Joining me today are Dave and Ann Wilson who have written a brand new book about what it looks like to speak life into our marriages; not just with the words we say, but also in the thoughts we choose to dwell on. We’ll talk about why trying to be your spouse’s Holy Spirit never works, why kindness is actually one of the most rebellious things we can do in today’s world, and how reframing our inner dialogue can change the way we manage conflict.

Whether you’ve been shouting to be heard, or quietly holding back the pain of unspoken expectations, today’s conversation will offer biblical wisdom, practical tools, and fresh hope for building a marriage that reflects Christ’s love. We pray this episode encourages you!

Episode Highlights:

 

How you approach the conversation matters. 

 

Hope and joy can only be in the Lord.

 

Your words have the power to build up or tear down your spouse.

 

Gratitude for your spouse can change your perspective of your spouse.

 

Quotes from Today’s Episode:

Men go where they're affirmed. They go there. - Dave Wilson

I realize like when I'm in the Word, I look at things different. I look at the world different. I look at Dave different. And it started, God's Word started to change me. - Ann Wilson

But there's something that's really holy about seeing greatness in a person and being able to communicate it in some way. - Ann Wilson

I had put all my hopes and dreams in Dave. I'd taken them off of Jesus and I was like, you could make me happy. And it's easy to get into that rut of like, if you would just do X, Y, Z, I could be more content. - Ann Wilson

God’s given us to each other to sharpen one another- Dave Wilson

Speak life to your husband. Bring him back to be the man God created him to be. 

We can help shape how our husbands and how our kids feel about themselves, but we have to first connect with Jesus. - Ann Wilson

What good does it do to only think of the negative?

You can’t say everything you feel!

Couples’ Conversation Guide:

1. How do we typically approach hard conversations with each other—and what could we do to make those moments feel safer and more affirming?

2. Have we unintentionally placed our hope or happiness in each other instead of in God? What would it look like to shift that back to Jesus as our source of joy?

3. What is one thing I genuinely admire or am grateful for in you that I may not say often enough? How can we be more intentional about calling out the good in each other?

 

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Find Dave and Ann Wilson on IG.

• How to Speak Life to Your Husband When All You Want to do is Yell at Him on Amazon

• Dave and Ann Wilson’s podcast: FamilyLife Today

• Help your children write God’s Word on their hearts with our FREE 11 Bible Verses For Kids to Memorize

• Set the tone for your home and your family culture with our 10 Christian Family Mission Statements. 

• Want an opportunity to dig into God’s Word as you work toward growing the gratitude in your marriage, find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Try this FREE YouVersion plan: 4 Days to Growing Gratitude in Marriage

• If you haven’t browsed our site, you’ve GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com ! 

• Sign up for Dr. Kim’s Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips!

• Now is the perfect time to join our Marriage Changers program. Enjoy every resource of the month plus bonus content from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy. Join now, just in time to receive our Raising Faithful Kids in a Cancel Culture.