Christmas will be here soon, and Dennis and Barbara Rainey share fun, simple ideas to help you get ready spiritually. One way to focus on Christ is to celebrate Advent, the first season of the Christian church year. Barbara shares an easy way to gather the family around to consider the magnificence of Christ each Sunday through December.
Show Notes and Resources
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Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas

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Every community is filled with people who are struggling in a pattern that they can't get out of—often secretly. But even small secrets can grow in the dark. Imagine if we all felt safe enough to say, "Hey, I'm struggling." John Elmore talks about opening up about addiction to our community. Could that be the first step to finding freedom?
Show Notes and Resources
	Connect with John Elmore and catch more of his thoughts on Facebook and Instagram @john_a_elmore.
	And grab John's book, "Freedom Starts Today: Overcoming Struggles and Addictions One Day at a Time" in our shop.
	Or we'll send it at no cost to you with a donation of any size this week, as our way of saying a huge "Thank you!" for partnering with us toward stronger families around the world.
	Intrigued by today's episode? Think deeper about Addiction by listening to "Addiction–and Our Marriage's Happily Ever After".
	Want to hear more episodes by John Elmore, listen here!
	Donate to FamilyLife Today!
	Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
	See resources from our past podcasts.
	Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app!
	Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
	Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network

Hey, I’m Struggling: John Elmore

When you're stuck in a relentless loop, it's tough to see a way out. From porn and pills to food, money, alcohol, social media, body image, status, and even anxiety—addictions come in all shapes and sizes. Take John Elmore: He battled alcoholism to the point where doctors warned him he'd die if he didn't stop. Fast forward to now: 15 years sober, and he's leading the world's largest, weekly recovery gathering, guiding people toward healing through faith in Christ. If you're struggling with addiction, tune in for John's story of hope.
Show Notes and Resources
	Connect with John Elmore and catch more of his thoughts on Facebook and Instagram @john_a_elmore.
	And grab John's book, "Freedom Starts Today: Overcoming Struggles and Addictions One Day at a Time" in our shop.
	Or we'll send it at no cost to you with a donation of any size this week, as our way of saying a huge "Thank you!" for partnering with us toward stronger families around the world.
	Intrigued by today's episode? Think deeper about Addiction by listening to "Addiction–and Our Marriage's Happily Ever After".
	Want to hear more episodes by John Elmore, listen here!
	Donate to FamilyLife Today!
	Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
	See resources from our past podcasts.
	Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app!
	Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
	Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network

Freedom from Addiction: It Starts Today: John Elmore

Stepfamily life: It's a rollercoaster. Trying to blend different parenting styles, dealing with trust issues, managing finances—it's enough to make anyone's head spin. Is there any hope for relief? Dr. Darrell Bock offers advice on how to patch up those trust issues, get a handle on your finances, and set yourselves up for a brighter tomorrow.
Show Notes and Resources
	Connect with Dr. Darrell Bock and catch more of their thoughts on, The Table Podcast. and on Twitter @DBockDTS.
	Listen to entire episode on FamilyLife Blended
	Want to hear more episodes by Dr. Darrell Bock, listen here!
	Get ready to tune in or join us in person for Blended and Blessed, running from January 1, 2024, to April 27, 2024! Get ready for the most anticipated event of the year, tailored specifically for stepfamily couples, dating couples with kids, and all those committed to the prosperity of blended families.
	Donate to FamilyLife Today!
	Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
	See resources from our past podcasts.
	Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app!
	Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
	Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network


Browsing Your Stepfamily’s Trust Issues: Dr. Darrell Bock

Adjusting to a new family is hard. Dr. Darrell Bock had to join a whole new family after his mom passed away when he was a teenager. He knows all about handling blended family issues like getting along with step-siblings and step-parents, managing money, and talking things out.
Show Notes and Resources
	Connect with Dr. Darrell Bock and catch more of their thoughts on, The Table Podcast. and on Twitter @DBockDTS.
	Listen to entire episode on FamilyLife Blended
	Want to hear more episodes by Dr. Darrell Bock, listen here!
	Get ready to tune in or join us in person for Blended and Blessed, running from January 1, 2024, to April 27, 2024! Get ready for the most anticipated event of the year, tailored specifically for stepfamily couples, dating couples with kids, and all those committed to the prosperity of blended families.
	Donate to FamilyLife Today!
	Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
	See resources from our past podcasts.
	Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app!
	Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
	Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network


Stepfamily Frustrations: Dr. Darrell Bock

Is it okay to be angry at God? When life crumbles, anger, resentment, and depression surface. Is there relief beyond Netflix and chocolate? Authors Vivian and Darrin Mabuni share their journey of bringing anger to God for relief. Vivian is also one of FamilyLife's guest contributors to the all-new Art of Marriage group study! To learn more or order your copy, visit artofmarriage.com.
Show Notes and Resources
 	Connect with Vivian Mabuni and catch more of her thoughts at vivianmabuni.com, and on Facebook and Instagram
 	And grab Vivian's book, "Open Hands, Willing Heart: Discover the Joy of Saying Yes to God"
 	Want to hear more episodes by Vivian, listen here!
 	Vivian is one of FamilyLife's guest contributors to the all-new Art of Marriage group study! To learn more or order your copy, visit artofmarriage.com.
 	Donate to FamilyLife Today!
 	Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
 	See resources from our past podcasts.
 	Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app!
 	Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
 	Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network

Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas

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