By Ashley McIlwain I love you. Those are perhaps three of the most powerful words we can ever speak to someone, and they are perhaps three of the most powerful words that can ever be spoken to us. We all long to be loved. We were created to be in relationship and experience the richness
By Ashley McIlwain What happens when your spouse disappoints you? What if you’re not happy in your marriage, and you’re convinced there are greener pastures awaiting you? What if what you thought you signed up for with your spouse and marriage doesn’t exactly align with reality? What if your spouse doesn’t deserve your love? What
By Ashley McIlwain Like most ladies out there, I grew up on fairytales. Those feel-good Disney movies filled with princesses, princes, singing, castles, “true” love, and happy endings. My sisters and I would dance across the living room twirling, singing, and acting out all of our favorite parts. All the while, deep down inside creating
By Ashley McIlwain September thirteenth was Steve’s and my fifth wedding anniversary. Everyone says it will, but it’s still hard to believe how quickly that time has flown by. In a blink of an eye, we’ve found ourselves five years in, celebrating the love we’ve shared, the memories we’ve created, and the commitment we’ve held
By Ashley McIlwain I feel like everywhere I turn someone is attacking or doubting the validity, significance, benefits, and splendor of marriage. It grieves my heart because marriage rocks. It really does, and I think a lot of why we’ve lost our sense of appreciation for it is because we’ve screwed it up so badly.
By Ashley McIlwain I had gone to the post office and was met by a line of people out the door. My shoulders sank at the reality that I couldn’t just come back and was sure to be waiting for quite a while in this long line. Sure enough, over 20 minutes later, I finally
By Ashley McIlwain Love. What does that word even mean? These days it seems no one really knows anymore. When you ask someone what they believe love to be, oftentimes you get a description of euphoric, idyllic feelings that sound like a chapter out of a romance novel or a scene from the latest chick
By Ashley McIlwain Being married has taught me so much about … everything. One thing I’ve learned is that I have a lot of growing to do, but I long for that growth because I want to be the best version of myself possible. That’s what God calls me to, and that’s what my husband
By Ashley McIlwain See below for a special GIVEAWAY too ... How do we win at love? It’s a simple enough question, yet the answer seems to evade so many of us. I mean, we search and try, fight and conquer, but yet, somehow it slips from our grasp. After all, we can’t help who
By Ashley McIlwain Recently I got to go home to Pennsylvania to spend some much needed time with my parents. On Sunday we were sitting in the church I spent many Sundays growing up in, and the pastor, Rev. James Stork, was speaking on “Humanity in Community.” He discussed how God intended the church to
