You know you should listen Instead you get louder Or colder Or suddenly walking away sounds very reasonable So how do you control your emotions when your brain and body have already hit DEFCON Ron and Nan Deal authors of The Mindful Marriage join Dave and Ann Wilson on FamilyLife Today to unpack what's beneath those knee-jerk reactions and how real change manages when your spouse says that thing again and your better judgment has fled the building Show Notes and Resources Find The Mindful Marriage by Ron and Nan Deal on our shop Also get Vertical Marriage by Dave [... more]

Feeling unique, worthy, and belonging in a relationship is crucial for a sense of identity and love. Uniqueness speaks to our sense of identity, worthiness is about feeling valued, and belonging gives us a sense of being part of something. Trustworthiness and safety are essential for a healthy relationship, and reliability, transparency, and fairness are key elements of trust. When we feel loved and safe, we flourish and give freely in our relationships. [... more]

Couples often chase love and safety in their relationships, but true stability comes from trust and a sense of identity. By grounding themselves in God's love and faithfulness, individuals can find peace and happiness, even in imperfect relationships. [... more]

Nan Aspinwall, a skilled trick shooter and rodeo performer, became the highest paid star in Buffalo Bill's Wild West show. She was also the first woman to ride cross-country on horseback, a feat immortalized in pop culture. Her journey reflected the transformation of the Western Frontier from a place of conflict to a mythological ideal of American identity. [... more]

A couple shares their journey of overcoming pain, grief, and communication struggles in their marriage, highlighting the importance of faith, mindfulness, and seeking help through counseling and support groups. [... more]

Couples struggling with communication breakdown, trust issues, and conflict can find hope in rebuilding their relationship through understanding and managing themselves. By recognizing patterns and triggers, individuals can learn to respond differently and bring a better version of themselves to their marriage, leading to a more mindful and healthy relationship. [... more]

When technology, specifically artificial intelligence, becomes a substitute for human relationships, it can lead to unhealthy attachments and idolatry. Parents and spouses must be aware of this issue and have open conversations with their children and partners about the dangers of relying too heavily on AI companions. By recognizing the signs of addiction and taking steps to manage technology, individuals can cultivate healthier relationships and deepen their trust in God. [... more]

As people increasingly turn to AI companions for therapy and companionship, experts warn of the dangers of digital addiction and emotional dependence. With AI designed to keep users hooked, the line between technology and human relationships is becoming increasingly blurred, raising concerns about the impact on mental health and relationships. [... more]

A couple shares their incredible journey of marriage restoration, redemption, and healing, highlighting the power of faithfulness, God's love, and trust in overcoming marital struggles and relationship challenges. [... more]

A couple shares their remarkable story of struggling with addiction, grief, and healing in their marriage, highlighting the importance of humility, forgiveness, and seeking help to overcome personal struggles and strengthen their relationship. [... more]

Navigating grief and lament in marriage and blended families requires a nuanced understanding of the pain and sorrow involved. Western culture's emphasis on mastering grief can be detrimental, and the church often adopts this approach without realizing it. A healthy approach to grief involves lament, which is a process of turning to God in pain, complaining, asking, and trusting. This process is reflected in the scriptures and is essential for growth and deepening of faith. [... more]

Churches can better support single parents and blended families by being intentional about creating inclusive environments, using language that welcomes everyone, and providing opportunities for people to connect with others from different backgrounds. By doing so, churches can help people feel seen, heard, and valued, and provide a sense of community and belonging. [... more]

Couples struggling in their relationships can find practical help by understanding the intersection of neuroscience and the Bible. Dr. Gary Chapman and Ron Deal discuss the mindful marriage approach, which involves recognizing and managing one's own pain cycle and developing self-control to build a stronger connection with their partner. [... more]

Navigating the complexities of trust and communication in marriage, including how to reestablish trust, address in-law relationships, and prioritize the marriage over other family relationships. [... more]

Couples can learn to manage their relationships and overcome painful patterns by understanding their pain cycles and making a conscious effort to live out of God's truth. This approach, rooted in both neuroscience and the Bible, emphasizes the importance of humility and self-control in achieving a mindful marriage. [... more]

Managing one's heart and being selfless in marriage is crucial for building trust and a strong relationship. Secular researcher John Gottman's work highlights the importance of trust and the four horsemen of the apocalypse, which can predict divorce. Practicing humility, gentleness, and effective communication can help couples navigate challenges and strengthen their bond. [... more]

Jesus used his power to empower others, making them more, never less. A godly husband treats his wife with respect and kindness, using his power to build her up, not tear her down. A similar dynamic exists in submission, which is about using one's power wisely to build up, not tear down, and is about the posture of the heart, not a role or particular thing. [... more]

A couple shares their story of overcoming pornography addiction and rebuilding trust in their marriage through faith, therapy, and support. They discuss the importance of honesty, vulnerability, and seeking help from a Christian therapist and support group to overcome the cycle of addiction and betrayal trauma. [... more]

Dana Gresh and her husband Bob share their personal struggle with pornography addiction and its impact on their marriage. They discuss how they sought help through Christian counseling and how their relationship was transformed through forgiveness, joy, and celebration of Bob's redemption story. [... more]

Colonel Oliver North shares his personal journey as a caregiver for his wife Betsy, who suffers from degenerative corticobasal syndrome, and how his faith has sustained him through the challenges of caregiving. He discusses the importance of trust in Christ and the need for caregivers to find peace and contentment in their situation. [... more]