In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott talk what the Bible says about rest, the importance of Sabbath rest and your marriage, and reasons why we struggle to Sabbath.

Scriptures:

Exodus 20:8-11

Genesis 2:2-3

Mark 2:23-28

MT 11:28-30

Resources:

Books - Practicing the Way and The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, by John Mark Comer

Podcast, More Than Roommates, Episode 62 – Your Marriage and the Unhurried Life (feat. Chris Schultz)

Podcast, More Than Roommates, Episode 82 – How Does Work Affect Your Marriage (feat. Jordan Raynor)

Books – Andy Crouch – The Tech-Wise Family and Amy Crouch & Andy Crouch - The Tech-Wise Life

Book - Sabbath Keeping, by Lynne Baab

Website – 9 practices - Practicing the Way

Questions to Discuss:

1. How do you and your spouse do with sleep and rest?

2. How often do you and your spouse set aside intentional time for rest?

3. What prevents/keeps you from Sabbath rest? (i.e., pride, trust)

4. What would Sabbath rest make possible in your lives, family, and marriage?

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss one of the most important skills required for healthy marriages. We discuss why we struggle to be good listeners and what we can do about it.

Scriptures:

James 1:19

Proverbs 18:2

Romans 12:10

1 Peter 3:7

Questions to Discuss:

1. What are you listening to now (podcasts, audiobook, music)? Share with your significant other.

2. Discuss with your spouse some of the reasons why you struggle to listen well? What are your biggest challenges/obstacles to being a good listener?

3. What’s one step you can take to a better listener in your relationships?

Resources:

Podcast More Than Roommates – Episode 82 – How Does Work Affect Your Marriage (feat. Jordan Raynor)

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss the Ashley Madison scandal and how to fight temptations in your marriage. We want you to be more than roommates and to fight for your marriage as you guard against the enemy who seeks to destroy you and your marriage.

Scriptures:

MT 10:26

Rom 2:16

1 Cor 4:5

PS 32:3-4

James 4:1

MT 5:27-30

1 Cor 7:28

1 John 1:9

James 5:16

Ephesians 4:26-27

1 Cor 6:18

PR 28:13

Resources:

Podcast – More Than Roommates, Episode 70 – What’s the Deal (And Dangers) With Polyamory?

Questions to Discuss:

1. What’s a courageous step you can take in your marriage today to help strengthen it against the threat of temptations?

2. Discuss with your spouse the things that tempt you. How can you help each other in this battle? How can you prayer for each other?

3. This is a scary prayer, but would you be willing to pray for God to mercifully expose any sin in your life and in your marriage?

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott talk about how to balance time with your spouse, family, and friends. Is it possible to strike a healthy balance in how to best spend our time together and with others?

Resources:

More Than Roommates – Episode 49 – Made For People (feat. Justin Whitmel Earley)

More Than Roommates – Episode 13 – Why We Need Healthy Friendships and Community For Our Marriage

Scriptures:

Genesis 2:18

Hebrews 10:23-25

Galatians 6:1

1 Corinthians 15:33

Proverbs 18:24

Questions to Discuss:

1. Discuss with your spouse: Who were your closest friends when you were growing up?

2. What would it look like for you and your spouse to not give up, but to unswervingly pursue relationships with others?

3. Discuss together: What do we need to do to help us find a healthy balance in our time together and time with friends?

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Gabrielle and Scott interview Kait & JJ Tomlin from the Heart of Dating. We have a great discussion about sex and marriage as we pepper Kait & JJ with all kinds of questions.

Resources:

Heart of Dating Website

Follow Heart of Dating on Instagram

Podcast – Heart of Dating with Kait & JJ Tomlin

Podcast - That Sounds Fun – Sex + Dating with Kait & JJ Tomlin

Book – Married Sex, by Gary Thomas and Debra Fileta

Website – Authentic Intimacy Ministry

Website – Regeneration Recovery

Podcast – More Than Roommates – Episode 64 – Questions to Ask Your Spouse Every Week

Scriptures:

1 John 4:8

Matthew 5:27

Ephesians 5:3

1 Corinthians 6:18

Questions to Discuss:

1. What do you and your spouse do when one person is in the mood sexually and the other is not?

2. Do you have a safe space to be 100% honest with your spouse about everything in your life? Your sex life?

3. What do you and your spouse need to discuss with each other from this episode of More Than Roommates?

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss the books, podcasts, and resources that have most deeply affected their marriages. With a lot of great resources out there, we want to help you to be thoughtful about the resources that impact your marriage.

Scriptures:

Proverbs 11:2

Job 12:12

Proverbs 13:20

Resources Mentioned:

The Glorious Pursuit, by Gary Thomas

The Meaning of Marriage, by Tim and Kathy Keller

Cherish, by Gary Thomas

Married Sex, by Gary Thomas and Debra Fileta

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, by John Gottman

Ready or Knot?, by Scott Kedersha

The Ready or Knot Prayer Guide, by Scott Kedersha

Outdated, by Jonathan Pokluda

Friends, Partner, and Lovers, by Kevin Thompson

Married Into the Family, by Dave & Ashley Willis

Hold Me Tight, and Created For Connection by Sue Johnson

A Lasting Promise, by Scott Stanley

Us In Mind, by Ted Lowe

Greater Joy Twogether, by Ted Cunningham

More Than Roommates, Episode 35 – How to Identify the Four Negative Horsemen of Communication and Conflict

More Than Roommates, Episodes 53 – Friends, Partners, and Lovers in Marriage feat. Kevin Thompson

More Than Roommates, Episode 58 – How to Thrive in a Blended Family feat. Ron Deal

More Than Roommates, Episode 43 – The Not-So-Secret Guide to In-Law Relationships, feat. Dave Willis

More Than Roommates, Episode 12 – Identifying Negative Communication Patterns

Website & Podcast - Authentic Intimacy, Juli Slattery

Website & Podcast - Fierce Marriage

Website & Podcast – Family Life Today

Questions to Discuss:

1. If you were on a deserted, and could only bring 1-2 books (besides the Bible), what book(s) would you bring with you?

2. What marriage book has been most helpful for you and your spouse?

3. Out of all the resources mentioned, which one will you and your spouse read and/or listen to?

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss expectations in marriage – where do our expectations come from, what if they’re not met, and how can you exceed your spouse’s expectations? Part 2 in a 2-part mini-series on expectations.

Scriptures:

James 4:1

Proverbs 13:12

1 Corinthians 7:28

John 16:33

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Questions to Discuss:

1. When’s the last time something did not meet your expectations?

2. What are the main sources of your expectations in your marriage?

3. What’s something you can do today to exceed your spouse’s expectations?

Resources:

More Than Roommates – Episode 88 - Who Or What Most Impacts Your Marriage? Part 1 in 2-part series (feat. Ann Daly)

More Than Roommates – Episode 23 – What Did You Expect In Marriage? (Part 1, feat. Jonathan “JP” Pokluda)

More Than Roommates – Episode 24 – What Did You Expect In Marriage? (Part 2, feat. Johnathan “JP” Pokluda)

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Ann, and Scott talk about who or what most significantly impacts your marriage. Whether it’s other couples, what we’re entertained by, or what we follow on social media, we need to be thoughtful about who and what most impacts our marriages. Part 2 in a 2-part series on expectations.

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 15:33

Psalm 1

PR 13:20

2 Corinthians 6:14

Romans 12:15

PR 27:6

PR 27:17

Questions to Discuss:

1. Who did you want to be like when you were growing up?

2. What are the characteristics of couples who have a poor influence on marriage?

3. What couples are most influencing your marriage (in a positive or negative way)?

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Ann Daly joins Derek and Scott as we discuss what to do when you’re stuck and struggling in your marriage. Even if you’re not stuck today, there are seasons of marriage when we all find ourselves stuck and just going through the motions. This would be a great episode to share with a friend who’s stuck in their marriage.

Scriptures:

Matthew 7:3-5

Romans 12:18

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Proverbs 18:2

Gal 6:9

Resources:

Book - The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness – by Timothy Keller

Marriage Ministry and Resources - reengage

Recovery Ministry and Resources – regeneration recovery

Podcast – More Than Roommates, Episode 57 – What To Do When You’re Stuck

Questions to Discuss:

1. Icebreaker - When’s the last time you were stuck in really bad weather?

2. When’s the last time you and your spouse were stuck in your marriage?

3. What do you do when you’re stuck and think there’s no way out?

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss the potential dangers of money and how money can affect your marriage in both positive and negative ways.

Scripture:

1 Timothy 6:10

Acts 5:1-11

Matthew 6:21

Psalm 24:1

Questions to Discuss:

1. What’s something dangerous you’ve done in life?

2. What do you think about the statement that we should be more afraid of the dangers of money?

3. Where does money draw you offsides in your marriage?

4. What are some ways you and your spouse can be more creative in how you steward your finances?

5. How does your upbringing affect the way you and your spouse view money/stewardship?