Episode 58 - How to Thrive as a Blended Family (feat. Ron Deal)

More Than Roommates

December 26, 2023 • Ron Deal, Scott Kedersha, Derek Davidson • James 4:6

Approximately one-third of all weddings in America today form stepfamilies and many couples are either currently part of a stepfamily or grew up in a stepfamily. And even if you didn’t, chances are extremely high that you know some stepfamilies. In this episode, we interview Blended Family speaker, author, and podcaster, Ron Deal. We hope this episode helps your marriage and family and that you’ll share it with a friend!

Questions to Discuss:

Have you ever given any consideration to the unique challenges and opportunities of stepfamilies?

What did you learn that was new to you about blended/step families?

How does pride affect you and your marriage?

Take a few moments to pray for your family and for any stepfamilies you know.

Resources:

Book - The Smart Stepfamily, by Ron Deal

Website - Family Life Blended – Strengthening Stepfamilies

Website – SmartStepfamilies.com

Podcast – FamilyLife Blended

Episode 81 - How To Grow In Emotional Intimacy (Part 2 In A Series)

June 18, 2024 • Scott Kedersha, Gabrielle McCullough, Derek Davidson • Galatians 6:1–2, Ephesians 5:31–32, Matthew 18:15–17, Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, Genesis 2:25

In Part 2 in a series on emotional intimacy, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss how to practically grow in emotional intimacy with your spouse. Check out Part 1 of this 2-Part series if you haven't already! Scriptures: Genesis 2:25 Galatians 6:2 Ephesians 5:31-32 Matthew 18:15-17 Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Resources: Podcast – More Than Roommates - Episode 80 – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-roommates/id1667102563?i=1000658593477 Podcast – More Than Roommates - Episode 64 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-roommates/id1667102563?i=1000645987570 Book – https://amzn.to/3z3uw1d, by Jennie Allen Book – https://amzn.to/4c2ndp4, by Chip Dodd Book - https://amzn.to/3x287qr, by Dave and Ashley Willis Questions to Discuss: 1. How do you handle an “emotional mismatch” in your marriage (when one more readily expresses/shares/shows their emotions)? 2. What prevents you from being emotionally intimate with your spouse (i.e., technology, invalidation)? 3. How can you create more time and space for emotional intimacy?

Episode 80 - Fully Known, Fully Loved (Part 1 in a series on emotional intimacy)

June 11, 2024 • Scott Kedersha, Gabrielle McCullough, Derek Davidson • Genesis 2:25, 2 Corinthians 12:9–10

We don’t often talk about emotional intimacy in marriage—we get to be fully known and fully loved in marriage. In part 1 of this 2-part series on emotional intimacy, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss what it means to be emotionally intimate in marriage. Scriptures: Genesis 2:25 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Resources: Book – https://amzn.to/4c2ndp4, by Chip Dodd Book - https://amzn.to/3x287qr, by Dave and Ashley Willis 3 Questions to Ask Your Spouse: 1. Is there anything that I’m holding back from or not confessing to my spouse? 2. How can we be more emotionally intimate with each other (i.e., clear out time and space for emotionally intimacy)? 3. Am I providing a safe space for my spouse?

Episode 79 - Is Drinking Good For Your Marriage?

June 4, 2024 • Scott Kedersha, Gabrielle McCullough, Derek Davidson • 1 Corinthians 6:12, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Ephesians 5:18, Isaiah 2:22, John 2

Are you and your spouse thoughtful about your views and practices about drinking/alcohol? In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss how to be more thoughtful about decisions you make about drinking and alcohol. Scriptures: John 2 1 Corinthians 6:12 1 Corinthians 10:31 Ephesians 5:18 Isaiah 5:22-23 Questions to Discuss: 1. When did you have your first alcoholic drink (if ever)? 2. How can you and your spouse be more thoughtful about alcohol and your marriage? 3. Have a conversation with your spouse and an age-appropriate conversation with your kids about alcohol. Resources: Christ-Centered Recovery - https://www.regenerationrecovery.org/ & https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ https://www.regenerationrecovery.org/struggles/substance-abuse Resources