Marriage in Today's World

If you've ever found yourself on an expected path, you'll appreciate this episode about embracing life's surprises with intention and faith.  Married later in life, Nate and Susan share about processing the reality of not having children and finding contentment in the path God laid before them.  They offer wisdom for making the most of the “blessings” we don't get to choose - and the joy that can be found in the unexpected. 

The Christ Candle - pure white, standing in the center of the wreath - represents the fulfillment of all hope, peace, joy, and love. Its light is the culmination of the Advent journey, symbolizing Christ's arrival as the ultimate revelation of God's promise.

The Love Candle burns with a warm, enveloping light that symbolizes the all-encompassing nature of divine love. Its flame represents transformation - how love can soften hardened hearts, bridge impossible distances, and bring light to the darkest corners of human experience. Like love itself, this candle's light is both gentle and powerful.

The Joy Candle burns with a vibrant, dancing light that refuses to be extinguished. Its flame represents the resilient spirit of celebration that emerges even in challenging times. Just as a candle's light becomes most visible in darkness, true joy becomes most powerful when it shines through life's most difficult moments.

The Peace Candle stands as a beacon of calm, its steady flame symbolizing the unshakable tranquility that comes not from perfect circumstances, but from divine presence. Like a lighthouse guiding ships through turbulent waters, this candle represents the peace that surpasses human understanding - a peace that guards our hearts and minds.

The Hope Candle is a flickering promise in the darkness - a small but powerful light that reminds us that even the tiniest flame can push back against overwhelming darkness. It represents the prophetic anticipation of God's promise, the first whisper of redemption breaking through centuries of waiting.

What is Advent? Advent, derived from the Latin word "adventus" meaning "coming" or "arrival," is a sacred season of anticipation and preparation. It spans the four weeks before Christmas, marking a time of spiritual reflection, hope, and expectation.  Unlike the commercial rush of the holiday season, Advent invites us to a deeper, more contemplative journey. This season is not just about remembering the birth of Jesus two thousand years ago, but also about preparing our hearts for Christ's continued presence in our lives and anticipating His ultimate return. It's a time of holy waiting - a spiritual practice that transforms passive waiting into active, purposeful preparation.

Ted Cunningham defines marriage as a man and a woman enjoying life together and he has written a book to help us find our way back to adding a dose of fun in marriage.  In this episode, we'll explore the concept of the "Honor List," discuss tips for quality time with your spouse, and discover creative ideas for celebrating milestones. Get ready to revitalize your relationship with some simple yet powerful strategies.

Blended families can mean new and rewarding relationships - they can also bring challenges of handling differences, priorities, and boundaries.  Growing into a healthy blended family requires communication and active engagement.  Listen as Carl and Peggy Priest share their own story of becoming into a blended family and hear about some of the specific tools that helped them navigate circumstances and emotions. Whether you are a blended family or you simply know one, this episode will give you new insight and encouragement. Resources: https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/blended-families/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unitedmarriage/message

Newly married couples radiate the simple joys of marriage that can be contagious for a seasoned couple.  Listen as we talk with Johnny and Ashley Armijo about expectations, surprises, and lessons in their season of marriage. You'll find yourself transported back to the early days of your marriage and maybe a little more in love.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unitedmarriage/message

The Bible tells us that seasons are ordained by God: seasons related to the climate, but also seasons of life.  The end of a calendar year provides a moment to reflect on the past and anticipate the future. Join a few members of the in-house Marriage Encounter Staff as they do just that.  You'll be inspired to pause and reflect on 2023 and embrace 2024 with hope. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unitedmarriage/message

Grandparenting is a unique God-given role with an incredible opportunity to invest in your grandchildren's lives while offering support to your children. Join our conversation with Steve and Pam Chapman as we explore this very rewarding - yet sometimes challenging job of a grandparent.  No matter your season of life, you'll glean wisdom for relating to family members with Biblical wisdom and grace. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unitedmarriage/message

Listen in as Jon and Tammy Fleischer share their story of coming from diverse backgrounds and learning to compromise traditions and customs, all while fighting for their marriage and finding faith through the process.  You'll be encouraged to lean into God and navigate your own differences in marriage as you hear their story.  They share how God intervened in each of their lives and drew them close to Him individually, resulting in a deeper connection to each other.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unitedmarriage/message

We often find ourselves stuck in a cycle of unresolved conflict and hurt in marriage because we don't have a healthy practice of seeking and granting forgiveness with our spouse.  Join us in this episode to hear Kendall and Cathy Thomas share useful tools for responding to your spouse when you've been hurt, communicating in loving and redemptive ways, and growing together in your relationship. You'll walk away with tools to put in place right away and get you on the right path to flourishing together.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unitedmarriage/message

Parenting certainly brings you together in marriage - but not always in the ways you expect. Children can create fun but also stress, particularly when you aren't on the same page as your spouse in parenting. In this episode, Ty and Allison Thomas share candidly about raising children as a team by making decisions together and supporting one another. Listen as they talk through practical ideas for parenting through different stages, handling discipline, and intentionally creating fun moments. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unitedmarriage/message

Join us on this episode to hear Jeff and Shaunti Feldhahn tackle two hot topics in marriage: intimacy and money. Shaunti talks about her two latest books - the newly released Secrets of Sex and Marriage, which she co-authored, and Thriving in Love and Money. Jeff and Shaunti reveal findings from their Marriage Intimacy Project and highlight fundamental misconceptions and myths about intimacy and money. You can learn practical tips for talking openly and honestly about hopes, expectations, and desires to set yourself up for a healthy marriage. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unitedmarriage/message

The start of a new year is a great time to pick up a book to strengthen your marriage - but did you know that Amazon lists over 100,000 books on marriage? In this episode, Steve and Pam Chapman narrow that list to 5 excellent choices of books that are easy to read and cover a variety of marriage topics. They give us a glimpse of what the book is about and why they recommend it as well as tips for reading together. You'll have difficulty narrowing your choice to just one! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unitedmarriage/message

Everything that comes with The Most Wonderful Time of the Year - twinkling lights, romance, gifts - can be just what your marriage needs to add a spark to your relationship. Still, the holiday season might also add stress, expectations, and unwanted changes. Join our in-house Marriage Encounter Staff as they talk about holiday traditions, changing family dynamics, common conflicts, and making time for their spouse. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unitedmarriage/message

Tune in to hear Bob and Pam answer questions from a live audience at the It's Not Me; It's You Marriage Conference hosted by Calvary Church in Muscatine, Iowa. They respond to questions on submission, expectations, balancing work/family, holiday conflict, appreciating differences, forgiveness, and technology. Learn from their wisdom and practical teaching and apply it to your marriage relationship today. Recommended Resources from the Conference: The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller The Five Languages of Apology by Gary Chapman and Jennifer Thomas Drs. Bob and Pam Mac Rae have been married for 44 years and are both Professors at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL. For 15 years, they have co-taught the "Marriage and Family Systems" class at Moody. They also enjoy co-leading marriage conferences and retreats. They have two married daughters, two wonderful sons-in-law, and six sweet grandchildren. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unitedmarriage/message

How much of yourself do you allow your spouse to know? In this episode, Rick and Nancy Kay Grace explain that intimacy is allowing your spouse to see into you at a deeper level. Listen as they share stories of growing intimacy in their marriage and learn how you can practically do the same. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unitedmarriage/message

Fun is a choice - not an outcome - and you can choose it everyday in marriage. In this episode Dan and Pat Van Vleck share personal stories about how they've chosen to intentionally add fun in their marriage. You'll be inspired to use the resources you have, be creative, and enjoy every day with your spouse. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unitedmarriage/message

Authors and Speakers Mark and Jill Savage talk honestly about their differences, struggles, and principles for keeping their marriage strong after a season of betrayal. Hear some of the behind the scenes stories of writing their book No More Perfect Marriages and get a sneak peek at the principles from their book: learn how to embrace your differences, fight the slow fade in marriage, and use your God tools. Resources: www.markandjill.org --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unitedmarriage/message

In addition to giving us a partner to help share the ups and downs of life, marriage gives us a partner to help spread the gospel of Christ. Tune in as Drew and Alissa Burkamper share their story of discerning God's call on their marriage to share Christ's love with others. They'll also provide some practical insight on how to discover your Marriage Mission. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unitedmarriage/message

Have you ever considered what expectations you bring into marriage? They might be realistic or unrealistic, spoken or unspoken, but we all have them. Listen as Steve and Pam Chapman share how to communicate expectations so they bring joy and intimacy instead of bitterness and resentment. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unitedmarriage/message

Recognizing how we feel and learning how to communicate those feelings to our spouse in a loving way is the first step to communicating effectively in a healthy marriage. Learn from Kendall and Cathy Thomas as they share their expertise on getting a handle on feelings and emotions in marriage. Spoiler alert: Feelings are not right or wrong - and they aren't your fault or your spouses' fault! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unitedmarriage/message

Life doesn't stop so you can focus on your marriage! Listen in each month to hear from seasoned couples and newlyweds on facing the challenges of marriage in today's culture. On today's episode, you can meet the host and producer, get a sneak peek at what's to come as well as learn a little about our sponsored ministry, United Marriage Encounter. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unitedmarriage/message