This April Tim and I will be celebrating 35 years of marriage. While this number seems overwhelming, we strongly believe that we are better versions of ourselves in this season than we were in the beginning. This conversation invited Tim to share his favorite five secrets along with my five secrets. Marriage is hard work! As we enthusiastically embrace this new season, we don’t take it for granted. None of us are promised tomorrow. Forever is not a thing. Today is a gift.

Radical monogamy is a concept that is electrifying the world of relationship choices. When I first read about this idea, I smiled. I wondered if this was supposed to be funny. What could be radical about monogamy? Wasn’t this the same as another idea that started with “m” – marriage? So, I asked the obvious question, “What does radical monogamy mean? What is radical about monogamy?”

A strong marriage does not just happen. Although Tim and I have been married for 34 years now, we are not careless about the predators to our marriage. Remember that marriage is one of God’s ideas. It is a gift. Guarding your marriage against these potential dangers insists that we identify the risks of who you know, the risks within your own home and the necessity of continually developing your relationship.

Do you want a strong vibrant marriage? Do you have hedges established protecting your marriage? Do you anticipate compromising situations and temptations with a plan? It is important for us to win at our own marriages. Plant hedges deep and wide and tall.