The Living Marriages Podcast | Effective Communication, Intimacy, Healthy Habits, Christian Counseling, Christian Parenting

"Where did that come from?"

Often in marriages, something will happen that triggers a response that seems so disproportionate that we're often left wondering "where did that come from?" This is the result of pain, something we've been learning to recognize and map over the last several episodes.

Today, we find God's hope and healing for that pain. In this episode we talk about:

How reality and truth don't always align

How important it is to hear and receive God's truth

How self-regulation is a result of our reality coming together with God's truth

We also speak God's truth over you, our listeners from Scripture and pray his truth for you as well.

Resources

We have been so inspired as we work our way through Ron and Nan Deal's book, The Mindful Marriage. We're also excited to share that Ron and Nan will be on our podcast soon and will be in Edmonton, Alberta at Beulah Alliance Church for The Mindful Marriage Conference, January 29-30, 2027. More information can be found here. Get in touch with us for a discount code: info@livingmarriages.com

When was the last time you hit "PAUSE" during a heated argument?
It is incredibly difficult to do. When our pain triggers our spouse's pain, arguments can spiral out of control in seconds. But as Ron and Nan Deal write in The Mindful Marriage, "pause is possible." That single possibility is all we need to find hope that our patterns can change.
 
In this episode, we dive into how mindfulness can break the cycle of reactive arguments and bring peace into your relationship.

 
In This Episode, We Discuss:

The Power of Mindfulness: How shifting focus can move your communication from pain to peace, even in the middle of a heated argument.

Gaining Perspective: Why looking objectively at your pain changes how you respond to your spouse.

The Practice of Recognition: Practical ways to identify your internal pain triggers before they take over the conversation.

Here is a link to a worksheet to help you map your Pain Cycle by Ron and Nan Deal. 

Connect & Pray With Us!
The journey of gaining perspective and recognizing your pain is not easy, and you don’t have to walk it alone. If you are struggling or simply want someone to journey with you, we would love to pray for you and encourage you.

Reach out to us directly: info@livingmarriages.com

"Pain drives reactivity..."

We've all been there. An innocent comment turns into an hour-long fight or a simple mistake makes us feel worthless. What is happening? Why do we react in a way to certain things that seem out of proportion or don't make sense? The answer in all likelihood is pain. 

In this episode we discuss:

Our Pain Stories: How they are built over time and shape our reactions.

The Path to Healing: Why moving forward means facing our pain head-on.

4 Unhealthy Coping Strategies: Breaking down Blame, Shame, Control, and Escape.

God's Hope: Remembering that pain never has the last word

Resources

The Mindful Marriage by Ron and Nan Deal. A book full of sound biblical teaching, wisdom, and helpful exercises. Get your copy here: rondeal.org

The Raabsmith Team: Highly recommended therapists and coaches specializing in the Restoration Therapy modality. Visit their website: https://raabsmithteam.com/

Get in touch

If you want someone to pray with you or encourage you, we would love to hear from you!
📬 Drop us a line: info@livingmarriages.com

You've heard about the importance of having "an attitude of gratitude," but what does that actually mean in practice?
On today's episode, we break down the tangible science and daily habits behind true thankfulness. We discuss:

The Brain Science: 7 ways gratitude literally rewires and transforms our brains.

The Relationship Impact: How renewing your mind can completely reshape and help heal your marriage.

The Daily Practice: Simple steps to shift out of a negativity bias and into a growth mindset together.

Resources

Read the article: 7 Ways Gratitude Rewires Your Brain 

Connect With Us!
We’d love to hear from you. Drop us a line at info@livingmarriages.com to share your episode ideas, or let us know how our team can be praying for you this week!

All You Need Is Love???
Popular culture tells us that love is the only ingredient a marriage needs. Songs by Frank Sinatra and The Beatles make it sound simple. However, believing this myth can lead to division and heartbreak. Love is vital, but a thriving marriage requires more.
 
In this episode, we explore the truth about what makes a marriage work. We look at how love, identity, trust and safety build a lasting bond.
 

Key Topics Covered

The concept of "usness": What it means for two people to truly become one flesh.

The foundation: How God's love and faithfulness help us relate to our spouses.

The two pillars: Why love and trust must work together.

Love and trust in action: How love gives you identity, and trust creates safety.

Featured Resources

Book Recommendation: Read The Mindful Marriage by Ron and Nan Deal for transformational advice.

Podcast: Listen to Living Marriages Podcast Episode 65 to discover how your view of God impacts your relationship.

Get in Touch
Do you need prayer, or do you have ideas for future episodes? Send an email to info@livingmarriages.com.