FamilyLife Today®

Strengthen your marriage with practical, faith-based strategies! Join Dave and Ann Wilson as they chat with author Arlene Pellicane about her book, “Making Marriage Easier.” Learn how four key decisions—play by the rules, give thanks every day, serve your spouse, and take fun seriously—can transform your relationship. Arlene shares hilarious and relatable anecdotes, from her husband’s quirky wedding registry suggestions to her own memorable, mud-filled camping adventures. Discover the power of humility in admitting flaws, the importance of shared rules like device-free dinners, and how open communication can build trust around even the toughest topics. Show Notes and Resources Purchase "Making Marriage Easier" online  Learn more about Arlene Pellicane at her website. Does your marriage need prayers? Grab your prayers now. Just tell us where to send them. Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Are you wrestling with grief, depression, or anxiety? In this powerful FamilyLife Today episode, hosts Dave and Ann Wilson sit down with pastor and author Mark Vroegop (”Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy”) and biblical counselor Christine Chappell (“Midnight Mercies: Walking with God Through Depression in Motherhood”) to explore the biblical practice of lament. Discover how lament is more than just complaint – it’s a prayer language that moves you towards deeper trust in God, even in the midst of profound sorrow. Mark and Christine share insights from their own experiences and ministries, emphasizing the importance of a “theology of sorrow” and why sadness is a valid, even necessary, response to life’s brokenness. Show Notes and Resources Find Mark's book on his website: markvroegop.com/books Learn more about Christine's book on her website.  Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network   See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Finding hope in the midst of depression can feel impossible, especially as a mom. In this powerful FamilyLife Today episode, hosts Dave and Ann Wilson sit down with biblical counselor and author Christine Chappell to dive deep into her personal battle with depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation that led to a psychiatric hospital stay. Christine openly shares the raw details of her journey, from feeling utterly forsaken to finding profound hope in God’s steadfast love through Psalm 59. Discover how a quirky moment with a sleeping squirrel became a divine invitation to rest in God, not strive. This episode beautifully weaves Christine’s story with biblical examples like Moses, Elijah, and Hannah, who also wrestled with despair but ultimately found God’s mercy. Show Notes and Resources Visit Christine's website at christinemchappell.com Learn more about Christine's book on her website.  Become a FamilyLife partner and get access to exclusive content. Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Are you a parent who feels overwhelmed or ill-equipped to talk about sex with your kids? You’re not alone! In this episode, Mary Flo and Megan from Birds & Bees unpack how to have ongoing, age-appropriate conversations about sexuality, fostering trust and openness from an early age. We tackle common parental fears and discomforts, especially for Christian families, providing practical steps to build confidence. Learn the “”drip, drip, drip”” method for normalizing discussions about body parts, boundaries, and sex starting as young as age one, which is crucial for protecting children from abuse. We discuss teaching anatomically correct terms and clear boundaries to empower kids to report violations. Show Notes and Resources Check out Megan and Mary's website and listen in to their podcast.  Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Parenting in an LGBT-affirming world can be daunting, but Rachel Gilson, author of “Parenting Without Panic,” is here to equip you! In this FamilyLife Today episode, hosts Dave and Ann Wilson talk with Rachel about how to guide your children through complex topics like same-sex attraction and transgender identities with biblical truth and grace. Rachel shares her own experiences, from initial fears about her daughter’s teacher to candid conversations with her kids about God’s design. Learn why starting early, using age-appropriate language, and emphasizing God’s “yes-first” vision for male, female, marriage, and singleness is crucial. Show Notes and Resources Purchase 'Parenting Without Panic" at the FamilyLife online shop.  Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network   See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Are you longing for a deeper, more fulfilling Christian marriage? Join us on FamilyLife Today as hosts Dave and Ann Wilson sit down with Dr. Gary Chapman, bestselling author of “”The Five Love Languages,”” to unlock practical insights for a thriving relationship! In this powerful episode, Dr. Chapman, co-author of the new book . A Simple Guide for a Better Marriage,”” shares his own raw marital struggles and the pivotal moment that transformed his relationship with his wife, Carolyn – inspired by Christ’s servant leadership (John 13). Learn the three transformative questions he asked that shifted their marriage toward mutual service. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Gary Chapman's ministry online.  Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Are your kids struggling with who they are in a world telling them to follow their feelings? In this powerful episode, Dave and Ann Wilson sit down with Jonathan Holmes, author of Grounded in Grace: Helping Kids Build Their Identity in Christ, to tackle the pressing issue of identity formation in children and teens. Jonathan, executive director of Fieldstone Counseling, brilliantly uses the “dinglehopper” analogy from The Little Mermaid to expose how society misuses identity, leading to instability and mental health crises in our kids. We dive deep into the cultural pressures — from academics and sports to social media and the rising rates of gender dysphoria — that are shaping our children’s sense of self. Show Notes and Resources Purchase "Grounded in Grace" online.  Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network   See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Ever feel like you’re running on fumes as a parent? You’re not alone! In this candid episode, hosts Dave and Ann Wilson chat with Bruce and Maria Golf, parents of four young daughters, about the raw reality of sleep deprivation and how it impacts their marriage and faith. From hilarious (and relatable) meltdowns to practical tips for soothing night terrors (hello, cat videos!), Bruce and Maria share their honest struggles with sleepless nights due to a newborn, child anxiety, and more. Discover how they navigate irritability and resentment, transforming shared suffering into powerful teamwork. Show Notes and Resources Get more parenting resources online. Learn more about the YouVersion Bible App online. View some of the "one another's" in the bible Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Matt & Lauren Chandler get brutally honest about their 25-year marriage, parenting struggles, and ministry life in this raw conversation on FamilyLife Today. Discover how they moved past 7 ”brutal” early years, found healing through vulnerability and Celebrate Recovery, and built a friendship that sustains them through every season. From navigating differing interests to regretting missed opportunities with their kids, Matt and Lauren don’t hold back. They emphasize the power of authenticity, the necessity of deep community, and the illusion of control when raising adult children. Plus, hear candid confessions about spiritual leadership at home and Matt’s ”icy” demeanor. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Lauren Chandler on her website. Take the Mindful Marriage Assessment. Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network   See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Are you raising resilient kids in a fear-driven world? In this powerful FamilyLife Today episode, hosts Dave and Ann Wilson join Dr. Kathy Cook, founder of Celebrate Kids, to equip Christian parents with the tools to foster true resilience in their children—and themselves—through a biblical lens. Why do kids struggle with perseverance and risk-taking? Discover how well-intentioned overprotective parenting, from “”helicopter”” to “”lawnmower”” styles, can actually hinder growth. Kathy shares eye-opening insights on the importance of allowing natural consequences (yes, even a bad grade or spilled milk!) to build character and faith, drawing wisdom from scriptures like James 1:2–4 and Romans 5:3–5. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Kathy Koch and her ministry, "Celebrate Kids" online.  Take the Mindful Marriage Assessment. Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network   See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy