Did you know that there’s a honeymoon period after a couple gets married that usually lasts one or two years? The honeymoon stage is so much fun and it’s easy to intentionally pursue our spouse when the butterflies are there. The problem is that the transition from infatuation to disconnection can happen so slowly we don’t even realize it. On today’s episode, we dive into why being intentional and keeping a strategic mentality is vital to a thriving marriage. By being intentional and … [Read more...]
#14: The Fear Trap
So, there we were in Idaho really frustrated with one another... We had been talking about moving out of California since we got married and dreaming specifically of Idaho for the last 6 months. We were finally in Idaho to check it out and we were finding that we weren’t on the same page. We were both scared and polarizing each other in the process. What if we couldn’t get on the same page? What if Idaho wasn’t the place we both wanted to move? What if we had to start the process ALL over … [Read more...]
The Real Definition of a Provider
A man naturally feels a strong desire to provide for his family. This is a God-given desire. However, as a culture, we have defined “provision” as purely financial. While it’s good to provide financially, God calls husbands to a much higher standard. The call for a husband to provide goes far beyond financial security to his full investment and involvement. But what does that look like? In short, a Husband should provide: A safe, loving place for his family A safe place can mean … [Read more...]
#13: Making Disruptive Decisions (Tim Lundy)
Have you and your spouse ever made a decision that took you out of your comfort zone? Have you ever made a decision because you were following God’s leading? In today’s episode, we talk with Tim Lundy, senior pastor of Venture Christian Church in Los Gatos, CA. He gets real about the disruptions that God has made in his life, the ones God may make in our lives and how to handle them as a united team in our marriages. It’s so important that we embrace God’s calling and don’t allow fear or … [Read more...]
Confronting Our Sin and Wrestling with Responsibility
There we were in the middle of one of the biggest fights we had had in a long time. Tensions were rising. Hurtful words were said. And I was desperately clutching to my pride. I feel things incredibly deeply... I think more deeply than most people. So when I begin to go down this road, resentment and bitterness set in quickly. And the longer I stay in this space, the longer it takes to step away from my judgemental, self-entitled attitude. In the middle of these times, I feel so justified … [Read more...]
#12: Money and Marriage (Shaunti Feldhahn)
Have you ever been really frustrated with your spouse about money? So many couples don’t talk about their money and see it as a taboo subject. Today on the podcast, Shaunti Feldhahn unwraps the why behind struggles around money in marriage. She gives us an exclusive look and dives into her latest research about how men and women operate differently. We talk with her about the importance of understanding one another, being trustworthy, and the meaning of oneness with our finances. We had … [Read more...]
Pillow Talk: God’s Design for Sex
I’ve often heard husbands using bible verses to guilt their wives into sex, saying that their wife isn’t following what the bible says if they don’t submit to them sexually. I’ve also heard of wives using sex (or the lack of) to punish or reward their husbands for being their definition of a good husband. When sex becomes selfish or manipulative, the results are disastrous, turning sex into something trivial and meaningless. But this isn’t God’s design. Sex is incredibly intimate and beautifully … [Read more...]
Choosing Thankfulness over Frustration
If you’ve read my previous blog, you know I tend to analyze things to death, often focusing solely on the flaws. After writing that blog, I saw another important lesson that I missed the first time. Not only do I often see the worst in myself, but I tend to see the worst in my wife far more often than I would like to admit. The same is true in many marriages--the little things grate on you after a while, then you have a choice to make--will you focus on the negative or the positive? I have … [Read more...]
#9: Overcoming the Loss of a Child (Kim & Larry Peacock)
This week on the podcast, we had the pleasure of talking with Kim and Larry Peacock. They opened up about the sudden loss of their daughter and how they kept their marriage strong during the crisis and in the years since. We talk about how to work through trauma, what the healing process might look like when you and your spouse grieve differently, and how to keep God's perspective. They are an amazing couple who have kept the focus on Jesus and are allowing Him to use their story to bring Him … [Read more...]
#8: A Small RV and Two Kids Under Three (Bart & Cassie Gant)
Have you ever wanted to just quit your job and travel across the country? That’s exactly what our friends Bart and Cassie Gant did. On today’s podcast, they share their story of taking a leap of faith and how they made the decision to drastically change their life to match their priorities. We talk about how to shift our thinking when it comes to priorities, choosing a lifestyle that is counter-culture, and trusting God. This one is a must-listen! #8: A Small RV and Two Kids Under Three … [Read more...]