Season 9: Faith, Family & Finances

As we kick off Season 9 of the Forever Marriage Podcast, Scott and Dawn begin with the foundation that impacts every area of marriage and family life: our spiritual growth. As we go, so goes our marriage. As our marriage goes, so goes our family—and the ripple effect continues into our church, community, and beyond.

In this episode, Scott and Dawn talk about the importance of pursuing spiritual growth individually and together, and how spiritual growth naturally leads to relational growth. They share one practical way they’ve grown both spiritually and relationally: learning to live out the “One Anothers” of Scripture.

From accepting, encouraging, forgiving, and serving one another to bearing burdens, praying for one another, and pursuing peace, these biblical commands give us practical ways to strengthen our relationships.

So, how are WE doing?

Join Scott, Dawn, Emily & JP as they kick off a new season with a challenge to pause, ponder, and consider how we are growing—both individually and together.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Feeding Your Soul - Jean Flemming
• Things Unseen - Sinclair Ferguson 
• One Another's of Scripture

In these two bonus episodes, we’re talking about two important conversations every couple should have each week: Making Life Go and Making Love Grow.

In this second episode, we’re focusing on the Making Love Grow conversation—a weekly time to slow down, check in with each other, and intentionally invest in your marriage.

First, you'll ask each other What’s Working? Take time to celebrate what’s going well and encourage one another. Then ask, What’s Not Working? Learn to address the little things before they become big things, while giving your spouse the benefit of the doubt. Finally, ask, How Can I Help You? Look for a practical way to support your spouse—and then follow through.

Mentioned in this episode:

• 5 Keys to a Safe Relationship 
• The Next Conversation by Jefferson Fisher

Before we jump into a new podcast season, we wanted to put out these two bonus episodes where we’re talking about two important conversations every couple should have: Making Life Go and Making Love Grow.

In this first episode, we’re talking about the Making Life Go conversation—a weekly check-in that helps you and your spouse get on the same page about the things that keep your family moving.

We’ll talk about the kids—who needs to be where, school projects and activities, and who’s coming over. We’ll talk about cash—what’s coming up financially and whether you’re on the same page. We’ll look at the calendar and your week at a glance. And we’ll talk about career—including how you’re balancing work and life.

Mentioned in this episode:

Dave Ramsey's EveryDollar App

Recipe Keeper App

Season 8, Episode 12: You Are a Family of Light

Jesus called His followers "the light of the world," but what does that look like for a family? In this episode, Scott and Dawn finish up the FAMILY series by exploring how families can shine Christ's light through serving others, practicing hospitality, and living generously.

Discover practical ways to serve together as a family, open your home with biblical hospitality, and model a lifestyle of generosity that your children won't just hear about—they'll learn by watching. 

Join us as we discuss how raising "families of light" begins with simple, intentional acts of love that point others to Jesus and leave a lasting legacy for the next generation.

In Season 8, Episode 11 of the Forever Marriage Podcast, we conclude our discussion on L — Listen to Understand by exploring the final four components of the L.I.S.T.E.N. framework.

Great listening requires more than simply hearing words. It means staying focused on the conversation, testing your understanding through thoughtful questions, paying attention to non-verbal cues, and managing your emotions when conversations become difficult. In this episode, we discuss how to stay on target without "chasing rabbits," how to clarify what you've heard, how to listen between the lines, and how to respond with self-control rather than reacting emotionally.

Join us as we finish unpacking one of the most important skills every family needs: learning to truly listen in order to understand.

In Season 8, Episode 10 of the Forever Marriage Podcast, we continue unpacking the L — L.I.S.T.E.N. to Understand in our FAMILY series by moving from principle to practice.

What does it actually look like to be a great listener? In this episode, we discuss simple but powerful ways to help your spouse and children feel heard and valued. From giving your undivided attention and removing distractions, to making eye contact, showing genuine interest, and responding with empathy and compassion, we explore practical habits that strengthen connection and communication in the home.

Listening is more than hearing words—it’s demonstrating love, respect, and understanding. Join us as we begin working through the acronym L.I.S.T.E.N. and discover how intentional listening can transform your family relationships.

In this episode of the Forever Marriage Podcast, we continue our FAMILY series by unpacking the letter “L” — Listen to Understand. So often, we listen with the intention of replying instead of truly hearing the heart behind the words. But Scripture calls us to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.”

Whether you’re communicating with your spouse, your children, or friends, this conversation will challenge you to slow down, listen well, and speak with wisdom and grace.

In Season 8, Episode 8 of the Forever Marriage Podcast, we continue unpacking the letter “I” in our FAMILY series as we talk about the importance of giving our children practical instructions about life. From finances and relationships, to car maintenance or how to properly shake someone's hand, children need parents who are willing to guide them through the everyday realities of life—not leave them guessing. Join us as we discuss how intentional teaching helps prepare kids to navigate life with wisdom, confidence, and godly character. 

Mentioned in this episode:

• Parent Resources by the Next Generation Ministry at Lakewood 

Season 8, Episode 7 of the Forever Marriage Podcast continues our FAMILY series as we unpack the letter “I” — Instruct in the Ways of the LORD. What does it really look like to disciple your children in the flow of everyday life?

In this episode, we talk about cultivating natural, meaningful spiritual conversations, learning to recognize the teachable moments God places right in front of you, and the lasting impact of keeping faith-filled traditions alive in your home. Discipleship is often found in the small, intentional moments that shape your family over time.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Hero Tales: A Family Treasury of True Stories from the Lives of Christian Heroes
• School House Rock - The Preamble

Season 8, Episode 6: Minimize Provocation — Slowing the Pace

In this episode of the Forever Marriage Podcast, we continue unpacking the “M”—Minimize Provocation—in our FAMILY acrostic by taking an honest look at the pace of our family lives. Because the truth is: the speed at which your family runs often determines the health of your home.

Are we expecting too much from our kids? Have we filled our calendars so tightly that there’s no margin left for rest—physically, emotionally, or spiritually? Together, we explore how a hurried life can quietly provoke frustration, burnout, and disconnection in both parents and children.