God's Successful Marriage

“Keep Dating Your Spouse: Before, During, and After Marriage” When we’re dating someone, we spend time learning who they are: What brings them joy? What makes them sad? How do they respond under pressure? We discover their quirks, their character, their hopes and dreams. We build love and friendship. But then the wedding comes. We say “I do” and begin married life—jobs, kids, household responsibilities, health challenges, extended family, stress. It’s easy (and natural) for the rhythm of dating to slip away. We forget what we found in each other when we were courting. We stop actively discovering each other. Sometimes we wonder: “Did I make the right choice?” Here’s a truth: Dating isn’t just for before marriage — it’s just as essential after. Think of a craftsperson or tradesman: once they land their “dream job,” they don’t stop learning new skills. They keep studying, practicing, growing. Marriage is the same. After the “honeymoon” and initial getting-to-know-you phase, t...

When a Spouse Is Away When a husband and wife join together in marriage, Scripture tells us that “the two shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24, ESV). This divine union goes far beyond sharing a home, a last name, or a life plan—it’s a spiritual and emotional joining that God Himself designed. In marriage, two hearts, two souls, two lives are knit together as one. So when one spouse must go away—whether for a business trip, military duty, or even just a few days apart—the other often feels something missing. It’s not simply the absence of a person in the house; it’s the absence of a part of yourself. The closer and more connected a couple becomes, the more that separation is felt—not as freedom, but as incompleteness. It’s not “bachelor” or “bachelorette” time when your spouse is gone. Instead, it can feel like your rhythm is off, your peace is disrupted, and your world is slightly tilted. You may find yourself counting down the days, missing the sound of their voice, or th...

  Dealing with Hurt and Loss Family and friends, I must warn you that today’s post will different. Most of the time on God’s Successful Marriage we focus on communication, love in action, and the daily choices that strengthen our relationships. But life brings moments that are hard to prepare for—moments of deep hurt and loss. I recently lost a good friend to an accident, and the grief has been difficult to carry. Loss is something we often avoid talking about until it happens, yet it touches every life. Whether it’s the loss of a friend, a family member, or another painful separation, the feelings are real. Grief can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even isolating. And that’s okay. Having these feelings does not mean we are weak. It means we are human. But here is something important to remember: while grief is real, it does not have to become our identity. Studies on grief, such as those following the five stages of grief model (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, accept...