Built to Last: What Makes (or Breaks) a Thriving Marriage

Just when you thought you couldn’t love Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy more—this episode takes things to a whole new level. With honesty and heart, they open up about the real journey of their marriage—sharing the intentional choices, tough seasons, and deep faith that carried them through. From early challenges that could have pulled them apart to the daily decisions that drew them closer, their story reflects what’s possible when a couple chooses to build on the foundation of Christ. Their marriage is both relatable and inspiring—a powerful reminder that when God is kept first, a marriage doesn’t just survive—it thrives.

Episode Highlights:

Intentionality is key.

Marriages won't thrive naturally.

Taking ownership and openly communicating are important tools for successful marriages.

 

Quotes from this Episode:

Don’t be negative. 

I think we were in lust not in love.

I think we had to build true love in our marriage.

We’ve learned to build bit by bit.

I thought if I loved you enough everything was going to be ok.

Until you realize how much God loves you as a person you aren’t truly free to love another person.

Divorce isn’t a word in our vocabulary anymore, commitment is!

We realize now what we were missing.

Just getting married doesn’t mean you won’t feel alone. 

 

Questions for Conversation:

1. What part of Dr. Kim and Nancy’s story felt most relatable or surprising to you? Why?

2. Have you ever assumed love alone would be enough to fix everything? How has your view of love and commitment changed over time?

3. Have there been moments where one (or both) of you felt alone in your marriage? What helped reconnect you—or what could help now?

4. Is “divorce” or emotional withdrawal ever subtly present as an option in your mindset or language? What does it look like to choose commitment every day?

5. How can you better prioritize keeping God first in your marriage this week?

6. What’s one thing you want to be intentional about after listening to this episode—together or individually?

 

Mentioned in this episode:

• Find Dr. Kim on Instagram

• We believe that keeping marriage fun means date night can’t be boring. Check out our Date Night Boosters. Reignite the fun and intimacy in your date nights with your spouse.

• Awesome Marriage swag is now LIVE! Grab a gift for you, your spouse or another couple. There’s something for everyone. 

• Want an opportunity to dig into God’s Word as you intentionally choose to build a thriving marriage, find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Try this FREE YouVersion plan: Celebrating Differences in Marriage

• If you haven’t browsed our site, you’ve GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com ! 

• Sign up for Dr. Kim’s Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips!

• Now is the perfect time to join our Marriage Changers program. Enjoy every resource of the month plus bonus content from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy. Join now, just in time to . receive our Date Night Boosters.