. He is trustworthy, He is good, and He is more than able to carry what you cannot.

Let go of the anxiety that comes with trying to be in control, and lean into the peace that comes from trusting God instead. Remember, He’s got you, your spouse, and your family in His loving and capable hands.

Embracing Hard Truths in Marriage: Why Emotionally Satisfying Answers Won’t Bring Healing

Embracing Hard Truths in Marriage: Why Emotionally Satisfying Answers Won’t Bring Healing

by | Oct 19, 2024 | Articles

The other day, I listened to an eye-opening podcast interview with Lisa Fields, an author and apologetics teacher. She shared something powerful about what it means to wrestle with God, and it immediately struck a chord with me. Lisa pointed out that, as believers, many of us struggle when the answers we receive from God don’t meet our emotional expectations. She said, “For many of us, our goal line for God is emotionally satisfying answers. If the answers aren’t emotionally satisfying, we struggle to accept them or believe they’re true.”

I couldn’t help but reflect on how this applies not only to our faith journeys but also to our marriages. We’ve all had those moments where we’re wrestling with God—asking questions like, “Why does this have to happen?”, “Why isn’t this fair?”, or “Why should I forgive them when I’ve been hurt so badly?” The truth is, those moments of wrestling often come because we’re searching for answers that feel good, rather than the ones that are grounded in truth.

Why We Gravitate Toward “Comforting Lies”

Have you ever watched the TV show Catfish? The whole premise of the show is to help people uncover whether they’ve been deceived by someone pretending to be someone else online. Or perhaps you’ve seen an episode of Dr. Phil where someone, often an elderly widow, has been scammed into believing a far-fetched love story, even as their bank account is drained. In both cases, the victims are presented with all the evidence they need that they’re being lied to—but they still struggle to believe the truth.

It’s frustrating to watch because, as outsiders, it’s easy to see the blatant red flags. The lies are obvious: someone says they’re from Atlanta, but they have a foreign accent; they constantly need financial help for emergencies, but they can never meet in person. And yet, despite factual proof, the victims don’t want to believe they’re being deceived. The reason? The truth is painful. Emotionally, it’s easier to believe the comforting lies than to face the reality of the situation.

embracing hard truths in marriage title image

How This Relates to Marriage

The same thing happens in our marriages. We may find ourselves in difficult situations—maybe it’s ongoing conflict, resentment, or unmet expectations—and instead of addressing the real issues, we look for emotionally satisfying answers. We may think, “If they would just change, everything would be fine,” or “I’ll feel better once this problem goes away.”But the reality is that avoiding hard truths only prolongs the pain. In fact, it often makes things worse.

I’m not sure what struggles you may be facing in your marriage right now, but here’s what I do know: searching for the answers that make you feel better won’t fix the problem. It will only delay your healing. Whether it’s the need to forgive, to work through past hurts, or to address ongoing issues, it’s time to confront the truth.

Embracing the Hard Truths with God

As difficult as it may be to accept, God’s truth is what will set you free in your marriage. It’s easy to fall into the trap of ignoring the Holy Spirit’s nudges because the truth feels too painful or hard to deal with. But here’s the thing: God’s truth isn’t just something to accept—it’s something that can liberate you and your marriage.

Ignoring hard truths in favor of emotionally satisfying answers may bring temporary relief, but it doesn’t bring lasting peace. It’s like putting a bandage over a deep wound instead of getting the stitches you need for real healing.

So, whatever it is that you’re avoiding, whatever truth you know in your heart that you need to face—take the first step today. Whether it’s a difficult conversation with your spouse, addressing a long-standing issue, or confronting something within yourself, know that God will walk with you through it. He will guide you, sustain you, and bring healing to your marriage.

embracing the hard truths in marriage quote image

God’s Truth Is the Foundation for Healing


In John 16:13, Jesus promises, “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth.” The Holy Spirit is our constant companion, ready to guide us toward truth, even when it’s hard to hear. The truth may not always be emotionally satisfying, but it’s where real healing begins.

God’s truth in your marriage may require difficult choices, painful admissions, or a willingness to let go of the emotionally satisfying answers you’ve held onto. But it’s only by embracing the truth—no matter how hard—that you’ll find the freedom and healing you’ve been longing for.

Take heart in knowing that God is with you. He is Truth, and His truth will sustain and guide you, no matter how tough the journey may seem. Trust Him to lead you and your marriage into a place of healing, peace, and restoration.

Moving Forward in Truth

I encourage you today: whatever the hard truth is that you’ve been avoiding, face it with courage and trust in God. Stop searching for answers that simply soothe your emotions and start seeking the truth that will set you free. Your marriage is worth the work. The freedom that comes from living in God’s truth is far better than any temporary comfort you may find in avoiding it.

Remember, God is with you through it all, and His truth will ultimately lead you to the healing and peace you desire in your marriage.

By shifting the focus from seeking emotionally satisfying answers to embracing God’s truth, we can experience the kind of freedom and healing that transforms our marriages. Let’s trust in His guidance and walk in the truth that only He can provide.


If you need help walking through a tough season in your marriage, we’re here to help with virtual marriage coaching and counseling. Check out our services HERE.

5 ways to Deal with Family at the Thanksgiving Table

5 ways to Deal with Family at the Thanksgiving Table

by | Oct 6, 2024 | Articles

Thanksgiving is almost here, and if you’re like the average couple, you’re gearing up for that annual feast with family—full of turkey, stuffing, and just a sprinkle of chaos. Now, you probably love your family, but let’s be honest, getting through Thanksgiving dinner with everyone’s sanity intact can sometimes feel like a miracle on par with feeding the 5,000. But don’t worry, I’ve got some practical (and slightly humorous) Christian advice to help you navigate the turkey, the tension, and everything in between.

1. Pray Before You Feast—and Not Just for the Food

Let’s start with the obvious: prayer. Before that turkey even hits the table, take a moment to pray. And I’m not just talking about blessing the meal—though that’s important too. Pray for patience, kindness, and the strength to smile when Aunt Mildred asks you for the fifth time why you haven’t had any more kids yet. Consider prayer like the stuffing to your Thanksgiving turkey—it fills the gaps and holds everything together.

 And hey, if you’re hosting, sneak in an extra prayer while you’re basting the turkey. You’ll need it when Uncle Joe starts discussing politics before dessert.

2. Serve a Side of Grace with That Gravy

Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful, but sometimes, it’s also a time to bite your tongue. When Cousin Larry starts talking about his latest conspiracy theory, or when Grandma insists that her “secret” recipe is better than yours, remember that grace is key. Pour out that grace like gravy and remind yourself that Thanksgiving is more than the meal—it’s about the people around the table.

So when the conversation gets a little heated, or you feel your patience wearing thin, take a deep breath, pass the mashed potatoes, and keep serving up that grace. You’ll feel better for it—and so will everyone else.

 3. Focus on the Blessings, Not the Bickering

It’s easy to get caught up in the bickering that sometimes bubbles up around the Thanksgiving table. But instead of focusing on what’s wrong, why not focus on what’s right? Take a moment to look around the table at the faces of the people you love (even if they’re driving you a little crazy), and be thankful for each one of them. Yes, even the one who chews obnoxiously loud.

thanksgiving table decor

Remember, every family has its quirks, but those quirks are part of what makes your family unique. And who knows? Maybe one day you’ll look back on these moments and laugh—after all, humor is one of God’s best gifts.

4. Create a “Thankful for” Tradition

Here’s a little tip I’ve found helpful: before diving into the turkey, go around the table and have everyone share something they’re thankful for. It’s amazing how this simple act can set a positive tone for the entire meal. Plus, it’s a great way to remind everyone (including yourself) of the many blessings God has poured into your lives.

And if anyone tries to skip out on sharing, feel free to gently remind them that there’s always something to be thankful for—like the fact that the turkey isn’t raw or burnt this year.

5. Laughter Is the Best Dessert

Finally, remember that laughter is truly the best dessert—well, right after pumpkin pie, of course. When the conversation starts getting tense, try lightening the mood with a joke or a funny story. Laughter can diffuse tension faster than you can say “pass the cranberry sauce.”

So, whether it’s reminiscing about funny family moments or telling a good-natured joke, don’t be afraid to bring a little humor to the table. It might just be the secret ingredient to a peaceful and joyful Thanksgiving.

Giving Thanks Together

At the end of the day, Thanksgiving isn’t about having the perfect meal or the perfect family—it’s about coming together to give thanks to God for all He’s done. It’s about remembering that despite our differences, we are all loved and blessed beyond measure.

So this Thanksgiving, let’s focus on what really matters: faith, family, and a whole lot of gratitude. And if things get a little messy—whether it’s the gravy or the conversation—just remember to laugh, pray, and pass the pie.

 

Wishing you a Thanksgiving full of love, laughter, and God’s abundant blessings!

thanksgiving is about blessings