It’s not uncommon when things get tough for people to resort to threats, especially if they feel afraid. When it comes to marriage, if you really want your marriage to succeed, walking out the door is not an option. Through the years, I’ve been grateful that Lydia and I made a commitment to one another that no matter how difficult things got in our relationship, we would never use the “D-word” (D-I-V-O-R-C-E) in an argument.

Once divorce is mentioned, you’re opening yourself up to the idea that ending your marriage is a viable option and can lead you to seriously considering it. After over 30 years of marriage, it hasn’t all been easy, but knowing we’re both committed to our marriage has helped us through the storms of life.

Even in the times where everything appeared hopeless, our commitment to our covenant held strong and we made it through. Every marriage goes through seasons, and some are much harder than others. By sticking it out and...

Have you ever had an argument and walked away angry?

Allowing hurt and angry feelings to linger is one of the most toxic things that can destroy a marriage. Letting an argument go unresolved allows the hurt feelings to fester. This opens the door to false beliefs about our spouse and their intentions. Our minds can go a million different directions and play all sorts of trick on us, but unresolved anger all leads to the same end… bitterness.

 Bitterness is like a cancer that grows out of control and…

• Robs us of trust
• Kills our love
• Destroys our relationship

Just like with cancer, the earlier we catch it the easier it is to cure. By taking care of issues today, we can stop it from destroying our tomorrow. Don’t let issues fester, it just makes it worse and causes more and more problems. The longer issues remain unresolved, the deeper the hurt and more time can cause further serious consequences to the relationship.

In the heat of an argument, you may need...

Husbands, how about catching up on your wife’s Honey-Do list?

Replace that light bulb, oil a door hinge, hang a picture, or whatever your bride has been asking you to do. Even better, if you really want to impress your bride, find things that need to be done without having to be asked.

For small projects, you may even get the whole family to join in. Teaching your children how to do household jobs is a life-long skill they need to develop. It not only helps bond family relationships, it prepares them for their future as they watch what it means to make a sacrifice in marriage for their spouse.

YouTube can pretty much teach you how to fix just about anything. If it seems too daunting, hire the right person for the bigger jobs, and make the smaller jobs a family project. Just make sure it gets on the calendar, so it doesn’t go unnoticed. Serving the queen of your palace is an opportunity to reignite the flame in her heart.

Marriage Warrior Mission:

Weekly missions providing practical ways to strengthen marriage and family, allowing men to step back from the chaos of life and focus on the most important relationships he has on earth.  

Prayer is essential to keeping a family strong. Start each day praying for your wife and children. Take time to pray with your wife for protection, guidance and wisdom as you lead your family. Find a specific scripture to pray over your family and use as your family motto. If you don't already have one, check out Jeremiah 29:11, Matthew 6:33, and Romans 8:28.

Take a break from your morning routine.  Make some tea or coffee at home or go to your favorite coffee shop.  Sit down with your wife to enjoy a hot cup while talking about life, love and other mysteries.  Enjoy your time together with no distractions, focused only on each other.

Keywords: saving your marriage, etc. etc.

Freedom always comes with a cost.  This fourth of July take time to remember what it cost to give us the freedom we have.  Read a copy of the Declaration of Independence together as a family.  Look up the history of those that signed it and what it cost them. Many lost their lives, families and everything they owned.  Thank God for the sacrifices others have made to give us our freedom.

As we celebrate fathers across our nation, take time to evaluate yourself. If you have children, what areas do you need to work on? Are you giving your children your most valuable asset, T-I-M-E?  Are you leading them to the heavenly Father? What type of example are you setting? Encourage yourself with a couple of things you are doing well, then find 2-3 things you need to improve on as a father, and focus on them for the next 21 days.  Happy Father's Day!!

Take your wife shopping for summer. Don't forget to set an amount up front so you don't blow the budget.  If your wife likes deals, head to discount or thrift stores.  For an added bonus, have a fashion show when you get home.

Stop by one of your favorite eating establishments and bring home dinner for the whole family.  Get the children fed and occupied. Find the perfect spot to set up a romantic candlelight dinner for you and your bride.  Play some mood music, set aside all the electronics, and forget about the rest of the world to focus on each other.