Expedition Marriage with Chris & Jamie Bailey

When life gets overwhelming—whether it’s from busyness, health struggles, or a hard season—it’s easy to let your marriage quietly slip to the back burner. In today’s episode, we’re talking about why putting first things first matters more than ever when you're under pressure. We’ll explore the hidden costs of busyness, how to recognize when it’s time to say "no" to good things to protect the best things, and why you must be intentional about hearing from God in every season. Plus, we’ll share practical steps to help you and your spouse stay connected, even when life feels heavy. If you’re feeling stretched thin, stressed out, or spiritually distant, this conversation is for you.   📝 Show Notes In This Episode, We Cover: How to recognize when it’s time to reset your priorities The importance of getting into a position to hear God's voice Biblical encouragement for staying spiritually focused during hard seasons Practical steps for putting first things first in your marriage   Helpful Links: 💬 Interested in Marriage Counseling or Coaching? Inquire about working with us here: https://expeditionmarriage.org/marriage/ 📨 Get Encouragement Every Week! Sign up for our weekly newsletter packed with marriage tips, faith encouragement, and new resources: https://expeditionmarriage.org/newsletter-signup/   Scriptures Mentioned: 2 Corinthians 10:5 — Taking every thought captive Romans 12:2 — Renewing your mind Ecclesiastes 3:1 — Understanding seasons 1 Peter 4:8 — Loving deeply in hard seasons John 10:27 — Hearing the voice of the Shepherd   ✨ Reflection Questions to Ask the Lord: What do You want me/us to say yes to? What do You want me/us to say no to? How can we protect our marriage during this season?   Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps us reach more couples who need hope and encouragement! https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-134-first-things-first       *Disclaimer: The information discussed in this podcast is meant for entertainment purposes and is not meant to replace counseling or working with a trained healthcare professional.

In this episode, we’re chatting with Dr. Christine Baker, a trauma specialist and somatic therapist, to explore the crucial role that nervous system regulation plays in marriage. Dr. Baker shares her expertise on how understanding and managing our nervous systems can transform the way we connect with our spouses, handle conflict, and build a stronger, more resilient relationship. We’ll dive into practical strategies for recognizing signs of dysregulation in yourself and your partner, and learn how to create a more balanced and healthy marriage. Whether you’re navigating stress, conflict, or simply seeking deeper connection, this episode will give you the tools you need to help you and your spouse thrive together. Tune in to discover how a well-regulated nervous system can be the key to a healthier, happier marriage!   Find our show notes at https://expeditionmarriage.org/post/podcast/ep-130-nervous-system-regulation-in-marriage-with-dr-christine-baker   Follow us! https://www.instagram.com/expedition_marriage/ https://pinterest/expedition_marriage.org   Find Dr Christine Baker at https://wayfarecounseling.com/providers/christine-baker/ Follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/drcbtherapy/ Get the FREE Collaborative Calm Cards for Couples https://drcbtherapy.myflodesk.com/cccfreebie DISCOUNT ➡️ Join Dr. Baker’s Somatic Wellness Collective: Somatic Wellness Collective for $20 off using our code EXPEDITIONPOD- http://somatic-wellness-collective.teachable.com/p/somatic-wellness-collective  

When chronic illness enters a marriage, it doesn’t just affect one person—it touches everything. Routines shift, intimacy changes, energy drops, and even the way you see each other can be altered. In this honest and hope-filled episode, we talk about the silent grief couples carry, the changes they face, and how to begin healing and reconnecting in a new, grace-filled way. We even share our own personal story.   Whether you’re the one facing health challenges or the one walking alongside, there is hope for restoration—not necessarily of the “before” life, but of connection, intimacy, and partnership in the “now.”   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The unspoken losses chronic illness brings into marriage—and why it’s okay to grieve them How to rebuild connection and intimacy in new and meaningful ways Practical steps for healing together and making space for honest conversations Encouragement and Scripture to remind you that you’re not alone in this journey   Key Takeaways & Scriptures: 💬 “When chronic illness enters a marriage, it doesn’t just affect one person—it touches everything. But it doesn’t have to define everything.” 📖 Romans 12:15 – “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” 📖 1 Corinthians 13:7 – “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 📖 Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 – “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”   Links & Resources: Download the Couples Conversation Worksheet  (Ihttps://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-155-healing-your-marriage-after-chronic-illness)– Use this free guide to start meaningful conversations about healing and connection in your marriage after chronic illness.   Check out Jackie Hill Perry’s teaching on In Defence of Hope. We know it will be an ecnouragement for you. https://youtu.be/pdXu23RLCE8?si=ymhPjOd2V8XKr107   Need more support? Visit ExpeditionMarriage.org for coaching, resources, and tools.   Share this episode with a friend or couple who’s navigating chronic illness—they need encouragement too!   Let’s Connect: If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs it. Together, we can spread hope and equip more marriages to thrive—no matter the season they’re in.

Does your relationship ever feel like it swings from intense connection to deep frustration—and then back again? If so, you may be married to a Vacillator. In today’s episode, we’re diving into what it’s like to live and love with this emotional love style, and how you can find more stability and connection together.   💬 “Being married to a Vacillator can feel like navigating emotional whiplash—passionate connection one moment, frustration and distance the next.”   This episode is all about understanding the why behind the ups and downs—and learning how to build trust and steadiness in a sensitive, emotionally-charged marriage.   🧭 What You’ll Learn: What defines the Vacillator Love Style and where it originates Why Vacillators often feel disappointed or emotionally overwhelmed The impact this love style has on a marriage What a Vacillator truly needs from their spouse How Vacillators themselves can grow emotionally and spiritually   💡 Key Traits of a Vacillator: Craves deep connection, but fears rejection Easily feels hurt or let down by perceived distance Struggles with waiting, emotional regulation, and trust Idealizes, then devalues their spouse when expectations aren’t met   📖 Scriptures Mentioned: Isaiah 30:18 – “The Lord longs to be gracious to you…” 1 Corinthians 13:4–5 – “Love is patient, love is kind… it is not easily angered…” Psalm 62:5–6 – “For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence… He only is my rock…”   ❤️ 3 Practical Things Vacillators Need: Consistent and Predictable Connection → Small follow-throughs build trust and soothe abandonment fears. Attuned Listening Without Defensiveness → Validation and reflection are more healing than explanation. Grace When They Emotionally Escalate → Compassion in their emotional moments creates safety, not shame.   💬 “Vacillators heal when love stops being unpredictable and starts becoming trustworthy.”     🎯 Take Action:   📤 Share this episode with someone navigating emotional cycles in their marriage 🌐 Visit ExpeditionMarriage.org for biblical tools and counseling • • ⭐️ Leave a review to help others find truth and encouragement

Does your spouse always say “yes,” avoid conflict, or seem overly focused on making everyone else happy—even at their own expense? You may be married to a Pleaser. In this episode, we’re unpacking what it really means to be married to a Pleaser—how this love style forms, how it impacts your relationship, and what both of you can do to create deeper emotional intimacy.   💬 “Pleasers aren’t trying to be fake—they’re trying to stay safe.”   This episode is all about moving from performance to authenticity—and learning to build a marriage where honesty, vulnerability, and mutual care are welcome.   🧭 What You’ll Learn: What drives the Pleaser Love Style Why pleasers often avoid conflict and overextend themselves What it’s like being married to a Pleaser—and the hidden costs of chronic “yes” How to respond with love, not pressure Practical steps for Pleasers to grow in confidence and connection   💡 Key Highlights: Pleasers often come from critical or high-pressure homes and learned to keep the peace by minimizing their needs. Being married to a Pleaser may feel emotionally confusing—because it’s hard to connect with someone who won’t show you their full self. Change is possible when Pleasers feel safe to express, say no, and trust that love isn’t based on performance.   📖 Scriptures Mentioned: Galatians 1:10 – “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?” Ephesians 4:15 – “Speak the truth in love…”     🎯 Take Action: 💬 Talk with your spouse using these connecting questions:   What is one thing I can do for you to help make tomorrow easier? What reactions of mine tend to be stressful to you? Is there an area of your life, even with me, where you feel like you have to walk on eggshells? Why is that?   📤 Share this episode with a friend or couple who may need it. ⭐️ Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to help other couples find biblical encouragement. 🔗 Visit ExpeditionMarriage.org for more marriage tools and support.   💭 You don’t have to earn love through peacekeeping. Real connection happens when you let yourself be known—and loved—in truth.

Do you ever feel like you're talking to a wall? Or maybe like you're carrying all the emotional weight in your marriage? If so, you might be married to an Avoider—someone who disconnects emotionally, struggles with vulnerability, and often insists they’re “fine” when they’re anything but.   In today’s episode, we’re taking a deeper look into what emotional avoidance really is, where it comes from, and—most importantly—how to build emotional safety and connection in a marriage where one spouse tends to shut down.   💬 “Being married to an avoider doesn’t mean your spouse doesn’t care—it often means they were never taught how to engage emotionally in healthy ways.”   🧭 What You’ll Learn: The traits and mindset of the Avoider Love Style Why emotional shutdown isn’t personal—it’s protective What it’s really like being married to an avoider How their childhood may have shaped their emotional patterns Practical and biblical tools to invite connection and build trust Encouragement for avoiders to grow emotionally and spiritually   📖 Scriptures Mentioned: Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted…” Ezekiel 36:26 – “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.”   🎯 Take Action: Visit ExpeditionMarriage.org for biblically based marriage resources and counseling. Share this episode with a friend who may be married to an avoider. Don’t forget to leave a rating or review to help more couples discover hope and healing.   💡 You’re not stuck in a cycle of disconnection—there is hope, growth, and emotional intimacy waiting on the other side of avoidance. Let’s start the journey together.  

Do you find yourself trying to “fix” your spouse, control the outcome of your marriage, or manage every detail so nothing goes wrong? You're not alone—and you're not broken for feeling that way. But there is a better, more freeing path forward. In this episode, Chris & Jamie unpack why we try to control our marriages, what’s really behind that urge, and how learning to surrender our grip can bring peace. You’ll gain insight, scriptural truth, and practical steps to help you trust God more deeply with your marriage and your spouse.   🔑 Key Topics Covered: What Control Looks Like in Marriage Constant correction, micromanaging, withholding support How control often disguises itself as “help” or “concern” Scripture Highlight: Galatians 5:1, James 4:1–2  What’s Behind the Need for Control? Fear  Control as self-protection when trust in God wavers Scripture Highlight: 2 Timothy 1:7, Psalm 56:3  The Problem with Control Damages emotional safety and connection Stifles the Holy Spirit’s work Leaves you exhausted and discouraged Quote: “Letting go of control doesn’t mean giving up—it means giving God His rightful place.”  How to Surrender Control and Trust God Identify your fears and release them to God Shift from pressure to prayer Scripture Highlight:Matthew 11:28–30   💬 Powerful Takeaway Quote: “Control often feels like protection—but it’s actually a heavy burden God never asked us to carry.”     🎯 Call to Action: Share this episode with a friend who may be carrying too much Want more support? Learn about Christian marriage counseling at ExpeditionMarriage.org/marriage   Don't forget: A great marriage isn’t found—it’s built, one intentional step at a time. Keep showing up. Keep trusting God. We’re cheering you on.

Emotions in marriage aren’t the enemy—they’re God-given tools meant to stir your heart toward action, deeper intimacy, and meaningful connection. In this episode of Expedition Marriage, Chris & Jamie dive into some common powerful emotions that, when understood and embraced biblically, can strengthen your relationship and reignite passion. You’ll discover how emotions like frustration, fear, sadness, and even boredom can become catalysts for growth, healing, and renewed love.   🧭 What You’ll Learn: How to use frustration as a signal for healing instead of division Why fear in your relationship can be a sign you’re growing How sadness and regret can lead to deeper restoration and closeness Why longing for beauty and connection in your marriage is godly How to recognize and respond to righteous anger and protect your marriage How emotions are designed by God to draw you closer, not pull you apart   📖 Scripture References: Ephesians 4:26 – “In your anger do not sin.” Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you.” Ecclesiastes 3:4 – “A time to weep and a time to laugh.” Nehemiah 4:14 – “Fight for your families…” Philippians 4:8 – “Whatever is lovely… think about such things.” Ecclesiastes 9:9 – “Enjoy life with your wife…” 2 Corinthians 7:10 – “Godly sorrow brings repentance…”   💬 Reflection Questions: Which emotion is currently showing up in your marriage? Have you been avoiding it, or using it in a way that draws you closer? How might God want to use that emotion to transform your relationship?   📣 Don’t Miss: If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend or leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Every share helps more couples find hope and healing through Christ.   🧭 Follow-Up: Explore more ways to build your marriage at ExpeditionMarriage.org and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!   Closing Reminder: A great marriage isn’t found—it’s built. One intentional step at a time.

Marriage is a lifelong journey that evolves with each decade—and every season comes with both its own challenges and its unique purpose. In this episode, Chris & Jamie walk through the different decades of marriage—from the idealistic 20s to the legacy-filled 70s—and share biblical wisdom and practical encouragement for every stage. Whether you’re dreaming big, building hard, questioning what’s next, or leaving a legacy, this episode will help you embrace your season with grace, faith, and intentionality.   🧭 What You’ll Learn: What characterizes each decade of marriage and the purpose within it How to strengthen your relationship through every season—from early dreams to late wisdom Why your current season matters and how to fully show up for it Biblical encouragement and reflection questions for each stage   💡 Episode Highlights: 🧡 The Idealistic Years (20s) • Time of big dreams, passion, and possibilities • Don't let others stifle your optimism—dream and plan together 🔨 The Industrious Years (30s) • The building decade: careers, parenting, responsibilities • High-stress years—easy to feel like co-workers instead of lovers 🔥 The Intense Years (40s) • Questions of success, identity, and “Have we done enough?” • Increased financial and physical stress; watch for resentment 🕊️ The Influential Years (50s & 60s) • A time of wisdom, mentoring, and dreaming new dreams—together • Warning: high divorce rate in this age group; stay connected 🌳 The Indelible Years (70s & beyond) • Storytelling season—your words and life hold deep meaning • Grandchildren watch how you finish the race   💬 Reflection & Encouragement: • No season is wasted—each one has a God-given purpose • Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “To everything there is a season…” • Talk with your spouse: What season are you in? What do you need most from one another right now?   🎯 Call to Action: 📥 Download your free resource: Marriage Through the Decades Reflection Guide at https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-149-the-different-decades-of-marriage-every-season-has-a-purpose 👥 Share this episode with another couple—especially one in a different season than you ⭐ Leave a review if this episode encouraged you—it helps more couples find hope 🌐 Visit ExpeditionMarriage.org for more free tools, blog posts, and resources   Closing Reminder: A great marriage isn’t found—it’s built. One intentional season at a time. Until next time—keep showing up, keep leaning in, and keep trusting God with your journey.

When it comes to parenting, most couples focus on discipline strategies, school choices, and managing behavior. But what if one of your most powerful parenting tools isn’t a strategy at all—but your marriage itself? In this episode, we’ll show you how a Christ-centered, connected marriage naturally overflows into your parenting. The way you love, communicate with, and treat your spouse is constantly shaping what your children believe about love, respect, and relationships.   💬 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why your marriage is your greatest influence in your children’s lives How unresolved conflict between you and your spouse affects your kids—even when you think they don’t notice Why a healthy, grace-filled relationship teaches more than your words ever could How to model faith, love, and security in your home without needing to be perfect   📖 Want to Go Deeper? Check out our YouVersion Bible Reading Plan: 👉 How to Use Your Marriage as Your Best Parenting Tool This free 5-day plan will help you strengthen your marriage and see it as the gift God designed to bless your children.   📥 Resources: Visit expeditionmarriage.org for more marriage and parenting resources. https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-148-how-to-use-your-marriage-as-your-best-parenting-tool/ 🎯 Call to Action: After listening, ask each other: “What are our kids learning about relationships from us right now?” Share this episode with a couple who needs encouragement in their parenting journey. Subscribe and leave a review to help more couples discover Expedition Marriage.   Let’s raise strong children by building strong marriages.

How to Co-Regulate in Marriage and Become Each Other’s Safe Place Ever feel like you and your spouse are constantly missing each other emotionally? In this episode, we’re talking about the powerful (but often overlooked) practice of co-regulation—and how it can transform your marriage into a place of emotional safety, healing, and connection. We'll explore what it means to not just regulate your own emotions but to be a calm, supportive presence for your spouse—and how this reflects the love and comfort of Christ in your marriage.   In this episode, we’ll cover: ✅ What co-regulation is (and how it’s different from self-regulation) 💔 How emotional disconnection and little “t” traumas show up in everyday marriage moments 📖 The biblical foundation for becoming a safe place: Galatians 6:2, Proverbs 17:17, Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, Romans 12:10 💡 Real-life examples of how co-regulation can show up in your marriage 🛠 Practical steps to create emotional safety and healing—without needing to fix everything ❤️ Why your tone, presence, and patience may be the most healing tools you have   💬 Quote from the Episode: "There’s enough loss in the world—let’s not contribute more of it in our homes."     🎯 Call to Action: Try to implement co-regulation into your marriage this week: a soft word, your presence, or a listening ear. Tune yourself into your spouse. Look for ways to show up for them. Be the soft place for them to land in this harsh world. Ask your spouse: “Do you feel emotionally safe with me?”—and truly listen. Share this episode with a friend or couple who could use some emotional connection and support. Visit expeditionmarriage.org for more tools, devotionals, and resources to build a safe and God-honoring marriage.   You don’t have to heal alone—and you weren’t designed to do marriage alone. Let’s build homes of safety and healing—together.       https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-147-safe-and-sound-how-to-co-regulate-in-marriage-and-become-each-others-safe-place

You’ve probably heard the phrase “leave and cleave” at some point—maybe in premarital counseling or during your wedding ceremony—but what does it actually mean in everyday married life? In this episode, we unpack the biblical command to leave and cleave (Genesis 2:24) and explore how it goes far beyond the honeymoon stage. Whether you've been married one year or twenty, failing to fully “leave” and properly “cleave” can lead to emotional disconnection, blurred boundaries with parents, and lingering tension in your home. We’re diving into: ✅ What leaving and cleaving actually means (spoiler: it’s not just about moving out!) 💡 How unresolved parent ties can affect your marriage for years 🔒 Why setting healthy boundaries with in-laws is not dishonoring ❤️ How to strengthen your unity as a couple and stand together as one You’ll also hear practical examples, biblical wisdom, and simple steps to evaluate your own marriage in this area.   💬 Big Takeaway: Leaving and cleaving isn’t a one-time decision—it’s a lifelong practice of choosing your spouse above all others, and building a united front together.   📥 Don’t Forget to Grab the Free Resource! Download the Leaving & Cleaving Listener Reflection Guide—a helpful tool to assess your current boundaries, strengthen your unity as a couple, and create healthier in-law dynamics. 👉 Get the free guide in the show notes or at https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-146-leaving-and-cleaving-what-it-really-means-and-why-it-still-matters-in-marriage    💬 Let’s Connect! If this episode challenged or encouraged you, we’d love to hear from you! Send us an email at email@expeditionmarriage, and don’t forget to share this episode with another couple who might need it.

⛈️ In This Episode: What’s your marriage really built on? In today’s episode, Chris and Jamie explore what it means to build a marriage that can withstand life’s storms. Drawing from Jesus’ words in Matthew 7, they’ll help you identify if you’ve unknowingly been building on shaky ground—and show you how to rebuild on the rock-solid truth of Christ. Whether you're facing hardship right now or just want to prepare for whatever comes your way, this episode will give you biblical insight and practical steps to storm-proof your marriage.   📖 Scriptures Mentioned: Matthew 7:24–27 – Building on the rock Galatians 2:21 – Rejecting performance-based love Proverbs 3:5 – Trusting in God over worldly wisdom John 15:5 – Staying connected to Christ Ephesians 5:25–33 – Loving like Christ 1 Corinthians 13 – Living out godly love   🔍 You'll Learn: Why storms don’t have to destroy your marriage 3 subtle signs you’re building on the wrong foundation How to recognize and surrender self-reliant patterns Four practical ways to start rebuilding on Christ Why spiritual intimacy is key to long-term strength Real-life encouragement for couples in every season   💬 Reflection Questions: What storms have tested your marriage recently? Did they reveal any weak spots—or strengthen your foundation? What is one way you can re-center your marriage on Jesus this week?     📥 Resources & Next Steps: 👫 Talk with your spouse about what your marriage has been built on—and what step you’ll take together this week to build on Christ.   🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode—and if today’s conversation encouraged you, please leave a quick review!

Have you ever found yourself snapping, shutting down, or numbing out—and not even sure why? You might be experiencing emotional flooding. In this episode, Chris and Jamie unpack what emotional flooding is, how it silently impacts your marriage, and what you can do to find healthy release instead of letting it explode or bury you. Just like a 10-gallon bucket can only hold so much water, our hearts can only hold so many emotions before they spill over—and that overflow shows up in our marriages.   💥 In This Episode, We’ll Cover: 🔹 What emotional flooding is 🔹 Real-life signs your emotional bucket is full 🔹 Why some of us have “coffee cups” while others have “buckets” 🔹 Practical ways to poke holes in your bucket before it spills   📖 Biblical Encouragement: “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” —Psalm 62:8     ✅ Helpful Takeaways: Learn how to identify when you or your spouse are emotionally flooded Explore practical tools like walking, journaling, or talking it out Create space in your marriage for healthy emotional release and empathy Reframe emotional overload not as weakness—but as an invitation to connect     💛 Want More Support for Your Marriage? Check out more free tools and biblical resources at ExpeditionMarriage.org 📌 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if this episode encouraged you! https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-144-is-your-emotional-bucket-overflowing-how-to-recognize-and-release-emotional-flooding-in-marriage/  

Most couples say they’re Christians—but is Jesus truly at the center of their marriage, or just a guest? In this episode, Chris and Jamie explore what it really means to orient your life and marriage around Christ, not just in name, but in everyday action. We’re unpacking the difference between a marriage that’s influenced by Jesus and one that’s built on Jesus. You’ll learn how to recognize if your relationship is drifting from Him, and practical ways to bring it back on course. 📊 Did you know that while about 65% of Americans claim Christianity, only 4% actually reorient their lives around Jesus? It’s time to make sure our marriages aren’t just labeled “Christian”—but are truly Christ-centered.   🔹 What You'll Learn in This Episode: What it means to truly “orient” your life around Jesus Signs that Jesus may not be the true center of your marriage 5 practical steps to re-center your marriage on Christ Why individual spiritual growth matters in a united relationship How prayer, scripture, and community can realign your foundation A simple weekly question to help keep your marriage from drifting   📖 Key Scriptures Mentioned: Matthew 7:24–27 — Building your house on the rock Colossians 3:17 — Doing everything in the name of Jesus John 15:4–5 — Abide in Christ to bear lasting fruit Romans 12:1–2 — Be transformed by renewing your mind   ✅ Your Challenge This Week: Take time with your spouse to answer this question together: “Where in our marriage are we oriented toward Jesus—and where are we not?” Pray together, invite God into the areas that need realignment, and commit to taking one step forward in making Him the true cornerstone of your marriage.   🔗 Resources & Next Steps: 🐦‍⬛ Bird Feeder with Solar Powered Camera - https://amzn.to/4npdPHj 📖 Newlywed Couples Devotional - https://amzn.to/3Qn9XpB      🎧 Listen & Subscribe Don’t miss a single episode! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube   📬 Get more biblical tools for your marriage: Visit us at https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-143-is-jesus-just-a-guest-in-your-marriage

What do you do when it feels like you’re the only one fighting for your marriage? Maybe your spouse is emotionally checked out, spiritually distant, or just seems unwilling to grow alongside you. This episode is for the one carrying the weight, wondering if anything is ever going to change. We want you to know: you are not alone, and your faithfulness matters. Let’s talk about what to do when you're walking this path solo—and how to keep going without giving up.   💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: What Scripture says about standing firm when your spouse won’t engage The difference between enabling and faithfully loving How to keep your heart soft when you're tempted to shut down Encouragement to pursue connection with God when your spouse feels far away Healthy boundaries, grace-filled hope, and the power of persistent prayer   📖 Scripture Encouragement: Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not grow weary in doing good…” 1 Peter 3:1 – “...that they may be won over without words…” Isaiah 41:10 – “I will strengthen you and help you…” Romans 12:12 – “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”   🙏 Free Prayer Resources: Whether you're a wife or husband standing in the gap, persistent prayer can change the atmosphere in your home—even before anything else does. 🧡 Join the 30-Day Praying for Your Husband Challenge 💙 Join the 30-Day Praying for Your Wife Challenge These guided prayer journeys will give you daily direction, encouragement, and a reminder that you're not in this alone. https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-142-when-youre-fighting-for-your-marriage-alone   ❤️ Episode CTA: If you're fighting for your marriage alone, take heart: your prayers are powerful, your love is not unseen, and God is with you in the waiting. Let this be the week you surrender your spouse to God and recommit to loving them through His strength, not just your own. And don’t forget to grab one of our 30-day prayer challenges to support you on the journey. If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone else who may feel alone in their marriage too.

Have you ever felt like you’re just done waiting for things to get better in your life or marriage? Maybe you’ve been praying —but nothing seems to be changing. In this episode, we’re talking about what to do when your patience runs out and how to restore wonder, faith, and trust in God’s timing. You’ll discover how to wait well, what scripture teaches about patience and frustration, and how to keep your heart soft instead of bitter while you’re in the middle of the “not yet.” Because God isn’t just working on your spouse—He’s doing something in you, too.   💡 In This Episode, We Cover: What losing patience can reveal about our expectations and fears Why wonder matters in marriage (even when things feel stuck) Biblical wisdom for waiting well and walking in faith How to hold on to hope without trying to force change Practical steps for renewing your mindset and heart in the waiting   📝 Download the Free Self-Reflection Guide: Want to dig deeper this week? We’ve created a companion PDF guide with reflection and prayer prompts to help you reconnect with God and your heart during this season. 👉 [Click here to download the self-reflection guide] https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-141-learning-to-wait-well-patience-faith-and-gods-timing-in-marriage/   📖 Scripture Mentioned: Proverbs 19:11 Ecclesiastes 3:1 Romans 8:25 Galatians 6:9   ❤️ Episode CTA: Don’t give up. Don’t check out. Your waiting season might just be where God is doing His most beautiful work. Download the reflection guide, spend time with the Lord, and invite Him to restore your wonder again.   And as always—share this episode with a friend who might be growing weary in their own marriage journey.  

Have you ever reacted to your spouse in a way that felt a little too big for the moment? Maybe something small set you off, or a simple disagreement left you feeling anxious, shut down, or angry—and you didn’t know why. Chances are, your implicit memory was doing the talking. In this episode, we’re diving into what implicit memory is, how it quietly shapes your responses, and how it can impact your marriage—especially when it goes unrecognized. But don’t worry—we’re also talking about how healing and understanding can take its place.   💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: What implicit memory is and why it matters in marriage How your past (even the unspoken parts) shows up in your present relationship Why your spouse’s reactions may not be about you—and how to not take them personally Biblical encouragement for healing and renewing your mind Practical steps to move from triggered to transformed   🛠️ Helpful Tools: Recognize your “emotional cues” and learn how to pause before reacting Grow in compassion—for your spouse and yourself Learn how to bring your past to the Lord and invite Him into your healing   📖 Scripture Encouragement: Romans 12:2 – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” Psalm 139:23–24 – “Search me, God, and know my heart…” 2 Corinthians 10:5 – “Take every thought captive…”   ❤️ Episode CTA: If something from your past is showing up uninvited in your marriage, it’s not too late to understand it—and heal. You’re not broken. You’re human. And there is so much hope when we bring our whole selves, past included, to Jesus. 📝 Consider journaling or praying through this week: “Lord, show me where I’m reacting from my past instead of responding with Your truth.” And if this episode blessed you, share it with a friend—or your spouse—and start the conversation together. https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-140-when-the-past-shows-up-uninvited-understanding-implicit-memory-in-marriage

If you're tired of repeating the same arguments, feeling stuck in old habits, or just wondering how to truly grow together as a couple—this episode is for you. We're discussing what it really means to renew your marriage God's way—not just through behavior change, but through heart transformation. Straight from Ephesians 4:22–24, we’re walking you through God’s process of: Taking off the old Renewing your mind Putting on the new This is God's design for lasting change—and it's not just for individuals, it's for marriages too.   💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why lasting change in marriage can’t happen by simply “trying harder” What it means to take off the old self—and how to recognize what needs to go How to replace lies and toxic patterns with truth from God's Word Practical ways to “put on the new” and walk in unity, grace, and love Why skipping the renewing your mind step will always leave you stuck   📝 Download Your Free Printable: Want to walk through this process step-by-step? We created a companion printable worksheet just for you! 👉 [Download the Marriage Renewal God’s Way worksheet here] https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-139-out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new-how-to-renew-your-marriage-gods-way Use it during your next quiet time—or better yet, sit down and do it together as a couple.   📖 Key Scripture: Ephesians 4:22–24 Romans 12:2 Colossians 3:12–14 James 1:22   ❤️ Episode CTA: Don’t just settle for a better mood in your marriage—go for a renewed mind and a transformed relationship. Take this episode to heart, download the free worksheet, and start letting go of the old to step into the new... together. And if this episode encouraged you, would you take a second to share it or leave a review? It helps us keep pouring into couples like you every week!

Have you ever said something in the heat of the moment that you immediately regretted? You’re not alone—and you’re not without hope. In this episode, we’re diving into what it means to respond with wisdom instead of reaction in your marriage—especially during those emotionally charged conversations. We’ll walk through several Proverbs that offer practical, biblical guidance for communicating in ways that build connection instead of tearing it down. Whether you struggle with anger, defensiveness, or just don’t know what to say when tensions rise, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and choose the way of wisdom.   🔑 What You’ll Learn: • • Why tone, timing, and self-control matter in communication What the book of Proverbs teaches us about responding rather than reacting How to catch your breath and check your heart in real time The power of slowing down before you speak—and the damage of careless words How godly wisdom strengthens your marriage even in conflict   📖 Scriptures Mentioned: • • Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath…” • • Proverbs 18:21 – “The tongue has the power of life and death…” • • James 1:19 – “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” • • Proverbs 29:11 – “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”   📥 Grab Your Free Resource: Want to take this conversation further with your spouse? Download our free 7 Proverbs for Better Communication handout + couples discussion guide to help you apply biblical wisdom to the way you speak and listen in marriage. 👉 Download it here: https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-138-when-fools-rush-in-what-proverbs-teaches-us-about-conflict   💌 Stay Connected: 🎯 For more resources, counseling options, and weekly marriage encouragement: Newsletter: https://expeditionmarriage.org/newsletter Marriage Counseling Info: https://expeditionmarriage.org/marriage