Their first Christmas nearly broke them. Five kids, two parenting styles, zero prep. But Scott and Deana Thayer didn’t quit—they built a blended family from mismatched traditions, co-parenting chaos, and grace-fueled grit. As a couple now helping blended families thrive, the Thayers share hard-won wisdom, church-sized challenges, and the “95/5” rule that saved their sanity. Blending isn’t easy—but it’s worth every messy, beautiful step.

Show Notes and Resources

• Gift a copy of Gayla's new devotional, Beautifully Blended
• Access the free Smart Stepfamily Series
• Look for a small group online
• Blended & Blessed is April 18, 2026
• Find a qualified counselor for your marriage and family
• Support FamilyLife Blended

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What if your marriage pivoted on three humble questions? Dr. Gary Chapman—yes, the Five Love Languages guy—gets real about early struggles, foot-washing humility, and how servant-hearted love transformed his 64-year marriage. Blended families, take heart: Far from fluff, these are faith-fueled, grit-tested keys to a successful marriage--as well as messy love, lasting connection, and conflict that doesn’t destroy. Find real talk, deep grace, and hope you can hold onto.

Show Notes and Resources

• Order a copy of Gary and Ron's book, Building Love Together
• Access blended resources and sign up for our free newsletter
• Meet Ron and Nan in person at a speaking event! RonDeal.org
• Discover your love language, learn more about Dr. Chapman, or get a copy of his new book, A Simple Guide for A Better Marriage 5lovelanguages.com
• Make a tax deductible donation

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Divorce…hurts. But for kids caught in the middle, it can feel like the world has split in two. How can you help kids cope with divorce and remarriage? Summer Butler, creator of Blended: Navigating Life Between Two Homes, cracks open a healing workbook for kids juggling two homes, big feelings, and confusing rules. Hear her raw story, then discover how drawing, writing, and boundary-setting can bring clarity, comfort—and even joy.

Show Notes and Resources

• Learn about Summer, and get her workbook, BLENDED, Navigating Life Between Two Homes www.blendedbookco.com
• Search for virtual groups
• Get the 2025 Summit All-access digital pass
• Order a copy of The Mindful Marriage
• Make donation to FamilyLife Blended
• The next Smart Stepfamily Therapy training

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