I n Christian marriage, we generally view the husband as the provider. And while this is true, wives provide in a marriage too, just in a different way. Husbands are responsible for setting the spiritual direction and the tone for the home, but wives have a vital role to play as well. Genesis 2:18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” It is not good for him to be alone. Wives, we are called to be our husband’s … [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...]
#10: Marriage Retreats: Breathing Life Into Your Marriage (Dr. Matt Turvey)
Today, we had the pleasure of talking with Dr. Matt Turvey, director of Winshape Marriage. He talks about how marriage retreats help to jumpstart the healing process for a couple that's struggling. They can also be a great way for a couple that's doing well to be proactive and breathe new life into their marriage, providing a solid foundation to continue building on. He has great wisdom and believes that couples need to actively address the little things before they become big wedges. His advice … [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...]
Left-Brained and Still Loved
I’m pretty much the poster-child for the extreme left-brained. I look at the world in such an analytical way. I love to figure out how things work, so I try out theories in my brain to find the point of failure in any given thing. Chalk it up to my days studying engineering. The focus was always on figuring out what would fail first--that critical weakness that, though initially small, would ultimately, given the right circumstances, cause a chain reaction that would bring down the whole … [Read more...]
#7: Navigating a Blended Family (Ron Deal)
In today’s podcast, we had the pleasure of talking with Ron Deal, Director of FamilyLife Blended. In today’s culture, blended families are becoming more common. Ron offers his wisdom on how a couple can navigate the complexities that come with entering marriage when one or both spouses already have children. If you're in a blended family (or just want advice on how to parent from a unified front), we highly recommend listening to this podcast! #7: Navigating a Blended Family (Ron … [Read more...]
Trading Our Ability for God’s Security
Stability. Certainty. Familiarity. It’s something we all crave. In the famous words of Dorothy, “There’s no place like home.” These words ring especially true for me. I’m an introvert, so I like having a predictable, quiet space to relax and get my thoughts in order. It’s what fuels me to have my best ideas and work my hardest. Last summer, however, my sense of calm was jilted and we had to begin the journey of moving. Our landlord told us he was selling our house and, after much prayer and … [Read more...]
5 Prayers of Protection for Your Marriage
Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” It’s when a husband and wife are both seeking the Lord and submitting themselves to Him, that they can make a great impact for the Kingdom of God. A marriage built on the strong foundation of Christ is a threat to the enemy. While you’re dangerous as a united team, separately, you pose much less of a threat. This is why the enemy will do everything he can to cause … [Read more...]
