
Focus on the Family Strengthening Marriage Podcast
796 episodes — Page 14 of 16

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. Receive the book From This Day Forward with your gift of any amount!

Questions to Ask Your Spouse During Tough Times
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, Erin and Greg give some questions you can ask your spouse to help strengthen your relationship. Receive the book Fully Alive with your gift of any amount!

Giving Encouragement to Your Spouse
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 Smalleys talk about how to encourage your spouse, even when he or she disappoints you. Receive the book Fully Alive with your gift of any amount!

Overcoming Early Conflict in Marriage
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 between you and your spouse. Receive the book Fierce Marriage with your gift of any amount!

Choosing Forgiveness in an Angry Culture
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 forgiveness in their marriage. Receive the book Desperate Forgiveness with your gift of any amount!

Letting Go of Unforgiveness in Your Marriage
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, Greg and Erin discuss practical ways to choose forgiveness in your marriage. Receive the book Desperate Forgiveness with your gift of any amount!

Blessing Your Spouse in Simple Ways
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 explain how they've learned to love their spouse through simple actions. Receive the book Happy Habits for Every Couple with your gift of any amount!

Making Time for Date Nights
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 some simple and fun ideas for spending time with your spouse, even when you're busy raising children. Receive the book Happy Habits for Every Couple with your gift of any amount!

Breaking Free From Pornography
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 spouse of an addict, Greg, Erin and John will give some helpful tips for your healing process. Receive the book Setting Us Free with your gift of any amount!

Confessing a Pornography Problem
Hiding a pornography problem from your spouse is like inviting a tornado to tear through your relationship. If left unchecked, the consequences can leave permanent damage. Greg, Erin and John give some tips for confessing a pornography problem. Receive the book Setting Us Free with your gift of any amount!

Loving Your Wife in a Christ-Like Manner
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 motivate a husband to listen to his wife. Receive the book Fully Alive with your gift of any amount!

Dealing with Your Spouse's Sin
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, Greg and Erin explain how you can show grace to your spouse, even when he or she falls short. Receive the book Fully Alive with your gift of any amount!

Letting Go of Little Irritations
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. Receive the book From This Day Forward with your gift of any amount!

Overcoming Past Sexual Trauma
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 offer hope to women who've been sexually abused. Receive the book Enjoy! with your gift of any amount!

Choosing Forgiveness
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 unforgiving spouse. Receive the book Desperate Forgiveness with your gift of any amount!

The Healing Medicine of Forgiveness
Healthy marriages are built on a foundation of forgiveness. When you choose to forgive, your relationship can weather any storm. John, Greg and Erin give helpful reasons why you should choose forgiveness instead of resentment. Receive the book Desperate Forgiveness with your gift of any amount!

Having Fun Together, Part 2
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 are struggling to enjoy each other's company. Receive the book Happy Habits for Every Couple with your gift of any amount!

Having Fun Together
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, Greg and Erin give some helpful ideas for keeping your relationship fun during the busy seasons. Receive the book Happy Habits for Every Couple with your gift of any amount!

Discovering God's Freedom from Pornography, Part 4
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 tips for how to confess a pornography problem to your spouse. Receive the book Setting Us Free with your gift of any amount!

Discovering God’s Freedom from Pornography, Part 3
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 caught within pornography's snare. Receive the book Setting Us Free with your gift of any amount!

Embracing the Unique Aspects of Male and Female, Part 4
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 role. Greg and John share how they've learned to deal with fear. Receive the book Fully Alive with your gift of any amount!

Embracing the Unique Aspects of Male and Female, Part 3
As a husband, you play a special role in loving your wife. Your marriage can thrive when you choose to love her in a God-honoring way. Greg and John describe how they've learned to show love to their wives. Receive the book Fully Alive with your gift of any amount!

Enjoying Physical Intimacy as a Woman, Part 6
A healthy marriage is built on the foundation of open communication. The same is true for your sex life. John and Greg give some ideas for how to talk about sex with your spouse, even when it feels awkward. Receive the book Enjoy! with your gift of any amount!

Enjoying Physical Intimacy as a Woman, Part 5
Making time for romance and sexual intimacy are great gifts for your marriage. While it's not always convenient during busy seasons, we should not neglect them. Greg and John explain why sex is important and beneficial for your marriage. Receive the book Enjoy! with your gift of any amount!

Grasping the Power of Forgiveness, Part 2
You might fear being open up with your spouse about past regrets. But, honesty can be the door that opens your marriage up to greater intimacy. Greg and John offer helpful ideas for discussing your past mistakes in a healthy way. Receive the book Desperate Forgiveness with your gift of any amount.

Grasping the Power of Forgiveness, Part 1
Choosing forgiveness instead of resentment can bring healing to your marriage. It's not easy, but through God's grace, you can do it. John and Greg explain how walking in forgiveness can strengthen the relationship with your spouse. Receive the book Desperate Forgiveness with your gift of any amount.

Discovering God's Freedom from Pornography, Part 2
Pornography might not seem like a big deal. But if you don't deal with it, it will lead to some devastating consequences in your marriage. John and Greg give some helpful ideas for confessing a pornography problem to your spouse. Receive the book Setting Us Free with your gift of any amount!

Discovering God's Freedom from Pornography, Part 1
Watching pornography is like letting a disease take over your marriage. But through God's grace, your relationship with your spouse can be restored. John and Greg offer hope to those struggling with pornography. Receive the book Setting Us Free with your gift of any amount!

Embracing the Unique Aspects of Male and Female, Part 2
Embracing the unique ways God made you and your spouse can lead to a more fulfilling marriage. Men and women are made to reflect God's heart in similar yet different ways. John, Erin and Greg discuss why a wife should look to God to find her true beauty. Receive the book Fully Alive with your gift of any amount!

Embracing the Unique Aspects of Male and Female, Part 1
You and your spouse are so different. It's part of what attracted you to each other. But those differences can also be irritating. Greg, Erin and John share how they've learned to love their spouse, even with their distinctions. Receive the book Fully Alive with your gift of any amount!

Restoring Your Marriage After Infidelity, Part 8
Infidelity can deal a crushing blow to your marriage. It devastates the trust you once had. But through God's grace, an affair doesn't have to be the end of your marriage. Greg, Erin and John offer hope to couples who've been traumatized by an affair. Receive the book Unfaithful with your gift of any amount!

Thriving in the Midst of Financial Ruin, Part 3
Financial stress is something many couples face. But no matter how hopeless it seems, practicing good habits can help your marriage overcome financial problems. Greg, Erin and John give some tips for how you and your spouse can start making good choices with money. Receive the book More Than Just Making It with your gift of any amount!

Valuing Marriage in a Culture that Doesn’t, Part 4
It's not easy to make a blended family work, but with God's help, you can overcome any challenge. Greg, Erin and John share some inspiring ways they've seen God restore blended families. Get the DVD "Blended: The Unspoken Truth About Stepfamilies" with your gift of any amount!

Valuing Marriage in a Culture that Doesn’t, Part 3
How a couple disciplines their children is important for the overall health of their marriage. It can especially be tricky when you're in a blended family. Greg, Erin and John give some tips for how you and your spouse can work through different opinions on disciplining your children. Get the DVD "Blended: The Unspoken Truth About Stepfamilies" with your gift of any amount!

Saving Your Marriage from Divorce, Part 8
All of us have been hurt by divorce in some way. Whether it was your own or a friend, the pain can leave lasting damage. Greg, Erin and John offer encouragement to those who have been divorced. Receive Dr. David Clarke's book I Don't Want a Divorce with your gift of any amount!

Saving Your Marriage from Divorce, Part 7
Betrayal and abandonment are two of the biggest reasons many marriages fall apart. If your marriage, or someone you know is facing such a struggle today, you can find healing. Greg, Erin and John give thoughts on choosing forgiveness when your spouse has been has been unfaithful. Receive Dr. David Clarke's book I Don't Want a Divorce with your gift of any amount!

Enjoying Physical Intimacy as a Woman, Part 2
In a culture saturated with fake sexuality, it's critical for you to guard your passions, by choosing to honor your spouse or future spouse. John, Greg and Erin offer thoughts on how dating and engaged couples can guard their sexual desires against temptation. Receive Dr. Cliff and Joyce Penner's book Enjoy! with your gift of any amount!

Enjoying Physical Intimacy as a Woman, Part 1
God created sex as a special gift for you and your spouse to enjoy. But experiencing healthy sexual connection requires a selfless attitude. John, Greg and Erin give some advice for how you can let go of selfishness when it comes to sexuality. Receive Dr. Cliff and Joyce Penner's book Enjoy! with your gift of any amount!

Thriving in the Midst of Financial Ruin, Part 2
Overcoming financial obstacles starts with changing your habits. The sooner you adjust your habits, the sooner you and your spouse can achieve financial stability. John, Greg and Erin give some advice for how young couples can build healthy disciplines with money. Receive Erin Odom's book More Than Just Making It with your gift of any amount!

Thriving in the Midst of Financial Ruin, Part 1
Financial problems don't have to end your marriage. With focused effort, you and your spouse can thrive financially. John, Greg and Erin offer hope to couples with financial problems. Receive Erin Odom's book More Than Just Making It with your gift of any amount!

Ep 105Valuing Marriage in a Culture that Doesn’t, Part 2
We all carry some kind of baggage from our past. Because of this, many are wondering, "Is marriage worth it?" Greg, Erin and John discuss how to be honest with your spouse about past mistakes in a healthy way. Receive the DVD Blended: The Unspoken Truth About Stepfamilies with your gift of any amount!

Ep 104Valuing Marriage in a Culture that Doesn’t, Part 1
Seeing your parents or friends get divorced can leave painful scars. But, with God's help, your marriage can set a new paradigm for your family. Greg, Erin and John talk about how to address divorce, when it's part of your family history. Receive the DVD Blended: The Unspoken Truth About Stepfamilies with your gift of any amount!

Ep 103Restoring Your Marriage After Infidelity, Part 7
Discovering your spouse has been unfaithful is crushing. If you or someone you know is in that place, we are here to help. Greg, Erin and John discuss ways to prevent an affair by setting healthy boundaries. Receive the book Unfaithful with your gift of any amount!

Ep 102Restoring Your Marriage After Infidelity, Part 6
Discovering your spouse has been unfaithful is crushing. If you or someone you know is in that place, we are here to help. Greg, Erin and John discuss ways to prevent an affair by setting healthy boundaries. Receive the book Unfaithful with your gift of any amount!

Ep 101Keeping the Romance Sizzling in Your Marriage, Part 9
Guarding your marriage from sexual temptation is a daily choice, but with God's help, you can overcome. Your marriage is worth it. John, Greg and Erin discuss ways to build intimacy with your spouse outside of the bedroom. Receive the book Red-Hot Monogamy with your gift of any amount!

Ep 100Navigating the Common Challenges of Marriage, Part 9
Seeing a couple go the distance can inspire you to keep going in your own marriage. By serving your spouse, you can inspire those around you. John, Greg and Erin share about couples who've inspired them to honor God in their marriages. Receive David Clarke's book Happily Ever After with your gift of any amount!

Ep 99Get the App Listen on iTunes Saving Your Marriage from Divorce, Part 6
When you don't deal with small marriage problems, it can lead to some devastating consequences in the future. But dealing with the problems can start your healing journey. John, Greg and Erin share how to stay close to God when your marriage is struggling. Receive Dr. David Clarke's book I Don't Want a Divorce with your gift of any amount!

Ep 98Saving Your Marriage from Divorce, Part 5
Confronting marriage problems isn't fun, but it's needed from time to time. How you handle them will determine the strength of your relationship. Greg, Erin and John explain how to surround yourself with godly influences when your marriage is in a difficult place. Receive Dr. David Clarke's book I Don't Want a Divorce with your gift of any amount!

Ep 97Keeping the Romance Sizzling in Your Marriage, Part 8
Allowing pornography to invade your mind will rob your marriage of the precious gift of sexual intimacy. But if you deal with it, it doesn't have to destroy your marriage. Greg, Erin and John give some tips for confessing a pornography problem to your spouse. Receive the book Red-Hot Monogamy with your gift of any amount!

Ep 96Keeping the Romance Sizzling in Your Marriage, Part 7
God wants you and your spouse to have an exciting sexual relationship. When you treat this area with honor and respect, you can experience intimacy the way God designed it for your marriage. John, Greg and Erin discuss the spiritual aspects of a sexual relationship. Receive the book Red-Hot Monogamy with your gift of any amount!