LifeAudio

If you’ve found yourself disappointed, grieving unmet expectations, or questioning whether your relationship is supposed to feel this tough, you're not alone. It's a struggle that many couples face but rarely talk about openly—what to do when marriage is much harder than you ever expected. 

Plenty of couples walk down the aisle brimming with hope and expectation. After all, we’re conditioned to, right? The advice pours in from all sides before the big day: “Marriage takes work!” “There will be hard times!” But few truly believe the hard times will come for them. Most of us believe we’re the exceptions.

But disappointment is “part of the package” of marriage. It’s not pessimism—it’s reality. So, what DO you do with disappointment? Pretending everything is fine isn’t the answer. Nor is simply waiting for time to heal all wounds. Deliberate action is required to address and heal those emotional wounds. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Expect Drifting—and Intentionally Fight It
2. Don’t Lower Your Expectations. Negotiate Them.
3. When You Marry the “Wrong Person” (Or So You Think)
4. Pressure Reveals, It Doesn’t Destroy

Resources Mentioned in this Episode: 

My new book, Tried and True, releases in January 2026! Learn more at danache.com/triedandtrue.

For those who want to go deeper, get the free 5-day devotional companion to Tried and True, designed to help struggling couples reflect and reconnect.

Follow Dana Che on the socials! 

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Like the show? Be sure to SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW the podcast! Then, give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and leave a great review! 

Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/

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We don't have to be Scrooges to benefit from reflecting on Christmas past, present, and future. In this episode from our archives, we talk about how looking back, living now, and planning ahead together can enrich our marriages.

TAKE THE "US TIME" CHALLENGE

If you’ve been married five years or more, practice nostalgia with your spouse. Ask each other about your favorite Christmas you’ve spent together and why it stands out to you. If you have been married less than five years, plan ahead on where you want to be relationally next Christmas.

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK

Did you enjoy this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/team-us/id1565819107)

TEAM US RESOURCES

• Team Us: The Unifying Power of Grace, Commitment, and Cooperation in Marriage (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/)
• FREE Team Us Study Guide (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/free-team-us-study-guide/) 

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• “Here’s why there used to be so many Christmas Day weddings” by Daisy Goddard at Find My Past (https://www.findmypast.co.uk/blog/discoveries/christmas-day-weddings)
•  “How Christmas Memories Can Enrich Your Life” by Mark D. Roberts at Fuller De Pree Center (https://depree.org/de-pree-journal/how-christmas-memories-can-enrich-your-life/)
•  “’Tis the Season for Nostalgia: Holiday Reminiscing Can Have Psychological Benefits” at APA.org (https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2011/12/nostalgia)
• “Look Ahead to Strengthen Your Relationship” by Barton Goldsmith Ph.D. at Psychology Today (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/emotional-fitness/201310/look-ahead-strengthen-your-relationship)
• “What Is Active Listening?” by Amy Gallo at Harvard Business Review (https://hbr.org/2024/01/what-is-active-listening)

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Hope feels fragile when life is uncertain—but Scripture reminds us where our true stronghold lies. In this episode, Amanda Jenkins, lead creator of The Chosen’s traditional content, joins the podcast to share the heart behind the new Season 5 Bible Study, Jesus Is Our Stronghold.

Drawing from Zechariah 9, the triumphal entry of Jesus, and the shifting emotional ground faced by the disciples, Amanda explains how this study invites believers to anchor their hope in Christ—especially during seasons of suffering, chaos, and unanswered prayer. The conversation also offers a behind-the-scenes look at filming the crucifixion scenes in Italy, the emotional toll on cast and crew, and why The Chosen continues to resonate with audiences across cultures and beliefs.

Highlights

• The central theme behind The Chosen Season 5 Bible Study

• Why Jesus as our stronghold matters in unstable seasons

• How Zechariah 9 shapes the foundation of the study

• Why The Chosen Bible studies prioritize Scripture over scenes

• The emotional and spiritual weight of filming the crucifixion

• How suffering reshapes where we place our hope

• Why The Chosen connects with people across denominations and worldviews

• The long-term goal of discipleship beyond the show itself

Join the Conversation

When life feels unsteady, where do you find your hope—and what does it practically look like to trust Jesus as your stronghold?

Join the conversation and share your thoughts using #LifeAudio.

Resources & Links

• The Chosen Season 5 Bible Study: Jesus Is Our Stronghold

• The Chosen — Seasons 1–5

• Explore more faith-based podcasts at

Today’s Bible Verse: “Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God.” — Luke 2:27–28 (NIV)

Luke 2:27–28 highlights the beauty of a life attentive to the Spirit. Simeon had waited faithfully for God’s promise, and when the moment arrived, he recognized it—not because of spectacle, but because he was listening and obedient.

Want to listen without ads? Become a BibleStudyTools.com PLUS Member today: https://www.biblestudytools.com/subscribe

MEET YOUR HOST: Chaka Heinze at https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

Chaka Heinze is a writer, speaker, and lover of the Bible. She is actively involved in her local church on the Prayer and Healing team and mentors young women seeking deeper relationships with God.

After personally experiencing God's love and compassion following the loss of her eleven-year-old son, Landen, Chaka delights in testifying to others about God's unfathomable and transformative love that permeates even the most difficult circumstances.
Chaka and her husband of twenty-six years have five children ranging from adult age to preschool. Trained as an attorney, she’s had the privilege of mitigating sibling disputes for twenty-plus years.

Follow her on Chakaheinze.com.

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“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.”
— Isaiah 9:6

SOMETHING TO PONDER

A reflection on the gift of Christ and the peace He brings to a weary world.

The holidays are full of excitement. There is so much happening—gatherings with people we love, meaningful gifts, decorations, traditions, special meals, and cherished moments. All of it can be beautiful and life-giving.

Yet, as much as I enjoy this season, I’m also mindful of how easily we can become so caught up in the celebration that we forget why we are celebrating in the first place. Christmas is not about the perfect dinner or the most beautiful lights. It’s about a humble baby born into poverty over 2,000 years ago—born with a singular mission: to live a perfect life and ultimately offer Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

“Unto us a child is born.” Such a simple statement. A baby—vulnerable, dependent, and small. And yet, this one life changed everything. I often wonder when Jesus began to understand who He truly was—fully human, yet fully God. How did He navigate childhood with divine purpose resting quietly within Him? How did He balance ordinary human growth with perfect obedience to the Father?

What grace that God chose to bring His message of hope and salvation through a form we could understand and relate to. Had Christ arrived in overwhelming heavenly glory, we might have been terrified or confused. Instead, God sent His Son as a child, as one of us. Jesus lived a life we can see, understand, and follow. His humanity makes His message undeniable and His love deeply personal.

As we rush through decorating, shopping, celebrating, and gathering, let us pause to give thanks for the Child who was born for us. A precious human life, given so we might believe. What an extraordinary gift.

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Father,
We pause to give thanks for the precious baby You gave to humanity so that we might believe. What a gift Your Son is to us. Help us not to take His life, His purpose, or His sacrificial death for granted. Keep Jesus at the center of all we do this holiday season. Let us rejoice, give thanks, and offer sincere praise for the hope and salvation we have because of Him.
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1. Reflect on how precious every human life is. Every child is a gift with the potential to impact the world. How can you be an advocate for life this holiday season?

2. In what ways are you intentionally making Jesus the focal point of your holiday celebrations?

3. Spend time thanking God for the gift of His Son. How does remembering Christ’s coming shape your heart and priorities today?

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Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by Tyler Boss, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. God is always ready to surprise us. Hear the angel’s message in Luke 2:11. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. 

For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Most of us want to love people well—especially when they’re hurting—but if we’re honest, we don’t always know how. We worry about saying the wrong thing, doing too little, or showing up too late. And sometimes, because of that uncertainty, we end up doing nothing.

That’s why I’m so grateful for this week’s episode of The Love Offering Podcast. I’m joined by Christy Gandy, owner of Lovewell Collective, whose own experience with grief shaped a beautiful mission: helping people show up for others with practical love, kindness, and care—especially in life’s hardest seasons.

In our conversation, Christy gently reminds us that loving well isn’t about fixing someone’s pain. It’s about helping them feel seen, remembered, and cared for. Sometimes love looks like presence. Sometimes it looks like a note, a prayer, or a small gift left on a porch. And often, it’s the simplest gestures that leave the deepest mark.

My prayer is that this conversation encourages you—not with pressure, but with possibility. May it remind you that love, offered faithfully and humbly, always counts.

Connect with Christy:

https://www.christygandy.com/

Connect with Love Well Collective:

https://www.lovewellcollective.com/

Read the Show Notes:

https://rachaelkadams.com/writing/

Download your Free Love Offering Calendar:

https://rachaelkadams.com/free/

Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

(Scroll down for resources, including a link to a free downloadable resource.)

So many of our deepest anxieties come not from circumstances—but from people we love. Broken trust. Emotional betrayal. Confusing mixed signals. Fear of being hurt again. In this episode, Jennifer Slattery talks with Matthew and Joanna Rapsmith and therapist Dan Drake about why relational wounds cut so deeply, how they affect our nervous system and emotional health, and how God compassionately leads us toward healing, safety, and renewed connection.

Whether you’re trying to heal a relationship, rebuilding trust after betrayal, or carrying hidden wounds you’re afraid to name, today’s conversation offers compassionate truth and practical guidance to help you breathe again.

You’ll Learn

• Why relational pain can feel overwhelming

• How betrayal and fear impact the brain and nervous system

• Why emotional safety is essential for healing

• What emotional intelligence really looks like in relationships

• How to unlearn unhealthy coping responses

• What to do if you’re willing to heal—but the other person isn’t

• How God meets us in relational heartbreak and restores hope

Key Themes

• Honesty and truth-telling
• Emotional and relational safety
• Healing from shame and fear
• Restoring trust
• Christ-centered restoration
• Personal healing even when relationships don’t rebuild

This Episode Is For You If…

✔️ You’ve experienced betrayal or broken trust
✔️ You long for connection but fear being hurt again
✔️ You struggle with anxiety in relationships
✔️ You want emotional maturity and healing
✔️ You desire hope, clarity, and Christ-centered encouragement

Resource referenced: Building True Intimacy: Creating a connection that stands the test of time by Dan Drake, Joanna Raabsmith and Matthew Raabsmith.

Faith Over Fear podcast episode: Does Conflict Make You Anxious? Practical Steps to Increased Relational Peace

Free Downloadable Resource: Healing for Painful

A Prayer to Put on The Armor of Light

The light is drawing near. In this episode by, we are invited to clothe ourselves in Christ. Just as God is described as clothing Himself in light (Psalm 104:2), we too are covered in Christ’s light—our daily armor and protection in the battle against darkness.Though the night may feel long and heavy, the good news is that, Salvation is closer than ever, and we are called to be ready.

Reference: Romans 13:12

Prayer: Father, it's good to remember that the day is drawing near when Jesus will return. May we let go of sins that easily entangle us and instead sink into the armor of light that we wear because we are your children. In Jesus' name, amen.

LINKS:

Read the first five days of Everyday Prayers for Christmas 

Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms

Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! 

Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon.

Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The first announcement of Jesus’ birth wasn’t delivered to kings or crowds—it was given to shepherds under a night sky filled with glory. Luke 2:9–12 reveals a powerful invitation to come and see the newborn Savior, reminding us that the Good News of Christmas is meant to be received personally and shared boldly.

Highlights

• God chose ordinary shepherds to receive an extraordinary invitation.

• Heaven’s announcement of Jesus’ birth was marked by joy, peace, and glory.

• The shepherds responded immediately—moving from fear to action.

• Encountering Jesus naturally led them to tell others what they had seen.

• The Christmas story begins with an invitation and continues through sharing.

• Bold faith has always been central to spreading the message of Christ.

Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas!

Full Transcript Below:

The Shepherds’ Invitation: Come and See

By Lynette Kittle

Bible Reading:

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’” - Luke 2:9-12

What a terrifying, yet amazing, birth announcement, to be awoken in the middle of the night, greeted with a host of heavenly angels filling and illuminating the dark sky to tell the shepherds the Good News of Jesus’ birth, inviting them to come and see the newborn King.

As written in Luke 2:13-14, “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.’”

If that isn’t a royal, over-the-top, fanfare invitation, then what is? Even though the invitation startled the shepherds awake, once they recovered, they willingly accepted God’s gracious heavenly invitation to see the newborn King.

As Luke 2:15-16 describes, “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.”

Spreading the Word: Inviting Everyone to Come and See