In Season 7 Episode 2, we continue our conversation with Brian and Alana Rochester on their parenting journey. We specifically talk about what they wish they would have done differently. A few things they mention are wishing they had not disciplined in anger and that they would have served more together as a family. They also touch on what has been most rewarding in this season of parenting adult kids. 

Mentioned in this episode:

• Thumbs Up Mission
• Effective Parenting in a Defective World by Chip Ingram
• What's Behind the Rise in Narcissism in Teens in the Epoch Times

In Season 7 of the Forever Marriage Podcast we are going to be talking about Parenting. Whether you are preparing to have children one day or you are in the throws of parenting right now, this season is for you! Join us as we invite couples who have walked the parenting journey to share with us what went well and what didn't go so well, or things they would do differently. 

In the first episode, Brian and Alana Rochester join us at the table to unpack their journey and tell us what went well for them. In our conversation with them we touch on:

• Infertility and God's faithfulness
• Be your child's parent, not their best friend
• Family values 

Mentioned in this episode:

• Growing Kids God's Way by Gary & Anne Marie Ezzo

In S6E6 of the Forever Marriage Podcast, the Smiths talk about how, in order to THRIVE in marriage, we must "Embrace Growth." How have you grown as a result of being married? How would you like to see the two of you grow together in your marriage? How have you grown in the last year? What have you learned in marriage that you could share with the generation following you?

In S6E5 of the Forever Marriage Podcast, the Smiths talk about how, in order to THRIVE in marriage, we must "Value Vision." Why did God put the two of you together? What is His purpose? What was His reasoning? What does He wants to accomplish in and through you? Your answer to those questions will help determine God's vision for your marriage.

In S6E4 of the Forever Marriage Podcast, the Smiths talk about how, in order to THRIVE in marriage, we must "Invest Intentionally." They talk about why it's important for a couples to look beyond themselves and invest intentionally in others. They also give several ways to practically do this. 

In Season 6 of the Forever Marriage Podcast we are publishing the content from our most recent Forever Marriage Conference where Scott & Dawn talked about what it looks like to THRIVE in marriage. In these episodes we are breaking down their teaching  acrostic THRIVE. So far, we've covered:

T - Trust in the Lord (S6E1)

H - Honor Humbly (S6E2)

And today in S6E3 we are going to hear them talk about the letter R, which is to Reconnect Regularly. 

Mentioned in this episode:

•  Establishing a Culture of Honor Sheet
• 5 Keys to a Safe Relationship 

In Season 6 of the Forever Marriage Podcast we are going to publish the content from our most recent Forever Marriage Conference that Lakewood hosted at the end of March. Scott and Dawn Smith were our keynote speakers and they talked about what it looks like to THRIVE in marriage, and not just survive. So they broke down the word THRIVE into an acrostic for their teaching points and we are going to use those session recordings for our Season 6 content. 

In this episode we are going to hear in the first session where they unpack the letter H in the acrostic THRIVE. 

Homework: Complete the Establishing a Culture of Honor Sheet mentioned in this episode. 

In Season 6 of the Forever Marriage Podcast we are going publish the content from our most recent Forever Marriage Conference that Lakewood hosted at the end of March. Scott and Dawn Smith were our keynote speakers and they talked about what it looks like to THRIVE in marriage, and not just survive. So they broke down the word THRIVE into an acrostic for their teaching points and we are going to use those session recordings for our Season 6 content. 

In this episode we are going to hear in the first session where they unpack the letter T in the acrostic THRIVE. 

Click HERE for the PDF notes from the 2025 Forever Marriage Conference - THRIVE in Marriage.

In Season 5 Episode 13 of the Forever Marriage Podcast, we finish our discussion of the seasons of marriage, and specifically talk about summer and autumn. Summer is the season of sunshine, and it brings with it warmth and happiness. As a result, a couple becomes more comfortable and relaxed and enjoys their life together. Autumn is the season of change. As a result, we may become unsettled as we may be unsure of what's ahead. So, it is easy for us to become anxious and apprehensive. Finally, we discuss 4 ways to cope with the seasons of marriage.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Scripture: James 1:19, 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18, Ecclesiastes 3:1, Psalm 46:1, Hebrews 13:5
• SEC Storied - The Book of Manning
• Football with plays at Dick's 
• Forever Marriage Conference 

In Season 5 Episode 12 of the Forever Marriage Podcast, we finish out our acrostic, Rekindle R.O.M.A.N.C.E., with the E - Embrace the Seasons of Marriage.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven." Just like the seasons of nature, marriages also experience seasons. Gary Chapman says it this way, "Marriages are in a perpetual state of transition, continually moving from one season to another - perhaps not annually, as in nature, but certainly and consistently. The cycle repeats itself many times throughout the life of a marriage." In the episode we unpack the 4 seasons of marriage.