FamilyLife Today®

Do you struggle with saying 'no'? You're not alone. Join Bestselling Author Lysa TerKeurst in a compelling conversation about setting healthy boundaries in relationships. True identity, biblical wisdom to navigate chaos and insights on self-care. If you're seeking to enhance relationships and emotional well-being, this episode is a must-listen. Show Notes and Resources Purchase Lisa's book, "Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others Without Losing the Best of Who You Are" Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website. Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Discover the transformative power of words in marriage, especially in how women can uplift their husbands instead of resorting to criticism. Hear personal stories revealing the profound impact of affirmation over decades of marriage. Delve into the biblical concept of a wife's role, reinterpreted as a powerful partner rather than a passive supporter. Explore open communication, mutual support, and seeking fulfillment through faith, showcasing how a strong relationship with God can enhance connections between spouses.

Ann and Dave Wilson dive into the transformative power of words in marriage. They reveal how constant critiques can feel like disapproval, leading to deep realizations. A pivotal moment during a public talk led to a heartfelt reckoning that changed their relationship. The importance of uplifting communication, genuine appreciation, and positive affirmations are discussed. Personal anecdotes illustrate how intentional, supportive words can foster stronger bonds and healthier family dynamics.

Ron Deal, a leading expert on blended families and bestselling author, teams up with Gayla Grace, a dedicated stepfamily author and speaker. They debunk pervasive myths about step-parenting, such as the stereotype of the wicked stepmother. The duo emphasizes that blending families takes time and effort, and instant acceptance is unrealistic. They share insights on the importance of open communication and the evolving emotional bonds in blended families, challenging harmful narratives while promoting patience and understanding in these unique dynamics.

Johnny Gibson, a pastor and author of 'The Moon Is Always Round,' shares his poignant journey through grief after the stillbirth of his daughter, Layla. He discusses how he and his wife Jackie navigated their loss, emphasizing the importance of communication and support. Their young son, Ben, asked insightful questions that sparked deep conversations about faith and mortality. They highlight personal rituals to honor Layla's memory and how her legacy inspires others through their book, which funds a scholarship for future Christian leaders.

In this heartfelt discussion, Jackie Gibson, author of 'You Are Still a Mother', shares her journey after losing her daughter, Layla, to stillbirth. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging suffering and draws strength from her faith and community. Jackie offers practical advice for supporting those in grief, stressing the value of showing up and acknowledging the loss. Despite the pain, she reflects on how joy can eventually return and honors Layla’s memory through love and remembrance, fostering hope amidst sorrow.

Jackie Gibson, author of 'You Are Still A Mother', shares her poignant journey through the heartbreak of miscarriage and stillbirth, particularly the loss of her daughter Layla. She reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of anticipation turned sorrow and the challenges of living as a mother without a child to hold. Jackie discusses the crucial support from her husband and the profound role her faith played during this traumatic time. Through her story, she offers hope and insights on finding comfort in community and grappling with grief and faith.

Jordan Raynor, author of "Five Mere Christians", joins the conversation to discuss the impactful lives of Christians who changed the world while holding no formal religious titles. He highlights Fannie Lou Hamer, a courageous activist whose fight for civil rights and voter registration challenged systemic racism. Raynor emphasizes Hamer's Christ-like approach of loving her enemies amidst adversity. The dialogue also delves into the intersections of justice, love, and the importance of resilience in faith today, encouraging listeners to maintain hope through challenges.

Jordan Raynor, author and podcast host, dives into the sacredness of secular work, challenging the divide between faith and profession. He emphasizes that any job can be meaningful when approached with the right mindset, reflecting on his own decision to forgo a chance with the Cincinnati Bengals. Jordan shares insights from his book, 'Five Mere Christians,' highlighting figures like Fred Rogers and C.S. Lewis, who exemplified faith in their work. Through personal anecdotes, he inspires listeners to see God’s presence in every aspect of their lives.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Ryan Rush and his host discuss the significance of mealtime in family life, focusing on the emotional, spiritual, and physical transformations that can take place when families gather around the table. Dr. Rush, who is also known as "Dinner Table Ryan," talks about his book, Restore the Table, which advocates for the power of shared meals in fostering strong familial bonds. He explains that mealtime is one of the most impactful habits a family can adopt, and it doesn't have to involve gourmet dishes or elaborate plans to be effective.The discussion begins humorously with Dr. Rush admitting he’s not much of a cook but emphasizes the importance of the shared experience over the food itself. He elaborates on the "overachieving meal" as a major mistake many families make when trying to make meals too complex, which often leads to burnout. He advocates for simplicity, recalling his mother’s recipe for sloppy joes and how it became a cherished memory for him, highlighting that meals should be about togetherness rather than perfection.The conversation touches on common pitfalls families face during mealtime, such as diving too deep into heavy conversations too quickly. Dr. Rush and his host share a funny story about a dinner guest who was uncomfortable with a deep question about marriage, illustrating how it's essential to keep conversations at the table light and natural at first. They also discuss the balance between allowing deeper conversations to flow naturally and avoiding turning mealtime into an interrogation. A strategy they recommend is asking open-ended questions like, "Tell me your story," to let people share at their own pace.Additionally, they talk about how mealtimes shouldn't turn into a lecture, particularly for parents who might feel the need to impart lessons to their kids during meals. Instead, mealtime should be about connection and fostering an environment where everyone feels heard and loved. They recount stories of their own experiences with over-serious meal discussions and the importance of creating a joyful atmosphere around the table.The episode also addresses the distractions that modern technology can bring to mealtime, such as phones and TVs. Dr. Rush emphasizes the importance of being fully present during family meals and advises parents to set boundaries around media use during mealtimes. They reflect on how phones, even when not actively being looked at, can still send the message that the person in front of you isn’t as important as whatever might be happening on the device.Lastly, Dr. Rush and his host encourage parents to embrace the chaos of mealtime with young children, understanding that even when things get messy, the act of sitting together and sharing a meal has lasting benefits. They talk about the future regrets parents may have when their children leave home, urging families to cherish these moments before they are gone. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Ryan Rush on his website. Download conversation starters for the family table at familylife.com/tabletalk. Get Ryan's book "Restore the Table" on our shop.  Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website. Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy