Special Feature “It’s been 45 years since we said, ‘I do,’ Stan mumbles, “but lately, I’ve wondered if I didn’t make a mistake.” Stan’s sentiments represent a disturbing trend among senior couples. In the early years, Stan and Lisa shared many interests and were best friends. But when children came, and Stan’s job became more demanding, those special moments became harder to find. As empty-nesters, Stan plays pickleball, and Lisa loves being Nana. She wants to slow down. He wants to be more adventurous. The marriage feels lifeless. According to Dr. Susan L. Brown, divorce for couples fifty and ..read more

Special Feature Have you considered all the things we measure with a thermometer? Assessing temperature is a normal part of life. We check the temperature of foods, our bodies, and the weather. Envision a thermometer with a sensor that calibrates and displays your marital health as hot, cold, or normal. Your assessment may involve inspecting your words, behavior, and communication. The findings will help you determine if you are drawing closer or farther apart. Before you analyze your relationship, examine yourself. Inspect your heart to see if it is pure. If not, ask the Lord Jesus to give yo ..read more

Special Feature “I married you for life, but not for lunch” is a popular joke among some senior couples as they enter retirement. The quote is attributed to Lou Scott-Joynt from a talk made in 2008. Her speech weaves a tapestry of sad and whimsical stories from married couples in retirement. The captivating message crescendos to hope-filled anticipation as Lou reveals, “I’m more grateful than I could possibly express for what I have been given these past forty-three years since we married in 1965 for life, and mostly for lunch, too.” Lou and husband Michael loved each other, but they were also ..read more

Special Feature Irv Gordon was the original owner of a 1966 Volvo P1800. It holds the Guinness World Record for the highest mileage recorded—3.25 million miles. What was the secret to this astonishing accomplishment? According to Hotcars.com, “He claimed that his secret to longevity was regular oil changes, closely following the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines, and keeping the car clean.” Gordon proved that consistent maintenance and care of a vehicle can transform ordinary expectations into extraordinary results. What are you and your spouse doing to extend the life of your marriage? Th ..read more

Cover Story Before the University of Alabama football team takes the field each Saturday, players first hear a message of inspiration and encouragement from team chaplain Jeremiah Castille. Castille’s twenty two year ministry to athletes through the Alabama chaplaincy program is just one way he and his wife Jean pour into the lives of young men and women throughout the state. Their Castille Foundation, as well as their work as associate church pastors, evidence their decades-long commitment to sharing Christ through sports, counseling, one-on-one mentorship, and parenting (and now grandparenti ..read more

Healthy Living Everything is going great. Then, without warning, your heart is racing, palms are sweaty, and you cannot sleep. You have fallen into a tangled web of anxiety. Life’s concerns can produce anxious thoughts and worries—fear of the future, dread over unsafe schools, feelings of hopelessness in marriage. Be encouraged. You can overcome these feelings of entrapment by looking to the Lord for help like Christ’s disciples in the storm (Matthew 28:23-27). Jesus can be trusted to calm the complexities and storms as you apply the Scriptures. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares f ..read more

Special Feature While it has been said that familiarity breeds contempt, sometimes familiarity breeds complacency. Does your marriage feel like it is on autopilot, and no one is watching the flight control system? Marriage can be smooth until the turbulent winds of life come. Here are three strategies to keep your marriage flying safely through the inescapable bumpy times. 1. Keep Dreaming. Do you remember the early days of your relationship when you were carefree and full of dreams and possibilities? Maybe you imagined traveling, starting a business, or having a house and three children. When ..read more

Special Feature Have you ever laughed so hard your stomach hurt as your next breath arrived in slow motion? Hilarious people and unexpected situations can cause your tickle box to overflow—often at inappropriate times. Like a favorite old t-shirt, joy can lift a weary mind and relax an exhausted body. Are you in need of a little extra joy? Benefits of Laughter. According to researchers, the health benefits of laughter are physical and emotional. They also affect personal and social relationships. For instance, joy-induced endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin can help you feel happy, relaxed, an ..read more

Special Feature For thousands of years, men and women have engaged in power struggles. Have you ever wondered why? Women began fighting for their rights in the early 1800s in America. Despite gains in the public and private work sectors, some believe there is still room for improvement. Today, men and women are still in a tug of war for superiority. Skirmishes between husbands and wives often center on who should have the final say. Should the highest earner control the finances? Who is the chief disciplinarian? Who decides which church the family will join? Too often, questions like thes ..read more

Special Feature How would your spouse describe you? Would the portrayal match your expectations and how others see you? Can living for Christ affect your reputation? How Does Your Spouse See You? Most people want commendable words spoken of them, especially from their spouses. Try this: Ask your mate to share three words to describe you. Agree upfront not to get upset, pout, or start an argument. Words like amazing, caring, loyal, and helpful may produce good reactions. Negative emotions may surface with words like bitter, rude, selfish, or judgmental. Receive their response in love and embrac ..read more