How do you define intimacy? Your mind might immediately go to sex, or you might picture going on a long walk while holding hands or cuddling up on the couch to watch a movie. Maybe intimacy to you is good, deep conversation or going on a grand adventure; anything as long as you’re together. Regardless of what intimacy means to you, it can be affected by outside influences. If you or your spouse have been struggling with intimacy lately, read on. Let’s explore 10 factors that might be at play in your struggle. 1. Stress Stress can affect every area of your life and your overall health. If you’re struggling…

I remember a conversation with two friends of mine, both of whom had sons fighting for their lives. One had an incurable disease; the other was addicted to drugs and suicidal. What struck me was the difference in attitude between these two women. The woman whose son had the incurable disease was, understandably, stricken with grief from knowing that her son would not live much longer. Yet she grieved with hope because her son knew the Lord. The woman whose son struggled with addiction and suicidal ideations was stricken with grief over what seemed like an inevitable fate. Her grief was noticeably different because her son did not know the…

When my children were young, they said prayers that melted my heart! They prayed for their dad and me, for each other, for their grandparents, and it was so, so sweet. They also spent a good bit of time asking God for all the things they wanted, like new Lego sets and board games. While I’m sure the Lord delighted in those heartfelt prayers, I realized my boys needed to think beyond themselves and their immediate family and learn to pray for the needs of others. This is when I learned the challenges of teaching someone to pray. I didn’t want to criticize my children’s prayers, yet they did need…

February 14th is meant to be a day dedicated to celebrating romantic love, friendship, and admiration. Yet we all know this day is typically focused on romantic love, which can leave our single brothers and sisters feeling left out and lonely. Whether single by choice, by divorce, or through the death of a spouse, this day can be one of dread, as it can be a reminder of love yet to be or love that once was. One thing to remember is that Valentine’s Day can also be stressful for those in a relationship. Many complain that this holiday ensues unnecessary stress and unrealistic expectations. If you’re married or in…