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

We are so excited to introduce you to our good friends, Cris and Christy Harper. After God moved them to Edmonton from Alabama in the midst of a global pandemic to start church ministry, they felt a bit untethered in life and in their marriage. As they were approaching the end of the year, God invited them to a new practice, one which they've developed and practiced regularly at the end of each year. It's an incredible way of connecting, of building courage in communication, of repentance, of building friendship and deepening communion with one another and with Christ. Join us for this humour-filled and deeply encouraging conversation as we approach the end of 2025! Resources Here is the Spiritual Health Reflection and the Rule of Life Builder by the folks over at Practicing the Way. Interested in becoming a marriage mentor? FamilyLife Canada can provide the training and resources you need here.  Next Steps If you'd like to get in touch, we'd love to hear from you and to pray with you! Send us an e-mail: [email protected] Please pray about supporting this non-profit podcast. For more information on making a charitable donation, please visit: https://livingmarriages.com

In Episode 89, we spoke with our friend Justin Chan about how in being curious about our differences and learning to honour them, God can draw us closer to one another and himself! On today's Thursday Thought we take time to reflect on some of the differences in our marriage, get curious about them and pray about how the Lord might be inviting us to honour these differences. We also are reminded about three of the most important words you can use in your marriage: "Tell me more!" Next Steps If you'd like us to pray for you or if you have any episode suggestions or ideas, get in touch with us! We'd love to hear from you: [email protected] If you're feeling led to make a charitable donation to help keep this non-profit ministry "on the air," please visit our website: https://livingmarriages.com

If you've been listening to the podcast for awhile, you'll know that two of the biggest dangers marriages face today are "drift" and "difference". Each is a tool the enemy uses to great effect to drive us further apart in our marriages.  Today's guest, Justin Chan, Director of Oneness for Power to Change and founder of the PRAXIS experience, shares his wisdom and experience of how understanding and honouring the differences between us and our spouse can actually bring us closer to each other and to God. We chat about: The importance of self-awareness in our relationships with one another and God Discovering how cultural and social differences might be at play in our marriages Being curious about and honouring our differences Finding spiritual rhythms and practices that suit our personalities and that still bring us closer together in unity What it looks like to be "present FOR" our spouse when they can't be "present WITH." Next Steps If you'd like prayer or have feedback, guest or episode ideas, we'd love to hear from you! You can e-mail us at [email protected] If you're feeling led to support this non-profit ministry, you can make a charitable donation through our website https://livingmarriages.com  

As we discussed in Ep. 87, the holiday season can be anything but "the most wonderful time of the year." However, with clear communication and intentional planning, our families can move from just surviving this time to actually enjoying and thriving in it. Join us for this Thursday Thought as we reflect further on what kind of communication and planning we might need to have BEFORE we're in the thick of it. Plus, we pray that God would restore to us the wonder of Advent and Christmas, without all of the cultural baggage and expectation we often experience. Next Steps Get in touch! We'd love to hear from you about prayer requests you have or episode or guest ideas! [email protected] Want to donate to this non-profit ministry to help keep new content being published? Make a charitable donation at https://livingmarriages.com 

"It's the most wonderful time of the year..." At least that's how the carol goes. With American Thanksgiving barely in the rearview mirror and Christmas barreling towards us, are you feeling the joy and wonder of the Advent and Christmas seasons or are you feeling the pressure and expectation of yet another holiday? If you're feeling the pressure, like we are, make sure to stop and do this one thing: communicate! On this episode, we learn alongside you and encourage you to: Communicate clearly - make sure you both know what you are saying "yes" to Take time to understand your family traditions and expectations Make time for dates and connecting in the midst of busyness Prioritize your immediate family, even if you are travelling and visiting family abroad Resources For a great conversation of family of origin (especially in light of family traditions) please visit Episode 75. For some practical ideas for weekly check-ins as a couple, listen to Episode 11. (Links will open podcast episodes in Apple Podcasts) Next Steps We'd love to hear from you about how we can be praying for you during the holiday season. Or send us feedback and show note ideas! [email protected] If you'd like to support this non-profit ministry with a charitable donation, please visit https://livingmarriages.com