Focus on the Family Strengthening Marriage Podcast
Episodes
When You Misunderstand Your Mate
11 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Every marriage faces misunderstandings. While they can be awkward in the moment, they can also be something you laugh about it in the future. John, Er...
Serving Your Special Someone
09 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Serving your spouse is a wonderful thing. But what would your marriage look like if you served your mate without expecting anything in return? John, G...
Recovering a Broken Relationship
04 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When trust has been shattered in your marriage, the recovery process can take months or even years. Is there hope when your relationship is hanging on...
Avoiding an Affair
02 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Most affairs can be traced back to something small. A tiny compromise, a little white lie, and before you know it, your marriage is in serious trouble...
Marriage is Like a Canoe
25 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When your spouse gets on your nerves, it hits much closer to home than when someone else does. If left unchecked, those little annoyances can become s...
Having Fun With Your Differences
23 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's common for spouses with completely different personalities to find each other. The early bird marries a night owl, and an extrovert marries an in...
God's Plan for Your Sex Life
18 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
God designed sex to be a wonderful gift for you and your spouse. Yet, many couples are trying to work through a sexual struggle. If that's you today, ...
Making Space for Humor
16 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Some of the sweetest memories with your spouse will probably involve laughing together. The truth is, appreciating each other's sense of humor can be ...
Being There for Your Spouse
11 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We all want our spouse to be there for us. No matter what happens in life, having a faithful mate through the good and bad times can be so comforting....
Adjusting With Changing Seasons
09 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's been said before that as the seasons change, so do we as people. The truth is, as years come and go, you and your spouse won't be the same people...
Helping Your Marriage Through Little Changes
04 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's fair to say you and your spouse are not the same person. When your differences become more evident, it's easy to get into arguments over things l...
Healthy Ways for Wives to Discuss Sex
02 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Talking to your spouse about sex can be very awkward and uncomfortable. If you are trying to work through a sexual struggle in your marriage, you're n...
Picking the Right Fights
28 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When you and your spouse run into conflict, the key to success is knowing which battles to fight and which ones to avoid. John, Greg and Erin offer so...
Choosing Forgiveness, Even When It's Hard
26 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When your spouse hurts you, your knee-jerk reaction might be to hold on tightly to unforgiveness. But choosing not to forgive can cause even more dama...
Laughing Together as a Couple
21 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What were some things that attracted you to your spouse? Maybe, it was his or her sense of humor, or the way he or she laughed? Greg and Erin tell Joh...
Finding Reasons to Laugh
19 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A moment that goes wrong can turn into one of your funniest memories. The truth is, learning to laugh together can be one of the greatest blessings in...
Preparing for Transitions
14 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As your kids grow up, changes will happen in your marriage. No matter how much you love your children, your marriage must remain a priority. Greg, Eri...
Having Couple Friends
12 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Your spouse might be your best friend, but doing life with other couples can make your marriage even stronger. None of us are meant to go through life...
Finding a Fun Activity
07 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As your children come and grow, it's good for you and your spouse to have fun activities you enjoy doing together. Whether they're big or small, the u...
Recapturing Romance in Busy Times
05 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
You come home from a busy day, and instead of looking forward to a romantic candlelit dinner with your spouse, you're having to watch the kids for the...
Choosing Right When Your Spouse Chooses Wrong (Part 2 of 2)
31 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone wants a good marriage, but having one takes a lot of work. Sometimes, a change in perspective is what you need to take your relationship to t...
Choosing Right When Your Spouse Chooses Wrong (Part 1 of 2)
29 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When you and your spouse face a challenge, how you respond can mean the difference between solving the problem or letting it cause weeks of tension. T...
Making Time for Each Other
24 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Time is a precious gift, but in a non-stop world, finding a few minutes together is hard to do. When your schedule is full, having a deep conversation...
Learning to Resolve Conflict
22 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In the heat of an argument, it's easy to say something to your spouse that you later regret. When you're angry after a conflict, it's critical to deal...
Spiritual Maturity in Your Marriage
17 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Growing together spiritually in your marriage doesn't happen by accident. Sometimes, asking your spouse questions is one of the best ways to start. Jo...
Facing Hard Seasons Together
15 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Every couple faces hardship. Whether it's a financial struggle, a strong disagreement, or problems with a child, conflict can strengthen your marriage...
Overcoming the Bad With Good
10 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It's not an uncommon marriage problem: one spouse is working hard, but the other is indifferent. When this scenario happens, it can be easy for the ma...
Shake Out the Selfishness
08 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever felt like you're doing all the work in your marriage, but your spouse isn't giving anything back? The truth is, we've all been selfish a...
Keys for Compromising Well
03 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Having a great marriage sometimes requires not getting your way. Without healthy compromise, selfishness can rob your relationship of strength and joy...
Showing that You Care
01 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We all desire to be heard by our spouse. But in our technology saturated world, it can be easy to get distracted and tune your spouse out. John, Erin ...
Don't Do This in an Argument
26 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
How you handle conflict in your marriage can help or hurt your relationship. Sometimes, before you get into an argument, it's good to have rules for h...
When Your Marriage Isn't Pretty
24 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Marriage is far from perfect. We've all faced a misunderstood comment or a tough season with our spouse. What do you do when your spouse says or does ...
Finding Real Happiness in Your Marriage
19 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Your spouse may be trying to do a good a job, but he or she can only do so much. What do you do when your spouse isn't meeting your expectations? John...
Handling Conflict with Kindness
17 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What if I told you that a small act of kindness could diffuse an argument with your spouse? While it's not a guarantee, choosing kindness in the midst...
Rules for Confrontation
12 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Every married couple has to have difficult conversations from time to time. In those moments, it's important to choose your words carefully and not us...
When Your Spouse Overracts
10 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When you or your spouse overreact to a problem, it can lead to hurt feelings and stress in your relationship. As emotions run high, diffusing the tens...
Rekindling the Romance
05 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When you don't feel those warm, romantic feelings, it can be a great time to remind yourself of how you fell in love with your spouse. John, Greg and ...
The Importance of Laughing Together
03 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
One of the best ways to have fun with your spouse is to laugh together. John talks with Greg and Erin about how laugher has benefitted their marriage....
Fighting for Your Marriage
29 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A fight with your spouse can be very uncomfortable. But after working through a conflict, your marriage can be stronger. John, Erin and Greg describe ...
Marriage and Your Family of Origin
27 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It's been said before, "you don't just marry your spouse, you marry his or her family." The truth is, the family you come from will influence your mar...
Getting Past Negative Emotions
22 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When you aren't in a good mood, it's easy to be rude to your spouse. As negative emotions come, how do you respond? Greg and Erin talk with John about...
Honey, How Are You?
20 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Communicating your feelings to your spouse is critical for maintaining a healthy marriage. It's especially important when raising little children toge...
Giving and Receiving Comfort
15 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A comforting spouse can be a great gift as you're going through a hard season. When you receive comfort from him or her, it's also important to give i...
When Your Spouse Gets Stressed
13 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone has a reaction to stress. In stressful moments, how do you and your spouse respond? John, Greg and Erin talk about things that have brought t...
Overcoming Roadblocks to Intimacy
08 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We all long for emotional intimacy, but the journey toward it is usually met with challenges. How can we overcome them? John, Erin and Greg discuss so...
Having the Hard Conversations
06 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When a hard conversation is needed, it's critical to show your spouse a lot of grace. Greg, Erin and John talk about ways they've learned to make the ...
When Issues Go Unaddressed
01 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
All of us have baggage. The key is to not sweep it under the rug, but to deal with it. Greg, Erin and John will help couples talk about and deal with ...
Getting Past the Baggage
29 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We all have things we're not proud of, but how much of your past should you share with your past? John, Erin and Greg give some advice for how to talk...
How to Avoid Growing Apart
24 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
There are times where every couple doesn't feel as close as they desire. How do you handle those moments? John, Greg and Erin talk about their own exp...
Balancing Your Family and Work in Busy Seasons
22 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Every couple faces times of feeling disconnected. That can especially be true when you're trying to balance the demands of raising children and your c...
Making Your Marriage a Safe Place
17 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When you feel overwhelmed by life's challenges, having a spouse to support you is one of life's greatest gifts. But in those tough seasons, your relat...
When Your Spouse Comes from An Abusive Home
15 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What do you do when your spouse comes from an abusive home? The pain can last for years, but it doesn't have to be the end of your story. Erin, Greg a...
The Difference God Makes in Marriage
10 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
You can try your best, but some things in marriage are only doable with God's help. Without His influence, your efforts to be kind to your mate will o...
The Ways You and Your Spouse Communicate
08 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
News flash: you and your spouse communicate differently. With such stark contrasts, you'll eventually run into a misunderstanding. John, Erin and Greg...
Qualities to Look for in a Spouse
03 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The search for a godly spouse is a journey unlike any other. The key is in knowing what to look for. John, Erin and Greg give some helpful tips on wha...
Getting Back on Track Spiritually
01 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Most Christian couples at some point will feel like they're not growing spiritually. How do you get out of those ruts? John, Greg and Erin lend some h...
Marriage Struggles & Your Birth-Order
27 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you're a first-born or the baby of the family, we all have a common struggle—selfishness. How do you get rid of it? John and the Smalley's t...
Understanding Your Spouse's Personality
25 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Appreciating your spouse's personality can prevent a lot of arguments. But what if your birth order and personality were connected? Erin, Greg and Joh...
Dealing with Your Past
20 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We all have something from our childhood that can negatively affect our marriage. Whether it was a painful event or an unhealthy habit, we must deal w...
Modeling a Good Marriage for Your Children
18 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When you treat your spouse well, you're setting a good example for your kids. No matter what it seems like, your son or daughter is watching how you t...
Working Through a Miscommunication
13 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Every wife wants a listening husband. By listening, he shows her how much he cares about her heart. Greg talks with John about how he's learned to lis...
Getting Your Spouse to Listen
11 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Misunderstandings are part of marriage sometimes. How you respond to a misunderstanding can lead to weeks of tension or better conflict resolution wit...
Being a Godly Husband
06 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As a husband, it's critically important to lead your wife and children toward God. But the big question is, how? Greg and John give advice for leading...
Making Intimacy a Priority
04 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Meaningful connection with your spouse can be very special, but finding it takes intentional effort from both spouses. It can also be easy to let thos...
The Conflict of Opposites
30 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
"There's an old saying that in marriage, opposites attract. But what do you do when those same qualities that attracted you start driving you crazy? G...
Using Your Personality to Bless Your Marriage
28 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Understanding your spouse's personality can improve the quality of your relationship. Greg, Erin and John will explain how a taking a personality test...
Responding to Stress in Your Marriage
23 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Unchecked stress will burn your marriage out. But having supportive, godly friends can make a huge difference in your relationship. Greg, Erin and Joh...
Recognizing Your Spouse's Stress-Points
21 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Stressful seasons can be a big test for your marriage. How do you respond when they come? John and the Smalleys explain how stress can actually serve ...
Making Time for Meaningful Connection
16 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Moments of meaningful connection with your spouse don't arrive like a free package on your doorstep. They take intentional effort and lots of understa...
Helpful Ways to Communicate with Your Wife
14 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Communicating with your spouse can sometimes feel like trying to understand a new language. But by listening to each other, your relationship can get ...
Putting God First in Your Marriage
09 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We all long for intimacy in our marriage, but how do we find it? John, Greg and Erin talk about why praying together leads to deeper intimacy with you...
Making Time for a Date Night
07 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Marriage is a lot of work, but it doesn't always have to be serious. Having fun together is one of the best ways to liven up your relationship. John, ...
The Goal for Every Married Couple
02 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Learning how to bless your spouse is a wonderful thing. But what if you served him or her without expecting anything in return? John and the Smalleys ...
Making Simple Investments in Your Marriage
30 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What if your marriage is only a step or two away from going to the next level? Erin, Greg and John talk about simple things you can do to keep the pas...
The Difference Jesus Makes in Your Marriage
25 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
How can you and your spouse make it through the stormy seasons of life? As you'll learn from Greg, Erin and John, God's love can sustain your marriage...
Building Your Marriage on God's Love
23 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
God's love for you is a covenant that cannot be broken. When you and your spouse submit your relationship to the Lord, His strength can carry you thro...
Sharing Responsibilities at Home
18 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In marriage, recognizing your role in maintaining the home is critical for a healthy relationship. Everything from chores, cooking meals, to keeping t...
Forgiving Your Spouse's Past
16 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Betrayal in your marriage can shatter your heart. But, through the power of forgiveness, you and your spouse can walk the road toward healing. Erin an...
Healthy Boundaries for Couples
11 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Good boundaries are essential for a healthy marriage. Knowing where you are vulnerable to temptation is where you need to put boundaries in place. Eri...
Breaking out of Selfish Patterns
09 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A selfish attitude is toxic for your marriage. We all struggle with it, but through Christ's love, we can learn to let it go. John, Erin and Greg will...
Questions to Ask Your Spouse During Tough Times
04 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The tough seasons of marriage can be windows of opportunity to touch your spouse's heart. The key is using those times as a chance for growth. John, E...
Giving Encouragement to Your Spouse
02 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When your spouse lets you down, how do you respond? We all make mistakes, and need a healing dose of God's grace from time to time. John and the Small...
Overcoming Early Conflict in Marriage
26 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Marriage is an amazing journey, but it also reveals some of our most selfish attitudes. John, Greg and Erin give helpful tips for overcoming conflict ...
Choosing Forgiveness in an Angry Culture
21 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When your spouse breaks your heart, it can take a long time to rebuild trust. Greg and Erin talk with John about a time they learned to choose forgive...
Letting Go of Unforgiveness in Your Marriage
19 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Forgiveness is like medicine to an ailing marriage. But, when you withhold it from your spouse, you cut off the chance to heal from past hurts. John, ...
Blessing Your Spouse in Simple Ways
14 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Making your spouse feel loved never happens by accident. It requires paying attention and doing something to bless him or her. John, Greg and Erin exp...
Making Time for Date Nights
12 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Every couple needs time for a fun date night. But, it can be difficult to schedule those special times after you have kids. John, Greg and Erin give s...
Breaking Free From Pornography
07 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After confessing a pornography problem to your spouse, it's critical to take steps toward recovery. Whether you've struggled with it or you're the spo...
Confessing a Pornography Problem
05 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hiding a pornography problem from your spouse is like inviting a tornado to tear through your relationship. If left unchecked, the consequences can le...
Loving Your Wife in a Christ-Like Manner
30 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When God's grace penetrates your heart, it's much easier to show unconditional love to your spouse. John, Greg and Erin talk about how God's love can ...
Dealing with Your Spouse's Sin
28 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Your spouse might be the most wonderful person in the world, but he or she still has shortcomings. How do you respond when your spouse sins? John, Gre...
Letting Go of Little Irritations
23 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Petty offenses can lead to unnecessary fights in your marriage. John, Erin and Greg discuss how to let go of little irritations from your spouse. Rece...
Overcoming Past Sexual Trauma
21 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If you or your spouse have experienced sexual abuse, you are not alone. With God's help, your healing process can begin today. Greg, Erin and John off...
Choosing Forgiveness
16 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Choosing to forgive can save your marriage from years of heartache and confusion. Greg, Erin and John offer hope to couples who are wounded by an unfo...
The Healing Medicine of Forgiveness
14 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Healthy marriages are built on a foundation of forgiveness. When you choose to forgive, your relationship can weather any storm. John, Greg and Erin g...
Having Fun Together, Part 2
09 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When you enjoy spending time with your spouse, you start looking for ways to have fun together. John, Greg and Erin offer encouragement to couples who...
Having Fun Together
07 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Having fun together can be one of the most meaningful parts of your marriage. Through simple activities, your marriage can go to the next level. John,...
Discovering God's Freedom from Pornography, Part 4
02 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Pornography addiction grows in the darkness. But by bringing it the light, you can begin walking the road to freedom. John and Greg give some helpful ...
Discovering God’s Freedom from Pornography, Part 3
31 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Sadly, pornography is harming many marriages today. And it's not just men who are struggling; many women are too. John and Greg offer hope to those ca...
Embracing the Unique Aspects of Male and Female, Part 4
26 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Even the strongest man can feel insecure in trying to love his wife. But by replacing fear with the truth of God's Word, husbands can excel in their r...