Every December we have an opportunity to discover something new or recall a truth we once learned from the Christmas story. This year, I focused on the ways Mary and Joseph worked together in order for God’s will to be accomplished. Mary became pregnant by miraculous means. It wasn’t her idea to become the Savior’s... Continue Reading →
Mary and Joseph Reflect: Forgiveness
Marriage is tested every single day because of sins we commit and mistakes we make. I wrote about this here using the characters Hinderella and Prince Harming to describe it. Yes, Joe and I have hindered one another's spiritual and personal growth. Yes, we have harmed each other with our words and actions. The only... Continue Reading →
Mary and Joseph Reflect: Honoring Christ through submission
From Joe: The Biblical passage that is often quoted regarding marriage is Ephesians 5: 22 - 33. There, women are told to submit to their husband's headship, and men are told to love their wives like Jesus loves the church. We had these verses read at our wedding, but our understanding of the passage was... Continue Reading →
Mary and Joseph Reflect: Navigating marriage together
I am blessed to have been married to the same person for 37 years. There have been trials, but our marriage has been a source of incredible joy and blessing. Although we were believers when we married, we didn’t fully understand the work it would take to build our marriage, and we have learned a... Continue Reading →
Mary and Joseph Reflect: Cooperation in marriage
During the month of December, my husband Joe and I will share some thoughts on marriage. We know it's no small feat that we have been married 37 years and we want to point others to the source of our strength: Jesus Christ. This is a month when so many focus on Jesus. Plus, we... Continue Reading →
Advent Reflection: Buried Treasure
By the time Jesus was crucified, Mary had spent 33 years trusting God through all kinds of experiences with her son. The second time we are told she "treasured" uncertain circumstances was after preteen Jesus went missing for three days. Worried and anxious, Mary scolded her boy. “Son, why have you treated us like this?... Continue Reading →