Keeping Your Vows When Your Spouse Can’t Give Back

What books should every Christian couple have on their shelf? In this episode, we share our top recommendations for men, women, and couples, covering discipleship, marriage, parenting, and spiritual growth. From classics like Pilgrim’s Progress and Knowing God to practical guides like Disciplines of a Godly Man and The Excellent Wife, discover resources that will strengthen your faith, your marriage, and your family legacy.Books mentioned:For Men:Disciplines of a Godly Man — R. Kent HughesKnowing God — J. I. PackerThe Pilgrim’s Progress — John BunyanFor Women:The Excellent Wife — Martha PeaceFrom Pride to Humility — Stuart ScottStepping Heavenward — Elizabeth PrentissFor Couples:The Complete Husband — Lou PrioloI Still Do — Dave HarveyWhen Sinners Say I Do — Dave HarveyShepherding a Child’s Heart — Tedd TrippBy Life or by Death: The Life and Legacy of John and Betty Stam — Vance ChristieAdditional Mentions:This Momentary Marriage — John PiperThe Tapestry — Edith SchaefferMere Christianity — C. S. LewisTotal Truth — Nancy PearceySusie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon — Ray RhodesThe Art of Divine Contentment — Thomas WatsonWhen People Are Big and God Is Small — Edward WelchPeople Pleasing: Overcoming the Fear of Man — Lou PrioloFighting Fear with Fear — Edward WelchWritings by Elisabeth ElliotChat with Bre on Instagram @datenightwiththewoods Follow Tony on Instagram @drtonygwood For videos, old episodes, blog posts, events, and more www.datenightfam.org

Marriage vows are tested most deeply in sickness. In this episode, we share our own journey of walking through illness, the sacrifices it requires, and how to love your spouse when they can no longer give back. Be encouraged to keep your vows faithfully, find strength in God’s Word, and cherish the covenant you made, “in sickness and in health."Chat with Bre on Instagram @datenightwiththewoods Follow Tony on Instagram @drtonygwood For videos, old episodes, blog posts, events, and more www.datenightfam.org

What happens when a structured “doer” marries a spontaneous “dreamer”? Personality differences can enrich your marriage, or cause constant frustration. In this episode, Tony and Bre share biblical wisdom on how to understand your spouse, embrace your differences, and avoid the common mistake of excusing sin as “just the way I am.”Chat with Bre on Instagram @datenightwiththewoods Follow Tony on Instagram @drtonygwood For videos, old episodes, blog posts, events, and more www.datenightfam.org

Public schools in California and other progressive states are no longer simply teaching academics, they’re actively stripping parents of their God-given role. From hiding critical information about gender identity, to promoting LGBT curriculum, to allowing abortion pills for minors without parental consent, the state is claiming authority over your children’s hearts, minds, and bodies. In this episode of Date Night with the Woods, we unpack the biblical mandate for parents to be the primary disciplers of their children (Deuteronomy 6, Proverbs 22, Ephesians 6), and we expose how modern legislation is undermining that role. We’ll also share practical options for homeschooling, private schooling, and church-based education, and encourage moms and dads who feel overwhelmed by this fight.Chat with Bre on Instagram @datenightwiththewoods Follow Tony on Instagram @drtonygwood For videos, old episodes, blog posts, events, and more www.datenightfam.org

Amber Smith shares a heartfelt message on what it truly means to be a wife through adversity and trial. Drawing from her own journey of deep loss and faith, Amber contrasts the myth of “happily ever after” with the truth of Christ’s sustaining grace. In this powerful talk, she encourages women to endure, to hold fast to their covenant, and to keep their eyes on Jesus in the midst of hardship.Chat with Bre on Instagram @datenightwiththewoods Follow Tony on Instagram @drtonygwood For videos, old episodes, blog posts, events, and more www.datenightfam.org

Being a biblical wife isn’t always easy, especially when your husband isn’t leading as he should. In this special episode of Date Night with the Woods, recorded during the Women’s Breakout Session at our ONE Conference, GraceAnna Castleberry shares a heartfelt and practical message on how women can honor the Lord in their marriages, even in less-than-ideal circumstances.Chat with Bre on Instagram @datenightwiththewoods Follow Tony on Instagram @drtonygwood For videos, old episodes, blog posts, events, and more www.datenightfam.org

Marriage isn’t a movie, and intimacy isn’t always easy. From pregnancy and illness to exhaustion and unmet expectations, every couple faces seasons where physical intimacy is difficult. In this episode, we unpack 1 Corinthians 7, discuss how to pursue God-honoring intimacy, and offer practical encouragement for couples navigating these real-life challenges.Chat with Bre on Instagram @datenightwiththewoods Follow Tony on Instagram @drtonygwood For videos, old episodes, blog posts, events, and more www.datenightfam.org

In this conversation, we sit down with our college-age son to reflect on what we did right and wrong as parents. From his struggles with assurance of salvation to navigating independence, faith, and cultural pressures as a Gen Zer, we hope this episode encourages both parents and young adults in this launching phase of life.Chat with Bre on Instagram @datenightwiththewoods Follow Tony on Instagram @drtonygwood For videos, old episodes, blog posts, events, and more www.datenightfam.org

What should you do when your child says, “I believe in Jesus”? In this episode, we walk through how Christian parents can lovingly respond to their child’s profession of faith, without crushing it or rushing it. Learn how to fan the flame, walk with wisdom, and trust God with your child’s soul. Chat with Bre on Instagram @datenightwiththewoods Follow Tony on Instagram @drtonygwood For videos, old episodes, blog posts, events, and more www.datenightfam.org

Online sermons and social media can be helpful, but they can also quietly steal our hearts from the local church. In this episode, we talk about the importance of staying rooted in your church family, the dangers of digital discipleship, and why your kids need to see you prioritize Sunday mornings. Chat with Bre on Instagram @datenightwiththewoods Follow Tony on Instagram @drtonygwood For videos, old episodes, blog posts, events, and more www.datenightfam.org