Podcasts about me forever

les babes, @U2ME. turns 2 today

3/23/25-Dr. Phillip Burden-The New Covenant: I will Betroth You to Me Forever by Sermons from FBCOzark

Have you ever found yourself wondering: “Should I stay friends with that person?” “Why did this friendship end?” or, “As a Christian, is it even okay for me to stop being friends with someone?” On this episode of the Love & Clarity season, Lisa Whittle dives deep into the subject of “breakups” – addressing the inevitable challenges that come when relationships are strained between friends, relatives, and even fellow churchgoers. Pairing Biblical truth with practical wisdom, Lisa offers guidance on how to provide healthy boundaries, how to set expectations, and how to determine if and when it's time to “let go.” Lean in to discover how you can navigate relationships in a way that honors God and others. Listen in to learn more:(1:40) The importance of navigating painful breakups in a healthy way(3:08) What you're really longing for in a true friend(5:35) Why division happens (and why it can be okay)(8:35) What it means to “go the distance” for a friend(13:22) How to identify and let go of an unhealthy friendship(16:23) What is God's design for friendships(20:03) The difference between friendships and relationships Thank you to this season's sponsor, Dwell. Dwell is offering you 25% off yearly access to Dwell or 50% off of Dwell for life! Both are such incredibly low prices – it's well worth it. Go to dwellbible.com/JOE to receive your discount today. RESOURCESMentioned in the episode:Dwell Bible App: https://get.dwellbible.com/joeYou and Me Forever: https://www.youandmeforever.org    Connect with Lisa:Website: https://www.lisawhittle.comSubstack: https://letsbeclear.substack.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisawhittleofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawhittleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisawhittleofficial

In this episode, Justin Janowski shares a really deep journey through the hardships of losing his sister to cancer while managing the demands of a growing business. He discusses how his faith was tested and reshaped by grief and how these experiences led him to redefine his approach to sales, focusing on honesty and integrity. Justin opens up about the heavy responsibility he felt as a father, husband, and entrepreneur during this difficult time, and how it ultimately led him to create a more sustainable, purpose-driven business. This conversation offers a raw and inspiring look at resilience, faith, and the true meaning of success.Chapters00:00:00 - Welcome to the Eternal Optimist Podcast with Matt Drinkhahn00:00:25 - Meet Justin Janowski: A Journey of Faith and Business00:01:26 - From Cutco to Coaching: Justin's Inspiring Backstory00:03:18 - Facing the Unthinkable: Justin's Sister's Battle with Cancer00:05:58 - Grief and Growth: Navigating Loss and Business Challenges00:08:49 - Wrestling with Faith: Justin's Deep Reflection on God00:15:12 - The Weight of Responsibility: Balancing Family During Grief00:18:22 - Rising from the Ashes: Rebuilding a Business with Integrity00:20:26 - High Integrity Sales: Justin's Blueprint for Success00:27:59 - Words of Wisdom: Encouragement for Aspiring Sales Professionals00:30:13 - Lightning Round: Books, Music, and the Heart of Eternal OptimismLinks and ResourcesJustin on LinkedInFaith2Influence's 10-Step Sales Process (Free!)Book RecommendationsYou and Me Forever by Francis and Lisa ChanThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Aaron and Bella are back with another edition of No Suck Saturday: five stories that objectively don't suck (including one about a baby, a random woman on an airplane, and crocheting). They also study a good, but rather meandering chapter of Francis and Lisa Chan's book, "You and Me Forever."

les babes, @U2ME. fête son premier anniversaire aujourd'hui

The campers participate in their first event of the Golden Raven Games. Become a Somniphobia playtester: ⁠https://discord.gg/JtPZZHN6eC⁠. ⁠Theme Music: Disco Lounge by Kevin MacLeod. https://filmmusic.io/song/3651-disco-lounge. License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Art by: Hannah Gallaher Our Discord server, The Actual Playce: https://discord.gg/NwcsRwVeej. Check out our flagship show, Thornvale. Become a member on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thornvale. Find out how to support us: https://www.thornvalepodcast.com/support-us. Other sounds and music: Music: Until You Come Back by Otis Galloway Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/9545-until-you-come-back Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Hyannis by Otis Galloway Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10831-hyannis Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Aurora Nocturna by Justin Allan Arnold Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10739-aurora-nocturna Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Adrenelynne by Tim Kulig Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/8938-adrenelynne Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Cry by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10346-cry Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: The Boss Is In by Otis Galloway Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/9592-the-boss-is-in Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Rush To Glory 120Sloop [Loop] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/11554-rush-to-glory-120sloop-loop Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Now We Feast by Alexander Nakarada Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/4768-now-we-feast Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Medieval Dream by Frank Schroeter Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/9274-medieval-dream Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: You and Me Forever by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7937-you-and-me-forever Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Waltz Primordial (feat. Alexander Nakarada) by Kevin MacLeod Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7929-waltz-primordial-feat-alexander-nakarada Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Leisure by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/207-leisure Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: New York Twelfth by Philip Rice Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10998-new-york-twelfth Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Delicate Reverie by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10952-delicate-reverie Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Augusto Blope is renewed and the evening's big date is on! Surely all our heroes need to do now is sit back and relax in the joy of a job well done. Nothing will come back to bite them, there's no loose ends left dangling, and it's time to relax. Right? Cast: Stew Clarke can be found on Twitter at @StewClarke  Tom Dale can be found on Twitter at @BrandiBun5 The excellent Critical Ditto can be found on Twitter at @CriticalDitto , on their website at https://criticalditto.wordpress.com or wherever you get your podcasts! Lou can be found on Twitter @PlotOtter  Follow us on social media! Twitter: @forcemajeurepod Mastodon: @forcemajeurepod@dice.camp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForceMajeurePod Instagram: forcemajeurepod Online: www.forcemajeurepod.com Email: forcemajeurepod@gmail.com We have a Discord! Come and join us: https://discord.gg/DHbResPp6n We also have merch!  https://teespring.com/stores/forcemajeurepodhttps://www.teepublic.com/user/forcemajeurepod If you like what we do and have some spare money, we have both a Patreon and a Ko-Fi account. We are extremely grateful for your support. https://www.patreon.com/forcemajeurepod ko-fi.com/forcemajeurepod Additional Music: "Floating Cities" "Bushwick Tarantella Loop" both by Kevin MacLeod (Incompetech.com) The following music was used for this media project: Music: Techno 1 by Frank Schroeter Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/9661-techno-1 License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Artist on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frank.schroeter.52   The following music was used for this media project: Music: You and Me Forever by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7937-you-and-me-forever License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Artist website: https://cemmusicproject.wixsite.com/musiclibraryfiles Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Except from "Dungeon Majeure Intro" by Sly Fox Audio (soundcloud.com/slyfoxaudio) For full credit and links please see the Credits page of our website.

Kveldsmøte fredag 24.juni Francis Chan har jobbet som pastor i over 30 år i USA, og er en New York Times-bestselgende forfatter av flere bøker, bl.a. Crazy Love, Letters to the Church og Until Unity. Han og kona Lisa har vært gift i nærmere 30 år og har sammen gitt ut boken You and Me Forever. Nå for tiden bor Francis i California, der han underviser og disippelgjør den neste generasjonen av pastorer og ledere. UL (Ung Landsmøte) er en kristen ungdomsfestival som arrangeres av Misjonssambandet ung i samarbeid med IMF-ung, to barne- og ungdomsorganisasjoner som jobber for at flere unge skal få muligheten til å lære Jesus å kjenne, og gjøre han kjent. Festivalen finner sted hver sommer, og samler flere tusen ungdommer til møter, seminarer, aktiviteter, smågrupper, lovsang, fellesskap og god festivalstemning. UL ble arrangert første gang i 1947. www.ul.no

Jaide's first test of leadership is a critical one and sets the Rivalry on a path into Nesrin's past. A visit with Ackyn Selebon uncovers more of what the Rivalry is fighting for. SHOW NOTES INFORMATION COMMUNITY INFO Send us pics of you rocking D2C Merch and we will publish them on the Community page of our website. Click HERE to check it out! CHARACTER ART Official D20 to Curtain Character Art created by Nsikak Udofia Check out some of Nsikak Udofia's amazing work at https://www.deviantart.com/hodahcity MUSIC / SOUND EFFECTS LICENSE INFORMATION: Rock Scissor Rock by Louise Goldberg Hero's Call by Louise Goldberg To hear more of Louise Goldberg's work, visit her profile at https://soundcloud.com/louise-goldberg For information about Louise's band, Miss Brown to You, visit https://www.reverbnation.com/missbrowntoyou The following music was used for this media project: Music: You and Me Forever by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7937-you-and-me-forever  License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license  Artist website: https://cemmusicproject.wixsite.com/musiclibraryfiles      Music: Pop Goes the Weasel by Kevin MacLeod Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/4230-pop-goes-the-weasel  License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license  Artist website: https://incompetech.com    Music: Malicious by Kevin MacLeod Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/4014-malicious  License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license  Artist website: https://incompetech.com     

PLEASE READ THE CONTENT WARNINGS BEFORE YOU LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE. Our heroes make a valiant effort to overtake Loex Tolgalen, with the help of the Hierophant and divine providence. Leoril tries to help his mother. Zed tries to clarify a few things. Phirora tries to keep everything together. As their party tries to take rest wherever they can find it, the Valcynes discover the terrifying truth of Loex Tolgalen: The Island has eyes - and ears - and claws - and teeth. The transcript for this episode can be found at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hJe2tZeapZ4AkpsnJCOwRZ9j3jtkniQzu8sb0cl6a6M/edit?usp=sharing Content warnings for this episode can be found at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15qZKU4lqDUv4E_2nCqd63XNQpARfVUFt7k3u4nfJZow/edit?usp=sharing The official playlist for this episode can be found at: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1BLRY2vAhTNoT2fQrbnXus?si=04da821827074153 Music credits for this episode:We Love Punk Rock by WinnieTheMoogLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/6369-we-love-punk-rock License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Epic Trailer by Rafael KruxLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/5647-epic-trailer- License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license You and Me Forever by MusicLFilesLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/7937-you-and-me-forever License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Marriage difficulties are common inside and outside the church. How do we heal a hurting message? In this two-part discussion, Pastors Philip and Eric address your questions on marriage and then lay out the steps you can take to heal a broken marriage. Section 1--Questions from listeners Can you leave an abusive marriage? (5:40) Under what circumstances can a marriage be annulled? (13:40) Is it permissible to divorce your spouse if they have a disease like Alzheimer's? (15:45) When could you remarry if you are previously divorced? (17:55) Section 2--Steps to healing a hurting marriage (20:48) What if you come from a family where divorce is common? How do you break the cycle? Get a new marriage template. If you and your spouse are constantly fighting, what should you do? Seek to understand your partner's needs and develop a curiosity for your spouse. Is there any coming back from infidelity? How can a person learn to trust their spouse again? Work to rebuild trust. What is some advice you might give for those who want a healthier marriage? Put Christ at the center of your marriage. Tend your heart before the Lord Prioritize communication skills and listen well to one another Serve one another in love Additional recommended resources: "The Meaning of Marriage" by Tim Keller: https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Marriage-Facing-Complexities-Commitment/dp/1594631875/ "Sacred Marriage" by Gary Thomas: https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Marriage-What-Designed-Happy/dp/0310337372/ "The Mingling of Souls" by Matt Chandler: https://www.amazon.com/Mingling-Souls-Design-Marriage-Redemption/dp/1434706869/ "You and Me Forever" by Francis Chan: https://www.amazon.com/You-Me-Forever-Marriage-Eternity/dp/0990351408/  Questions for Living the Message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or by email to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org.

Things are looking grim for the Valcynes as they come face-to-face with their biggest threat yet - the one that's closest to home. Leoril makes a bad call. Phirora deals with the fallout. With everything around them threatening to fall apart, it's going to take a very brilliant - or very stupid - plan if our heroes want to stop the Astrarian blockade and save the world from impending disaster. The transcript for this episode can be found at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/11v6frgiGe4xLmm2sGNcWUSG0Ij8qQ07brXInwp2MvGk/edit?usp=sharing Content warnings for this episode can be found at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15qZKU4lqDUv4E_2nCqd63XNQpARfVUFt7k3u4nfJZow/edit?usp=sharing The official playlist for this episode can be found at: XXX Music credits for this episode:We Love Punk Rock by WinnieTheMoog Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/6369-we-love-punk-rock License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Epic Trailer by Rafael KruxLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/5647-epic-trailer- License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Parsemoth by Dave DevilleLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/8230-parsemoth License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Stay The Course by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/5048-stay-the-course License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Sheltered Swan by Sascha EndeLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/4973-sheltered-swan License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license You and Me Forever by MusicLFilesLink:

Episode 70 | Jason is joined by Francis Chan in this week's episode to discuss his latest book, Until Unity, and what God has been stirring in him most recently. One of the things most on his heart these days is the importance of Communion. He unpacks with Jason where his deepening conviction has come from for there to be a return to Communion as a central part of our gatherings.  About | Francis Chan has been a pastor for over thirty years. He is a New York Times–bestselling author of several books, including Crazy Love, Letters to the Church, and Until Unity. He and his wife, Lisa, have been married nearly thirty years and co-authored You and Me Forever. Currently, Francis is in Northern California teaching and discipling the next generation of pastors and leaders. World Vision's: Connected Generation Report Until Unity Book Blog | https://ccln.ca/episodes Website | www.ccln.ca

Everyone wants to be “happy,” especially in our marriages.  But what if your marriage wasn't designed for your happiness, but rather your holiness? Come along as Jay and Chicka explore the concept of holiness in our marriages, discuss what it looks like to “burn the boats,” and challenge us all to become committed prayer warriors for our wives, doing our part to help her be ready for the day when she will meet the Lord face to face.   Questions or comments: info@rediscoveringbiblicalmanhood.com  References:   You and Me Forever by Frances Chan  Becoming a King by Morgan Synder  Wild at Heart by John Eldredge  On Prayer by E.M. Bounds  Boundaries by Cloud & Townsend   

CW: Suicide What do a potential suicide, stealing of a sword, casino, and a group of criminals have in common? A lot of annoying phone calls, a job, and a lot of work. Listen to part 1 of our City of Mist game, DMed by Adam from Synder Returns, and played by Nikki, Aubrey and Nekola. We play not the best people but we protect our own.   Adam Twitter Awfully Queer Heroes   Aubrey Goblets and Gays Twitter AnimanAgere Bring your Own Mech   Nekola Twitter Linktr.ee   Help support the show with Patreon or Ko-Fi! All money provided helps ensure the show continues and is able to get art work for future shows!   We will have two new podcasts starting soon! Keep an eye on the Twitter's below for more details on when they will release! Sound Control: Radio Signal  (Science Fiction Stories, Radio Signal will be a Savage Worlds Game ran by Dan) Twitter: https://twitter.com/SoundControlRPG    Dice Before Dawn: Phoenix by Night (Darker stories, Phoenix by Night will be a Vampire the Masquerade 5th Edition game ran by Alex) Twitter: https://twitter.com/DiceBeforeDawn    Please check us out on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beholdertonoone  Twitter: https://twitter.com/beholdertonoone  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCocz92shjgObQuk8_-dqYgA Find more episodes on Podbean: https://beholdertonoone.podbean.com/  Website: http://beholdertonoone.com/    The Train in the Darkness by MusicLFiles Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/7240-the-train-in-the-darkness License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Nightmare by MusicLFiles Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/6557-nightmare License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Mysterious Solitude by MusicLFiles Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/7616-mysterious-solitude License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license You and Me Forever by MusicLFiles Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/7937-you-and-me-forever License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Sadness Cinematic Ambient by MusicLFiles Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/7875-sadness-cinematic-ambient License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Path Of The Warrior by Alexander Nakarada Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/7949-path-of-the-warrior License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Intro Music Sailing To Freedom by Rafael Krux Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5378-sailing-to-freedom-  License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/  Outro Music Sugar Fairies by Rafael Krux Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5429-sugar-fairies- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Even if we don't notice it, our senses never forget the value of the insignificant. Of the sun falling on our feet, of that one teardrop falling on our hand, of that longing which fills our world, of that single remembrance which is enough to destroy everything, before it attempts to build something again.   But ever so often, our senses bring these moments into our beings slowly, gently, sadly, when everything around us is collapsing -  and we realize that we don't miss the big celebrations or the grand entrances or the splendid sights. What we really crave for are the most ephemeral and trifling of things. Moments reduced to quietness, walks slowed into inner explorations, a touch made to linger, sleep becoming a travel done together.   Finding life's significance might be your adventure; but life's meaning is sleeping in the crook of your arm with a serene smile.   If you liked this poem, consider listening to these other poems celebrating life: Of the Moon (and Other Things Which Don't Know They Are Beautiful) Meditations On an Evening The Sublime in the Ordinary Find other magical things, like a lovely free chapbook of poems, and other resources here.   Uncut Poetry has started a new Podcast called Red River Sessions (on Spotify, Pocket Casts, etc), where we will talk to published poets, about their poetry, their craft and what haunts them. It is brought to you by Red River, which is the premier independent publisher of poetry books, and Uncut Poetry.    I am Sunil Bhandari.   I am a poet based out of India. My book of poetry 'Of Love and Other Abandonments' was an Amazon bestseller. My second book is 'Of Journeys & Other Ways to Get Lost'. Both are available on Amazon. Follow me on Instagram at @sunilgivesup. Get in touch with me on uncutpoetrynow@gmail.com   The details of the music used in this episode are as follows - You and Me Forever by MusicLFiles Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/7937-you-and-me-forever License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Welcome to the first episode of our Take Two series! It was so hard to choose episodes to highlight over the past four (FOUR?!) seasons, but we've narrowed it down to a few that we'll show you over the next several weeks. This episode discusses Chapter 5 of Francis and Lisa Chan's book, *You and Me Forever*, as well as some of the good and hard of Matt and Laurie's own story! Get ready for a good one guys, we're excited to revisit this! I Do the Next Thing I You can check out *You and Me Forever* by Francis and Lisa Chan at this link! https://www.youandmeforever.org Hear more of Laurie and Matt's story in *An Impossible Marriage*. Find the book at this link! https://lauriekrieg.com/product/an-impossible-marriage-what-our-mixed-orientation-marriage-has-taught-us-about-love-and-the-gospel/ You can also check out Laurie's story on Remnant Radio and the Happy Hour podcasts! * The Remnant Radio: https://luminarypodcasts.com/listen/the-remnant-radio/the-remnant-radios-podcast/christian-discuss-lgbtq-subjects-with-laurie-krieg/41bf747e-2cec-4218-acd6-860419d9e3b5 * The Happy Hour: https://jamieivey.com/hh363/ Here are a few of the episodes that were “Runner's Up” for our favorites! * Episode 111: Can't We All Just Get Along with David Bennet - https://lauriekrieg.com/podcast/cant-we-all-just-get-along/ * Episode 167: The Social Garden with Greg Coles - https://lauriekrieg.com/podcast/the-social-garden-with-greg-coles/ * Episode 107: Why Male Friendships are Challenging with Sam and Blaine Eldredge - https://lauriekrieg.com/podcast/why-male-friendships-are-challenging/ * Episode 152: Are Women Responsible for Male Lust? with Rachel Joy Welcher - https://lauriekrieg.com/podcast/are-women-responsible-for-male-lust-with-rachel-joy-welcher/ * Episode 96: Healthy Community (& Touch) As a Single Person with Meg Baatz - https://lauriekrieg.com/podcast/healthy-community-and-touch-as-a-single-person/ * Episode 157: Gen Z's Sex, Marriage, and Singleness Questions with Sean McDowell - https://lauriekrieg.com/podcast/gen-zs-sex-marriage-and-singleness-questions-with-sean-mcdowell/ Do you need “a friend in the trenches”? Sign up for a coaching session with Laurie here! https://lauriekrieg.com/product/one-coaching-session-with-laurie/ Also, have you seen our new favorite Bible yet? Check it out here! https://csbholylandillustratedbible.com

The bedroom represents the place of intimacy and sexuality. Whether a person is single or married, purity should be protected here (Hebrews 13:4). This message should define God-honoring sex and urge people to let Jesus enter to forgive, heal, purify and satisfy.Sex was God's idea. And it was a good one. But like with everything good, the Devil— the ruler of this world—seeks to distort and destroy sex in order to steal the goodness of what God intended. Jesus desires for us to honor God with both passion and purity.Scripture Passages:John 8:10-11, Genesis 1:27-28, Genesis 2:24, Mark 10:6-8, Proverbs 5:15-20, Galatians 6:9, Hebrews 13:4, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Mark 10:7-9, 2 Corinthians 5:17Reflection Questions:What do you need the Spirit to provide for you here?What do you need to do in this part of your life?Additional Resources: Book: Intimacy Ignited by Joseph and Linda Dillow Book: You and Me Forever by Francis and Lisa Chan Resource: Covenant Eyes (internet accountability) Class: Alpha's “The Marriage Course” Go to: bpri.church/classes

My guest for The Happy Hour #378 is Francis Chan. Francis Chan has been a pastor for over thirty years. He is a New York Times–bestselling author of several books, including Crazy Love and Letters to the Church. He and his wife, Lisa, have been married nearly thirty years and co-authored You and Me Forever. Currently, Francis and his family split their time between ministry and church planting in Northern California and Asia!   First off, Happy Good Friday! I am so thankful to be joined by Francis on this important day leading up to Easter. Friends, I feel like I cannot say enough good things about this conversation and yet I’m speechless at the same time. I walked away from this knowing that it may be my favorite interview of the entire year. Francis’ newest book, Until Unity, just released yesterday and it could not have come at a better time.    At this moment in time, we see over and over that we’re willing to sacrifice unity to pursue truth or vice versa, and we’ll come after one another trying to convince ourselves that we’ve got it right. Not only does this tear apart the body of Christ, but it shows how shallow our love is and how much we are lacking the Holy Spirit. I love so much when Francis says “If the Holy Spirit is truly in us and God is grieving some of the words that come out of our mouths, we’ll know it - because we ourselves will feel that grief.” For the full summary and bonus content from this episode, click the links to the show below! Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we start a conversation about living out a marriage that is on mission (And stuff for singles too) If your marriage is not focused on the right mission, then your mission will become only about your marriage. ⁠ This affects single people too because as singles, you are also on mission... or should be. As a single, if marriage becomes your sole mission then you will not be living a life that is on mission. ⁠ Our marriage mission/mantra is this: We are united in Christ, unstoppable with Christ, and unbreakable because of Christ. On the next episode we will start walking through the six core values for our marriage that help keep us on mission. Resources mentioned: The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian Breaking the Marriage Idol by Kutter Callaway An Impossible Marriage by Laurie and Matt Krieg You and Me Forever by Francis and Lisa Chan Scripture used: Genesis 1:18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” Genesis 2:24 This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. John 15:13 There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. Ephesians 5:31-33 31 As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.”[a] 32 This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. 33 So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Luke 20:35 But in the age to come, those worthy of being raised from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage. Matthew 19:6 Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.

Episode 16 - SHOW NOTES: Guest, Stanley II and Christine Williams “I choose to love you. Choosing to love someone is unconditional.” In this episode, our guest shares their story as a young married couple, partners in life, raising a family, and managing business. Christine Williams is a wife to Stan Jr. for four years and mom to their beautiful son, Stanley III, better known as Tre. She shares her life and passion for living healthy on Instagram, 'Living Life Homemade.' - https://www.instagram.com/livinglifehomemade/. Stanley II is the husband of Christine, the father to son Tre. Stan has been preaching for over 10 years. He is dedicated to the God of the Bible, his family, and his newly founded ministry, 'Read the Bible With Me.' - #RTBWM -https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/rtbwm. Recommended reading: ‘You and Me Forever' by Francis Chan & Lisa Chan --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rhonda-jennifer-nmc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rhonda-jennifer-nmc/support

In this episode, Michelle shares things she wishes she knew before getting married. If you're getting engaged or getting married soon, this one is for you! We cover topics to talk about before marriage, including your past, finances, and family upbringings. We also discuss allllll the things Michelle didn't expect about marriage, along the lines of intimacy, coming from different families, and loving the companionship that comes with having a husband. Books Mentioned- The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller- https://amzn.to/35IC7Gm You and Me Forever by the Chans- https://amzn.to/2IRkICJ Find Michelle Reed below- Instagram: @michellereed https://www.instagram.com/michellereed/ YouTube: @michellereed https://www.youtube.com/thisissmileyandshell

Thanks for joining us for another episode of our podcast! This episode is a conversation about RACE, and why we need to check ourselves, and our thoughts on race. Books on Race We read this great book called Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria by Beverly Daniel Tatum, PhD. She discusses race in such a way that makes you really try to understand the many issues faced by our Black and Brown brothers and sisters. We highly recommend this book for you to start thinking about your biases in race. At Showit, we have been talking about race quite a bit. Showit is a sponsor of this podcast, and we are proud users, and supporters, and employees of Showit! Read this blog article that further discusses this book by Tatum. This article is very helpful in educating us about how to talk about race with our children, and having more books with diversity on our shelves. This is SO IMPORTANT as foster and adoptive families. Not everyone in your family will ‘match’, and that’s a beautiful things! But can your kids find positive representations of themselves in the books and toys in your home? And even if everyone in your home is Caucasian, it is still a good idea to have books written by authors of color, and protagonists of color as well! Hair Care for Ethnic Hair We would love for you to check out this YouTube video that we created with our friends Shamesha (her husband, Reggie, was on episode 37) and Shamara. They run us through how to care for hair of different textures. Especially multi-ethnic and ethnic hair. Did you know hair can be classified into 4 types? It’s important to know what hair types you and your children have, so that you can get the right products for each hair type! The brands that Shamara and Shamesha love are Mielle, Aunt Jackie’s, and As I Am . The main thing to remember is to keep Type 2-4 hair (curly) very moisturized! We often hear people criticizing pics of little Black children in the care of non-Black parents, saying ‘that child’s hair is not being taken care of!’ But maybe you don’t know what Black, or curly, or any hair besides your own, is supposed to look like! That’s when it’s time to ask questions and seek out resources! (But also, can we stop criticizing so much, and try to start helping and educating??) Thanks SO MUCH to Shamesha and Shamara for their time and expertise in this area! More Thoughts Can we out-serve one another? Let’s just give that a try and see how things go. When we are serving others with a good heart – we aren’t looking out for ourselves. We are looking out for others. And if you live your life this way, with boundaries and wisdom, but also faith and love – we promise that others will try to out-serve you! We got this idea from Francis and Lisa Chan’s book – You and Me Forever. You can download this book for free! Don’t be color blind. Don’t be satisfied with being ‘not-racist’. Be anti-racist! Be an ally for our Black and Brown brothers and sisters who need our help and support! And as adoptive and foster parents, Beverly Tatum challenges us all with this thought: “Do not let your child be your first friend of color.” She has a whole section on ‘Identity in Adoptive Families Considered’ in her book, pages 321-328. She very hopefully says: “Adults willing to do the personal work required to confront racism and stretch their own cultural boundaries increase the possibility that they will have the reward of watching their children emerge into adulthood with a positive sense of their identities intact.” (328) Follow Therepy Redeemed for lots of great information on adoption and transracial adoption. As well as Hey TRA (transracial adoptee). The more we know, the more we can all grow – and support our adoptive and foster children of color. I talked about how Kevinee Gilmore, of Hashtag Foster Care, and I had a rough beginning to our relationship. But I am very thankful for her, and her heart for foster youth! She has a shop that you can support, and be confident that you are supporting a true champion of foster kids in Ohio! Podcasts We Listen To Chris is a member of the Footclan, because he listens to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast. We are thankful for these 3 friends (they aren't Chris' friends. Chris is their friend, but they don't know that) who have helped Chris will tens of tens of dollars over the years. #hundredaire Jihae listened to the Michelle Obama Podcast, which is only available on Spotify! The first episode with special guest – Barack Obama, was a real treat! If you care about community, and purpose, and people – you will enjoy this episode! Michelle Obama, the Footballer guys, and other podcasters are not our competition! We love listening to podcasts, and are always thankful for anyone who listens to ours. Feel free to let us know which podcasts you guys are listening to! The Good of the Day This is from Carlos Whittaker, an author we greatly admire. He wrote Kill The Spider, which we talked about in an episode, but can’t remember which one… He also has a new book called Enter Wild, which we are also big fans of. Follow him @loswhite on Instagram to learn more about how to talk about race, and be aware of the slight of our Black and Brown friends, as he himself is a Black and Brown man. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:2-6 Be humble and gentle! And patient! Let us love and care for one another and be unified in the Spirit. I believe in us. I believe in Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Let’s Connect! We hope you enjoyed this episode, and if you did – please leave us a review on iTunes! And feel free to email us at hello@fosteringvoices.com if you want to chat, or if have any questions or suggestions for us. Have a great week, friends! Fostering Voices on Instagram Jihae on Instagram and Chris on Facebook AND we would LOVE it if you would SUBSCRIBE and leave us a review on iTunes! This helps others to find our podcast so we can share these voices from the foster care and adoption community with more people!          

In this episode, Caleb (my husband) and I discuss some of what we did wrong and right, and a LOT about what we have discovered about being a team on mission together for the kingdom of God in our 9 years of marriage. We share some of the systems, rhythms, and practices that we have tried to implement to keep our focus on Jesus and be on mission together. #LabI68challenge this week is asking: What do I want my home to FEEL like? Leah's IG: @leah.rempel leahrempel.com Recommended Resources: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1589973097/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=1589973097&linkCode=as2&tag=leahrempel0c-20&linkId=519b65eb41d223d255d89ce1a6d71e48 (Raising a Modern Day Knight by Robert Lewis) https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0718039181/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=0718039181&linkCode=as2&tag=leahrempel0c-20&linkId=94236fa6aa3d05963907ac31c2a54242 (Love that Lasts by Jeff and Alyssa Bethke) https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00MX0BCR0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=B00MX0BCR0&linkCode=as2&tag=leahrempel0c-20&linkId=fc5e870ae9f042e78e837a9778ab330b (You and Me Forever by Francis and Lisa Chan) (Formerly Lab I:68 Podcast)

SPONSORED BY: AUDIBLE Get your first audiobook and two Audible Originals for free when you try Audible for 30 days - visit https://www.audible.com/ndq or text ndq to 500 500    Discuss this episode here STUFF FROM THIS EPISODE Josef Prusa - Prusa3D 3D Printing Nerd - “3D Printing Face Shields and YOU CAN TOO!” The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry World Without End by Ken Follett The Marquis: Lafayette Reconsidered by Laura Auricchio You and Me Forever by Francis and Lisa Chan True Grit by Charles Portis The Walking Drum by Louis L’Amour Boba Fett Léon: The Professional Jubilee X-Men Logan Charles Portis Clinton Portis (No Relation) Payback Payback Scene With James Coburn (Man That's Just Mean) The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandra Dumas The Princess Bride by William Goldman Smarter Every Day - How Trolls on Reddit Try to Manipulate You   CONNECT WITH NO DUMB QUESTIONS: Support No Dumb Questions on Patreon if that sounds good to you NDQ Subreddit Our podcast YouTube channel Our website is nodumbquestions.fm No Dumb Questions Twitter

The biggest "thank you" you could give to the A New Kind of Man team is to share this episode with others on social media, and face and face. If this show has been helpful or insightful, please subscribe and leave a rating and review in iTunes. To get further connected within the New Kind of Man Community, here are some options: Follow “A New Kind of Man” on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. Share it with friends on your social media feeds. Join our private, men’s Facebook group, "New Man Crew.” This group of men is committed to changing the world beginning with themselves, their relationships, their communities, and the world! Big vision, we know. It starts with us. Go to www.beanewman.com to join the tribe! Email Chad to get some personal coaching, chad@beanewman.com. To connect with Tim and his work: Tim's Instagram Tim's Facebook Tim's Everyday Discernment Bible Reading Plan on the Bible App. Books that Tim recommended: Everyday Discernment, Tim Ferrara You and Me Forever by Chan Wild at Heart by John Eldridge Man Up, God’s Way by Jody Burkeen

Want to invest into your marriage? Wondering if marriage is right for you? Interested in learning more about God's design for marriage? Grab one of these amazing books below: You and Me Forever by Lisa & Francis Chan: https://www.amazon.ca/You-Me-Forever-Trade-Paper/dp/0990351408/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=you+and+me+forever&qid=1581614481&sr=8-1 Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas: https://www.amazon.ca/Sacred-Marriage-What-Designed-Happy/dp/0310337372/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=sacred+marriage&qid=1581614456&sr=8-1 Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller: https://www.amazon.ca/Meaning-Marriage-Facing-Complexities-Commitment/dp/1594631875/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21INCJHN6D3W1&keywords=meaning+of+marriage&qid=1581614514&sprefix=meaning+of+%2Caps%2C346&sr=8-1

You and Me Forever (Part 1) - Francis and Lisa ChanYou and Me Forever (Part 2) - Francis and Lisa ChanYou and Me Forever (Part 3) - Francis and Lisa ChanFamilyLife Today® Radio Transcript  References to conferences, resources, or other special promotions may be obsolete. Marriage in Light of Eternity Guests:                      Francis and Lisa Chan        From the series:       You and Me Forever (Day 1 of 3)  Bob: You've heard the statistic that the divorce rate in the church is no different than the divorce rate outside of the church? Francis Chan says he's not buying it.  Francis: Yes; I mean, I really believe there has never been a divorce between two Spirit-filled believers. They are using stats of everyone who goes to church / calls themselves a Christian, which—and, that's what the Bible / that's what Jesus says all the time: “I know you say that you are a believer. You call Me, ‘Lord,' but why do you call Me, ‘Lord,' when you don't do what I say? [emphasis added]”  You know, the whole book of 1 John is—it doesn't matter that you say you know Him—because you don't obey His commands, you are a liar.  Bob: This is FamilyLife Today for Monday, January 22nd. Our host is Dennis Rainey; I'm Bob Lepine. To make a marriage work, Francis and Lisa Chan say it takes more than two—more than you and me. We'll talk with them about that today. Stay with us.  1:00 And welcome to FamilyLife Today. Thanks for joining us on the Monday edition. Let me just start off today, if I can, Dennis, by reminding our listeners about the special offer we're making this week on our Weekend to Remember® marriage getaways. If our listeners would like to join us at one of the fifty-plus upcoming getaways that we've got going on in cities all across the country this spring, sign up this week and save 50 percent off the regular registration fee. The offer expires this week. So take advantage of it by going to FamilyLifeToday.com; or call if you have any questions or if you'd like to register by phone. The number is 1-800-FL-TODAY. Again, the Weekend to Remember is a great getaway for husbands and wives—a great opportunity for you to get some uninterrupted time, where you're focusing on one another, focusing on your marriage, and having some fun in the process. Again, you can find out more at FamilyLifeToday.com; but make sure you register this week in order to take advantage of the special 50 percent offer we're making.  2:00 The website is FamilyLifeToday.com; or call if you have any questions: 1-800-358-6329—that's 1-800-“F” as in family, “L” as in life,” and then the word, “TODAY.” Now, I've got to be honest with you, Dennis. I have always wanted to meet one of our guests today, because I've always wanted to meet the woman who could be married to Francis Chan; you know?  [Laughter]   Dennis: Yes; I've wondered that as well! So, Lisa, welcome to the broadcast. [Laughter] Lisa: Thank you very much.  Dennis: You've kind of wondered that, too, by now; haven't you?   Lisa: Yes; what did I get myself into?—no. [Laughter]   Dennis: Well, he's a good man, Francis. Lisa: Yes; he is!   Dennis: Welcome back.  Francis: Thank you.  Dennis: We've had you on the broadcast, and we have battled— Francis: Yes.  Dennis: —the soapbox in the middle of the table and the microphones as we talked about the Holy Spirit a number of years ago.  Francis: That's right.  Dennis: But you guys have written a fresh book called You and Me Forever.  3:00 It's subtitled, Marriage in Light of Eternity. Now, you may not know this, but our Weekend to Remember marriage getaway begins talking about the glory of God / the transcendent purpose of marriage as God intended it. Couples are learning that marriage is about more than just “you and me.”   Bob: And most people think it's about them; don't they? Francis: Yes; marriage is such a small part of this bigger picture in Scripture.  Bob: But be honest; you didn't have the bigger picture when you went to Lisa and proposed; did you?   Francis: No, no, no; not at all.  Dennis: You thought it was about you two; didn't you?   Francis: Oh, yes! Absolutely.  Bob: Tell us how you guys met and tell us how he popped the question, Lisa.  Lisa: Well, I knew the worship pastor at the church that Francis was working at, at the time. He and I had kind of grown up at the same church—the worship pastor. So, he had me come over and sing. He, actually, is the one who started feeding both of us these lines of—for me, it was: “You've got to stop dating anyone else. Francis is the one for you.”  4:00 He was so confident! Dan, we thank you still. [Laughter] So, I came over—started going to the church a lot to play lead in their Christmas musical. Francis kind of found a way to ask me out.  Francis: Yes; I asked if I could be a stage manager. I told—I was honest with the worship pastor—I go: “I don't really care about your play. I want to meet this girl.” [Laughter]   Dennis: So, you paid off the guy, Dan, and told him to arrange the marriage? Francis: Oh, yes. He just gave me a little headset and said: “Hey, go. Meet her.”—you know? [Laughter] I seriously had no responsibilities except to ask her out. [Laughter] Bob: So, how did you—how long, after you asked her out, before you proposed?   Dennis: No, no. I want to find out about the first date. Lisa? Lisa: Oh, the first date was great, because he planned it where it was Studio City. It was a far drive; there was a little traffic. It was during Christmas time, so we were listening to Amy Grant on the radio—[Laughter]—her Christmas tape or whatever—  5:00 —and just talking and talking. We went to dinner and just walked around these cute little shops. It was awesome! Bob: So, how long from Studio City and Amy Grant until you were standing at the altar together? [Laughter] Francis: Almost exactly a year; yes, from the first date to the time we got married. We met in December / got married the following January. Dennis: Did you know right away? Francis: Yes; pretty much—yes; after a few weeks, I was pretty convinced. Bob: And how long before you proposed? Francis: Well, we had to wait like five or six months, because it took a while to convince her parents that I was okay. [Laughter] That was the—   Lisa: I was the youngest of five, so there was a little bit of having a hard time letting go.  Francis: Yes; so they said, “No,” a couple of times to me.  Dennis: Really?!   Francis: Oh, yes.  Dennis: So, you went to the dad— Francis: Oh, yes—asked for the blessing.  Dennis: —and he said? Francis: “Nope.” [Laughter] I think my life—my mindset of just doing anything for the Lord / going anywhere—can be a little scary to parents.  6:00 Bob: And do you think your mom and dad were just a little worried about what this man might lead you into?   Lisa: Yes; I think they were a little bit scared. You know, they didn't know him at all. So, it took a while: “Let's make sure we really know who he is; because maybe he's crazy for God, or maybe he's just crazy!”  [Laughter] Dennis: So, how did you pop the question?—take us to the experience. Knowing Francis Chan, this can't be average.  Francis: No; we were going to go waterskiing—back then, people still waterskied—[Laughter] with a bunch of friends. I had set up on this little island, in the middle of the lake—you know, nice little flowers and music. So she kind of knew, as we were walking up there; and it was playing our song, you know. I popped the question there.  Bob: So, I want to go back to the first year of the Chan marriage. I want to go all the way back to the starting point, because you both loved God / you both were sold out to Him.  7:00 But you realized that marriage looks different from one side of the altar than it looks from the other side of the altar; right? Francis: Yes; you really do! But I will say, we were warned about so many things like: “Be careful of this. First year is going to be tough. This is going to be crazy.”  I seriously felt little to none of that—it was like a dream come true—it really was—like: “Wow! I can't believe I get to be with my best friend. We never have to say goodbye.” It was a dream.  Dennis: You clicked.  Francis: Oh, yes.  Dennis: You clicked together.  Francis: Immediately. Dennis: What about you, Lisa?   Lisa: Yes; I would totally agree. Although, I am having a flashback of the time he made me so mad that I threw my shoe at the closet just to get a real loud bang out of it. There were moments of just total pride, and selfishness, and silliness that first year; but we kept waiting for the shoe to drop: “When is this going to feel so awful and terrible?”   Bob: And the shoe didn't drop, but it did get thrown. [Laughter]   8:00 Lisa: It did get thrown! [Laughter]  Dennis: Did you throw it at him?   Lisa: It was not at him. It was specifically to make a very loud noise.  Bob: And what prompted the shoe throwing; do you remember?   Lisa: That's what's so funny. My daughter was asking me that the other day—I said: “Honey, I can't even tell you. I cannot remember, even slightly, what it was about.”   Francis: It was probably something I said. I was very sarcastic back then. [Laughter]   Bob: You know, as I'm listening to you guys describe your first year, Mary Ann and I would be very similar. Our first year, we didn't hit the hiccups. We kind of enjoyed being with one another, just like you described.  But I think it was probably—I don't know—maybe ten years into our marriage, when I was getting ready to prepare for a small group meeting that was going to happen at our house. Couples were coming over, and we were going to start a new study about marriage. I was doing some prep work that afternoon. I was reading through these passages and reading some of the stuff. It dawned on me that: “Oh! Marriage is supposed to be about God.”  9:00  We had said, as couple: “We want God to be at the center of our marriage. We want…” but there is a difference between having God at the center of your marriage and having marriage be about Him. Do you know what I'm saying?   Francis: Yes; yes. Well, I mean, even in our marriage, we've, maybe, fought a dozen times?—then, it's only for a couple of hours, if that. Part of what prompted us to write this book was: “How come we don't fight?!” We realized, you know, it's because we haven't been focused on each other—I mean, from Day One.  We were three weeks into the marriage when I felt like the Lord asked me to start a church—this is nothing we'd ever talked about—and to look at my new wife and say: “I feel like God wants me to do this. I know we never talked about it.” So, we did what we were told not to do which is: “Hey, don't get right into the ministry.” Well, we're three weeks in, going, “God wants me to start a church.” For Lisa to go: “You know what? I believe God called me to just support you in whatever way you are going to lead our family. So, if that is what you think God wants us to do, let's go.”  10:00 So, ever since the beginning, we've been thinking about others and: “How do we minister to people? How do we reach our neighborhood? How do we reach our city?”  Because we've both been on this mission together, that's taken us all around the world now. It hasn't just been about, “Hey, you and me—you're not making me feel good,” / “I'm not making you feel good.” It's about, “Hey, we're here for a purpose.” As we've pursued that, it's caused us to be so in love with each other.  Dennis: Lisa, what did you think when he came up with this vision; and it wasn't just a vision for him? It was also a transformational moment for you, because he was going to need you to go do something you weren't necessarily planning on.  Lisa: Yes; I think—you know, it's so important for single women / young girls to watch and see that the man they are interested in or the man that they are dating is really walking with the Lord; because that gave me a lot of confidence to say: “You know what? I do trust God in you.  11:00 “I trust that He's showing you a plan / put something on your heart.”  That's my role, then—I'm going to jump in; I'm going to roll my sleeves up and “Let's get to work. We need Sunday school teachers. We need to do a mid-week kids' program.” I mean, we were doing so much stuff; but it was so fun in a way, even though it was tiring, it was also just: “We love these people. Let's serve them. Let's do what God put on your heart.”  I was so drawn to him, because he loved God in a way that was very different than a lot of the people I had been surrounded by in my own church setting. That is not to bad-mouth them, necessarily, but—wow!—it was like the way Francis would teach and preach, he had this fear of God and this reverence for the Word of God. In fact, before we got married, the best gift I have ever been given was this Bible that he gave to me a couple weeks before we got married. It had my married name inscribed on it; so it said “Lisa Chan” before I was Lisa Chan. And he wrote this whole letter inside of it to me:  12:00 “This is what we are going to commit our lives to. I want to see you wear this Bible out.”  You know? Wow! What a gift, to have a husband with that kind of mindset; you know?   Dennis: Francis, you believe that we have dumbed down marriage into this horizontal relationship of two people trying to make each other happy. What you and Lisa have written about, here, is that there is a transcendent purpose to marriage that is God-created / God-imbedded. If we miss this, we miss life.  Francis: Absolutely. You know, we tend to focus on certain passages in Scripture and not others. When you look at what the Bible says about marriage—yes, Paul wrote Ephesians 5—but even that was really about Christ and the church. But Paul, who wrote that, also wrote 1 Corinthians 7 [verses 29-31], which says: “This is what I mean, brothers, the appointed time has grown very short.  13:00 “From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning; those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing; those who buy as though they had no goods”—and he goes on—“for the present form of this world is passing away.” He's saying: “Those who have wives—just live like you do not, because there is something bigger here. There is this mission—we've got this brief time here on earth, and this is what we've got to be about.”  The Bible does talk about a marriage, but the emphasis is this marriage of the Lamb and this eternal marriage that we're going to be in. I mean, if we just sat and wrote down everything Jesus said—every time we wrote down, “husband” or “wife” or “family”—just wrote down all those verses, we'd be shocked! I mean, the way He speaks about family is: “I am so far beyond that. Yes; I created marriage. Yes; I created man and woman, and I want you to live this way. But the point of that is so that the world has a picture of this beautiful marriage that's going to happen one day and this picture of this beautiful Father that we have in heaven.”  14:00 We're just that shadow / we're just that glimpse; but too often, in the church, we make it all about us. It's killing our marriages.  Dennis: A marriage that's operating under the authority of Scripture and attempting to live obediently under the Lordship of Christ—living under His authority, even though they are doing it imperfectly—should show God off to a lost world.  Francis: Amen.  Dennis: And I think it's going to be one of our most powerful witnessing tools in the Christian community, going forward. In fact, I think in one of the chapters, Lisa, you wrote about: “What would happen if marriages got it together and divorce was rare?”   Lisa: Wouldn't that be so amazing to have the statistics be: “Wow! Those who belong to Christ / those who are following Christ—their divorce rate is next to nothing”? That is what would make sense, given what we know / what we believe—that we have the power of the Holy Spirit!  15:00 It's like, you know, you think of those times when the Apostles would say, “Brothers, this ought not to be!” That's what goes through our hearts: “People—believers out there—come on!  This ought not to be. We've got to rise above and recognize who we are. We are God's children, who have been given His Spirit. We can live out our lives in a very different way.”   Bob: Well, the interesting thing is—the statistics we've all heard—that marriage is the same in the church as it is outside the church—well, that's true if “in the church” means you ask a guy, “Are you a Christian?'”   Lisa: Yes; right. Francis: Amen.  Bob: But if you ask a guy: “Do you go to church every week? Do you read your Bible?  Do you pray together?” Now, all of a sudden, the marriage statistics are completely different because believers, who are walking with Christ, recognize, “It ought not be,” and they are living for something different.  Francis: Yes; I mean—I really believe there has never been a divorce between two Spirit-filled believers.  16:00 Never in history has there been two Spirit-filled people—people walking in the Spirit—who have gotten divorced. It's impossible! There's only one Spirit. So, one person has to be just not walking with Him in order to leave. I completely agree with you—they're using stats of everyone who goes to church— Bob: Right. Francis: —or calls themselves a Christian—which, that's what the Bible / that's what Jesus says all the time: “I know you say that you are a believer. You call Me, ‘Lord,' but why do you call Me, ‘Lord,' when you don't do what I say?” The whole book of 1 John is—it doesn't matter that you say you know Him; because you don't obey His commands, you are a liar.  Bob: Well, in fact, you say in the book that couples who say they have marriage problems need to recognize: “It's not a marriage problem. It's a God problem.”   Francis: Amen.  Bob: Unpack what you mean by that.  Francis: Bottom line—Lisa and I both have made a commitment, individually, to God. I mean, she knows I'm not going to leave her—I can't. I mean, before the Lord, we are going to work everything out. In the same way, she has that same mindset.  17:00 We have this understanding, before the Lord, where He fills my every need, like Psalm 23 says, “The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.” I am not like desperately needing Lisa to fill all of these holes in my life, because I'm such a needy person. The Lord is wonderful! I know the Creator of the universe! I'm going to be with Him forever!  I've got everything in my possession. So, He's given me so much life—life to the full—that I just have life to give, and give, and give.  I don't wake up in the morning, going, “Gosh, I need so much from Lisa.” I'm filled in the Lord, and I have life to give to her. The same is true for her. When people understand that, then they are not sucking the life out of one another and needing so much from one another; but they are getting their water from this fountain of life, which is God Himself.  18:00 Lisa: Well, and that's why it's so important, too, for those who are in a marriage, where only one of them is spiritually-minded—and they do not have a believing husband or wife—to say: “You know what? It is still very possible for you to display the gospel alone.” There is some loneliness involved in that, and that's not something we make light of; but it is still very, very possible for you to receive what you need from Christ and to love this other person and to display—to the world, to your children, to the people around you—what it means to follow Christ and to display the gospel, even on your own.  Dennis: I've known a number of women and men, who have been in marriages like you are describing. I think they are among the most courageous in persevering.  Lisa: Yes.  Dennis: It is not easy—it is painful / it is lonely. They are not sharing the most important thing about their lives.  Lisa: Yes. Dennis: I want to go back to something you just said, Francis—that I just want to put a double underline under. There are two commitments that Barbara and I have made that completely altered our lives—certainly, our marriage covenant—where we decided, “We are not going to leave one another.”  19:00 But some months after we made our marriage covenant together publicly, and became married, we experienced our first Christmas together. We did something that Bill and Vonette Bright, who are the founders of Cru®, did when they started out their marriage. We signed a contract with God—a title deed. We signed over the rights and authority of our lives to Almighty God. It wasn't like it was a permanent contract, where we couldn't renege; because every day, you've got to get up and re-up on your contract and agree. But we signed formal papers—two handwritten pieces of paper—where we gave everything we had and hoped to have to God, afresh, as Master and Lord of our lives.  At that point, Francis, it's like—once you've settled the issue of ownership—  Francis: Yes.  Dennis: —“Who is going to be your master? Who's going to be your lord?” 20:00 Because if you are serving self—and you've got two people, in the most intimate relationship of all of human history / marriage—you've got two people, who are serving self, you know where that's headed. But if you've got two people, who are attempting to bow their necks / their wills before Almighty God and say: “God, would You show up? Would You do Your work in us and through us? Let us minister to each other, but also”—as you've said—“to the world.” That's when a couple, I think, experiences the pleasure of God.  Francis: Amen. I mean, there's something about getting your eyes off yourself and onto God and on His mission that just—I mean, it's beautiful to me! It's gorgeous to me when I see my wife serving other people. I just look at her, like, “Gosh, look what she is doing!”   You know, being in Africa and watching her—putting shoes on orphans; or feeding them; or counseling some lady in crisis; or walking around, knocking on doors and just asking, “Can I pray for you?” with a baby on her back— 21:00 —it is like, “Gosh; she's amazing!” Or coming home and saying: “Honey, is it okay if this person comes and lives with us? I know he just got out of prison, but…” For her to say, “Yes, yes; we trust in the Lord.” It just makes her more and more attractive to me, because I see her love for Jesus and her faith in His reward.  Dennis: Francis, as you were bragging on Lisa, I just reflected on a meeting I was in yesterday, where I was bragging on Barbara. She has a heart for great theology passed on through women—wives/moms—into their families. She's using her artistic ability to create biblically-anchored resources around the holidays that families celebrate to take families back to the Christian roots and allow women—wives, moms, grandmothers—to pass on the truth of the gospel to the next generation and beyond through those traditions.  22:00 I was just bragging on her and, frankly, got kind of emotional about it—because, like you, when you were just smiling as you were talking about Lisa visiting an orphanage / when you see your wife fulfilling what God's design is for her—it can't help but make you proud because you're a team. That's what marriage is—it's a couple who are about God's purposes.  Bob: You know, I'm just sitting here thinking about the fact that central to what we talk about at our Weekend to Remember marriage getaways is the whole idea of oneness in marriage. That's exactly what you're talking about here—the two of you being in alignment with one another because you're both in alignment with God and His purposes for you and for our world. That's where oneness comes from. I, again, just want to take a minute and remind our listeners about the special opportunity they have this week to sign up for an upcoming Weekend to Remember marriage getaway. This is a great opportunity for you, as a couple, to block out some time to spend a weekend together and to grow together in your understanding of God's design for marriage.  23:00 If you sign up this week, you save 50 percent off the regular registration fee. That offer expires this weekend; so take advantage of the special offer we've got by going to FamilyLifeToday.com—registering online—or call if you'd like to register by phone: 1-800-FL-TODAY. Be a part of an upcoming Weekend to Remember. We've got more than 50 of these happening in cities all across the country. So join us at one of our getaways. Again, 1-800-FL-TODAY is the number to call, or go online at FamilyLifeToday.com.  Let me also encourage you to get a copy of Francis and Lisa Chan's book, You and Me Forever: Marriage in Light of Eternity. It's a book that we have in our FamilyLife Today Resource Center. We're happy to send you a copy. You can visit us, online, to order at FamilyLifeToday.com; or you can call 1-800-358-6329—that's 1-800”-“F” as in family, “L” as in life, and then the word, “TODAY.”   24:00 Now, tomorrow, we want to talk about what happens in a marriage when you're not on the same page—when one of you thinks God's leading in one direction and the other one thinks, “No, I don't think so.” You guys had this happen, and we want to talk with you about it. Our guests, Francis and Lisa Chan, will be back with us again tomorrow. We hope you can be back with us as well.  I want to thank our engineer today, Keith Lynch, along with our entire broadcast production team. On behalf of our host, Dennis Rainey, I'm Bob Lepine. See you back next time for another edition of FamilyLife Today.  FamilyLife Today is a production of FamilyLife® of Little Rock, Arkansas; a Cru® Ministry. Help for today. Hope for tomorrow.  We are so happy to provide these transcripts to you. However, there is a cost to produce them for our website. If you've benefited from the broadcast transcripts, would you consider donating today to help defray the costs?   Copyright © 2018 FamilyLife. All rights reserved. www.FamilyLife.com  

You and Me Forever (Part 1) - Francis and Lisa ChanYou and Me Forever (Part 2) - Francis and Lisa ChanYou and Me Forever (Part 3) - Francis and Lisa ChanFamilyLife Today® Radio Transcript  References to conferences, resources, or other special promotions may be obsolete. Marriage for God's Glory Guests:                      Francis and Lisa Chan        From the series:       You and Me Forever (Day 2 of 3)  Bob: It was after a trip to Africa that Francis Chan came back to his home in the United States and told his wife he thought God wanted their family to downsize. Lisa wasn't so sure.  Lisa: I didn't want to give up my things. I didn't want to move into a smaller home. It was like this ripping that was happening. Of course, because God is so faithful—and every time, He says, “If you lose your life for My sake, you will find it,”—on the flip side is when I got to see the joy of it and, eventually, got to go to Africa with Francis. I was just brokenhearted at my own resistance and sinfulness because I wished I could have had those feelings [of joy] on the outset.  Bob: This is FamilyLife Today for Tuesday, January 23rd. Our host is Dennis Rainey; I'm Bob Lepine.  1:00 Lisa Chan says that God's Word is true when it says, “Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” That's true, even in marriage. We'll talk more about that today with Francis and Lisa Chan. Stay with us.   And welcome to FamilyLife Today. Thanks for joining us on the Tuesday edition. We've been hearing, both last week and again this week, from a lot of our listeners who are getting in touch with us about the special offer that expires this week on our Weekend to Remember® marriage getaways. For those of you who are new listeners to FamilyLife Today, the Weekend to Remember is the two-and-a-half-day getaway we do for couples in cities all across the country. It's a great romantic time away together, where you learn what the Bible teaches about God's design for marriage.  If you sign up for one of these getaways before the end of the week, you will save 50 percent off the regular registration fee as a FamilyLife Today listener.  2:00 We are encouraging you to get more information—go to FamilyLifeToday.com—find out when a getaway is going to be in a city near where you live and then block out that weekend, and call and register now to save 50 percent off the regular registration fee. The number to call is 1-800-FL-TODAY. You can also register online at FamilyLifeToday.com. I know some of these getaways are starting to get close to selling out, so don't hesitate. Join us at an upcoming Weekend to Remember marriage getaway, and register this week to save 50 percent off the regular registration fee.  Now, I've got to be honest—I'm not sure I want to talk to the couple we have joining us today, because they just shared with us they've had like 12 fights in the past 21 years. I'm kind of like, “Bring me some couples I can relate to a little more”; you know? [Laughter] 3:00 Dennis: Well, I was thinking: “We've been married double that. We've got more than 24, though,”—[Laughter]—doubling your dozen that you've had. Francis and Lisa Chan join us on FamilyLife Today. Welcome back.  Francis: Thank you.  Lisa: Thank you.  Dennis: They've written a book called You and Me Forever. In case there is a listener who doesn't know who this couple is—they live in the Bay Area of Northern California. They are about church planting there—also, ministering to men / I assume it's only men coming out of prison.  Francis: Yes; we've been trying to start a women's home as well. So, right now, it's just the guys coming out of prison.  Dennis: I want to go to something you mention in your book. You made this statement—you said, “If you could manuscript your prayers of what you've prayed about for the last month, what would they reveal about you, as a couple?”   Francis: So, it's like what David says in Psalm 27, verse 4, when he says, “This one thing I ask of the Lord and that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple.”   4:00 That was his one prayer request: “God, I want You—I want You. I want to see You. I want to be with You.”   So, the question is: “Give me a manuscript of your prayers for the last month. I want to hear: ‘What do you hunger for? What do you want?' You're coming before the Creator, the Sovereign One, who is in control of this whole earth; and what are you asking for?”   Dennis: Yes.  Bob: And most of us are asking for: “Fix this,”— Francis: Yes.  Bob: —“Make life easier or better— Francis: Yes.  Bob: —“for me”; right?   Francis: Amen!  Bob: So, if that's—I mean, is it illegitimate for us to pray— Francis: No.  Bob: —“I'd like things to go better in my life”?   Francis: No; you know, it's—the Lord tells us to bring what we desire before Him; but also, the things that we desire reveal a lot about us; you know?  It opens our eyes to: “Wow! That's what I'm about?—is: ‘Get rid of all my problems,'”—because I don't see that in Scripture. It's more about, “God, give me the strength to make it through this—develop my character through these trials.”  You know, that's what I see in Scripture.  5:00 Lisa: How much of my prayers do I pray for Francis?  Do I pray for his walk with God?  Do I pray that God would help in his moments of temptation?  I mean, that's something that has developed in my life that softens my heart towards him—helps me to love him better. I want to be praying for him because who else is going to pray for him the way that I will?   Dennis: One of the things that I try to do, when I pray over my meal at lunch—I don't do it every time—but I try to pray for my wife Barbara and her walk—that she'll see God show up in her life, and she'll respond to Him, and she will grow in her faith. Then, if I'm having lunch with another guy, pray for his wife as well.  I don't think a lot of us are challenging one another with that concept, Francis—that you speak of in your book—of really making sure your prayers are about the agenda of what God's up to; because He is at work in your spouse's life, in your children, and in your extended family as well.  6:00 Francis: I just recently started running; you know?  I was getting out of shape; and so, I've been running around this track at my daughter's school. Every lap, I'll pray for a different kid. So, it's nice to have seven kids and a wife. [Laughter] It's, at least, two miles a day that I'm running, which is good. As I'm praying, the prayers aren't: “Oh, help us get along better,” or “Help this,” “Help that.”  It's like: “God, make my wife just this amazing warrior for you. Give her even greater love / greater capacity.” “Help my daughter, as she's in this school right now, to take a stand for you. It's about Your kingdom.” “Use them to influence other people—my kids in grade school / my kid in Little League—have him influence this team.” It's about God: “Your kingdom—Your kingdom come.”   Dennis: Lisa, tell the truth. When he starts praying like that— Lisa: Does it scare me?  [Laughter]   Dennis: —do you get scared?   Lisa: No; you know, my immediate thought was: “I'm so glad he's praying for me! I need it.”  That is, honestly, my first thought. [Laughter]   7:00 Bob: I want to go back—because you said your dad said, “No,” the first two times to Francis— Lisa: They are going to feel so bad about that. [Laughter]   Bob: But, as a daddy, I understand wanting to protect— Dennis: Oh, yes!   Bob: —my daughter— Dennis: Absolutely!  Bob: —and along comes Francis, who—as you said—they weren't sure if he was crazy about God or just crazy. And your journey together has been a journey of risk and a journey of faith; that, honestly, I can understand a daddy going, “This may be more risk than I raised my little girl for.” Do you know what I'm talking about?   Lisa: Yes; and I've seen that tension in them. There have been times when I've just had to cry and be honest with them, like, “I need you to support me and say, ‘You are never going to regret surrendering to God and giving things up.'”  That's hard when you have that parent's heart that immediately wants to protect. I have it, too, with all of my kids.  8:00 So, I do get it in a different way now; but how much I want to encourage parents to be that voice of courage for their kids—married or not; married 20 years / 30 years—still be that voice that says: “Honey, go for it! Don't look back. Surrender it all to God, because He's got you.” Bob: But there have to have been times when crazy Francis came to you and said, “I think the Lord is saying this,” and your immediate answer wasn't, “Yes, let's go for that,”— where you had to kind of go:  Lisa: Oh, yes.  Bob: —“Really?  There is a cost here.”   Lisa: One of the hardest—the first most difficult was when he had come back from Africa. I had not been with him on that trip. God completely wrecked him. He wanted to sell our home and cut our house size from 2,000 square foot to 1,000 square foot—it was, literally, right in half.  9:00 We had two kids. We had a couple of people living with us—we always have—but he wanted to move. He was like: “I can't do this anymore. I need to give something up in order to love these kids that I saw.”   It was love-motivated, which was so awesome; but I was so honest with him—I said, “I wasn't with you. I don't feel love in my heart; I feel more like, this is going to stink!” [Laughter] No; I mean, I'm just being honest. I didn't want to give up my things. I didn't want to move into a smaller home. It was like this ripping that was happening. Of course, because God is so faithful—and every time He says, “If you lose your life for My sake, you will find it,”—on the flip side is when I got to see the joy of it and eventually got to go to Africa with Francis. I was just brokenhearted at my own resistance and sinfulness because I wished I could have had those feelings [of joy] on the outset.  Bob: Your immediate reaction was, “I don't know.”  10:00  Lisa: It was: “I don't want to, but I will do what is in your heart. I will not stand in the way of what you want to do.”  And so—   Bob: And were you still—on the day you were moving into a 1,000 square-foot house, were you going: “I don't want to do this,” or had—by that time, had you started to go, “Okay; I guess this is going to be okay,” or what?   Dennis: Or did you negotiate a 1,500 square-foot home?  [Laughter]   Lisa: No, it was 1,000; and it was hard. I think the initial reaction was the hardest. Then, it was, “Swallow it.”  Then, it was, “This is going to be fine.”  Then, it was: “Why am I so stupid?  This has been the best thing.”  It was one of our favorite homes. We had the best neighbors that we reached out to and just loved. It was the tiniest, little thing. We had six of us, eventually, there. We had two more kids there; and then, we had two girls living with us. We moved up to eight living in that little, tiny house.  11:00 Dennis: Francis, if I've learned anything in the years I've been married, in order for our wives to have that kind of response, you have to have loved her with a love that results in respect and the ability to trust—when her heart isn't quite yet in it—but she knows she's got to go with you because she's committed to you and she's committed to the mission. Talk about your love for Lisa and how you have built that kind of trust.  Francis: I think, not to over-spiritualize it, but I do really believe that one of the things I've been able to help Lisa with is to trust in the Lord. So, when it came to a bigger decision—like the house—she had seen God's faithfulness in the past, and I think that's where the trust was. She was trusting that I was following the Lord and that the Lord was going to bless our steps, as long as we just keep going, and even sacrificing/denying ourselves during those times we didn't feel like it.  12:00 At the same time, we had been around the world. They would find us, even right now, having this conversation—about a 1,000 square-foot home, with toilets and air-conditioning—just absolutely laughable!  Dennis: —that that's a sacrifice.  Francis: Exactly!—because this is their dream house. So, I don't want to sit here and go, “Oh, you guys, we really suffered.”  It's like: “Man, that's luxury. We're living in America.”   Lisa: That's why it wasn't until after I had been with him into some of those areas of extreme poverty that I did feel so stupid for complaining and thinking that I was sacrificing so much. I said, “Oh, I would have sacrificed more.”  I said, “We could live in a tent,”—although that would probably be really hard—[Laughter]—but—   Dennis: You kind of looked at him— Bob: “Don't plant any ideas!”  [Laughter] Dennis: Well, that's what she was thinking—she was going: “Oh, no! We're going to downsize from 1,000 square feet.”   Francis: And that's crossed my mind—that's happened—the tent. Laughter]   Dennis: Francis, let's talk about how you are the spiritual lover and leader of Lisa and your family.  13:00 You've got a lot going on in your life out there: “How do you love Lisa? How do you provide the kind of mandate that Ephesians 5 talks about—‘Husbands, love you wives as Christ loved the church'?” Francis: It's something the Lord put in me. It's weird because I didn't really have that, growing up; and yet, it's so natural to me. It's not like I have to force myself to love my kids, and to enjoy them, or force myself to spend time with Lisa. I am gone a lot, but all the kids know I want to be at home with them. A lot of times, I will take them with me on some of my speaking engagements—I'll take one kid at a time.  So, I do serve kids—you know, my kids— through relationship, through just laughing with them, and teaching them, and disciplining them, and getting the time with them. A lot of times, we're just in ministry together.  14:00 Dennis: Lisa, we'll let you answer the question too: “How does he love you?”   Lisa: Well,— Dennis: And again— Lisa: —practically speaking,— Dennis: —not in an idealistic way—yes; in a practical way.  Lisa: Yes; one of the nicest things—that every mother will appreciate—is those nights, when he'll see that I have been in the home / I have had the little people all over me—and the big ones, sometimes, that have the emotional needs that go far beyond your little ones—and he'll just say: “Honey, I got this. You just go to Target—[Laughter]—just walk around Target, aimlessly, with a Diet Coke in your hand.”  [Laughter]  That is such a blessing. He knows when I need a little moment to myself; and he knows those times when he'll say: “Hey, we've got our high schoolers still at home. They are going to watch the little ones. You and I are going to go grab dessert really quick.”  That is how he shows love—it is to sneak a little time away / grab some dessert or just to let me go have a moment to myself.  15:00 Bob: As I hear you guys describe your marriage and how this works out for you, I hear a strong sense of mutuality; but I also hear there's leadership, and there's responding to leadership. You know, there is tension, even among Christians today, about: “What's this supposed to look like? How are we supposed to do this? Is the man supposed to lead? Is the wife supposed to submit?”  Unpack how you think that's supposed to work and why we are confused about it today.  Francis: I think we're confused about it because we've rarely seen a good picture of it. We live in a culture that's very anti-authority—because when have you found godly serving authority; okay?  Yet, that's a picture of God. It gets to the point where we even question God's authority, like, “He has no right to give me these rules.”  We forget that, no, those rules were to protect you / they were to give you life.  16:00 He is a wonderful authority!  I mean, that's the whole rebellion of Adam and Eve. It's like: “Well, did He really say?  That sure does look good.”  It's like: “No! You're going to ruin everything!”   Authority can be beautiful. Jesus, who knew who He was—He understood He was the Lord—yet, He goes and He washes the disciples' feet—He dies on the cross for them. That's our picture of authority. That's what the head of the home is supposed to do. If you had that, then, I believe you would see a lot more women, going: “Okay; I see that. I see how it can be good to be under their authority.”  So, I see, in Scripture—it is pretty clear to me that the man is supposed to be the head of the home, but he's supposed to lead in a way that's like a servant that is Christ-like.  Dennis: When a man serves, denies himself, loves, leads, and really takes care of his wife, it makes her responsibility and her response reasonable.  17:00 And Lisa, in the book, I so enjoy what you write on Page 88 because you talk about five reasons why—what has become a very nasty word in our culture / a politically-incorrect word—the word, “submission,”—but it's a biblical term. You talk about why we should do that. I want you to share that with our listeners, because there is probably a listener or two who is losing heart in well-doing and needs to be reminded why it's so important.  Lisa: You know, it was hard when we were writing the book; because we could write a whole giant book about submission and authority—right?—and leadership, but we didn't want that to be the focus of the book. But it is important to understand, for a woman—especially because so many women will say: “My husband doesn't deserve to be submitted to. He is not a good leader. He is not following the Lord.” We're not submitting to our husband's perfection and the fact that they deserve it. We're submitting to the fact that God has given them that position of authority. We're submitting to a God-given position and not perfection.  18:00 There were times, even in the beginning, when Francis was not kind and nice about his authority and leadership; but I am still responsible, before God, to say: “You know what?  He has given him this position.”  You can't get around it through Scripture. It's not one place that says, “Wives, submit to your husbands,”—it's a few times—look it up in your concordance. We can't be so afraid of obeying the Lord—there is freedom in it.  The second thing is—only our submission to God should be absolute. We don't submit to our husbands if they ask us to sin, obviously. There is a limit, in that sense. We are all under the umbrella of God's authority. So, if our husband steps outside of that, then we are not to join him in that.  Bob: You don't follow him—you don't follow him there.  Lisa: Right. I think one of the most important things we have to realize is that we find ourselves thinking that we're fighting against our husbands; but ultimately, we're fighting against God.  19:00 That is not something we want to do—the Scripture says that God opposes the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.  It takes humility to follow someone's lead; but, you know, you look back at the very beginning—God said: “It's not good for the man to be alone. I am going to create a helpmate for him.”  Why can't we embrace the beauty of that and say: “Wow! I want to give my husband the benefit of my wisdom / my insight”? Then, after I've laid that all down—and I've shown him / I've shared my thoughts and my heart—to allow him to lead / to make the ultimate decision, knowing that I've poured my heart out to him and helped him understand my perspective. It may not always match up. We may not always agree, but give your husband that benefit. He needs you. You are his helpmate.  Dennis: Your belief in your husband is empowering and affirming to his leadership. I think—I'm looking at Francis, who is nodding his head—she has made you a better leader— Francis: Oh, yes! Dennis:—because she is a strong woman.  20:00 Francis: Absolutely! If you knew me before I met her, I am sure you would say: “Wow! That was a major transformation. There's no way he could pull off what he's doing without her.”   Bob: Knowing that she believes in you / respects you—that she'll follow you— Francis: Yes.  Bob: —that puts wind in your sails.  Francis: You see—because my parents were dead by the time I was in junior high—so I've never had support / I never had anyone believing in me. I didn't have a cheerleader—anyone in my corner. Yet, the Lord was enough. The Lord was absolutely enough—so, yes—amen and amen. But He created us in such a way that—now, when I finally had someone who believed in me—like another human being, who I knew was going to be by my side and support me, even when everyone else thought I was crazy—yet, she believed / she believed in me. I can't—I can't say enough.  21:00 Lisa: You know, one of the things I have to say is that the thought of coming before the Lord, at the end of my life, and having Him say: “Why did you prevent your husband from doing all these things I had planned for him?”—that is part of what scares me. I think we have to realize that, as women, we want to be life-givers and we want to put wind in their sails, as you put it. We don't want to stand in the way and limit them and limit what God is going to do through them. That is what should scare us.  Francis: This is what the book was about—eternity. You know, we have this wonderful family—full of laughter / everything else—but that's going to be over in a second. Just to put it bluntly—we're going to die any moment. Lisa or I will stand before God, Himself— Dennis: Right.  Francis: —and what are we going to care about?  So, if I love her, then, it's not just about this time here. I want to prepare her for that moment when she faces Him. In the same way—and yes, we are saved by grace— 22:00 —but I want her to know: “I accomplished the work You gave me to do, Father, while I was on that earth—during that brief, little vapor of a time. I did what You wanted me to do.”   I think that's true love—is when you are looking at someone—and not just thinking of the here and now, where I benefit. I think about the forever and ever and ever—“How are you going… / What's that existence going to be like?”—it's based upon how we live now.  Bob: Is that really your hand print on the cover?   Francis: No; my hand wouldn't have fit on the book. [Laughter] Bob: I was just looking at your hand, going,— Francis: I know!  Bob: —“You've got huge hands.”   Francis: I know; it's freaky/scary. [Laughter]   Bob: We do have copies of your book, You and Me Forever, in our FamilyLife Today Resource Center. You can order a copy, online, at FamilyLifeToday.com; or call 1-800-FL-TODAY—You and Me Forever: Marriage in Light of Eternity by Francis and Lisa Chan. Again, find it online at FamilyLifeToday.com; or call 1-800-“F”' as in family, “L” as in life, and then the word, “TODAY.”   23:00 And don't forget—if you have any interest in—and I hope you do—in coming to one of our Weekend to Remember marriage getaways this spring / they're going to be in over 50 cities across the country—sign up this week and you save 50 percent off the regular registration fee. It's a special offer we're making for FamilyLife Today listeners that expires this weekend. If you have any questions about the getaway, call us or go online at FamilyLifeToday.com.  And can I just say?—for you to have a couple of days—where the two of you get away, and recalibrate, and refocus, and breathe a little fresh air into your marriage—that would be good for anybody. If it's been a while since you've done that, you ought to go ahead and make plans now to be at one of the getaways and save a little money in the process; okay? Sign up at FamilyLifeToday.com or call 1-800-FL-TODAY to get registered for an upcoming Weekend to Remember marriage getaway. If you want to buy a gift card for somebody to attend a getaway, those are available at 50 percent off the regular registration fee as well.  24:00 Get the details at FamilyLifeToday.com; or call 1-800- FL-TODAY and join us at an upcoming Weekend to Remember marriage getaway. Now, tomorrow, we want to talk about how marriage and ministry can coexist—how you can be in alignment, as husband and wife, in being involved in kingdom work. Our guests, Francis and Lisa Chan, will be back with us tomorrow. I hope you can be here as well. I want to thank our engineer today, Keith Lynch, along with our entire broadcast production team. On behalf of our host, Dennis Rainey, I'm Bob Lepine. We will see you tomorrow for another edition of FamilyLife Today.  FamilyLife Today is a production of FamilyLife® of Little Rock, Arkansas; a Cru® Ministry. Help for today. Hope for tomorrow.  We are so happy to provide these transcripts to you. However, there is a cost to produce them for our website. If you've benefited from the broadcast transcripts, would you consider donating today to help defray the costs?   Copyright© 2018 FamilyLife. All rights reserved. www.FamilyLife.com  

You and Me Forever (Part 1) - Francis and Lisa ChanYou and Me Forever (Part 2) - Francis and Lisa ChanYou and Me Forever (Part 3) - Francis and Lisa ChanFamilyLife Today® Radio Transcript  References to conferences, resources, or other special promotions may be obsolete. Don't Waste Your Marriage Guests:                      Francis and Lisa Chan        From the series:       You and Me Forever (Day 3 of 3)  Bob: Francis and Lisa Chan had not been married long when they started to think that their marriage needed to have more of an outward focus rather than an inward focus.  Francis: And we started letting people in the home and having people actually live with us. Ministry was in-house, and our kids saw it. The kids saw the miracles in these peoples' lives and the life-change. Discipleship was happening 24 hours a day in our home. We were missional. We were praying and saying, “God, what do You want us to do with this house?”—like everything was with an open hand, but I think that's what so few couples do—is they don't say, “Lord, what do You want?”  Instead, they think, “What do we want, and how can I justify that biblically?”   Bob: This is FamilyLife Today for Wednesday, January 24th. Our host is Dennis Rainey; I'm Bob Lepine. God can do some amazing things in the lives of couples and families who start to realize that marriage is about more than just the two of you.  1:00 We'll talk to Francis and Lisa Chan about that today. Stay with us.  And welcome to FamilyLife Today. Thanks for joining us. Before we dive right into what we're going to talk about today, we have just a couple days left in the special offer we're making to FamilyLife Today listeners. If you'd like to join us at one of our upcoming Weekend to Remember® marriage getaways coming to a city near where you live, you register before the end of the week and you'll save 50 percent off the regular registration fee. This is the last week we're making this offer—it's the best offer we make all year long. So, if you'd like to save some money and have a great getaway together, as a couple, this spring—we're going to be in more than 50 cities across the country this spring—plan to join us, and register now to take advantage of the special offer. Go to FamilyLifeToday.com—you can register online—or call 1-800-FL-TODAY to register or if you have any questions.  2:00 Block out a weekend where the two of you can just kind of tune into each other and tune everything else out for 48 hours. The FamilyLife® Weekend to Remember marriage getaway really is a great getaway weekend for couples, and we'd love to have you register this week so you can save some money. Again, go to FamilyLifeToday.com; or call 1-800-FL-TODAY to register.  Now, we have had Francis and Lisa Chan joining us this week. It's been fun to get a little dirt on this couple—you know—I mean, on their marriage.  Dennis: Well, on Francis. [Laughter] Francis— Bob: That's true. I don't know that we've gotten any dirt on Lisa.  Dennis: I don't think we've heard much on Lisa.  Lisa: Well, we don't have any more time. [Laughter]   Dennis: Welcome back to the broadcast.  Lisa: Thank you.  Dennis: Glad you're here.  Francis and Lisa Chan have written a book, You and Me Forever. It's all about marriage in light of eternity. In fact, you say something in your book, Francis, I want you just to comment on here.  3:00 You say that it's important to love Lisa in light of eternity. Explain to our listeners what you mean by that statement.  Francis: Yes; it's the same thing that the Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15. He said, “If there is no resurrection from the dead, then, I am above all men most to be pitied,”—like: “I would live completely differently if there is no forever / if there is no eternity. Then, let's just enjoy—we'll just eat, drink, and] be merry. Let's just have a great little family / have a great time here on earth, and just think about us.”  But no—because there is a forever—now: “How do I love her in the greatest way?”   Dennis: —and because you are accountable to the God who made us. Francis: Yes; and made her for a reason!   Dennis: Right.  Francis: And He made this marriage for a reason—it was for Him. Everything was created by Him and for Him.  4:00 So, we—I mean, this is what differentiates / is supposed to differentiate us from the rest of the world—is that we're not living for this life. It's not about your best life right now. It's about: “No; I'm thinking about the future. I'm storing up treasure in heaven.”  Don't waste your time just building up and storing up treasures on earth, where someone is going to steal it, or it's going to fall apart, and you've got to insure it and everything else. Store up this treasure in heaven. Really believe that you are going to be rewarded a hundred times anything you sacrifice.  If I am thinking about Lisa's forever and her future, then, I'm going to live a lot differently right here.  Bob: Lisa, I had the opportunity, a number of years ago, to go to a group of friends. I said, “If you were going to share a passage from the Bible about marriage with a couple just getting started—and it couldn't be Ephesians 5, couldn't be 1 Peter 3, couldn't be Colossians 3—kind of the big ones that we all go to / couldn't go there—what passage would you share with them?”  5:00 And two guys that I asked the question to, independently, gave me the same verse. It was one that really surprised me. It was out of Psalm 34. They said, “I used this verse to propose to my wife.” It was the verse that says, “O, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” They said: “We wanted to start our marriage saying, ‘This is what we're getting married to do—to magnify the Lord together and exalt His name together.'  That's the mission. That's the purpose statement for our marriage.”   I thought to myself, “I want to go back and do it over—I want to propose with that verse in mind,” because I wasn't smart enough, when I got married, to have that at the center of what I was all about.  Lisa: Yes; you know, it's interesting because I just spoke, last week, for a group with young moms. I was reminding them: “You are more than a mother. You are more than a wife. You are a child of God. You are here for Him.”  6:00 And I know we are talking about marriage right now; but I was trying to get them to think outside of—even just in their everyday life: “You belong to God. You are here”—like it says in Ephesians 2:10, I think it is—“You are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, to do good works that He prepared in advance…”—right?   Well, afterward, one of the moms comes up and she just says: “You know, my husband and I—we both work fulltime. We are kind of stuck. We have these jobs, and this house, and these cars. We want to serve the Lord, but…”—but—you know? I'm thinking, “Wow!”   We were just talking about how we need to back things up and get people like that, who think beforehand, who—young people who will say: “You know what?  Our marriage is going to be about a mission. Our marriage is going to be about the fact that we are here for God. So, we are going to make different choices. We are going to set our life up in a way that gives us total freedom to do whatever God asks of us.”  7:00 And that is a message I long to get out to people who haven't done it yet—who aren't stuck right now.  Dennis: There are a lot of couples who are trapped.  Lisa: Yes.  Dennis: They are ensnared.  Lisa: Yes; and there is nothing worse than not being able to tell the Lord, “I will do anything or go anywhere for You.”  That should be true of each of us, scary as it is. I'm not saying it's not. I'm fearful sometimes of what the Lord will ask me to do; but I'm more afraid of not being able to do what He asks me to do. Who are we here for?!   Dennis: So, Lisa, as you and Francis started your marriage, how much on mission were you, at that point?  Did your marriage start with this agreement that you were going to be a part of the Great Commission / being a part of proclaiming Jesus Christ to a lost world?   Lisa: Yes; I think because it was almost unintentional in some ways. I don't think I personally was thinking about discipleship and really putting my mindset, intentionally, on, “How many women am I going to disciple and bring to the Lord?”  8:00 It was more—we jumped onto this mission that God had given us in starting the church.  I thank God for that because I think, in a way, for me, it inadvertently put me on a mission. Our marriage started out that way—and then, this growing sense of: “What we are here for, and why we are here” and the joy that came from, all of a sudden, we are pouring our lives out for these other people—loving them/discipling them. We were put in a position of leadership, and we needed to lead. So, it was so good for me—I'm so grateful for it—but the intentional mindset grew. It wasn't so much for me there, right in the beginning.  Dennis: Francis, what about you?   Francis: Because of my upbringing, and because my parents and everyone died at such a young age, I had more of an eternal focus. I just woke up, thinking: “Okay; this could be my last day. What am I going to do?”—you know.  9:00 “Let me do whatever the Lord wants me to do today.” It was my focus, and I was trying to bring Lisa, who had had a different upbringing—and again, no fault to her / no fault to her parents. I mean, that's the typical American church teaching—is: “This is all about you. Let us cater to your needs. What kind of programs do you want in the church?” You know, it's all about you.  So, it's just—it was trying to get us deeply into the Scriptures and say: “Now, what is this about?  Why are we still alive?  Why am I breathing right now?  Someone is letting me breathe right now, and I'm breathing for Him. I want to do everything for His glory.”  So, I did have some of that intensity in me from the onset, I think, from a young age because of what God let me experience.  Bob: Well, it's one thing for two people, who have that passion, individually, to get married. The blending of that together and making it “our passion together, as a couple,” as opposed to “my passion,” and “your passion,” and we share a supper table and a bed.  10:00 How have you merged mission together in marriage?   Lisa: I grew up—I wanted to be a singer—I sang in our church / I did some studio recordings. When we first—we'd been married a few months—I was approached with this production deal; right?  These guys were going to record me, produce me, [and] put me out there. I say that because my mission—if you want to call it that, or my dream, was: “I'm going to be a recording artist. I'm going to sing, and get to travel, and do this.”  And here was my husband, whom God had called to start a church. I felt the Lord very gently saying: “You need to lay that down, because I can't have you going in two separate directions. It makes no sense. Be on mission together. Don't have two separate things that you're doing—that's going to pull you apart.”   11:00 Bob: If you think—and I know this is—no one knows; but if you think / had you made the other choice—let's say you decided: “You know, let's just see where this goes. You do the church, and I'm going to do the recording thing. We'll…” What do you think might have happened? Lisa: I don't know what would have happened. I think what would have not happened is that we wouldn't have been so united by our purpose, and I would have missed out on God moving and working through the both of us, and I would have missed out on being able to be in this supporting role that actually ended up bringing me a lot more blessing than what this lime-light would have possibly given me.  I think, years later, as he would speak—and then there were times I would come up and follow his message with a song—and I remember just feeling the joy of: “Wow, Lord; You've let me still use my gift for You, but in the context of joining my husband in ministry rather than being down by myself, isolated on my own road.” 12:00 Dennis: Let's talk about, for a moment, just a person, who's slugging out life, as a couple. They are going, “You guys are talking about mission.”  How can they get started, Francis, to begin to share—and that's what I want them to catch—they'd be infected with a love for Christ, but also, being locked arm / locked step together, as a couple, defined around that purpose of the Great Commission?   Bob: And can they be on mission together if they are living in the suburbs and they've got two kids and—you know, kind of the ordinary life—or does being on mission mean: “No; you've got to abandon it all. Move somewhere else and live somewhere else in some other way”?   Dennis: Yes.  Francis: Yes—no. I mean, because we live in the city—and we did live in the suburbs, and I believe we were missional—but we—the idea is surrendering everything—like we've talked about—to say, “God, this is Your house.”  I mean, where do we see in Scripture that you are allowed to not show hospitality and say: “No; this is my home. No one else is allowed in it”?   13:00 I mean, but that's the mindset I had when we first got married, though; because I remember her even discipling a gal, you know, after 5 o'clock. I was like, “Don't ever have her in our house after five,”—you know, because I believed that whole lie—that this home is protected, and we need our own time.  Bob: “My castle”; right?   Francis: Exactly!   Bob: Yes; right.  Francis: And then, you start reading Scripture and go, “Where in the world would you get that?” And we started letting people in the home and having people actually live with us. Ministry was in-house, and our kids saw it. The kids saw the miracles in these peoples' lives and the life-change. Discipleship was happening 24 hours a day in our home. I mean, we were missional. We were praying and saying: “God, what do You want us to do with this house?  Do You want us to move into a bigger house so we can take more people in?  Do You want us to sell the house, move into a smaller one, and give the money away?”—like everything is with an open hand, but I think that's what so few couples do—is they don't say, “Lord, what do You want?”    14:00 Instead they think, “What do we want, and how can I justify that biblically?”   Bob: So, the starting place for being on mission is to say: “It's not about me. It's about Him. It's: ‘What do You want?'” But a lot of couples will say, “Well, but I don't know what He wants; because I prayed and said, ‘Lord, whatever You want…' and I haven't heard anything yet.”   Francis: Well, I would say, “Open the Book”—not our book; you know?  [Laughter]  Yes; open that one too. You know, in the Scriptures—I mean, there are so many things—this is where we are so messed up, as a church, here in America—you know, being hearers of the Word and doing . You know, we're waiting for this voice from the Lord.  Well, true religion is to care for the widows and orphans in their distress. Go adopt a kid! Why don't you just assume adoption unless the Lord screams from heaven: “No; stop! Don't do it!”  Shouldn't we assume—if this is true religion—then, everyone should adopt? I mean, I'm saying, “Why do we always defer to inaction?”  15:00 We just assume, “I'll do nothing until I hear a voice from heaven.”  No; just open the Bible. Obey a verse—actually do it. If there is a voice from heaven telling you: “No; no matter what you do, don't help that widow,”—then, stop—but we do this opposite.  Dennis: And there are a lot of— Bob: There is no voice from heaven, going to say, “Don't help that widow”; right?   Dennis: Exactly. What I want our listeners to hear—there are a lot of ways to go near the orphan. You can go to the foster care system. They are in desperate need of foster care families. And frankly, the church of Jesus Christ ought to be emptying out the foster care system of children, in state after state, around our country. I mean, you don't have to adopt—you can just provide a family. For some of these kids, it may be the only family in their lifetimes—they ever see what real love is all about.  Francis: Yes; that makes absolutely no sense to me that there are half a million foster kids that no one wants. How many millions of churches are there?  16:00 You know, it's like we've got over a million churches, and we have half a million foster kids. That makes zero sense. So, if every other church adopted one, we'd take care of it; but that's how pathetic it is right now.  Lisa: The most paralyzing thing, I think, for us, as believers, is fear. We're so afraid of what might happen: “Well, what about my kids?  What if I bring someone in [and] something happens to them?”  And I just want to encourage people that I'm just as afraid as you. In fact, I told God: “I do not want a teenage foster child. I believe that what's best for us, in our family, is to take someone that's younger.”   What does the Lord bring to us but a teenage foster child? She has been the most amazing blessing. And if I talk about it for too long, I'll end up crying on the air; but just—you know, we cringe to think of saying, “No,” to that and what would have happened— Dennis: Right.  Lisa: —in her life. [Emotion in voice] But I'm telling you, honestly, on the front side, I did not want to do that.  17:00 But there is so much blessing in taking a step of faith. So, take a step of faith—maybe, even if it is not as grand as taking in a foster child. But do something that takes some faith. Go knock on your neighbor's door. Bring them dinner to say: “I want to show some love to you. Do you need help?  Can I help mow your lawn?”  Do some step of faith—take some action.  Dennis: You just mentioned something there—and I appreciate, so much, your passion and tender heart about this because Barbara and I share that. We have gone near the needs of orphans repeatedly. When you get near the orphan, you find the heart of God; and it's a good thing because we are orphans too. Apart from the gospel—God adopting us into His family—we're spiritual orphans.  Here's the question for both of you, Lisa and Francis. I like to ask people: “What's the most courageous thing you've ever done in all your life?” Courage is not battlefield courage, necessarily—it's doing your duty in the face of fear.  18:00 It's the very thing you were talking about. So, what would you say is the most courageous thing you've ever done, Lisa?   Lisa: The most courageous thing you can do is say, “Yes,” to something God is asking you to do that you are afraid of. There have been so many times—I scramble to think of which one to share. I think about the time when we invited a man, who had been in prison for six years, and his family of three kids—his wife and three kids—to move in with us—to give them our master bedroom, to move upstairs with our kids, and share that bathroom with all of them. That took a little bit of courage, and it took dying to ourselves. It took saying, “You can have my bedroom and my bathroom,”—which was, in one sense, so stupid and dumb but felt hard—and letting go of fear / letting go of fear—that's the most courageous thing to do.  If you are a scaredy-cat, like me, you have to preach the truth to yourself.  19:00 You have to preach verses like 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God gave us a spirit, not of fear, but of power and love and self-control.” I have to say the truth of God's Word to myself, all the time, because I will limit myself. I will refuse to say, “Yes,” to God and will be consumed with anxiety and fear in all these situations. But: “No; that is not from God. He gave us, not a spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and self-control.” So, choose to say, “Yes,” to God and to love someone.  Dennis: Alright; Francis, what is your most courageous thing you've ever done?   Francis: You know, it's funny. A lot of those things that scare me a little bit—but I'm not really that afraid of dying, or this, or that. You'll probably be surprised by this; but probably, the most courageous moments are—when I'm sitting on a plane with a stranger or talking to a neighbor—and I lay out the gospel, one on one, with them. That terrifies me. [Laughter]  20:00 That may just sound dumb to some people, but that's the hardest thing for me—to be rejected and to just throw—I can stand in front of 100,000 people in a stadium—no big deal! You put me, one on one, with someone that I know is not used to hearing about Jesus—and I'm going to lay it out for them—it still scares me to this day. It still takes courage.  Bob: Do you know how many people just went, “Oh, it's so good to hear him say that”? [Laughter]   Dennis: Here's what I want to share with you: “You're in good company.”   Bob: Yes.  Francis: Yes.  Dennis: We just recently asked a guy that same question—not just any guy—but a NASA astronaut, who was on the International Space Station. I asked him—he's been to outer space twice. So, he's strapped a rocket— Lisa: Right.  Dennis: —on and gone into outer space.  Bob: He floated out in nothing with the space suit and the tentacles on him; you know?     Dennis: Oh, yes—so, you with me?  I asked him the same question. It's like you—he's going, “Sharing my faith in Jesus Christ—" 21:00 Francis: Yes.  Dennis: —“is repeatedly the most courageous thing I ever do.”   Francis: Totally. And it's interesting—when I was younger, we didn't care for the poor. We didn't think about human trafficking—this or that. So, when we started doing that, that was a big deal; but now, that's not really a scary thing to do—that's very accepted / you know, you're a hero if you do this—but if you start sharing the gospel, you're going to get shutdown.  Dennis: Especially today; huh?   Francis: Amen!  It's—times are changing.  Dennis: Well, I just want to applaud you two and your book because I think you properly paint marriage with its noble, transcendent, God-imbued purpose—that we're made in His image, designed to reproduce a godly legacy, preach the gospel to the next generation, and glorify Him in all that we say and do. I just am glad you are using marriage to promote that kind of thinking because I think that's what's missing today.  22:00 Francis: Amen.  Dennis: I just want to thank you guys for being in the battle; and Lisa, for following this guy / for saying, “Yes,” to him— Bob: Crazy Francis; right?  That's— Dennis: Well, Crazy Love Francis.  Francis: There you go.  Bob: Maybe, just scrap the love part—I think Crazy Francis. [Laughter]   Dennis: But thank you guys for all you do.  Francis: Yes; thanks for having us.  Lisa: Yes; thank you very much.  Bob: We have copies of the book that Francis and Lisa have written. It's called You and Me Forever. You can order it from us, online, at FamilyLifeToday.com; or call 1-800-FL-TODAY. Again, the website—FamilyLifeToday.com—or call to order the book, You and Me Forever—1-800-358-6329—that's 1-800-“F” as in family, “L” as in life, and then the word, “TODAY.” And don't forget—this weekend is the wrap-up of the special offer we're making for FamilyLife Today listeners.  23:00 If you'd like to attend an upcoming Weekend to Remember marriage getaway—a two-and-a-half-day getaway for couples in a nice setting, where you can relax and unwind, and just have a couple of days together, focusing on your marriage—every marriage could use that; right? Well, if you'd like to save 50 percent off the registration fee, you need to sign up this week to take advantage of the special offer. You can sign up, online, at FamilyLifeToday.com; or call to register at 1-800-FL-TODAY. If you have any questions, give us a call or go to our website; and plan to join us at a getaway. I tell couples all the time: “Most of us are more conscientious about making sure we change the oil in our car than we are about making sure we keep our marriage functioning the way it ought to be functioning,” and “Marriage takes some time, and effort, and work; and this is a part of how you do that.” So, sign up this week and join us at a Weekend to Remember getaway—save 50 percent off the regular registration fee.  24:00 Go to FamilyLifeToday.com or call 1-800-358-6329—that's 1-800-“F” as in family, “L” as in life, and then the word, “TODAY.” And speaking of marriage, tomorrow, we're going to hear from our friend, Alistair Begg, who has some thoughts about the solemnity of marriage and about the importance of understanding marriage as a covenant relationship. We'll hear from him tomorrow. I hope you can tune in for that. I want to thank our engineer today, Keith Lynch, along with our entire broadcast production team. On behalf of our host, Dennis Rainey, I'm Bob Lepine. We will see you back next time for another edition of FamilyLife Today.  FamilyLife Today is a production of FamilyLife of Little Rock, Arkansas; a Cru® Ministry. Help for today. Hope for tomorrow.  We are so happy to provide these transcripts to you. However, there is a cost to produce them for our website. If you've benefited from the broadcast transcripts, would you consider donating today to help defray the costs?   Copyright © 2018 FamilyLife. All rights reserved. www.FamilyLife.com    

In this episode we discuss why marriage shouldn't be the most important relationship. Join us as we jump into the first chapter of Francis Chan's book, "You and Me Forever."  We also play another fun game that we think you'll enjoy!  Feel free to take notes and play along on your next date night.  Enjoy the episode and we'll be back soon!

Just last week we celebrated 13 years of marriage! Feeling generous and wanting to celebrate a little more we decided to bring you a BONUS episode this week. We are sharing our top 13 pieces of marriage advice we have learned the hard way or through good advice given to us. To make it even more fun, we are sharing all 13 in 13 minutes! Share with a spouse or married friend today!   Show Notes: 1. Communicate!! Expectations for everything from weekend plans, special days and holidays, to household responsibilities. 2. Plan for big stuff, savor the little simple stuff. Contentment. 3. Team mentality in everything! You are ONE now, so act like it. Serve the other well. 4. Never bad mouth one another to other people. Always build up your spouse publicly. Be each other's biggest cheerleader. 5. Don't try to change your spouse......but do push each other to grow! Set goals together, read books and articles together, listen to podcasts and talk about them, share biblical truth and your bible study with one another. 6. Dream big together! 7. Have sex. When you are happy, when you are grieving, when things feel wonky between you two, on a Tuesday. Sex is often the bridge back to each other. 8. Be on the same page financially and always be honest! Have regular budget check ins, communicate when changes might come up. 9. Stay unified no matter what, in all areas (parenting, ministry, career, friendships, money, etc.) Even if you have to pull away from other relationships, this relationship is the priority above all - even your children!!! 10. Have FUN!!! Be silly, competitions, date nights on the couch or out. Plan fun things to do and memories to make. 11. Get away. TOGETHER. 12. Get away. ALONE. ....time out with friends, time for them to go do whatever they want to do (hike, shop, read, yoga). 13. PRAY! Cover your spouse in prayer, pray for how you treat/approach them, pray for your struggles, hopes and dreams. Pray to be unified and love each other through all seasons. Recommended Resources: - You and Me Forever by Francis and Lisa Chan - Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas - Mingling of Souls by Matt and Lauren Chandler - The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman - Becoming Us by Beth and Jeff McCord What We Are Loving: Daniel - Pizza Combos Heather - Nut Thins crackers in Sriracha flavor.   Find Us Here: Daniel  www.danielritchie.org   Twitter || Facebook ||Instagram    Heather Instagram 

In this episode of the 5 Leadership Questions podcast, Todd Adkins and Daniel Im are joined by Paul Sohn, a leadership consultant, author of Quarter-Life Calling, founder of QARA, and former change management consultant at Boeing. During their conversation, they discuss finding your true identity in Christ and preparing for marriage. BEST QUOTES “If your identity is not set in Christ, you are going to struggle and be stagnant." "What do I need to do in order to earn his approval? To earn his love?" "As God is helping me become more confident and secure in who I am, I realize that I have bought into some of these lies myself." "God's been challenging me to commit my entire day starting with prayer." "God's been really preparing me to learn what does it mean to be a leader of a family." "I think one of the best things you can do to prepare yourself for marriage is to work on your character." "I was succeeding in the wrong things and, as a result, I was not being fulfilled." "This generation is not really reading the Word of God and, as a result, truth has been distorted." "As much as you love self-development, the more time you spend in the Word of God is going to really be the foundation." "A big part of any change is knowing people are resistant to change." "Change always has to start with a compelling vision." RECOMMENDED RESOURCES LifeWay Leadership Podcast Network Quarter-Life Calling by Paul Sohn QARA Hello, My Name Is by Matthew West Victory over the Darkness by Neil T. Anderson Free at Last by Tony Evans Walking From East to West by Ravi Zacharias The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell The Culture Map by Erin Meyer Love & Respect by Emerson Eggerichs You and Me Forever by Francis Chan and Lisa Chan Blueprint Coaching Text "blueprint" to 888111 for more information on Blueprint Coaching Making Disciples Podcast

Franis Chan with Dr. Tim on his newest book "You and Me Forever"View on our Website

Why family and Commission are not mutually exclusive... *Inspired by Francis & Lisa Chan's book, 'You and Me Forever'

A new series on marriage in light of eternity... *Inspired by Francis & Lisa Chan's book, 'You and Me Forever'

Marriage lessons and practicals based on the book “You and Me Forever”

Det er højsæson for danske film, og i den kommende uge er der premiere på to meget forskellige af slagsen, det udfordrende gangsterdrama 'Holiday' og eventyrfilmen 'Vildheks'. Filmland Podcast taler med de to instruktører bag filmene, debutanten Isabella Eklöf og Kaspar Munk, der før har stået bag bl.a. ungdomsfilmen 'You & Me Forever' og julekalenderen 'Tidsrejsen'. Derudover anmeldelser af bl.a. krimien 'Journal 64' og animationsfilmen 'Smallfoot'. Tilrettelæggelse: Per Juul Carlsen. www.dr.dk/film

I've been getting back into reading this week and making plans to get caught up on my reading challenge for the rest of the year. I've read some really good books lately and a few not worth mentioning...but here's a little reading challenge update as well as a list of past and current books! Listen in here:  Listen to the Podcast: We also recorded this blog post as an audio podcast. If you want to listen in instead of reading, click play below or do a combination of both  And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast in iTunes. Right click here and save-as to download this episode to your computer. Books I've Read Recently: I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel Book Girl by Sarah Clarkson Caring for One Another by Edward T. Welch - I loved this book so much I ordered one for my sister and I ordered his new book Side by Side: Walking with others in Wisdom and Love War of Words by Paul David Tripp You and Me Forever by Francis & Lisa Chan Better Together: Strengthen Your Family, Simplify your Homeschool, and savor the subjects that matter most by Pam Barnhill Mere Motherhood by Cindy Rollins The fiction series I've been reading this year: The Wheel of Time. And I just read the Red Queen series. And I highly recommend The Lunar Chronicles. One of the best series I've ever read!!  What's up next for me to read:  I need to read 39 more books by December 31st. Which is one book every 2.74 days, we'll see if I can do it. Honestly, if I get to 80 books I will be happy! Here's whats on my next to read list:  A beautiful set of classics which includes: Little Women, Heidi, A Little Princess, and Anne of Green Gables.  Praying Together: The Priority and Privilege of Prayer in our homes, Communities, and Churches The Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosaria Butterfield  Gospel Centered Mom: The Freeing Truth About What Your Kids Really Need Spiritual Depression: It's Causes and Cures by Martin Lloyd Jones Long Days of Small Things: Motherhood as a Spiritual Discipline by Catherine McNniel Even Better Than Eden: Nine Ways the Bible's Story Changes Everything about Your Story by Nancy Guthrie Therefor I Have Hope: 12 Truths That Comfort, Sustain, and Redeem in Tragedy by Cameron Cole Walking through Infertility: Biblical, Theological, and Moral Counsel for Those Who Are Struggling by Matthew Arbo

I've been getting back into reading this week and making plans to get caught up on my reading challenge for the rest of the year. I've read some really good books lately and a few not worth mentioning...but here's a little reading challenge update as well as a list of past and current books! Listen in here:  Listen to the Podcast: We also recorded this blog post as an audio podcast. If you want to listen in instead of reading, click play below or do a combination of both  And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast in iTunes. Right click here and save-as to download this episode to your computer. Books I've Read Recently: I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel Book Girl by Sarah Clarkson Caring for One Another by Edward T. Welch - I loved this book so much I ordered one for my sister and I ordered his new book Side by Side: Walking with others in Wisdom and Love War of Words by Paul David Tripp You and Me Forever by Francis & Lisa Chan Better Together: Strengthen Your Family, Simplify your Homeschool, and savor the subjects that matter most by Pam Barnhill Mere Motherhood by Cindy Rollins The fiction series I've been reading this year: The Wheel of Time. And I just read the Red Queen series. And I highly recommend The Lunar Chronicles. One of the best series I've ever read!!  What's up next for me to read:  I need to read 39 more books by December 31st. Which is one book every 2.74 days, we'll see if I can do it. Honestly, if I get to 80 books I will be happy! Here's whats on my next to read list:  A beautiful set of classics which includes: Little Women, Heidi, A Little Princess, and Anne of Green Gables.  Praying Together: The Priority and Privilege of Prayer in our homes, Communities, and Churches The Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosaria Butterfield  Gospel Centered Mom: The Freeing Truth About What Your Kids Really Need Spiritual Depression: It's Causes and Cures by Martin Lloyd Jones Long Days of Small Things: Motherhood as a Spiritual Discipline by Catherine McNniel Even Better Than Eden: Nine Ways the Bible's Story Changes Everything about Your Story by Nancy Guthrie Therefor I Have Hope: 12 Truths That Comfort, Sustain, and Redeem in Tragedy by Cameron Cole Walking through Infertility: Biblical, Theological, and Moral Counsel for Those Who Are Struggling by Matthew Arbo

You and Me Forever by RelevanceCommunity

Het thema vandaag is Verboden Muziek. Je muziek met titels als; A Boy Named Sue, God Is Niet Dood, F*ck Me Forever, Ik Heb Mijn Hart Op Katendrecht Verloren en andere pareltjes.

We have another guest! Dr. Branson Parler! To go with his movie star name and phD, Branson is FULL OF WISDOM! This was one of those conversations where Producer Steve, Matt, and I looked at each other while recording with our jaws dropped. ​He answered a lot of questions we had about the relationship between sexuality, married people, single people, and the Church. Quotable Highlights: "Paul can say, 'Stay single,' ...because the church is functioning as a family." "Our bodies matter. Matter matters... The way God communicates his love to us is not just through this intellectual message that bounces off of us, the Word became flesh." "Whether people are married or single, what everyone needs is a healing of our broken sexuality. It's not that marriage is this proper outlet for our lust. It is that lust needs to be killed across the board." Question of the Week: What is the top character quality you look for in a friend? Goofball Island: Who was your childhood pet, and what was its tragic life ending? Vehicle to get to Goofball Island: The dog van from Dumb and Dumber. Helpful Links: Branson's Blog: www.bransonparler.com A super helpful (and well-liked) catechism he wrote on sexuality: https://www.bransonparler.com/blog/great-lakes-catechism-on-marriage-and-sexuality Branson on The Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender: http://www.centerforfaith.com/blog/what-our-weddings-say-about-marriage Question of the Week for Next Week: What has this marriage series (walking through the 'You and Me Forever' book) taught you? For More Visit: http://www.lauriekrieg.com/podcast

​Matt, Producer Steve, and I (Laurie) have a guest! We asked last week for feedback on this marriage book and conversation from single people, and my friend Joie VanHolstein answered the call! We chat about how we have seen Jesus romance us lately, and which game show (or reality show) we would unquestionably win (and which we would undoubtedly fail). The Heart of the Matter focuses on fighting through humility, how people who have been affected by trauma can "die to self" without getting re-traumatized, and taking your hands off of your of your own throat as you are in process. Podcast Extra: I quoted this: "If you want to build something significant for the Kingdom of God on earth, don't build a ministry, build a family." --Jeremy Riddle Helpful Link: Read or listen to the book for free here: https://www.youandmeforever.org (Or just download the "You and Me Forever" app.) ​ Question of the Week: What childhood movie traumatized you as a child? For More Visit: http://www.lauriekrieg.com/podcast

Matt Krieg, Producer Steve and I (Laurie) chat about chapter two of Francis and Lisa Chan's book "You and Me Forever." Per usual, deep and silly conversations ensue including: What's up with drivers in California and in the Midwest? {and} What would our marriages look like IRL if the gospel was on display in them? Podcast Extra: I refer to "Sacred Marriage" by Gary Thomas, and this podcast about why God made us sexual by Dr. Juli Slattery at this link: https://www.authenticintimacy.com/resources/5110/160-why-god-created-you-to-be-sexual?source=blog Helpful Link: Read or listen to the book for free at www.youandmeforever.org! (Or just download the "You and Me Forever" app.) Question of the Week: What is one way you saw Jesus romance/pursue/show himself to you this week? For More Visit: http://www.lauriekrieg.com/podcast

Do people in mixed-orientation marriages have a different Bible they live by? Do they have a different set of marital guidelines? In a word: No. We don't. It only seems that way because we--married and single--have been missing the point not only of married life but of LIFE. Life isn't about us. Is isn't about our happiness. It isn't about communication. It isn't about more dates. It isn't about fulfilling our needs. Life is all about Jesus. For the next seven weeks we will be walking through Francis and Lisa Chan's book, "You and Me Forever," to see how we have missed this. We will get gritty and honest about real-life marital pain, but we hope to laugh and leave these weeks encouraged to build the Kingdom together: married, single, dating--however God has called us. To read the ebook or listen to it along with us for free, visit youandmeforever.org and download the free app. This week (per usual) we also talk randomness such as Instant-Pots and the scary-amazing show Stranger Things. For More Visit: http://www.lauriekrieg.com/podcast

No power tonight. Taking a day of rest. Coffee-shop delivery is great. Smelly clothes. A new hairbrush. Stroller road-kill. Riding on the back of a motorcycle. The movie-going experience in Nepal, including some fascinating commercials. Big picture vision. Cooking with the help of two toddlers. Culture shock waves. What is it like to take the boys on an errand any given day of the week? We are now phonetic actors. Followup on the action items from last week. This week we cover chapter 5 in “You and Me Forever”

You can try and convince anyone that you are passionate about Jesus, but your checkbook and calendar always prove what you're most passionate about. What you make the center of your life, will become your treasure; what you value most. We can’t always see when we are following after things that aren’t leading us closer to Jesus but God places people in our lives to help remind us of who we are and what Jesus has done for us. Join host Jerrad Lopes as he discusses making Christ our passion and explores ways to look objectively at our lives with the help of our God-given friends and communities. Host: Jerrad Lopes Mentioned during the episode: You and Me Forever by Francis and Lisa Chan Free audiobook with Audible.com Connect with Dad Tired: To subscribe on iOS, go to our iTunes page and subscribe. Leave an iTunes review, this lets us and others know what you think and increases the chance that other dads will find us. Like and Follow Dad Tired on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates. Join our Dad Tired closed Facebook group for men who are trying to figure out how to be better disciples, husbands, fathers, and men.

Episode 10 Show Notes If it doesn't have a tail it's not a monkey. Eating out with the kids More about our kids adapting our schedule to a new way of life getting a haircut in nepal last trip to volunteer at the school Curious George Even more about our kids Our kids growing and getting an imagination meeting our neighbors comedy-fantasy-middle-grade fiction Mice and Elephants and Me eating chicken at work with the kids Tim's soccer injury Convincing Simon that he's not really a bird Living in a neighborhood with lots of kids Man, we talk a lot about our kids! Emoji woes And then back to our discussion of marriage - using the book "You and Me Forever" and some of the intense questions from it.

Nick Reed :: Creekside Church : Sunday, September 20, 2015 Marriage is not eternal, so why not focus your marriage on what is? Nick Reed continues our 4-week "Family Ties" series with a message on marriage based on Matthew 22:30 and 1 Corinthians 7:25-31, relating that the most important thing about your marriage is not actually your marriage. Earthly marriage is a picture of the heavenly union between the church and Christ, and all believers in Jesus, regardless of marital status, should look forward to and live in light of this truth. More information on the book Nick references, Francis and Lisa Chan's 'You and Me Forever', can be found at http://YouAndMeForever.org.

2015 "You and Me Forever" marriage retreat. Guest Speaker: Shawn and Marshall Mead

2015 "You and Me Forever" marriage retreat. Guest Speaker: Shawn and Marshall Mead

2015 "You and Me Forever" marriage retreat. Guest Speaker: Shawn and Marshall Mead

2015 "You and Me Forever" marriage retreat. Guest Speaker: Shawn and Marshall Mead

2015 "You and Me Forever" marriage retreat. Guest Speaker: Shawn and Marshall Mead

2015 "You and Me Forever" marriage retreat. Guest Speaker: Shawn and Marshall Mead

2015 "You and Me Forever" marriage retreat. Guest Speaker: Shawn and Marshall Mead

2015 "You and Me Forever" marriage retreat. Guest Speaker: Shawn and Marshall Mead