Balancing it All: Marriage and Parenting

There is no way to know what kinds of challenges life is going to give us as we raise our kids, but we can know for sure that God is good! His Word is clear: we need to pray for each other. Instead of judging another families’ choice to have children or not… we need to pray for each other. Today’s podcast is a great reminder of how to stay connected as a couple in the midst of raising children and be sure to stay on the same page. Join us!

So how do we decide what to do where having babies is concerned? Join us for a few minutes of honest talk about the ups and downs of parenting... 24 years later ... and what the Bible says!

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Resources for this series:

The Busy Mom’s Guide to Romance by Heidi St. John

Do you ever wonder where the girl your husband married went? This book is for every mom who has collapsed into bed at the end of the day, looked into the eyes of her husband and promised “tomorrow” she’d have time for him.
Trouble is, tomorrow finds her more exhausted than the day before.

If you have ever felt caught between the demands of nurturing your children and meeting the needs of your husband, you’re not alone. Read and discover how even a busy homeschool mom can make time to nurture her marriage. It’s not as hard as you think—and more important than you may realize.

The Parenting Collection by James Dobson

It can be tough to be a mom or dad. Aren’t there days when you wish you could sit down with an expert on parenting—somebody who really understands what you’re going through and knows just what advice and counsel to give you? Good news: The parenting wisdom you need is here—in one complete volume! In The Dr. James Dobson Parenting Collection, you’ll find three bestselling books (The New Dare to DisciplineThe New Strong-Willed Child, and Parenting Isn’t for Cowards) containing the straightforward, practical, biblical truths you need—from Dr. James Dobson, the world’s foremost authority on parenting.

Grace Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel
Parents in our post-modern world tend to be committed to but anxious about their child-rearing responsibilities. They’ve tried the countless parenting books on the market, but many of these are strident, fear-based books that loving parents instinctively reject, while still searching for direction.

Now Dr. Tim Kimmel, founder of Family Matters ministries, offers a refreshing new look at parenting. Rejecting rigid rules and checklists that don’t work, Dr. Kimmel recommends a parenting style that mirrors God’s love, reflects His forgiveness, and displaces fear as a motivator for behavior. As we embrace the grace God offers, we begin to give it-creating a solid foundation for growing morally strong and spiritually motivated children

Parenting Isn’t for Cowards: The ‘You Can Do It’ Guide for Hassled Parents by James Dobson

Does your heart skip a beat when you think of all that could go wrong in the parenting years ahead? Anxiety is normal, but your worst fears don’t have to become reality. Speaking both as a therapist and a father—and drawing on a landmark study of thirty-five thousand parents—Dr. James Dobson helps you .

The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller

“Incredibly rich with wisdom and insight that will leave the reader, whether single or married, feeling uplifted.”—The Washington Times

Based on the acclaimed sermon series by New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller, this book shows everyone—Christians, skeptics, singles, longtime married couples, and those about to be engaged—the vision of what marriage should be according to the Bible.

Modern culture would have you believe that everyone has a soul mate; that romance is the most important part of a successful marriage; that your spouse is there to help you realize your potential; that marriage does not mean forever, but merely for now; and that starting over after a divorce is the best solution to seemingly intractable marriage issues. But these modern-day assumptions are wrong. Timothy Keller, with insights from Kathy, his wife of thirty-seven years, shows marriage to be a glorious relationship that is also misunderstood and mysterious. The Meaning of Marriage offers instruction on how to have a successful marriage, and is essential reading for anyone who wants to know God and love more deeply in this life.

4 Seasons of Marriage: Secrets of a Lasting Marriage by Gary Chapman

The seasons of marriage come and go. Each one holds the potential for emotional health and happiness, and each one has its challenges. The purpose of this book is to describe these recurring seasons of marriage, help you and your spouse identify which season your marriage is in, and show you how to enhance your marriage in all four seasons.

His Needs, Her Needs: Building an Affair-Proof Marriage by Willard Harley

In the classic bestseller His Needs, Her Needs, Willard F. Harley, Jr., identifies the ten most vital needs of men and women and shows husbands and wives how to satisfy those needs in their spouses. He provides guidance for becoming irresistible to your spouse and for loving more creatively and sensitively, thereby eliminating the problems that often lead to extramarital affairs.

This revised and expanded edition has been updated throughout and includes new writing that highlights the special significance of intimate emotional needs in marriage.

One More Try: What to do When Your Marriage is Falling Apart by Gary Chapman

When doors slam and angry words fly, when things just aren’t working out, and even when your spouse has destroyed your trust, there is hope. If you feel like your marriage is near the breaking point – even if you have already split up – Gary Chapman will show you how you can give your marriage one more try.

Separation does not necessarily mean divorce is imminent. Matter of fact, it’s possible that separation may even lead to a restored, enriched, growing marriage. The outcome of this time of transition is determined solely by the individuals involved. If you’re willing to make the most of that process, begin the journey with confidence as Gary walks you step-by-step towards healing and hope.

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About Heidi St. John

Heidi has been married to her husband Jay since 1989. Together they have seven children and three grandchildren! The St. Johns homeschooled their kids all the way through high school. Heidi is the the author of seven books, host of the popular podcast "Off the Bench," and the founder of MomStrong International, an online community of women learning God's Word and how to apply it to every day life. She and her husband Jay are also the founders of Firmly Planted Family and the Firmly Planted Homeschool Resource Center, located in Vancouver, Washington.

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