How to Strengthen Your Empty Nest Marriage When You Feel Like You’re Growing Apart

/

The Ache in Your Marriage

Once the nest begins to empty, many women are caught off guard by an ache they didn’t expect: an ache in their marriage. The house grows quieter, the routines change, and suddenly the man you once partnered with in the daily chaos of raising kids feels farther away. He fills his time with projects in the garage or evenings with the guys. You try new hobbies, volunteer, and stay busy. Yet somehow, the space between you keeps widening, echoing louder in the silence.

When the kids are gone, the questions come quickly. What do we talk about now? Who are we without the roles that once defined us? Loneliness creeps in, and if we’re not careful, so does negativity. Criticism slips into our conversations. We begin to focus on what’s missing instead of what remains. Those small habits: eye rolls, assumptions, unspoken resentment, slowly isolate us from the very person who’s supposed to feel like home.

Grey Divorce

For many couples, this season can feel so unsettling that desperation sets in. We quietly wonder if we’ve simply grown apart. And the statistics don’t help ease our fears. There’s a reason “gray divorce” has become a common phrase; nearly 40% of divorces today involve couples over the age of 50, a staggering shift from just a few decades ago. That reality can make a struggling marriage feel fragile, even doomed.

But Momma, this does not have to be your story. The empty nest doesn’t have to signal the end of intimacy or connection. It can be an invitation to awareness, to intentional love, to prayerful rebuilding. Let’s talk about six grace-filled ways to strengthen your empty nest marriage when it feels like you’re growing apart and how God can meet you right here, in this tender season.

1. Practice Awareness

It can feel easier to stay busy and minimize the ache, but ignoring the distance doesn’t heal it. Awareness is the moment you stop numbing and start noticing. When you recognize that you and your husband are drifting, it’s not failure; it’s an invitation to take responsibility for what you can change.

You can’t change your spouse, but you can partner with God to examine your own heart. Notice where you’ve built walls instead of bridges. Pay attention to the moments you withdraw, shut down, or choose silence over connection. Ask yourself: What am I protecting? What am I afraid to name?

Awareness requires courage; the courage to acknowledge the distance and consider a different response. Sometimes the smallest shifts matter most: a softened tone, a curious question, a willing heart. Scripture reminds us, “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord” -Lamentations 3:40. Healing often begins with honest reflection, and more often than not, it begins with you.

2. Cease Focusing on the Negative

It’s easy to notice what’s wrong. The unfinished projects, the emotional distance, the ways your husband disappoints you. But here’s the danger: what you focus on gets magnified. When you fixate on flaws, they begin to eclipse everything else, and before long, it feels like all you can see is what’s broken.

I’ve been there. During a season when three of our five kids had already left the nest, I found myself increasingly critical and quietly disappointed in my husband. One day in prayer, God gently interrupted my thinking. He challenged me to write down his positive attributes: physical, vocational, personality, and character. What surprised me was how quickly the list grew. As I wrote, my heart softened. Gratitude replaced frustration, and I was reminded what a gift this man truly is.

Nothing about my husband changed that day, but my perspective did. Scripture tells us, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure…think about such things” -Philippians 4:8. Sometimes the most powerful work God does in a marriage begins with a simple shift in how we choose to see. Maybe that’s the shift your heart needs too.

3. Understand the Impact of Criticism

Few things cause a husband to retreat faster than criticism. When a man begins to believe he can’t do anything right in your eyes, he slowly pulls away. He looks for spaces where he feels competent, respected, and safe: time with friends, long hours at work, another project to fix or manage. Criticism doesn’t motivate him to lean in; it makes him feel small and unseen.

While this dynamic can certainly go both ways, it’s important to understand what happens in a man’s heart when he senses contempt or chronic dissatisfaction. Over time, he stops engaging, not because he doesn’t care, but because he no longer feels welcome. The distance grows, and both of you feel misunderstood and alone.

Instead, try a different approach. Shift from constant correction to intentional affirmation. This isn’t about pretending everything is fine or ignoring real issues. It’s about choosing words that build rather than tear down. Scripture reminds us, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones”- Proverbs 16:24. When you lead with encouragement and speak life over your husband, you create space for connection to return. Try it and watch how the atmosphere in your marriage begins to soften.

4. Lead with Love

Love isn’t a feeling we wait for; it’s a posture we choose. In seasons of distance, it’s tempting to pull back and protect ourselves, but Scripture calls us to lead differently. The clearest picture of love isn’t found in romance; it’s found in action.

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13 give us a holy mirror to look into. Love is patient. Love is kind. It is not easily angered or rude. It keeps no record of wrongs. It protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. That’s not sentimental language. It’s a daily, intentional way of showing up.

So pause and ask yourself:

  • Do I enter conversations with tenderness and grace?

  • Am I leading with patience, or with frustration?

    Have I been keeping score instead of extending mercy?

    Leading with love often looks simple, but it’s powerful. A kind word instead of a sharp one. A gentle touch. A sincere affirmation. An intentional moment of connection. Sometimes your husband doesn’t need everything to be fixed; he just needs reassurance that you’re still in this, even when things feel a little disconnected.

Scripture reminds us, “Let all that you do be done in love” -1 Corinthians 16:14. When love leads, walls come down, hearts soften, and connection has room to grow again.

5. Partner with God Through Prayer

When the distance feels like it’s widening, prayer becomes more than a spiritual discipline; it becomes a lifeline. Setting aside time to meet with God helps you lift your eyes from what feels broken and regain His eternal perspective. Before you try to fix your marriage, you’re invited to sit with the One who sees it clearly.

As you meet with Him, God does His quiet, faithful work. He heals what’s wounded, corrects what’s misaligned, and gently guides you toward a different response with your husband. You cannot change him, but you can partner with God in allowing Him to change you. As your heart softens, healing can flow into your relationship.

Prayer also stretches your faith. It loosens a stiff neck and replaces resignation with hope. Scripture reminds us, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” -Genesis 18:14. Nothing in your marriage is beyond God’s ability to restore. It’s not too late. There is still time for mending, for renewal, for God to do what only He can do.

When it feels like the distance is widening, you can connect with God through prayer. Setting time aside to meet with God helps you hold on to His eternal perspective. 

As you meet with Him, He tenderly does the work of healing and guiding you to respond differently to your husband. You cannot change your husband, but you can partner with God in changing yourself. As you become more tender, healing can flow in your relationship.

As your faith is stretched and your stiff neck loosened, you're able to grab hold of faith and believe God for the impossible in your marriage. There’s nothing that God can’t restore. It’s not too late. There is still time for mending your relationship.

6. Find Common Ground

When distance grows, it’s easy to focus on how different you’ve become. Different interests. Different rhythms. Different ways of processing life. But healing often begins not by emphasizing what separates you, but by returning to what still connects you.

Start by revisiting the values that first shaped your marriage. What did you believe about commitment, faith, family, and partnership? Those shared foundations still matter. Scripture reminds us, “Can two walk together unless they are agreed?” -Amos 3:3. Agreement doesn’t mean sameness; it means choosing to walk in the same direction again.

Then, look for simple ways to meet in the middle. Do something enjoyable together, even if it feels small. Step into your husband’s world for a change: watch the game, take a ride in the golf cart, wander through a car show, cook alongside him in the kitchen. These moments aren’t about the activity itself; they’re about presence.

Common ground creates space for connection. It says, I still want to walk with you. I still care about what matters to you. And often, that willingness is enough to begin drawing two hearts closer again.

Momma, even when it feels like you and your husband are drifting apart, this season can serve as a gentle signal, not to give up, but to grow. It invites you to slow down, look inward, and honestly consider how you may be contributing to the distance. From that place of awareness, you can partner with God in the holy work of moving your heart closer to your spouse.

When you allow love to lead, through prayer, grace, and intentional connection, distance doesn’t have the final word. God is always able to soften hearts, restore intimacy, and renew what feels worn. Connection can be rebuilt. Hope can be reclaimed. And this season can become one of deeper unity than you ever imagined.

Let’s pray.

Dear Papa, I confess, I’m alarmed by the growing distance between my mate. I’m scared, and I need your help. Work in and through me to see things differently. Change me on the inside so I can love my husband well. I know you’ll take care of us. Amen.

Is this you?

  • Are you feeling distant in your relationship with your husband?

  • Is there unresolved conflict?

  • Do you find yourself being critical of him?

  • Would you like to partner with God through prayer to improve your connection with your mate?

The Marriage Awareness Worksheet is filled with powerful questions from Empty Nest Coach Pamela Henkelman, which you can ask yourself. This thoughtful exercise is just between you and God. With a bit of vulnerability and an open heart before God, you'll become aware of the minor adjustments you can make to experience a more harmonious marriage.

 Leave your name and email below to receive the free guide.

Six Biblical Ways to Improve Communication and Restore Connection in Empty Nest Marriage

/
Six Biblical Ways to Improve Communication and Restore Connection in Empty Nest Marriage

Communication can strengthen a marriage or create distance, especially in the empty nest season. After years of parenting, many couples find themselves struggling to reconnect in meaningful ways. Without kids in the house, conversations can feel routine or worse—strained. 

We must rebuild trust and connection through meaningful communication as we settle into our empty nest marriages. There are many advantages to this season of life. We have freedom in our schedules as we’re not schlepping kids around anymore. We have years of shared history that bind us together. Let’s celebrate what God has done through the years.

We need an extra measure of grace and honesty from each other. It’s okay to say to our husbands, “I miss us. I miss the closeness we used to have. I want to be better together. Can we work on this?

God’s Plan for Marriage

 God designed marriage to be a lifelong partnership filled with love, grace, and understanding. If you and your spouse want to deepen your connection, these six biblical principles will help you improve communication and build a stronger, more joy-filled relationship.

1. Prioritize Intentional Conversations:

With the kids out of the house, it’s easy to slip into routines without real connection. Set aside time daily—even just 15 minutes—to talk about more than schedules and to-do lists. Ask, How’s your heart today?

My husband came home from a conference and asked me, “How’s your heart?” And I never felt more seen. It was an invitation to share whatever was on my heart, the good and the bad, the hopes and frustrations. I started asking him the same question, and it took our communication to a deeper level. 

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians 4:6

Read More

Breaking Down Seven Communication Barriers in Empty Nest Marriage

/
Breaking Down Seven Communication Barriers in Empty Nest Marriage

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." – Ephesians 4:2

Communication Challenges

It’s not uncommon for empty nest couples to experience barriers to communication.

The barriers were present when the kids were home, but our limitations seem magnified with the buffer of children gone.

According to various studies, a significant majority—around 65% or more—of married couples experience communication difficulties that can impact their relationship, often cited as the primary reason for divorce when not properly addressed.

Does this sound familiar?

  • We fly off the handle instead of being patient.

  • We sulk and give the “cold treatment” in hopes things will get better, but they never do.

  • We don’t know how to listen well or refuse to validate our spouse’s emotions, causing our husband to shut down and retreat.

  • We feel abandoned by our mate.

We long to feel connected, yet we don’t. Every time we try to have a conversation, it fizzles out or ends in conflict, leaving us feeling more isolated than before.

What is God’s perspective on our empty nest communication skills?

When Paul was writing to the church in Ephesus, I think he had married couples in mind. He knew of our propensity to think we’re right and demand something of our spouses. Instead, we’re welcomed to approach our mate with a submitted heart and a willingness to learn and grow:

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2

As we identify the barriers to communication, we don’t point fingers. Instead, we choose humility and respond with a gentle reply, knowing we all need to grow and improve. Rather than feeling frustrated with our mate, we remember our covenant of love.

Communication isn’t the only necessary element in a healthy marriage. You also need respect, love, commitment, a desire to connect, and fun. When you build on this foundation, you’ll be better equipped to adjust how you talk to each other. Identifying communication barriers can help you overcome obstacles in your relationship.

Read More

How to Reconnect with Your Partner After the Kids Leave Home

/
How to Reconnect with Your Partner After the Kids Leave Home

Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.”- Matthew 19:6


Lonely Evenings

Elizabeth scurries about the kitchen while she waits for her husband, Dave to come in from the garage. Frustration bubbles to the surface as she thinks “I worked all day too, why can’t he help me cook dinner?”  

She imagines another awkward evening at the dinner table with just the two of them. “It was so much easier when we were distracted by the kids,” she thinks. “Now I feel more alone than ever.” 

Sure, they’ll talk about work, but nothing really important. Dave will say a few words then retreat to his chair to watch sports while I read another book. They will spend another lonely evening together. “This is not how I imagined it to be.” Elizabeth thinks, “ Everyone says the empty nest is amazing, but mostly I feel sad and disconnected. How am I ever going to find my way back to my husband?” Liz wonders. 

Marital Satisfaction

How about you? How satisfied are you in your empty nest marriage?

Marital satisfaction can decline rapidly in the empty nest, especially when women feel disconnected from their mates. We want more in our empty nest marriages. We want it  to be more than two lives lived separately. We long for emotional intimacy, mutual satisfaction, and a fresh vision for our marriage. We dream of legacy and impact, not criticism, fault-finding and boredom.

What do we do if our empty nest marriage looks nothing like we imagined? 

Read More

Your Empty Nest Journey Begins: What to Expect When Your Kids First Move Out

/
Your Empty Nest Journey Begins: What to Expect When Your Kids First Move Out

The First Moments Without Them

The August sun beat down as we unloaded our overpacked cars and schlepped items up to the third floor of her dorm. We passed sweaty students, as eager parents made sense of the small spaces. Our youngest daughter, Keziah was bright with excitement as we unpacked boxes and got her closet arranged just right. Her dad lugged the refrigerator up three flights and lofted the bed. We were thankful for a breeze through her window.

We gobbled some Chick Fil-A, made a Target run, then took one last sweep of her room. We didn’t want to stay too long or do too much for her.  She plopped down on her cute futon under the lofted bed with the matching comforter and fluffy throw pillows. She looked content in her space, with little plants speckled about the room. She seemed ready. This was our cue to head home.

Why did she seem so assured and confident? This one was fiercely independent. All I could think of was I wouldn’t see her sweet face every day.  A lump formed in my throat as we said our goodbyes. Soft tears rolled down our cheeks. I think she cried for us more than herself. We knew this young woman would prosper in every way. 

The three hour ride home was quiet for my hubby and I as thoughts rolled through our minds and tears spilled. The familiar sadness of separation logged in the pit of my stomach.  All I could think about was how fast those eighteen years with her went. 

After 30 years of active parenting our five kids, our nest was empty. “What in the world would we fill our time with now that we weren’t running to their school activities.” I wondered.  I looked over at my husband as he wrapped his strong hand around mine. “It’s just me and you now,” I whispered. He looked at me with his warm hazel eyes and said, “I know baby, it’s gonna be okay.”

Our nests are empty! 

Most moms will come to this moment in their motherhood and will feel the weight of it. The journey with our children nearby has ended. Our normal rhythms are tossed aside. Suddenly, we can focus on our marriage and that can feel wonderful, or terrifying depending on how healthy our marriages are. 

Read More

Revitalize Your Empty Nest Marriage: Remove Contempt to Embrace Respect

/
Revitalize Your Empty Nest Marriage: Remove Contempt to Embrace Respect

“Show proper respect to everyone.” - 1 Peter 2:17


Discontent Rumbles

This low-level discontent rumbled in my heart for months. I was 26 years into our marriage, and I felt dissatisfied. Our nest started to empty but our busy ministry schedule, children’s activities, and obligations kept us running hard. 

Maybe I was tired. Maybe I was frustrated with the ministry, nevertheless, I took it out on my husband. 

He couldn’t do anything right, in my estimation. I’d mumbled under my breath and had critical, negative thoughts towards him. Oh, I didn’t act like anything was wrong. No sir! I kept up the charade! 

Even coworkers at the church office noticed how we snipped at each other. Pastor Adam, our worship leader, called us on it one day. “You guys sure bicker a lot!” he said. “We do?” I thought, slightly irritated and convicted by his comment. 

Here’s the deal, my husband knew nothing about my simmering contempt because I didn’t tell him. The problem wasn’t his behavior'; it was the condition of my heart. I allowed myself to be embittered and filled with contempt for his slightest missteps. I magnified his mistakes while I was puffed up with pride for what a great wife I was. 

Goodness! What a recipe for disaster. I’m grateful the Lord met with me through prayer as He dealt with my pride.  After reading Gary Thomas’, Sacred Marriage, I knew I needed to handle my heart (a.k.a. my sin). 

As Gary Thomas recommended, I made a list of all my husband's admirable qualities: personality traits, physical attributes, and character qualities. It wasn’t hard to come up with a beautiful, long list. My heart swelled as I continued to add to the list. Then I made another list: all the ways I fell short. I listed my sins and they were many. 

I was disgusted with myself, but I did not feel condemned. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I realized my shortcomings. God ministered to me, those weeks, as I prayed over these lists. My admiration for my husband grew and my understanding of all the ways I fell short had a lasting impact. I dealt with my pride before God and He was most tender with me. The contempt and discontent faded away. 

Read More

Why It's Helpful to Respect Your Married Kids' Boundaries

/
Why It's Helpful to Respect Your Married Kids' Boundaries

“As the Scriptures say, ‘A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’” - Ephesians 5:31 NLT

A Kindness Extended

I reached for my phone to text our youngest daughter, Keziah, who lives three hours away from us, with her hubby, Forrest. Keziah is a missionary on a college campus, so her days are full with student activities, projects, meeting with students, and leadership training. I typed, “Hey Kizzy, can you look at your schedule to see when dad and I might pop over for a quick visit? I know you’re swamped with end of the year activities, but I miss your face.” 

“Aw, we miss you too. It’s crazy around here. I can’t wait for the school year to be over so we can have a little more time. Let me talk to Forrest and I’ll get back to you. Love ya mom.” she responded.

“Love you too. Can’t wait to see you.” I replied. 

It’s About Respect

Some parents find it silly to ask permission to visit their grown children. They jump in the car with no consideration for their adult child’s previous plans or if their adult children have the capacity for a visit. A simple ask goes a long way in communicating kindness and compassion for our adult children’s lives. This simple gesture communicates, “We understand you’re separate from us now. We want to honor you.” 

 One of the most challenging concepts for a young married couple is how to have boundaries with their parents. First, the couple needs to have brave conversations with each other, then they need to talk to their parents about their established boundaries.  

We can help them take this courageous step when we willingly respect their limits. 

“As the Scriptures say, ‘A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’” - Ephesians 5:31 NLT This is a mandate from God and a clear explanation of what boundaries are for our married children. Our children are to leave their parents and create a family of their own, without our input or influence over their decisions. 

Mom’s Role

What are you doing to encourage your child to leave and cleave to their spouse? 

Moms play a significant role in the success of our child’s marriage when we allow them to leave us and cling to their mate. There will be no more “momma’s boy.” His wife is his new girl. That doesn’t mean you’re not important. It just means you’ll play a secondary role, the way God intended. 

 Will you be a help or a hindrance in the growth of your child’s marriage?

Read More

Do You Dream Big?

/
Do You Dream Big?

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. - Ephesians 3:20

Let’s Dream Together

The sun shone brightly through the canopy of green as hubby and I gathered on the porch. Birds chirped happily as I whispered a silent “thank you God for this beautiful day and my life with my husband.” With a steaming cup of coffee in hand, he reached for a book, The Story of Marriage, by John and Lisa Bevere. 

Listening, I leaned in for our weekly rhythm of reading so we can strengthen our marriage. In order to learn and grow in our marriage, we are intentional students. Surely, growth is required as our children leave home, and we focus on each other. 

He opened the book to a worksheet, How to Dream Big and began to read. Listening, my mind drifted to what we had built thus far. 

We wanted a marriage focused on God, a houseful of children, and a home where everyone felt safe. Both of us came from disordered homes. We experienced divorce, abuse, dysfunction, and rare mention of God. We wanted something better for our marriage. We had big dreams. 

But what about now? I thought. How can we dream for this empty nest season? 

I gathered two pieces of paper and pens as we sat in the quiet summer morning and asked God to help us dream. Thoughts came quickly as we each jotted down ideas, then we looked towards each other and shared our lists. 

I was encouraged by how many of our dreams overlapped. Out poured visions of travel, retirement income, Cousin Camp, less work and more play, and pursuing meaningful friendships, which is no small feat for a ministry couple.

Have you ever written your dreams down with your husband?

We will all come to the day when the kids are grown and gone. It can feel unsettling. We have so many questions when we are first learning to be together without our kids.

  • How do I connect with my mate?

  • How do we become a strong team?

  • What does God want for us in this season of our marriage?

  • How do we find a new rhythm in our marriage when we aren’t focused on parenting?

Dreaming together is a way to find direction and vision for our future. As we partner with God, He’ll reveal the direction He wants us to head. “Dreaming together allows you and your mate to honestly share from your hearts and envision the amazing things you can do together by the strength, wisdom, favor and provision of God,” says John Bevere.

Read More

How to Reconnect When You Feel Distant

/
How to Reconnect When You Feel Distant

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” - Ecclesiastes 4:12

Our Daily Returning

Hubby and I gathered at our bright kitchen island as worship music played softly from the Alexa atop the fridge. He carried the stress and pressure of leading a church. I lugged the weight of being self-employed as a writer and life coach. Cooking together is a way to relax and unwind after a busy day.

He peeled the carrots and chopped the onions with precision, while I warmed the Dutch oven on the stove with a splash of olive oil. “How was your day?” he asked. “Good, I got a lot done at my desk, but my upper back is killing me,” I replied. With warm eyes, he met me at the stove and rubbed the tension away with his strong hands.  

He returned to chopping, deep in thought. “What are you thinking about, honey,” I asked. “I’m just processing a situation,” he said introspectively. I leave him to his thoughts because I know this is the best way for him to come to a solution. I eased over to him and wrapped myself around his tall frame and said, “I love you. You’re my favorite.” He smiled and leaned in for a kiss.

Cooking together feels like a lovely dance. He does all the chopping while I work my magic at the stove. We talk, process, and enjoy each other's company. This is our daily rhythm, the place where we find our way back to each other. The place we reconnect. 

Do you have a way to reconnect with your spouse?

In our midlife marriages we often feel distant from our mates. The cares of the world and the stress of children take a toll, and we have little left to support one another. We’ve been focused on our offspring for decades, leaving distance between us. This can cause us to feel disconnected. 

Read More

Love As God Loves

/
Love As God Loves

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”-John 15:12

Not So Loving

It was a regular day at the church office. I’m tucked behind the desk in the front. My husband, Bob, the lead pastor has the office in the back and Adam, our worship leader has the middle office. It’s a small space, and you can often overhear conversations.

Bob is at my desk with me, and we are quietly arguing about something. We approach life very differently, but sometimes I believe my way is the best way and vise versa. He wants to be right and so did I. Conflict arises when neither of us refuses to budge. You might say we’re both a little stubborn. It’s become a pattern in our marriage, one that I’m not proud of.

Adam walks by and casually says, “Wow, you guys, do you have to bicker so much?” It wasn’t cruel, or judgmental, just accurate. The statement stops me in my tracks.

Thud! My heart sank.

His statement is like a punch to the gut, and the first time I realize my communication with my husband is unprofessional and unhealthy. Our kids notice it as do our coworkers. The desire to defend myself rises, but I remain quiet and think, “he’s right.” I feel embarrassed and convicted to make some changes.

Most couples like to pretend in front of others, keep the squabbles behind closed doors, but Bob and I are both strong and not afraid to fight for our opinion. We don’t harbor resentment, we “duke it out” at the moment and then move on and trust all is well in our relationship. We realize that’s not the norm.

What we fail to realize is this pattern is not helpful to those around us as it does nothing to show the love of God. It makes people feel uncomfortable like they’re somewhere they shouldn’t be. Our communication is rooted in selfishness, stubbornness, and pride. All the things Christ asks us not to be.

How about when couples retreat from each other or stuff their feelings to avoid conflict, then nothing gets resolved. It’s where bitterness grows and affects all our relationships. Is that a loving behavior?

God Is Love

Have you ever thought about how you love others is a reflection of God’s love? A healthy marriage is a picture of God and His beloved church. How we love our children and spouse is a reflection of God’s love for us. If we aren’t doing that well, what does that say about how we understand God’s love? Is it lacking? Are we not feeling loved, therefore we can’t extend love to others?

Read More

Marriage Series: When God Rescues A Marriage

/
Marriage Series: When God Rescues A Marriage

”You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”-Genesis 50:20

In February, on my blog we’ll be talking about marriage.  I believe God’s heart beats for healthy marriages, where unity, compassion, kindness,  support, and forgiveness flow freely. Marriage is two coming together as one to impact the world.  Apart from Christ, we can’t have a healthy marriage. The best marriages create an environment which fosters movement towards God and each other.

As a ministry team, my husband and I meet with couples struggling in their marriage.  Often couples are wrestling with how to forgive their spouse about something.  I lean in close with a grin and say, “Let me tell you my parent’s story.”

Read More