FamilyLife Blended® Podcast

When we blend two families, what's the goal and how do we get there? Do we focus more on parenting or our marriage? Do I parent my stepchild or build a relationship first? How do we manage a difficult former spouse? Ron Deal answers these questions and more about the critical tasks of parenting in a blended family. Show Notes and Resources You still have time to join the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry! The Online Certificate in Blended Family Ministry Get monthly encouragement for your blended family FamilyLife Blended Resources Get the Summit All-Access Digital Pass Email us your questions at blendedquestions@familylife.com See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Blended families come in all shapes and sizes. Each family is unique with its own complexities. Chris and Yodit Brooks share their stories growing up in a blended family as well as wisdom they've gained from raising both their adopted and biological children. Family stories matter. Show Notes and Resources The Smart Stepfamily on Right Now Media Get a copy of The Smart Stepfamily Summit on Stepfamily Ministry: Registration and Information Listen to Equipped with Chris Brooks. Ron's personal speaking schedule. Support the FamilyLife Blended podcast Call in a review 407-826-2606 See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

The holidays can be a stressful time juggling visitations, planning family activities, and managing all the feelings in the Christmas season. Emotions in blended families are often magnified during Christmas. Gayla Grace and Ron Deal offer practical ways to be sensitive and promote positivity so your holiday can be a truly joyous time. Show Notes and Resources Gift a copy of The Smart Stepfamily More Blended Family Resources Ron's upcoming events Send a gift to FamilyLife Blended Leave us a review voicemail at 407-826-2606 or email us: blendedquestions@familylife.com See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Children want to be heard and seen. Ron Deal had a conversation with Dr Mark Mayfield about how parents can help teens with loneliness. They offer wisdom and practical help for sensitive, serious topics such as suicide and address the role parents have as children navigate their overwhelming feelings and confusing thoughts. Show Notes and Resources Blended Family resources Smart Stepfamily on Right Now Media Learn more about the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry Dr. Mark Mayfield The Path out of Loneliness and The Path to Wholeness Donate to FamilyLife Blended Leave us a review voicemail at 407-826-2606 or email us: blendedquestions@familylife.com See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

The enneagram gives us insight into our unique gifts and the contributions we can make with those around us. But it shouldn’t be the ultimate source of our identity. Ron Deal talks with Jeff and Beth McCord about interpreting core enneagram types alongside the truth of the Gospel as we relate to others. Show Notes and Resources Dive deeper into the 9 different Enneagram types Free downloads from Jeff and Beth Blended Family Resources Learn more about the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry Join us on the cruise! Thank you for your support! Leave us a review voicemail at 407-826-2606 or email us: blendedquestions@familylife.com See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

No one wants to walk through grief and suffering. But God uses hard times to grow our character, develop perseverance, and find hope in Him. Ron Deal talks with Davey and Kristi Blackburn about how to trust God's faithfulness during painful seasons and find healing and restoration through Him. Show Notes and Resources 10th Anniversary DVD Edition of The Smart Stepfamily Women and Blended Families Davey and Kristi Blackburn and their Pain to Purpose resources Leave us a review voicemail at 407-826-2606 or email us: blendedquestions@familylife.com Support FamilyLife Blended The Summit on Stepfamily ministry See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Do you have wounds from a previous relationship that you carried into your new family? We call these ghosts of marriage past. Unresolved residue also happens with our kids and affects our ability to form trust and intimacy with others. Ron Deal speaks with Moe and Paige Becnel about how to wrestle with our ghosts and lessen their power. Show Notes and Resources The Smart Stepfamily online series More about the Becnels and their book Join this year's VIRTUAL Summit on Stepfamily Ministry. Add your blended small group on the searchable map. Make a tax deductible gift. Ask a question and submit a review at blendedquestions@familylife.com or call 407-826-2606. See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Blended family life doesn't often start with every relationship experiencing harmony. But it's not unusual to develop it along the way. Listen to Ron Deal speak with Gil and Brenda Stuart about how disappointment and confusion in their family relationships with 7 kids eventually morphed into redemption and joy. Show Notes and Resources Gil and Brenda Stuart Get a copy of Restored and Remarried, workbook or small group bundle. Blended ministry map Make plans for The Summit on Stepfamily ministry. Send a gift of support to help us expand our reach. Call or email us with your ideas! 407-826-2606, blendedquestions@familylife.com See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Former NFL player Jeff Kemp has spent decades connecting with men. He understands the common struggles which include insecurity, comparison, and shame. He shares with Ron Deal how men can best cope by understanding their identity in our Father God, and why healthy male friendships are valuable in everyday life. Show Notes and Resources Get Jeff Kemp's Men Huddle Playbook Online Certificate course in Blended Family Ministry Tips to a deeper friendship Easy steps to friendship and huddling The Smart Stepdad: Steps to Help You Succeed Make a tax deductible donation. Call with your question: 407-826-2606, email a podcast topic suggestion: blendedquestions@familylife.com The Summit on Stepfamily Ministry See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Men want harmony in their homes, but the dynamics of blended family life can threaten peaceful relationships. Mike Haney speaks with Ron Deal on how stepdads can create meaningful connections with their stepchildren through warm and inviting behavior, a perspective for long-term bonds, and mindfulness toward a role that less is more. Show Notes and Resources The Summit on Stepfamily ministry Info and booking for the Love Like You Mean It Marriage Cruise Mike Haney’s Courageous Stepdad Coaching Program Podcast #38- Daily Practices for Happy Stepcouples Get your copy of The Smart Stepdad Support the Blended podcast with a gift Call or email us! 407-826-2606, blendedquestions@familylife.com See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy