No marriage this side of glory is perfect. Dennis and Barbara Rainey are joined by Bob Lepine to help you avoid repeating mistakes and instead turn them into something that will strengthen your relationship.

What You’ll Learn in this episode:

1. The Importance of Understanding: Discover why getting to the heart of why something affects your spouse is more meaningful than just knowing what to avoid saying or doing.
2. Rookie Mistakes Are Normal: Hear Dennis and Barbara talk about the rookie mistakes they made in their early years of marriage and learn why these mistakes are a natural part of growing together.
3. Handling Differentness: Understand how recognizing and appreciating the innate differences between men and women can enhance your relationship.
4. The Value of Perseverance: Learn why it’s crucial to stick together through thick and thin, adapting and growing in love over the years.
5. Biblical Blueprints for Marriage: Get insights on how having a shared biblical foundation can help couples navigate life's challenges together.

Fun Fact from the Episode:

Did you know that teasing as a form of affection can backfire? Bob shared a funny yet insightful anecdote about how teasing, which was normal in his family growing up, didn't translate well with his wife Marianne, particularly when he pointed out her pimples. It’s a prime example of a rookie mistake that many can learn from! 😄

Timestamps
00:00 "Rookie Season Until Parenthood"

03:56 Photographer Saves Wedding Day Drama

07:49 Family Affection Through Teasing

12:03 "Velveteen Rabbit: Love's True Beauty"

15:43 Humorous Marriage Anecdote

18:18 "Barbara Rainey's Wisdom Subscription"

How can a couple invest in a marriage that lasts? It starts by gaining the right perspective. And, contrary to popular belief, the ultimate purpose of your marriage is not to make you happy. Dennis, Barbara, and Bob cover the first two rules.

Fun Fact from the Episode:

Did you know? Early in their marriage, Barbara assumed Dennis could fix things just like her dad could because she believed it was a typical male trait. It took her ten years to realize that Dennis had other strengths her dad didn't, teaching her to fully accept and love Dennis for who he is!

00:00 Acceptance in Marriage is Ongoing

04:20 "Marriage Advice for Young Couples"

08:30 Balancing Marriage and Biblical Roles

10:41 "Nourishing Love: A Husband's Journey"

15:13 Marriage Podcast Series Promotion

16:16 "Marriage Rules Beyond Fairytales"

5 Keys You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Shattering Unrealistic Expectations: Barbara shares her experience on accepting your spouse as they are and the ongoing practice it requires.
2. Marriage Beyond Happiness: Dennis explains why marriage is more about a transcendent purpose rather than just personal happiness.
3. Role of Marriage as a Growth Agent: Get insights into how marriage helps both men and women grow up and mature in ways they never imagined.
4. Selflessness in Marriage: Discover why self-denial is crucial and how it positively impacts your relationship.
5. Adapting to Differences: Hear Barbara’s journey of learning to appreciate the unique differences between her and Dennis.

Barbara Rainey explores some implications of the incarnation of the Son of God. Link to "Christ of the Abyss" print.

Have you thought about the fact that you can choose to be grateful regardless of your circumstances? Barbara is joined by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, author of Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy.

Over and over in the Scriptures, God makes it clear that He loves the orphan, and that He expects His people to do the same. Dennis and Barbara Rainey outline five ways we can care for what the Bible calls "the fatherless."

No marriage this side of glory is perfect. Dennis and Barbara Rainey are joined by Bob Lepine to help you avoid repeating mistakes and instead turn them into something that will strengthen your relationship.

Unanswered prayer…a difficult trial…life just plain different from what you would like? These can result in disappointment with God. Dennis and Barbara Rainey explain why it happens and what to do about it.

As followers of Christ, we're called to be His ambassadors. We represent Him. Barbara helps us remember our homes are embassies of the King.

00:00 Believes home reflects heavenly kingdom, welcomes visitors.

06:16 Embassies reflect their home countries inside out.

08:18 Home is a refuge and the King's embassy.

10:37 "Subscribe for Barbara’s ebook and exclusive content."

Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:

• Live with Purpose
• : Remember that as followers of Christ, we're ambassadors for His kingdom in all aspects of our lives, from our homes to our workplaces.
• Create a Haven
• : Your home should be a refuge, a small piece of heaven on earth that reflects the values and presence of the King you serve.
• Intentional Living
• : Engage in purposeful family discussions and personal reflections on how to represent Christ's love and principles, making your home a true embassy of the King.
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1. Introduction by Barbara Rainey

• The concept of remembering who you belong to.
• Mention of mundane tasks in our daily lives.

2. Understanding Our Identity as Ambassadors

• Samantha discusses the importance of living for the king.
• The tendency to get caught up in personal tasks and forget our higher calling.

3. The Role of Representatives

• Different roles where people act as representatives (lawmakers, employees).
• The concept of Christians as ambassadors for Christ, based on 2 Corinthians Chapter 5.
• The ministry of reconciliation.

4. Anonymous Testimony of 'Mandev'

• Introduction of a person from an Eastern European, atheistic country with a plaque outside their home stating "Embassy of the King of Heaven."
• This person's perspective of their home representing the Kingdom of Heaven.

5. Life as an Ambassador

• Samantha elaborates on the way this individual lives their life as an ambassador.
• Guests visiting him and discussing spiritual matters.
• His home as a place of refuge and representation of the king.

6. Personal Reflections by Barbara and Samantha

• Personal inspiration from Mandev's story.
• Emphasis on the idea that all believers and their homes are ambassadors and embassies of the King.
• The concept of temporary residence on Earth and eternal home in Heaven.

7. The Importance of Ambassadorship in Modern Times

• The relevance of the concept amid modern confusion about values and concepts.
• The comfort in remembering that Earth is not the believer’s eternal home.

8. Embassy Row Analogy

• Description of different embassies on Embassy Row in Washington, DC.
• How embassies reflect the home country within foreign lands.
• Comparison of home embassies to spiritual ambassadorship.

9. Practicing Spiritual Ambassadorship at Home

• The role of homes as places of refuge and representation of God's kingdom.
• The impact of seeing a sign or plaque "Embassy of the King of Heaven" as a reminder.

10. Practical Steps and Resources

• Ideas to create a sign or plaque as a reminder.
• Details about the book "Your Home, His Embassy" by Barbara and Janelle Bridenstine.
• Discussion guide within the book for family use.
• How to use these discussions to teach children about ambassadorship.
• Book available in electronic form and through subscription.

11. Subscription Benefits and Conclusion

• Benefits of subscribing to Barbara’s friends and family.
• Additional content available through subscription (Bible Studies, podcast seasons).
• Information about where to find these resources and the signs.
• Wrap-up and invitation to the next podcast episode.