Communication is essential in marriage, but knowing how to deepen it is where many couples struggle.

One simple and powerful exercise we’ve used in our own marriage is asking each other intentional questions. Some are light and fun. Others invite us to reflect on our past, our experiences, and even the deeper questions of life. Each one opens the door to meaningful conversation and connection.

Questions create space for honesty, laughter, vulnerability, and intimacy. Over time, they help strengthen the bond between spouses and draw hearts closer together.

We’ve benefited immensely from this practice and have recommended it to many couples over the years.

In this episode, we model what this exercise looks like in real time. It’s simple, fun, and easy to try in your own relationship.

Try it with your spouse or partner (if you're in a relationship) and let us know how it goes. And if you already use questions to stay connected in your marriage, share in the comments how it’s impacted your relationship.

00:00 Introduction to Call to Marriage

00:04 The Connection Call Conversation

02:03 Ground Rules for Deep Conversations

02:35 Handling Sensitive Topics

02:52 Family Interruptions and Realities

03:12 Indirect Questions for Better Communication

04:47 Starting the Q&A Session

05:22 Reflecting on Our Relationship

08:51 Strengthening Our Bond

11:16 Feeling Loved and Appreciated

16:20 Expectations in Marriage

21:03 The Importance of Communication in Marriage

22:26 Forgiveness and Managing Expectations

26:00 Handling Conflicts with Transparency and Vulnerability

29:57 Resilience and Levity in Conflict Resolution

34:04 Receiving and Giving Constructive Feedback

36:58 Maintaining Oneness in Marriage

40:40 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

In this intimate episode, we celebrate our 7-year marriage anniversary. We reflect on our journey together, from moving from China to the States, raising two boys, and experiencing God's constant faithfulness. We also share insights on parenting, facing challenges, documenting memories, and ministry, all while balancing life and family.

We candidly discuss the importance of faith, family unity, homeschooling, and managing finances, providing an honest glimpse into our life.

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast

00:10 Reflecting on Seven Years of Marriage

01:59 Faithfulness of God in Our Journey

03:30 Parenting and Raising Children

09:31 Discovering and Nurturing Passions

15:51 Balancing Work and Family Life

31:19 Challenges and Daily Life

33:28 Managing Chaos and Gratitude

34:22 Entrepreneurial Challenges and Conversations

36:10 Navigating Transitions and Family Dynamics

42:41 Homeschooling Thoughts and Strategies

54:50 Health Challenges and Support

59:59 Financial Reflections and Future Plans

01:04:34 Final Thoughts and EncouragementFOLLOW US FOR MORE CONTENT:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calledtomarriageFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/calledtomarriageTikTok: tiktok.com/@calledtomarriageCALLED TO MARRIAGE PODCAST:https://anchor.fm/calledtomarriageYou can listen on several different platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, etc.

In this episode, we share insights from a Christian Homeschooling convention we attended recently. We discuss our plans for home education, the enriching experience of the convention, and provide a compact list of 10 lessons we learned from the convention. From fostering a vision for your family’s education to practical tips for engaging your child’s imagination and curiosity, this episode covers essential aspects of homeschooling from a Christian perspective. Learn about the importance of valuing both parents' contributions, the challenges and rewards of homeschooling, and the critical role of spiritual education. Whether you're new to homeschooling or a seasoned parent, this episode offers something for everyone.

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

00:21 Our Homeschooling Plans

02:41 Overview of the Homeschool Convention

03:11 Keynote Speakers and Sessions05:50 Family-Friendly Event Highlights

06:40 Lessons Learned from the Convention

07:12 Vision for Homeschooling

12:21 Practical Tips for Homeschooling

26:59 Encouraging Fathers to Get Involved in Education

28:34 Balancing Household Responsibilities

32:23 Validating Our Homeschooling Journey

35:22 Challenges and Sacrifices in Homeschooling

39:23 Exploring Homeschooling Resources

40:28 The Importance of Socialization Across Ages

47:43 Teaching Children to Know the Lord

51:36 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of 'Called to Marriage, we dive deep into the challenges and joys of the postpartum period, emphasizing the crucial role of paternity leave. We share personal experiences from our journey with our second child, contrasting it with our first, and highlight the transformative power of teamwork and spousal support.

This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring testimonies, making it a must-listen for mothers, fathers, and anyone involved in family life.

00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode

00:32 Postpartum Period and Paternity Leave

01:07 Experiences and Challenges with Newborns

02:17 Importance of Paternity Leave

03:42 Father's Role in Postpartum Support

04:35 Teamwork and Family Bonding

07:20 Rest and Prioritizing Family

16:09 Home Adjustments and Planning

22:23 Planning for Family Time

23:02 The Sacrifices of Paternity Leave

24:18 The Importance of Being Present

25:09 Supporting Your Spouse

28:55 The Benefits of Taking Time Off

30:48 Making Career Decisions During Leave

34:29 Cherishing Family Moments

36:35 Encouragement for Fathers

42:46 Concluding Thoughts and Future Topics

In this episode, we share our personal experience of home birthing our second child, Nti. We recount the details from the early contractions to the challenges of labor, and the joyous moment of delivery. We discuss the spiritual significance of childbirth, the importance of trust in God, and the significance of supportive spouse roles.

Marcia provides insights on labor pain, the concept of the mucus plug, and the physical demands of birth, while Thomas touches on the father's role and our collective experience as a family. This episode includes a mix of personal anecdotes, scriptural reflections, and practical advice on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery.

00:00 Introduction and Scripture Reflection

01:14 Early Labor Signs and Timeline Confusion

03:28 Errands and Increasing Discomfort

05:48 Active Labor and Midwife Support

10:58 The Birth and Immediate Aftermath

18:01 Unexpected Sensory Experience

19:06 Reflecting on Childbirth Experiences

19:57 Delivering the Placenta

22:07 The Mystery of Childbirth

26:34 Postpartum Journey and Breastfeeding

28:14 Father's Role and Paternity Leave

29:10 Healing and Reintegration

34:05 Final Thoughts and Advice for Husbands

In this episode, we delve into the thought-provoking and personal journey of naming our sons. From discussing the significance of names to sharing family traditions and personal anecdotes, this episode provides a heartfelt look at how we navigated this important aspect of parenthood.

In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of breastfeeding.

We discuss the challenges and rewards associated with breastfeeding, share personal experiences, and explore cultural perspectives.

Marcia highlights the difficulties she faced while breastfeeding both of our children and emphasizes the invaluable benefits, including health and emotional bonding. We also touch on the important role of men in supporting breastfeeding mothers and the cultural shifts impacting breastfeeding practices.

Tune in for a heartfelt and insightful conversation on nurturing the next generation!

00:00 Welcome Back to Call to Marriage

00:23 Diving into Breastfeeding

02:14 Challenges and Rewards of Breastfeeding

03:25 Learning Curve and Support

06:50 Health Benefits and Cultural Perspectives

14:20 Struggles and Solutions

21:34 Cultural Shifts and Formula Marketing

39:36 Understanding the Letdown Reflex

40:29 Cultural Perceptions of Breastfeeding and Formula

42:05 Personal Anecdotes on Food and Perceived Wealth

46:17 The Practical Benefits of Breastfeeding

53:10 The Role of Men in Breastfeeding Support

01:04:10 Societal and Policy Implications

01:14:48 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

Marcia and Thomas challenge the conventional wedding and event culture, emphasizing a return to simplicity and biblical principles. They discuss the significant impact of societal norms on our celebrations and explore key themes such as financial stewardship, cultural traditions, and the true intent behind events. Through engaging conversation, they provide insights on navigating cultural pressures and highlight the importance of honoring God in every aspect of wedding and event planning.

In this episode of 'Called to Marriage,' we delve into the significance of finding contentment and simplicity amidst the busyness of life. Beginning with a scripture from Ecclesiastes 4:6, we reflect on its meaning and relevance to our current season of life, which is characterized by living simply and making financial sacrifices. We share our personal experiences of choosing to live on one income, downsizing our home, and the challenges and joys that come with these decisions. We address the societal pressures that often lead to dissatisfaction and compare our journey to others, highlighting the importance of contentment and the dangers of succumbing to FOMO (fear of missing out). Furthermore, we discuss the importance of having a strong vision for the future to navigate life's challenges confidently and the role of sacrifice in achieving long-term goals. We emphasize that life is seasonal, and understanding this can help foster contentment and gratitude in every stage of life. Throughout the episode, we encourage our listeners to embrace their current season, find joy and contentment in the simple things, and remember that personal growth and character development are just as important as material success. We wrap up the episode by inviting our listeners to engage with us through comments and feedback, expressing our gratitude for their support and love.

00:00 Opening and Scripture Reflection

00:45 Embracing Simplicity and Contentment in Life

03:42 The Joy of Living Within Your Means

07:30 The Long Game: Sacrifice Today for Comfort Tomorrow

13:33 The Importance of Vision in Navigating Life's Seasons

17:19 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

What are you waiting on the Lord for? How are you waiting? What is your attitude and posture toward God in delay? Thomas and I answer these questions for ourselves on this episode. We are waiting, hoping, and praying for another baby. Feel free to agree with us in prayer 🙏🏾 😊 but we are genuinely grateful to and content with God and all He has given us. Be encouraged, and may God’s PERFECT will be accomplished in all of our lives.