Did you know we release a My Virtual Mentor episode once a month? Each one is designed to help you grow and then process what you’re learning with a mentor or trusted friend who’s a season ahead of you.

This month’s conversation is one every family needs, but many couples struggle to live out. I’m joined by Ashley Willis, speaker, author, and co-host of The Naked Marriage Podcast, to talk about prioritizing your marriage while raising kids.

We all say our marriage comes first, but actually living that way takes intentionality. Ashley shares honest encouragement and practical wisdom for couples who feel stretched thin—and especially for those who may be losing hope. Don’t miss her practical advice at the end.

If you’re just getting started - don’t miss the previous episodes:

• My Virtual Mentor: Why Mentorship Matters
• My Virtual Mentor: Intimacy with God
• My Virtual Mentor: Personalities and Temperaments
• My Virtual Mentor: Stewardship & Generosity 
• My Virtual Mentor: Time Management & Creating Margin
• My Virtual Mentor: Identity in Christ (Part 1 and Part 2)

00:00 Introduction 

05:56 Practical Tips for Prioritizing Marriage

08:52 The Role of Counseling in Marriage

11:57 Building a Supportive Community

15:41 Navigating Hard Seasons in Marriage

20:52 The Role of Intimacy in Marriage

24:45 Encouragement for Struggling Moms

27:27 Witnessing God's Miracles in Marriage

31:21 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

MY VIRTUAL MENTOR GUIDE (MARRIAGE)

Scripture to memorize:

Colossians 3:13-14

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Scriptures for prayer and study:

Romans 12:3, I Peter 3:8-9, Philippians 2:1-5, Proverbs 5:15-19

Books for further study:

• Do Marriage Better with – Ashley Willis
• Us In Mind – Ted Lowe
• Marriage – Paul David Tripp
• You and Me Forever – Francis and Lisa Chan

Discussion questions:

What is the most rewarding part of being married?

What is the most challenging part of being married?

What are your prayers for your marriage?

What is God nudging you to focus on - how you can improve your role in marriage?

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

• Christian Parenting
• Pardon The Mess 
• Courtney DeFeo
• Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW

Resources from today’s show:

• Connect with Ashley
• XO Marriage
• Naked Marriage Podcast 
• Married Into the Family - book by Ashley Willis
• Do Marriage Better - Ashley and Dave’s latest book
• Resources from Titus 2 Mentoring
• Sign up for Morning Minute
• Christian Parenting
• Open a LearningRX center
• The Hunt for the Kraken

Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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