In this episode, we’re joined by our friends, Steve and Lori Barker, to talk about the challenges of balancing a busy marriage and life filled with parenting, careers, and everything in between. From juggling schedules, prioritizing each other, to how they make time for their dreams and personal growth, Steve and Lori share their insights and experiences on maintaining a strong relationship through life’s busiest seasons. We also dive into how they integrate their faith and stay connected through it all, offering practical advice on how to stay grounded and emotionally healthy while managing a hectic life. Whether you’re parenting, in a busy season, or just trying to figure out how to prioritize your spouse while managing the chaos, this episode is packed with wisdom and relatable stories.

Key Points:

• Strategies for balancing marriage, kids, and busy careers
• How to keep your marriage strong in the midst of life’s demands
• The importance of being a cheerleader for your spouse’s dreams
• How setting boundaries, like family schedules and tech-free time, can bring peace
• Practical ways to stay emotionally connected while parenting and working
• The value of prayer and supporting each other through challenges

#MarriageGoals #Parenting #BusyLifeBalance #StrongMarriage #FamilyTime #FaithInMarriage #MarriageTips #ParentingInTheBusySeasons #CoupleGoals #LoveAndSupport #ParentingBalance

Join us as we recap our powerful marriage retreat! We dive deep into the four essential habits for a thriving marriage, inspired by Ted Lowe's book, 'Your Best Us.' Discover practical tips on having 'serious fun,' prioritizing God in your relationship, cultivating love and respect, and practicing your promises. Learn how to overcome common marriage barriers like busyness, seriousness, and the challenges of raising children. We also discuss the importance of date nights, intimacy, and open communication. Whether you're a newlywed or have been married for decades, this episode offers valuable insights to strengthen your bond and build a God-centered marriage.

❤️ Don’t forget to subscribe for more faith-based marriage encouragement!
📢 Like this episode? Share it with a couple who needs to hear it!

Key Points:

• Recap of the marriage retreat and key takeaways from 'Your Best Us'
• The importance of having 'serious fun' and overcoming fun barriers
• Putting God first in your marriage and the power of faith
• Cultivating love and respect through effective communication
• Practicing your promises and building a lasting commitment
• Practical tips for date nights, intimacy, and shared goals

Resources Mentioned:

• 'Your Best Us' by Ted Lowe
• 'Love and Respect' by Emerson Eggerich
• Proverbs 5
• Mark 12:30
• Ephesians 4:29

#ChristianMarriage #MarriagePodcast #RelationshipAdvice #MarriageRetreat #YourBestUs #GodCenteredMarriage #LoveAndRespect #MarriageTips #StrongMarriage #ChristianCouples

Comment your answer! Questions:

• What are some 'fun barriers' you've faced in your marriage, and how did you overcome them?
• How do you prioritize God in your relationship?
• What are some ways you and your spouse practice your promises to one another?
• What are your favorite ways to have fun with your spouse?

Happy Valentine’s! Whether you’re all about the romance or you think it’s just another day, we’re here to give you 14 creative ways to show love to your spouse—not just on Valentine’s Day, but all year round!

There are so many things in life that can distract us from prioritizing our spouse, so we’re sharing practical, fun, and flirty ways to keep the love alive in your marriage. From love notes and surprise treats to sexy texts and spontaneous date nights, these simple yet powerful gestures can help deepen your connection and bring you closer together.

💬 Key Points Discussed:
✅ Why saying “I love you” and showing it matters
✅ 14 creative ways to keep the spark alive
✅ How small gestures (like sticky notes & long kisses) make a big impact
✅ The power of intentional touch, flirtation, and planned dates
✅ How to prioritize your spouse daily—even in a busy life

📖 Bible Verses Mentioned:

• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Love is patient, love is kind…
• Ephesians 5:25 – Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church…
• Proverbs 5:18-19 – Rejoice in the wife of your youth…

💬 Question:
Which of these 14 ways do you already practice? Which one do you want to try next? Let us know in the comments!

❤️ Don’t forget to subscribe for more faith-based marriage encouragement!
📢 Like this episode? Share it with a couple who needs to hear it!

#ChristianMarriage #ValentinesDay #MarriageTips #FaithBasedMarriage #RelationshipAdvice #LoveYourSpouse

Are you or your spouse navigating a difficult season? Whether it’s financial pressure, health challenges, or emotional struggles, this episode of Marriage Monthly dives deep into how to support a struggling spouse with care, empathy, and intention. 💛

Join Gabe and Melissa as they share 10 practical and faith-driven strategies to strengthen your marriage during tough times. From understanding their pace to encouraging their passions, each tip is rooted in Biblical wisdom and real-life experiences. You’ll also learn:

• How to truly listen and provide a safe space for your spouse.
• Why consistent encouragement and small wins matter.
• The importance of self-care when your spouse is struggling.
• How to embrace their pace and celebrate progress.
• Why prayer and faith are essential for breakthrough moments.

🔑 Scripture References:

• Ephesians 4:2: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
• Philippians 4:6-7: “Don’t be anxious about anything…”

This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you navigate hard seasons together, with God at the center. Don’t miss it! 🙌

💬 What’s one way you’ll apply these tips this week? Let us know in the comments!

#MarriageHelp #StrugglingSpouse #ChristianMarriage #FaithInMarriage #MarriageSupport #MarriageAdvice #PrayTogether #MarriageMonthly #EncourageYourSpouse #BiblicalMarriage

Drama can feel unavoidable, especially during high-pressure seasons like the holidays, but it doesn’t have to define your marriage. In this episode of Marriage Monthly, Gabe and Melissa Kolstad dive into the unique challenges couples face when drama creeps in and share their proven five-step P.E.A.C.E. Plan for navigating conflict and restoring harmony in your relationship.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The root causes of marital drama and why it often doubles in December.
• How to approach disagreements with intentionality and prayer.
• The P.E.A.C.E. Plan:

Key Bible Verses:

• Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
• Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
• Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything… And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds.”

Discussion Questions:

• What unresolved drama is currently stealing your peace in marriage?
• Which step of the P.E.A.C.E. Plan can you implement this week?

With practical advice, scriptural wisdom, and real-life examples, this episode equips you with tools to build a stronger, more peaceful marriage, even when life feels chaotic.

Welcome to another enriching episode of Marriage Monthly, where Gabe and Melissa Kolstad dive into the joys and intricacies of vacationing together. This episode is not just about the relaxation and escape vacations offer, but about deepening bonds and creating lasting memories. Whether it’s exploring the cultural tapestry of Copenhagen, experiencing the heritage-rich scenes of Scandinavia, or simply enjoying the thrill of new destinations, Gabe and Melissa share their insights on how vacations can significantly enrich relationships.

Key Points Covered:

•Strategic Vacationing: Learn the art of planning and executing memorable vacations that rejuvenate your relationship.

•Economic Travel Tips: Discover how to enjoy lavish trips without the lavish price tag, including tips on using travel points effectively.

•Making Memories: Understand why creating shared memories is foundational to a strong relationship and how to make the most out of every trip.

•Balancing Relaxation with Adventure: Explore the dynamics of different vacationing styles and find what best suits your relationship.

Resources Mentioned:

•Expedia for booking and managing travel plans to maximize points.

•Groupon for affordable travel deals.

•Specific travel credit cards for earning points towards free trips.

#TravelTogether #MarriageGoals #AdventureCouples #VacationPlanning #MemoryMaking

Do you ever feel like life’s busyness is pulling your family in different directions? In this episode, we unpack the challenge of maintaining meaningful connections amidst work, schedules, and the chaos that comes with raising teenagers. Whether it’s reclaiming family dinners, embracing intentional moments, or balancing personal goals with relationships, we’ve got practical insights to help you reconnect.

Join us as we discuss:

• Navigating the Shift: How to adjust when teenagers start working and schedules get hectic.
• Replacing Busy with Intentionality: Why swapping “busy time” for “together time” makes all the difference.
• Avoiding Relational Drift: How to stay emotionally connected even during long, hard seasons.
• Productivity vs. Presence: Finding a healthy balance between achieving goals and making space for loved ones.
• Practical Tips to Reconnect: From family walks to casual errands—small actions that build deeper bonds.

Whether you’re in the thick of raising kids, pursuing personal goals, or simply feeling disconnected from loved ones, this episode offers relatable stories and helpful advice.

Resources Mentioned:

• Family Dinner Rituals – Why creating consistent time matters.
• Tips for Intentional Breaks – Making space for each other amidst busy schedules.
• Personal Reflections on Parenting and Marriage – How we’ve stayed connected through life’s ups and downs.

#FamilyBalance #IntentionalLiving #ParentingTeens #PodcastLife #StayConnected #BusySeason #MarriageTips #RelationshipsMatter #FamilyFirst #Reconnect #ChristianPodcast

In this eye-opening episode of Marriage Monthly, Gabe and Melissa dive into the three critical signs that indicate a marriage may be heading toward misery. With compassion and practical advice, they help listeners identify these signs and provide actionable steps to restore joy and connection in their relationships.

Key Topics Covered:

• Sign 1: Emotional Disconnect: Learn to recognize when communication breaks down and feelings of loneliness set in. Gabe and Melissa discuss the importance of prioritizing emotional intimacy and engagement.
• Sign 2: Constant Conflict: Understand how frequent arguments can erode the foundation of a marriage. They share strategies for navigating conflicts constructively and turning disagreements into opportunities for growth.
• Sign 3: Lack of Commitment: Explore the signs of complacency and disengagement. Gabe and Melissa emphasize the necessity of recommitting to one another and share practical tips for reigniting passion and dedication.
• Actionable Solutions: For each sign, the couple provides concrete steps couples can take to address issues and enhance their marriage, fostering a deeper connection and understanding.

Resources Mentioned:

• Biblical Reference: Ephesians 4:2-3, focusing on humility and patience in relationships.
• Practical Exercises: Suggestions for activities that couples can do together to strengthen their bond.

If you found this episode helpful, please like, share, and subscribe to Marriage Monthly. Leave a comment or question below, and let us know your thoughts. Your feedback helps us create more valuable content for couples striving to build stronger marriages.

Join us next month for another impactful episode where we continue to explore the challenges and triumphs of marriage. Together, we can make every relationship stronger and more fulfilling.