This week we're reminding couples that the best marriages are built by those who never stop learning. We're inviting you to become a student of marriage — and of your spouse — with three incredible resources:

📘 The 5 Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman — Learn how to speak the unique "love language" of your spouse, whether that's Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Quality Time, Physical Touch, or Gifts. Discover why love often gets "lost in translation" and how to fix it! 📝

The Relational Needs Survey by David Ferguson — A practical tool that helps you identify your deepest relational needs (like acceptance, respect, support, or comfort) and how they show up in your marriage. Knowing your spouse's needs creates a roadmap for deeper connection. 📖

Marriage by Paul David Tripp — A gospel-centered look at marriage, reminding us that two broken people in a broken world desperately need grace. Tripp provides honest truth, real-life examples, and biblical wisdom to help couples move from frustration to flourishing.

✅ Invest in your marriage today — because great marriages don't just happen, they're intentionally built!

Our Back to School series concludes with a very special interview featuring Matt & Julie Barnhill. These two are not only gifted counselors, they are also dear friends and incredible role models.

Spending time with them is like being in the presence of master teachers. In this episode, they unpack timeless lessons for marriage, family, and faith—leaving us encouraged, inspired, and equipped to live with greater intentionality.

This is one you won't want to miss.

Jim & Christie Jacobus

Marriage is the most important class you'll ever take! In this solo episode of Your Marriage Matters, Christie Jacobus, Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Nurse, takes you 'Back to School' to learn the ABC's of a Successful Marriage.

With practical wisdom and heartfelt insights, Christie shares how appreciation, beliefs, and commitment can transform your relationship. Tune in and take home tools that will help you and your spouse graduate your marriage with honors!

Hey gang ...

We're back—and it feels good to be "Back to School"! In this kickoff episode of Your Marriage Matters, Jim and Christie share their #1 marriage flex: never stop learning. After 38 years of marriage, they've discovered that growth—personal and relational—is the foundation for a vibrant, resilient, and joy-filled marriage.

Together, they unpack 10 powerful reasons why a growth mindset is essential for couples, from keeping the marriage dynamic to modeling something transformative for kids and grandkids. You'll also hear about their reset of the podcast, YouTube channel, and Instagram—and why now is the time to go back to school on your marriage.

This month's theme, Back to School, sets the stage for a series of conversations and resources designed to help you and your spouse keep learning, growing, and reconnecting with God's design for marriage.

Jim & Christie Jacobus

www.yourmarriagematters.com

The Fundamentals for Building A More Vibrant, Healthy Marriage!

Hey gang ... Welcome to Your Marriage Matters episode 189 - The Fundamentals for Building A More Vibrant, Healthy Marriage! Since we are doing a new YouTube channel. we felt like it was important to go back to the fundamentals as a reset for everything we are going to be covering in the days and weeks ahead!

The fundamentals we are going to be covering during this episode are simple but powerful! They are: Create a "shared vision" for creating a compelling life together! Master the critical skill of communicating effectively! Master the equally critical skill of being able to solve life's inevitable problems together!

In this episode we discuss these from a bit of a 30,000ft view! In future episodes we will get into much more depth with very practical, real world skills anyone can learn! We do want to get you started creating a shared dream together so we put together a "Bucket List Exercise" downloadable pdf to prompt your discussion with each other!

You can download this exercise by Clicking Here! Thank you for joining us for this episode. Click

Here to watch the YouTube video! Catch you next week ...

Problems, struggles, and conflict are signs of a healthy relationship!

Two imperfect people working to build a life together in an imperfect world are bound to face struggles. This is due to the mere fact that they:

• Are male and female
• Grew up in different households
• Have different personality styles
• Have different views on sex, money, household roles and responsibilities, parenting, and a dozen other subjects.

All of this, and more, means there will be conflict! What matters is how we handle it!!! This entire month, we will be following the theme of "I Am NOT the Enemy" (thanks Ben and Megan Coleman) and looking closely at effective strategies and mindsets for turning the inevitable differences we are going to have into a strength in our relationships!

Knowing we have each other's backs and that we will process struggles in a positive and healthy way builds confidence in ourselves and in each other! It isn't easy but it is well worth it!

Join Jim & Christie Jacobus on episode 187 of Your Marriage Matters as they delve into the profound lessons learned from their adventurous journey as full-time RV travelers. In this insightful episode, 3 Life Lessons From the Road, they explore:

1. Beauty Everywhere: Explore the breathtaking landscapes of America through the eyes of seasoned travelers. Discover how every corner of this country holds its own unique charm and beauty, reminding us to appreciate the world around us.

2. People's Splendor: Dive into the heartwarming experiences of connecting with diverse communities across the nation. Jim & Christie share inspiring stories that highlight the kindness, resilience, and beauty of humanity found in every place they visit.

3. Embracing the Moment: Learn the invaluable lesson of living in the present and making the most of every opportunity. With a message of "DO IT NOW," they encourage listeners to seize the moment, explore new horizons, and forge meaningful connections without delay.

Tune in to Your Marriage Matters and embark on a journey of discovery, inspiration, and joy with Jim & Christie Jacobus!

Welcome back to Your Marriage Matters with Jim & Christie Jacobus! In this episode, we delve into the crucial topic of trust in marriage and why it's the cornerstone of a strong, enduring relationship. Trust isn't just a nice-to-have; it's the foundation upon which emotional connection, communication, stability, and growth thrive.

In this episode, we discuss:

1. Foundation of Emotional Connection: How trust lays the groundwork for deep emotional intimacy.
2. Enhances Communication: The role of trust in fostering open, honest communication.
3. Promotes Relationship Stability: How trust contributes to a stable and secure partnership.
4. Strengthens Bonds: Ways in which trust strengthens the bonds between partners.
5. Encourages Growth and Development: How a trusting environment encourages personal and relational growth.

Tune in as we share practical insights and actionable tips on how to cultivate trust in your marriage. Whether you're newlyweds or seasoned partners, these strategies will help you nurture a relationship built on trust, respect, and love.

Listen to the full episode on Your Marriage Matters podcast now!

Ways to Develop Trust:

1. Be Honest: Transparency and honesty are the building blocks of trust.
2. Follow Through on Commitments: Keeping promises reinforces reliability.
3. Communicate Openly: Create a safe space for open, non-judgmental communication.
4. Respect Boundaries: Honor each other's boundaries to build trust and mutual respect.
5. Be Dependable: Consistency and reliability are key to earning and maintaining trust.

Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share this episode to help others strengthen their marriages and build trust in their relationships. Let's spread the love and wisdom together!

🎙️ Join Jim and Christie Jacobus on Your Marriage Matters as they dive deep into "The 5 R's of Spring Cleaning Your Marriage"! 🌷

In this episode, they discuss practical strategies to revitalize your relationship and create a stronger bond this spring. From reorganizing your time together to renovating your finances, refreshing appreciation, revitalizing shared goals, and renewing your commitment, Jim and Christie provide actionable tips for couples to strengthen their marriages.

Tune in to discover how to:

1. Prioritize quality time for bonding activities.
2. 2. Align your financial goals and create a budget together.
3. 3. Express gratitude and appreciation for each other daily.
4. 4. Set new challenges and adventures as a couple.
5. 5. Reaffirm your love and commitment to each other.

Don't miss out on valuable insights that can transform your marriage! 🌟 Subscribe, listen, like, and share this episode with friends and family who could benefit from a healthy and thriving relationship! 💑✨

Listen now on your favorite podcast provider or watch on YouTube and followYour Marriage Matters with Team Jacobus for more inspiring content! 🚀 #YourMarriageMatters #SpringCleaningYourMarriage #RelationshipGoals #PodcastWisdom #JoyhaulingWithTeamJacobus 🌻

In this episode of Your Marriage Matters podcast with Jim & Christie Jacobus we talk about the one habit that can change your marriage.

We are going to introduce couples to the idea of having a weekly meeting. Doing so is a great habit and can help get couples on the same page in a busy day to day life. Weekly meetings can ,,,

1. Improved Communication: Regular meetings provide a dedicated time for couples to discuss important matters, express their feelings, and share updates about their lives. This fosters open and honest communication, leading to better understanding and connection.
2. Conflict Resolution: Meeting weekly allows couples to address any issues or conflicts promptly. By discussing concerns in a structured manner, couples can work together to find solutions and prevent conflicts from escalating.
3. Shared Goals and Planning: Couples can use these meetings to set goals, plan activities, and discuss long-term aspirations. This helps them stay aligned with each other's priorities and work towards common objectives, fostering a sense of teamwork and unity.
4. Quality Time: Weekly meetings create dedicated time for couples to focus solely on each other without distractions. This quality time strengthens their bond, enhances intimacy, and reinforces their commitment to the relationship.
5. Financial Transparency: Meetings can include discussions about finances, budgeting, and financial goals. This promotes transparency, accountability, and responsible financial management within the marriage.
6. Emotional Support: Couples can provide emotional support, encouragement, and reassurance during these meetings. Sharing successes, challenges, and emotions in a supportive environment strengthens the emotional connection between partners.
7. Conflict Prevention: Regular check-ins can help identify potential issues early on, allowing couples to address concerns before they escalate into larger problems. This proactive approach can prevent misunderstandings and improve overall relationship satisfaction.
8. Increased Trust: Through consistent communication and transparency, couples build trust in each other. Knowing that they have a dedicated time to discuss important matters fosters a sense of reliability and dependability within the relationship.
9. Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Weekly meetings provide opportunities for couples to practice problem-solving skills together. By brainstorming solutions, compromising, and collaborating, couples develop effective strategies for addressing challenges both in their relationship and in life.
10. Strengthened Connection: Ultimately, regular meetings help couples stay connected, deepen their understanding of each other, and nurture a strong and healthy relationship over time.

The 7 things we encourage them to do are …

1. Start with prayer

2. Agenda item 1 … how are "we" doing?

3. Agenda item 2 … finances

4. Agenda item 3 … schedules

5. Agenda Item 4 … goals

6. Agenda item 5 … how can I support you this week

7. End with prayer

Acting as a social media expert and podcast expert write us a marketing blurb that can act as shownotes for both the audio podcast and the YouTube channel version.

Encourage them to like, subscribe and share the podcast with their friends as well as join our facebook group!