Focus on the Family Strengthening Marriage Podcast
Episodes
Enjoying Sex in Your Marriage
16 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sex is an exclusive gift meant for you and your spouse. But what do you do when physical intimacy becomes more of a challenge than a pleasure? John, E...
Prioritizing Physical Intimacy in Busy Seasons
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After you and your spouse have kids, it's easy to let things like physical intimacy become less of a priority. John, Erin and Greg address how many co...
Subtle Spiritual Attacks
09 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Little irritations can creep in your marriage if you're not careful. Those small annoyances might also be something the enemy wants to use to divide y...
Staying Consistent with Prayer in Marriage
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Praying for your mate is one of the best practices you can develop with your spouse. But what do you do when prayer feels awkward? John and the Smalle...
What Showing Respect Means
02 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Every husband longs to feel respected. Yet, how can wives practically show respect? John, Greg and Erin discuss insecurities men feel and how giving r...
When a Husband Disappoints You
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Unmet expectations in marriage are where disappointments can start to creep in. John, Erin and Greg bring up common expectations couples have going in...
Formulas Don't Work for Sex
26 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Understanding Different Sexual Needs
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to how people define "intimacy," it's fairly common for husbands and wives to have different definitions. John and Erin discuss how men ...
Staying Together in the Tough Times
19 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When your marriage goes through a trying season, it can either make your relationship better or harder. How you respond to difficulties is what matter...
When Your Relationship Faces Heartbreak
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Every marriage faces heartbreak at some point. If you or a couple you're friends with is in a challenging season, John, Greg and Erin will share how y...
When You Feel Uncomfortable with Prayer
12 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When your schedule is packed, it's easy to put prayer on the backburner. To help you in your marriage, John, Greg and Erin share what reminds them to ...
Praying the Lord’s Prayer
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
One of the most famous prayers Jesus prayed is called The Lord's Prayer. John, Erin and Greg discuss how praying with your mate can improve your marri...
Prioritizing Your Marriage in a Blended Family
05 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Making a blended family marriage work takes relying on God's love and grace. But what do you do when you're struggling to get on the same page spiritu...
When Children Oppose a Remarriage
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It can be a very tricky situation if a parent wants to get remarried, but a child is opposed to it. John talks with Erin about how a son or daughter c...
Sex from Your Spouse's Perspective
29 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to sex, it's good to consider what your spouse wants as more important than what you want. John talks to the Smalley's about why it's no...
Common Misconceptions About Sex
27 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Many couples struggle to talk about sex because they fear being vulnerable. John speaks with Greg and Erin about common struggles and misconceptions c...
When Your Parent's Marriage Wasn't Good
22 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How can you be a good spouse if your parents didn't model a healthy marriage for you? John, Greg and Erin offer hope to those who didn't come from a g...
Love Like a Bulldog
20 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The wedding vows are a significant part of the ceremony, and a sign of true commitment. John talks with Greg and Erin about the importance of wedding ...
Praying Through Marital Struggles
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Prayer is a powerful tool to help you and your spouse get closer. John speaks with Greg and Erin about the ways they've seen prayer make a difference ...
"Lord, Please Fix My Spouse."
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When you're annoyed at your spouse, it's easy to pray, "God, please change my mate!" Yet, a more mature approach is learning to recognize your own fla...
5 Tips for Blended Families
08 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In a blended family, the dynamics of learning to get along can be very tricky. However, with God's help, a relationship can work out in the long run. ...
When a Kid is Rejecting Your Spouse
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If a child is struggling to get along with your spouse, it can put quite a strain on your marriage. John, Greg and Erin offer some hope for people who...
Sex and Healthy Expectations
01 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Almost every disappointment in marriage can be traced to an unmet expectation. The same is true about sex. John, Greg and Erin offer some hope to wive...
Designed for Mutual Pleasure
29 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Almost every disappointment in marriage can be traced to an unmet expectation. The same is true about sex. John, Greg and Erin offer some hope to wive...
Expressing True Humility to Your Spouse
24 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever done something nice for your spouse, but deep inside, you were hoping for a compliment? We've all been guilty of that in some way. John,...
Being Kind When You Feel Like Being Mean
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are times when it's easy to be kind to everyone else, but rude your spouse. What do you do in those moments? John, Greg and Erin discuss things ...
When You Struggle to Pray for Your Spouse
17 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You and your spouse want a marriage that honors God. Yet, how can you make time for things like praying together when your schedule is full? John, Gre...
Compassion and Restoration for a Porn Addict
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you find out your husband is struggling with porn, your initial reaction might be very negative. However, shaming your mate is not the solution, Go...
Communicating with Your Spouse About Sibling Rivalries
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If two of your kids aren't getting along, it can cause a lot of stress in your marriage. John, Erin and Greg discuss times when their kids haven't got...
Loving Your Blended Family
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Millions of people today are in a blended family. While some of those relationships can be very good, many are facing a lot of challenges. Greg, Erin ...
What Sex Needs to Be
03 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sex is part of God's beautiful design for marriage. Yet, many people today are walking into marriage with a sexual secret. John, Erin and Greg provide...
Sex & a Heart Connection
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sex is about so much more than just a physical connection. It's also about connecting your heart to your spouse's heart. John, Greg and Erin offer a h...
Defining God's Love
27 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We all want to feel loved. Yet, real love isn't the same as it's typically portrayed in entertainment. John and Greg discuss the beauty and the diffic...
Good & Bad Definitions of Love
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's easy to say, "I love you," during the dating phase of a relationship? But, what does that phrase truly mean. John, Greg and Erin offer a perspect...
When a Wife Struggles with Porn
20 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Troubling statistics indicate that pornography addiction is not just a problem for men, but a lot of women are also struggling with it too. John, Greg...
Confessing the Embarrassing Secret
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you're struggling with pornography, it can be easy to say to yourself, "I'll never tell someone." However, true healing for your marriage happens w...
Adjustments for Blended Couples
13 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Every marriage goes through a lot of changes at the beginning. That is especially true for blended family couples. John, Greg, and Erin discuss change...
Loving Your Spouse's Kids
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A unique challenge that couples in blended families face is trying to win the approval of your spouse's children. John, Erin and Greg share how blende...
When You Don't Have the Talk
06 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Physical intimacy is a very significant part of your marriage. Yet, it's a topic that many couples are uncomfortable discussing. John, Erin and Greg e...
An Eternal Perspective for Your Marriage
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One day, the story of your marriage on earth will come to an end. While that may seem sad, recognizing that reality can be a huge motivator for treati...
Looking Back to Go Forward
29 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Your love story is unique. Reflecting on how you fell in love can bring joy to your relationship now. John, Greg and Erin share about their own love s...
A Few Minute Adjustment
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It can be frustrating when it feels like you're the one doing all of the work in your marriage. How do you get unstuck from those scenarios? John, Gre...
Submitting to God When It's Hard
22 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Bible says that wives should submit to their husbands, but that Scripture should never be used in an abusive way. This is especially true if trust...
Shame & Pornography Addiction
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A pornography struggle leads to a lot of shame. To help offer hope to those caught in a cycle of shame, John, Greg and Erin discuss how God's grace ca...
Love Languages & Blended Families
15 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Knowing and learning to speak your spouse's love language can revolutionize your marriage. The same is also true for those in blended families. John, ...
Crockpot Expectations
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Some things in life take time. For blended families, the challenges may be difficult, but it's possible to make it work with God's help. John, Erin an...
The Small Things That Add Up
08 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Small decisions that add up over time can lead to big results. The same principle applies to the investments you make in your marriage. John, Greg and...
How Can I Bless You?
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Seeking to bless your spouse without expecting anything in return takes maturity. Sometimes, being a blessing might also need to be having a tough con...
Forgiving the Spouse Who Hurt You
01 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When you've been hurt by your spouse, it's easy to either hold a grudge or not deal with it at all. Is there hope to move on after your mate has wound...
Gentleness for the Conflict
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What you say in the middle of a conflict with your spouse can help resolve the tension or make things worse. Greg and Erin talk with John about how th...
100% Commitment
25 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A good marriage is built on a foundation where both spouses are giving their best effort. However, what do you do when it feels like you're the only o...
Developing a Strong Partnership
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Your marriage needs a strong partnership to function well. Encouraging each other can go a long way to strengthening your relationship. John speaks wi...
Porn Doesn't Mean Your Marriage is Over
18 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When it's discovered that a spouse is addicted to pornography, it's heartbreaking because trust has been severed. If this is something that's impacted...
Grace and Justice for a Porn Addict
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A small bit of curiosity regarding pornography can lead to a dangerous cycle of addiction. John, Erin and Greg share ways that a wife can show her hus...
Paying Attention to What Your Spouse Doesn't Like
11 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
All of us have annoying habits that get on our spouse's nerves. Rather than sweeping them under the rug, it's better to see those habits as opportunit...
A Magnificent Obsession for Your Marriage
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Scripture commands to seek God above anything else. But how do you stay focused on the Lord when life gets busy in your marriage? Greg, Erin and John ...
Stay Inside the 9s
04 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One of the worst things you can do is try to have a serious conversation with your spouse when one or both of you is tired. It might be that you need ...
Wise Habits for Results You Want
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When you and your spouse were first dating, you naturally did things to make each other feel happy. As time goes on in marriage, it can be easy to neg...
Your Spouse Should be First
28 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Besides your relationship with God, your relationship with your spouse is the most important one. To help illustrate that point, John, Erin and Greg s...
Three Roles a Spouse Should Play
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Many couples will tell you that a strong friendship is one of the best aspects of marriage. But if couples are not careful, it can be easy to get caug...
When Your Spouse is Addicted to Porn
21 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When a wife learns her husband is struggling with pornography, it's very heartbreaking. In that situation, where do you turn to for help? John, Erin a...
Why Sexual Addiction is So Dangerous
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Small compromises with pornography can lead to a serious addiction problem. When left undealt with, it will do a lot of harm to your marriage. John, E...
Loving Your Spouse, Loving Your In-Laws
14 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There's an old saying that goes, "You don't just marry your spouse, you marry his or her family." But how do you work through a situation where a rela...
Loving God's Daughter
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As a husband, one of the best things to recognize is that your wife is God's daughter. John, Greg and Erin discuss how having daughters has helped the...
Making Your Expectations Clear
07 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
While no spouse can meet all of your dreams and desires, it's still important to make your expectations clear. Without sharing what you're expecting, ...
Healthy Adjustments to Your Expectations
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
All of us have expectations for what we thought marriage would be like. Yet, at some point, things won't go according to plan, and how you respond wil...
The Intentional Marriage
30 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Couples who go the distance don't just drift into a successful relationship. Truth be told, it takes consistent effort to succeed in marriage. John, E...
Marriage and Video Games
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
While some video games aren't necessarily bad, if they prevent you from communicating with your spouse, they can do great harm to your marriage. John,...
The Dangers of a Pornography Problem
23 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sadly, many married people today have a secret addiction to pornography. If left in the dark, it can destroy the very foundation of your relationship....
Come Out of Hiding
21 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When things aren't going well in your marriage, having supportive friends is one of the best blessings you can have. None of us are meant to go throug...
Loving Without Expectations
16 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Is it possible to love your spouse without expecting anything in return? Truth be told, we can only love that way if we're relying on God's love to fi...
Don't Become a Spider Spouse
14 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Unrealistic expectations are something all of us struggle with, yet they're very damaging to a marriage. John, Greg and Erin share how they've learned...
After the Storm Has Passed
09 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After your marriage has gone through a hard time, it can be tempting to bring up past hurts to your spouse. The truth is, recovery is anything but an ...
Reconciliation is Still Possible
07 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When there's been a betrayal in a marriage, healing can take a long time. While waiting for restoration isn't easy, God is willing to send you some he...
Replacing Selfishness & Control
02 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If we're honest, we all struggle with selfishness in marriage. However, a good dose of gratitude can be the best solution for selfishness. John and Gr...
When Little Irritations Meet Grace
31 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
All of us can find something annoying about our spouse. But, you can choose to show grace even when you don't feel like doing so. Greg talks with John...
Community in the Fight
26 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You and your spouse weren't meant to do life alone. Having other couples around you is key to a healthy relationship. John and Greg discuss how their ...
Deal with Technology Distractions
24 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
While technology is a great tool, spending too much time on a screen can distract you from quality time with your spouse. John talks with Greg, who sh...
What We Long For—Connection
19 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sadly, many married couples report feeling lonely. Sometimes, it might even take a third-party to help you reconnect. John and Greg share how counseli...
When Your Spouse Needs Empathy
17 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
While you and your spouse cannot trade places, showing empathy to each other can go a long way toward strengthening your relationship. John and Greg d...
Doing it God's Way
12 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If your vehicle had a problem, sometimes, looking in the owner's manual can help you fix it. In the same way, when your marriage faces a challenge, go...
When God Changes a Husband's Heart
10 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Even when things seem difficult in your marriage, it's never too late for God to do a miracle. John and Greg discuss how seeking the Lord can make a b...
Learning to Become a Team
05 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Is it possible to know whether someone would be a good teammate and show you kindness even before marriage? John and Greg discuss how to show someone ...
Working on You Before Your Spouse
03 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Real change in marriage occurs when we stop fixating on everything our spouse needs to change. It takes true character to focus on what you need to wo...
5 Signs of Spiritual Attack
28 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What do you do when you and your spouse are constantly getting on each other's nerves? It may be that you're facing a spiritual attack. John, Erin and...
Deal With the Little Irritations
26 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Small problems that aren't talked about in your marriage can turn into big issues later on, John, Greg and Erin discuss why it's important to talk thi...
When Your Spouse is Depressed
21 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When you and your spouse are in a stressful season, the chances of one of you struggling with depression are much higher than normal. How do you navig...
Where You Feel Lonely
19 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Every couple, no matter how good their marriage is, has an area in the relationship where they feel lonely. To offer a word of encouragement, John, Gr...
Why Divorce Isn't the Answer
14 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When you first got married, you hoped it would last for a lifetime. Sadly, many couples who say their vows are choosing to get a divorce. John, Erin a...
Where Unhealthy Expectations are Born
12 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
While romantic music and movies can make us feel good, they sometimes paint an unrealistic picture of what marriage is really like. John, Erin and Gre...
Making Your Husband Feel Appreciated
07 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Whether he verbalizes it or not, your husband wants to feel validated. A little bit of encouragement can go a long way in your relationship. John, Eri...
Wives Want a Selfless Listener
05 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Many times, a wife just wants her husband to listen when she needs to talk. John, Greg and Erin discuss how a husband can be a good listener, even he ...
Subtle Temptation
31 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Temptation is sometimes a very subtle thing, but not dealing with it can cause a lot of problems in your marriage. John, Erin and Greg share some ways...
Recognizing Spiritual Warfare
29 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The fact is, spiritual warfare is part of marriage. The key to victory is in relying on God's strength and not on your own. John, Erin and Greg provid...
Ending Isolation in Your Marriage
24 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When you don't feel as close to your spouse as you'd like, how do you reconnect? While some seasons are busier than others, feeling disconnected long-...
Sharing Your Spouse's Burden
22 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In marriage, it's sometimes easy to get caught up in your activities. However, focusing too much on what needs to be done can leave you feeling alone ...
Where is God When Your Marriage Hits the Bottom?
17 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Even when your marriage hits rock bottom, God will never leave you. John, Greg and Erin provide encouragement to couples who feel like there is no hop...
Hope for the Emotionally Broken
15 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When your mate has suffered past abuse, it might take years or even decades for him or her to heal. The process can be very difficult and full of twis...
Symptoms of an Affair
10 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When a person chooses to cheat on his or her spouse, it will have devastating consequences on the marriage. John, Greg and Erin will address this heav...
When It Seems Good, but It Isn't
08 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes, it can look like you have a good marriage on the surface. But underneath, something is harming the foundation of your relationship. In thos...