The VowsToKeep Marriage Podcast

How to Help a Hurting Marriage: Parenting (Part 11) :: [Ep. 187]

Parenting and issues related to parenting can deeply DIVIDE a marriage. 

Anything from we don’t agree on how to parent OR we’re struggling to keep our marriage strong through the ups and downs of parenting OR our priorities are off and we aren’t making time for our marriage anymore.

Listen this week's episode as we teach you how to go to God’s Word for answers when either helping someone with a hurting marriage or helping your own hurting marriage.

Once you have listened, circle back here for more encouragement about this by checking out our Blog articles all about Parenting!
https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/parenting-is-hard
https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/god-says-to-train-up-a-child-but-how

For more marriage encouragement, visit: www.VowsToKeep.com | V2K Blog | Marriage Counseling | Insta | FB

Apple Podcast listener? Would you consider leaving us a review, as this helps more couple's to find our resources?! Leave your review HERE.

How to Help a Hurting Marriage: I Want Out! (Part 10) :: [Ep. 186]

What do we do when we feel that all hope is gone in regards to our marriage? What do we do when it seems that our marriage is over?

This week, we are continuing our series, How to Help a Hurting Marriage and we are tackling this hard topic. We will  highlight truths that might be ignored and lies that might be believed as truth.

Even more, we are proclaiming the needed reminder that there is HOPE and that God CAN REDEEM the most broken marriages.  Come listen and be encouraged today!!

After you have listened, come back here for more practical advice by reading these articles!
https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/my-marriage-is-over
https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/my-marriage-is-over-part-2

For more marriage encouragement, visit: www.VowsToKeep.com | V2K Blog | Marriage Counseling | Insta | FB

Apple Podcast listener? Would you consider leaving us a review, as this helps more couple's to find our resources?! Leave your review HERE.

How To Help A Hurting Marriage: Finances (Part 9) :: [Ep. 185]

Money and finances always seem to be a hot button among couples in marriage. Many couples find themselves in a heated argument that they never planned on – all because they attempted the money talk. Have you been there? 

Well, there is HOPE! There is a way to approach this topic peaceably and effectively. 

This week, we are tackling this topic of Finances, as we continue our series, How to Help a Hurting Marriage. We will provide wise insight and practical counsel on how you as husband and wife can better shoulder your Finances – together.

After you listen, come back here and click on the link below for more practical encouragement!
https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/finding-freedom-in-financial-unity

For more marriage encouragement, visit: www.VowsToKeep.com | V2K Blog | Marriage Counseling | Insta | FB

Apple Podcast listener? Would you consider leaving us a review, as this helps more couple's to find our resources?! Leave your review HERE.

How to Help a Hurting Marriage: Reconciliation (Part 8) :: [Ep. 184]

You probably already know this but you are married to a sinner…and so are they.

The consequence of being married to a sinner can sometimes bring hurt and hard situations that require reconciliation to move forward. But reconciling and forgiving can be hard to achieve when greatly sinned against.

This week on VowsToKeep, David and Tracy continue their series, How to Help a Hurting Marriage, and shed marriage saving light on this HARD but necessary lesson of reconciliation. Tune in for biblical and helpful counsel on how to reconcile God’s way.

Once you listen, be sure to come back and check out our Blog article below about Reconciliation to learn more!
https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/3-steps-toward-reconciliation-in-your-marriage

For more marriage encouragement, visit: www.VowsToKeep.com | V2K Blog | Marriage Counseling | Insta | FB

Apple Podcast listener? Would you consider leaving us a review, as this helps more couple's to find our resources?! Leave your review HERE.

How to Help A Hurting Marriage: Roles (Part 7) :: [Ep. 183]

Do you understand your God given role as a husband? Do you understand your God given role as a wife?

In God’s unmatchable wisdom, he has called the husband and the wife to different but equally vital, important roles. VowsToKeep dives into this hard but important topic of roles within marriage in their How to Help a Hurting Marriage series. We will provide you wise counsel on what the Bible has called us to and offer practical advice on how to step into this important calling. This is one you won’t want to miss.

Read this Blog article to learn more!
https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/how-fulfilling-your-role-can-change-your-marriage

For more marriage encouragement, visit: www.VowsToKeep.com | V2K Blog | Marriage Counseling | Insta | FB

Apple Podcast listener? Would you consider leaving us a review, as this helps more couple's to find our resources?! Leave your review HERE.

How to Help a Hurting Marriage: Boundaries & Accountability (Part 6) :: [Ep. 182]

Did you know that boundaries and accountability are essential components to a healthy marriage? These things help us to stay on course for the mission of our life and marriage. 

This week, we continue the series, How to Help a Hurting Marriage, and we are focusing on Boundaries & Accountability in marriage. We will emphasize the importance and value of establishing God inspired boundaries that fuel the health of marriage and we will share practical advice on how to set up these ever important boundaries, not only within your marriage, but also in the marriage of a friend who may come to you for help. Come join us to get some helpful marriage advice!

Come back after you have listened and read these Blog articles on Boundaries and Accountability to learn more!

• https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/biblical-boundaries-lead-to-an-abundant-life-and-marriage
• https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/should-i-be-held-accountable

For more marriage encouragement, visit: www.VowsToKeep.com | V2K Blog | Marriage Counseling | Insta | FB

Apple Podcast listener? Would you consider leaving us a review, as this helps more couple's to find our resources?! Leave your review HERE.

How to Help a Hurting Marriage: Forgiveness & Trust (Part 5) :: [Ep. 181]

We can’t deny sin is part of our lives and it’s often undeniable that our spouse is in sin because we can feel its effects. And our spouse can feel the effects of our sin, as well. Sin separates. It damages. It breaks trust. Every one of us will be sinned against – we should expect it. So with this in mind, we should know HOW to respond when sinned against.

Tune in to VowsToKeep's Part 5 of the How to Help A Hurting Marriage series where we talk about forgiveness and trust in marriage. We will counsel you on what to do with sin - first with our own sin and then with your spouse’s sin. Come join us!

Read this corresponding Blog article to learn more!
https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/help-my-marriage-is-stuck

For more marriage encouragement, visit: www.VowsToKeep.com | V2K Blog | Marriage Counseling | Insta | FB

Apple Podcast listener? Would you consider leaving us a review, as this helps more couple's to find our resources?! Leave your review HERE.

How to Help a Hurting Marriage: Idols of the Heart (Part 4) :: [Ep. 180]

When something is valuable, we guard it. We protect it. Your heart is something of huge value and God says guard it! 

If we are not on guard or careful, it is so easy to let things - other than God - become our priority and focus. When we have things in our life that have taken God's place and have let things rule us other than God...that makes us an idolator. And if we are struggling with Idolatry, our marriage WILL innevitably suffer! 

VowsToKeep is in week 4 of our series How to Help a Hurting Marriage. We will highlight common idols of the heart and how to better guard our hearts against these idols. Come join us!

After you listen, come back and read our corresponding Blog article to learn more!
https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/how-do-i-get-what-i-want-in-my-marriage

For more marriage encouragement, visit: www.VowsToKeep.com | V2K Blog | Marriage Counseling | Insta | FB

Apple Podcast listener? Would you consider leaving us a review, as this helps more couple's to find our resources?! Leave your review HERE.

How to Help a Hurting Marriage: Spiritual Condition (Part 3) :: [Ep. 179]

Could you run an actual marathon today? 

For most, the answer is NO! Daily conditioning is essential to adequately run and even train others for a marathon. A person’s spiritual walk is the same – maturity CANNOT be obtained without conditioning.

Tune in to our Part 3 of the How to Help A Hurting Marriage series where we talk about the importance of Spiritual Conditioning for yourself and for the friend with the hurting marriage.

Read the corresponding Blog article to learn more!
https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/how-understanding-your-spiritual-growth-deeply-impacts-your-marriage

For more marriage encouragement, visit: www.VowsToKeep.com | V2K Blog | Marriage Counseling | Insta | FB

Apple Podcast listener? Would you consider leaving us a review, as this helps more couple's to find our resources?! Leave your review HERE.

How to Help a Hurting Marriage: Purpose (Part 2) :: [Ep. 178]

Are you witnessing a close friend’s marriage up in flames and feeling completely uncertain of how to help?

Join us for Part 2 of the How to Help a Hurting Marriage series. We will remind you of the true purpose of marriage, offer clarity on what to focus on first and what the foundational essentials must be to truly offer effective help.

Read the corresponding Blog article to learn more!
https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/is-change-even-possible-for-my-marriage

For more marriage encouragement, visit: www.VowsToKeep.com | V2K Blog | Marriage Counseling | Insta | FB

Apple Podcast listener? Would you consider leaving us a review, as this helps more couple's to find our resources?! Leave your review HERE.

How to Help A Hurting Marriage: Intro (Part 1) :: [Ep. 177]

Ever had a moment where a friend, family member, or co-worker confessed that their marriage was in shambles? And in that moment, you had NO clue what to say to help?

If so, this series, How to Help a Hurting Marriage, is just for you. In this series, we will teach practical steps you can take to not only provide HOPE but equip the hurting marriages in your life.

After you listen, come back and click on this link to read our corresponding Blog article to learn more!
https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/enough-is-enough

For more marriage encouragement, visit: www.VowsToKeep.com | V2K Blog | Marriage Counseling | Insta | FB

Apple Podcast listener? Would you consider leaving us a review, as this helps more couple's to find our resources?! Leave your review HERE.

Creating a Restful Way of Living :: [Ep. 176]

Does the thought of summer winding down and the school year rapidly approaching leave you feeling stressed? Or maybe you are already in the crazy cycle of busy and experiencing the overwhelming feelings of burnout and longing for rest but don't even know where to start to get things on the right track?!

A couple weeks ago, we talked about burnout and seeking TRUE rest. (If you missed those episodes, go check them out! Start at Episode 171 https://www.vowstokeep.com/podcast/episode/79ae99ba/burnout-are-you-getting-the-rest-you-need-ep-171) So often, many of us seek rest in the wrong things that can never provide the rest we long for. Which is why this episode is one you don't want to miss. We will be talking about Creating a Restful Way of Living.

With summer coming to an end and busy schedules picking up, this episode will come in handy in teaching you how to intentionally create a sustainable, life-giving, restful way of living in the midst of all the busy. Don't miss it!

P.S. Once you have listened to today's podcast, come back here to pray this prayer!

My Savior, thank you for the cross and for giving me eternal rest! I lay the burdens of my sins at your feet (name specific sin and ask for forgiveness, thanking your Savior for His rest). My Master, this is YOUR day. Thank you for asking me to come under Your yoke, so I can learn to rest in my heart and soul as I work next to you. Show me right now where You are plowing. Open my eyes to the needs around me. My Teacher, thank you for being humble and gentle with me. Help me learn from You today how to handle this situation (be specific). Show me Your way of doing things and help me to rest in Your love so I can live a life of love poured out. AMEN!

P.S.S. Check out a couple of our corresponding Blog posts about Creating a Restful Way of Living in your heart and marriage!
https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/god-s-rest-or-my-work-making-a-choice-to-let-go-and-trust-god

https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/a-marriage-at-rest-appetizers-and-dessert

For more marriage encouragement, visit: www.VowsToKeep.com | V2K Blog | Marriage Counseling | Insta | FB

Apple Podcast listener? Would you consider leaving us a review, as this helps more couple's to find our resources?! Leave your review HERE.

God Isn't Done With You or Your Marriage!: Sanctification (Part 2) :: [Ep. 175]

Understanding salvation, justification, sanctification and adoption is KEY to a Biblically healthy marriage. Surprising, huh?!

In this two part series, YES, we’re going to do some theological digging – BUT don’t be scared! As we walk through Biblical truths like…

salvation, justification, sanctification and adoption

…we will not only gain an understanding of our position in Christ, we will more accurately understand our Savior and His heart for us.

And when we’ve got those things firmly in hand, we will see the people God has put in our lives, like our spouse and our children, with NEW eyes.

What so many marriages desperately need are new eyes, new perspective, new purpose, a new compassionate heart of Hope.

God is not only asking you to grow spiritually, He’s asking you to play a critical role in your spouse’s process of spiritual growth! We believe that when we really grasp and understand these theological concepts, our marriages will begin changing for the better.  Our marriages will be built on a stronger foundation and together we will begin to look more like our Savior.  Come listen now!

AFTER you have listened to this episode, come back and grab this helpful resource by Jim Putman which goes along with our teachings in this episode and the next!
https://jimputman.com/downloads/The%205%20Stages%20Of%20Spiritual%20Maturity%20LM%20.pdf

For more marriage encouragement, visit: www.VowsToKeep.com | V2K Blog | Marriage Counseling | Insta | FB

Apple Podcast listener? Would you consider leaving us a review, as this helps more couple's to find our resources?! Leave your review HERE.

God Isn't Done With You or Your Marriage!: Sanctification (part 1) :: [Ep. 174]

Did you know that your spiritual condition and your spiritual growth significantly affects your marriage relationship? In this two-part series, we are going to do some digging, delving, and defining into words like salvation, justification, sanctification, and adoption. You might be thinking, what does this have to do with marriage? Or how can this help me in my relationship with my spouse?! Great questions!

We firmly believe that when you and I really grasp and understand these theological concepts, our lives and marriages will begin changing for the better. Our marriages will be built on a stronger foundation and together we will begin to look more like our Savior to our spouse, our kids, and to a world which needs to see HIS love.

Take some time today to invest in your marriage by listening and learning along with us on VowsToKeep!

AFTER you have listened to this episode, come back and grab this helpful resource by Jim Putman which goes along with our teachings in this episode and the next!
https://jimputman.com/downloads/The%205%20Stages%20Of%20Spiritual%20Maturity%20LM%20.pdf

For more marriage encouragement, visit: www.VowsToKeep.com | V2K Blog | Marriage Counseling | Insta | FB

Apple Podcast listener? Would you consider leaving us a review, as this helps more couple's to find our resources?! Leave your review HERE.

Burnout: Exploring 7 Kinds of Rest  :: [Ep. 173]

For the past couple weeks, we have been talking about BURNOUT. We are excited to continue this series, learning that God offers us true rest and that we can live in it every day.

Last week, in part 2 of this series on burnout, we talked about tangible ways of throwing off old masters and old yokes. We walked through the first 3 of 5 steps that will give the rest and freedom we’re looking for.

In this episode, we will get into the 4th step where we will (re)calibrate our thinking to God’s design for rest, as well as, look at different kinds of rest that culture says we all need. 

Tune in if you are ready to learn how to take action against burnout and pursue true, satisfying rest!

We also have a few Blog posts providing good, practical wisdom about how to implement rest into your life and marriage. Check it out!
A Marriage At Rest: Apps & Dessert:
https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/a-marriage-at-rest-appetizers-and-dessert

A Marriage At Rest: Finding Peace & Balance Where You Least Expect It: https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/a-marriage-at-rest-finding-peace-and-balance-where-you-least-expect-it

Why Am I So Tired? Identifying the Weight We Carry When We Aren't Hooked Up With Christ:
https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/why-am-i-so-tired-identifying-the-weight-we-carry-when-we-aren-t-hooked-up-with-christ

For more marriage encouragement, visit: www.VowsToKeep.com | V2K Blog | Marriage Counseling | Insta | FB

Apple Podcast listener? Would you consider leaving us a review, as this helps more couple's to find our resources?! Leave your review HERE.

Burnout: A Shift from Crazy Busy to True Rest :: [Ep. 172]

This summer, we are replaying some of our most popular episodes! When we last aired our series all about Burnout and Rest it became one of our more popular series so we thought it was worth the replay! So if you missed it the first time around or want to refresh your memory on what was discussed, join us! 

This part-2 episode in the series will cover the following:
Purpose. Passion. Pursuit. It’s what gets us up in the morning, what keeps us striving for the next big thing. It's often what keeps each of us so dang busy...and those things keeping us BUSY are, more times than not, the wrong things to pursue. 

Question, when was the last time you really took time to pray about what you are pursuing? When did you take time to think about what is keeping you so busy? In this week’s podcast, we will talk more about this and uncover the rest you and your marriage need. 

Join us for this important conversation because getting the rest you need is not only possible, God Himself is the Creator of rest and He wants to give it to you in abundance. 

In this episode, we’re going to study the two different kinds of rest Jesus offers to us and practically how we can begin the process of shifting from crazy busy to true rest. It’s our prayer that by the end of this series that you will be free from the burnout, free to rest - the way that God designed you to.

Your homework for this week after you listen to the episode:
1: Identify the yokes in your life
2: confess your sin of letting something other than Christ master you
3: Answer Christ’s invitation to trade your yokes for His

Then join us in our next episode as we look at steps 4 and 5 - to look at rest in all of its forms and test their validity and place in our lives. Then finally, the practical part of living yoked to Christ.

We also have a few Blog posts providing good, practical wisdom about how to implement rest into your life and marriage. Check it out!
A Marriage At Rest: Apps & Dessert:
https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/a-marriage-at-rest-appetizers-and-dessert

A Marriage At Rest: Finding Peace & Balance Where You Least Expect It: https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/a-marriage-at-rest-finding-peace-and-balance-where-you-least-expect-it

Why Am I So Tired? Identifying the Weight We Carry When We Aren't Hooked Up With Christ:
https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/why-am-i-so-tired-identifying-the-weight-we-carry-when-we-aren-t-hooked-up-with-christ

For more marriage encouragement, visit: www.VowsToKeep.com | V2K Blog | Marriage Counseling | Insta | FB

Apple Podcast listener? Would you consider leaving us a review, as this helps more couple's to find our resources?! Leave your review HERE.

Burnout: Are You Getting the Rest You Need? :: [Ep. 171]

Rest. We all want it because we are so worn out. But sometimes, it seems nearly impossible to attain a restful state. This episode kicks off a series all about Burnout and Rest. We will discover how making one small shift in what motivates us, what we prioritize and who we are trying to please will give us the rest we crave.

Tune in to this episode for practical help for you and your marriage!

We also have some Blog posts providing good, practical wisdom about how to implement rest into your life and marriage. Check it out!
A Marriage At Rest: Appetizers & Dessert:
https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/a-marriage-at-rest-appetizers-and-dessert

A Marriage At Rest: Finding Peace & Balance Where You Least Expect It:
https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/a-marriage-at-rest-finding-peace-and-balance-where-you-least-expect-it

For more marriage encouragement, visit: www.VowsToKeep.com | V2K Blog | Marriage Counseling | Insta | FB

Apple Podcast listener? Would you consider leaving us a review, as this helps more couple's to find our resources?! Leave your review HERE.

(REPLAY) Your Self-Talk About Your Husband Could Be Ruining Your Relationship: 'If He Really Loved Me.../Let's Make a Deal' :: [Ep. 170]

Last summer, we aired this Self-Talk series for the first time and it quickly became one of our most popular series so we thought it was worth a replay! So if you missed it the first time around or want to refresh your memory on what was discussed, join us! If you are just tuning in, head back to Episode 167 which kicks off the 4-part Self-Talk series!

This episode is the final Part 4 of the series and it will be discussing the following:
Is this the ticker tape of thoughts running through your head when it comes to your husband?

If he really loved me, he would…

He’s not being intentional, he doesn’t care or love me...

If I don’t do that, he’s going to leave me…

He won’t do what I asked, so I won’t either...

Let's Make a Deal - I will _____ if you will_____...

This is where I draw the line…

On this episode, we’re going to compare the thoughts we’re having - whether they are true, partially true or not true at all - with the truth of who God is. We’ll look, specifically, at fearful thoughts and thoughts where our frustration or (score keeping) causes us to draw the line. Find out how you can transform your marriage by THINKING LIFE - renewing your mind and tuning it to understand God’s perfect will!

FREEBIE ALERT! We've created a FREE resource for you to print out and put in your Bible or keep on your phone for when you need to THINK LIFE and replace harmful thoughts with truth from God's Word. For your copy, email us at info@vowstokeep.comand put SELF TALK in the subject line.

For even more help and info about this topic of Encouraging our Husbands, check out these Blog articles!
https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/4-ways-to-encourage-your-husband
https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/generosity-the-power-of-graciously-giving-to-your-spouse

For more marriage encouragement, visit: www.VowsToKeep.com | V2K Blog | Marriage Counseling | Insta | FB

Apple Podcast listener? Would you consider leaving us a review, as this helps more couple's to find our resources?! Leave your review HERE.

Your Self-Talk About Your Husband Could Be Ruining Your Relationship: 'He's Not Doing It the Way I Would/Why Am I the Only One Who Ever...?' :: [Ep. 169]

Last summer, we aired the Self-Talk series for the first time and it quickly became one of our most popular episodes so we thought it was definitely worth a replay! So if you missed it the first time around or want to refresh your memory on what was discussed, join us!

This episode will cover the following: At one point or another, most wives have all had these thoughts about their husbands…’He’s not doing it the way I asked him to!’ or ‘He’s never going to get it right, so I just have to handle it myself.’

This week, on VowsToKeep, join me, Tracy, as I dive into Part 3 of the Self-Talk series.  You will find out how you can set your marriage on a new trajectory just by changing the way you think about your husband. She will guide us through God’s Word to see what and how we should be thinking, and what we should be replacing these thoughts with and how all of this will profoundly impact our marriages.

Don’t miss it!

FREEBIE ALERT! We've created a FREE resource for you to print out or keep on your phone for when you need to THINK LIFE and replace harmful thoughts with truth from God's Word. If you would like this, just email me at info@vowstokeep.com and put SELF TALK in the subject line.

For even more help and info about this topic of Encouraging our Husbands, check out our Blog Post - 4 Ways To Encourage Your Husband!
https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/4-ways-to-encourage-your-husband

For more marriage encouragement, visit: www.VowsToKeep.com | V2K Blog | Marriage Counseling | Insta | FB

Apple Podcast listener? Would you consider leaving us a review, as this helps more couple's to find our resources?! Leave your review HERE.

(REPLAY) Your Self-Talk About Your Husband Could Be Ruining Your Relationship: 'He Always/He Never' :: [Ep. 168]

Last summer, we aired the Self-Talk series for the first time and it quickly became one of our most popular episodes so we thought it was definitely worth a replay! So if you missed it the first time around or want to refresh your memory on what was discussed, join us! This episode will cover the following: Do you ever have a conversation with yourself in your head about your husband? Mentally berating him for something he isn’t doing right? Do you silently call him names like ‘what a fool,’ ‘what a jerk,’ or ‘what an idiot’?

I, Tracy, am going to dive into Part 2 of our Self-Talk series, talking about how silent judgement could be sabotaging your marriage. Though you may be guilty of this, you can change directions! Tune in to find out how!

FREEBIE ALERT! We've created a FREE resource for you to print out or keep on your phone for when you need to THINK LIFE and replace harmful thoughts with truth from God's Word. If you would like this, just email me at info@vowstokeep.com and put SELF TALK in the subject line.

For even more help and info about this topic of Encouraging our Husbands, check out our Blog Post - 4 Ways To Encourage Your Husband!
https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/4-ways-to-encourage-your-husband

For more marriage encouragement, visit: www.VowsToKeep.com | V2K Blog | Marriage Counseling | Insta | FB

Apple Podcast listener? Would you consider leaving us a review, as this helps more couple's to find our resources?! Leave your review HERE.