Focus on the Family Strengthening Marriage Podcast

As Christians, we're called to please God. So, how do you balance that with trying to make your spouse happy? Dr. Greg Smalley will help you discern if your goal is to obey God, or if you're focusing too much on your mate's happiness. Also, Rebecca St. James joins Jim Daly to explain how she learned to let go of people-pleasing tendencies before she got married.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Lasting Ever: Faith, Music, Family, and Being Found by True Love for your donation of any amount!   Focus on Marriage Assessment   Finding God's Love in Marriage and Life    Practice Makes Parent    Unsung Hero Official Lionsgate Website   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Dr. Greg Smalley, a marriage expert and leader of the Focus Marriage team, and Erin Smalley, a marriage counselor, share insights on navigating the ever-evolving nature of marriage. They discuss how spouses influence each other's growth and the importance of personal responsibility in managing expectations. The couple explores the dynamics between introversion and extroversion, highlighting how Greg's introversion has positively shaped Erin's appreciation for quiet time. Their practical advice helps couples blend traits and grow closer together.

Have you told your spouse how much you appreciate him or her recently? It can be easy to get caught up in the to-do lists of life, and miss telling them "thank you." Jim Daly and his wife Jean, along with the Smalley's, encourage you to make your mate feel valued through very simple gestures. Plus, John Fuller asks Erin Smalley why focusing on the best aspects of your spouse is good for your relationship.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book The Healthy Marriage Devotional for your donation of any amount!   Focus on Marriage Assessment   Five Ways to Grow Closer as a Couple    Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage    Reconnect Through Meaningful Conversation   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Joining the conversation are Jerry Jenkins, bestselling author and speaker on marriage and faith, and Dr. Greg Smalley, marriage expert known for his practical counseling insights. They delve into the importance of setting boundaries in marriage to foster deeper intimacy. Jenkins shares wisdom from his book, Hedges, emphasizing how to guard against temptation with a strong biblical foundation. Smalley introduces his HALT acronym to identify vulnerability cues and offers actionable tips for resisting temptation while strengthening marital bonds.

Join author Jerry Jenkins, known for the Left Behind series, as he delves into the crucial topic of safeguarding marriage from temptations like sex, money, and pride. He discusses recognizing personal weaknesses and the importance of accountability groups. Erin Smalley emphasizes creating a safe space for honest conversations between couples, managing triggered reactions, and rebuilding emotional safety over time. This enlightening dialogue offers practical strategies for couples to strengthen their bonds and navigate life's challenges together.

Greg Smalley, a marriage expert from Focus on the Family, shares insights on embracing the unique differences of your spouse. He emphasizes that appreciating these differences can deepen your love. Jim Daly hosts discussions with Tara Lalonde and Dr. Bob Paul about loving your partner for who they are, and they highlight how one spouse's willingness to change can transform a marriage. Practical tools and gratitude practices are also explored to enhance relationship dynamics and romance.

Feeling the romance fading in your marriage? Discover how small gestures like thoughtful texts and hugs can reignite the spark. Learn the importance of treating your partnership as a team to create emotional safety and intimacy. The discussion dives into balancing grand romantic gestures with everyday connections. You'll hear tips on enhancing communication and avoiding reactive patterns that hinder closeness. Practical advice and personal anecdotes offer a refreshing perspective on nurturing love for lasting fulfillment.

This week, Rebecca St. James, a renowned Christian singer-songwriter, and her husband Cubby Fink share their unique journeys before marriage. Rebecca reflects on migrating from Australia at 14 and her family's struggles that deepened her faith. Cubby discusses his creative upbringing and mission work that reshaped his plans. They also delve into the importance of reminiscing about God's work in their lives, emphasizing how these memories strengthen marital bonds. It's a heartfelt conversation about gratitude and the beauty of their love stories.

Dive into the journey of redemption in marriage, where lies that undermine relationships are confronted. Discover Jim Turner's honest account of emotional distance and the importance of vulnerability for men. Learn how to restore intimacy and respond to tough feedback from friends, while exploring the deeper fears behind our reactions. Finally, embrace practical steps to receive feedback humbly, bring concerns to God, and restore connections. It's a heartfelt discussion on growth, grace, and rebuilding a strong marital bond.

Greg and Erin Smalley, marriage experts with a focus on faith-based counseling, join Jim Daly to share the secret to a thriving relationship. They emphasize the value of daily check-ins and small gestures to keep connections strong. The Smalley's clever analogy of nurturing marriage like a garden illustrates the need for intentional care. They discuss how relationships can drift without energy, offering signs couples might need to inject more fun into their lives. Simple questions about feelings and inner growth can deepen intimacy and reenergize bonds.