Rebuilding Us: Marriage Podcast

Do you ever feel like your relationship is running on a treadmill? Moving, but not really getting anywhere? It’s a common concern, whether it’s in a marriage, a long-standing friendship, or a new romantic relationship. Sometimes, the stagnation can make you question the viability of your connection. But don't worry—your relationship isn’t doomed. In fact, every relationship experiences hills, vall...

It can be a complicated adjustment when a marriage ends in divorce. How soon is too soon to "get out there?" A listener asked if it's too soon to date after divorce and how to know when it's the right time. I share my thoughts on determining the right time and process to dating after divorce, including ensuring the marriage that ended is left in the best condition possible before beginning a new r...

We’re telling the truth about lying in today’s episode. It's an oxymoron, isn’t it? For most people, lying is a behavior learned in childhood and, unfortunately, carries into adulthood. From telling white lies to avoid minor inconveniences to engaging in more elaborate fabrications to protect ourselves, lying has become an almost reflexive coping mechanism. But make no mistake; lying is a form of...

Do you have a strong-willed child that makes parenting hard at times? Today, a listener wants to know how she can get through to her strong-willed, stubborn child while keeping her love on. I can relate to this mom because all four of my children are strong-willed. My mom says they get it from their mama, but I have no idea what she's talking about. Listen in as I share some helpful encouragement,...

Have you been around someone or do you struggle with having a critical spirit? We all need to be challenged sometimes, but criticism is rarely ever helpful. What is the difference between criticism and feedback and how can you cultivate an honest, authentic relationship that isn’t conflict-avoidant but one that values kindness even in the “critique?” This conversation will help you to reframe and...

Being misunderstood can be a frustrating reality of a disconnected relationship. When someone hears something you didn't say or doesn't properly understand what you mean, it can wreak havoc on your communication. Today's listener question comes from a woman whose boyfriend consistently misunderstands what she means, especially when in disagreement. He even thinks that to disagree is to disrespect....

In this episode, we are uncovering gaslighting, a form of psychological manipulation that distorts reality and causes people to question their perceptions and memories. It’s intense, pervasive, and can wreak havoc in relationships. But fear not, because we explored the roots, manifestation, and impact of gaslighting to help you combat this toxic behavior head-on.  We also debunked the common misco...

Do you ever wonder why you seem to make the same mistakes in relationships or attract the same type of people, especially when those people aren't good for you? Today's question comes from a listener who wants to ensure she doesn't make the same mistakes in her new relationship that she did in her old ones. Listen as I share five keys with her about relinquishing the past and moving forward with a...

Have you ever been told you're passive-aggressive or been in a relationship with someone who was? We're continuing our "toxic truths" series and discussing this often unspoken and confusing communication pattern. Passive-aggressive people have a hard time being direct and opt for more indirect ways of showing their disapproval, leading to misunderstandings and unnecessary conflict in relationships...

Do you ever wonder if staying in your marriage just to please God is a good enough reason to endure? Today's question from a listener who is wondering this very thing sparked a great conversation about what are the valid reasons to separate or divorce your spouse if you're a Christian. Is staying with your spouse just because the Bible says so or you feel pressure because of your church or religio...

Have you heard of the concept of triangulation in relationships? In essence, triangulation involves three people: a victim, a villain, and a hero. It is a method of relating that can involve manipulation and power plays that often ensnare individuals in various types of relationships. Whether it's romantic entanglements, friendships, or a parent-child relationship, triangulation creates a triangul...

Sexless marriages are on the rise, leaving both husband and wife frustrated, lonely, and hurt. Today's question comes from a listener who's been married for 30 years and sexless for one year. He describes in painful detail how his wife's rejection has him leaning toward divorce and how he is tempted consistently. This episode is not for the faint at heart. Listen in as I encourage this husband and...

Most Christian couples would never think of their spouse or their marriage as an idol. But chances are good that that is exactly what happens in many relationships. On this episode we define what idolatry is in our modern world and how we easily fall into it. What is idolatry in the context of marriage? What are the dangers of making marriage an idol and how do you destroy the idol without destroy...

Have you ever been told you don't speak up enough or you're not "assertive" enough in a relationship? Today's listener question comes from a woman whose husband wants her to not be so submissive but to stand up for what she wants in their marriage. He puts a different spin on submission, which leads her to want to know how she can start asserting herself more in her marriage. It's a great question...

  Today, we’re talking about a different kind of AI: not artificial intelligence but “artificial intimacy.” Why do some people settle for inauthentic, shallow relationships instead of real ones? Drawing parallels between the impact of inauthenticity in relationships and the lack of uniqueness in AI-generated articles, I explained the irreplaceable value of genuine human connection. People choose n...

If you've ever loved someone struggling with addiction, you know how lonely and difficult a journey it can be. Today's question comes from a wife who wants to know what to do about her husband's drinking, especially since he won't admit he has a problem. I share four key points and a few resources with her in hopes of encouraging her to seek help for herself even if her husband won't seek help for...

Biblical submission has been misinterpreted and misunderstood for ages. Today, the topic can be taboo and controversial, which is why we’re going there! I want to bring a balanced viewpoint to a conversation that is worthy of another godly perspective. My husband, Shaun, is back for this episode, and we begin with a candid discussion about decision-making in marriage. How would you define the conc...

Submission in marriage is a controversial topic, especially among Christians. Should wives submit to their husbands in these days or is submission a thing of the past? A listener asked me this question, and I am addressing this topic on the podcast today. Scriptures such as Ephesians 5 can long be used to support women submitting to their husbands, so let's talk about it. Whether you believe that...

Do you ever find yourself triggered by the thought of not being enough? Perhaps you believe your abilities fall short, your self-worth is under attack, or your identity is somehow flawed. It's a pervasive feeling that can linger in our minds, affecting both our personal and professional lives. We’re getting into the nitty-gritty of combating those "I'm not enough" thoughts in this universal strugg...

Marriage counseling is a widely accepted way of receiving marriage help. However, marriage coaching is on the rise, and many couples have experienced lasting and effective results from this process. Today's podcast listener question comes from a guy who thinks his marriage is pretty good yet his wife feels they need marriage counseling. He wants to know the difference between marriage counseling a...

Prayer is fundamental to any healthy, Christian marriage, so why don't more spouses pray for their marriage? Weariness, disappointment, and apathy are all obstacles we must overcome to develop loving, resilient marriages. Today, I'm sharing five ways to pray for your marriage, using the acronym C.O.V.E.R. If you practice what you hear in today's episode, I am confident your marriage will exponenti...

Today's relationship question comes from a listener who wants to hear she's on the right track healing from the emotional damage of her husband's affair. In this episode, I share five key signs to know if you're on the right track from healing from any relational hurt. I liken healing emotionally to healing physically. The effects are very similar. Remember, everyone heals at a different pace, so...

A topic that comes up most often with my marriage coaching clients is what to do when your spouse is emotionally distant. We've covered this marriage issue before on the podcast but because it's an ongoing problem in many marriages, we're bringing it back for a "sweet repeat." If your spouse has a hard time explaining or even understanding their feelings, this episode will encourage you with steps...

Isn't it frustrating when you can't seem to agree on anything in your relationship? Today's question comes from a listener who wants to know how to get his point across without arguing with his spouse. Maybe you've wondered the same. I am sharing a very effective communication tool called the "mirror moment." This is when you explain to your spouse or partner how you feel and help them to do the s...

Rebuilding trust in your relationship when it has been damaged or destroyed may seem like an impossible feat. However, I believe there are 12 steps every marriage or relationship can benefit from when seeking to rebuild trust. Today's episode is a "sweet repeat" of episode 107 from July, 2022. These timeless truths will help any relationship with trust issues to get unstuck and begin the healing p...