marriage Archives

How Couples Can Work Through PTSD

Yesterday I wrote about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from the perspective of military marriages – what might couples expect after a war veteran returns home. Today I’m continuing this two-part series by sharing how couples can work through PTSD in a way that will make the marriage stronger than it ever was before.

One thing to remember is that it’s not only war vets who can struggle with PTSD. Experiencing any sort of trauma, like living through a natural disaster or a school shooting, can trigger PTSD.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, marriage, relationships November 11, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Things to Remember About PTSD

With Veterans Day tomorrow, it’s hard for us at Focus on the Family to forget the many sacrifices the men and women of our armed forces make.

Colorado Springs is a military town. We have Army and Air Force bases here. NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, is located within our mountains. Every May, Focus employees stand on our ministry’s balcony and watch the Thunderbirds perform at the Air Force Academy graduations. Huge cargo planes fly overhead and rattle our houses.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: broadcast, marriage, relationships November 10, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Three Ways to Cherish the Differences in Your Spouse

They say opposites attract. And at first, the differences are what make each other loveable.

That’s why the introvert marries an extrovert.

The night owl ends up with a morning person.

The spender decides to get hitched with someone who’s really thrifty.

But after the wedding comes… life. And what was once cute is now irritating.

Why is she so soft with the kids? They need to learn some discipline or they’ll never grow up to be productive adults!

Topics: Focus Events Tags: broadcast, marriage November 7, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Read Encouraging Stories of Marriages Rescued from Divorce

Back in May, I shared with you the news that the National Institute of Marriage (NIM) was joining Focus on the Family. What made this coming together so exciting was NIM’s specialty is crisis intervention for marriages that are on the brink of divorce.

Through multiple-day intensive marriage retreats for couples who are literally out of options when it comes to salvaging their relationships, the counselors at NIM are able to offer solid, biblical counsel to these couples that help them achieve hope and healing.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: divorce, marriage November 6, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Is Duck Dynasty’s John Luke Robertson Too Young to Get Married?

America’s favorite duck-hunting family is in the news again.

John Luke Robertson, the son of Duck Commander CEO Willie Robertson and wife, Korie, proposed to girlfriend Mary Kate McEacharn on his Oct. 11 birthday. According to John Luke, both families are supportive and “thrilled.”

While it seems most people are happy with the couple’s plans to wed, there is one thing some people seem to be criticizing: the couple’s tender age.

John Luke is only 19 years old.

Topics: Current Events Tags: marriage, pop culture October 29, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Have “The Best Year of Your Marriage”

My wife Jean and I have been married for 27 years.

And although our marriage is getting better with each passing day, not every moment has been blissful. If you’re married, I’m sure you can relate. There are highs and lows and lots of moments in between.

Through it all, though, we’ve challenged ourselves to keep close by seeking to remain in consistent fellowship with the Lord.

We want to encourage those who are married to do the same.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: broadcast, marriage October 27, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Have You Ever Been Hangry?

It’s such a common feeling they made up a new word for it.

“Hangry” is a combination of hungry and angry – as in, when you’re hungry, you’re more likely to get angry or grumpy. It’s a real thing.

A recent article, “The science of ‘hangry’ – how low blood sugar makes you a monster,” cites a study that found “married couples get increasingly angry and mean towards one another” when there’s not enough glucose to fuel the brain.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: broadcast, marriage October 21, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Six Ways to Boost Happiness in Your Marriage

A lifelong marriage goes through many seasons.

The romantic honeymoon phase kicks off the journey, but soon enough, the couple often enters into the hectic young-children-and-little-sleep stage. Before they know it, those toddlers are teens … and then the high schoolers go off to college.

Pretty soon, that once fresh-faced husband and wife are coming home to an empty nest.

With all of these changes and challenges how can we keep our marriages healthy and happy?

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, marriage, relationships October 13, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

SCOTUS and Gay Marriage: No Court Can Change the Truth

Google “Supreme Court” and “gay marriage” today, and you’ll get dozens of articles on today’s news that the justices rejected to hear appeals from five states. The New York Times headline declared the move a “tacit victory,” because it allows for weddings in five more states.

Here’s the statement Focus on the Family’s judicial analyst, Bruce Hausknecht, released today in response.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision not to accept five state marriage cases sets the stage for the further spread of same-sex marriage, and with it, a further expansion of threats to religious freedom.

Topics: Current Events Tags: marriage, news, policy, religious liberty October 6, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

“The Cosby Show” versus “Modern Family”

As you know, the term “rose-colored glasses” is used to describe someone who sees the world in an optimistic fashion. It provides a good word-picture because the lens we use to see the world certainly impacts how we perceive it.

In the same way, our worldview influences how we see culture and life around us.

In today’s broadcast, we’re featuring a conversation I recently had with John Stonestreet, who works as the executive director of the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, family, marriage, parenting, pop culture October 2, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura