Explore every episode of the podcast FamilyLife Blended® Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 153 From Their Perspective: Talking With A Young Adult, Amelia Dellaripa | 16 Dec 2024 | 00:35:22 | |
Living in a blended family as a young adult can bring challenges and blessings. For Amelia Dellaripa, it brings many more blessings. In this podcast episode, Ron Deal talks with Amelia about her blended family of seven and how they developed love and acceptance for one another over time. Show Notes and Resources
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| 152 From Their Perspective: Losing a Dad and Life with a Stepdad with Davis & Campbell Faulkner | 02 Dec 2024 | 00:50:10 | |
What’s it like to be a teenager in a blended family? How do you manage the confusing emotions of your childhood and teenage years while also adjusting to new family dynamics? Davis and Campbell Faulkner lost their dad in a traffic accident when they were very young. Their mom remarried and they’ve navigated feelings of loss, fear, anxiety, grief, abandonment, and more as they’ve adjusted to a new stepdad and life in a blended family. Listen to their insightful conversation with Ron Deal and learn how they’ve coped and found gratitude for their current journey in the midst of loss. Show Notes and Resources
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| 143 Ghosts of Marriage Past—Dealing with Relationship Baggage | 29 Jul 2024 | 00:27:44 | |
Ghosts of marriage past—triggers from past hurt that we carry into a new relationship—are common for blended family couples. But emotional ghosts don’t just appear from relationship baggage. We can be triggered by childhood wounds, grief, or other hurts that leave a residue on our heart and create hypersensitivity to getting hurt again. As a result, we guard our heart and resist vulnerability in our relationships. In this episode, Ron Deal speaks with Gayla Grace about how to recognize our ghosts and take responsibility to move past our fears. Ron and Gayla both share ghosts they’ve wrestled with and how to have conversations with your partner that build trust in your relationship. Show Notes and Resources
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| 53: Managing Yourself in the Midst of the Unknown | 12 Apr 2021 | 00:44:02 | |
If self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, how do we allow the Spirit to cultivate that fruit in our lives? Pastor Rob Bugh answers that question and speaks with Ron Deal on the value of self-control, particularly in blended family relationships, and how his lack of it contributed to much heartache in the early years of his blended family. Show Notes and Resources Get Rob's book: When the Bottom Drops Out: Finding Grace in the Depths of Disappointment. https://www.amazon.com/When-Bottom-Drops-Out-Disappointment/dp/1414363494. See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 52: Blended and Blessed Backstage | 29 Mar 2021 | 00:57:16 | |
Blended and Blessed® is a one-of-a-kind annual event for stepfamily couples, single parents, dating couples with kids, and those who care about blended families, with valuable teaching by trusted and respected experts. Get a glimpse of the upcoming event as you listen to fun and informative interviews from previous speakers including Ron Deal and Shaunti Feldhahn. Learn more about our Blended and Blessed Livestream Event. https://www.blendedandblessed.com/. See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 51: Growing Up in a Blender: Play the Long Game | 15 Mar 2021 | 01:02:14 | |
When blended family variables create tough dynamics to parent through, we might consider giving up on those relationships. But Jim Ramos, raised in a blended family, speaks with Ron Deal about he was impacted by his parents and stepparents and the value of playing the long game in our stepfamilies. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Jim Ramos and Men in the Arena. https://meninthearena.org/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 50: Parenting Troubled Children in Stepfamilies | 01 Mar 2021 | 01:15:41 | |
How do you help a child or stepchild who feels lost, or angry, or who really fights against the family? And what if their anger or hurt is justified—and you deserve it, but everyone else doesn't? In this episode, Ron Deal speaks with Danny Huerta, Vice President of Parenting and Youth at Focus on the Family, about parenting troubled children in a stepfamily. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Focus on the Family's parenting resources. http://focusonthefamily.com/parenting See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 49: Blended Kingdom Families podcast | 12 Feb 2021 | 00:54:06 | |
People of faith want their family to be a Kingdom family—centered in God's Word and rooted in truth and grace. Listen to Ron Deal's conversation with Scott and Vanessa Martindale, founders of Blended Kingdom Families, on how to create a blended kingdom family and why that's important. Learn more about Scott and Vanessa Martindale and their ministry, Blended Kingdom Families. https://www.blendedkingdomfamilies.com/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 48: Sending & Receiving Kids Between Homes | 01 Feb 2021 | 01:26:39 | |
Stepfamily life often includes kids with two homes. Moving between those homes is not just physical for kids, but emotional, psychological, and relational. Ron Deal's panel discussion on this episode gives valuable tips on how to create smooth transitions and a secure environment when kids move between homes. Learn about Joel Hawbaker and his resources. https://reallifeleading.com/blended-families See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 47: Lessons From the School of Hard-Knocks | 18 Jan 2021 | 00:49:00 | |
The journey into a blended family is full of bumps and bruises—for someone anyway. Unpacking those for yourself, your kids, your new spouse is part of readying yourself and your family for stepfamily living. In this episode, Craig and Gina Morgan talk with Ron Deal and unpack some of their baggage and invite you to do the same as you listen. Get Craig and Gina's book, "Building Blocks to Making the Family WHOLE Again." https://www.amazon.com/Building-Blocks-Making-Family-WHOLE/dp/1733804013 See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 46: Autism and the Blended Family | 04 Jan 2021 | 01:24:13 | |
Did you know that 1 in 6 children have some form of learning disability and some form of developmental disability, according to the CDC? Dr. Stephanie Holmes is a professional counselor and mom to a child with autism and talks with Ron Deal to give tips, understanding, and perspective on raising kids with autism in a blended family. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Stephanie Holmes and her ministry. counselorstephanieholmes.com See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 45: Adult Stepfamilies: Joys and Challenges with the Holidays | 21 Dec 2020 | 00:49:17 | |
Blended family Christmases with adult children don't always go so well, especially in the early years. Adult children bring their own needs, wants, opinions, and agendas to the family and when those wants clash with the wants of the parents, conflict erupts. In this powerful episode, Ron Deal speaks with Bob and Vicki Maday and two of their adult daughters about their holiday challenges and how they worked through their differences to find a win-win for both the parents and the children. Show Notes and Resources Read various articles on Adult Stepfamilies with topics including: money, dating, and the holidays. https://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/blended-family/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 44: Overcoming Emotional Abandonment in Marriage | 07 Dec 2020 | 00:59:45 | |
Do differences in your marriage ever make you feel disconnected? Blended family couples have so many things related to step-ness that they need to manage, the last thing you need is to be irritated with one another about differences-or drift away from each other. In this episode, Neil and Sharol Josephson speak with Ron Deal and offer valuable tips on managing and overcoming a drift in marriage. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Neil and Sharol and FamilyLife Canada. https://www.familylifecanada.com/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 142 Troubled Teens & Addiction Help | 15 Jul 2024 | 00:44:28 | |
How do we help kids who are struggling with addictive behaviors? Ron Deal speaks with Dr Adrian Hickmon, who says we start by understanding the pain and void underneath their addiction, and then we must face the facts and determine the help they need. Show Notes and Resources
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| 43: Growing Up in a Blender: Who’s my Daddy? | 23 Nov 2020 | 01:11:06 | |
Imagine you have a relationship with your father for many years, then find out there are family secrets that will dramatically change your relationship and life. Stepfamily instability can bring confusion and shame to both children and adults. But God works in and through imperfect people and families. Listen to Ron Deal's conversation with Ray and Robin McKelvy and how God's love and grace brought resilience and redemption to their stepfamily story. Show Notes and Resources Episode 2: Life in a Blender with Dave and Ann Wilson. https://www.familylife.com/podcast/familylife-blended-podcast/2-life-in-a-blender-dave-and-ann-wilson/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 42: Military Stepfamilies: Mission Ready | 09 Nov 2020 | 01:00:25 | |
Did you know the military has a high-rate of couples in stepfamilies? Did you know that military personnel marry, divorce, and remarry at a younger age and more frequently than civilians do? Todd Gangl, co-founder of Military Ready Stepfamily, talks with Ron Deal about the added stressors military stepfamilies experience and how these families can create a healthy stepfamily culture that gives everyone the opportunity to bond, even amidst the challenges. Learn more about The Military Ready Stepfamily and how to create a Stepfamily Care Plan. https://www.themilitaryreadystepfamily.com/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 41: Raising Kids in a Toxic Culture | 26 Oct 2020 | 01:14:02 | |
We can't help but live in a social culture. For blended families, that culture often includes multiple homes, ambiguous roles of parents and stepparents, and lots of moving parts. Listen in while Ron Deal talks with pediatrician Dr. Meg Meeker on how parents and stepparents can protect their kids from the culture and make a lasting impact on those in their home. Learn more about Dr. Meg Meeker's book: Raising a Strong Daughter in a Toxic Culture: 11 Steps to Keep Her Happy, Healthy, and Safe. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1621575039/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 40: Battle of the Moms | 12 Oct 2020 | 00:49:52 | |
Our world expects moms and stepmoms to be against each other. The social media club of "let's bash the mom or stepmom and commiserate together" is alive and well. But when a mom and stepmom don't play that game-when they find a way past resentment and appreciate what each offers the children, and cooperate on behalf of the child-people take notice and the world celebrates a small victory. In this episode, Ron Deal speaks with Jessica Patterson, a licensed counselor and mom and stepmom about how to mitigate the battle of the moms. Learn more about Jessica Patterson. https://www.newlifecounselingcenter.com/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 39: Grandparenting and the Blended Family | 28 Sep 2020 | 00:58:01 | |
For most of us, grandparents are fabulous! They are the adults who love us, but don't have to discipline us, and because they don't have to take us home, relish the chance to spoil us. Stepgrandparenting can be all that if everyone agrees that it can-and everyone wants it to happen. Listen in on this episode while Ron Deal talks with Gordon and Carrie Taylor about the unique aspects of grandparenting in blended families. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Gordon and Carri Taylor's ministry Opportunities Unlimited. http://www.cgtaylor.com/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 38: Daily Practices for Happy Stepcouples | 14 Sep 2020 | 01:03:15 | |
Whatever we invest ourselves on a regular basis-our habits-not only become commonplace, but actually shape our decisions and our relationships. What are the habits-the daily practices-of your marriage? And how can they make your blended family marriage stronger? In this episode, Ron Deal talks with marriage and family therapist and stepfamily coach, Jayna Haney, and her husband Mike about intentional daily habits that have strengthened their marriage and stepfamily relationships over time. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Mike and Jayna Haney. https://www.thebridgeacross.com See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 37: Co-Parents, Teachers, and Your Child’s Education | 31 Aug 2020 | 01:05:26 | |
Parents, stepparents and school representatives (teachers, counselors, and administrators) all play a role in helping school-home relationships thrive. But not everyone knows how to play that role. Ron Deal is joined by school counselor Allison Weatter, principal Steven Helmick, and teacher Nan Deal, along with stepmom and author Gayla Grace, for a panel discussion on this important subject. As a parent or stepparent, how can you help teachers understand your unique stepfamily dynamics and relate to your child better? As a teacher or school counselor, how can you better advocate for and look out for your students who live in stepfamily or single parent homes? Kids wear different backpacks to school with baggage they're carrying from life experiences. Listen in for some great ideas on how to help lighten their load as a parent, stepparent, or school representative. Show Notes and Resources Learn more and register for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 36: Crisis Counselor Tips for Managing Crisis | 17 Aug 2020 | 01:01:27 | |
Stepfamily life often includes a variety of crises, some big, many small. How do you effectively manage those crises and come out on the other side with connected relationships and renewed commitment? Crisis counselor Jennifer Ellers became a stepmom and had to survive her own crisis of expectation. She and her husband, Kevin, join Ron Deal in this episode and offer tips and tools they've learned from their years in a stepfamily. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Kevin and Jennifer Ellers. http://institute4compassionatecare.com/ and http://www.crisisresponse.org/Our-Instructors/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 35: Second Wife, Second Life | 03 Aug 2020 | 00:47:48 | |
As a second wife or husband, have you ever felt second best? Or treated as second class by others? How can you be first in your spouse's heart when you're not the ONLY? In this episode, Ron Deal talks with Lore Ferguson Wilbert about how to combat your insecurities that naturally arise in second marriages. Perhaps there's a lack of trust, shame, or feelings of competition with your partner's former spouse. Whatever the reason, insecurities dissipate when we look to God as our source of love for our identity. We can respond from His wellspring of love even in the midst of hard emotions, offering compassion for our spouse instead of competition with someone who isn't even in the picture anymore. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Lore Wilbert at Sayable.net. See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 34: Finding Support for Your Family | 20 Jul 2020 | 01:06:25 | |
Are you looking for support for the unique dynamics and challenges that stepfamily life brings? Have you wondered where you can go to get help? Then this episode is for you! Ron Deal talks with Gil and Brenda Stuart on how to find a church that will support you as a stepcouple, how to know if you need counseling and where to go, and what to do if not everyone is willing to go. It might be as simple as attending a small group at your church with other couples on a similar journey. But you must commit to go! Listen in as we talk about the value of finding the right support for your stepfamily and your part in making it happen. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Gil and Brenda Stuart. https://gilandbrenda.com/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 141 Overcoming Stepparenting Myths | 01 Jul 2024 | 00:25:49 | |
Stepparenting myths have been around a long time, and they can negatively impact stepparents if not understood well. Although there might be some truth to them, the non-truth messages create tension and confusion for us. Ron Deal talks with Gayla Grace about how to sort through the reality and false messages of myths such as: All stepmothers are wicked and all stepfathers are abusive, stepparents can easily take on a high parental role, stepfamilies can behave as traditional families, we will love biological and stepchildren the same, and if you call them "my children," they will like being your children. Show Notes and Resources
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| 33: Bonus Parenting | 06 Jul 2020 | 00:59:18 | |
If you had your pick, what term would you use for the stepparent in your family? Some people are perfectly fine with “stepparent”, but others prefer “bonus parent” or “Smom” if you’re a stepmom. And, does the label really matter? Or is it how you conduct yourself as a stepparent that matters? Ron Deal will get into all that and more on today’s FamilyLife Blended podcast with guests, Steve and Misty Arterburn. Learn more about Steve and Misty Arterburn http://www.stevearterburn.com/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 32: The Essentials of Co-parenting | 11 May 2020 | 01:05:43 | |
If you've ever had frustrations dealing with between-parenting issues, today's conversation will provide you practical help. We're going to wrestle with the every day hiccups of co-parenting and the stressful, ultra frustrating challenge of dealing with a difficult former spouse. Healthy co-parenting truly works. Jay and Tammy Daughtry talk with Ron Deal about how they have thrived in this area and how you can do the same. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Jay and Tammy Daughtry's ministry http://modernfamilydynamics.com/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 31: Mother’s & Father’s Day in Blended Families | 06 May 2020 | 00:57:04 | |
For stepparents, biological parents, and children, Mother's Day and Father's Day seem to have tons of swirling emotions. How do you manage this so the day doesn't work against you? Our panel of guests today react to the challenges that all members of a stepfamily can feel on these special days. Previous podcast guests have shared their experiences and tips for you. Additionally, Ron Deal talks with Bryan Stell, Jennifer Walker, Tanisha Johnson and Shannon Simmons about how they each have lived and learned through the many Mother's Days and Father's Days they have celebrated. The Smart Stepmom by Ron Deal and Laura Petherbridge. https://shop.familylife.com/p-5665-the-smart-stepmom.aspx See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 30: Re-Sex: The Challenges of Sex for Blended Family Couples | 27 Apr 2020 | 01:15:34 | |
Should you ask your spouse about their previous sex life? What if you find yourself thinking about sex with your former spouse-is that a problem? And, what if your spouse is thinking about sex with their former spouse-should you be concerned? What if there are clear differences in your sex life now and then-what do you do with that and how do you keep it from being a problem? Healthy marital sexuality is important to the vitality of any marriage. More and more, married couples are engaging in re-sex, that is, a second or subsequent sexual relationship. Whether the story is death, divorce, or relationship dissolution, one or both partners has had a sexual relationship with at least one other person prior to the current marriage. Dr. Juli Slattery joins Ron Deal to have a conversation about sex. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Dr. Juli Slattery. https://www.authenticintimacy.com/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 29: When A Parent Goes M.I.A. | 20 Apr 2020 | 01:03:17 | |
If a parent dies, it is devastating to a child and the other parent has to carry the load of parenting. But what if one parent is there, but absent. Many people think life would be easier if the other parent was "missing in action". It's not. That kind of ambiguity is confusing for everyone. And, how does that impact a blended family, kids, and a parent and stepparent who have to pick up all the pieces? Despite their strong faith and good intentions, Andy and Heather Hetchler were blown away by how hard it was to bring their two families together when one former spouse was an MIA parent. Eventually they made some headway and began sharing what they learned with others. This is their conversation with Ron Deal. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Andy and Heather's ministry Learn2Step. https://www.learning2step.com/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 28: Growing Up in a Blender | 13 Apr 2020 | 01:09:09 | |
Many times the voice of the child in a blended family is drowned by the conflict and loss associated with how the couple entered the stepfamily journey. In this episode, Ron Deal invites children of divorce, Ryan Guinee and David Bowden, to share how they grew up in a stepfamily blender. They offer perspective on their experiences and progress as adult men with wives and children of their own. Learn more about David Bowden's ministry. https://www.spokengospel.com/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 27: Beyond Broken | 06 Apr 2020 | 00:51:52 | |
We sometimes hear the term "broken" when people describe families that have gone through a divorce. However, Ron Deal suggests that we not refer to stepfamilies, as broken families because all of humanity is broken due to sin. Today's guests Sandi Patty and Don Peslis share how brokenness was a starting point for their relationship and how God has redeemed their story beyond broken. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Sandi and Don. https://www.sandipatty.com/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 26: Two Homes, Two Sets of Values: From a Child’s Point of View | 30 Mar 2020 | 00:55:38 | |
What if you were hearing conflicting messages about moral values-from two people you loved and respected-and very much wanted to please? That is what a child who lives in two different homes and is part of a blended family often feels. Melody Fabien joins Ron Deal for a conversation about her experience learning to navigate between the homes, hearts, and faith of her divorced parents. Her stance to remain sexually abstinent before marriage was not supported by one of her parents and caused much heartache. Learn how she eventually reconciled how to live between two homes and how God redeemed her story and continues to use it to help other couples. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Melody Fabien. http://www.cdandmelody.com/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 25: Building Love Together in Blended Families | 23 Mar 2020 | 00:52:36 | |
Dr. Gary Chapman has spread the message of love languages to millions of people. In this episode, Dr. Chapman and Ron Deal discuss their new book, Building Love Together in Blended Families, and how couples can navigate love languages in stepfamilies. Through stories, research, and practical tips, they encourage families to help build love together in: marriage, stepparenting, sibling relationship, and grandparenting. Show Notes and Resources Building Love Together in Blended Families by Dr. Gary Chapman and Ron Deal. https://shop.familylife.com/p-5763-building-love-together-in-blended-families.aspx See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 24: Blending Despite Betrayal | 16 Mar 2020 | 00:58:05 | |
As a first-marriage, blended family, Darryl and Gwen Smith had good intentions when they wed over thirty years ago. However, their immaturity and emotional baggage led to a divorce. Utlimately, after spending time in prison and losing his family, Darryl became a Christian. God restored him and began to soften Gwen's heart toward him. They discuss with Ron Deal their remarriage and how God is helping them to unpack their baggage and continuing to heal their family. Learn more about the Blended and Blessed® livestream. https://www.blendedandblessed.com/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 140 A Home Built From Love & Loss | 17 Jun 2024 | 00:47:18 | |
After losing her husband in a tragic accident, Sabrina McDonald looked forward to her young kids having a dad again. But she wasn’t prepared for the challenges that followed. Her kids felt threatened by her new spouse and competed for her attention. Her dream of being part of a family again didn’t happen quickly. And stepparenting felt awkward and unfamiliar in the beginning. In this episode, Sabrina shares her lessons of love and loss with Ron Deal and how God met her in the wilderness, showed her that brokenness didn’t mean ugliness, and encouraged her to keep going despite her fears and uncertainty about the future. Today, she rejoices to have found familyness again after remarriage. Show Notes and Resources
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| 22: The Clutter-Free Home, the Clutter-Free Family | 02 Mar 2020 | 00:57:22 | |
Many stepcouples know that they will be merging families, but most don't realize that they are merging their belongings, as well. Maybe you combined two families and didn't have room for everything. Who decides what goes and what stays? Author and speaker, Kathi Lipp, helps people de-clutter their homes. She and Ron Deal will discuss how we all need to purge things from our relationships as well. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Kathi Lipp, her books, and events. https://www.kathilipp.com/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 21: Stepfamilies and The Holidays | 11 Nov 2019 | 00:51:56 | |
It's that time of year again when you not only need to plan for the holidays but need to prepare for the co-parenting issues that inevitably arise. Ron Deal and guests share their wisdom and blunders of navigating holidays through the years. We'll also hear holiday tips and ideas for stepfamilies from previous podcast guests. The Smart Stepfamily by Ron Deal. https://shop.familylife.com/product/the-smart-stepfamily/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 20: About to Blend | 04 Nov 2019 | 00:58:30 | |
Whether you are dating, engaged or single hoping to marry one day, there are preparations to make if you or your significant other have children. How do you get ready to blend? Drs. Jeff and Judi Parziale discuss with Ron Deal how they coach couples in pre-stepfamily work and the wisdom they have learned in their 20 year marriage. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Blended and Blessed®. www.blendedandblessed.com See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 19: Financing Togetherness in Blended Families | 28 Oct 2019 | 00:57:11 | |
The topic of money matters can be a pain point in any marriage and family. However, blended families can produce monetary minefields! Debt, child support payments, and inheritance conundrums influence couples' decisions in stepfamilies. Instead of blowing up, Ron Deal, Greg Pettys, and David Edwards offer a better way to handle your money as they discuss financial planning and how blended families can finance togetherness. Show Notes and Resources The Summit on Stepfamily Ministry All-Access Digital Pass gives you the best content from the 2019 Summit, including all of the breakout sessions. PLUS, bonus backstage interviews and messages from previous Summit's. https://shop.familylife.com/p-5675-all-access-pass-summit-2019.aspx See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 18: The Blessing and Your Blended Family | 21 Oct 2019 | 01:01:05 | |
For each of us, regardless of our age, the acceptance of our parents and significant others in our life is incredibly important. Many people spend a lifetime searching for something the Bible calls, The Blessing. John Trent and his daughter, Kari Trent-Stageberg, join Ron Deal for a conversation about how the principle of blessing has affected their lives and how it can be applied to parenting and blended families. Show Notes and Resources Take The Blessing Challenge. https://www.theblessing.com/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 17: Grief and the Blended Family | 14 Oct 2019 | 00:54:31 | |
If death or divorce is part of your stepfamily journey, then you know the pain and obstacles that can come when blending a family. In this episode, Ron Deal talks with Brian and Diane Fromme. They have been married 25 years-a second marriage for both of them. Diane was divorced with no children, and Brian, with two children, lost his first wife to cancer. They share stories and wisdom from their experience, and Diane gives insight on the challenge of entering a family that is grieving the death of a parent. Learn more about Diane Fromme. http://www.dianefromme.com/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 16: The Childless Stepmom | 07 Oct 2019 | 01:13:43 | |
Whether by choice or chance, the stepmom who hasn't birthed children of her own can find loneliness in her role with her stepchildren and her relationship with her husband. Ron Deal talks with Laura Petherbridge, The Smart Stepmom, has over twenty years of experience, as a childless stepmom who has helped countless women redefine what it means to mother and love children who don't share their DNA. Learn more about Laura Petherbridge. http://www.laurapetherbridge.com/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 15: Navigating Your Custody Battle | 30 Sep 2019 | 01:07:40 | |
One of the unfortunate and sometimes ugly results of a divorce is a custody battle. How do you sift through the murky waters of lawyers, legalities and loss while parenting your children? Throw in sustaining a healthy marriage will cause even more challenges. Ron Deal talks with Willie and Rachel Scott about their perspective and how God walked them through their individual stories of custody matters. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Better than Blended. https://betterthanblended.com/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 14: In Their Shoes | 23 Sep 2019 | 01:08:58 | |
Have you ever wondered what's really going on inside a child of divorce? Or what their experience of your blended family is? Lauren Reitsema, is a wife and mother, and grew up a child of divorce and living between two stepfamilies. On this episode Ron Deal and Lauren address common questions parents and stepparents ask about kids-and share insights that will help you love and lead them well. Lauren Reitsema's lastest book "In Their Shoes." https://www.christianbook.com/helping-parents-understand-connect-children-divorce/laren-reitsema/9780764233012/pd/233015?event=ESRCG See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 13: Calming Angry Kids | 16 Sep 2019 | 00:49:02 | |
Does your childhood, or previous relationships, ever creep into your current ones? If you've ever noticed that certain themes tend to repeat in our relationships you are not alone. And you'll want to listen if you've ever had an angry kid in your home and you've wondered what to do about it. Ron Deal is talking about that and much more with USA-Today Best-selling author Tricia Goyer. Tricia Goyer's latest book "Calming Angry Kids." https://www.triciagoyer.com/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 139: Growing Up Blended: My Stepdad | 03 Jun 2024 | 00:37:30 | |
Growing up blended often includes hard transitions and isolation for those involved. But Marshall West's story is different. He shares with Ron Deal the beauty of God's provision for two families coming together after loss, giving him a dad he never had and two brothers who were never considered “step.” Marshall was 12 when his mom married his stepdad, a pivotal point for him. Marshall had been praying to have brothers join his family, and his stepdad had been praying for a Mom for his two boys. Marshall credits the Lord and His goodness for bringing two broken things together and creating a family.
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| 12: Overcoming Betrayal | 10 Jun 2019 | 01:02:06 | |
Betrayal in marriage can be devastating. Kyle and Sheri Keffer have both experienced betrayal in previous marriages and have seen how the effects can carry over into a new marriage. They join Ron to discuss what betrayal can do to a person, the shame that sexual betrayal can produce, and how they're finding healing. Kyle and Sheri are both marriage and life therapists as well as sex addiction therapists. Sheri is a frequent co-host on the radio program New Life Live! with Steve Arterburn and has written the book Intimate Deception: Healing the Wounds of Sexual Betrayal. Learn more about Dr. Sheri Keffer. https://drsherikeffer.com/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 11: Undone: Making Peace With the Life You Have | 03 Jun 2019 | 00:58:30 | |
Michele Cushatt has experienced divorce, blended family life, adoption, and is a three time cancer survivor. In this episode Michele and Ron discuss the unexpected journey of her life and the hard work of parenting hurting kids. Learn more about Michele Cushatt. https://michelecushatt.com/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||
| 10: A Battle for Your Child and a Fight For Your Marriage | 27 May 2019 | 00:49:49 | |
What would you do if the night before your wedding one of your children comes to you and says, "Please don't get married tomorrow?" On this episode, Mike and Kim Anderson discuss how they handled that as well as how they dealt with losing their daughter to her biological father's control. Learn about Mike and Kim's ministry. https://www.mikeandkimcoaching.com/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy | |||