Blog

Life is busy, and sometimes that busyness means that your spouse gets pushed to the wayside. If you’ve fallen into a relational rut and want to rekindle that spark in your marriage, check out our latest video blog on the CMR website.

Dads play a vital role in a child’s development mentally, physically, and spiritually. And while fatherhood in itself may raise feelings of appreciation, resentment, or even regret, it is never too late to be fathered or be a father. In this candid blog based on her relationship with her own dad, Dr. Aundrea Paxton, Psy. D, breaks down three reasons why everyone needs a dad in their life, whether it is their biological father or someone else.

Timing is essential in every relationship. If a couple has a firm, Christ-centered relationship and plans to get married, is it ok for him to treat her like he would a wife while they're only dating? In today’s post, Dr. Chris Grace answers the question of what is appropriate in a serious pre-engagement relationship.

Conflict is inevitable within every relationship, but how we confront one another is critical for the flourishing of the relationship. How do we initiate hard conversations well so that they can be fruitful and mutually beneficial? In today's video, Noreen Muehlhoff, Dr. Donna Thoennes and Dr. Erik Thoennes discuss what it means to have confrontation with the goal of edification and how that allows the relationship to go deeper. 

One hallmark of authentic Christian relationships is consistently putting a friend or spouse’s needs above our own, yet we are often blind to our own selfish inclinations. That's why Scripture advocates regular times of solitude and self-reflection. The problem is research shows that we don't really know how to comfortably be alone with our thoughts, choosing instead to use our smart phones and other technologies for entertainment and distraction. In today's blog, Dr. Tim Muehlhoff offers practical ways to engage with God in solitude and counter our negative thoughts about others with prayer.

One hallmark of authentic Christian relationships is consistently putting a friend or spouse’s needs above our own, yet we are often blind to our own selfish inclinations. That's why Scripture advocates regular times of solitude and self-reflection. The problem is research shows that we don't really know how to comfortably be alone with our thoughts, choosing instead to use our smart phones and other technologies for entertainment and distraction. In today's blog, Dr. Tim Muehlhoff explores practical ways to exercise the discipline of solitude, which in turn can strengthen our relationships. 

A relationship can be complicated, but does that mean it's harmful? How can you know if it is or not? In today's interactive video, Dr. Chris Grace breaks down some of the top telltale signs that you may be in one. 

During conflict, it's common for people to protect themselves by become defensive - especially if they feel like they are being criticized or attacked. But it’s really a way of casting the blame on your partner. So how do you receive criticism in a productive way without becoming defensive or taking it personally? And how can you share something that's bothering you without criticizing? In today's post, Alisa Grace and Willa Williams discuss practical, healthy ways that we can share complaints without criticism or defensiveness.