Welcome back to Faith Influencer. Today, we’re tackling a tough but essential topic: forgiving your ex. I know this isn't easy, and you may feel justified in your anger. But holding onto unforgiveness can weigh you down and block the blessings waiting for you in your new marriage and blended family.

Forgiveness isn’t about excusing the hurt or forgetting what happened. It’s about freeing yourself from the weight of bitterness so you can truly move forward, especially if you’re in a blended family. Today, we’ll unpack what real forgiveness looks like and why it’s essential—not just for your ex, but for you. So stick around, because this episode might just be the key to unlocking a better, happier you."

In this episode of the Faith Influencer Podcast, I'm addressing a question that many of you have been asking: "Have I been single too long?" It’s a question that resonates with a lot of people, and today, I want to walk you through some practical guidelines to help you figure out if it’s time to consider a new relationship or if you’re called to embrace singleness as a gift. We’ll explore the dangers of isolation, the importance of letting go of past hurts, and the need to work on yourself before you’re ready for a healthy relationship. For those of you who have been given the gift of singleness, I'll also share why the Bible says it’s a special calling that allows you to be more focused and effective in serving the Lord. Whether you’re feeling the loneliness that can come with long-term singleness or you’re content where you are, this episode is about finding peace and purpose in whichever season you’re in.

In this episode, we’re diving into the dreaded word—compromise. If you’re part of a blended family, you know how tricky it can be to merge different traditions, especially when it comes to holidays or even something as simple as whether the family dog sleeps in the bed. Today, I’m sharing some personal stories from my own marriage and how my wife and I had to navigate these differences. We’ll talk about why compromise isn’t a sign of weakness but rather a powerful tool for creating a happy, unified family. So, if you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the battle of whose way is the "right" way, this episode is for you!

In Episode 24, I’m going back to revisit some key topics that are crucial for building a successful blended family, especially if you're new to the podcast. We'll talk about handling the stress of the first year, managing finances with trust and clear agreements, and why it's important for stepparents to focus on building relationships rather than jumping into a disciplinary role too soon. I’ll also cover the importance of a strong marriage, supported by communication and date nights, and how to help your children adjust between homes. Tune in for practical advice on creating a harmonious blended family.

Have you ever wondered how grandparents navigate the unique dynamics of blended families? In this episode, we delve into the pivotal role grandparents play in these intricate relationships. We'll explore how they can provide stability and continuity for children who are adapting to changes, offering a sense of tradition and family history that can be comforting and grounding.

Whether you're a grandparent navigating your role in a blended family or a parent seeking to foster better relationships between your children and their grandparents, join me in this episode.

Today, we're diving into an important topic: building a Christian blended family. When I say Christian, I'm not just talking about a family that believes in God. Most families might say they believe in God, but we're going deeper. We're talking about building a solid foundation rooted in Christian values. We'll uncover the essential tools and practices that can transform your blended family into a unified, spiritually thriving household. Whether you're navigating the challenges of step-parenting or seeking to strengthen the bonds in your family, this episode will provide you with practical and heartfelt guidance. Let's dive in and explore the vital steps to create a loving, faith-filled environment for your blended family.

One question I often get asked at events is, "How long should we wait to blend our family and remarry?" Today, we’re diving deep into this important subject. We'll explore why you shouldn't rush into remarriage without first dealing with your past issues and emotional baggage. We'll discuss the importance of transparency in new relationships and the pitfalls of keeping secrets. Whether you’re considering remarriage after a divorce or the death of a spouse, this episode is full of insights to help you make the best decision for you and your family. Let’s get started!

I’m excited to share this special episode, recorded live at Life Church, where we dive deep into the unique challenges that blended families face. In this episode, we talk about the importance of a strong marriage as the foundation for successful parenting. I know it’s a tough pill for some to swallow, but trust me, it’s key. We also explore the baggage we all bring into second marriages and how to unpack it for a healthier relationship. This episode combines lessons from a few of my previous episodes, so if you're interested in a deeper dive, be sure to check those out too. Tune in and let’s get started!

In Episode 19, we're addressing a practical and often challenging topic: finances in blended families. Building on our last episode, we'll explore when it might be best not to combine finances and how to manage these situations effectively. With my experience in finance and insurance, I'll guide you through setting up inheritance plans for stepchildren, the importance of life insurance policies with designated beneficiaries, and the role of power of attorney for healthcare and financial decisions.

Thank you for tuning in to the Faith Influencer Podcast! Send in your questions for future episodes – we'd love to hear from you!

In today's episode, we’re diving into money issues in blended families. Money issues rank among the top challenges in blended families, right up there with children and dealing with ex-spouses. In this episode we’ll explore why these money conflicts happen and how they’re often about more than just dollars and cents—they’re about control, power, and trust. And I’ll give you my take on one of the biggest questions: Should you combine your finances? Spoiler alert: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but I’ll share my preference and why it works for many.