Are you struggling to keep praying for your marriage but not seeing evidence of change? In this episode, I open up about my own journey in marriage and faith. Like so many of you, I've had to grapple with trusting in God when everything around me seemed unchanged or even worsening. My husband, Shaun, and I have been through our share of struggles, and it wasn't until I truly learned to let go and surrender my own desires that I began to see God's work in our lives.

Throughout this episode, I outline five strategies that are crucial for maintaining faith, especially when you see no evidence of change:

1. Continue to Pray
2. Refocus Your Vision
3. Imagine Positive Outcomes
4. Act in Faith
5. Surrender to God's will

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

5 Ways to C.O.V.E.R. Your Marriage in Prayer

Ep. 214: If God is For Me, Why Am I Suffering?

Ep. 216: How to Walk by Faith When Life is Hard

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Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today’s marriage question is about relationship gift-giving and communication. After receiving an unexpected Peloton bike from her husband for Christmas instead of the spa package she desired, a listener feels hurt and confused. Essentially, she is left to wonder does my husband think I'm fat? Listen in as I provide insights and practical advice on how to interpret such gestures, manage insecurities, and communicate unspoken expectations effectively in a marriage.

To read the full show notes for this episode, visit danache.com/podcast.

Have a relationship or marriage question you want me to answer on the show? Email or connect with me on Instagram.

Download my "7 Secrets to a Lasting Marriage"

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Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Hard conversations are often necessary in marriage. You can be loving and truthful at the same time. However, it can be easy to forget how to balance the two in relationships. It’s no secret that marriages, like any close relationships, thrive on open and honest communication. Yet, the art of conveying truth with care often eludes us. Today, we’re diving into this intricate dance and learning how to be honest without causing harm to our spouse or significant other, further driving a wedge in our unity.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• Potential consequences of withholding the truth - how withholding the truth can lead to bitterness and resentment in marriages.
• Setting intentions for conversations - how to have a positive outcome in mind and center your spouse in conversations rather than yourself
• Developing the courage to confront marriage problems and find mutual solutions.
• A powerful acronym T.O.N.E. – Timing, Outcome, Necessity, and Empathy – and how to navigate these discussions successfully.

We also highlight the necessity of empathy in relationships as a means to understand and deepen genuine connections.

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

Download my free audio: "7 Secret Marriage Rules to Know Before I Do and After I Did.”

For more marriage resources visit danache.com.

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Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Marriage is one of life's greatest teachers. What marriage teaches you, however, depends on how wise of a student you're willing to be. One of my listeners put me in the hot seat, asking, "What have you learned over the course of being married to Shaun for 25 years, and what has your marriage taught you about yourself?"

I'm sharing several candid insights from my 25-year marriage journey, including:

1. My Not-So-Pretty Self-Discovery: Marriage unveiled a side of me I never knew existed. Learn the importance of being aware of your tendencies and always working on yourself.

2. Following God’s Blueprint: I have learned throughout my marriage the value of following God's ways in building a successful marriage. Or keep trying it your way and let me know how it goes.

3. Understanding the Purpose of Marriage: My marriage has helped me grow into who God has purposed me to be. I'm sharing how.

The episode goes beyond surface-level advice and offers heartfelt and practical insights, empowering you to approach your marriages with the right mindset and intentions.

Whether you're newly married or have been on the journey for years, this episode provides valuable perspectives on how to make marriage a fulfilling and transformative experience.

Remember to grab my free "Ultimate Couples Checklist" to help you build a healthy and thriving marriage at danache.com/ultimatecouple.

Have a relationship or marriage question you want me to answer on the show? Email or connect with me on Instagram.

Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Intimacy is often a misunderstood concept in marriage and is traditionally reduced to just sex. However, there are five different types of intimacy that can cultivate a healthier and more wholehearted marriage.

Five Types of Intimacy in Marriage:

1. Spiritual Intimacy:

• • • The importance and practicality of being spiritually aligned with your spouse.

2. Emotional Intimacy:

• 1. • Recognizing and embracing your emotional self and providing a safe spouse for your spouse

3. Physical Intimacy:

• 1. • Going beyond sex to understand your spouse’s physical touch needs.

4. Intellectual Intimacy:

• 1. • Engaging intellectually with your partner and continuous learning and sharing of ideas.

5. Recreational/Experiential Intimacy:

• 1. • Building shared experiences and memories while maintaining friendship and fun in your marriage.

Through today’s episode, you’ll learn practical ways to nurture and enhance each intimacy type in your marriage.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Take my “How Connected a Partner Are You?” Quiz

Ep. 52: Making Love Outside the Bedroom - with Shaun Williams

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Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What do you do when your words of affirmation miss the mark? This is a concern a listener and many spouses face, especially when trying to love an "unappreciative spouse." If you’ve ever felt like your heartfelt compliments are being met with sarcasm or jabs rather than gratitude, this episode is for you.

Topics We Discuss:

1. Understanding Communication Gaps: Learn how to bridge the disconnect between expressing words of affirmation and your spouse's reception. Hear how genuine affirmations rooted in appreciation for 'who they are' rather than 'what they do' can make a big difference.
2. Building Emotional Well-Being: I Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” Explore how encouraging and uplifting words contribute to emotional well-being.
3. Handling Resentment: Gain insights into addressing potential resentment that may be present underneath the snide remarks. Learn how to better support your spouse, recognizing their efforts in everyday moments.
4. Practical Tips for Meaningful Affirmations: From the warmth of eye contact to understanding your spouse’s preferred mode of communication, discover various methods to make your appreciation felt and acknowledged.

You Might Also Like:

Get My Conversation Starters for Couples in Conflict FREE Guide Here

Ep. 123 - 5 Gifts Your Spouse Will Love

Ep. 282 - Burnout of the Busy Wife- When Giving Too Much = Loving Less

Like the show? Please give it a five-star rating and share a positive review!

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Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Are you ready to transform your marriage and bring back that sense of wonder? Here’s a sneak peek into what you'll discover in this episode:

- Embrace the New: We explore how the new year offers a perfect opportunity to hit the reset button on your relationship and breathe new life into your marriage.

- Finding Joy in the Ordinary: Learn how noticing and appreciating the little things your spouse does can reignite wonder and admiration in your partnership.

- 4 Practical Steps to Rediscover Wonder: From cultivating gratitude to prioritizing fun and adventure, I've laid out four actionable steps to help you and your spouse reconnect and experience newfound joy.

- Must-Read Resource: Discover insights from Tim Keller's book, "The Meaning of Marriage," and why prioritizing spiritual intimacy can deepen your emotional and physical bond.

- Special Offers: Don’t miss out on our free Heart-to-Heart Conversation Starters PDF and my new ebook "Relationship Reset" to jumpstart your journey towards a more fulfilling marriage.

Are you feeling burnt out and exhausted, struggling to find time for your relationship? It's time to create margin and prioritize what truly matters. Remember, your marriage can be as wonderful as you're willing to work for it to be.

Reflect on this: When was the last time you looked at your spouse with awe and wonder? If it’s been a while, let's change that this year.

Like the show? Be sure to give it a five-star rating and wrte a review!

Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

I received a heartfelt question from a wife who feels underappreciated in her marriage She wants to know how to get her husband to pay more attention to her and if she needs to play hard to get to do so. Together, with thoughtful insights from my husband, Shaun, we explore practical steps to re-engage a distant spouse . . . the real way.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• Discover how to effectively communicate your needs and desires in your marriage.

• Learn to set healthy boundaries that garner mutual respect.

• Explore ways to bring balance and authenticity to your marriage.

• Understand the importance of continual pursuit in marriage and how it mirrors our spiritual journey of seeking and growing in faith.

Faithful Fridays: Our New Approach

Starting this year, every Friday episode will blend relationship advice with a faith perspective, empowering you to build marriages that are not only rooted in love but also in purpose and divine guidance.

Resources to Help You Further:

Don't miss out on my Heart to-Heart Conversation Starters. They're designed to help you approach difficult conversations with confidence and clarity.

Ep. 169: Tricks are for Kids: 7 Mind Games to Stop Playing in Your Relationship

Have a relationship question you want answered on the show? Email me or send me a DM on Instagram.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review to help more couples discover tools to enrich their marriages.

Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.