HomeMatters

Self-awareness and self-examination are always good. Many people only do this type thing in seasons of crisis or at the beginning of the year as they set new resolutions for themselves. However, there are always warning signs when a relationship is headed towards trouble. People may wake up one day and just feel like everything has changed overnight. But in reality, something has been going on for some time that has led to the distance one feels or the isolation they are experiencing. Join Eric and Gena in this episode as they discuss the warning signs that show your marriage is in trouble.

This episode is for adults only. You may not want to listen with your children, but—be confident, there's nothing here that isn't talked about in the Bible! In fact, you (married couples) may blush at all God has to say about your intimate, sexual relationship to your spouse. Your intimacy and lovemaking doesn't embarrass God—-in fact, just the opposite. God never intended our love life with our spouse to be boring and if yours is, it's time to make some intentional changes. Tune in today and be encouraged to make the changes needed to bring your intimate sexual relationship up to date and away from anything that looks boring!

This weeks' episode continues to examine the “play it safe” style of living versus the life that is willing to make some hard decisions, have some hard conversations, and even do some things that may seem “risky” to continue to move forward in relationship and love. Progress and productivity never come easy and risk will always be involved. Will you be the “Hero” in your home? Will you be willing to take some risks to have all that God intended for you? You may just find that it's the best risk you ever take!

Is it your tendency to play it safe—in all aspects of your life and relationships? Or, are you the risk taker? Are you more comfortable with the predictability of routine or are you willing to step out and take some risk sometimes by stepping into the unknown or the uncertain things? Relationships will never be totally predictable and our unwillingness to step into the unknown can hinder love, passion, affection, and even our ability to be as productive as God would desire us to be. Eric and Gena may provoke you in this episode, but hear them out! Your willingness to be vulnerable and to embrace an opportunity could just be what takes your relationship to the next level!

The discussion in this episode of HomeMatters dives into the Song of Solomon passage in chapter 2, verse 15. The scripture enlightens us in the fact that it isn't always the big things that “spoil” or hinder a relationship. In this episode, the Boggs discuss this warning from the Bible; share a list of possible “foxes” that we can deal with; and challenge their listeners to “tend to the garden” of their love and rid their relationship of these things that can steal away intimacy, affection, and even productivity from a marriage! Join in today and discover what “little fox” you may need to deal with.

Would your spouse say you were romantic? Is romance even necessary after marriage? And, if it is, who has time for it? All these are legit questions when it comes to marriage. The Bible answers each of them and in this episode, Eric and Gena share great insight on what it means to be romantic; why you may need to entertain the idea—even after marriage; and what this “romantic, flirty” marriage should look like. Additionally, the Boggs define romance and reveal that romance isn't always what we've come to think it is! If you've given up on romance or if you think there isn't really a need for it any more in your marriage, tune in and be challenged!

In part 2 of “Managing at Home”, this episode turns to managing all the blessings (resources) and finances that God has given us. As discussed in part 1, there is a great responsibility we have as leaders in our homes to “manage”! Resources are abundant and even where finances may seem strained, God has given us clear direction on how we are to manage all His blessings in our life! Eric and Gena talk about all of this and how being a giver is key to it all!

The schedules around a home and family life are usually hectic to say the least. Finding the time we need to accomplish all the things that need our attention is overwhelming. We also have people to manage (a spouse, children, co-workers, etc. etc.). So, how do we manage? How do we stay productive? How do we decide what needs our attention and what can wait? In all of this, we have a great responsibility as leaders in our home! As Ephesians states, we must be very careful how we live—not as unwise but as wise. We should also make the most of our opportunities. So, join in and listen today as the Boggs discuss godly time management in this episode.

To level up—to increase your productivity and impact as a family, it will take a plan and calculated steps, taken with intention. Today, the Boggs offer 3 places to begin this “leveling up” process. They discuss leveling up in our actions, thoughts, and conversations. This episode concludes this series on taking our home and family life to the next level with these practical applications. Don't miss this and don't ever underestimate all that God can do with you and your family! He wants to take you to places you've never been before with Him! It is time to LEVEL UP!

It will be the things you do on purpose and on the regular that will move you forward and up to your next level of living. That's what the Boggs call “intentionality”. It works whether you're exercising or cleaning out a closet! It will work in family life too—-marriage and parenting. Most of us know some things we could do immediately that would make us a better spouse and a better parent. Join the podcast today and be encouraged to get started! If you'll just start; you can be assured that results are on the way.

What if God had a life for you and your family that you have yet to experience? He does! There are always new levels with God because we can never exhaust all His resources. Don't underestimate what God can do with you and your family! It doesn't require perfection, thankfully. It just requires an obedient heart that's turned toward God, and a willingness to “level up-–meaning, we're willing to put some action to our desires. Be encouraged today as the Boggs encourage you to get a plan and level up!

The “IT” is sex! And, how and what you think about it is important! Do you think about sex like God thinks about it? Did you know that God does actually have thoughts about it? He created it! It was His masterpiece; so—yes, God has big thoughts about sex and He shares those with us in the Bible. Do you see it as precious and pure? Do you hold a worldly perspective or a Biblical perspective? It matters what you are thinking. Join The Boggs today in their conversation on what God says about sex and how that should affect how we think about it. The “IT” is sex! And, how and what you think about it is important! Do you think about sex like God thinks about it? Did you know that God does actually have thoughts about it? He created it! It was His masterpiece; so—yes, God has big thoughts about sex and He shares those with us in the Bible. Do you see it as precious and pure? Do you hold a worldly perspective or a Biblical perspective? It matters what you are thinking. Join The Boggs today in their conversation on what God says about sex and how that should affect how we think about it.

Legacy. Heritage. Inheritance. We all have a responsibility to leave something behind, but that often seems a distant thought in the light of just getting through the day to day. What was left for you is important; but what you leave behind is of more importance! The Boggs discuss the responsibilities that belong to each of us as related to what we are leaving behind. Your impact in this world is meant to outlive you! Join us in realizing what it will take to leave a mark on this world before we are done here. It matters for generations to come!

As parents, our job is many-faceted, and often overwhelming for sure! This episode of HomeMatters focuses on our need, in the home, to bring guidance, to offer instruction, and to administer discipline as necessary. All of this can be controversial, oftentimes, in our culture today. However, the Bible isn't quiet on any of these aspects! Join The Boggs in their conversation today and be encouraged to know…..God blessed you with this “job”, and with His help…..You Can Do It!

The struggles of parenting are R E A L! No matter the age of your child, there will be moments when you just feel lost in knowing what to do! There seems to be a lot of information out there, but where and who do you turn for answers? The Boggs address the topic today with Biblical instruction. They believe that God's Word has the answers we all need for parenting, and when we follow His instructions; we can be productive and successful in the “parenting job”! Along with that, know that your leadership in the home begins with who YOU are as a parent.

From the day you get married, everything in your life will work against you having the time and energy to continue in romance as you did while you were dating. However, maintaining and feeding romance and intimacy in your marriage is very important. It takes determination, commitment, and lots of “on purpose” affection. Join the podcast today, married couples! Take new steps in being intentional about romance and intimacy in your relationship. It will make a huge difference!

Do you believe that you can have a 100% success rate in marriage—or in family? Can we really see the relationships we have at home be productive? Eric and Gena answer with a resounding, “YES”! God gives clear directives for our success and if we follow His ways, it will always work! Be encouraged in today's episode as the Boggs share some simple places to start in moving towards success. We believe you'll be inspired; knowing that you can be successful and you can win at doing marriage and family!

So when is sex and lovemaking supposed to expire in the life of a marriage? Or, is it supposed to expire at all? Should older couples even put in the energy to sustain a romantic, intimate relationship? Should you just give up on sex, or is there hope in the golden years? Many ask these questions, privately, but today's podcast will explore some real answers found in the Bible! Join Eric and Gena as they share what God says. How old IS too old for sex?

How amazing would it be to have all the instant answers in the day to day of parenting? We do have the Bible, but all parents have made the mistake of acting without conferring with the Bible! Today's podcast addresses our imperfect parenting and how we can work through our own parenting mistakes to see some amazing results. Tune in for some encouragement, parents! You are probably doing a better job than you realize!

It's Valentine's week, and a great opportunity to “amp up the love”! In this edition of HomeMatters, Eric and Gena remind married couples that they should be living Valentine's Day, every day! They'll encourage you to make a new start this Valentine's Day, and to consider how you can live all your days together as if it were the “day of love”! Join in for practical tips on amping up your love.

The pursuit is too often over at the altar—-or wherever you said your vows! The ceremony was never meant to be the ending place of the pursuit. In fact, it is essentially the license to pursue more passionately than ever before! How exciting is that? We should continue to invest and to “pay the price” that pursuit costs. Join the Boggs as they discuss the continued need for pursuit and passion in the marriage relationship. Get More Encouraging Videos Each Week by Subscribing: https://www.youtube.com/@homematters1327 Visit: https://www.homematters.family/ Follow: https://www.instagram.com/homematters.family/ Like: https://www.facebook.com/homematters.family/ Email: info@homematters.family

In this follow-up part 2 episode, The Boggs share some practical steps to starting over daily. What do we need to embrace and what do we need to leave behind to be able to keep moving forward in our relationship? Starting over will take intentionality and a willingness to let some feelings and emotions go. It will take a passionate pursuit of our spouse and a determination to experience all that God has for you as a couple. Starting over is not just for those who have failures or mistakes. All of us can benefit from a “do-over” sometimes!

There is much to be said about the power of starting over. A new day; a new opportunity; a clean slate and a fresh start—-each of these can bring a hope that says “this time things will be different”! The Bible says that God offers us new mercy and love every single day! How amazing and refreshing is that? At home, we often need to offer the same—new, daily doses of mercy and grace. As well, we often need the same extended to us. Join part one of this topic as Eric and Gena encourage us to consider a “do–over”!

Intentionality is always the subject for HomeMatters podcasts it seems! Again, today, we are encouraged to be intentional about carving out time in our life; our week, our day—-and even in our thought processes to think about our spouse. The Boggs always talk about date nights and the getaways, but today we are reminded to take time—-mark off time—and set aside time, daily, to intentionally think good thoughts about our spouse. Engage your good thoughts even before you are in each other's presence and watch the difference it can make in your relationship and in your shared time together.

Psalm 127 has been the foundational scripture for HomeMatters ministry since its inception. The Boggs believe the foundation of this ministry MUST also be the foundation of every home and family unit. Everyday life can lend itself to frustration and discouragement. Those negative feelings are multiplied when we try to navigate on our own, without God! But—if we allow the Lord to build our homes and our lives, we will find the success, fulfillment, and joy that has been intended for us from the beginning! Listen in as the discussion goes today and choose to let the Lord build YOUR home!

Join us for this abbreviated podcast today, New Year's Day! What a great day for looking forward to all that God has in the coming year! A New Year can serve as a great benchmark for all of us. Join this discussion about new beginnings and new expectations! The Boggs encourage us to be more productive and intentional than ever before in the new year.

It is so easy to be caught up in the busyness and rush of Christmas! There's really nothing wrong with the busyness or the celebration. In fact, we should celebrate…..and celebrate BIG! The problem with the busyness only comes when we lose our focus on the purpose of the celebration, and when we lose focus on our intimate family relationships during the season. Don't allow the season to draw your focus away from the things that are most important. This is a great episode that will draw our attention back to being intentional about our Christmas celebrations!

Healthy change is always a necessary part of family life. It's often necessary to lead our family in various changes; as well, we–individually must entertain personal changes. It isn't that we change just to say we changed, but it's that we change so that we can move forward; so we can see marked improvements; and so that we can experience all the amazing things that God has intended for our lives, personally and as a family unit. Join this episode as Eric and Gena discuss those things that will produce healthy change in our lives.

Ep. 128 - by Eric & Gena Boggs

With this being what we know and celebrate as “Thanksgiving week”, The Boggs stop today to encourage us all in living, daily, with gratitude! The key to that is always having the word of God in our hearts. Scriptures on being thankful can help us discover thankfulness and feel thankful even when times are difficult. ONE WORD from God! Not just a spoken word, but a word from THE Word. It has the power to change everything! Join this episode as we're reminded of God's call to thankfulness in our lives.

We live in a time where many are self-centered and selfish. It's nothing new, but it seems to be the “norm” all around us. People often live with an expectation of entitlement no matter the amount of work or effort that they may, or may not, have put in. So, how do we teach our children the pathway of gratitude and thankfulness? Simply, as parents, we model it! In this season, join The Boggs as they focus on building habits of gratitude into our everyday home life.

Is the passion gone? Ever think you married the wrong person? Do you feel like you've fallen out of love? Is there hope of ever regaining the passion that brought you and your spouse together or are those days gone forever? As you can imagine, The Boggs encourage us in this episode to realize that all hope is not gone! And, they offer some steps for regaining the passion and finding an answer to your passionless relationship!

There is much in life that we have no control over. We can't control how we feel or the emotions that come our way. We can't always control what our spouse or our children do or say. However, we CAN control our response to our emotions and feelings that we incur as a result to all of this. We CAN control our attitude and we CAN control our actions. Tune is as Eric and Gena talk about the things that we have the ability to control and how that connects with all the crazy emotions!

Does the original “glow” of romance have to wane? Eric and Gena say, “NO”! Life and marriage become stale and boring—IF we allow them to. As well, the stresses and busy schedules of life will forever get in the way of romance. However, Eric and Gena believe that intentional attention to your marriage relationship will keep, and even grow the excitement and passion that was experienced from the very beginning! What can YOU do to increase the romance? Tune in to this podcast today and be encouraged to know that romance is only dead if you allow it to be! Nurture and rekindle the romance and watch what can happen!

Crisis will come! That may not encourage you, but it is reality for every home and every family. However, we are not left to face our crisis alone! Every family and every marriage goes through times of crisis—-financial, conflict, physical/health, kids, tragedies and trouble. These times put added pressures on relationships. Therefore, we must know how to respond! Join Eric and Gena in this podcast as they share Biblical responses to crises that will help you move through your crisis, learn the lessons you need to learn while in the crisis, and move on to a place of contentment like the one that Paul speaks of in Philippians 4:10-13! It IS possible!

God outlines the way we should live in His Word, the Bible! Not only does He give instruction to us as individuals, but specifically to the roles of every family member in a home—-husband, wife, parents, and children! As we each align our lives to God's plan, we experience blessing! Obedience leads to a life beyond any we will ever live or imagine outside of obedience. We can do things “on our own” and we will have only what WE can make happen. However, as we live according to God's instruction, we open our lives up to all that God can make happen! That is why obedience matters! Why not plug in to the abundant life that Christ offers and let Him live in and through you as a family? Join the discussion today and be encouraged! You CAN live a life of obedience!

Sex (unless there are health issues or unless you're abstaining as in 1 Corinthians 7) should be a regular part of the love, the relationship, and the experiences of a husband and wife! It's essential to oneness, to intimacy, and to the emotional connection. AND it's Biblical! So, why don't all married couples experience pleasure in sex—-or regular sexual relations? What are the reasons—-the stumbling blocks that inhibit this part of intimacy? Tune in to this episode as The Boggs share some of those distractions that steal some of the enjoyment out of the sexual relationship that God intends for you to enjoy as husband and wife.

What kind of question is that? The opposite of the blessed home would be the cursed home, so……surely we'd choose the blessed one, right? Maybe you wonder if it is possible for your home to be blessed. You'll find encouragement as you listen to this episode! The Boggs share with us that God wants to bless our home! It's His desire to bless His children and scripture tells us how to walk in that blessed life. God desires to bless, and we all NEED that blessing in our lives: not just for our sakes, but so that the glory of God will be revealed in and through our homes. Join in as Eric and Gena encourage us in how to have THE BLESSED HOME!

If we are truthful with ourselves, most of us could use some help in knowing how to communicate, effectively, with our family members. This is something that is learned in a relationship and that is so necessary in building a strong relationship!! In this episode, Eric and Gena share some tips and scripture—--instruction straight from God's Word—--about how we should communicate; how we should and should not talk to one another; and how we can use our language to bring positive results and reactions instead of hurt and anger. Tune in! Why? Because…… “It matters how you talk to me”!

Knowing God's Word and being confident of what you believe as a Christian has never been more important! Everything we say we believe will be challenged in this age. Culture will question why you do the things you do; why you love your spouse like you do; why you raise your kids like you do, etc. etc. It is so easy to fall into places where our homes are influenced, subtly, through deception that comes through many different sources. So—-we must know what we believe!

God puts a high premium on the intimate sexual relationship—so much so, that He only approves of the sexual relationship within a marriage relationship. However, in that setting, God intends for both husband and wife to pursue and to enjoy sex. He intends for there to be comfort, fun, fulfillment, and pleasure. Join Eric and Gena in this episode as they discuss how the Bible instructs married couples to pursue and to enjoy the gift of sex in marriage.

In this episode, Eric and Gena discuss the resilience that a strong emotional, spiritual, and mental intimacy brings to a marriage. There is a “knowing” that can be enjoyed in a relationship that will enable couples to withstand difficulties—-simply out of their knowing of each other at deeper levels. These deeper levels of intimacy bring maturity into a marriage that enables it to go the distance in the midst of all that life can bring.

Our initial response to the culture of our day, as a believer, is often to retreat or to pull away. However, our call is never to pull back but to engage our society; to intersect where we can; and to bring the light of Jesus Christ into the everyday rhythms of our life. The “how” is the challenge! Thankfully though, we are not left alone to navigate with our family! Join Eric and Gena as they challenge us all to engage, to love like Jesus loves, and to realize that we—and our homes—are to make a difference, daily! Know that God can use your family!

In part 2 of this topic, Eric and Gena give practical insight as to how our individual homes can bring light to the world we find ourselves in daily. They discuss how the “Christian” home should be different and what that looks like in real, livable, attainable ways.

Culture runs deep. It is affecting you and your home. Your response is of utmost importance as you realize that God desires to use your home and family to set a Kingdom Culture—-one that is exemplary of Jesus Christ and His ways. How is that done? How can we (as un–perfect as we are) make an impact at all? Join in this discussion today as The Boggs talk about the present culture and our role as believers.

As Christian, married couples, we need to get our cues on how we think and feel about marriage and sexuality from God and not from the culture or the spirit of our surroundings (movies, social media, etc.) In fact, Hebrews 13:4 instructs us to honor the marriage bed. So, what does that mean and how do we do that in a way that God intended? The Boggs share some tips in today's episode about how we can live a life that does just what this word instructs us to do, practically, day to day.

Today's episode is part 2 of an important discussion. The spiritual health of a family is crucial and in today's discussion, Eric and Gena share some tips for a good start on the spiritual journey of a family. They cover things like self-awareness, determination, and ways we can daily reflect who Jesus is—-at home, and everywhere we go! It's really about how we live out our Christian walk, daily! It IS ALWAYS more than Sunday church attendance or wearing the tag, “Christian”. Listen in and be challenged to live Jesus, model Jesus, and be Jesus—every day and everywhere!

Just what does a “healthy Christian home” look like? Is it a family of “church-goers”or “good people” that are able to look the part? The Boggs push us today, in this episode, to realize that a healthy Christian home is made up of more than our ability to check the boxes of good Christian living. They encourage us to think about our family's spiritual health——something that affects EVERYTHING!

Is there an expiration date on the intimate sexual relationship of a husband and wife? Eric and Gena say, “No!” and they believe that God's Word says “No!” as well! Sex wasn't created, by God, for just the newlyweds or young to middle aged. God created it with purposes that extend beyond procreation. (And all the “older” people should be excited about that!) Intimacy was intended to be “until death do us part”, just like the commitment we made in marriage. Join the discussion today! No matter how long you've been married, this one will be good for you today!

The discussion continues in this episode about the role of parenting. It is no job for the weak at heart or for “wimps”! Determination and resolve are needed because your children, and our society today, need strong parents! The job can seem daunting for sure, but God will grace and enable you. He may even grow you, as the parent, in the midst of your “parenting” your children----even preparing you, and cultivating in you your own gifts and talents!

The challenge of parenting is real! The overwhelming responsibility and the feelings of inadequacy are felt by all who fill this role at one time or another. In this episode, Eric and Gena remind us that our role as parents is more valuable than we often realize and our capability to do the job well is within grasp as we allow God to empower us.