If you had the opportunity to heal, would you take it? It might seem like a silly question, but often, we become so accustomed to our pain, suffering, or grief that it feels like a part of who we are. Yet, true healing requires a conscious decision to pursue it. Today, Jim talks with renowned author, speaker, and founder of New Life Ministries, Stephen Arterburn, about his book Healing Is A Choice. Drawing from his personal experiences, Stephen and Jim explore various aspects of healing, such as connection, grief, and the role of community, while addressing lies we may believe that can block our path to recovery. We all experience pain - whether physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual - but while only God has the power to heal, the decision to seek that healing is ours to make.

HomeWord Links:

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

Leave a Message for HomeWord: 949-485-3905

Have a question you want Jim to answer? Email us! info@homeword.com

Stephen Arterburn

New Life Ministries: https://newlife.com/

New Life LIVE Broadcasts: https://newlife.com/broadcasts/

Stephen Arterburn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstephenarterburn/

Life Recovery Groups on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liferecoverygroups/

Call New Life: 1-800-NEW LIFE (639-54330

Books:

Healing Is a Choice: https://a.co/d/gleICLZ

Every Man’s Battle: https://a.co/d/1JbVpy5

All of Stephen’s Books

Order Jim’s New Book:

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/

Can parents combat the constant barrage of negative messaging our children receive from school, social media, and societal pressures? Though it seems like an uphill battle, there is hope! Today, Jim welcomes speaker, therapist, and best-selling author Dr. Chinwé Williams to discuss her book, Seen: Healing Despair and Anxiety in Kids and Teens Through the Power of Connection. Together, they explore how intentional presence, positive affirmations, “just listening” and developing grit in your kids can foster resilience, confidence, and a strong sense of self-worth even in the face of life's challenges. If you have children, work with youth, or are a regular caregiver - this episode needs to be bookmarked.

Jim’s Takeaways

From Seen:

1. When we show up, they feel loved
2. When we see them, they feel understood
3. Just listen, and they feel safe
4. Speak life and they feel worthy
5. Develop grit in their life and they’re going to feel empowered

HomeWord Links:

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

Leave a Message for HomeWord: 949-485-3905

Have a question you want Jim to answer? Email us! info@homeword.com

Dr. Chinwé Williams Links:

Dr. Chinwé Williams Website: https://drchinwewilliams.com/

Books:

Seen: Healing Despair and Anxiety in Kids and Teens Through the Power of Connection: https://a.co/d/9xGh8hk

Beyond The Spiral: Why You Shouldn’t Believe Everything Anxiety Tells You: https://a.co/d/gEdNJ2h

Order Jim’s New Book:

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/

Have you ever felt like you and your spouse are more like roommates? Maybe five years ago, before this job, or before having kids, your relationship felt strong and emotionally connected. But now, things feel flat, distant, and maybe even a bit hopeless. If that sounds familiar, we have great news—this episode is for you! And more importantly, you're not alone. Even marriage experts Greg and Erin Smalley have been where you are! In Jim’s conversation with the Smalleys, you’ll find plenty of encouragement and practical tips to help you reconnect with your spouse. The best part? It’s not about adding more to your already full schedule. Greg and Erin point out simple actions you’re likely already doing that can create small moments of connection, leading to the deeper relationship you’re longing for.

HomeWord Links:

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

Greg & Erin Smalley Links:

About Greg Smalley: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/contributors/greg-smalley/

About Erin Smalley: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/contributors/erin-smalley/

Focus on Marriage Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/focus-on-marriage-podcast/id261059123

Resist the Drift Marriage Conferences: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/resistthedriftsalemconferences/

Leave a Message for HomeWord: 949-485-3905

Have a question you want Jim to answer? Email us! info@homeword.com

Books:

Reconnected: Moving from Roommates to Soul Mates in Marriage: https://a.co/d/ezgelqC

Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage: 12 Secrets for a Lifelong Romance: https://a.co/d/hFXzOP8

The 5 Sex Needs of Men and Women by Gary Rosberg: https://a.co/d/fAokZWp

Closer: 52 Devotions to Draw Couples Together: https://a.co/d/gizZbnQ

Order Jim’s New Book:

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/

As parents, we devote at least two decades to raising our children so they can go off into the world as (hopefully) confident, kind, and capable individuals. It’s easy for our identity to get wrapped up in parenthood, but we eventually have to confront who we are once the kids are gone - and that can be intimidating. Jim welcomes author, speaker, and marriage coach Jill Savage to talk about her book Empty Nest, Full Life, and how much joy can be found in the season after kids. From dissolving codependency to reconnecting with your spouse, from reigniting old hobbies to finding new ones, from “bleacher-butt” friends to deep, lasting friendships, this conversation will encourage you to be intentional in whatever stage of parenting you are currently in.

Jim's Takeaways for Moving Forward in the Empty Nest

• Remember that your children haven’t left your life
• Reinvent the relationship with your adult children (they aren’t your major emotional support!)
• Work out flexible ways to stay in touch
• Reactivate your social life
• Practice healthy doses of self-care

HomeWord Links:

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

Jill Savage Links:

Jill Savage: https://jillsavage.org/

Empty Nest Resources: https://www.emptynestbook.com/the-resources/

No More Perfect Marriages LIVE Events: https://jillsavage.org/no-more-perfect-marriages-live-oct-2024/

Leave a Message for HomeWord: 949-485-3905

Have a question you want Jim to answer? Email us! info@homeword.com

Books:

Empty Nest, Full Life: https://a.co/d/anzRZh8

Finding Joy in the Empty Nest: https://a.co/d/9zG4nTd

Doing Life with Your Adult Children: https://a.co/d/gmFWAMP

Order Jim’s New Book:

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/

Studies show that Gen-Z is the loneliest generation despite the pervasiveness of technology. However, loneliness isn't new; it can be experienced by a single person, a married individual, a person in a church community - even in families. So how do we keep this experience from evolving into a lifelong condition? Jim welcomes author, speaker, and founder of Ruth Graham Ministries, Ruth Graham to discuss her book, Transforming Loneliness: Deepening our Relationships with God and Others When We Feel Alone. Having lived through many seasons of loneliness herself, Ruth shares how being honest with God and a trusted friend opens up the door for transformation - and how loneliness has a positive side if we look for it.

Jim's Takeaways

Replenishing Relationships

• We have to seek replenishing relationships. We all have VDPs in our lives - Very Draining People - but I want to focus on VIP’s. Do you have VIP’s in your life? People who really replenish your relationships?
• We need friendships primarily in two areas:
  • Mentors - do you have someone who can coach you, and give you wisdom and wise counsel? Someone you can imitate?
    • These mentors can also be found in books in certain seasons of our life - but they shouldn’t be your primary mentor.
  • Peer Support - This could be one person or a small group of peers that you are honest and open with - you tell them when you’re lonely, hurting, struggling, etc. A good peer relationship will be someone who shares back, and you can walk alongside, pray with, and encourage each other - and hold you accountable.

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

About Ruth Graham: http://www.ruthgraham.com/meet-ruth-graham/

Ruth Graham Ministries: http://www.ruthgraham.com/

Leave a Message for HomeWord: 949-485-3905

Have a question you want Jim to answer? Email us! info@homeword.com

Books:

Transforming Loneliness: Deepening our Relationships with God and Others When We Feel Alone: https://a.co/d/6PmxxM7

In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart: https://a.co/d/8BoLlJB

Ruth Graham Books

Order Jim’s New Book:

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/

Blended families are a beautiful picture of hope after loss or pain. Two adults find themselves falling in love again and the possibilities seem endless! But - how does blending your family actually work? How do you navigate stepsiblings, former in-laws, money, and parenting? On today’s episode, Jim welcomes renowned blended-family expert Ron Deal to talk about the principles in his book, Building Love Together in Blended Families. Jim and Ron discuss the beauty and complexity of bringing two family units together - and how ‘all you need is love’ is, with all due respect to the Beatles, not going to cut it in the long run.

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

About Ron Deal: https://www.rondeal.org/

Smart Stepfamilies: https://smartstepfamilies.com/

FamilyLife Blended: https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/blended-families/

Books:

The Smart Stepfamily: Seven Steps to a Healthy Family: https://a.co/d/glkVkMm

Building Love Together in Blended Families: https://a.co/d/bsATUm8

Preparing to Blend: https://a.co/d/ezJ0VkN

Ron’s Books on Amazon

Order Jim’s New Book:

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/

Sometimes you hear a story that plants seeds of change in your life. It challenges you, encourages you, takes root in your heart and mind - and you can sense that God wanted you to hear it at this moment. Jim’s conversation with Megan Fate Marshman; speaker, author, and teaching pastor is one that left our team profoundly impacted. With discussions on grief, trust, suffering, and humility, we believe this episode will leave its mark. And we, like Jim and Megan, trust God to work in your life as you listen.

Megan’s new book, Relaxed: Walking with the One Who is Not Worried about a Thing, is now available at most booksellers.

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

About Megan Fate Marshman: https://www.meganfate.com/about

Follow Megan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganfate/

Hume Lake Christian Camps: https://hume.org/about-hume/

Books:

Relaxed: Walking with the One Who is Not Worried About a Thing: https://www.meganfate.com/shop/p/relaxed-book

Meant for God: The Adventure of Trusting God and His Plans for You: https://www.meganfate.com/shop/p/meant-for-good

Order Jim’s New Book:

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/

Have you fallen into a negative thinking pattern when it comes to your marriage? Are you praising your spouse in your mind or are you focusing on the things they do “wrong”? While this is not uncommon, it is a pattern that will not change unless you catch it, address it, and alter it. Jim welcomes writer, author, and speaker Ted Lowe to discuss this concept from his book, Us in Mind: How Changing Your Thoughts Can Change Your Marriage. This episode is one to save, share, and replay whenever you need practical tips and encouragement for strengthening your marriage!

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

About Ted Lowe: https://forusmarriage.com/

Ted Lowe Blog: https://forusmarriage.com/blog/

Books:

Us In Mind: How Changing Your Thoughts Can Change Your Marriage: https://a.co/d/d3dO01n

Order Jim’s New Book:

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/

Jim’s Primary Takeaway

Does it really matter?

It’s all too easy to make mountains out of molehills in our marriages. We’re not talking about serious issues like adultery, abuse, or addictions - we’re talking about your spouse leaving the toilet seat up, leaving dirty dishes in the sink, leaving clothes lying around - these are the little things that can lead to arguments. Ask yourself: in the grand scheme of things, does it really matter? Have calm conversations around things that really bug you, of course - but recognize when something is not worth the energy (or enmity) against your spouse.