The Abiding Marriage Blog

I have two friends who are going through difficult seasons in their lives. Bill  is a friend from Northeast Arkansas who is currently facing the loss of his marriage because of some sinful patterns in his own life. They have two young daughters and it has been heartbreaking to see this unfolding in my friend’s life.   And then there is Joseph . Joseph is a friend from Texas who is grieving the loss of his Mom, with whom he was very close. This on top of a difficult divorce a

One of the most sobering passages in the New Testament is James 3:2: “We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.” . James is telling us like it is. No sugar-coating the truth. We all stumble. We all fall short. We all need help.   That truth extends to every husband and wife needing help with challenges in their marriage. In my marriage of 30+ years with Shawn, we have sought help a number of

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year, with the kids jingle-belling and everyone telling you, ‘Be of good cheer!’” Andy Williams’ well-known holiday standard paints a familiar picture of a traditional Christmas in America. And while we often think of the Christmas Season as a time of celebration and sweet family traditions, the truth is, for many, the Christmas Season is hard. We may go to an event and find ourselves drawn into the “Christmas spirit.” And, for a few wonde

My wife, Shawn, makes me my favorite dessert a few times a year. It’s a recipe for Texas sheet cake  that she has modified until it is...

If you missed Part 1 of this three-part blog, click here to read it . Or if you missed Part 2, please click here to read Part 2 . He...

If you missed Part 1 of this three-part blog, click here to read it before reading Part 2. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Explain to us the...

But if you do get married, it is not a sin. And if a young woman gets married, it is not a sin. However, those who get married at this...

"Let not your hearts be troubled”. These are Jesus' words to you and to me in John 14:1.   But, in context from John 14, they were...

Depending on where you live, there are certain things you expect to find  on the table at your favorite eating place. At a local BBQ...

INTRODUCTION : There have been a few days recently where I have felt anxious - even overwhelmed - in a particular area of my life. In the...

A few years back, my wife, Shawn, and I were with some other couples watching Paul David Tripp teach on marriage. He said something that...

Let's be honest. Every husband and wife will experience times of conflict in their marriage. It’s a byproduct of the world we live in,...

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their...

The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a...

What do you do when … The world is going crazy? The culture has lost its mind? There seems to be chaos and anarchy all around us? Evil...

I grew up in a family where I learned what it took to grow things. We had a large vegetable garden each year that my Dad and my siblings...

As a marriage counselor, I often hear a man or woman share something they believe about God’s plan for marriage that is just not true ....

For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.  Proverbs 15:15 NLT   Proverbs is a book...

When people discuss things that can seriously jeopardize any marriage relationship, you usually hear things like adultery, finances, and...

The Bible has been described in many ways. Some have called it God’s Rulebook for Life. Many would think of it as a Holy book. Christians...