Biola University Center for Marriage & Relationships

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Biola University Center for Marriage & Relationships

The Biola University Center for Marriage & Relationships seeks to build and sustain healthy relation

06/02/2026

Research consistently shows that children from strong, healthy marriages are 35% more likely to excel emotionally and academically—and the reason goes deeper than shared values or parenting techniques.

What matters most is the relational environment children live in every day. When kids regularly witness respect, emotional regulation, repair after conflict, and steady affection between their parents, their nervous systems settle. That emotional security strengthens attention, learning, and social development.

In other words, children aren’t primarily shaped by what parents teach, but by the relationship patterns they absorb. How you treat each other becomes the framework for how they learn, feel, and relate to the world.

💛 Follow for practical tools, biblical wisdom, and encouragement to help you thrive in all your relationships—from dating and marriage to friendships, roommates, and family. Explore more at cmr.biola.edu.

05/27/2026

Strong feelings don’t always mean someone is “the one.”

Chemistry can be exciting, but wisdom asks deeper questions.

We’re sharing 10 questions to help you slow down, guard your heart, and evaluate a relationship beyond emotions alone. From shared values to healthy boundaries to wise counsel, these questions matter more than butterflies.

If you’ve ever wondered whether a relationship is truly healthy, God-honoring, and built to last, Chris Grace’s latest blog offers practical wisdom for navigating dating with clarity instead of confusion.

Comment “blog” and we’ll send you the full reflection!

05/26/2026

Date 👏 for 👏 patterns 👏 not 👏 potential 👏

In this episode of The Art of Relationships, Chris and Alisa Grace explore The Psychology of Whirlwind Romances and unpack one of the biggest dangers in fast-moving relationships: falling in love with who someone could become instead of paying attention to who they consistently are.

This clip dives into why chemistry and hope can sometimes cloud judgment, causing us to create an idealized version of a person that may not actually match reality.

Healthy relationships are built on observed patterns over time, not projections, assumptions, or potential.

Such an important conversation for anyone navigating dating, engagement, or relationships right now.

Comment “podcast” for a direct link to the full episode!

05/22/2026

“Intensity doesn’t equal intimacy. And intensity doesn’t equal stability either.”

In this episode of The Art of Relationships, Chris and Alisa Grace unpack The Psychology of Whirlwind Romances and why some relationships can feel incredibly deep before a true foundation has actually been built.

In this clip, they share a real story of a couple who got married just four months after meeting… and were separated within six months of the wedding. 💔

The conversation explores the difference between passion and emotional intimacy, the risks of moving too quickly, and why healthy love takes time, wisdom, and intentionality to grow.

If you’ve ever wondered, “How fast is too fast?” — this episode is for you.

Comment “podcast” for a direct link to the full episode!

05/21/2026

“Passion without discernment can feel like love. But real intimacy is built slowly over time.”

In the most recent episode of The Art of Relationships, Chris and Alisa Grace unpack the psychology behind whirlwind romances and why intense feelings can sometimes make us rush emotional connection before true intimacy has had time to grow.

Healthy relationships aren’t just built on chemistry, excitement, or instant connection. They’re built through friendship, consistency, emotional safety, shared values, and the gift of time.

Comment “podcast” for a direct link to the full episode The Psychology of Whirlwind Romances!

05/14/2026

Spiritual intimacy doesn’t just happen automatically in a relationship. It’s built through intentional conversations, vulnerability, prayer, honesty, and growing toward the Lord together.

These 7 questions are designed to help you move beyond surface-level conversations and into deeper connection with your spouse or significant other 🤍

Save this one for your next date night!

💛 Follow for practical tools, biblical wisdom, and encouragement to help you thrive in all your relationships—from dating and marriage to friendships, roommates, and family. Explore more at cmr.biola.edu.

05/13/2026

Pain changes us, but it doesn’t have to define us. ❤️‍🩹

In the face of trauma and suffering, grit isn’t about pretending everything is okay. It’s about learning how to persevere with honesty, resilience, and hope.

Here are 7 reminders about grit, healing, and what it looks like to keep going through pain.

Comment “BLOG” for the full reflection 💛

05/12/2026

Healthy communication isn’t just about saying what you think. It’s about learning how to say it with honesty, clarity, and care.

A simple formula we love:

1️⃣ “I notice _____”
This is the observation or fact part. You’re naming what happened without exaggerating or accusing.
Example: “I notice we haven’t spent much time together this week.”

2️⃣ “I feel _____”
This is the emotional part. Instead of blaming (“You make me feel…”), you own your feelings.
Example: “I feel disconnected and lonely.”

3️⃣ “I need/wish _____”
This is the request or desire. It gives the other person clarity on what would help.
Example: “I wish we could have one uninterrupted night together this week.”

So altogether it might sound like: “I notice we’ve both been on our phones a lot at night. I feel disconnected and honestly a little unimportant. I wish we could have some intentional time together before bed.”

The goal is:
- Observation instead of accusation
- Vulnerability instead of criticism
- Invitation instead of demand

💛 Follow for practical tools, biblical wisdom, and encouragement to help you thrive in all your relationships—from dating and marriage to friendships, roommates, and family. Explore more at cmr.biola.edu.

05/11/2026

Looking for a meaningful way to reconnect as a family this summer?

We would love for you to join us at Family Camp! These are intentional, joy-filled spaces to step away from the busyness of everyday life and invest in what matters most: your relationships with each other and with the Lord.

Forest Home Family Camp (June 7–13, 2026) offers a full week in a beautiful mountain setting where your family can relax, play, and grow together through dynamic teaching and shared experiences.

Mount Hermon Family Camp (August 2–5, 2026) is a special half-week getaway in the Santa Cruz Mountains, designed to help couples and families deepen connection and build a stronger, Christ-centered home.

Whether you’re looking to reset, reconnect, or simply spend intentional time together, Family Camp is a space to do just that.

💬 Comment "EVENTS" to see our full event calendar, get more information, and register!

Address

13800 Biola Avenue
La Mirada, CA
90639

Website

http://cmr.biola.edu/

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