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In this Sunday's gospel (Matthew 4:12-23), Jesus receives devastating news: John the Baptist has been arrested. His response might surprise us. He doesn't immediately charge into action or push forward in his ministry. Instead, he withdraws to Galilee. Throughout the gospels, we see Jesus model this pattern. When overwhelmed or preparing for significant moments, he steps away to the desert, or to a new, quieter place, to pray and prepare. Our marriages need this same rhythm o

During the holidays, we got together with family. One night, we played The Couples Game That's Actually Fun with two of our daughters and their husbands. I'm sure you are familiar with this kind of game: a question is drawn, and one member of a couple writes down an answer, then their spouse answers that same question. If the answers match, the couple scores a point. If they don't match, the couples usually fall into lively discussions with their spouses about whose answer w

This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased (Matthew 3:17) What does it means to be beloved? How does it feel to be fully known, fully accepted, and fully cherished? These are questions this Sunday's Gospel calls on us to ask about our marriages. Beyond Affection to Deep Knowing Being beloved is not simply being liked or even loved in a general sense. When your spouse is your beloved, you hold them in a place of unique honor and affection. You see them not just as th