• 14 Ways to Spice Up Your Marriage This Valentine’s Day!
    Feb 14 2025

    Happy Valentine’s! Whether you’re all about the romance or you think it’s just another day, we’re here to give you 14 creative ways to show love to your spouse—not just on Valentine’s Day, but all year round!

    There are so many things in life that can distract us from prioritizing our spouse, so we’re sharing practical, fun, and flirty ways to keep the love alive in your marriage. From love notes and surprise treats to sexy texts and spontaneous date nights, these simple yet powerful gestures can help deepen your connection and bring you closer together.

    💬 Key Points Discussed:
    ✅ Why saying “I love you” and showing it matters
    ✅ 14 creative ways to keep the spark alive
    ✅ How small gestures (like sticky notes & long kisses) make a big impact
    ✅ The power of intentional touch, flirtation, and planned dates
    ✅ How to prioritize your spouse daily—even in a busy life

    📖 Bible Verses Mentioned:

    • 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Love is patient, love is kind…
    • Ephesians 5:25 – Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church…
    • Proverbs 5:18-19 – Rejoice in the wife of your youth…


    💬 Question:
    Which of these 14 ways do you already practice? Which one do you want to try next? Let us know in the comments!

    ❤️ Don’t forget to subscribe for more faith-based marriage encouragement!
    📢 Like this episode? Share it with a couple who needs to hear it!


    #ChristianMarriage #ValentinesDay #MarriageTips #FaithBasedMarriage #RelationshipAdvice #LoveYourSpouse

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    20 mins
  • EP. 50 - How to Support a Struggling Spouse: 10 Practical Tips for Marriage | January 2025
    Jan 17 2025

    Are you or your spouse navigating a difficult season? Whether it’s financial pressure, health challenges, or emotional struggles, this episode of Marriage Monthly dives deep into how to support a struggling spouse with care, empathy, and intention. 💛

    Join Gabe and Melissa as they share 10 practical and faith-driven strategies to strengthen your marriage during tough times. From understanding their pace to encouraging their passions, each tip is rooted in Biblical wisdom and real-life experiences. You’ll also learn:

    • How to truly listen and provide a safe space for your spouse.
    • Why consistent encouragement and small wins matter.
    • The importance of self-care when your spouse is struggling.
    • How to embrace their pace and celebrate progress.
    • Why prayer and faith are essential for breakthrough moments.

    🔑 Scripture References:

    • Ephesians 4:2: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
    • Philippians 4:6-7: “Don’t be anxious about anything…”

    This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you navigate hard seasons together, with God at the center. Don’t miss it! 🙌

    💬 What’s one way you’ll apply these tips this week? Let us know in the comments!

    #MarriageHelp #StrugglingSpouse #ChristianMarriage #FaithInMarriage #MarriageSupport #MarriageAdvice #PrayTogether #MarriageMonthly #EncourageYourSpouse #BiblicalMarriage

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    27 mins
  • EP. 49 - Dealing with Drama: The Peace Plan for Your Marriage | December 2024
    Jan 17 2025

    Drama can feel unavoidable, especially during high-pressure seasons like the holidays, but it doesn’t have to define your marriage. In this episode of Marriage Monthly, Gabe and Melissa Kolstad dive into the unique challenges couples face when drama creeps in and share their proven five-step P.E.A.C.E. Plan for navigating conflict and restoring harmony in your relationship.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • The root causes of marital drama and why it often doubles in December.
    • How to approach disagreements with intentionality and prayer.
    • The P.E.A.C.E. Plan:

    Key Bible Verses:

    • Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
    • Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
    • Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything… And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds.”

    Discussion Questions:

    • What unresolved drama is currently stealing your peace in marriage?
    • Which step of the P.E.A.C.E. Plan can you implement this week?

    With practical advice, scriptural wisdom, and real-life examples, this episode equips you with tools to build a stronger, more peaceful marriage, even when life feels chaotic.

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    21 mins
  • Episode 48 - EXPERT Travel Tips to Create Lifelong Bonds on Vacation | November 2024
    Nov 15 2024

    Welcome to another enriching episode of Marriage Monthly, where Gabe and Melissa Kolstad dive into the joys and intricacies of vacationing together. This episode is not just about the relaxation and escape vacations offer, but about deepening bonds and creating lasting memories. Whether it’s exploring the cultural tapestry of Copenhagen, experiencing the heritage-rich scenes of Scandinavia, or simply enjoying the thrill of new destinations, Gabe and Melissa share their insights on how vacations can significantly enrich relationships.


    Key Points Covered:

    Strategic Vacationing: Learn the art of planning and executing memorable vacations that rejuvenate your relationship.

    Economic Travel Tips: Discover how to enjoy lavish trips without the lavish price tag, including tips on using travel points effectively.

    Making Memories: Understand why creating shared memories is foundational to a strong relationship and how to make the most out of every trip.

    Balancing Relaxation with Adventure: Explore the dynamics of different vacationing styles and find what best suits your relationship.


    Resources Mentioned:

    •Expedia for booking and managing travel plans to maximize points.

    •Groupon for affordable travel deals.

    •Specific travel credit cards for earning points towards free trips.

    #TravelTogether #MarriageGoals #AdventureCouples #VacationPlanning #MemoryMaking

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    25 mins
  • Episode 47 - Staying Connected: Balancing Family & Busy Seasons
    Oct 25 2024

    Do you ever feel like life’s busyness is pulling your family in different directions? In this episode, we unpack the challenge of maintaining meaningful connections amidst work, schedules, and the chaos that comes with raising teenagers. Whether it’s reclaiming family dinners, embracing intentional moments, or balancing personal goals with relationships, we’ve got practical insights to help you reconnect.

    Join us as we discuss:

    • Navigating the Shift: How to adjust when teenagers start working and schedules get hectic.
    • Replacing Busy with Intentionality: Why swapping “busy time” for “together time” makes all the difference.
    • Avoiding Relational Drift: How to stay emotionally connected even during long, hard seasons.
    • Productivity vs. Presence: Finding a healthy balance between achieving goals and making space for loved ones.
    • Practical Tips to Reconnect: From family walks to casual errands—small actions that build deeper bonds.

    Whether you’re in the thick of raising kids, pursuing personal goals, or simply feeling disconnected from loved ones, this episode offers relatable stories and helpful advice.

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Family Dinner Rituals – Why creating consistent time matters.
    • Tips for Intentional Breaks – Making space for each other amidst busy schedules.
    • Personal Reflections on Parenting and Marriage – How we’ve stayed connected through life’s ups and downs.

    #FamilyBalance #IntentionalLiving #ParentingTeens #PodcastLife #StayConnected #BusySeason #MarriageTips #RelationshipsMatter #FamilyFirst #Reconnect #ChristianPodcast

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    22 mins
  • Episode 46 - 3 Signs of a Miserable Marriage (And How to Fix It)
    Sep 27 2024

    In this eye-opening episode of Marriage Monthly, Gabe and Melissa dive into the three critical signs that indicate a marriage may be heading toward misery. With compassion and practical advice, they help listeners identify these signs and provide actionable steps to restore joy and connection in their relationships.


    Key Topics Covered:

    • Sign 1: Emotional Disconnect: Learn to recognize when communication breaks down and feelings of loneliness set in. Gabe and Melissa discuss the importance of prioritizing emotional intimacy and engagement.
    • Sign 2: Constant Conflict: Understand how frequent arguments can erode the foundation of a marriage. They share strategies for navigating conflicts constructively and turning disagreements into opportunities for growth.
    • Sign 3: Lack of Commitment: Explore the signs of complacency and disengagement. Gabe and Melissa emphasize the necessity of recommitting to one another and share practical tips for reigniting passion and dedication.
    • Actionable Solutions: For each sign, the couple provides concrete steps couples can take to address issues and enhance their marriage, fostering a deeper connection and understanding.


    Resources Mentioned:

    • Biblical Reference: Ephesians 4:2-3, focusing on humility and patience in relationships.
    • Practical Exercises: Suggestions for activities that couples can do together to strengthen their bond.


    If you found this episode helpful, please like, share, and subscribe to Marriage Monthly. Leave a comment or question below, and let us know your thoughts. Your feedback helps us create more valuable content for couples striving to build stronger marriages.

    Join us next month for another impactful episode where we continue to explore the challenges and triumphs of marriage. Together, we can make every relationship stronger and more fulfilling.

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    23 mins
  • Episode 45 - How to Maintain Tenderness and Love in Marriage
    Aug 24 2024

    In this heartwarming episode of Marriage Monthly, Gabe and Melissa are joined by a very special couple—Melissa's father, Pastor Ken Wooten, and his wife, Luetta. Together, they share invaluable insights on how to keep the sweetness alive in marriage, drawing from decades of personal experience and a deep commitment to each other.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • Sweetness in Marriage: Discover how small, daily acts of kindness can transform your relationship. From holding hands to bringing morning coffee in bed, Gabe and Melissa highlight the power of these simple gestures.
    • Influence of Upbringing: Pastor Ken and Luetta discuss how their upbringing influenced their approach to marriage and how they consciously chose to build a loving, peaceful home.
    • Importance of Positivity: Learn how a positive attitude and laughter can lead to a sweeter, more fulfilling relationship. The couple shares practical advice on avoiding sharp words and mean looks, emphasizing the impact of staying positive.
    • Practical Tips: From daily rituals like praying together to creating time for just the two of you, this episode is packed with actionable advice to keep your marriage strong and loving, even amidst the busyness of life.

    Resources and References:

    • Marriage Seminars: The couple talks about attending seminars early in their marriage to learn how to build a strong relationship.
    • Bible Verses: 1 Corinthians 13:4 - "Love suffers long and is kind," and how it applies to marriage.
    • Books & Tools: Mention of marriage enrichment resources that have helped shape their relationship.

    If you found this episode helpful, please like, share, and subscribe to Marriage Monthly. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts and experiences. Let's work together to spread love, kindness, and sweetness in marriages everywhere!

    Join us next month for more inspiring stories and practical advice on building a marriage that stands the test of time.

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    27 mins
  • Episode 44 - Why Couples Cheat and How to Recover: A Guide to Restoring Trust in Marriage
    Jul 20 2024

    In this powerful episode of Marriage Monthly, Gabe and Melissa delve into one of the most difficult challenges in relationships: infidelity. With compassion and insight, they explore the complex reasons why couples cheat and provide a comprehensive guide on how to recover from broken trust.

    Key Topics Covered:
    - Understanding Infidelity: Dive deep into the reasons behind cheating, from distorted views of sexuality to emotional dissatisfaction within the marriage.
    - Biblical Perspectives: Learn about the biblical principles surrounding marriage, trust, and restoration, emphasizing that God honors the process of rebuilding a relationship.
    - Impact of Culture: Discuss how modern culture, including the influence of pornography and changing sexual norms, affects marital fidelity.
    - Setting Boundaries: Practical advice on establishing physical, relational, spatial, emotional, and technological boundaries to safeguard your marriage.
    - Healing and Recovery: Steps to forgive, rebuild trust, and create a marriage recovery plan. Hear real-life success stories of couples who have overcome infidelity.

    Staying Connected:
    Tips on keeping your marriage vibrant, including flirting, dating, and maintaining emotional and physical intimacy.

    Resources Mentioned:
    Documentary: "Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Cyber Attacks"
    Survey Data: From Today's Christian Woman and The Gospel Coalition
    Bible Verses: Exodus 20:14, Proverbs 6:32, Matthew 5:27-28, 1 Corinthians 7:5

    If you found this episode helpful, please like, share, and subscribe to Marriage Monthly. Leave a comment or question below, and let us know your thoughts. Your feedback helps us create more valuable content for you and other couples striving to build stronger marriages.

    Join us next month for another impactful episode where we continue to explore the challenges and triumphs of marriage. Together, we can make every relationship stronger and more fulfilling.

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    34 mins