The Grace Fueled Wife | Communication, Intimacy, Separation, Reconciliation, Christian Marriage

In this episode, we dive into the root causes of disconnection in marriages focusing on unmet emotional needs and negative communication cycles. I share a personal story showcasing how recognizing these cycles and responding differently can transform interactions. Using a practical exercise, I explain the mechanics of negative communication and how it perpetuates disconnection. Tune in to understa...

In this episode, I give you some tips on how you can put defensiveness aside and respond with grace when a situation gets challenging! We explore the emotions behind defensiveness and how to navigate them effectively by learning the three key steps to deescalate an argument. I also share how validating feelings and communicating from a place of understanding can make a huge difference in your rela...

In this episode, I share insights gained from my recent experiences in therapy training, highlighting the importance of emotional safety in relationships. I discuss how a clinician's listening approach influenced my willingness to share and how this relates to fostering emotional intimacy in marriage.  I further explore how being a safe spouse means being present and non-judgmental, which requires...

In this episode, I address my hiatus from the podcast and the reasons behind it. I discuss my evolving perspective on marriage therapy, shaped by both personal experiences and professional training. Join me as I share insights from my journey, touching on the importance of working on personal issues before tackling couples therapy. This year, my goal is to provide you with tools for achieving secu...

Understanding Grace, Boundaries, and Wisdom in Marriage   In this episode, we revisit episode number two, where I discuss how we can't change our husbands, only ourselves, and the importance of offering grace. Taking it a step further, I address common concerns about feeling like a doormat and emphasize the difference between silence and wisdom. Silence is fear-driven while wisdom involves choosin...

Harnessing the Power of Breathwork to Regulate Emotions and Trauma This week's episode features an enlightening conversation with Samantha Skelly, founder and CEO of Paws Breathwork. Samantha shares her journey from battling anxiety and an eating disorder to discovering the transformative potential of breathwork. She explains how breathwork can help regulate emotions, reduce trauma responses, and...

Understanding Emotional Abuse: Disappointing vs. Destructive Marriages In this episode of the Grace Fueled Wife Podcast, I'm delving into the critical difference between disappointing and destructive marriages. Building on last week's discussion about emotional abuse, I reference Leslie Vernick's book, 'Emotionally Destructive Marriage,' to provide clarity. We explore what it means to feel emotion...

Navigating Marriage Therapy: Tips for Encouraging Your Spouse to Participate This week, we dive into communication strategies, using 'I-statements,' and how to approach the topic with your spouse in a way that makes them feel safe and understood. I'll also share insights on clarifying what you want to achieve in therapy and the common issues couples face, like miscommunication, mistrust, and lack...

In this episode of the Gracefueld Wife Podcast, I have the distinct honor of hosting Debra Smith Pegues. Debra is a best-selling author, global inspirational speaker, CPA, MBA, certified John Maxwell leadership coach, and Bible teacher who shares 45 years of marital wisdom. We discuss her journey, the secrets to her successful marriage, and the importance of communication and confrontation in main...

Hello, and welcome back to the Grace Field's Wife podcast! After a brief hiatus due to my training as a marriage and family therapist, I'm excited to bring fresh insights to our podcast. This week, we tackle the pressing question: 'How do you stand for your marriage in the midst of trouble or separation?' I'll share three essential Cs: Clarity, Commitment, and Community. We'll discuss identifying...

In this episode, we discuss the value that is even more important to your marriage than communication and why. We also talk about the limitations of working on your marriage alone and what skills can be learned even if only one spouse is participating.   For those of you looking to enrich your marriage and become the hero in your marriage story, check out The Marriage Lab and enter GFW in the coup...

In this episode, I discuss the importance of establishing healthy boundaries in marriage by reviewing 5 rules for healthy boundaries. Through the examples presented, I illustrate how these principles can help couples navigate the complexities of marriage, empower themselves, and foster mutual respect and love.   00:08 The Importance of Healthy Boundaries in Marriage 04:48 Exploring the Laws of Bou...

In this week’s podcast, we dive deep into the ins and outs of building a sturdy foundation in marriage. I take you through a group coaching exercise, encouraging you to rate your marriages and personal mental health. We discuss the critical role appreciation, taking responsibility, open communication, and self-care play in fostering a healthy, vibrant marriage.    We delve into the 'Four Horsemen...

On this episode of the Grace Fueled Wife, we get to dive into conversations all about marriage, healing, and the power of stories with the exceptional Tracy Johnson. Tracy's work at Restory Counseling inspired me on my own journey to becoming a marriage therapist. She gives us the scoop on what it means to engage our personal stories in marriage and how that can supercharge healing. Tracy shares a...

Communication struggles are one of the most common issues in marriage. You are not alone if this applies to you. In this week’s episode, we discuss the importance of communication, and I share three key ideas for improving your communication in marriage.  First, we recognize that everything a person does or doesn't do communicates something. Second, we look to understand the lens or perspective th...

In this week’s episode, I continue my conversation with Annette Otlmans. Annette takes us into the mind of a chronic abuser and gives us the 4 pillars of emotional abuse which are: Ridgid thinking in these areas: Entitlement Image management Faulty belief system Lower emotional IQ   Annette and I also discuss what the bible says about submission, oppression, and abuse as it relates to being a bibl...

Do you ever feel like what is wrong with me? Am I not loveable? Why do we have so many communication problems? Are you wondering why your relationship is so toxic? Have you felt like you’re walking on eggshells and can’t determine if your husband is abusive or just has a cranky demeanor? All these questions are answered in this interview with Annette Oltmans of the Mend Project as she shares her w...

A loving and connected marriage doesn’t happen by accident. It takes work and intention. In fact, all intimacy takes intention!  Whether that be with your husband or the Lord, in today's episode, Rosie Alejandro gives us tips to grow your relationship with God and strengthen your marriage.    If you loved today's guest, you can find out more about her here: Website: https://theintentionalchristian...

Here are 5 of my newest book recommendations to help you achieve a more loving and connected marriage! Listen in to find out why I think these books are special and how I think they can help you in your marriage journey today.   Wait!!! Before you go!  Here are some ways you can work with me or become a part of my community! Work with me: Schedule a 45 min 1:1 coaching call: https://thegracefueled...

Most women looking to save their marriages first look to try marriage counseling. While Marriage counseling can be really helpful, there are important things to know before you invest time and money into the process.    Not to mention that I take issue with some things that happen in marriage counseling and think it’s important to know the types of marriage counseling I recommend. This episode wil...

We’ve all been there, we’ve all prayed for a thing that was in God’s will or truly believed it to be in His will and wondered why that prayer wasn’t answered or wasn’t answered the way we thought it should.  This conversation between friends will fill your cup and encourage you in a profound way in that season. In this episode, my friend shares the story of how she prayed in earnest to save her ma...

Infidelity…Let’s talk about it. For a show on marriages, I’m surprised I don’t talk about it more!  In this week’s episode, we talk about the root cause of infidelity, discern the risk factors that might exist for our own marriages, and explore ways to guard our marriage against it.    Even if - or especially if, you haven’t walked through infidelity before, this episode is for you!!! Wait!!! Befo...

As wives and moms who wear all the hats and juggle all the priorities, it can be easy to fall into a role of people pleasing and subsequent burnout. This week's guest Tanya Engesether, of the Grace Filled Leader podcast, shares her journey of people pleasing through her work relationships, and how she was able to reclaim her identity in Christ and start setting healthy boundaries. We also get vuln...

We’ve all been through tough seasons in life. Times when we are struggling in life and marriage, times when we don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, times when our mental health is low and we’re experiencing anxiety, depression, overwhelm, and burnout.    As a wife and mom, these seasons can happen more often than you think. In today’s episode, I give you 3 practical ways to give yourself...

It's out of character for me to go so long without an episode!!! Honestly, I've been going through a lot personally over the past few weeks. Here is a QUICK life update AND a link to an episode I guested on for another show. Happy Listening and I'll be back soon for you!! My guest appearance on The Grace Filled Leader Podcast is linked for you below. I will have the episode I recorded with her ava...