In today’s episode of Creating Real Marriage that Last, we discuss what happens when Millennials run the workplace. A lot of the millennials are really good at stuff I don’t know anything about. But I’m learning that if I want to continue to be effective, I have to let them teach me. When I’m working with a Millennial, I start from a position of humility. I say something like, “Hey, I noticed you’re really good at this. Can you explain this to me?” When you ask for help, Millennials are really eager to show you what they know. They also want to find out if you’re the real deal. I learned that during my time with Kairos. From authenticity comes the opportunity for ministry.

In today’s episode of Creating Real Marriage that Last, we discuss why setting aside time for prayer, reflection, and quiet is so important. We all have demands on our time, but no one was more needed than Jesus. Even with all that others required of Him, He made it a habit to disappear for quiet moments of prayer with His Father. The world is not going to give you the time and space to be quiet. You have to be intentional. Look at the rhythms of your life and find what works for you.

Today on Creating Real Marriages that Last, we talk about the importance of not forgetting about the future. Sometimes we get so overwhelmed by the never-ending list of things we have to do right now, that we literally forget there’s a tomorrow. You also have to balance looking ahead at the future with investing in your relationships now—especially with your spouse. We also discuss how to bring up conversations about the future (finances, funerals, etc.) with your spouse.

Today on Creating Real Marriages that Last, we’re talking about the priceless gift of your full attention. If you’re spending time with your spouse or your children, and you’re trying to do something else at the same time, you’re not giving them your full attention. It’s not possible to multitask and do multiple things well at the same time. So, we talk about how to communicate with those you love and give them the gift of your full attention.

Today on Creating Real Marriages that Last, we discuss two great lies we’ve been told by our culture. The first lie is we can be anything we want to be. The reality is that there are things you’re good at and things you’re not, and that’s OK. We all have limits. The second lie is that you can be anything you want to be if you just work for it. That’s not true either. I’m never going to be a talented musician simply by practicing. It’s not my gift. If I were to work really hard at it, I’d just end up feeling drained and disappointed. Your gifts come easily to you, and often it’s someone else who points out those things that you’re really good at.

Today on Creating Real Marriages that Last, Amy-Jo and I talk about giving gifts to your spouse. Guys have trouble with this. A lot of guys feel guilty about spending too much time at work and allowing their priorities to get messed up. So, they buy a really nice gift once a year, thinking it’ll make everything better, but it actually makes things worse. You can’t make up in one gift what you haven’t done all year long. What she really wants is your attention throughout the year.

Today on Creating Real Marriages That Last, we talk about the importance of a healthy view of ourselves. Often we’re so afraid of being prideful that we have gone to the other side and now fail to love ourselves at all. To fail to love ourselves is to discredit the Artist. God introduces Himself in Scripture as an Artist. His crowning creation is humanity. Healthy self-love comes first from the understanding that you bear the Imago Dei—the image of the Creator Himself. We also discuss how parents can help their children develop a healthy view of themselves by filling them with the truth of God’s love for them.

Today on Creating Real Marriages that Last, I discuss some of the reasons I’ve chosen to step down from my role as the leader and teaching pastor of Kairos. I’ve been part of this young adult ministry since it began 11 years ago. However, a few years ago I began to realize it was time to pass the leadership on to another person. Now, Chris Brooks has transitioned into the role, and he’s already doing a great job. In this episode I also share my advice to leaders as they consider the future of their ministries and determine when it’s time to pass the baton to someone else.

Today on Creating Real Marriages that Last, Amy-Jo and I are discussing Millennials in the workplace and church. There is a growing weariness among young adults. They’ve seen the disappointment of their parents in their careers, money, and relationships. So now they’re looking for meaning and want to follow their passions to make a difference in the world. As a pastor, I have to learn how to reach this generation in a way that’s different from the generation that came before them. Listen in as we discuss some of my thoughts about Millennials.

Today on Creating Real Marriages that Last, we’re talking about the idea that the first seminary was in the home. Look at the story of Apollos in Scripture. Priscilla and Aquila brought him in and discipled him in their home. This idea is reinforced when we talk about the reality that parents are the first disciplers of their children. I learned to love Scripture from my dad. The gospel music my mom played on the piano became the soundtrack of my life. Discipleship happens best in the ebb and flow of daily life experiences.