101. We're back!!!

Join us as we continue our journey through the fruit of the Spirit, turning our attention to joy. But what does it really mean to live a joyful life? More than fleeting happiness or a positive outlook, joy is a deeper sense of delight, hope, and contentment that can remain even when life is difficult. In this episode, we explore what Scripture says about joy, share stories and poetry, and reflect on the ways that even grief and joy can coexist. Whether you're navigating a difficult season or simply longing for a little more joy, we invite you to discover where lasting joy takes root and how it can grow in your life.—We invite you to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any episodes! Please also leave us a review or a comment to help new listeners find us.—With You in Marriage: A Family Systems Approach to a Healthy Relationship by David & Tara Van Dyke launches February 2! Please help us get the word out, and preorder the book on Amazon or at IVPress.comIf you’d like to bring a marriage workshop to your organization or church, reach out to us on our website, withuprojects.com—Produced by Zach Van Dyke

Join us as we begin our journey through the fruit of the Spirit, starting with the one that underpins them all—love. In this episode, we lean into love through story, scripture, poetry, and our own reflections, exploring what it means to cultivate a love that is patient, selfless, and rooted in something deeper than feeling. Whether you're new to faith or have walked this path for years, we invite you to sit with us and discover how love can take root and grow in the everyday moments of our lives.—We invite you to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any episodes! Please also leave us a review or a comment to help new listeners find us.—With You in Marriage: A Family Systems Approach to a Healthy Relationship by David & Tara Van Dyke launches February 2! Please help us get the word out, and preorder the book on Amazon or at IVPress.comIf you’d like to bring a marriage workshop to your organization or church, reach out to us on our website, withuprojects.com—Produced by Zach Van Dyke

Do you ever get tired of trying so hard to be a better person? To show more love, more patience, more kindness—or a little more self-control? What if growth isn’t just about trying harder, but about staying connected to the One who is the source of it all? In this first episode of our new season, we explore the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22–23 and Jesus’ invitation to remain in him, like branches connected to a vine. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are not achievements we produce through personal effort, but qualities that grow from our connection to God. Using the metaphor of trees in an ecosystem, we consider how healthy relationships and communities depend on good roots, shared nourishment, and mutual support. —We invite you to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any episodes! Please also leave us a review or a comment to help new listeners find us.—With You in Marriage: A Family Systems Approach to a Healthy Relationship by David & Tara Van Dyke launches February 2! Please help us get the word out, and preorder the book on Amazon or at IVPress.comIf you’d like to bring a marriage workshop to your organization or church, reach out to us on our website, withuprojects.com—Produced by Zach Van Dyke

When we talk about mental health, it’s easy to focus on symptoms, stressors, and concerns about what’s “normal”, but there’s so much more to consider in this conversation. In this final episode of our Tricky Topics series, we explore the difference between mental and emotional well-being and the struggles that are often labeled as disorders. We look at how the history of hiding people away for behaviors such as “hysteria” continues to cast a shadow over these conversations, and how diagnoses can become identities rather than experiences we’re navigating. We wrap up with some practical encouragement for bringing mental health into the light, one gentle conversation at a time, with trusted people in our lives or a professional who can help.—We invite you to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any episodes! Stay tuned next week for the beginning of a new series on the fruits of the spirit.—With You in Marriage: A Family Systems Approach to a Healthy Relationship by David & Tara Van Dyke launches February 2! Please help us get the word out, and preorder the book on Amazon or at IVPress.comIf you’d like to bring a marriage workshop to your organization or church, reach out to us on our website, withuprojects.com—Produced by Zach Van Dyke

Money can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure where to start—or how to talk about it with the person you share your life with. But having a plan can make all the difference. In this episode of our Tricky Topics series, we sit down with Jim, a financial advisor with 22 years of experience and a heart for the emotional side of money, to unpack why couples go silent when the conversation turns to finances. From generational money scripts and the shame of not knowing enough to the “freedom fence” of budgeting and teaching kids the joy of giving, Jim shares stories from decades of helping people build a plan and get on the same page. Whether you’re just starting out, drowning in debt, or realizing you don’t even know your partner’s salary (you’re not alone—43% of couples don’t!), this conversation is a warm, hopeful invitation to stop avoiding the topic and start talking. Because couples who talk about money can experience less anxiety, greater well-being, and stronger relationships.—Jim Danielson is a Financial Advisor and fiduciary helping busy professionals build financial confidence into their lives. He is a 22 year - experienced financial professional specializing in helping clients create a financial road map to invest their assets, enhance the quality of their lives, and realize personal and financial goals. A graduate of Purdue University, Jim holds his series 7 and series 66 financial licenses along with his life insurance license. Focusing on personal financial road mapping, 401K to IRA rollover strategies, custom financial plans, retirement planning & cash flow analysis.When not talking to and helping clients, Jim is an avid photographer, loves spending time and traveling with his wife and 2 daughters and is an active member of his faith community. Find out more about Jim here: https://www.raymondjames.com/jimdanielson/—We invite you to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any episodes! Stay tuned next week for the beginning of a new series on the fruits of the spirit.—With You in Marriage: A Family Systems Approach to a Healthy Relationship by David & Tara Van Dyke launches February 2! Please help us get the word out, and preorder the book on Amazon or at IVPress.comIf you’d like to bring a marriage workshop to your organization or church, reach out to us on our website, withuprojects.com—Produced by Zach Van Dyke

Thinking about the inevitability of death and the process of dying makes many people quite uncomfortable—but talking about it might help us face it with a little less fear and a little more openness. Our own personal stories with loss—from growing up in a funeral director’s home to walking through the deaths of both our fathers—set the stage for a conversation with Dr. Kim Rich, grief educator, death doula, and founder of Tomorrow Mourning. Kim helps us think beyond fear and euphemism to consider how we can prepare for the end of life with thoughtfulness and even beauty. We talk about navigating the logistics of a life that’s ending, supporting those who are grieving, creating a joyful and meaningful memorial, and why it’s never too early to write down your wishes—or even have a say in your own obituary. —Dr. Kimberly Rich is the owner of Tomorrow Mourning in Batavia, IL and serves as a grief educator, death doula, and end of life companion. Kim’s journey with grief started following the sudden loss of her mother in 2021. It was then that she first recognized the power of relationship in grief, and the ways that we can fail to support one another as end of life approaches. Kimberly is a published writer and keynote speaker and finds great comfort in being in community with others. When she isn’t sleeping, (a favorite pastime!), or working she can be found reading, planning her next vacation, snacking on candy, stocking her free little library, and going on long walks throughout her hometown. Kim’s career focus is in end of life care and grief education and in addition to her doctoral degree she is a certified death doula. Kim is married with four adult children, three boys and one girl, and an elderly pup named Cowboy.—You can connect with Kimberly in these ways:Website: (www.tomorrowmourningllc.com)Facebook: Tomorrow-MourningInstagram: @tomorrowmourningllc—With You in Marriage: A Family Systems Approach to a Healthy Relationship by David & Tara Van Dyke launches February 2! Please help us get the word out, and preorder the book on Amazon or at IVPress.comIf you’d like to bring a marriage workshop to your organization or church, reach out to us on our website, withuprojects.com—Don’t miss next week’s tricky topic conversation about money with Jim Danielson!—Produced by Zach Van Dyke

Politics might be the ultimate dinner-table taboo—and if we’re honest, it’s a topic we rarely tackle! Our own personal stories with political events — from counter-protesting teacher strikes to experiencing a military coup overseas — set the stage for a conversation with Kaitlyn Schiess, political theology scholar and author of The Liturgy of Politics. Kaitlyn helps us think beyond elections and arguments to consider politics as the everyday work of how communities care for one another. Together, we talk about why politics feels so personal, how to have hard conversations without turning up the heat, and why the best place to start might look less like a debate and more like helping a neighbor in need.—Kaitlyn Schiess is a writer, theologian, and podcaster who helps Christians think well and live faithfully in a pluralistic world. She is the author of The Ballot and the Bible: How Scripture Has Been Used and Abused in American Politics and Where We Go from Here (Brazos Press, 2023) and The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor (InterVarsity Press, 2020). Her writing has appeared in outlets including Christianity Today, The New York Times, Christ and Pop Culture, RELEVANT, and Sojourners. She is also a co-host of the Holy Post podcast and host of Curiously, Kaitlyn, both of which explore how Christians can navigate faith, culture, and life in a pluralistic world. Kaitlyn holds a ThM in systematic theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a doctorate in political theology at Duke Divinity School. —Interact with Kaitlyn’s resources:The Ballot and the Bible: How Scripture Has Been Used and Abused in American Politics and Where We Go from HereThe Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor Holy Post podcast: holypost.comWebsite: kaitlynschiess.com—With You in Marriage: A Family Systems Approach to a Healthy Relationship by David & Tara Van Dyke launches February 2! Please help us get the word out, and preorder the book on Amazon or at IVPress.comIf you’d like to bring a marriage workshop to your organization or church, reach out to us on our website, withuprojects.com—Don’t miss next week’s podcast on the tricky topic of death & dying with Dr. Kimberly Rich—Produced by Zach Van Dyke

Growing up in a culture where conversations about gender identity and sexuality just didn’t happen, we admit we didn’t feel equipped when the topic came up with our own kids, and we’re pretty sure we’re not alone! We sit down in this episode with our friend and colleague Dr. Mark Yarhouse, professor of psychology and director of the Sexual and Gender Institute at Wheaton College, to tackle one of the trickiest topics parents face today. Mark brings both his research expertise and his trademark blend of conviction and compassion to help parents lead with love, navigate the journey after a child comes out, and find support without compromising their child’s trust. It’s an honest, encouraging conversation for anyone who’s ever thought, ‘What do I even say?’ and a good reminder that you don’t have to have all the answers to keep the door open.—Dr. Mark Yarhouse, PsyD, is the Dr. Arthur P. Rech & Mrs. Jean May Rech Professor of Psychology at Wheaton College, where he directs the Sexual and Gender Identity Institute. He is a licensed clinical psychologist and author or coauthor of many books, including Gender, Identity and Faith.—Extra Resources:Books by Dr. Mark Yarhouse:Emerging Sexual IdentitiesTalking to Kids About Gender Identity: A Roadmap for Christian Compassion, Civility, and ConvictionUnderstanding Gender Dysphoria, 2nd ed. When Children Come Out: A Guide for Christian Parents Other books mentioned in the episode:How and When to Tell Your Kids About Sex by Stan and Brenna JonesGod's Design for Sex (4-part series) by Stan and Brenna JonesUncommon Decency by Richard Mouw —With You in Marriage: A Family Systems Approach to a Healthy Relationship by David & Tara Van Dyke launches February 2! Please help us get the word out, and preorder the book on Amazon or at IVPress.comIf you’d like to bring a marriage workshop to your organization or church, reach out to us on our website, withuprojects.com—Don’t miss next week’s podcast conversation about politics with Kaitlyn Shiess!—Produced by Zach Van Dyke

Why do we say “the birds and the bees” when we really mean developing bodies, sex, and reproduction? Maybe our euphemisms are a pretty good clue about just how awkward these conversations can be! In this episode, we’re joined by parent and teacher Jon Gabriele to explore why talking with our kids about sex can feel so tricky, whether avoiding the conversation makes it harder, and whether it’s ever too early to start. Jon shares what he’s learned teaching 4th and 5th graders through the Created by God program and offers practical ways to talk about anatomy, puberty, and sexuality in ways that are honest, positive, and developmentally appropriate.—Jon Gabriele has been teaching professionally at the elementary level for 37 years in both public and private school settings. He has enjoyed teaching the boys’ class of Created by God at Glen Ellyn Bible Church for close to 20 years. He and his wife, Glenna, have been married for 33 years and have five adult children, three daughters-in-law, and one granddaughter. He and Glenna are thankful for the invaluable support of their church family through the years and continue to enjoy serving in children’s ministries in hopes of passing on the blessings their whole family has received.—Created by God Program (per Glen Ellyn Bible Church website, gebible.org)Every year we offer a 5-week biblically-based program designed to communicate to 4-5th graders that they were incredibly created by God for His purposes. Kids will understand what is happening to them physically, emotionally, and sexually as they begin maturing. The topics of human sexuality, values and relationships are approached in a frank, honest and Bible-based manner by qualified teachers. —Extra Resources:Learning About Sex Series (used in Created By God Class), published by Concordia PublishersGod’s Design For Sex Series (4 books) by Stan Jones & Brenna JonesThe Story of Me (age 3-5)Before I Was Born (age 5-8)What’s the Big Deal? (age 8-12)Facing the Facts (age 12-16)How and When to Tell Your Kids about Sex: A Lifelong Approach to Shaping Your Child’s Sexual Character by Stan Jones & Brenna Jones10 Questions Kids Ask About Sex:  Knowing What to Say, Guiding Them to Wise Decision, Giving Age-Appropriate Answers by Bill and Pam Farrell God Made All of Me by Justin & Lindsey Holcomb (ages 2-8) —With You in Marriage: A Family Systems Approach to a Healthy Relationship by David & Tara Van Dyke launches February 2! Please help us get the word out, and preorder the book on Amazon or at IVPress.comIf you’d like to bring a marriage workshop to your organization or church, reach out to us on our website, withuprojects.com—Don’t miss next week’s podcast conversation with Dr. Mark Yarhouse on gender & sexual identity.—Produced by Zach Van Dyke

Breaking up is hard to do—but sometimes the hardest part is knowing when it’s time to let go. Why do we avoid the conversation we know we need to have? In the first episode of our new Tricky Topics of Conversation series, we’re joined by Chris and Alisa Grace of Biola University’s Center for Marriage and Relationships to talk about the complicated world of breakups. From avoiding hurt feelings and awkward face-to-face conversations to fearing loneliness, we explore why ending a relationship can be so difficult, what it looks like to break up in a healthy way, and how to move forward after the hurt.—Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace met in 1986 when they were seated at the “singles” table at a friend’s wedding. He fell in love with her quick wit, she fell in love with his motorcycle, and (after selling the motorcycle to buy her engagement ring) they were married just a year later. Now, for more than 35 years, the Graces have been writing, teaching, and speaking nationally to thousands of couples, families, and college students on healthy, Christ-centered relationships. Together, they founded and direct the Center for Marriage and Relationships at Biola University, where Chris is also a social psychologist/full professor, and Alisa is an adjunct faculty member. They also co-host the popular podcast,The Art of Relationships. Chris and Alisa live in Southern California where they have three adult children married to fabulous spouses and four absolutely perfect grandchildren.—Extra Resources: The Art of Relationships Podcast with Chris & Alisa GraceFree Download: Healthy vs. Unhealthy RelationshipsBiola University Center for Marriage & Relationships offers free relationship advice appointments, which can be booked by clicking our link here or by calling (562)392-4459.  Dr. Chris Grace’s online course “The Art (and Science) of Relationships”—Now’s the time to preorder our book, With You in Marriage: A Family Systems Guide to a Healthy Relationship. Whether you’re engaged, newly married, celebrating decades together, or working through a challenging season, With You in Marriage provides depth and practical wisdom to strengthen your marriage in every season of your life together. You can find it on Amazon, or anywhere you buy your books! —Produced by Zach Van Dyke