Operation: Thriving Marriage

Ep 42 - Let’s Talk About Money

In this episode, we delve into the often difficult and taboo subject of money within marriages. We explore the challenges of discussing finances and provide strategies to strengthen relationships through open and honest conversations. Research shows that while money may not be the main cause of divorce, it is a significant contributor to marital stress. The key issue lies in differing values around money, exacerbated by a lack of communication. To address this, we suggest presuming goodwill in your partner's intentions, focusing on strategic discussions about values and goals, and avoiding weaponizing financial conflicts. Seeking the assistance of a financial planner can also provide guidance in making tactical decisions aligned with your financial strategy. By emphasizing strategy over tactics and fostering healthy financial conversations, couples can build stronger marriages.

https://newsroom.breadfinancial.com/making-cents-of-love-and-money

Ep 41 - Marriage on Mission

In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the concept of "mission" and its different meanings. One host, with a military background, associates mission with combat and military objectives. However, the other host highlights the common Christian perspective of mission, which is often focused on evangelism and spreading the gospel.

They emphasize that the mission of humanity goes beyond evangelism and is rooted in representing God on Earth. They refer to Genesis and temple themes to illustrate that humans were created to rule and represent God. They argue that mission existed before sin and should encompass more than just evangelizing neighbors or ensuring one's children become Christians.

The hosts point out two common misconceptions about mission. Firstly, some individuals limit mission to actively evangelizing neighbors, disregarding other aspects of mission. Secondly, many couples overlook the role of mission in their marriage, failing to realize that their marriage is part of God's larger purpose.

They propose the idea of a "thriving marriage on a mission" and highlight the importance of recognizing the objectives God has for couples. By embracing their marriage as part of God's mission, couples can experience fulfillment and effectively fulfill the good works prepared for them.

The episode concludes with a recommendation for listeners to spend time praying and meditating on Genesis 1:26-28, reflecting on what God reveals to them about their mission as a couple.

Ep 40 - Does Your Marriage Make You Happy?

In this episode of the Operation Thriving Marriage podcast, the hosts delve into the topic of happiness and its connection to thriving marriages. They begin by sharing quotes from ancient philosophers, one suggesting that true happiness is only attainable after death and the other emphasizing the impossibility of achieving happiness in our present lives. This leads to a discussion about society’s strong belief in the pursuit and attainment of happiness, especially in America where it is deeply ingrained in our identity. The hosts highlight how marital stress often manifests as unhappiness and reference an article on the changing landscape of happiness in America. They shift the focus to the purpose of marriage, emphasizing that it is not solely about happiness but about fostering holiness and personal growth. By becoming more holy, couples are better equipped to fulfill God’s plans for their lives, which in turn leads to a sense of peace and joy. Through exploring the complex relationship between happiness and thriving marriages, the hosts aim to provide listeners with a broader perspective on the subject.

 

https://time.com/6244240/happiness-america-history/?utm_medium=social-paid&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=consumermarketing-anyword+engagement+all&utm_content=content+anyword21+pv1+na+na+na+na&kwp_0=2239496&kwp_4=6354266&kwp_1=2730027&fbclid=IwAR2ku3CL19PgtUxkuw5i_hP5KCddP24k0usGv9MaArBzeEaevvl_UJfj_wk

Ep 39 - When Love Languages Collide

In this episode of the Operation Thriving Marriage Podcast, Bryon and Jennifer discuss the concept of love languages and how they can differ between individuals in a relationship. They highlight the importance of understanding and accepting these differences to avoid conflict and misunderstandings. The hosts also delve into the challenges that arise when love languages collide, particularly when one partner's love language makes the other uncomfortable. They suggest that communication is key to navigating this issue and offer tips on how to do so effectively, such as translating one's partner's actions into their love language and trying to love one's partner in the way they want to be loved. Ultimately, the hosts emphasize that love is more than just a feeling and that having the attitude and taking action towards loving one's partner is crucial for a healthy marriage.

Ep 38 - Be A Man

In culture today there are a lot of competing messages about masculinity. It gets even trickier when you start listening to different people try to define biblical masculinity. In this episode we focus on what the Bible does say about masculinity and highlight areas that are often presented as biblical but where the Bible is actually silent. We then try to give men some direction on how to be the husbands God has called them to be.

In this episode we reference the book Of Boys And Men: Why the Modern Male is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do About It by Richard Reeves

Ep 37 - When Sex Becomes Routine

Ep 36 - Lust!

Lust is a common experience. Contemporary culture treats lust as normal and not a problem. “You can look but you can’t touch.” That is not how Jesus treats lust. He says lusting is the same as adultery. Lust is a problem that must be addressed. It objectifies the object of lust and damages the intimacy in marriage.   Link to the article mentioned at the beginning of the episode. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/did-we-kiss-purity-goodbye?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paidsocial&utm_campaign=NTP%20%E2%80%93%20US%20Boost&utm_content=Did%20We%20Kiss%20Purity%20Goodbye%3F&hsa_acc=1624234290982548&hsa_cam=23849977346490267&hsa_grp=23849977346510267&hsa_ad=23850251045660267&hsa_src=fb&hsa_net=facebook&hsa_ver=3&fbclid=IwAR15hTwFnfp2UK4_sOrb576atEUkiGZy6kDg6RD8X1NZoPeANaGXJnN8bl4

Ep 35 - One But Different

When we get married we become one but we don’t lose who we are. Our personalities are part of who we are as individuals. These differences are important and can sometimes lead to conflict. Couples will often mishandle these differences by ignoring or exaggerating them. In this episode we hope to help you learn how to manage your differences in a healthy way.

 

Link to the article Jen read:

https://www.sistersletter.com/we-time/many-women-over-40-who-seem-lucky-in-love-actually-know-this?cmp=SNP-ICM-FB-SISTERS-CTW&kenshooID=284884660&kpid=fb_cmp-6271654246437_adg-6303225404237_ad-6307010121237&fbclid=IwAR2zy6Jkp0W6pMjnaVCPBlu4z4RuWFopjfLf2Eq1NnwdwD-v5yDP-Lw5LLw

Ep 34 - Divorce is an Option

Divorce is not desirable. It is definitely not what we want for your marriage, but the reality is that divorce is an option. When pretending that divorce is not an option it prevents us from dealing with the issues that lead to divorce. We can’t prevent divorce by saying it’s not an option. We can only prevent divorce by dealing with the issues that lead to divorce.

Ep 33 - The Signs of a Thriving Marriage

A thriving marriage is not something you arrive at but rather a journey you’re on. This episode discusses some of the signs you will see when a marriage is thriving.