Blog
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How to Affair-Proof Your Marriage (and it's not what you think)
Alisa Grace - March 19, 2025
Many parents find that after having children, their marriage slowly takes a backseat. The once-strong connection between husband and wife is replaced by endless to-do lists, school activities, and bedtime routines. Before they know it, their relationship feels more like a business partnership than a loving marriage.
But what if the very thing you thought was making you a great parent is actually putting your marriage at risk? Could your children—without even meaning to—be coming between you and your spouse?
If you’ve ever felt like you and your spouse have lost your connection, you’re not alone. The good news? There’s a way to bring back the “us” in your marriage—without neglecting your kids. Continue reading to discover how to protect your relationship and avoid one of the biggest threats to modern marriages.
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An Open Letter To the Depressed Christian
Debra Fileta - March 5, 2025
In this blog, Debra Fileta challenges the harmful belief that depression is a sign of weakness or a lack of faith in Christians. Drawing from her own journey through the depths of depression, she confronts the myths that often surround mental illness in the church. What if struggling doesn’t mean you’re weak, but rather incredibly strong? What if faith and healing go hand in hand? As she unpacks these misconceptions, Fileta offers a powerful message of hope, reminding readers that God’s presence is never absent in their pain.
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Ask the Expert: Leaving, Cleaving, and Letting Go?
Willa Williams, MA, LMFT, MA in Religion - February 19, 2025
In this blog, Willa Williams answers a thought-provoking question: Does leaving and cleaving include letting go of expectations we’ve picked up from our family of origin?
Our families shape so much of who we are—our values, beliefs, and even the way we expect relationships to function. But when we get married, those ingrained expectations don’t always align with our spouse’s background. So, what does leaving and cleaving really mean in this context?
Willa unpacks how our family upbringing influences us and why many marital conflicts stem from stylistic differences rather than right or wrong choices. She shares insights on how couples can navigate these differences in a way that strengthens their relationship rather than causing division.
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You Don’t Find “The One”, You Choose “The One”
Debra Fileta - February 5, 2025
Finding “the one” isn’t about luck, feelings, or divine revelation—it’s a choice. Debra Fileta challenges the passive approach many Christians take, comparing it to picking a watermelon based on guesswork. A strong relationship isn’t found but built through intentional choices, communication, and time. Rushing in without discernment leads to heartbreak, while wisdom and preparation help ensure a healthy marriage. Ultimately, “the one” is the person you commit to for life.
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Why Do We Judge Others?
Mick Ukleja - January 22, 2025
Judging others is a natural but harmful habit often based on incomplete information and personal biases. These snap judgments can damage relationships and reflect our own insecurities. Without self-awareness, we risk repeating these mistakes, distorting our understanding of others. Scripture calls for self-reflection and compassion, reminding us to approach others with empathy. By withholding premature judgments, we create opportunities for deeper connections and mutual understanding.
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Ask the Expert: We can’t agree about our teen dating.
Alisa Grace - January 8, 2025
The question "How do you come to an agreement on your teenager's dating when you and your spouse grew up so differently?" is addressed by Alisa Grace with four thoughtful steps. She emphasizes starting with prayer for wisdom and unity, listening to understand each other’s perspectives without judgment, and working together as a team to brainstorm and implement solutions. By fostering open communication and mutual respect, parents can align their approaches and create a unified plan for navigating their teenager’s dating journey.
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25 Easy Tips to Stop Your Marriage From Growing Apart
Alisa Grace - December 26, 2024
In this blog, Alisa Grace explains that couples don’t just “grow apart”—they stop nurturing their relationship. She shares how intentional daily efforts can rekindle intimacy and connection, offering 25 practical tips like expressing gratitude, showing affection, and spending time together. The core principle is to start each day asking, “What can I do today to make my spouse happy to be alive and married to me?” Alisa encourages practicing a few of these tips consistently to reignite love and strengthen the bond.
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Your Family or Mine? 6 Keys to Planning the Holidays with In-Laws
Alisa Grace - December 4, 2024
In this blog, Alisa Grace reflects on the challenges of navigating holidays as in-laws, particularly when sharing grown children and their spouses with other families. She emphasizes the importance of embracing a "new normal" by fostering open communication, empathy, and flexibility. Rather than clinging to specific dates, Alisa encourages focusing on meaningful connections and adapting traditions to fit everyone’s needs. Sharing her own experience, she notes that celebrating Thanksgiving on a different day allowed her family to prioritize quality time together, reinforcing that the heart of the holiday lies in the time spent, not the date itself.
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