Welcome Back to The Love How Deep podcast!   In this episode hosts Brian and Heather Mayer discuss the significance of New Year's resolutions for individuals and couples. They explore common resolutions such as health, finances, personal growth, and relationship improvement, and provide practical tips for setting achievable goals. The episode also delves into the importance of incorporating spiritual growth and God's guidance into the resolution-making process. The hosts address why resolutions often fail and share strategies for maintaining commitment, emphasizing the need for realistic objectives, accountability, and prayer.  

1. Introduction

• "As the New Year begins, it's the perfect time to reflect on your marriage and set a vision for what God can do in your relationship."
• Overview: We want to guide couples on how to embrace the New Year as an opportunity to renew their relationship, grow closer to God, and cultivate habits that strengthen their bond.
• Key Verse: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

2. Talk About Most Common New Year’s Resolutions

• Health & Fitness: Losing weight, eating healthier, exercising more.
• Finances: Saving money, paying off debt, or learning to budget better.
• Personal Growth: Learning a new skill, reading more books, or pursuing a hobby.
• Relationships: Spending more time with family, improving communication, or resolving conflicts.
• Spiritual Growth: Praying more, attending church regularly, or reading the Bible daily.
• Mention how marriage-specific resolutions might include improving communication, prioritizing date nights, or praying together regularly.
• Key Verse:  “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18)

3. Statistics About Resolutions (Percent of People Who Maintain Resolutions)

• Initial Enthusiasm: Approximately 43% of people expect to keep their resolutions.
• Drop-Off Rates: Studies show only 23% of people stay committed after one month.
• Long-Term Success: By the end of the year, only about 9-12% report achieving their resolution goals.
• Top Factors for Success: Specific goals, accountability, and consistency increase the likelihood of success.
• Relate these statistics to marriage goals, emphasizing the importance of staying intentional and consistent throughout the year.
• Key Verse:  “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)
•  

4. Why Do New Year’s Resolutions Fail

• Unrealistic Goals: Setting lofty or vague goals without actionable steps (e.g., “I want a better marriage” vs. “We’ll pray together every evening”).
• Lack of Accountability: Without support or a system in place, it’s easy to lose momentum.
• Overwhelming Change: Trying to tackle too many resolutions at once can lead to burnout.
• Distractions: Life’s busyness can sideline good intentions.
• No Rooted Motivation: Goals disconnected from deeper values or faith often fizzle out.

• Key Verse:  “His mercies are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

5. Incorporate God Into the Process

• Pray for Guidance: Invite God to reveal His plans for your marriage in the coming year.
• Use the Word as a Foundation: Commit to studying Bible verses about love, unity, and forgiveness (e.g., Colossians 3:14, Ephesians 4:32).
• Discuss the importance of surrendering personal and marital struggles to God.
• Key Verse:  "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (Phil 4:13)

6. Examples

• Health Goal for Couples: Walk together for 30 minutes daily and use the time to talk or pray.
• Financial Goal: Create a joint budget to align your spending with God’s priorities, like tithing or saving for family needs.
• Communication Goal: Commit to one uninterrupted hour each week to connect deeply, using open-ended questions.  Compliment your spouse once every day.  Ask family to share best of the day.  Random Acts of Kindness.  5 Love Languages. 
• Spiritual Goal: Begin a habit of praying aloud together before bed or choosing a verse for the year that represents your marriage focus.

• Conflict Resolution Goal: Practice “the 24-hour rule” where conflicts are addressed within a day, with God’s guidance for resolution.  Take a deep breath.  Ask for timeout when necessary.  A supportive partnership strengthens a marriage during life’s challenges.
  • Couples are called to persist together, even when the way forward seems impossible.
• Key Verse:  “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” (John 15:5)

8. Call to Action

• • Pray about one specific area they’d like to grow in as a couple this year.
  • Share this episode with another couple who might benefit from these principles.
• Please share this episode and subscribe to our podcast through:
  • Goal Setting 101 (Individual, Couple, Family Goals)
  • Goal Setting 201 (Home Improvement)
  • Goal Setting 301 (Financial Goals)
  • Goal Setting 401 (Anniversary Goals)

Please Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!  

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to the Love How Deep Podcast 01:01 New Year, New You: Common Resolutions 05:09 Why Resolutions Fail and How to Succeed 10:36 Incorporating God into Your Resolutions 15:20 Practical Tips for Couples 25:16 Wrapping Up and Resources Thank you so much for tuning in!

Podcast Outline: What Mary and Joseph Teach Us About Marriage

 

 

• "How does the story of Joseph, Mary, and the birth of Jesus shine a light on our marriages today? Their journey teaches us about trust, obedience, worship, support, and faith in the face of the unknown."

• Overview: This episode explores the Christmas story from a fresh perspective, drawing lessons for couples to apply to their relationships.

 

 

2. Theme 1: OBEDIENCE to God’s Will and Stepping Out in FAITH

• Scriptural References:

• Luke 1:26-38: Mary’s obedience to follow God’s will, saying, “May your word to me be fulfilled,” despite not fully understanding how it would unfold. It’s impossible. (I am not worthy).

• Matthew 1:18-25: Joseph’s obedience after God’s message in a dream, trusting Mary’s story and God’s plan. This is not allowed.  (We will be despised).

• Marriage Application:

• Obedience in marriage means aligning your relationship with God’s will, even when the path is unclear.  

• Like Joseph and Mary, couples can choose obedience by supporting one another and walking in faith, even in the face of uncertainty.

• Discussion Prompt: How can couples encourage one another to hear and follow God’s voice?

 

 

3. Theme 2: TRUSTING God and SUPPORTING Each Other (The Journey – Nazareth, Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth)

• Scriptural References:

• Luke 2:1-7: Trust in God to guide them safely during Mary’s pregnancy.

• Matthew 2:13-15: Trust in God’s guidance as Joseph obeys the dream to flee to Egypt, stepping into the unknown to protect his family.  Angel of the Lord continues to come to Joseph – spiritual leadership.

• Marriage Application:

• Marriage thrives when both partners trust God and trust each other to hear from Him.

• Trusting God involves believing He will care for your family, even when you can’t see the full picture.

• A supportive partnership strengthens a marriage during life’s challenges.

• Couples are called to persist together, even when the way forward seems impossible.

• Discussion Prompt: 

• What steps can couples take to deepen their trust in God and each other?

• What are some practical ways to support your spouse during a challenging season?

 

 

4. Theme 3: Worship and Gratitude in the Midst of Trials

• Scriptural References:

• Luke 1:46-56: Mary’s song of worship (The Magnificat) praises God’s faithfulness even as she faces the uncertainty of her role in His plan. She is still in a place where this has not completely unfolded yet (praise in the midst of trials!  (while she was with Elizabeth).

• Luke 2:19: Mary treasured and pondered all the events surrounding Jesus’ birth, seeing the unfolding of God’s vision.

• Marriage Application:

• Worship during trials brings perspective and strength to a marriage.

• Gratitude shifts focus from the challenges to God’s blessings and faithfulness.

• Discussion Prompt: How can couples create moments of worship and gratitude, even in difficult seasons?

 

 

 

7. Practical Takeaways for Marriage

• Lesson 1: OBEDIENCE to God’s will builds trust and unity.  This also includes FAITH

• Lesson 2: TRUST God and your spouse to hear from Him, especially during difficult times.  This also means SUPPORTING each other in the midst of challenges.

• Lesson 3: WORSHIP together as an act of gratitude, even in trials.

 

 

• Please share this episode and subscribe to our podcast through:

• Apple Podcasts

• YouTube  www.youtube.com/@lovehowdeep

 

 

9. Closing

• Thank you for joining and encourage them to tune in next week for more biblical marriage insights.

 

Grief Can Strengthen Your Marriage    In this episode of the Love How Deep podcast, hosts Brian and Heather Mayer discuss the challenges of overcoming grief within a marriage. They share personal stories of loss, including the passing of Brian’s grandparents, Heather’s stepfather, and beloved pets. The couple highlights the importance of being patient, present, and prayerful during times of grief. Offering comfort and support to each other is essential, they explain, in navigating these difficult moments together. The episode also includes relevant Bible verses and practical tips for couples dealing with loss.   00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:21 Personal Stories of Loss 01:53 Coping with Expected Loss 03:53 Dealing with Sudden Loss 07:38 Grieving Pets 10:52 Supporting Each Other Through Grief 13:00 Biblical Comfort and Practical Tips 19:12 Conclusion and Farewell   Rate, Review, & Follow Love How Deep Podcast on Apple Podcasts

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Youtube

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Thanks so much for tuning in!

Find Your Way Back to Each Other Once Your Kids Leave the Nest

In this episode, Brian and Heather Mayer discuss the challenges and opportunities of being empty nesters, sharing their 10-year journey and offering advice on maintaining and strengthening marital connections. They emphasize the importance of viewing the empty nest phase as a positive transition, highlighting the value of rekindling the dating aspect of the relationship, engaging in shared activities and hobbies, and connecting with church communities for support. They also discuss the role of love and support in marriage, referencing biblical teachings and offering practical tips and resources for couples feeling disconnected. The episode encourages couples to seek help when needed and provides various suggestions to stay connected, such as using the Gottman card deck app for meaningful conversations and setting future goals together.   00:00 Introduction to Thriving as Empty Nesters 00:27 Embracing the Empty Nest Transition 01:12 Staying Connected with Your Spouse 04:12 Practical Tips for Reconnecting 07:54 The Importance of Church and Community 11:10 Making Future Plans Together 14:04 Seeking Help and Professional Guidance 16:31 Conclusion and Encouragement   Rate, Review, & Follow Love How Deep Podcast on Apple Podcasts

Please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more married couples strengthen their marriage and grow closer to God.  

Youtube

Subscribe to the Youtube Love How Deep Channel for more great content like this.  

Thanks so much for tuning in!

Are you operating in the biblical roles God set forth for marriage?  

In this episode, Brian and Heather Mayer interview Michael and Tania Koehler, founders of Marriage Mania Ministry.  They discuss their approach to biblical roles in marriage. They emphasize the complementarian view, highlighting specific commands for husbands (lead, protect, provide) and wives (submit, respect, support). They share personal experiences, noting challenges in their own marriage and the importance of humility, prayer, and mutual respect. They stressed that submission is loving and not demanding, and advised against nagging or demanding change in one's spouse. They also mentioned their resources, including books and online content, available at marriagemaniaministry.com.

Introduction and Background of Michael and Tania Koehler

• Brian Mayer introduces Michael and Tania Koehler, highlighting their marriage ministry and the similarities in their missions.

• Michael and Tania express their excitement about being on the program and the importance of the topic.

• Brian and Heather Mayer share their excitement about learning from Michael and Tania.

• Michael and Tania share their background, including their marriage, their daughter, and their ministry, Marriage Mania Ministry.

Overview of Marriage Mania Ministry

• Michael and Tania describe their ministry, which includes teaching classes, mentoring couples, and expanding their reach online.

• They mention their podcast, books, and other materials, including a marriage coloring book and gratitude journals.

• Tania shares about her book "The Helper: The Role of a Biblical Wife" and Michael's companion book on the role of a biblical husband.

• Michael and Tania discuss their journey in ministry and the impact of their online presence.

Biblical Roles of the Husband and Wife

• Michael explains the egalitarian and complementarian views on the roles of husbands and wives.

• He emphasizes the complementarian view, stating that men and women are different and have distinct roles from God.

• Michael outlines specific commands for husbands and wives from the Bible, including leadership and submission.

• He highlights the importance of following God's ways because they are the best way to do things.

Challenges and Misconceptions in Biblical Roles

• Tania and Michael discuss the cultural view of submission and how it differs from the biblical perspective.

• They emphasize that submission is a loving act and not a demanding right.

• Michael talks about the importance of husbands leading as Christ leads the church, sacrificially and with understanding.

• Tania shares her personal journey of learning and unlearning about submission and respect in marriage.

Personal Experiences and Learning in Marriage

• Tania shares her initial resistance to starting their marriage ministry and how she eventually came to support it.

• She discusses the importance of respect and communication in marriage and how she has grown in understanding submission.

• Michael talks about his tendency to people-please and how he has learned to lead his family with God's guidance.

• They both emphasize the importance of humility and prayer in their leadership and decision-making.

Practical Advice for Couples

• Heather Mayer shares her experiences with couples who struggle with decision-making and submission.

• Michael and Tania discuss the importance of weighing both spouses' desires and making decisions that are best for the family.

• They emphasize the need for communication and understanding in marriage.

• Tania highlights the importance of gratitude and respect in building a strong marriage.

Addressing Misunderstandings and Misconceptions

• Brian Mayer asks about the misunderstandings and misconceptions around submission.

• Michael explains that submission is not about losing oneself but about looking out for the interests of others.

• Tania emphasizes that submission is a loving act and not a demanding right.

• They discuss the importance of understanding the specific commands for husbands and wives in the Bible.

Handling Quarrelsome or Nagging Spouses

• Brian Mayer asks Michael how he handles a quarrelsome or nagging wife.

• Michael emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and prayer for both spouses.

• He suggests focusing on personal growth and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in the marriage.

• Tania shares her advice for wives who feel their husbands are not leading, emphasizing the importance of repentance and gratitude.

Final Thoughts and Resources

• Brian Mayer wraps up the conversation, expressing gratitude for the insights shared by Michael and Tania.

• Michael and Tania mention their resources, including their books and online presence, and provide contact information.

• They express their desire to continue connecting and supporting each other in their ministries.

• The conversation ends with mutual appreciation and a commitment to stay connected.

Resources Mentioned

• Marriage Mania Ministry Website

• The Helper:  The Role of the Biblical Wife Study

• The Covering:  The Role of the Biblical Husband Study

Rate, Review, & Follow Love How Deep Podcast on Apple Podcasts

Please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more married couples strengthen their marriage and grow closer to God.  

Youtube

Subscribe to the Youtube Love How Deep Channel for more great content like this.  

Thanks so much for tuning in!

 

Ready to take control of your finances and strengthen your marriage in the process? 

In this episode, you’ll hear Brian and Heather Mayer share practical financial hacks designed just for married couples like you. From budgeting tips to creative ways to save, they’ll inspire you to make small changes that add up to big results.

Heather and Brian open up about their personal experiences with financial hardships, offering insights on how strategies like meal planning, secondhand shopping, and tithing have made a difference in their lives. You’ll discover the value of using free resources from your local library, implementing the cash envelope system, and cautiously using credit card rewards. They also cover practical steps like doing insurance checkups, setting up automatic transfers to a high-yield savings account, and planning no-spend days to keep your finances on track.

As you listen, you’ll learn how trading services within your family or community can save money while building relationships. Heather and Brian’s simple yet effective ideas will empower you to take charge of your financial management with confidence and purpose.

Action Items for You

• Plan your meals and prep on Sundays to reduce spending on dining out.

• Visit secondhand stores or try DIY projects for clothing and home decor.

• Review your insurance policies and shop around for better rates.

• Set up automatic transfers to a high-yield savings account for consistent saving.

• Schedule a no-spend day or weekend and explore free or low-cost family activities.

• Check out the free Goal Setting 301 resource to sharpen your financial goals.

Episode Highlights

Financial Hacks for Married Couples You’ll hear Heather and Brian share their own financial journey, including their challenges with debt and how they overcame them. Their relatable stories will motivate you to cut non-essential expenses and focus on what truly matters.

Meal Planning and Preparation Are you spending too much on eating out? Heather and Brian explain how planning meals for the week and involving your kids in the process can save you time and money.

Shopping at Secondhand Stores If you’ve never considered secondhand shopping, you’ll be surprised by the treasures Heather and Brian have found! Learn how thrift stores can help you save on everything from furniture to clothes.

Tithing and Financial Blessings Discover the peace and blessings that come from tithing, as Heather shares her personal experience of God’s provision during hard times.

Library Resources and Cash Envelope System Save more by taking advantage of free resources like books and movies from your library. Plus, find out how the cash envelope system can help you stay on budget.

Credit Cards and Insurance Checkups Get tips on using credit cards wisely and how regular insurance reviews can help you avoid unnecessary costs.

Automatic Transfers and No-Spend Days Learn how automatic savings transfers and no-spend days can keep your finances in check while encouraging your family to embrace simpler, fun activities.

Trading Services and Financial Goals Ever thought about trading services with friends or neighbors? Heather and Brian explain how this can be a win-win for saving money and building community.

Resources for You

Free Goal Setting 301 Worksheets:  

Don’t miss the free Goal Setting 301 guide to help you create actionable financial goals. Subscribe to the podcast and their YouTube channel for more practical tips and encouragement.

Heather and Brian leave you with this reminder: being good stewards of your money isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about managing your resources with intention and aligning them with biblical principles. Take the next step today, and watch how these small hacks can transform your finances and your marriage!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more married couples strengthen their marriage and grow closer to God.  

Subscribe:

To the Youtube Love How Deep Channel for more great content like this.

Episode 58: Mastering Peace for Yourself and Your Relationship 

 

Publish Date: Wed 11/20/2024 

 

Welcome and Banter 

 

Introduce Episode:  In this episode of the Love How Deep podcast, we’re talking about the importance of peace for yourself and your marriage.   

 

We will divide this into 3 parts and give you some practical tips for Yourself, Your Marriage Relationship, and then Your Relationship With Others. 

 

1. You: Music, Breathing, Scripture 

     

     2. Your Marriage Relationship: Couples Massage, Praying Together, Check-Ins 

     3. Others: Accountable to Friends, Professional Counseling, Attend Marriage Events 

 Implement Your Own Ideas 

 Subscribe:   

 Video Podcast:  www.youtube.com/@lovehowdeep 

 Audio Podcast:  https://www.lovehowdeep.com/podcast 

 Free Resource:  21 Days of Gratitude In 3 short weeks, take 3 quick positive discussion prompts per day to instill more encouragement and hope into your life and marriage relationship.  https://love-how-deep.kit.com/21-days-of-gratitude 

Thanks for Tuning In!

 

Episode 57: A Morning Routine for Marriages 

 

 Welcome 

 Introduce Episode:  In this episode of the Love How Deep podcast, we’re diving into the power of a morning routine. 

 We’ll share how beginning each day with intention can create a rhythm of closeness and strengthen your relationship. You’ll hear about the small moments and shared rituals that help us stay in tune with each other, even on the busiest days.  

 Join us as we explore how a thoughtful morning routine can inspire deeper connection and set a positive tone for your day as a couple. 

 Here is what our weekday morning typically looks like:   

 

1. Some Initial Hygiene  

1. Feed the Cats 

1. Make Coffee 

1. Meet in Renovated Basement 

1. Listen to Some Soft Music – Usually Christian or Jazz 

1. Devotional – Verse of the Day 

1. Quick Word Game  

1. Check in With Each Other – Our Jobs 

1. Dinner Plans 

1. Finish Hygiene 

 

Develop Your Own Intentional Morning Routine:  If time is limited just try 15 minutes with a few ideas.   

 Subscribe:   

 Video Podcast:  www.youtube.com/@lovehowdeep 

 Audio Podcast:  https://www.lovehowdeep.com/podcast 

 Free Resource:  No Time Note if you are finding yourselves too busy to talk and connect.  Use the quick one page note to quickly communicate needs and appreciations to your spouse.  https://love-how-deep.kit.com/no-time-note 

Brian and Heather Mayer discuss the analogy of marriage as a dance, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right partner who shares values and faith. They highlight the necessity of communication and understanding each other's steps, likening it to non-verbal cues in dancing. The conversation covers the significance of balance and flexibility in marriage, the roles of leading and following, and the importance of celebrating each other's successes. They stress the need for mutual submission, forgiveness, and shared goals. The metaphor extends to navigating life's storms together, with God's presence as a guiding force, and concludes with the promise of resilience and commitment through adversity.

Transcript

https://otter.ai/u/S_RNv25Qi3EaU_Zn6CEh49c7HEs?view=transcript

Action Items

• [ ] Create shared goals and a vision for the marriage.
• [ ] Celebrate each other's successes and joys, rather than being critical.
• [ ] Offer forgiveness and grace when mistakes are made.
• [ ] Trust in God's presence and guidance, especially during difficult times.

Outline Choosing the Right Dance Partner

• Brian Mayer and Heather Mayer discuss the importance of choosing the right dance partner, emphasizing that it is crucial in both dancing and marriage.
• Heather mentions that in professional dancing, having a partner with similar skill levels is essential for success.
• Brian and Heather agree that while personalities can be different, shared values and beliefs are crucial for a successful marriage.
• Heather references 2 Corinthians 6:14, emphasizing the importance of having a partner who shares the same faith.

Learning the Steps: Communication and Understanding

• Brian compares learning dance steps to the importance of communication in marriage, stating that knowing the next step is essential.
• Heather highlights the importance of non-verbal communication in dancing, similar to how couples need to sense each other's needs and feelings.
• Brian shares James 1:19, emphasizing the importance of being quick to listen and slow to speak and anger.
• Heather and Brian discuss the balance and flexibility needed in a marriage, comparing it to the rhythm of a dance.

Leading and Following in Marriage

• Brian and Heather discuss the roles of leading and following in both dancing and marriage, noting that while men typically lead in dancing, this is not always the case in relationships.
• Heather emphasizes the importance of respecting each other's roles and not taking the lead when it is not appropriate.
• Brian explains his understanding of being the spiritual head of the household, emphasizing prayer and communication with God.
• Heather and Brian discuss the importance of mutual submission and respect, referencing Ephesians 5:21.

Celebrating Each Other's Successes

• Heather and Brian talk about the joy of celebrating each other's successes, whether it is a promotion at work or overcoming a difficult situation.
• Heather shares the importance of finding joy in each other's achievements and not being envious or resentful.
• Brian and Heather discuss the importance of celebrating together, such as going out to dinner or having a party to mark significant achievements.
• Heather references Proverbs 17:17, emphasizing the importance of a friend who loves at all times and a brother who is born for a time of adversity.

Overcoming Missteps: Grace and Forgiveness

• Brian and Heather discuss the importance of forgiveness and grace in marriage, comparing it to stepping on each other's toes while dancing.
• Brian shares a personal story about horseback riding to illustrate the importance of forgiveness and not holding grudges.
• Heather emphasizes the need for mutual forgiveness and the importance of not being critical or angry when missteps occur.
• Brian references Ecclesiastes 4:32, encouraging kindness and compassion in marriage.

Creating a Shared Vision: Goals and Dreams

• Heather and Brian discuss the importance of having shared goals and visions in marriage, comparing it to creating a shared vision in dancing.
• Heather shares their practice of setting goals together, both fun and practical, and keeping them visible to remind them of their shared vision.
• Brian and Heather emphasize the importance of financial goals and planning for the future as part of their shared vision.
• Heather references Ecclesiastes 4:12, highlighting the strength that comes from having a shared vision and working together.

Dancing Through the Storms: Resilience and Commitment

• Brian and Heather discuss the importance of resilience and commitment in marriage, comparing it to dancing through unexpected storms.
• Brian shares their experience with Heather's cancer journey and how it strengthened their commitment and communication.
• Heather emphasizes the importance of seeing each other's character during difficult times and how it brings couples closer together.
• Brian and Heather discuss the importance of talking to each other during storms and finding ways to keep dancing together.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

• Brian and Heather wrap up the episode, summarizing the key points discussed about marriage being like a dance.
• Heather shares Isaiah 43:2, emphasizing God's promise to be with couples through all storms and challenges.
• Brian and Heather encourage listeners to take the lessons learned from the episode and apply them to their own marriages.
• Brian thanks the listeners for joining them and directs them to free resources available on their website, including a guide on effective communication.

Heather and Brian Mayer discuss the cyclical nature of marriage, comparing it to the four seasons. They explore the concept of new beginnings in spring, the busy and often stressful summer, the reflective and restful autumn, and the challenging winter. Each season brings unique challenges and opportunities for growth. They emphasize the importance of adapting to changes, being intentional in relationships, and seeking rest and reflection. Bible verses from Zechariah, Matthew, Psalm, and Isaiah are referenced to provide spiritual guidance. The conversation concludes with practical advice for maintaining a strong marriage through all seasons and the encouragement to seek help when needed.

Transcript

https://otter.ai/u/38-ATlM125YvaAeNtDphSySbOQA?view=transcript

Action Items

• [ ] Make Thursday nights "Family Night" to have a dedicated time for the family to connect.
• [ ] Schedule a date night or time to go for a walk in the park to slow down, rest, and reconnect.
• [ ] Reach out for help if going through a difficult "winter" season in the marriage.

Outline The Four Seasons of Marriage: Introduction

• Heather Mayer introduces the podcast episode, number 55, and the topic of the four seasons of marriage.
• Brian Mayer humorously compares the episode number to the speed limit, emphasizing the cyclical nature of the seasons.
• Heather explains the cyclical nature of seasons, drawing a parallel to the cyclical nature of marriage.
• Brian adds that one can look at life in micro and macro seasons, suggesting that a decade can be a season in marriage.

Spring: New Beginnings

• Brian Mayer describes spring as a season of new beginnings, freshness, and regrowth.
• He relates spring in marriage to new beginnings, such as getting married, having children, or moving.
• Brian shares a personal anecdote about feeling overwhelmed when their daughter was born, emphasizing the uncertainty of new beginnings.
• Heather and Brian discuss the importance of allowing time to adjust to new changes and the biblical verse from Zechariah about not despising small beginnings.

Summer: Busy and Active Season

• Heather Mayer describes summer as a busy season with vacations, sports, and various activities.
• Brian and Heather discuss how summer should be a time of relaxation but often becomes busy with family activities.
• Heather emphasizes the importance of being intentional about spending quality time with family and not letting busy activities drive a wedge between spouses.
• Brian suggests slowing down and being fully present in moments to avoid the stress of a busy schedule.

Autumn: A Season of Rest and Reflection

• Brian Mayer describes autumn as a season to slow down, reflect on the past, and prepare for the future.
• Heather compares the fall season to a tree that stops feeding the leaves, leading to color changes, drawing a parallel to resting in marriage.
• They discuss the importance of pruning activities that no longer serve a purpose and making time for family and connection.
• Brian shares a personal story about finding rest and reflection in a pond in Fort Worth, emphasizing the need to take time to rejuvenate.

Winter: The Hardest Season

• Heather Mayer describes winter as the hardest season, characterized by emotional distance and disconnection.
• Brian and Heather discuss the challenges of winter in marriage, such as feeling stuck in a rut or going through difficult times.
• Heather encourages listeners not to lose hope during winter seasons, as spring is coming and God is working behind the scenes.
• They emphasize the importance of calling on the Lord, seeking wisdom, and trusting that God will bring about change and rebirth.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

• Brian Mayer wraps up the episode by thanking listeners and mentioning the availability of free date night activities on their website.
• Heather shares a final encouraging verse from Ecclesiastes about the cyclical nature of life and the importance of being ready for change.
• Brian reiterates the importance of change and looking to God for rest and guidance during difficult times.
• They encourage listeners to subscribe to their podcast and follow them on social media for more content.