This podcast episode emphasizes the importance of putting your marriage into God's hands to strengthen your relationship and navigate challenges effectively. Greg and Linda Smith, who have over 46 years of experience in marriage and ministry, share insights on how involving God in your marriage can lead to transformation and growth. They discuss the significance of abiding in the vine, drawing strength and guidance from scripture, and the necessity of intentional actions to cultivate a thriving partnership. The episode covers practical tips on prayer, communication, and maintaining a positive outlook amidst life's storms, encouraging couples to actively work on their relationship. Ultimately, the Smiths inspire listeners to embrace the God factor in their marriages, fostering a loving environment that can positively impact their families and communities.

https://youtu.be/-16khN_AdSU Gary Dunham- Happy Family

SCRIPTURES -John 15:5&7, Romans 10:17, Jeremiah 29:11 John 10:10, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Ephesians 3:20

Greg and Linda Smith, seasoned marriage mentors with over 46 years of experience, delve into the profound theme of placing one’s marriage in God’s hands in this enlightening discussion. They emphasize the importance of involving God in every aspect of marriage, citing their personal journey through relationship challenges, financial strains, and health issues. The couple shares their belief that by adhering to Christian principles and actively engaging in prayer, couples can navigate the complexities of marriage with grace and resilience. The podcast discusses the concept of ‘abiding in the vine’ as described in John 15:7, where the Smiths illustrate how this spiritual connection fosters growth and strength within a relationship. They encourage couples to pray together and engage with God’s word, asserting that faith is nurtured through hearing and applying biblical teachings, which in turn empowers couples to face life’s challenges together.

Through heartfelt anecdotes, Greg recounts crucial moments in their marriage that required them to lean on their faith, highlighting the transformative power of prayer and mutual support. Linda amplifies this sentiment, pointing out the necessity of intentional actions in nurturing a healthy marriage. The couple provides practical advice for couples to avoid the pitfalls of negativity and external influences that can undermine their relationship. They stress the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive voices and engaging in positive, faith-driven discussions. By sharing their own struggles and triumphs, the Smiths aim to inspire listeners to cultivate their marriages actively and intentionally, ensuring they can declare, 'we are married and love it.'

Takeaways:

• Greg and Linda Smith emphasize the importance of putting your marriage in God's hands for lasting success.
• The couple shares their personal journey through struggles, highlighting the necessity of faith and prayer.
• Abiding in the vine, or staying connected to God, is crucial for marital growth and strength.
• Effective communication and prayer together can help couples navigate challenges and improve relationships.
• The importance of intentional effort in marriage; great marriages don't just happen by chance.
• Maintaining a positive attitude

Greg and Linda Smith share their heartfelt journey of overcoming challenges in their marriage, emphasizing that a successful relationship requires continuous effort and commitment. After nearly separating early in their marriage, they found strength in applying Christian principles and prioritizing their relationship. The episode focuses on the importance of making marriage a priority, highlighting practical applications of biblical teachings to improve communication and intimacy. They invite couples to engage in spontaneous, meaningful moments together, like a simple walk in the rain, to strengthen their connection. The Smiths encourage listeners to seek God’s guidance in their marriages, reinforcing that with faith and effort, every couple can aspire to be "married and love it."

Scripture references -Joshua 1:8, Proverbs 15:1; Proverbs 5:18-19; Philippians 4:13; Matthew 18:19; Matthew 11:28-30; John 15:7

Greg and Linda Smith, a couple with over 46 years of marriage, share their personal journey and the lessons they've learned in their podcast, Married and Love It. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a loving relationship through challenges such as health issues, financial stress, and near separation. The Smiths believe that all marriages can thrive with commitment and the right tools, which they aim to provide through discussions on various topics such as communication, intimacy, and conflict resolution. Their teachings are grounded in Christian principles, and they encourage couples to prioritize their marriage by actively working on it rather than passively allowing it to deteriorate.

The podcast delves into practical applications of scripture that can guide couples in their daily lives. For instance, the Smiths reference Proverbs 15:1, which highlights the power of gentle communication in diffusing conflict. They explore the concept of taking a proactive approach to relationship-building, suggesting that if couples are not actively nurturing their bond, they may be inadvertently working towards a separation. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own marriages and consider how they can introduce more intentionality into their interactions, such as through daily expressions of affection or spontaneous shared experiences.

As the Smiths navigate through their experiences, they remind listeners of the importance of divine guidance in marriage. They discuss the God factor—how integrating faith into their relationship has provided them with strength and hope during difficult times. By inviting God into their union, they have found a source of power that has helped them overcome obstacles and has enriched their lives together. The episode concludes with a call to action for couples to engage in prayer together, reinforcing the idea that a shared spiritual journey can enhance intimacy and strengthen their bond. The Smiths leave listeners with practical homework: to commit to a daily ten-second kiss, which serves as a simple yet profound way to connect amidst the busyness of life.

Takeaways:

• Greg and Linda Smith emphasize that every couple should strive to say, 'We are married and love it' regardless of their current situation.
• The couple shares their personal experiences of overcoming relationship challenges, including a near separation after eight years of marriage.
• Practical applications of biblical principles can significantly enhance communication and intimacy within a marriage.
• Regularly taking time for spontaneous, fun activities as a couple is essential for nurturing love and connection.
• The Smiths encourage couples to actively work on their marriage, stating that neglecting it can lead to divorce.
• A strong marriage requires both partners to pray together and agree on important matters, inviting God into their relationship.

Greg and Linda Smith, seasoned marriage mentors with over 46 years of experience, share their mission to help couples be married and love it, regardless of their current situation. They emphasize the importance of committing one's marriage to God and utilizing biblical principles as a foundation for a thriving relationship. Through personal anecdotes, including their own challenges and triumphs, they illustrate how to combat the "marriage busters" that threaten marital harmony, such as resentment and external pressures. The Smiths believe in the power of preventive maintenance for marriages, advocating for regular "tune-ups" to enhance connection and joy. Listeners are encouraged to engage in practical exercises, such as the "ten-second kiss," to foster intimacy and strengthen their bonds.

Greg and Linda Smith's podcast is a rich exploration of the trials and triumphs that define a lasting marriage. Drawing on over 46 years of personal experience, they encapsulate the essence of commitment with the mantra, "We are married and love it." Their heartfelt discussions are deeply rooted in Christian values, offering listeners both spiritual guidance and practical strategies for nurturing their relationships. This episode serves as a compelling introduction to their mission of helping couples tackle challenges ranging from communication breakdowns to financial stressors, all while emphasizing the importance of love and connection.

The Smiths skillfully identify what they term 'marriage busters'—the everyday pressures and distractions that can derail a couple’s happiness. They share poignant anecdotes from their journey, contrasting their early years of vibrant communication with the current trend of disconnection fueled by technology. Their keen observations highlight the need for couples to be intentional about their interactions, encouraging listeners to recognize and combat the subtle forces that threaten their bonds. By advocating for proactive maintenance of relationships, they provide a roadmap for couples to not only survive but thrive in their marriages.

Listeners are invited to engage in practical exercises designed to enhance their marital connection, such as the "ten-second kiss" challenge, which serves as a delightful reminder of the power of physical affection. The couple's contagious enthusiasm and humor create an inviting atmosphere that encourages couples to reflect on their own relationships and take actionable steps toward improvement. The podcast's ultimate aim is to inspire a generation of couples to embrace marriage as a joyous and fulfilling journey, cultivating love that resonates within their families and communities.

Takeaways:

• Greg and Linda Smith emphasize that every couple can achieve a fulfilling marriage, regardless of challenges.
• They share their personal journey of overcoming near separation and healing their relationship through faith.
• The podcast aims to provide practical advice on improving communication, love, and intimacy in marriage.
• Listeners are encouraged to commit their marriages to God for guidance and support in their relationship.
• The hosts stress the importance of preventive maintenance in marriages to avoid stagnation and enhance connection.
• They highlight the significance of openly discussing marital satisfaction and seeking help when needed.
• Scripture references-Proverbs 16:3; Proverbs 16:9; Joshua 1:8