If you want to learn what helps a marriage go the distance, it’s good to ask a couple like Dennis and Barbara Rainey. They’ve been married since 1972, and they’ve learned a few lessons along the way.

When Isaiah wrote "Truth has stumbled in the public squares" (Is. 59:14), he could just as well have been describing our day. Dennis and Barbara Rainey discuss the importance of training kids to recognize, appreciate, and love the truth.

Barbara and Dennis Rainey tackle a question facing so many Christian families: how do we teach our children to love and stand for the truth in a world full of shifting values and competing ideas? Barbara shares insights from her own parenting journey—including the challenges of finding engaging material for kids of different ages—and explains why stories, especially those rooted in history and faith, are so powerful for passing down unchanging truths.

Together, the Raineys reflect on our culture's drift toward relativism and the importance of grounding kids in the absolute standards found in Scripture. You'll hear why instilling a love for truth goes far beyond simple lessons about honesty, and discover the enduring role that family storytelling can play in shaping character and courage for generations to come. Stay tuned for practical encouragement and a preview of inspiring real-life stories that illuminate the hope and freedom found in living by the truth.

00:00 Inspirational Family Storybooks

05:37 "Passing Faith Through Storytelling"

07:21 Stories About Truth for Families

11:42 "I Am" Statements Poster Calendar

13:25 "Dying Father's Words Revealed"

When your children leave home, it can be difficult on you as the parent. You might wonder if you're the only one feeling like you do. Barbara Rainey and Susan Yates say, "You're not alone!"

Welcome to the EverThineHome podcast, where we dive deep into the real-life transitions, challenges, and hopes that come with parenting and family life. In today’s episode, "Questions in the Empty Nest," host Michelle is joined by Barbara Rainey and her co-author, Susan Yates, as they open up about the emotional journey of stepping into the empty nest stage.

If your kids have flown the coop and your house feels suddenly quiet—and maybe your emotions are all over the place—this episode is for you. Barbara and Susan share personal stories about the loneliness, change, and even heartache that can accompany this life season. They discuss the universal question so many mothers face: “Am I the only one who feels this way?” Spoiler alert: you’re not.

You’ll hear honest reflections, practical advice for finding new friendships, and thoughtful encouragement to help you process this important transition. Whether your nest is just starting to empty or you’re deep into this season, Barbara, Susan, and Michelle are here to remind you that you are not alone—and to help you discover new purpose and connection along the way.

Let’s get started.

Teenagers are sometimes headstrong and over-confident. Dennis and Barbara Rainey say there's a reason God gives parents to teens. The Raineys help you navigate the choppy—and rewarding—waters of the teen years.

No marriage this side of glory is perfect. Dennis and Barbara Rainey are joined by Bob Lepine to help you avoid repeating mistakes and instead turn them into something that will strengthen your relationship.

What You’ll Learn in this episode:

1. The Importance of Understanding: Discover why getting to the heart of why something affects your spouse is more meaningful than just knowing what to avoid saying or doing.
2. Rookie Mistakes Are Normal: Hear Dennis and Barbara talk about the rookie mistakes they made in their early years of marriage and learn why these mistakes are a natural part of growing together.
3. Handling Differentness: Understand how recognizing and appreciating the innate differences between men and women can enhance your relationship.
4. The Value of Perseverance: Learn why it’s crucial to stick together through thick and thin, adapting and growing in love over the years.
5. Biblical Blueprints for Marriage: Get insights on how having a shared biblical foundation can help couples navigate life's challenges together.

Fun Fact from the Episode:

Did you know that teasing as a form of affection can backfire? Bob shared a funny yet insightful anecdote about how teasing, which was normal in his family growing up, didn't translate well with his wife Marianne, particularly when he pointed out her pimples. It’s a prime example of a rookie mistake that many can learn from! 😄

Timestamps
00:00 "Rookie Season Until Parenthood"

03:56 Photographer Saves Wedding Day Drama

07:49 Family Affection Through Teasing

12:03 "Velveteen Rabbit: Love's True Beauty"

15:43 Humorous Marriage Anecdote

18:18 "Barbara Rainey's Wisdom Subscription"

How can a couple invest in a marriage that lasts? It starts by gaining the right perspective. And, contrary to popular belief, the ultimate purpose of your marriage is not to make you happy. Dennis, Barbara, and Bob cover the first two rules.

Fun Fact from the Episode:

Did you know? Early in their marriage, Barbara assumed Dennis could fix things just like her dad could because she believed it was a typical male trait. It took her ten years to realize that Dennis had other strengths her dad didn't, teaching her to fully accept and love Dennis for who he is!

00:00 Acceptance in Marriage is Ongoing

04:20 "Marriage Advice for Young Couples"

08:30 Balancing Marriage and Biblical Roles

10:41 "Nourishing Love: A Husband's Journey"

15:13 Marriage Podcast Series Promotion

16:16 "Marriage Rules Beyond Fairytales"

5 Keys You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Shattering Unrealistic Expectations: Barbara shares her experience on accepting your spouse as they are and the ongoing practice it requires.
2. Marriage Beyond Happiness: Dennis explains why marriage is more about a transcendent purpose rather than just personal happiness.
3. Role of Marriage as a Growth Agent: Get insights into how marriage helps both men and women grow up and mature in ways they never imagined.
4. Selflessness in Marriage: Discover why self-denial is crucial and how it positively impacts your relationship.
5. Adapting to Differences: Hear Barbara’s journey of learning to appreciate the unique differences between her and Dennis.

Have you thought about the fact that you can choose to be grateful regardless of your circumstances? Barbara is joined by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, author of Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy.