Families are in crisis this back-to-school season. Your gift today can give them hope and guidance.

Urgent Need: As the back-to-school season begins, more parents are reaching out for biblical help, but giving has slowed and Focus on the Family is facing a $2 million ministry shortfall.
Will you make a gift before August 31 to help provide Christ-centered support in this critical season?
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Families are in crisis this back-to-school season

Your gift by August 31 will help reach them with biblical guidance, restore hope in their homes, and point them to Christ.

Families are in crisis this back-to-school season

Urgent Need: As the back-to-school season begins, families are facing mounting pressure—tough choices, cultural confusion, and strained relationships.

Will you make a gift before August 31 to help provide Christ-centered support in this critical season?

$
Please enter a valid amount

Families are in crisis this back-to-school season

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August 19, 2021

All My Expectations!

When you and your spouse were dating, what did you expect marriage to be like? The truth is, many of us go into a lifelong commitment with over-the-top expectations. John, Greg and Erin share examples from their own lives, and give tips for how to let go of unrealistic expectations as a newlywed. Featuring Bill and Vicki Rose.

Original Air Date: August 19, 2021
Cover image of the book Every Reason to Believe (& Why We Chose to Stay Together)

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Every Reason to Leave

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About the Hosts

Recent Episodes

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Maintaining Emotional Intimacy in the Empty Nest Years

Reaching the empty nest years will create a lot of changes for your marriage, Greg addresses how couples can feel distant in the empty nest years, and John and Erin offer hope to couples who feel far apart. Plus, Jim Daly spoke with Dr. Juli Slattery on maintaining emotional connection in the empty nest years.

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Finding Hope When You Feel Resentment

Many spouses today feel as if there’s a wall of resentment between each other. If you’re in that situation, John, Erin and Greg will share about maintaining a sense of hope. Also, Jim Daly spoke with Sarah and Jeff Walton about how couples can rely on God during a tough time.

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When Your Spouse’s Mind Won’t Change

Many spouses today feel as if there’s a wall of resentment between each other. If you’re in that situation, John, Erin and Greg will share about maintaining a sense of hope. Also, Jim Daly spoke with Sarah and Jeff Walton about how couples can rely on God during a tough time.

Logo for Focus on the Family Marriage Podcast

Maintaining Emotional Intimacy in the Empty Nest Years

Reaching the empty nest years will create a lot of changes for your marriage, Greg addresses how couples can feel distant in the empty nest years, and John and Erin offer hope to couples who feel far apart. Plus, Jim Daly spoke with Dr. Juli Slattery on maintaining emotional connection in the empty nest years.

Logo for Focus on the Family Marriage Podcast

Finding Hope When You Feel Resentment

Many spouses today feel as if there’s a wall of resentment between each other. If you’re in that situation, John, Erin and Greg will share about maintaining a sense of hope. Also, Jim Daly spoke with Sarah and Jeff Walton about how couples can rely on God during a tough time.

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When It Seems Good, but It Isn’t

Sometimes, it can look like you have a good marriage on the surface. But underneath, something is harming the foundation of your relationship. In those moments, what do you do? John, Erin and Greg discuss how to find a safe friend to talk to when your marriage is in trouble. Featuring Jeff and Cheryl Scruggs.

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Ending Isolation in Your Marriage

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-term is not healthy. John, Greg and Erin discuss how listening to each other can help rekindle your relationship.

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Breaking out of Selfish Patterns

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 discuss how to get rid of selfishness in your marriage, and how a bad choice doesn’t have to end of your relationship.

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Making Time for a Date Night

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, Greg and Erin discuss why dating your spouse can benefit your marriage.

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Eliminating Distractions, Finding Intimacy

Let’s be honest, sometimes, it’s easy to get distracted when your spouse is trying to tell you something. If it feels like distractions are pulling you away from each other, please know you’re not alone. John talks with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley about why it’s important for couples to eliminate distractions and connect on a spiritual level.