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The greatest threat to our marriages isn’t from bad things – it is from good things out of priority. When we allow relationships with family or friends to take priority over our marriage, it can create feelings of jealousy and resentment in our spouse. This can lead to conflict and ultimately damage the relationship.

It is important to remember that marriage is a covenant between two people, and it should be given the highest priority in our lives. This means that our spouse should come first in terms of meeting our emotional, physical, and spiritual needs. The only instance where that statement is overruled is with our personal relationship with Jesus. He comes first.

While it is important to have strong relationships with family and friends, they should not come at the expense of our marriage. We must be intentional about setting boundaries and ensuring that our spouse remains the most important person in our lives.

We continue our discussion this week with our series The 4 Laws of Love, the Law of Priority - relationships. My wife, Michelle and I, sit down and discuss the dangers of letting your kids, other family members, and technology get in the way of your spouse's priority. God does have an order for all of those moving parts in our lives.

Visit our website at www.connectingthegap.net for everything about our ministry. We pray you are blessed by this week's episode, and we wish you a very Merry Christmas 2024!

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Contact us at Connecting the Gap

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• Apple Podcast direct link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connecting-the-gap-podcast/id1586240413

If you're seeking a Christian faith podcast that offers biblical truths and helps you in connecting faith to life, Connecting the Gap is for you. Join us for Bible study lessons, Christian growth, and discipleship as we explore biblical teaching and apply faith-based life lessons to everyday challenges.

Connecting the Gap does not own the rights to any audio clips or bumper music embeds used in the episodes from third party resources.

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Communication of any type requires trust. The deeper the level of communication, the more trust must be present. Open, honest, and intimate sharing means we must open our heart and expose ourselves. Then the most sensitive areas of our life are most vulnerable.

We will not open the deepest parts of our hearts when there is a significant risk of hurt, betrayal, or rejection. The equation: the more you gain my trust, the wider the door of my heart opens. The more you violate my trust, the more the door closes.

Michelle and I trust each other. Granted, she may not always be able to trust me to take out the trash, and maybe I can’t necessarily trust her to pick out a television show we both want to watch on a relaxing Friday night at home. But when it comes to the important stuff in our marriage — what makes us both feel safe, connected, honored, valued, and loved — we trust each other implicitly. I trust that she’s there for me, and she trusts that I’m always there for her.

Do you trust your spouse? Are you able to communicate with them the deepest, darkest secrets you've shared with no one else?

If you need help building your trust in your spouse this week's episode is for you. If you aren't married yet, this will still help you as you eventually transition into that stage in life.

Trust is a vital emotional need in marriage that helps create a foundation of safety, openness, and mutual respect.

Visit our website at www.connectingthegap.net for everything about our ministry and for how to reach us. We pray you are blessed by this week's episode!

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Contact us at Connecting the Gap

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• Spotify direct link: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Zg2rss7gRtCfzCggGVYl9
• Apple Podcast direct link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connecting-the-gap-podcast/id1586240413

If you're seeking a Christian faith podcast that offers biblical truths and helps you in connecting faith to life, Connecting the Gap is for you. Join us for Bible study lessons, Christian growth, and discipleship as we explore biblical teaching and apply faith-based life lessons to everyday challenges.

Connecting the Gap does not own the rights to any audio clips or bumper music embeds used in the episodes from third party resources.

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Let us know how this Episode helped you here!

Communication in a marriage is often described as the lifeblood of the relationship. It is the key to understanding, connection, and intimacy between partners. While technology has made communication faster and more convenient, it cannot replace the depth and quality of face-to-face communication.

Microwaving communication, or trying to rush through important conversations or discussions, can lead to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and unresolved issues. It is essential to take the time to communicate effectively with your spouse, actively listening and expressing yourself clearly and honestly.

If you find yourself too busy to talk to your spouse, it is crucial to prioritize your marriage and make time for communication by sacrificing something else in your life. Sacrificing other areas of your life, such as work commitments or social engagements, can help you create space for meaningful conversations with your partner which is very important to satisfy his or her needs.

Having the skills and understanding to communicate effectively with your spouse is crucial in maintaining a healthy and thriving relationship and keeps you from getting frustrated or stuck. There are five important elements for successful communication. They are called the five pillars of Communication.

This week we start discussing those pillars and how they fit into our everyday marriage routine. Proper communication in a marriage or the lack thereof can lead you to a fulfilling and wonderful marriage experience, or straight down the road to a divorce.

Check out our website at www.connectingthegap.net for everything about our ministry. We pray you are blessed by this week's episode!

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Contact us at Connecting the Gap

• Website: https://www.connectingthegap.net
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ctgaponline
• Twitter: @ctgaponline
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• Email us at [email protected]
• Spotify direct link: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Zg2rss7gRtCfzCggGVYl9
• Apple Podcast direct link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connecting-the-gap-podcast/id1586240413

If you're seeking a Christian faith podcast that offers biblical truths and helps you in connecting faith to life, Connecting the Gap is for you. Join us for Bible study lessons, Christian growth, and discipleship as we explore biblical teaching and apply faith-based life lessons to everyday challenges.

Connecting the Gap does not own the rights to any audio clips or bumper music embeds used in the episodes from third party resources.

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What do you have when you bring home a paycheck to a home where the people don’t get along? You have a perverted situation where the home supports the job. Instead, it should be the job that supports the home. This confused priority has caused untold amounts of confusion and divorce.

Do you want your children to grow up with a marriage model of unhappy and unfulfilled parents? One of the best models you can leave a child is to show that you love each other and fulfill each other’s needs. Children who see this harmony always displayed in their home grow up having a higher percentage of being able to have success in their lives and marriages.

Blended families face unique challenges, from differing parenting styles to the lingering impact of past relationships. This week we jump into the intricate dynamics that accompany these relationships and stress the significance of mentorship from those who've walked similar paths. Placing your marriage above all, except your relationship with God, is not just recommended; it's a biblical mandate that provides a sturdy framework for a fulfilling partnership. By aligning your priorities according to this model, you create a resilient environment where love can thrive.

This week we discuss how your list of priorities should look.

Visit our website at www.connectingthegap.net for everything about our ministry! We pray you have a blessed week and a Happy Thanksgiving!

Support the show

Contact us at Connecting the Gap

• Website: https://www.connectingthegap.net
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ctgaponline
• Twitter: @ctgaponline
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• Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1351356
• Email us at [email protected]
• Spotify direct link: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Zg2rss7gRtCfzCggGVYl9
• Apple Podcast direct link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connecting-the-gap-podcast/id1586240413

If you're seeking a Christian faith podcast that offers biblical truths and helps you in connecting faith to life, Connecting the Gap is for you. Join us for Bible study lessons, Christian growth, and discipleship as we explore biblical teaching and apply faith-based life lessons to everyday challenges.

Connecting the Gap does not own the rights to any audio clips or bumper music embeds used in the episodes from third party resources.

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All the way to the alter, a couple highly prioritizes their relationship. If there are any problems, they console themselves with the idea that everything will be fixed when they get married. They spend lots of time together and focus on each other during the wedding and honeymoon. The new relationship and living arrangement keep the excitement there to keep things going.

Then children come along and that can often lead to a shift in priorities within a marriage. As the excitement of the new marriage begins to wear off, the focus may shift to the children and careers, causing the couple to drift apart and not prioritize each other in their marriage.

Mothers can often become absorbed in caring for the children, putting their needs above all else. This can lead to the mother neglecting her relationship with her husband and placing less importance on spending quality time together.

Fathers may start to focus more on their careers, investing time and energy into work to provide for the family. This can lead to the dad spending less time at home and with his wife, potentially causing feelings of neglect and distance in the marriage.

When these problems begin to arise in an unequally yoked relationship, it can make it even more difficult to navigate than if you were equally yoked and felt you were with God's soulmate.

We discuss that this week on Connecting the Gap. Visit our website at www.connectingthegap.net for everything about our ministry. We pray you are blessed by this episode!

Support the show

Contact us at Connecting the Gap

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• Email us at [email protected]
• Spotify direct link: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Zg2rss7gRtCfzCggGVYl9
• Apple Podcast direct link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connecting-the-gap-podcast/id1586240413

If you're seeking a Christian faith podcast that offers biblical truths and helps you in connecting faith to life, Connecting the Gap is for you. Join us for Bible study lessons, Christian growth, and discipleship as we explore biblical teaching and apply faith-based life lessons to everyday challenges.

Connecting the Gap does not own the rights to any audio clips or bumper music embeds used in the episodes from third party resources.

Thanks for listening and please subscribe!...

Let us know how this Episode helped you here!

Is it ok to be jealous in our marriage and relationships? When we have trust issues in our marriage can we install apps on our phone to watch our significant others every move? Some of you are probably saying, "I already do that!" But is that really a healthy way to live life together when you are trying to be one unit in marriage but are really completely divided?

Our conversation this week takes an honest look at the dynamics of friendships with the opposite sex while in committed relationships, as well as trust and jealousy. Michelle and I share candid personal stories that expose the potential dangers of secrecy and lack of transparency, which can lead to feelings of betrayal. Emphasizing the need for open communication, we stress how honest dialogue can prevent emotional connections that might threaten the trust and stability of a marriage. Our goal is to equip you with the tools to navigate these situations and maintain a healthy, trusting union.

We have to understand that the sacred bond between spouses is truly a divine connection ordained by God. Our goal as couples should be to prioritize your relationship above all else, including external distractions. With insights drawn from biblical perspectives, we contemplate how sacrificial love, inspired by the relationship between Jesus and the church, can fortify and protect the marital bond. Through faith and resilience, we aim to inspire couples to honor their sacred marital covenant, ensuring their relationship not only endures but thrives.

Visit our website at www.connectingthegap.net for everything about our ministry. On some platforms the links for the show are in the show notes. We pray you have a blessed week!

Support the show

Contact us at Connecting the Gap

• Website: https://www.connectingthegap.net
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ctgaponline
• Twitter: @ctgaponline
• You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectingthegap
• Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1351356
• Email us at [email protected]
• Spotify direct link: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Zg2rss7gRtCfzCggGVYl9
• Apple Podcast direct link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connecting-the-gap-podcast/id1586240413

If you're seeking a Christian faith podcast that offers biblical truths and helps you in connecting faith to life, Connecting the Gap is for you. Join us for Bible study lessons, Christian growth, and discipleship as we explore biblical teaching and apply faith-based life lessons to everyday challenges.

Connecting the Gap does not own the rights to any audio clips or bumper music embeds used in the episodes from third party resources.

Thanks for listening and please subscribe!...

Let us know how this Episode helped you here!

Celebrating our 200th episode is truly a milestone worth cherishing, and what better way to commemorate it than with my special guest—my beautiful wife! We reminisce about the journey I've undertaken over the past four years on Connecting the Gap while launching a new marriage series, "The 4 Laws of Love." This series promises to offer real-world insights and heartfelt guidance for couples, whether newlyweds navigating the early stages of marriage or those facing long-standing challenges, all while centering God in our conversation.

Marriage is a divine covenant that mirrors the relationship between Christ and the church, and in this episode, we unravel what it means to honor that sacred bond. Using Genesis 2:24 as our compass, we discuss the imperative of leaving one's parents to forge a new family. We also shine a light on the critical role of mentors and the impact of cultural traditions that welcome and affirm the union of newlyweds. Our conversation doesn't shy away from the reality of marital facades and the necessity for transparency, unity, and commitment, essential for building a marriage that aligns with spiritual beliefs.

Setting healthy boundaries not only strengthens marital bonds but also respects the roles of parents. We tackle the challenge of balancing parental respect with the primacy of marriage, addressing how excessive involvement can strain relationships. From prioritizing the marital relationship over distractions like social media to encouraging regular date nights without phones, we underscore the importance of communication and prioritization. Join us as we reflect on personal stories, learning from past divorces, and share how maintaining a balanced relationship can help break the generational cycle of divorce, ultimately spreading hope and restoration to others.

Visit our website for more information about our ministry. Please share this with someone you think might benefit from this series. We pray that you have a blessed week!

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Contact us at Connecting the Gap

• Website: https://www.connectingthegap.net
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ctgaponline
• Twitter: @ctgaponline
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• Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1351356
• Email us at [email protected]
• Spotify direct link: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Zg2rss7gRtCfzCggGVYl9
• Apple Podcast direct link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connecting-the-gap-podcast/id1586240413

If you're seeking a Christian faith podcast that offers biblical truths and helps you in connecting faith to life, Connecting the Gap is for you. Join us for Bible study lessons, Christian growth, and discipleship as we explore biblical teaching and apply faith-based life lessons to everyday challenges.

Connecting the Gap does not own the rights to any audio clips or bumper music embeds used in the episodes from third party resources.

Thanks for listening and please subscribe!...

Let us know how this Episode helped you here!

Roses are red, violets are blue, if I were a cat, I’d spend all my lives falling for you!
Roses are red, violets are blue, I’m not a fortune teller, but my future looks brighter with you!
They say dating is a numbers game, so can I get yours?
Do you believe in love at first sight, or do you need to look at my profile again?
Do you have a map? I just got lost in your eyes.

Ahhhhh .... the dating years! Everything was so innocent, and each day was a brand-new day as we were falling in love. The cheesy pickup lines, going out on dates, promising the world ... then - we got married.

Then what? Adulting? We have to dedicate ourselves to our spouses and cut the line to all of our old dates? We can't go out every weekend with the buddies, party, and come home at 2 in the morning? You want a kid? What did I sign myself up for??? After 20+ years of marriage, my wife and I have decided that sometimes we really just don't truly understand what we are signing up for when we tie that knot!

The real question is, what do you do when temptations arise in the marriage? What do you do when you get upset at your spouse and you shut down and the communication stops? What do you do when the romance of those starry nights parking in the woods hiding from the parents eventually becomes a reality of you both sleeping on your own side of the bed every night without any intimacy left in your marriage? These are a small taste of the very real issues people struggle with all of the time. Even Christians fall into these traps.

This week Michelle and I confront the tough questions of trust, discipline, and faith in marriage with our testimony. Unresolved feelings and friendships with the opposite sex tested the boundaries of our trust, while the strains of unemployment and depression added layers to the monster in the room. By rebuilding our connection with God, we found the strength to face these adversities head-on, learning invaluable lessons about vulnerability, forgiveness, and the importance of keeping God in the middle. But not before our marriage almost ended up in divorce.

We pray you have a blessed week!

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Contact us at Connecting the Gap

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• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ctgaponline
• Twitter: @ctgaponline
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• Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1351356
• Email us at [email protected]
• Spotify direct link: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Zg2rss7gRtCfzCggGVYl9
• Apple Podcast direct link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connecting-the-gap-podcast/id1586240413

If you're seeking a Christian faith podcast that offers biblical truths and helps you in connecting faith to life, Connecting the Gap is for you. Join us for Bible study lessons, Christian growth, and discipleship as we explore biblical teaching and apply faith-based life lessons to everyday challenges.

Connecting the Gap does not own the rights to any audio clips or bumper music embeds used in the episodes from third party resources.

Thanks for listening and please subscribe!...

Let us know how this Episode helped you here!

The upcoming 2024 November elections hold the power to reshape abortion laws across ten pivotal states, and we're here to break it all down. From Arizona to New York, critical ballot initiatives are on the table with contrasting approaches to abortion rights, like Nebraska's Initiative 434 and Initiative 439. We uncover the potential consequences of these measures, including the erosion of protections for women and unborn children, and the implications of taxpayer-funded procedures. By examining demographic data and CDC statistics, we provide a clearer picture of the demographic trends shaping the abortion landscape in America today.

Transitioning from statistics to the reality on the ground, we dissect the legal landscape of abortion laws post-2022 Dobbs decision, unraveling misconceptions and highlighting the nuanced realities often overshadowed by political rhetoric. The harrowing case of Kermit Gosnell serves as a chilling backdrop to our exploration of late-term abortion laws. We also draw a thought-provoking comparison between unborn life and animal rights, encouraging a reevaluation of moral priorities. As we advocate for a return to biblical principles, we invite you to join us in embracing life-affirming actions and exercising your civic duty with informed voting.

This week's episode is a little lengthy, but I felt it necessary to share everything I share with you this week to inform you of where we are with abortion in 2024. It's not a fun topic to talk about but we need to speak up and save our babies in America.

Visit our website at www.connectingthegap.net for everything about our ministry. We pray you are blessed each week by the episodes we bring you. Please pray for our country and the upcoming elections.

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Contact us at Connecting the Gap

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• Twitter: @ctgaponline
• You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectingthegap
• Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1351356
• Email us at [email protected]
• Spotify direct link: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Zg2rss7gRtCfzCggGVYl9
• Apple Podcast direct link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connecting-the-gap-podcast/id1586240413

If you're seeking a Christian faith podcast that offers biblical truths and helps you in connecting faith to life, Connecting the Gap is for you. Join us for Bible study lessons, Christian growth, and discipleship as we explore biblical teaching and apply faith-based life lessons to everyday challenges.

Connecting the Gap does not own the rights to any audio clips or bumper music embeds used in the episodes from third party resources.

Thanks for listening and please subscribe!...

Let us know how this Episode helped you here!

Forgiveness and redemption are at the heart of this Connecting the Gap Podcast episode. This week, special guest Brittany Poppe, joins us and shares her personal experience with abortion at the age of 15 and adds invaluable insight to our discussion on how major legal turning points like Roe v. Wade and Dobbs v. Jackson have influenced abortion laws across the United States.

As we discuss her emotional aftermath of abortion, we uncover stories of healing through faith-based support and the transformative power of God’s grace. Our conversation expands to include the broader family dynamics affected by abortion, noting the ripple effect of grief and the emergence of compassion over time. We also tackle complex issues surrounding infertility and miscarriage, offering varied perspectives while underscoring the importance of sincere care and understanding within families facing these challenges.

Brittany opens up about her transformative journey from guilt and shame to healing and empowerment through faith. Her work and personal podcast are dedicated to helping others navigate similar paths, offering hope and support. We also confront the ongoing debates about abortion pills and legislative battles in Missouri. Through these discussions, we emphasize informed voting and the critical role of compassion and grace. Join us for an episode that promises to leave you inspired and informed on these difficult topics.

Visit our website at www.connectingthegap.net to learn more about our ministry. We have lots of resources there for you to utilize in your walk with God.

To visit Brittany Poppe's ministry, please visit www.brittanypoppe.com. If you need any kind of resource for abortions you personally have been through or know others that her ministry would benefit, check out her website for more information. We pray you have a blessed week!

Support the show

Contact us at Connecting the Gap

• Website: https://www.connectingthegap.net
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ctgaponline
• Twitter: @ctgaponline
• You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectingthegap
• Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1351356
• Email us at [email protected]
• Spotify direct link: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Zg2rss7gRtCfzCggGVYl9
• Apple Podcast direct link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connecting-the-gap-podcast/id1586240413

If you're seeking a Christian faith podcast that offers biblical truths and helps you in connecting faith to life, Connecting the Gap is for you. Join us for Bible study lessons, Christian growth, and discipleship as we explore biblical teaching and apply faith-based life lessons to everyday challenges.

Connecting the Gap does not own the rights to any audio clips or bumper music embeds used in the episodes from third party resources.

Thanks for listening and please subscribe!...