Why a Strong Foundation Matters in Marriage

Claudia Mitchell-McLeod • December 30, 2024

Building a joyful marriage starts long before you say, “I do.” At Joy for a Lifetime, we believe a strong foundation is key to a thriving relationship. Here are some insights from years of helping couples celebrate their unions and build lasting marriages.


Communicate Honestly and Openly

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any relationship. Discuss your goals, values, and expectations to ensure you’re on the same page.


Keep Faith at the Center

Faith can be a guiding force for couples who share Christian values. Pray together, attend church, and seek spiritual growth as a couple.


Celebrating Each Other

Never stop celebrating the small and big wins in your relationship. From anniversaries to everyday acts of kindness, showing appreciation strengthens your bond.


Plan

Discussing long-term goals like family, finances, and career aspirations ensures you’re building a life together with purpose and intention.


Discover More on Our Podcast For more tips and inspiration, tune in to the Joy for a Lifetime Podcast, where we explore love, marriage, and faith. Let’s create a marriage that brings joy for a lifetime.

Joy for a Lifetime

Say ‘I Do’ to Your Dream Wedding and More!

Explore the Podcast!
Wedding guest alone outside after reception with somber expression
By Claudia Mitchell-McLeod July 24, 2025
Kyle left the wedding early—not because of the vows, but because they lacked love. 1 Corinthians 13:1 reminds us: without love, we’re just noise.
By Claudia Mitchell-McLeod July 23, 2025
A moving reflection on love that lasts, launching the new blog series inspired by 1 Corinthians 13.
By Claudia Mitchell-McLeod July 22, 2025
Modern marriage myths are everywhere. Discover what love really is — and why every lasting marriage must start with something deeper than compatibility.
By Claudia Mitchell-McLeod July 21, 2025
Think notarizations are just for official documents? Think again. Discover real stories of unusual but legal documents people ask to get notarized — and how Notary Near Me Florida makes it happen.
By Claudia Mitchell-McLeod July 18, 2025
A quick notarization turned into a two-hour delay. Learn from Valerie and Maxine’s story and avoid these two common Power of Attorney mistakes.
By Claudia Mitchell-McLeod July 17, 2025
Couples are coming to Tampa Bay for faith-centered, wellness-inspired wedding weekends that offer meaning, peace, and personal connection.
By Claudia Mitchell-McLeod July 16, 2025
Many attorneys are still unaware that Remote Online Notarization (RON) is legal — and thriving — in Florida. This post explains how RON works and why it matters for estate planning, POAs, and client convenience in 2025.
By Claudia Mitchell-McLeod July 15, 2025
A raw and redemptive story about how words can build or break a marriage — and what couples can do to restore connection.
By Claudia Mitchell-McLeod July 14, 2025
Notaries are often asked to help fill out documents, but doing so could put your rights at risk. Here’s what to know before you ask.
By Claudia Mitchell-McLeod July 11, 2025
Need a notary who comes to you? Discover why mobile notarization is the smart choice for East Pasco, Wesley Chapel, and New Tampa.