Blog

Friends are those people that we do everyday life with. We live or work near each other, we do ministry together, we frequently connect online, or we work out in the same gym. This proximity helps us grow and sustain the relationship, and such “mere presence” leads to increased liking.  And this often leads to growing feelings of closeness or intimacy. Is there a point that becomes too close? Should those relationships be set aside completely? Dr. Chris Grace explains some of his thoughts and insight on how these friendships influence a marriage relationship!

Talking to a significant other about hard topics is difficult, especially the topic of pornography. How do you approach this topic with truth and love? Today, we share how to have this discussion with a gentle heart and a kind spirit. 

Proverbs 18:21 says, “It is folly and shame to speak before listening.” What does this mean in the context of friendships and relationships? In this video, Dr. Tim Muehlhoff shows us how this Proverb is useful in conversations of disagreement and understanding. 

Dear CMR: My in-laws are having a hard time cutting the cord when it comes to my wife. They try to get involved in everything we do and it's causing us conflict. We're considering seeing a marriage counselor, but do you think her parents should be included in the marriage counseling? 

Never in the first year of dating my boyfriend did I think that he had ever struggled with pornography—not him: he was too good of a person! So when I heard that almost all men, especially college-aged men, have struggled with pornography at some time in their lives, I immediately thought, “At least not him!” I was so confident that he had never struggled with it, so I never thought to ask.

How often does conflict show up in your relationship? How often does that conflict resolve in a way that is helpful and affirming to you? Is that even possible? Dr. Chris Grace provides insight on how to grow as a couple through the way you engage in conflict. It can re-establish your connection to the person, rather than breaking it down. Take a listen!

With the holidays coming up, there can be a lot of small talk over dinner with family or friends. This holiday season, what if you were able to connect with those you are celebrating with in a deeper, more meaningful way? What if there was a way to go deeper while still laughing and having fun? In this week's blog, Alisa Grace shares an experience that led their family to adopt this fun, meaningful new tradition into their the holiday celebration!

"In marriage, joy functions like engine oil. It reduces relational friction, which not only helps us uphold our commitment but also rejoice in it. Joy runs deeper than happiness because it has the capacity to transcend the details of our lives."  Dorothy Littell Greco explains how choosing to find joy in marriage, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, can be a source of life for your relationship.