When Challenges Lead to Growth

What was meant for evil, God is using for good.Our Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MAG10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marriage-after-god-biblical-advice-practical-tips-and-inspiring-/donations

In this episode of the Marriage After God podcast, Aaron and Jennifer Smith reflect on their recent family camping trip and the unexpected challenges that came with it. They share how music, creativity, and prayer became sources of encouragement and connection during the experience. Together, they discuss the importance of recovery days, facing fears, and adopting the “gap and gains” mentality as tools for spiritual and relational growth. Through personal stories and honest reflection, Aaron and Jennifer encourage couples to embrace challenges as opportunities to grow closer to God and to each other.TakeawaysThe journey of marriage is filled with ups and downs.Music can be a powerful tool for connection and inspiration.Creativity in family life can foster deeper relationships.Facing challenges together strengthens the bond between partners.Spiritual growth often occurs during difficult times.The “gap and gains” mentality can shift our perspective on progress.Recovery days are essential for maintaining balance in life.Prayer is a vital component of recovery and connection in marriage.Facing fears can lead to personal growth and resilience.Future plans should include intentional time for reflection and connection.Our Books:https://shop.marriageaftergod.comHusband After God devotional: https://a.co/d/1nVcFGs Wife After God devotional: https://a.co/d/8XoPQmJ Follow Marriage After God:Instagram: Marriage After God - https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergodInstagram: Unveiled Wife - https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwifeInstagram: Husband Revolution - https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolutionSupport this podcast:Shop: https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/Become a patron: https://marriageaftergod.com/patronSmith Family Resources, Inc © 2025Keywordsmarriage, family, creativity, challenges, spiritual growth, recovery, prayer, overcoming obstacles, music, parentingOur Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MAG10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marriage-after-god-biblical-advice-practical-tips-and-inspiring-/donations

Aaron Smith sits down with Gary Thomas, bestselling author and teaching pastor, to talk about his journey into marriage ministry and the role of the local church in our spiritual growth. They discuss the dangers of entitlement, the lies that keep us from intimacy with God, and the importance of multi-generational ministry. Gary reminds us that gratitude and grace are key to cultivating joy and compassion in our walk with Christ.Key TakeawaysThe local church is essential for community and growth.Entitlement robs us of gratitude and joy.Struggles with sin are expected in the Christian life.Spiritual adventure keeps our faith vibrant.Recognizing our sin helps us have compassion toward others.The church should be a place of healing and support.Gratitude for God’s grace leads to a joyful life.Connect with Gary Thomas:Website: https://garythomas.com/Books: https://garythomas.com/books/Instagram: @garythomasbooksFollow Marriage After God:Instagram: Marriage After God - https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergodInstagram: Unveiled Wife - https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwifeInstagram: Husband Revolution - https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolutionSupport this podcast:Shop: https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/Become a patron: https://marriageaftergod.com/patronSmith Family Resources, Inc © 2025Keywordsmarriage, ministry, church, community, spiritual growth, intimacy with God, entitlement, sin, graceOur Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MAG10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marriage-after-god-biblical-advice-practical-tips-and-inspiring-/donations

In this episode, Aaron Smith sits down with Dr. Juli Slattery to explore sexuality from a Christian perspective. Together, they discuss how cultural shifts have shaped our understanding of marriage and sexuality, the growing tension between psychology and faith, and why open, biblical conversations are vital for families today. Dr. Slattery shares how surrendering our sexuality to God, addressing shame, and grounding ourselves in truth are key to experiencing healing and intimacy. This conversation also highlights the role of parents in guiding their children with wisdom and truth in the face of cultural pressures.Key TakeawaysSexuality is a critical topic for Christians today.Cultural shifts have changed perceptions of marriage and sexuality.Many Christians wrestle with how psychology integrates with faith.The purpose of sexuality has shifted toward self-fulfillment rather than God’s design.Parents must engage in open, honest conversations with their children about sexuality.Surrendering sexuality to God involves addressing shame and brokenness.Understanding God’s truth is essential to combat cultural lies.True healing requires a personal relationship with Jesus.Cultural pressures can complicate biblical conversations around sexuality.Teaching children truth equips them to navigate a complex and confusing world.Connect With Dr. Juli SlatteryInstagram: @authenticintimacyBooks: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00HNSB114?ccs_id=686b0293-8c34-414f-a1f0-f19bf3d32d58Website: https://www.authenticintimacy.com/Follow Marriage After God:Instagram: Marriage After God - https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergodInstagram: Unveiled Wife - https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwifeInstagram: Husband Revolution - https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolutionSupport this podcast:Shop: https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/Become a patron: https://marriageaftergod.com/patronSmith Family Resources, Inc © 2025Keywordssexuality, marriage, biblical counseling, cultural shifts, parenting, surrender, healing, truth, intimacy, Christian perspectiveOur Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MAG10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marriage-after-god-biblical-advice-practical-tips-and-inspiring-/donations

In this episode, Aaron Smith sits down with author Jackie Avilés, to share her powerful story of walking through a terminal cancer diagnosis. Jackie Avilés is widely known as the “Internet’s Hope Coach.” She imparts hope grounded in biblical truth—offering Scripture-based encouragement and practical strategies to help people move from despair into hope-filled living. In today’s episode, Jackie opens up about how her faith in God sustained her through suffering, the importance of prayer, and what it means to lament well in times of pain.Key Takeaways:Jackie shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with stage four terminal metastatic breast cancerHow faith and prayer can carry usr through life’s toughest challengesThe significance of lament and finding hope in God during seasons of sufferingThe impact of trials on marriage and family relationshipsEncouragement for couples to lean on God’s promises and find strength in weaknessBe encouraged as Jackie reminds us that even when we feel pressed, we are not crushed—because of Christ in us.Connect With Jackie ​​Avilés:Instagram: @jackie_avilesWebsite: https://jackieaviles.com/Follow Marriage After God:Instagram: Marriage After God - https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergodInstagram: Unveiled Wife - https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwifeInstagram: Husband Revolution - https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolutionSupport this podcast:Shop: https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/Become a patron: https://marriageaftergod.com/patronSmith Family Resources, Inc © 2025Keywords: testimony, suffering, faith through trials, Christian marriage, cancer, God’s promises, strength in weaknessOur Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MAG10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marriage-after-god-biblical-advice-practical-tips-and-inspiring-/donations

Aaron and Jennifer Smith share reflections from a full and meaningful summer—homeschooling adventures, the value of preserving memories, and the encouragement they received at a recent homeschool conference. They open up about the bittersweet transition of leaving their home church and how gardening has become a personal metaphor for growth. Through prayer, community, and faith, they embrace the process of change, finding joy in transformation.Key TakeawaysPrioritizing relationships with family.Creating tangible memories.Homeschooling thrives with intentional planning.Transitioning from a church community can be emotional but necessary.Gardening illustrates personal growth and consistent effort.Prayer and support from friends are vital during hard times.Change requires patience, communication, and faith.Joy can be found in the journey of transformation.Follow Marriage After God:Instagram: Marriage After God - https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergodInstagram: Unveiled Wife - https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwifeInstagram: Husband Revolution - https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolutionSupport this podcast:Shop: https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/Become a patron: https://marriageaftergod.com/patronSmith Family Resources, Inc © 2025Keywords: marriage, parenting, homeschooling, planning, family, growth, change, prayer, community, memories, encouragementOur Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MAG10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marriage-after-god-biblical-advice-practical-tips-and-inspiring-/donations

This week Aaron Smith sits down with Jay Holland, husband to Emily, and the biological, adoptive, and foster father of four children. For over 25 years he’s served as a pastor in college and student ministries and has personally navigated seasons of special‑needs parenting within his own family, and is the voice behind the Let’s Parent on Purpose podcast. Together, they discuss the intersection of marriage, parenting, and youth ministry. Jay shares powerful insights on raising children in today’s culture, the importance of rites of passage in shaping manhood and womanhood, and how parents can intentionally model faith and humility in their homes.Whether you’re navigating the challenges of parenting or seeking to strengthen your marriage in the midst of raising kids, this episode is packed with biblical wisdom and practical encouragement.Key Topics:Marriage and parenting in a digital ageThe importance of rites of passage for boys and girlsBuilding community and mentorship for youthTechnology’s effect on mental health and connectionModeling repentance and humility in parentingEncouraging bravery and risk-taking in the physical worldTeaching children their identity in ChristPrioritizing joy and intimacy in marriageConnect with the Jay Holland:Let’s Parent on Purpose podcast:Things for Thursday Newsletter: text THINGS to 66866letsparentonpurpose.comFollow Marriage After God:Instagram: Marriage After God - https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergodInstagram: Unveiled Wife - https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwifeInstagram: Husband Revolution - https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolutionSupport this podcast:Shop: https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/Become a patron: https://marriageaftergod.com/patronSmith Family Resources, Inc © 2025Keywords: marriage, parenting, youth ministry, rites of passage, manhood, womanhood, community, technology, anxiety, spiritualityOur Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MAG10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marriage-after-god-biblical-advice-practical-tips-and-inspiring-/donations

In today’s episode, Aaron Smith sits down with Ashton and Spencer Draper to share their inspiring journey of adoption, faith, and perseverance. Spencer and Ashton met through a mutual friend at a youth conference, drawn together by their shared love for Jesus and a heart for faith-filled living. Through the ups and downs of a difficult adoption journey and ongoing health challenges, they’ve learned to walk in grace, patience, and purpose—anchored by God’s faithfulness. Spencer works as a planner in manufacturing, while Ashton is a sign language interpreter and author of the book “Big Yellow House.” Whether playing games, watching movies, or raising their family, they’re committed to living faithfully and using their lives to serve Christ’s Kingdom.From their early years of marriage, to adopting their son Bismarck from Ghana, the Drapers open up about how God has worked through health challenges, biblical counseling, and their passion for adoption to strengthen their marriage and deepen their faith.Key Topics:The Drapers’ early marriage and decision to adoptAshton’s lifelong passion for adoption and its rootsThe challenges and blessings of adopting BismarckNavigating health struggles and their impact on marriageThe transformative power of biblical counselingEncouragement for couples considering adoptionResources Mentioned in This Episode:The Big Yellow House by Ashton Draper – Purchase on AmazonGobena Coffee – Adoption fundraising supportParenting by Paul TrippForgive by Tim KellerConnect with the Drapers:Follow Ashton Draper on FacebookPurchase The Big Yellow House https://a.co/d/4IEmWCdFollow Marriage After God:Instagram: Marriage After God - https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergodInstagram: Unveiled Wife - https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwifeInstagram: Husband Revolution - https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolutionSupport this podcast:Shop: https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/Become a patron: https://marriageaftergod.com/patronSmith Family Resources, Inc © 2025Keywords: adoption, marriage, parenting, faith, family, communication, fundraising, counseling, health challenges, community supportOur Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MAG10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marriage-after-god-biblical-advice-practical-tips-and-inspiring-/donations

In this episode, Aaron welcomes bestselling author and speaker Vicki Courtney to share wisdom from her new book Motherhood Is Not Your Highest Calling. Vicki Courtney is a speaker, author, wife of 38 years, and mom of three grown children. With over 25 years in ministry, she encourages women to pursue biblical truth in a modern world. Together they explore how moms can resist cultural pressure, embrace a Christ-centered identity, and keep their marriage and faith first.Key Takeaways:Identity in Christ over cultural expectationsNavigating mom guilt and social media pressurePrioritizing marriage in the parenting yearsFaith-filled conversations with kidsConnect with Vicki CourtneyWebsite: https://vickicourtney.com/Book: https://a.co/d/dWaVrgtInstagram: @vickicourtneyFollow Marriage After God:Instagram: Marriage After God - https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergodInstagram: Unveiled Wife - https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwifeInstagram: Husband Revolution - https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolutionSupport this podcast:Shop: https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/Become a patron: https://marriageaftergod.com/patronSmith Family Resources, Inc © 2025Keywords: Christian motherhood, Christian parenting, Identity in Christ, Faith and motherhood, Biblical womanhood, Christian marriage and parenting, Motherhood, callingOur Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MAG10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marriage-after-god-biblical-advice-practical-tips-and-inspiring-/donations

In this episode, Aaron sits down with Dan and Sam, a couple passionate about weaving adventure and faith into every part of family life. They share how parenting hasn’t stopped their pursuit of exploration—it’s deepened it. Together, they talk about the importance of viewing marriage as a ministry, prioritizing family as your first disciples, and how community and faith sustain their journey. They also discuss the heart behind their book Always Choose Adventure, encouraging listeners to live with purpose and intentionality, no matter the season.Takeaways:Marriage is a ministry, and your family is your first mission field.Adventure doesn’t end with kids—it becomes even more meaningful.Community and faith are foundational to a strong marriage.Always Choose Adventure challenges families to pursue God’s calling with courage and joy.Connect with Dan & Sam:Authors of Always Choose Adventure https://a.co/d/i3IPPepFollow them on Instagram: @DanAndSamFollow Marriage After God:Instagram: Marriage After God - https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergodInstagram: Unveiled Wife - https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwifeInstagram: Husband Revolution - https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolutionSupport this podcast:Shop: https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/Become a patron: https://marriageaftergod.com/patronSmith Family Resources, Inc © 2025Keywords: adventure, marriage as ministry, family discipleship, intentional parenting, faith, community, purpose, exploration, Christian livingOur Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MAG10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marriage-after-god-biblical-advice-practical-tips-and-inspiring-/donations