Awesome Marriage Podcast

One of the greatest privileges we have as spouses is coming before the Father and lifting up our marriage—leaning on Him for protection, provision, and strength. Today, special guests Brad and Heidi Mitchell join Dr. Kim to talk about how foundational prayer is for intimacy and the overall climate of your marriage. Many couples struggle to develop this rhythm—not because they don't want to, but because they simply don't know where to start. Be encouraged today as Brad and Heidi share from their newest book, Build Your Marriage With Prayer, and talk about how guided prayers, daily readings, and reflection questions can help couples grow a consistent and meaningful prayer life together. Episode Highlights: Husbands don't have to know it all to lead- they can be simply willing to initiate. Wives can come alongside and encourage their husbands to step into the role God created them for. Don't weaponize prayer against your spouse. Quotes from this Episode: Kim Kimberling Quotes: "The first time Nancy and I really started praying for something together and saw God show up, it was like, 'This is awesome.'" "Prayer bonds us together in a way nothing else really can." "Most guys feel inadequate spiritually, but prayer was never about performing." "You don't have to know more than your spouse to lead spiritually—you just have to initiate." "When couples begin praying together, they stop fighting against each other and start fighting for each other." "Inviting God into conflict changes conflict from something destructive into something that can grow your marriage." "The more we pray, the more prayer becomes part of the fabric of who we are." "God wants to be involved in the middle of our everyday lives—not just the big emergencies." "When you pray over your spouse, it creates empathy, connection, and unity." "Prayer gives God a chance to show up in your marriage over and over again." Brad Mitchell Quotes: "A lot of men don't pray with their wives because they're afraid of looking inadequate." "Men don't need to be spiritual experts—they just need to become spiritual initiators." "The things you most want to lean away from are often the very places God wants you to lean in." "When you pray about the issue instead of against each other, nobody wins or loses—God wins." "The enemy whispers, 'You're not good at this,' because he knows how powerful prayer is in marriage." "Every wife would love for her husband to stop and pray over her before the day begins." "Surrendering your schedule to God changes interruptions from frustrations into opportunities." "Prayer protects your marriage because it keeps both of you surrendered to God instead of fighting each other." Heidi Mitchell Quotes: "Make prayer a positive experience for your spouse, not a performance." "There's really no wrong way to come before God together." "Encouragement from a wife can completely change a husband's confidence in leading spiritually." "If prayer becomes weaponized, couples will stop wanting to pray together." "Not every thought deserves a place to stay in your mind." "Ask yourself: Does this thought line up with who God says my spouse is?" "Praying together helped us move from surface-level faith into authentic dependence on God." "When my husband prays for me, I feel protected, cared for, and truly seen." "The spiritual connection we share through prayer has become one of the greatest strengths in our marriage." Time to Talk About it: What would it look like for us to make prayer feel more natural and encouraging in our relationship instead of pressured or performative? Is there an area of our marriage right now where we've been "fighting each other" instead of "fighting for each other," and how could prayer help shift that? Mentioned in this Episode: Build Your Marriage is on Instagram! Purchase your own copy of Build Your Marriage With Prayer! Check out Awesome Marriage's 9 Days to Build the Practice of Prayer in Marriage Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word with your spouse? Find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. You'll love our 30 Scripture Based Prayers for Your Marriage. Check out it out with your spouse! If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com ! Be the first to hear about all things Awesome Marriage, receive monthly bonus content straight from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy, and take advantage of big discounts by becoming a Marriage Changer!

Marriage was never promised to be easy, light, or always enjoyable—but when both spouses are committed wholeheartedly, it can endure even the hardest seasons. In this episode, Dr. Kim unpacks the foundational truths that help build a healthy, lasting marriage: honest communication, emotional safety, gratitude, faith, and learning how to work through conflict instead of avoiding it. He also shares what it looks like to start fresh without carrying the weight of past mistakes and why the struggles couples face—especially in the early years—don't mean something is wrong. Whether you're newly married or decades in, this episode offers practical encouragement to help you strengthen your relationship and build a marriage grounded in a foundation that lasts. Episode Highlights: "Becoming" is a process and it doesn't happen at the altar. The decisions that shape a marriage most aren't the big dramatic ones. Keep having fun together, year after year. If this is your second marriage- things don't have to be the same! Quotes from this episode: When faith is at the center of your marriage it changes the source of your security. You're no longer looking to your spouse to provide what only God can provide. The first year is not the best year- and that's ok. The friction you feel is not a sign that something is wrong. It's a sign that you are doing the real work of two becoming one. Avoiding the conversation doesn't make the problem disappear. The conversations you tend to avoid are the ones that can make or break a marriage. Your spouse is not a mind reader and neither are you. Communication is not a failure of love. It's an expression of it. The cultural model asks "what am I getting out of this?" The biblical model asks "what am I bringing to this?" Avoidance builds walls. Couples who pray together, seek wisdom together, and bring God into the center or their disagreements have a resource that other couples just don't have. Your spouse should feel like they can be honest with you without being punished for it. If they feel like they have to manage your reactions before they can be truthful, you've built a marriage where honesty is not safe. Life administration isn't connection. Gratitude is a muscle and in marriage it needs regular exercise. Time to talk about it? What do we expect from each other sexually? Are we spiritually moving in the same direction? How was conflict handled in your home growing up? Have we let anything go unaddressed? Are we protecting our time together? Mentioned in this Episode: Awesome Marriage is on Instagram! Make space to talk about the marriage itself with our FREE Weekly Marriage Check in Guide! Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word with your spouse? Find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Dr. Kim takes everyday 'traffic signs' that we all encounter and applies them to growing your marriage relationship in this plan: Traffic Signs and Your Marriage - Part 1 If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com ! It's the perfect time to become a Marriage Changer! When you become a Marriage Changer you'll receive exclusive content from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy as well as our resource of the month! Become a Marriage Changer today!

Have you ever gotten to the point in your marriage where your spouse felt more like the enemy than the person you committed to stand by in sickness and in health? What used to feel easy now feels tense. Conversations turn into misunderstandings. Small things feel big. Or maybe it's not conflict, it's distance. You're living side by side, but feeling miles apart. Somewhere along the way, everything started to feel… personal. And today, we're talking about why that happens, and how to change it. Episode Highights: It's not you vs. your spouse. It's you both vs the pattern. Your thought life shapes your marriage Healing and gratitude change everything. Quotes from Today's Episode: One moment doesn't define your marriage.- Mrs. Nancy The more I'm grateful for who Nancy is in my life, it's so much easier to say "no, I'm not talking this personal." People get ticked off for so many easy things nowadays and it's easy to get sucked into that. We don't want to look at ourselves. If I can blame Nancy then I can stay with that and not have to blame myself. God had to work on me. Our negative thinking can take over so much of the time. That negative thought process- and I have to go back to Romans 12: 2. Renewing our mind. That's the key.- Mrs. Nancy If there are old wounds, we have to take care of those. Time to Talk About it: Do you feel like I do things just to upset you? If so, how can we resolve this? List out 5 things you are grateful for about your spouse. Share them with one another. Mentioned in this Episode: Awesome Marriage is on Instagram! Unmet expectations can wreak havoc on your marriage. You need this brand new resource: The Marriage Expectations Worksheet Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word with your spouse? Find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Summer is coming and the beach is calling, and the Lord can use the ocean to speak encouragement into your marriage- see for yourself Islands, Tides and the Deep: A Marriage Message from the Sea If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com ! It's the perfect time to become a Marriage Changer! When you become a Marriage Changer this month, you'll receive our brand new Marriage Expectations Worksheet. This powerful tool is going to change the way you think about and talk about expectations in your marriage.

Most of us have experienced that shift in marriage—where the little quirks that once felt endearing during dating suddenly become everyday annoyances. The real challenge comes when those small frustrations start to build, creating distance, resentment, and barriers to connection. And often, it's not just the habits themselves—but the assumptions we attach to them—that carry the most power, quietly shaping how we see and respond to our spouse. In this episode, Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy share practical ways to keep the small things from becoming big issues. They talk about the power of open and honest communication, setting realistic expectations, and choosing grace in the moments it's needed most—especially when assumptions threaten to take over. Our hope is that this conversation encourages you to strengthen your connection and approach the little things in your marriage with greater understanding, intention, and grace. Episode Highlights: Assumptions do not help the marriage relationship. Open communication is key to highlighting the differences in your relationship and developing an alternate way to move forward together. Quotes from this Episode: You begin to think God made a mistake, which He doesn't. The way I think about Nancy, is going to impact the way I treat her. When you start thinking negatively toward someone, just stop and lay it at the Lords' feet. God wants us to have a good marriage. He gave it as a gift to us so He wants it to be good. It's hard to build a case against Nancy, when I'm taking her to the Lord in prayer. Marriage doesn't have to be complicated. God didn't create it as this maze we have to figure our way through. Time to Talk About it: When's the last time you prayed for the Lord to help you see your spouse the way He sees them. Is there something you need to share with you spouse that you've been viewing negatively? Something that is going unmentioned and ignored? Take time to write down 10 things you love or admire about your spouse. Now share it with them. Mentioned in This Episode: Awesome Marriage is on Instagram! Make sure you're checking in with your spouse every week with our FREE Weekly Marriage Check in Guide! Your words, your tone, your attitude- they all matter in how your spouse hears you and how connected your marriage feels. Check out our new devotional: Cut the Criticism and Cultivate Companionship in Marriage Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word with your spouse? Find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Have negative thoughts about your spouse slowly replaced the positive ones? You need to start Mind Craft: Take Your Thoughts Captive to Transform Your Marriage today! If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com ! It's the perfect time to become a Marriage Changer! When you become a Marriage Changer you'll receive our Most Popular Resource Bundle — 10 powerful marriage tools with a combined value of $185. Become a Marriage Changer today!

We've all heard the proverb that pride comes before the fall—but is there a place for pride in our relationships at all? Today, Dr. Kim takes an honest look at pride in marriage: its roots, its power, and its ability to divide even the strongest relationships. You'll be encouraged to recognize where pride may be creeping in, what it's actually revealing about your own heart, and practical ways to get it under control. Dr. Kim also addresses how to love and set healthy boundaries with a spouse who is struggling with pride—without enabling, escalating conflict, or losing yourself in the process. Episode Highlights: Pride quietly erodes connection. Pride reveals what's happening in the heart. Healthy humility creates stronger, safer relationships. It's ok to name the unhealthy rhythms in your marriage. It's not ok to remain in them. Quotes from this Episode: Unchecked pride leads to chronic resentment. Many affairs and separations trace back to one thing. One spouse spends years feeling like they couldn't be heard, valued or respected. When we make a mistake pride tells us to minimize it or justify it. Healthy confidence says "I have value and so does my spouse." Pride says "I have value and my spouse needs to recognize it." Confidence can receive correction. Pride can't. Pride builds a wall one brick at a time. Every unapologized offense was a brick. Every conversation where one spouse lectured instead of listened. Every eye roll- a brick. You don't want to just endure an unhealthy dynamic without ever naming it. That's not humility that is enabling. Time to Talk About it: Where do you think pride shows up most in our relationship—during conflict, communication, or something else? When you feel unheard or unvalued, how do you usually respond—and do you think pride plays a role in that reaction? What's one practical way we could replace pride with humility in our marriage this week? Mentioned in This Episode: Awesome Marriage is on Instagram! Make sure you're checking in with your spouse every week with our FREE Weekly Marriage Check in Guide! Your words, your tone, your attitude- they all matter in how your spouse hears you and how connected your marriage feels. Check out our new devotional: Cut the Criticism and Cultivate Companionship in Marriage Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word with your spouse? Find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Have negative thoughts about your spouse slowly replaced the positive ones? You need to start Mind Craft: Take Your Thoughts Captive to Transform Your Marriage today! If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com ! It's the perfect time to become a Marriage Changer! When you become a Marriage Changer this month, you'll receive our Most Popular Resource Bundle — 10 powerful marriage tools with a combined value of $185. Become a Marriage Changer today!

Most couples are unintentionally at risk of making one decision that can change their marriage forever. Jim Ramos shares the powerful guardrails that protect and strengthen your marriage, drawing from personal stories, biblical wisdom, and decades of ministry experience. His insight will challenge everything you thought you knew about love, trust, and biblical fidelity—showing you how to avoid costly mistakes and build an unbreakable, joy-filled partnership. You'll discover: Why most problems in marriage boil down to one choice and how guardrails can save you The crucial boundaries that keep temptation at bay—living above reproach and emotional connection How to build walls of protection around your wife's heart and why framing her well is your greatest act of love The importance of intentionality, regular check-ins, and prayer in cultivating a thriving relationship The biblical foundation of mutual submission, respect, and standing back-to-back as life partners This episode isn't just theory—Jim shares real stories, practical guardrails, and tangible steps you can take today. Whether you're engaged, newly married, or decades in, the principles here will help you lead with integrity and love. Don't leave your marriage to chance—discover how purposeful boundaries create a legacy of unbreakable trust, happiness, and spiritual harmony. Perfect for husbands and wives committed to God's design, or anyone ready to fight for a marriage that lasts a lifetime. Because in God's family, guarding your marriage isn't restriction, it's the freedom to love fearlessly. Quotes from this Episode: Jim Ramos: "Guardrails in marriage are not restrictions but powerful safeguards that create freedom by preventing destructive choices." Jim Ramos: "The root cause of most marital failures is a single, stupid choice away—guardrails act as proactive filters to avoid those pitfalls." Jim Ramos: "Effective leadership in marriage involves presiding over, protecting, and providing—like building walls and inspecting walls—rather than striving for equality." Jim Ramos: "Cultivating a shared journey towards Jesus strengthens marriage intrinsically; the closer couples move to Christ, the closer they become to each other." Jim Ramos: "Raising children and managing a stress-filled life require intentional prioritization—placing marriage second only to Jesus—otherwise, chaos undermines core relationships." Jim Ramos: "The story loops we build through unguarded conversations and stories can open doors for rumors, damaging trust." Jim Ramos: "Personal renewal in marriage is never too late; repentance and redirection through guardrails are always available, transforming failure into unbreakable bonds." Dr. Kim: "I think guardrails in marriage, to me, just pictures, man, you're protecting your marriage." Dr. Kim: "If we begin to think we're not vulnerable, we're really in trouble because we all are." Dr. Kim: "I think Satan wants us to fool us into thinking that he's not causing any trouble or that he's just maybe not even there." Dr. Kim: "I think when a man gets it, everyone wins, right? So when men step into that role, then the women naturally get rally around it." Dr. Kim: "I think intentionality, we don't realize how much that makes a difference. And our wives notice that." Time to Talk About it: What is one guardrail you'd like to see implemented in your marriage to strengthen and protect it? What is one step we can take today to make our marriage more of a priority? How can you begin to support one another spiritually so that your relationship with Jesus will grow? How can you see that shaping your marriage? Mentioned in This Episode: Once a year we do something HUGE! 10 resources for one donation. Don't miss our April bundle- your marriage will thank you for it! Check out Jim Ramos and Men in the Arena. Men- check out their instagram page. Wives- share their page with your husband. Awesome Marriage is on Instagram! Make sure you're checking in with your spouse every week with our FREE Weekly Marriage Check in Guide! We believe in boundaries as tools to protect your marriage and give you freedom to enjoy your marriage. Here's a tool to help you protect your marriage. Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word with your spouse? Find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Need a place to start discussing boundaries? God's Word is the perfect place to start and we have created a plan just for you: Boundaries in Marriage If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com ! It's the perfect time to become a Marriage Changer! When you become a Marriage Changer, you'll receive our Most Popular Resource Bundle — 10 powerful marriage tools with a combined value of $185. Become a Marriage Changer today!

Are you caught in a maze and don't even know it? Today, Dr. Kim is joined by Ryan Wekenman to talk about the maze of self-centeredness we all have to navigate. When we begin living for applause, appreciation, or validation, we can easily drift out of sync with the Lord and into a life focused on serving ourselves—the exact opposite of what God calls us to. In this powerful conversation, Ryan and Dr. Kim challenge us to recognize the pull toward self-focus and invite us to shift our attention back where it belongs: fully on Jesus. We pray this episode encourages you to take the focus off yourself and go all in on Him. Episode Takeaways: Self-centeredness is a spiritual issue that affects everyone. Control is often at the root of self-centeredness. We need to be intentional about serving others. Self-improvement should not come at the expense of God-centered living. The Lord is our shepherd; we lack nothing when we trust Him. Finding freedom comes from letting go of the need for validation. Quotes from this Episode: If Satan can't get you to not worship, he'll try to get you to make worship about you. You don't need self-help. First and foremost, you need God's help. The problem isn't self-help. The problem is thinking that self-help will save. The way towards abundant life is serving and it's humbling yourself. There's so much freedom on the other side of letting that performer in you die. I think we have to be intentional about that because it's easy to absorb the culture and let that just become part of, well, everybody's doing it.- Dr. Kim I think one thing that God has taught me and I still struggle with at times is learning to celebrate others. - Dr. Kim I think what God is teaching me now, as old as I am, is that just do what I want you to do. - Dr. Kim Time to Reflect: Where in my life am I most tempted to seek applause, appreciation, or validation instead of simply seeking the Lord? How might my focus on myself be affecting the way I love and serve my spouse and the people around me? What is one practical way I can shift my focus from myself to Jesus in my daily decisions and interactions this week? Connect with Ryan: Website: ryanwekenman.com; redrocksaustin.com Podcast: Afterthoughts Podcast; Stories in Scripture Instagram: instagram.com/ryanwekenman YouTube: YouTube.com/@ryanwekenman

What if your marriage isn't falling apart, but just missing a key insight? In this powerful conversation, we explore "Light Bulb Moments"- the sudden realizations that can transform a relationship almost instantly. Emerson Eggerichs, author of Light Bulb Moments in Marriage and the bestselling Love and Respect, shares how couples who feel miles apart are often just inches away from breakthrough. You'll learn how understanding gender differences, taking responsibility for your responses, and applying a faith-centered perspective can lead to deeper connection and lasting change. Episode Takeaways: Your response is your responsibility, and you don't have to wait for your spouse to change first. Gender roles shape how we respond when marriage gets tough. Small insights and honest apologies create space for connection, healing, and leadership at home. Love and respect are different, but both matter. Quotes from this Episode: Sometimes we feel miles apart in marriage, but in reality, we're just inches away from understanding each other- Emerson Eggerichs When we expect our spouse to heal and complete us, we set ourselves up for disappointment; only God can fill that space.- Dr. Kim Don't confuse silence for a lack of love.-Emerson Eggerichs Behind every marital conflict are two good-willed people simply missing each other's signals—not enemies, just different shades of right.- Emerson Eggerichs Apologizing isn't about taking the blame for everything—it's about sincerely owning your part, even if it's just 10%. Leave self-justification behind.- Emerson Eggerichs No one can make you hate. You are always free to choose how you respond—claim that freedom.-Emerson Eggerichs Take Time to Talk About it: What's been your biggest "light bulb moment" in marriage? Where have you shifted your focus from short-term fixes to eternal impact? Think back to your last marital conflict, where could you/ should you have owned your response in a way that honors your marriage better? Mentioned in This Episode: Learn more about Dr. Emerson Eggerichs and his ministry Love and Respect Get your copy of Lightbulb Moments in Marriage Awesome Marriage is on Instagram! Make sure you're checking in with your spouse every week with our FREE Weekly Marriage Check in Guide! Your words, your tone, your attitude- they all matter in how your spouse hears you and how connected your marriage feels. Check out our new devotional: Cut the Criticism and Cultivate Companionship in Marriage Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word with your spouse? Find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Want to strengthen your marriage connection and overcome challenges? Check out Deep Waters, Deeper Love: Marriage Lessons from Jonah by Dr. Kim. If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com ! Be the first to hear about all things Awesome Marriage, receive monthly bonus content straight from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy, and take advantage of big discounts by becoming a Marriage Changer!

Blended families are beautiful—but they're also complex. When two lives, two histories, and often two sets of kids come together, figuring out what "family" looks like can feel overwhelming. From divided loyalties and differing parenting styles to navigating ex-spouses, finances, and faith, blended families face unique challenges that many couples aren't prepared for. In this episode, we're joined by Ron Deal, director of FamilyLife Blended and author of The Smart Stepfamily. Ron shares practical wisdom, biblical insight, and deep encouragement for couples navigating stepfamily life. We talk about earning influence before exercising authority, managing divided loyalties, setting realistic expectations, and protecting your marriage while building unity in your home. Whether you're part of a blended family or love someone who is, this conversation offers real hope, grace-filled guidance, and a reminder that healthy blended families are built over time—on purpose, and with God at the center. Episode Takeaways: Blended families are not repairs of biological families. Creating a blended family involves new rules and dynamics. Respect and communication are key. Quotes from this Episode: "You are not repairing a biological family structure. You are creating an entirely new blended family structure where the rules are different." -Ron Deal "To be a great co-parent, you need to act divorced—respect your boundaries, let go of control, and focus on parenting your own way."- Ron Deal "Stop pretending you have the right to influence your ex's choices. You can share your preferences respectfully, but after that, let go and parent your own way." - Ron Deal "Your spouse is the most important adult relationship in your life—honor that allegiance, but never abandon your children." - Ron Deal "You cannot demand love out of a child. That's something they decide on their time."- Ron Deal "If you support the stepparent in front of your kids, if you are a team member in the parenting system, then your blended family has a chance." -Ron Deal "You cannot have two parenting styles under one roof; blended families thrive when standards are more alike than different."- Ron Deal Questions to Talk Through: Where do we feel the most tension in our blended family right now—and how can we face it together instead of alone? What is one way we can better support each other when parenting, scheduling, or outside relationships feel overwhelming? What does "progress" look like for our family in this season, even if it doesn't look perfect yet? Mentioned in this Episode: Awesome Marriage is on Instagram! Ron and Nan Deal wrote The Mindful Marriage- it's a MUST read for all couples. Blended family? The Smart Stepfamily needs to be your next read! Check out more of what Ron is doing HERE. Your words, your tone, your attitude- they all matter in how your spouse hears you. Check out our new devotional: Cut the Criticism and Cultivate Companionship Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word with your spouse? Find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Caught in the trap of negativity towards your spouse? Start our Lord, Help my Critical Heart reading plan today. If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !

When we hear the word foreplay, most of us immediately think about the bedroom. But intimacy in marriage was never meant to be confined to a single moment behind closed doors. Today, we're talking about foreplay 24/7/36 the idea that emotional, spiritual, and relational connection is built continually, hour by hour, day by day. We'll explore how intentional connection outside the bedroom sets the stage for deeper intimacy inside it, why this matters so much for the health of our marriage, and how small, everyday choices can radically change the temperature of our relationship. Episode Highlights: What happens in the bedroom is directly affected by what happens outside the bedroom. There are five types of intimacy that every strong marriage needs. The goal is not perfection, it's progress. Quotes from this Episode: When couples neglect the other four intimacies and they only focus on the physical the relationship becomes transactional sex becomes about physical release instead of real connection. - Dr. Kim That's often how affairs begin, not with physical attraction, but with unmet emotional needs. - Dr. Kim When intimacy is only in the bedroom, the temperature of the marriage runs cold. - Dr. Kim Replace bad patterns with good ones. Don't just stop the negative, start positive. Instead of scrolling, ask about their day. Instead of logistics, share something you're grateful for about them and finally give each other grace. -Dr. Kim When you come home, prioritize your spouse above anything else. -Dr. Kim When there's unresolved tension,when there's hurt or anger or distance, that vulnerability feels unsafe. -Dr. Kim Awkward is better than distant. Have the conversation. -Dr. Kim Intimacy isn't built in a single grand gesture. It's rebuilt, one conversation, one touch, one prayer at a time. -Dr. Kim Questions Worth Discussing: What's one moment from today (or this week) where we felt connected—or disconnected—and why do you think that was? Did anything in the episode help you see everyday moments differently when it comes to intimacy or connection? What's one small thing we could do differently this week to stay more connected outside the bedroom? Mentioned in this Episode: Awesome Marriage is on Instagram! Make sure you're checking in with your spouse every week! Make sex better for BOTH of you — by romancing your spouse the way they actually desire. Check out this month's Sexy Bundle: His and Hers Romance Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word with your spouse? Find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Want to see what God's Word says about sex and intimacy? Check out Embracing the Gift of Sex in Marriage: Looking Through a Biblical Lens Part 1 If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !

How are physical health and marital intimacy connected—and why does it matter more than we often realize? In this episode, Dr. Kim and Mrs.Nancy sit down for an honest conversation about the link between physical health and intimacy in marriage. They explore how stress, exhaustion, illness, aging, and life seasons can impact connection, desire, and closeness—and why caring for our bodies is not just personal, but relational and spiritual. This conversation helps couples navigate physical barriers to intimacy without shame or pressure, and instead with patience, understanding, and love. Whether you're in a season of strength or struggle, this episode offers hope, clarity, and encouragement to pursue intimacy the way God designed it—rooted in grace and mutual care. You'll hear: • Why intimacy doesn't stay effortless—and why that's normal • How sleep deprivation, stress, and hormones impact desire and connection • Why exhaustion often gets misread as rejection • How physical neglect creates emotional distance • What stewardship of your body has to do with loving your spouse • How couples can talk about intimacy without shame or defensiveness • Practical, realistic steps to rebuild closeness—even in demanding seasons Quotes from This Episode: Often as women, we feel like we have to do it all. We become physically drained and spiritually drained. -Mrs. Nancy Our bodies aren't machines. They need to be connected to the Lord and good health. -Mrs. Nancy We have to get past the stereotype that if you love each other that your sexual intimacy will be great. - Dr. Kim Body, soul and spirit- you have to work on all three to get yourself in shape, to live life to the fullest. - Mrs. Nancy The better I feel, the better I take care of myself, one our marriage is better, and two I have the energy and focus to serve Him and do the things God has lined out for me to do. -Dr. Kim Physical health and marriage are more connected than we realize. When one suffers, the other does too—care for both intentionally. -Dr. Kim You don't have to be 'super mom' or 'super spouse.' Recognize your limits and give yourself grace in each season of life.- Dr. Kim Taking care of your health is not just self-improvement—it's an act of love toward your spouse and those you serve. -Dr. Kim Even in illness, exhaustion, or stress, don't give up on intimacy. Adapt, support each other, and let these challenges draw you closer.-Dr. Kim You don't need a perfect body—just a healthy one that lets you show up for your spouse and God's call each day.-Dr. Kim Fitness is about being strong enough to live, love, and serve as God intended—not about looking a certain way.-Dr. Kim Questions for Conversation: How has our current physical season (energy, stress, health, sleep, life stage) been shaping our intimacy—emotionally and physically—and where do we need more understanding for each other? Are there any physical or emotional barriers to intimacy that we've avoided talking about? What would it look like to approach that conversation with curiosity, prayer, and grace instead of pressure or defensiveness? What is one small, realistic way we could care for our physical health together this season as an act of love and connection—not obligation? Mentioned in this Episode: Dr. Kim mentioned rating your intimacy in order to open the door to communication. We have a great tool for that! Check out our Love Making Survey. Awesome Marriage is on Instagram!Make sex better for BOTH of you — by romancing your spouse the way they actually desire. Check out this month's Sexy Bundle: His and Hers Romance Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word with your spouse? Find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Want to see what God's Word says about sex and intimacy? Check out Embracing the Gift of Sex in Marriage: Looking Through a Biblical Lens Part 1 If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com ! Sign up for Dr. Kim's Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips! Now is the perfect time to join our Marriage Changers program. Enjoy every resource of the month plus bonus content from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy. Join now, just in time to receive our Sexy Bundle: His and Hers Romance

You all loved this conversation in the fall so we are kicking off our Wider Lens 2026 with a rerelease of this awesome interview. Jerry Flowers is bringing encouragement about the patterns of your life and posture of your heart as we talk through his new book Heart Rehab: Finding the You God Created You to Be. Lean into the discomfort, create disciplines for preparedness, and surrender your need for control in order to step into your true calling as a son or daughter of the Lord Almighty. He loves you, he is for you, and we can trust him with our hearts! Episode Highlights: Stop blaming everyone else. Take time for self reflection. If we invite God in, He can use all seasons for our good and growth. Intimacy with the Lord allows us to grow into the people God created us to be. Discipline and preparation go hand in hand. The more disciplined you are, the more prepared you are for what God has next. Culture influences us to mislabel our fears, thoughts and anxieties. Make sure you are labeling them correctly. Quotes from Today's Episode: I recognize many times, our placement in life isn't just because of problems, it's because of patterns. -Jerry Flowers Patterns reveal character. -Jerry Flowers Patterns are one of the ushers to certain seasons. -Jerry Flowers We want to blame the enemy, but we have to look at ourselves too. -Jerry Flowers Be aware of the enemy, for sure. But I think sometimes that keeps us from taking responsibility for our part. -Jerry Flowers It may not make sense right then, but later it'll make sense. -Jerry Flowers I see things that God put me through, before we got married, that helped me when I got married. -Dr. Kim We want to be whole enough where the Lord can pour into us and we can pour back out.- Jerry Flowers If you want results, you lean into discomfort.- Jerry Flowers What changed for me is realizing that my mind can lie to me. -Jerry Flowers A Wider Lens: Questions for Self Reflection Look at your daily life and identify one unhealthy pattern you've grown comfortable with. What one discipline could you start practicing to combat this pattern and prepare for what God has next? Identify an area of your life you haven't fully surrendered to the Lord. Choose a Scripture verse to meditate on as you commit to trusting Him completely. Mentioned in this Episode: Website: Jerryflowersministries.com ; redefinedtv.net Facebook: facebook.com/JerryFlowersMinistries ; facebook.com/@redefinedtv Instagram: instagram.com/jerryflowers.jr ; instagram.com/redefinedtv YouTube: youtube.com/@Beredefined TikTok: tiktok.com/@jerryflowers.jr Heart Rehab: Finding the You God Created You to Be