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Ann Malmberg

Create a More Meaningful Valentine's Day

Create a More Meaningful Valentine’s Day

By ConnectionNo Comments

If Valentine’s Day gives you a vague sense of dread, you’re not alone. For many couples, it feels like a contrived “holiday” in which there’s extra pressure to show love through grand gestures, expensive gifts, and over-the-top dates. All of this can make even heartfelt expressions of feel inauthentic or forced. You might wonder, “Are they doing this because they want to… or just because it’s Valentine’s Day?”

The truth is, it can be both. And if you’re someone who loves celebrating love and looks forward to February 14th every year, that’s great! There is nothing wrong with that by any means. However, if you find yourself feeling jaded, we’re here to offer some tips for creating a more meaningful Valentine’s Day experience. Read More

February 11, 2026
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Embrace the Season You're In

Embracing The Season You’re In

By Resilience8 Comments

You’ve probably heard the slogan, “Love the skin you’re in.” It’s a positive mantra that encourages you to love and embrace yourself as you are – there’s no need to try to change yourself or strive for some unattainable ideal.
When it comes to where you’re at in life, does the same sentiment apply? Interestingly, it seems more acceptable to strive to be in a different place – achieving more, getting further ahead, taking the next step, or working toward an easier phase. The problem with this mindset is that you’re never really appreciating what’s in front of you here and now, and that’s why it’s important to embrace the season you’re in. Get started with these tips: Read More

February 4, 2026
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Me Time or We Time

Me Time or We Time: Squeeze More Into Each Day

By Quality Time2 Comments

How much time should you and your spouse spend together? How much time should you spend separately, doing your own thing? Like so many things in life, it’s all about balance. There’s no perfect equation, and every couple is unique. The sense of balance you find during one season of life may also look a lot different during another – that’s normal!

So what happens when you know you’re out of balance? Recognizing you need more “me” or “we” time is one thing, but how do you make the necessary adjustments, in a practical sense? We can’t help you add more hours to the day, but we can share some practical tips to help you fit just a bit more “me or we” time into each day. Read More

January 28, 2026
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Parenting Struggles You Can't Prefer For

Parenting Struggles You Can’t Prepare For

By Parenting6 Comments

When you’re soon-to-be new parents, people can’t wait to tell you all about what to expect. Get as much sleep as you can now! They grow up so fast. The days are long, but the years are short. Just wait until they’re toddlers! Kids are so much work, but they bring so much joy!

If you’re like most people, you probably try to balance realistic expectations with your own rose-tinted ones, tucking away select pieces of advice and letting others go in one ear and out the other. You research and purchase baby gear, prep freezer meals for when you’re busy with a newborn, and maybe even take a parenting class.

There’s a lot you can do to prepare for parenthood, but some things you simply can’t anticipate. Let’s explore 4 common parenting struggles that you often can’t prepare for. Read More

January 21, 2026
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4 Areas to Take Initiative in Your Marriage

4 Areas to Take Initiative in Your Marriage

By Relationship Basics2 Comments

When you see a problem, do you take the initiative to fix it?

It’s typically pretty easy to point out issues: an ineffective process at work, a constantly messy room in your house, or a higher than usual electric bill. It’s more difficult to actually take action to solve (or improve) the situation at hand. This also applies to your marriage.

Are there aspects of your relationship you know could be better? Instead of waiting for your spouse to take the lead or hoping things magically improve on their own, it’s time to be proactive. Here are areas to take initiative in your marriage this year. Read More

January 14, 2026
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4 Reasons to Set Goals Together

4 Reasons to Set Goals Together

By Relationship Basics, Resilience2 Comments

Do you set personal goals at the start of a new year? You might have your own unique motivations, but there’s a reason it’s a common time for people start a journey towards some kind of self-improvement. January is both a literal and metaphorical fresh start, making it a perfect time to set off with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.

Setting goals offers many universal benefits, and when you do it with your spouse – even more positive effects are unlocked. Curious what they are? Keep reading. Read More

January 7, 2026
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Top 10 Blog Posts of 2025

Our Top 10 Blog Posts of 2025

By UncategorizedNo Comments

Another year has come to a close, and that means we’re rounding up the top blog posts of the past 12 months. The top themes this year revolved around navigating unresolved tension, gaining perspective and clarity for handling challenges across all areas of marriage, and of course – date ideas! Keep reading as we count down the top 10 posts of the year. Read More

December 31, 2025
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Making the Most of the Moment

Making the Most of the Moment

By Connection, Quality TimeNo Comments

Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries – our lives are sprinkled with special moments of celebration, joy, sentimentality, and love that we want to remember years down the road. Ironically, it seems that the more we try to make them perfect, the less present we actually are in the moment. Have you experienced this? The truth is, It’s easy to let the goal of “making memories” distract us from what’s truly important. Here are some tips to help you make the most of the moment – in the moment. Read More

December 24, 2025
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Set Your Marriage Up for Success in the New Year

Set Your Marriage Up for Success in the New Year

By ResilienceNo Comments

After a couple weeks of indulging in the treats and trappings of the holidays, getting back to real life when it’s all over can be a very rude awakening. You had visions of bouncing into the new year motivated and refreshed, but in reality you’re dragging yourselves across the threshold, feeling moody and irritable. It’s no surprise when you take that out on each other – or fall into some negative relationship habits to boot. Needless to say, this isn’t the best way to start out the new year.

Of course, this outcome isn’t inevitable by any means. Starting off strong – with intention – can set a positive tone for the coming months. Wondering how to start now? Here are 4 tips to try: Read More

December 17, 2025
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10 Merry and Bright Date Ideas

10 Merry & Bright Date Ideas

By Connection, Quality TimeOne Comment

The holiday chaos is in full swing for many couples. Between traveling to visit family, staying on top of the school and church festivities, and managing all the gift lists and shopping, it’s easy to let quality time with your spouse get pushed to the back burner. While it might seem like you have many other time-sensitive priorities on your plate, that doesn’t mean you should miss out on enjoying this special time of year with your partner. Here are 10 festive date ideas to boost your connection in the midst of the hustle and bustle. Read More

December 10, 2025
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