Focus on the Family Strengthening Marriage Podcast

Bestselling author Jerry Jenkins, known for the Hedges book and the Left Behind series, shares insightful strategies to guard marriages against temptation. He discusses the necessity of setting boundaries and the importance of transparency in building trust with partners. Jenkins also describes his personal rule to avoid one-on-one meetings with unrelated women to mitigate risks. Cultivating a strong connection with spouses is emphasized, along with creating safe spaces for open conversations about struggles.

Dr. Bob Paul, a marriage expert and co-author of Empowered to Love, joins Tara Lalonde, a marriage educator, to dive into the concept of 'Heart Talk'. They explore how this emotionally focused communication can deepen connection in relationships. Tara shares practical listening techniques, while Dr. Bob introduces the I SEE YOU acronym for effective understanding. They discuss creating a safe space for conversations, and how couples can naturally incorporate these tools to enhance their emotional connection and resolve conflicts.

It's common for you and your spouse to have different styles for trying to resolve conflict. Jim Daly joins Dr. Bob Paul and Tara Lalonde, who both open up about times they worked through conflict with their spouses. Then, John Fuller asks Erin and Dr. Greg Smalley how you can make things right with your mate after a bad argument.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Empowered to Love for your donation of any amount!   Hope Restored   Loving the Spouse God Gave You    Take the Reactive Cycle Assessment    Contact our Counseling Team   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

In this episode, Jim Turner, an author and redemption advocate, shares his transformative journey after a painful first marriage. He reflects on how embracing vulnerability and faith allowed him to heal and rebuild his life with a renewed family. Jim and host Jim Daly discuss the concept of second chances and the beauty found in restored relationships. Greg Smalley adds insights on growth through struggle, emphasizing that enduring tough times can lead to dramatic improvements in marriages, inspiring couples to persevere.

In this engaging discussion, Jim Turner, an author and speaker, shares his insights on emotional disconnection in marriage. He introduces the concept of 'Heart Walks,' emphasizing the importance of men stepping into their wives' emotional worlds to restore intimacy. Turner recounts his own journey of disconnect and highlights the significance of weekly accountability groups for emotional growth. He also discusses how men can foster genuine relationships that promote honesty and sensitivity, paving the way for deeper connections.

Do your words encourage or tear down your spouse? Jim Daly speaks to Jay and Laura Laffoon on how they've learned to be more encouraging to each other. Then, Erin Smalley gives some pointers for the person who recognizes they need to be a better encourager to their mate.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Celebrate Your Marriage for your donation of any amount!   Focus on Marriage Assessment   Practical Ways to Celebrate Your Marriage    Hope Restored    Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Laura LaFoon, an author and speaker focused on marriage and family rhythms, joins the discussion to tackle the cultural pressures women face and the damaging 'hurry syndrome.' She highlights how saying 'yes' too often can harm relationships. The conversation dives into the importance of prioritizing spouse and family over career, exploring the idea of a destination mentality versus being present in the moment. With practical tips on slowing down, Laura emphasizes the need for mindfulness and enjoying life's journey together.

Jesus tells us in the New Testament that looking lustfully at someone is equivalent to committing adultery in your heart. Greg Smalley explains why watching pornography will do serious damage to your marriage. Plus, Jim Daly and Jerry Jenkins discuss why porn also causes feelings of shame.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book "Hedges" for your donation of any amount!   Hope Restored   How to Guard Your Marriage From Temptation    Contact our Counseling Team    The Hedges Challenge   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

When you got married, it was easy to believe sexual temptation might disappear. John and Erin explain why temptation still needs to be dealt with even after you get married. Then, Jim Daly and author Jerry Jenkins share why God calls us to flee from sexual temptation, not just fight it.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book "Hedges" for your donation of any amount!   Hope Restored   How to Guard Your Marriage From Temptation    Contact our Counseling Team    The Hedges Challenge   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Curiosity is key to maintaining love in marriage, even after years together. Learn how curiosity sustains romance and drives personal growth. Discover that people constantly evolve, revealing new layers to explore. A personal story highlights the dangers of assuming complete knowledge about a partner. Simple yet profound practices include setting aside time for deeper conversations. Rekindle that spark by asking questions and truly listening to each other—it's a skill you can develop!