Mind-Reading is for Carnivals
January 2, 2026

Many couples fall into the trap of expecting their spouse to read their mind. When that does not happen, we often make them wrong or punish them emotionally. The result is predictable. We end up upset, and our spouse may feel like they failed or become frustrated by an impossible expectation.  Read More

Look for God in 2026
January 1, 2026

A new year is upon us. Along with the general excitement, there is often a quiet dread that some things will stay the same. That's the case for a husband I spoke to recently.  Read More

Mind Reading is for Carnivals
January 2, 2026

Many couples fall into the trap of expecting their spouse to read their mind. When that does not happen, we often make them wrong or punish them emotionally. The result is predictable. We end up upset, and our spouse may feel like they failed or become frustrated by an impossible expectation.Most of the time, we never clearly say what we are thinking. Sometimes it is laziness. Sometimes we are not paying attention to our own expectations. Other times it becomes a quiet test to see if our spouse really knows us or cares enough to figure it out. That test almost always fails.Mind-reading is not a fair standard for any relationship. It creates confusion, resentment, and distance on both sides. Clear communication is not weakness. It is responsibility. Saying what is on your mind gives your spouse a real chance to respond well. Leave mind-reading to the guys at the carnival.Home
 

Mind Reading is for Carnivals
January 2, 2026

Many couples fall into the trap of expecting their spouse to read their mind. When that does not happen, we often make them wrong or punish them emotionally. The result is predictable. We end up upset, and our spouse may feel like they failed or become frustrated by an impossible expectation.Most of the time, we never clearly say what we are thinking. Sometimes it is laziness. Sometimes we are not paying attention to our own expectations. Other times it becomes a quiet test to see if our spouse really knows us or cares enough to figure it out. That test almost always fails.Mind-reading is not a fair standard for any relationship. It creates confusion, resentment, and distance on both sides. Clear communication is not weakness. It is responsibility. Saying what is on your mind gives your spouse a real chance to respond well. Leave mind-reading to the guys at the carnival.Home
 

Look for God in 2026
January 1, 2026

A new year is upon us. Along with the general excitement, there is often a quiet dread that some things will stay the same. That's the case for a husband I spoke to recently.That is a hard place to live. It is understandable, and it is disappointing. Maybe you feel something similar. You may be looking forward to many things in the coming year, but your marriage is not one of them.What do you do with a marriage or situation that feels hopeless and stuck in last year’s patterns. There may be real issues to work through, but before anything else, a mindset shift matters. I have been thinking about Psalm 27:13–14. The passage reminds us that when we stop believing we will see God’s goodness, we lose heart. When we lose heart, we stop caring. Cynicism sets in, and eventually we give up.Strong marriages are built on perseverance, and perseverance requires heart. Scripture points us to waiting on the Lord, which carries the idea of eagerly looking for Him to act. Not magically and not quickly, but faithfully. God strengthens our heart while we wait. As 2026 begins, do not give up. Wait on the Lord. He's coming.Home