It's an age-old question most of us have asked. At some point, you've probably wondered how we know "Is God real?" whether you have faith or whether you are still curious about faith matters. Faith plays a central role in addressing the question, “Is God Real?” The Bible says that faith is “the substance of things hoped for. It is the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews 11:1. Faith is the cornerstone of a relationship with God. It takes more faith to believe there is no God than to believe ther...
Oct 20, 2023•12 min•Season 11Ep. 182
In our hypersexualized society, marriages have often been the carnage leaving some to wonder are marriages sexually safe anymore. Today, on Real Relationship Talk, we are blessed to have Dr. Andrew Bauman teach us how to have sexually safe marriages. We dive into the impact of pornography, trauma, and objectification of women on individuals and relationships. Our conversation takes into consideration the effects of purity culture, the importance of intimacy, and practical steps for couples to fo...
Oct 17, 2023•41 min•Season 11Ep. 181
We all have habits that are hard to let go of . . . sometimes even sins. Have you asked yourself, "How do I stop sinning?” Tune in to this Faith Friday episode to explore the concept of sin, something we all struggle with. We will go over five practical steps to help individuals live a life above sin. Romans 7:14-25 stresses the importance of recognizing the internal conflict that sin creates and is a passionate, present-tense plea from the apostle Paul about his struggle with sin. Before we kno...
Oct 13, 2023•12 min•Season 11Ep. 180
Can you have platonic friends of the opposite sex in marriage? Today, special guest Sylvia Chipman and I explore the possibility of platonic friendships within the context of marriage. We discuss the significance of forming heart-to-heart connections, the importance of intentions, the role of friends, and the challenges of being called out. We emphasize trust and safeguards, the value of open communication, and the need to be ready to listen to your partner. Where does it start: Are you putting ...
Oct 10, 2023•47 min•Season 11Ep. 179
Do you ever wonder how to find your purpose? Many of us ask, "Why am I here? What is the meaning of it all?” Today's Faith Friday episode explores this profound internal question. We’ll dive into the core of our existence, offering insight into uncovering and fulfilling your life's purpose. The Search for Purpose Statistics show that 57% of people in the US are actively seeking more meaning and purpose in their lives. Moreover, only 10% claim to know their life's purpose, with a mere 5% living i...
Oct 06, 2023•11 min•Season 11Ep. 178
Living with an emotionally unavailable or emotionally absent partner is tough. It can be lonely, disheartening, and frustrating. Many relationships move from the soulmate stage to the roommate stage due to this problem right here. This one is close to my heart - emotional unavailability in relationships. In this episode, we’ll explore the complexities of emotional detachment and, more importantly, discover the pathways to healing and connection. Picture this: you’re at your best friend's house. ...
Oct 03, 2023•32 min•Season 11Ep. 177
Have you found yourself struggling with boredom while reading the Bible? If so, you’re not alone. I've been there, too, and want to help you change that. Today’s Faith Friday episode I’m going to share some practical wisdom that will revolutionize how you engage with the Bible. Let's dive into some game-changing tips. Hebrews 4:12 NLT For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes o...
Sep 29, 2023•10 min•Season 11Ep. 176
Does your spouse or partner drive you crazy sometimes? Of course, they do! So how do you stay crazy in love when you feel anything but? Our guest, Karen Ehman, New York Times Best Selling author and Proverbs 31 Women speaker, is with us to discuss how to keep the spark burning and make our love last. Key Takeaways: Marriage is about navigating differences, not finding a perfect partner. Seek "spotter" friends who offer honest feedback and support. Love is a choice that precedes feelings, not the...
Sep 26, 2023•35 min•Season 11Ep. 175
Don't you desire to elevate freedom over fear in your family? Do you ever worry if you’re parenting and nurturing your child's faith journey correctly? Today’s Faith Friday’s special guest, Meredith Miller, will explore with us the art of parenting in a way that fosters trust in God over rigid obedience to rules. We'll discuss the significance of open and honest conversations, the value of sharing personal stories, and how to encourage your child's exploration of faith. So, let's embark on this ...
Sep 22, 2023•43 min•Season 11Ep. 174
Today, we continue discussing maintaining a sex-free relationship before marriage. In the previous episode, we learned about the WHY. In this episode, we explore the HOW - practical strategies for achieving this goal. If you missed it, be sure to catch up on last week’s episode. To start, there is a friend of mine who is struggling with having sex before marriage. This person knows it’s not God’s best for them or their relationship, but they can’t seem to stop. They asked for my help and, specif...
Sep 19, 2023•41 min•Season 11Ep. 173
Why Do I Still Feel Anxious After Praying? On today’s Faith Friday, we are discussing how to manage anxiety and nurture your faith after you pray. We also discuss the importance of shifting your focus, the detrimental effects of worry, and the profound significance of believing in God. Join us as we unpack these key takeaways and guide you through the transformative journey of strengthening your relationship with God. Let's dive in. Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in ever...
Sep 15, 2023•8 min•Season 11Ep. 172
Are we really talking about sex before marriage? And what’s the big deal, anyway? Friends, today, we are going there. We are talking about a subject that is highly controversial and highly opinionated. I will share my opinions about why I believe sex is best reserved for marriage, but I will also share some research, and all of this will be from a non-faith-based perspective. We often discuss married sex on this podcast; it's just a part of marriage, nothing to be ashamed of. But today, we're ta...
Sep 12, 2023•33 min•Season 11Ep. 171
Join us for Faith Friday, where we dive into the meaning of unanswered prayers. It's a question that often resonates with many, whether you're a newcomer to faith, a seasoned believer, or simply curious about spirituality. "Why does God not answer my prayer?" It's a question that's likely crossed your mind, just as it has mine. Before we explore this topic further, I want to make one thing clear right from the start: God answers every single prayer. Yes, you heard that right, every single one. B...
Sep 08, 2023•9 min•Season 11Ep. 170
In this episode, we’re discussing the relationship mind games people play and how to kick these detrimental relational habits to the curb. Just like clutter in our physical space, bad relationship habits (like mind games) clutter our emotional world and hinder the path to fulfilling connections. Today, I want to help you recognize these habits, understand the damage they create, and most importantly, replace them with healthier and more authentic methods of communication. LINKS MENTIONED IN THE ...
Sep 05, 2023•38 min•Season 11Ep. 169
It's Faith Friday! Join us as we delve into this inspiring message of how to hold joy and pain at the same time. Exploring personal insights and relatable experiences, we navigate the complexity of emotions and the understanding of how our spirit and heart integrate. From finding hope in scriptures to overcoming despair through faith, we share stories of choosing joy amidst life’s challenges. Tune in to discover the power of faith and find strength in every circumstance. Psalm 42:5 “Why, my soul...
Sep 01, 2023•8 min•Season 11Ep. 168
BAGGAGE CLAIM: RELEASING THE WEIGHT WE CARRY FROM RELATIONSHIP BAGGAGE In this episode, we will discuss how to drop relationship baggage that's been holding us back. Past relationships and childhood trauma create emotional baggage in current relationships. I want to help you move toward releasing that today. We will explore how to identify the types of baggage we have, how they show up in our relationships, and how you release them to move forward. We need to reflect on past experiences and cons...
Aug 29, 2023•32 min•Season 11Ep. 167
It's Faith Friday! Listen and be inspired by Mark 12:28-31 and 1 John 4:20, which helps us understand what it means to wholeheartedly love God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. See the verses below and let's ponder some things together. Mark 12: 28-31 “One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” Jesus replied, “The most important comma...
Aug 25, 2023•6 min•Season 10Ep. 166
Looking for ways to cultivate a lifelong journey of faith with your kids? Join us as we dive into practical tips, personal stories, and expert advice from Elizabeth Urbanowicz on teaching children about faith from toddlers to teens as she shares how to navigate the challenges of raising spiritually grounded children in today's world. We know that many parents feel discouraged when they see their children straying from their faith. It's easy to question if we've done enough to instill solid spiri...
Aug 22, 2023•42 min•Season 10Ep. 165
It's Faith Friday and also the three-year anniversary of Real Relationship Talk! Our faith focus is from Nehemiah 8:10, which reminds us about the power of joy and celebration. Nehemiah 8:10: And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” The enemy would have us focused on the trauma, pai...
Aug 18, 2023•6 min•Season 10Ep. 164
Forgiveness is foundational for a healthy marriage and relationship. On this episode, we will capture how to identify unforgiveness and model responsibility to others. Our guest, marriage therapist, Beth Hunter, also shares with us her amazing process of forgiving in four steps. Join us as we unpack the insights and practical strategies in this enlightening conversation. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Get your Love Is Devotional here! Interested in group coaching for married women? Learn about...
Aug 15, 2023•43 min•Season 10Ep. 163
Today's faith focus from Scripture is from Hebrews 4:16. We are discussing grace and mercy. How are they similar? How do they differ? Most importantly we need both from God and in our relationships. Join me for this conversation and learn how to apply the gift of grace and mercy in your life. Hebrews 4:16: Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Some questions to ponder: How does God show me grace? Wh...
Aug 11, 2023•7 min•Season 10Ep. 162
This episode is really simple. No matter our parenting skills, our kids will sometimes make choices that break our hearts and cause them pain. How do you keep your love on in instances like this? Today, I'm giving four practical steps to love your kids through their bad choices. 1. It's not about you. 2. It's not about them. 3. It's not about the choice. 4. It's not the end of the story. Listen all the way through and be sure to share this helpful resource with another parent who might be strugg...
Aug 08, 2023•32 min•Season 10Ep. 161
Faith Fridays: How to Hear God's Voice Today’s faith focus from scripture comes from John 10:27. Here are 5 ways to hear the voice of God. Hi friends. We’re back for another Faith Friday today. I will be talking about a topic that so many people whether you are new to your faith deep in your faith or not yet in your faith want to know about and it’s how to hear from God. John 10:27 says, "My sheep, hear my voice. I know them and they follow me." If you want to hear God's voice, you must . . . Be...
Aug 04, 2023•7 min•Season 10Ep. 160
How Putting Your Kids First Harms Your Marriage (Marriage & Family Series) Put your kids first? Nope! Listen to learn what happens when you elevate your children & their activities to where only your spouse belongs. If you have children, if you have ever struggled with finding the balance between taking care of your children and nurturing your marriage, well, then friend, this conversation is for you. If you’re Christian, you’ve likely heard of that J-O-Y acronym. Jesus. Others. You. So ...
Aug 01, 2023•35 min•Season 10Ep. 159
Can you imagine how weird it would be to see a leg hobbling down the street on its own or a hand floating through the air unattached? #StrangerThings But isn't that exactly what happens when Christians "detach" from the church, because of offense, apathy, or just plain ol' boredom? Today's faith focus is from Ephesians 4:16 : He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and ful...
Jul 28, 2023•6 min•Season 10Ep. 158
When You Disagree on How to Discipline the Kids (Marriage & Family Series) When parenting your children, disagreements don't have to come between you and your spouse. So what do you do when you and your spouse disagree on how to discipline the kids? Shaun and I have had many disagreements concerning our kids. It can tear your marriage apart when you disagree on discipline. I want us to focus on this topic because our goal is to share a little bit about our story, our failures, and some thing...
Jul 25, 2023•38 min•Season 10Ep. 157
Today's faith focus is from Romans 8:18. There are 4 different types of suffering: suffering that we bring on ourselves (think of the Israelites/Jews in the Bible); suffering that others bring on us (think of Joseph); suffering related to spiritual warfare (think of Job); and suffering for a greater purpose (think of Jesus). Regardless of the type of suffering you're enduring, you can survive and endure when you focus on what lies ahead . . . the "greater glory," as Paul puts it. Remember, your ...
Jul 21, 2023•8 min•Season 10Ep. 156
Why Your Kids Need You to "Get a Room" (Marriage & Family Series) Today we are going to get into some sex talk. This episode is going to be hot. It's going to be a bit spicy and steamy. We're talking about sex and why your kids need to see appropriate sexual affection.. How many of you have heard your kids say “Get a room!”? Shaun and I have this goal, if you will, to make our children uncomfortable and remind them that before you ever arrived on the scene, we had a very vibrant, beautiful s...
Jul 18, 2023•27 min•Season 10Ep. 155
Welcome to Faith Fridays on Real Relationship Talk. We're bringing you an additional podcast episode each Friday on the topic of real faith. These short episodes will help you learn more about God and grow in your faith, seeing his work in your relationships. Today’s faith focus is from Proverbs 25:28 and is about cultivating self-control and how doing so is the true path to freedom. It reads, "Like a city that is broken into and without walls, so is a person who has no self-control over his spi...
Jul 14, 2023•6 min•Season 10Ep. 154
7 Lessons Your Marriage is Teaching Your Kids (Marriage & Family Series) As parents, your marriage speaks loudly to your children, whether good or bad - healthy or struggling. Your kids are watching everything. And let me tell you, kids are very perceptive. Kids understand way more than we give them credit for. In today’s podcast, we are discussing seven lessons your marriage is teaching your children: from conflict resolution to grace and forgiveness, appreciation, inner vows, boundaries, g...
Jul 11, 2023•44 min•Season 10Ep. 153
