Weathering a storm in your marriage is never easy, but unfortunately something we all go through, eventually. It doesn’t typically take very long after the “I do’s” for the “worse” in “for better or for worse” to be tested. But I will say, I’ve heard from many people who have been through suffering—whether it’s shallow, …

The Barbara Rainey Podcast: Weathering the Storms in Our Marriage Read More »

My favorite book I’ve ever written is Letters to My Daughters. I still love it because it’s a truly beautiful book with art and calligraphy throughout the interior. I also love it because it’s a summary of all the lessons I’ve learned in the married years of my life; therefore it’s the essence of who …

The Bookend Recipe: When Differences No Longer Seem Cute Read More »

Every year in the early fall, moms and dads across the nation find themselves in a new season of marriage—the empty nest. Their last child has moved out of the home, and for parents it’s a time of major readjustment. Many of you may be entering this season of life, and that’s why my friend …

3 Common Traps of Empty Nest Marriages Read More »

For many of you, school has probably started in the last few weeks. Some of you may be really happy to have seen your kiddos off to school, but some of you may have recently sent your only or youngest child off to school or to the workforce and this may be a new season …

The Barbara Rainey Podcast: Questions in the Empty Nest Read More »

All the kids have gone home, the cake is eaten, and King Farm is now empty … except for the two of us who stayed to finish the cleanup and to rest. But what a weekend it was when all our family gathered together to celebrate the 50 years that Dennis and I have been …

We Serve an Amazing God Read More »

This year, with our 50th anniversary approaching, we decided to write down the story of how God brought us together. As we reminisced about those days, we remembered His unmistakable leading. And that conviction gave us a solid footing as we began our marriage. We’ve always known that God put us together, and therefore we’ve …

50 Lessons from 50 Years of Marriage (Part 4): Committing Our Relationship to God Read More »

Do you remember the moment you and your spouse moved from friends to “more than that”? For me, I didn’t think I was ready to move past the friends stage because I didn’t want to ruin the great friendship that Dennis and I had. When you ask Dennis… he was ready to move to the …

The Barbara Rainey Podcast: Dennis & Barbara Rainey’s Courtship and Engagement Read More »

As we approach our 50th anniversary, you might think we’re now in cruise control with our marriage. If so, you are mistaken!  We’re still learning … often from our errors … and still growing in our relationship with God and with each other. As a result, we decided to create a book, Our Story, for …

50 Lessons from 50 Years of Marriage (Part 3): Still Learning After All These Years Read More »

This is the second in a four-part series presenting some of the key lessons we’ve learned during 50 years of marriage. This week we’re featuring some practical ways to build oneness in marriage—lessons we’ve often learned the hard way! And if you’re interested in seeing the entire list, be sure to get Our Story. Available in …

50 Lessons from 50 Years of Marriage (Part 2): Practical Ways to Build Oneness Read More »

It’s hard to believe we are nearing the middle of August, and around here schools are starting back in the next week or so. When our kids started back to school, that always increased the busyness of our family, and when the busyness of our family increased, time for Dennis and me to focus on …

The Barbara Rainey Podcast: Lessons From 50 Years of Marriage Read More »

Fifty years ago when I (Dennis) married Barbara Ann Peterson I was a rookie, repeatedly failing to appreciate the dignity of the gifted woman, friend, partner, lover, and confidante God had brought me. Honestly, I barely even knew her. Looking back, we both realize we had no idea what we were doing. We thought we …

50 Lessons From 50 Years of Marriage: Learning About God’s Blueprints for Marriage Read More »

Just a few years after Jesus went back to heaven, those who followed Him began to be persecuted. In AD 202, the Roman emperor issued an edict against all Christians. Among those arrested was a young mother in her early 20s named Perpetua. Born in North Africa, Perpetua grew up in a prosperous family with …

For An Audience of One: Truth Stands Firm Read More »