Your Marriage Matters

This week we're reminding couples that the best marriages are built by those who never stop learning. We're inviting you to become a student of marriage — and of your spouse — with three incredible resources: 📘 The 5 Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman — Learn how to speak the unique "love language" of your spouse, whether that's Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Quality Time, Physical Touch, or Gifts. Discover why love often gets "lost in translation" and how to fix it! 📝 The Relational Needs Survey by David Ferguson — A practical tool that helps you identify your deepest relational needs (like acceptance, respect, support, or comfort) and how they show up in your marriage. Knowing your spouse's needs creates a roadmap for deeper connection. 📖 Marriage by Paul David Tripp — A gospel-centered look at marriage, reminding us that two broken people in a broken world desperately need grace. Tripp provides honest truth, real-life examples, and biblical wisdom to help couples move from frustration to flourishing. ✅ Invest in your marriage today — because great marriages don't just happen, they're intentionally built!

Our Back to School series concludes with a very special interview featuring Matt & Julie Barnhill. These two are not only gifted counselors, they are also dear friends and incredible role models. Spending time with them is like being in the presence of master teachers. In this episode, they unpack timeless lessons for marriage, family, and faith—leaving us encouraged, inspired, and equipped to live with greater intentionality. This is one you won't want to miss. Jim & Christie Jacobus

Marriage is the most important class you'll ever take! In this solo episode of Your Marriage Matters, Christie Jacobus, Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Nurse, takes you 'Back to School' to learn the ABC's of a Successful Marriage. With practical wisdom and heartfelt insights, Christie shares how appreciation, beliefs, and commitment can transform your relationship. Tune in and take home tools that will help you and your spouse graduate your marriage with honors!

Hey gang ... We're back—and it feels good to be "Back to School"! In this kickoff episode of Your Marriage Matters, Jim and Christie share their #1 marriage flex: never stop learning. After 38 years of marriage, they've discovered that growth—personal and relational—is the foundation for a vibrant, resilient, and joy-filled marriage. Together, they unpack 10 powerful reasons why a growth mindset is essential for couples, from keeping the marriage dynamic to modeling something transformative for kids and grandkids. You'll also hear about their reset of the podcast, YouTube channel, and Instagram—and why now is the time to go back to school on your marriage. This month's theme, Back to School, sets the stage for a series of conversations and resources designed to help you and your spouse keep learning, growing, and reconnecting with God's design for marriage. Jim & Christie Jacobus www.yourmarriagematters.com

The Fundamentals for Building A More Vibrant, Healthy Marriage! Hey gang ... Welcome to Your Marriage Matters episode 189 - The Fundamentals for Building A More Vibrant, Healthy Marriage! Since we are doing a new YouTube channel. we felt like it was important to go back to the fundamentals as a reset for everything we are going to be covering in the days and weeks ahead! The fundamentals we are going to be covering during this episode are simple but powerful! They are: Create a "shared vision" for creating a compelling life together! Master the critical skill of communicating effectively! Master the equally critical skill of being able to solve life's inevitable problems together! In this episode we discuss these from a bit of a 30,000ft view! In future episodes we will get into much more depth with very practical, real world skills anyone can learn! We do want to get you started creating a shared dream together so we put together a "Bucket List Exercise" downloadable pdf to prompt your discussion with each other! You can download this exercise by Clicking Here! Thank you for joining us for this episode. Click Here to watch the YouTube video! Catch you next week ...

Problems, struggles, and conflict are signs of a healthy relationship! Two imperfect people working to build a life together in an imperfect world are bound to face struggles. This is due to the mere fact that they: Are male and female Grew up in different households Have different personality styles Have different views on sex, money, household roles and responsibilities, parenting, and a dozen other subjects. All of this, and more, means there will be conflict! What matters is how we handle it!!! This entire month, we will be following the theme of "I Am NOT the Enemy" (thanks Ben and Megan Coleman) and looking closely at effective strategies and mindsets for turning the inevitable differences we are going to have into a strength in our relationships! Knowing we have each other's backs and that we will process struggles in a positive and healthy way builds confidence in ourselves and in each other! It isn't easy but it is well worth it!

Join Jim & Christie Jacobus on episode 187 of Your Marriage Matters as they delve into the profound lessons learned from their adventurous journey as full-time RV travelers. In this insightful episode, 3 Life Lessons From the Road,  they explore: Beauty Everywhere: Explore the breathtaking landscapes of America through the eyes of seasoned travelers. Discover how every corner of this country holds its own unique charm and beauty, reminding us to appreciate the world around us. People's Splendor: Dive into the heartwarming experiences of connecting with diverse communities across the nation. Jim & Christie share inspiring stories that highlight the kindness, resilience, and beauty of humanity found in every place they visit. Embracing the Moment: Learn the invaluable lesson of living in the present and making the most of every opportunity. With a message of "DO IT NOW," they encourage listeners to seize the moment, explore new horizons, and forge meaningful connections without delay. Tune in to Your Marriage Matters and embark on a journey of discovery, inspiration, and joy with Jim & Christie Jacobus!

Welcome back to Your Marriage Matters with Jim it's the foundation upon which emotional connection, communication, stability, and growth thrive. In this episode, we discuss: Foundation of Emotional Connection: How trust lays the groundwork for deep emotional intimacy. Enhances Communication: The role of trust in fostering open, honest communication. Promotes Relationship Stability: How trust contributes to a stable and secure partnership. Strengthens Bonds: Ways in which trust strengthens the bonds between partners. Encourages Growth and Development: How a trusting environment encourages personal and relational growth. Tune in as we share practical insights and actionable tips on how to cultivate trust in your marriage. Whether you're newlyweds or seasoned partners, these strategies will help you nurture a relationship built on trust, respect, and love. Listen to the full episode on Your Marriage Matters podcast now! Ways to Develop Trust: Be Honest: Transparency and honesty are the building blocks of trust. Follow Through on Commitments: Keeping promises reinforces reliability. Communicate Openly: Create a safe space for open, non-judgmental communication. Respect Boundaries: Honor each other's boundaries to build trust and mutual respect. Be Dependable: Consistency and reliability are key to earning and maintaining trust. Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share this episode to help others strengthen their marriages and build trust in their relationships. Let's spread the love and wisdom together!

🎙️ Join Jim and Christie Jacobus on Your Marriage Matters as they dive deep into "The 5 R's of Spring Cleaning Your Marriage"! 🌷 In this episode, they discuss practical strategies to revitalize your relationship and create a stronger bond this spring. From reorganizing your time together to renovating your finances, refreshing appreciation, revitalizing shared goals, and renewing your commitment, Jim and Christie provide actionable tips for couples to strengthen their marriages. Tune in to discover how to: Prioritize quality time for bonding activities. 2. Align your financial goals and create a budget together. 3. Express gratitude and appreciation for each other daily. 4. Set new challenges and adventures as a couple. 5. Reaffirm your love and commitment to each other. Don't miss out on valuable insights that can transform your marriage! 🌟 Subscribe, listen, like, and share this episode with friends and family who could benefit from a healthy and thriving relationship! 💑✨ Listen now on your favorite podcast provider or watch on YouTube and followYour Marriage Matters with Team Jacobus for more inspiring content! 🚀 #YourMarriageMatters #SpringCleaningYourMarriage #RelationshipGoals #PodcastWisdom #JoyhaulingWithTeamJacobus 🌻

In this episode of Your Marriage Matters podcast with Jim & Christie Jacobus we talk about the one habit that can change your marriage. We are going to introduce couples to the idea of having a weekly meeting. Doing so is a great habit and can help get couples on the same page in a busy day to day life. Weekly meetings can ,,, Improved Communication: Regular meetings provide a dedicated time for couples to discuss important matters, express their feelings, and share updates about their lives. This fosters open and honest communication, leading to better understanding and connection. Conflict Resolution: Meeting weekly allows couples to address any issues or conflicts promptly. By discussing concerns in a structured manner, couples can work together to find solutions and prevent conflicts from escalating. Shared Goals and Planning: Couples can use these meetings to set goals, plan activities, and discuss long-term aspirations. This helps them stay aligned with each other's priorities and work towards common objectives, fostering a sense of teamwork and unity. Quality Time: Weekly meetings create dedicated time for couples to focus solely on each other without distractions. This quality time strengthens their bond, enhances intimacy, and reinforces their commitment to the relationship. Financial Transparency: Meetings can include discussions about finances, budgeting, and financial goals. This promotes transparency, accountability, and responsible financial management within the marriage. Emotional Support: Couples can provide emotional support, encouragement, and reassurance during these meetings. Sharing successes, challenges, and emotions in a supportive environment strengthens the emotional connection between partners. Conflict Prevention: Regular check-ins can help identify potential issues early on, allowing couples to address concerns before they escalate into larger problems. This proactive approach can prevent misunderstandings and improve overall relationship satisfaction. Increased Trust: Through consistent communication and transparency, couples build trust in each other. Knowing that they have a dedicated time to discuss important matters fosters a sense of

Join Jim & Christie Jacobus as they dive deep into the crucial topic of the 5 things that can slowly erode the foundation of your marriage. In this eye-opening episode, they discuss: Communication Issues: Uncover the secrets to effective communication that can transform your relationship. Lack of Appreciation: Discover the power of showing gratitude and appreciation to reignite the spark in your marriage. Ignoring Conflict Resolution: Learn practical strategies to resolve conflicts constructively and strengthen your bond. Neglecting Quality Time: Explore the importance of carving out quality time for each other amidst life's busyness. Neglecting Personal Growth: Find out how personal growth contributes to a thriving marriage and a fulfilling life together. Tune in to gain valuable insights and actionable tips to revive intimacy, joy, and love in your marriage. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your friends and family. Join our vibrant community on Facebook for ongoing support and resources to nurture your marriage journey. Let's build stronger, happier marriages together! 🔗 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform and watch the video version on our YouTube channel. Link in bio! #YourMarriageMatters #MarriageGoals #HealthyRelationships #JoyfulMarriage #Podcast #YouTube #JoinOurCommunity #LikeSubscribeShare #HappyMarriageHappyLife 🌟

Join Jim & Christie Jacobus on a transformative journey in this episode of Your Marriage Matters. Discover the profound truth that a great marriage is deeply rooted in worship, illuminating three essential facets of worship: Worship God as Creator: By acknowledging God as the creator of all things, including your marriage, you unlock the door to understanding the divine design behind your relationship. Worship God as Sovereign: Embrace the sovereignty of God in your marriage, recognizing His authority and wisdom in orchestrating every aspect of your journey together. Worship God as Savior: Lean into the redemptive power of God as your savior, finding hope and renewal in His grace and forgiveness within your marriage. Through heartfelt worship, Jim & Christie reveal how: Recognizing the sin, weakness, or failure of your spouse is a divine opportunity, not a coincidence. God unveils the needs of your spouse to you, empowering you to become an instrument of His redemption and rescue. Unity, understanding, and love flourish in marriages rooted in the worship of God. Each glance at your spouse becomes a reflection of God's handiwork, reinforcing the sacredness of your bond. Tune in to this episode to deepen your marital connection and experience the joy of worshiping together. Listen, like, share, and subscribe to Your Marriage Matters on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on YouTube and Facebook at Your Marriage Matters to stay updated on our latest episodes and insights! Listen Now and Transform Your Marriage!

Tune in to this episode of Your Marriage Matters, where we reflect on our recent participation at the One Night For Oneness Marriage Conference. Delve into the profound lessons we shared, including the significance of the apple tree analogy in understanding marriage dynamics. Explore why conventional approaches like threats, manipulation, and guilt fail to address the core issues in relationships, and how focusing on the heart is the key to lasting change. Gain valuable insights into recognizing and addressing your own role in marital challenges. 🔊 Key Takeaways: Unpacking the apple tree analogy and its relevance to marriage Why traditional tactics like threats and guilt are ineffective in solving marital issues Understanding that all marriage problems are rooted in matters of the heart The transformative power of self-awareness and personal growth in marriage improvement

In this highly anticipated episode, Jim & Christie Jacobus take you on an enlightening journey through the heart of marriage. Fresh from their engaging presentation at the One Night For Oneness Marriage Conference, they delve into profound truths that form the bedrock of enduring relationships: Romance as a Result, Not a Cause: Discover why Jim & Christie believe that romance isn't just a spark but the radiant outcome of a robust foundation in marriage. Accountability in Communication: Join the discussion on how embracing accountability for our words and actions fosters deeper understanding and intimacy in relationships.  The Heart's Role in Marital Dynamics: Gain valuable insights into the central role the heart plays in shaping our interactions, emotions, and connections within marriage. The Power of Words: Explore the profound link between the condition of our hearts and the words we speak, and how this impacts the quality of our relationships.   Connect with Jim & Christie Jacobus on their official website - www.yourmarriagematters.com. Or, follow our Facebook Group - YourMarriageMatters

Welcome back to Your Marriage Matters! As we wrap up February, the month of love, we're diving into the profound wisdom of Paul David Tripp's "Love is" statements. Join us as we break down these five powerful statements to help strengthen and deepen your relationship. Being Committed to Unity: Learn why it's more important to prioritize unity and understanding over winning arguments or being right. Discover how embracing unity can transform your relationship dynamics. Investing Time in Communication: Explore the significance of investing time to discuss and understand relational problems. We'll share practical tips for staying focused and resolving conflicts effectively. Valuing Trust and Faithfulness: Understand the crucial role of trust in relationships and the importance of being faithful to your promises. Discover how trust forms the foundation for a strong and lasting bond. Speaking Kindly and Gently: Discover the power of speaking kindly and gently, even during disagreements. Learn how to communicate effectively without attacking each other's character. Practicing Selflessness: Explore the significance of serving and supporting each other, even amidst busy schedules and exhaustion. Find inspiration to prioritize your partner's needs above your own. Join us as we unpack these Love is statements and discover practical ways to enrich your marriage!

In this week's episode of Your Marriage Matters, hosts Jim and Christie Jacobus dive deep into the dynamics of relationships, armed with insights from The 5 Love Languages, Relational Needs, and DISC personality profiles. Discover how understanding and embracing our differences can strengthen the bond between partners. By recognizing and honoring each other's unique ways of expressing love and fulfilling relational needs, couples can foster deeper connection and harmony in their marriages. Join Jim and Christie as they unpack the importance of communicating with empathy and adapting to our partner's love languages and personality traits for a more fulfilling relationship journey.

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Your Marriage Matters Podcast with Jim & Christie Jacobus: Pre Valentine's Day Edition! Are you ready to elevate your Valentine's Day experience? Join the dynamic duo, Jim and Christie, on this week's podcast episode, where they unravel the secrets to making this romantic occasion truly unforgettable. •       Be Proactive: Don't settle for ordinary! Jim and Christie advocate for breaking free from the last-minute scramble and share insightful tips on being proactive in finding that perfect, thoughtful gift. Discover how a little planning can transform your Valentine's surprise into a cherished memory. •       Be Creative: Inject a dose of creativity into your celebration with the Cupid Challenge 2024! Immerse yourself in 14 fantastic ideas and challenges curated by Jim and Christie to add that extra spark to your Valentine's experience. From sweet gestures to exciting challenges, this is the perfect way to infuse fun and connection into your celebration. •       Be Intentional: Dive into the art of intentional love with Jim and Christie. Understand why knowing your partner's desires is the key to making them feel truly special. Discover the joy of selecting a gift that resonates with them, ensuring this Valentine's is all about celebrating their uniqueness. Tune in now for a delightful blend of love, laughter, and invaluable wisdom that will make your Valentine's Day extraordinary! 🌹💑 #Joyhauling #ValentinesDay #MarriageMatters

Welcome to another episode of the Your Marriage Matters podcast with Jim

🚀 Join us in this eye-opening episode of "Your Marriage Matters." Together, let's delve into the fascinating interplay between our core beliefs, thoughts, and actions within the intricate tapestry of marriage. 🔄 The Core Belief Cascade: In this episode we unpack the profound impact of core beliefs on the trajectory of a marriage. We will unravel how negative core beliefs, such as viewing marriage as a trap, can set off a chain reaction leading to negative thoughts and actions. Conversely, discover the transformative power of positive core beliefs, where marriage becomes an opportunity for shared growth, paving the way for positivity in every aspect. 🌱 Cultivating Positivity: Explore practical strategies and insights on fostering positive core beliefs about marriage. Whether you're navigating the nuances of a long-standing relationship or just embarking on the journey of marriage, this episode provides actionable takeaways to strengthen the foundation of your connection. 🎭 Perspectives from Jim and Christie: Experience the synergy gained from 37 years of marriage, experiencing the ups and downs and learning how to make your life together full of 99.9% ups! 🎉 Embrace the Joyful Journey: Tune in for learning and a lot of laughs as we share anecdotes and experiences that resonate with couples at every stage. Subscribe to "Your Marriage Matters" for a dose of inspiration and practical wisdom that will transform the way you view and navigate the beautiful adventure of marriage. Never Forget …<

In episode 173 of Your Marriage Matters podcast, Jim and Christie Jacobus delve into the critical importance of cultivating the right thoughts about marriage, oneself, and one's partner. This episode serves as a follow-up to their previous discussion on how core beliefs significantly impact our thoughts. Jim, drawing on his expertise as a professional speaker, and Christie, as an online counselor, explore the profound influence thoughts have on actions and the overall dynamics of a relationship. They share practical strategies for aligning core beliefs with a positive mindset to enhance marital well-being. The conversation extends to scriptural insights, referencing passages like Luke 6:41-42 and Philippians 4:5. The hosts unravel the biblical perspective on thoughts, emphasizing their role in the context of a healthy and thriving marriage. As they navigate through these profound insights, listeners can expect practical tips from Jim's experiences and Christie's counseling expertise. The episode aims to equip listeners with a deeper understanding of the power thoughts hold in shaping the dynamics of marriage. Whether reflecting on biblical wisdom or gleaning insights from the hosts' professional backgrounds, the episode offers valuable takeaways for building and sustaining a joyful and fulfilling marital relationship. As always, Jim and Christie encourage their audience to subscribe, rate, and leave a review, and invite them to connect further on their Joyhauling with Team Jacobus podcast and YouTube channels. Tune in for more episodes packed with wisdom and practical advice for cultivating stron

Welcome to another episode of "Your Marriage Matters" with Jim and Christie Jacobus, where we dive deep into the foundations of a healthy marriage.  In today's episode, we're exploring the significance of core beliefs in fostering a strong and lasting marital bond.  Core beliefs are the fundamental convictions and principles that shape our perspectives and guide our actions. In the context of marriage, they form the bedrock of the relationship, influencing how partners interact and navigate through the journey together.  1: You Can't Change, Cure, or Control Someone Else One key core belief we emphasize is the understanding that individuals have their own autonomy. Accepting that you cannot change, cure, or control your partner is liberating. It encourages open communication and acceptance, fostering an environment where both partners can grow individually.  #2: Pursue the Best Version of Yourself and Your Partnership: In our case, as Team Jacobus, we believe in the importance of pursuing personal growth and excellence within the relationship. This core belief underscores the idea that by striving to be the best version of ourselves, we contribute positively to the partnership, creating a dynamic where both partners continuously evolve and thrive together.  #3: Unconditional Love as Part of God's Plan for Marriage: Our third core belief centers around the divine aspect of marriage. We explore the idea that part of God's plan for marriage involves learning to love each other unconditionally, mirroring the unconditional love that He showers upon us. This core belief deepens the connection between partners and reinforces the spiritual foundation of the marital relationship.  In today's episode, we've looked into the essence of just 3 core beliefs in a marriage. By embracing these principles - recognizing individual autonomy, pursuing personal growth, and practicing unconditional love – you can strengthen your marriage and build a resilient foundation for a fulfilling and lasting life together! Connect with us on: Your Marriage Facebook Group: Your Marriage Matters Instagram: @TeamJacobus YouTube at Your Marriage Matters Explore our Blog: www.yourmarriagematters.com/blog Subscribe to our podcast on your preferred platform! If you wish to reach out, feel free to contact us at <a href= "mailto:info@

This is part 2 of our "4 Questions" annual process we go through to make sure 2024 is going to be the best year ever. We trust you will enjoy questions 3 and 4! Repeat of last week's show notes ...  People often ask us how we manage to stay in sync as a couple and maintain that synchronization over time. The key to our success lies in one word: communication. We firmly believe in the power of open, transparent and frequent communication, which allows us to be on the same page. One of the effective processes we've implemented is what we call "The 4 Questions." We initiated this practice over two decades ago, and it has become a yearly ritual for us. As we approach the end of each year, we engage in this process to prepare for the upcoming one. The impact of this process has been so profound that we've shared it with friends, family, our church community, and Jim delivers it to a number of his corporate clients annually. This year, we're excited to share our "4 Questions" process with you over the next two weeks. We encourage you to answer these questions both individually and collectively, considering both your personal and professional roles In life. You can find a downloadable worksheet to guide you through the process at www.yourmarriagematters.com/170. Connect with us on: Your Marriage Facebook Group: Your Marriage Matters Instagram: @TeamJacobus YouTube at Your Marriage Matters  Explore our Blog: www.yourmarriagematters.com/blog Subscribe to our podcast on your preferred platform! If you wish to reach out, feel free to contact us at [email protected]. Looking forward to connecting with you next week! Jim & Christie

People often ask us how we manage to stay in sync as a couple and maintain that synchronization over time. The key to our success lies in one word: communication. We firmly believe in the power of open, transparent and frequent communication, which allows us to be on the same page. One of the effective processes we've implemented is what we call "The 4 Questions." We initiated this practice over two decades ago, and it has become a yearly ritual for us. As we approach the end of each year, we engage in this process to prepare for the upcoming one. The impact of this process has been so profound that we've shared it with friends, family, our church community, and Jim delivers it to a number of his corporate clients annually. This year, we're excited to share our "4 Questions" process with you over the next two weeks. We encourage you to answer these questions both individually and collectively, considering both your personal and professional roles In life. You can find a downloadable worksheet to guide you through the process at www.yourmarriagematters.com/170. Connect with us on: Your Marriage Facebook Group: Your Marriage Matters Instagram: @TeamJacobus YouTube at Your Marriage Matters <li style= "line-height: 90%; text-inde

In this exciting and fun episode, join our hosts as they sit down with two extraordinary couples, Mindy and Chris Harris, and Hannah and Austin Pierce. Get ready to delve into the depths of married life and uncover the invaluable experiences and wisdom these newlyweds have to share about their wedding day and everything that went into it!. Discover the emotions as Jim & Christie ask the question, "How does it feel being married?" Listen in awe as Mindy and Chris, along with Hannah and Austin, paint a vivid picture of the transformative power of love and commitment, expressing their heartfelt sentiments and sharing the joys they have already found in marriage. Journey with us as we delve into their wedding days, relishing in the details of these enchanting events. Explore the laughter and tears that accompanied them, and brace yourself for the surprises that left them breathless. Uncover the lessons they learned and the changes they would make if given the chance. But it doesn't stop there! Be prepared to take notes as our guests provide invaluable advice for couples embarking on their own marital journeys. From the process to the preparation, and even the intricacies of the actual day itself, Mindy, Chris, Hannah, and Austin impart their hard-earned wisdom, ensuring that every couple has a head start towards a flourishing and meaningful union. And as the episode draws to a close, we look toward the future and explore what lies ahead for these amazing couples. Find out the exciting new adventures, dreams, and aspirations that await Mindy, Chris, Hannah, and Austin. Their stories will leave you inspired and eager to embrace the infinite possibilities that marriage holds. Tune in to "Your Marriage Matters" with Jim & Christie Jacobus, where love and commitment take center stage, and gain invaluable insights from these remarkable couples. Get ready to ignite the fire in your own relationship and witness firsthand how marriages truly matter. Don't miss a moment of this extraordinary podcast episode!

Last week we discussed Jim's favorite topic for a great marriage - mindsets! This week we look at Christie's fav topic - skill sets! One is worthless without the other so we trust you will enjoy!  In this podcast you will discover the secrets to a thriving relationship on the latest episode of Your Marriage Matters podcast! Join relationship experts Jim & Christie Jacobus as they unveil the three essential skills that will revolutionize your love life. In this episode, you will learn: Effective Communication: Discover the key techniques to enhance communication with your partner, allowing for better understanding, active listening, and meaningful dialogue. Conflict Resolution: Gain valuable insights on how to navigate conflicts in your relationship with grace and ease. Learn practical strategies to address disagreements constructively and find mutually satisfying resolutions. The Power of Compassion: Explore the transformative power of compassion in your relationship. Discover how practicing empathy and understanding can foster deep connection, empathy, and intimacy. With their years of expertise and practical advice, Jim & Christie will guide you towards a deeper connection and lasting happiness in your relationship. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your relationship into something truly extraordinary. Tune in now and make your marriage matter! Jim & Christie Jacobus

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matters, where we explore the essential mindsets for a thriving and enduring marriage. In this episode, we'll dive into the 10 critical mindsets that form the foundation of a successful partnership. Commitment: Approach marriage with unwavering dedication and understand that it requires effort and perseverance. Cultivate a deep commitment to your partner and the relationship to ensure its strength and longevity. Communication: Prioritize open and honest communication. Actively listen to your partner's thoughts, feelings, and needs, and express yourself clearly and respectfully. Effective communication is vital for understanding, connection, and resolving conflicts. Empathy: Cultivate empathy to understand your partner's perspective, emotions, and experiences. Foster a sense of understanding and compassion. Empathy strengthens the bond between partners and nurtures a supportive and harmonious relationship. Respect: Treat your partner with respect, valuing their opinions, boundaries, and individuality. Avoid criticism, contempt, or disrespect. Mutual respect lays the groundwork for trust, appreciation, and a healthy dynamic. Teamwork: Embrace a teamwork mentality, recognizing that you and your partner are a united front working towards common goals. Support each other through challenges, celebrate victories together, and foster a sense of partnership and unity. Compromise: Master the art of compromise. Find solutions that benefit both partners and be willing to make concessions when conflicts arise. Maintaining harmony and balance through compromise is essential for a thriving marriage. Gratitude: Practice gratitude for your partner and the relationship. Acknowledge and appreciate their positive qualities and the efforts they make to enhance the marriage. Cultivating gratitude fosters a positive and appreciative mindset. Forgiveness: Cultivate the ability to forgive and let go of past grievances. Recognize that nobody is perfect, and holding onto resentment hinders the growth of the relationship. Forgiveness allows healing and renewal within the marriage. Adaptability: Embrace flexibility and adaptability as life circumstances change. Be willing to adjust and navigate those changes together as a couple. An adaptable mindset ensures resilience and growth in the face of challenges. Continuous Growth: Commit to personal and relational growth. Recognize that a successful marriage requires ongoing effort, learning, and self-improvement. Embrace opportunities for growth individually and as a couple to strengthen your bond. By adopting these 10 critical mindsets, you can lay a solid foundation for a successful and fulfilling marriage. Embrace commitment, effective communication, empathy, respect, teamwork, compromise

Of all of the habits we have been discussing this series just how important are the spiritual habits we develop? We believe they may be more important than all of the rest! In this episode of Your Marriage Matters, Jim and Christie Jacobus explore the importance of cultivating spiritual habits within a marriage. They discussed a variety of practices and activities that can enhance the spiritual connection between partners, ultimately leading to a stronger and more fulfilling relationship. Here's a recap of the key points discussed: Reading and Studying Scripture: Jim and Christie emphasized the significance of regularly engaging in the reading and study of scripture as a couple. They highlighted how delving into sacred texts can deepen one's understanding of faith and provide a foundation for spiritual growth within the marriage. Shared Prayer: The hosts stressed the power of shared prayer in fostering a strong spiritual bond between partners. They discussed the benefits of coming together in prayer, emphasizing how it allows couples to seek guidance, express gratitude, and nurture a deeper connection with God. Hanging Out with Godly People: Jim and Christie encouraged couples to surround themselves with like-minded individuals who are committed to their faith. They discussed the importance of spending time with Godly people, as it can provide support, encouragement, and opportunities for spiritual growth within the marriage. Getting Involved in Something God Is Doing: The hosts highlighted the value of actively participating in activities aligned with God's purpose. They discussed how engaging in acts of service, missions, or community involvement can strengthen the couple's spiritual journey and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in the world. Practicing Gratitude Individually and as a Couple: Jim and Christie emphasized the transformative power of practicing gratitude. They discussed how cultivating a habit of gratitude individually and as a couple can foster a positive mindset, deepen appreciation for life's blessings, and enhance the spiritual connection within the marriage. Practicing Forgiveness Towards Each Other and Others: The hosts underscored the importance of forgiveness in nurturing a healthy and harmonious marital relationship. They discussed how extending forgiveness to one another, as well as to others, is a vital spiritual practice that promotes healing, growth, and the restoration of relationships. Engaging in Meaningful Conversations about Faith: Jim and Christie encouraged couples to engage in open and meaningful conversations about their faith. They discussed the value of discussing beliefs, doubts, questions, and experiences, as it allows partners to deepen their understanding of one another's spiritual journeys and strengthen their connection. Embracing Ritual

Are you ready to take your relationship to the next level? Join hosts Jim and Christie Jacobus on their podcast, Your Marriage Matters, where they share valuable insights and practical advice on building a strong and prosperous marriage. In this episode, they uncover the secrets to healthy financial habits for engaged or seriously dating couples. Money can be a sensitive subject, but Jim and Christie are here to guide you through the journey of financial harmony. They emphasize the importance of open and honest communication about money. By discussing your financial goals, priorities, and concerns regularly, you can ensure that you and your partner are on the same page. Conflicts may arise, but fear not! Jim and Christie reveal the keys to conflict resolution when it comes to finances. They encourage couples to create a safe space to discuss differences in financial values, priorities, and approaches. Through active listening, compromise, and finding common ground, you can resolve disagreements and prevent financial issues from straining your relationship. Ready to take control of your finances? The dynamic duo shares their wisdom on budgeting. By creating a joint budget that reflects both partners' income, expenses, and savings goals, you can avoid unnecessary financial stress and set yourselves up for success. But financial success isn't just about the numbers. Jim and Christie emphasize the significance of shared financial goals. Whether it's saving for a dream house, retirement, or a well-deserved vacation, they guide you on how to work together, align your efforts, and make joint decisions to achieve these goals. While working towards shared goals, it's equally important to maintain individual financial independence. Jim and Christie empower you to have personal spending money and be involved in managing your own finances, fostering a healthy balance in your relationship. Unexpected expenses are inevitable, so be prepared! The hosts advocate for building an emergency fund together. Aim for three to six months' worth of living expenses and contribute to it regularly, ensuring peace of mind in times of financial uncertainty. Debt can be a burden, but it doesn't have to be. Jim and Christie reveal strategies for debt management. Tackle existing debts as a team, prioritizing high-interest debts first. By avoiding new debt whenever possible, you can pave the way for a debt-free future. Looking ahead, Jim and Christie stress the importance of saving for the future. Whether it's exploring retirement account options like 401(k)s, IRAs, or pension plans, or starting to save early to take advantage of compounding growth, they guide you on investing in your future together. Regular financial chec

Welcome to another episode of Your Marriage Matters, the podcast where we explore the keys to a successful and fulfilling marriage. I'm your host, Jim Jacobus, and I'm joined by my wonderful co-host and partner, Christie Jacobus. Summary: In today's episode, we dive into the essential elements of a healthy relationship. We'll discuss effective communication, healthy conflict resolution, mutual respect, emotional support, quality time, boundaries and independence, shared responsibilities, physical intimacy, emotional resilience, and mutual goals and growth. These elements form the foundation of a thriving and lasting marriage. Key Points: Effective Communication: Open and honest communication is crucial for couples. We explore the importance of active listening, expressing thoughts and emotions clearly, and avoiding defensive or aggressive behavior. Communication lays the groundwork for understanding and connection in your relationship. Healthy Conflict Resolution: Disagreements and conflicts are inevitable in any relationship. We'll share valuable insights on cultivating healthy conflict resolution skills, such as active listening, compromise, and finding solutions together. By addressing conflicts constructively, you can strengthen your bond and grow together. Mutual Respect: Respect is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship. We emphasize the significance of respecting each other's opinions, boundaries, and individuality. We'll provide tips on recognizing and appreciating each other's strengths and differences, fostering a sense of harmony and appreciation. Emotional Support: During challenging times, emotional support is vital. We'll discuss the importance of being empathetic, understanding, and offering reassurance and encouragement to each other. Discover how to navigate difficult moments as a team and build a strong foundation of emotional support. Quality Time: Spending quality time together is essential for maintaining a thriving marriage. We delve into the significance of regular shared activities that both partners enjoy, fostering connection and intimacy. Discover ways to prioritize quality time and strengthen your bond. Boundaries and Independence: Maintaining personal boundaries and respecting each other's need for space and individuality is key to a healthy relationship. We discuss the importance of encouraging each other's personal growth and interests while fostering a sense of togetherness and support. Shared Responsibilities: Establishing a fair division of household chores, financial responsibilities, and decision-making promotes a sense of equality and reduces stress. We provide strategies for effectively managing shared responsibilities, creating a balanced and harmonious partnership. Physical Intimacy: Physical affection, intimacy, and sexual connection are vital as

Does your physical health impact the health of your relationship? Simple answer - absolutely! Join us on a journey to prioritize your physical health as a couple and strengthen your bond like never before. We are thrilled to present ten essential habits that will revolutionize your approach to physical well-being. Are you ready to embark on this exciting adventure together? 1️⃣ Regular Exercise Together: Discover the joy of shared physical activities. Whether it's taking leisurely walks, cycling, swimming, dancing, or joining a fitness class, exercising as a couple not only improves your physical health but also deepens the connection between you. 2️⃣ Meal Planning and Cooking Together: Unleash your culinary creativity and plan nutritious meals as a team. Engage in grocery shopping, meal prepping, and cooking to transform these activities into fun and collaborative endeavors. 3️⃣ Healthy Eating Habits: Embrace a balanced diet with an abundance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Bid farewell to processed foods, sugary drinks, excessive salt, and sugar consumption to embark on a healthier lifestyle together. 4️⃣ Regular Sleep Schedule: Create a sleep routine that nourishes your bodies and minds. Prioritize getting enough sleep each night by cultivating a relaxing environment and developing nighttime rituals that promote restful slumber. 5️⃣ Active Weekend Outings: Embrace the beauty of the outdoors by planning exhilarating weekend activities like hiking, cycling, kayaking, or exploring new places. As you immerse yourselves in physical activity, you'll forge unforgettable memories together. 6️⃣ Active Date Nights: Break free from the mundane and infuse your date nights with energy. Opt for active adventures like bowling, mini-golf, or dance classes. By embracing physical activity, you'll add excitement and variety to your relationship. 7️⃣ Team Sports or Recreational Leagues: Rediscover the thrill of friendly competition as you join local sports teams or recreational leagues together. This fantastic opportunity not only keeps you active but also allows you to expand your social circle. 8️⃣ Regular Health Check-ups: Prioritize your well-being by scheduling routine check-ups with healthcare professionals. By staying vigilant and catching potential issues early, you can ensure a healthier future for both of you. 9️⃣ Fitness Challenges or Goals: Unleash your inner athlete by setting fitness goals or challenges as a couple. Train for a charity run, participate in fitness challenges, or aim to reach a specific number of steps or workout sessions per week. Together, you can achieve greatness. 🔟 Support Each Other's Wellness: Stand as pillars of strength and support each other's physical health journeys. Be the accountability partner your partner deserves, encouraging and motivating one another to stay consistent with exercise, healthy eating,

Welcome to "The Relationship Blueprint: Mastering 5 Habits for Sustained Success!" with your hosts, Jim and Christie Jacobus! Join us for an exciting podcast episode where we explore the fascinating world of habits and how they can shape your life. In this special series spanning five weeks (and possibly more!), we'll guide you on a journey towards building incredible habits that will amplify the magic in your relationship. Are you ready to make your dreams a reality? Our first habit is all about fostering strong communication through regularly scheduled weekly "team" meetings. Discover the immense benefits of setting aside dedicated time to align your visions, discuss goals, and support each other's aspirations. We'll share practical insights and a suggested agenda to help you get started. Tune in and embark on this transformative adventure with us. Together, we'll unlock the potential of habits and create an extraordinary future that surpasses your expectations. Join Jim and Christie Jacobus on "Habits Unleashed" - the podcast that empowers you to shape your destiny, one habit at a time. Let's dive in! Jim & Christie "Team" Jacobus

Do you want to learn how to achieve big things in your life without putting your relationship at risk? Well, you're in luck! In this podcast, we reveal the secret behind our success in working together as a couple. We call it the I D E A process, and it's a simple yet powerful tool that can help you achieve your goals without sacrificing your relationship. I D E A stands for: Inspiration Discussion Education Action We'll guide you through each step and show you how to apply it to both big and small projects. But that's not all! We'll also share some essential ground rules that will improve not only your relationship with each other but also your individual lives. Whether you're planning a wedding, building a home, or pursuing a career, this podcast is a must-listen for any engaged couple looking to achieve success without compromising their love for each other. Tune in now and discover how the I D E A process can transform your relationship! Jim & Christie Jacobus

What moments in a wedding day are critical to your personal enjoyment and the enjoyment of your guests?  Well, Jim did a wedding this past weekend and on our way home we started discussing all of the great moments that were had by the couple and the guests and we had so much fun reliving the event we thought ... "why not do a podcast about it"! So, here are 10 Key Moments In A Wedding Day You Absolutely Want To Get Right"! We trust you will enjoy! Let us know if you have any questions ...  PS ... just seriously dating? Still a fun discussion to have! Jim & Christie Jacobus

What is one of the most important skills a couple can develop to keep their lives together vibrant and exciting? That is learning to create a shared vision for their futures both as individuals and as a couple.  We always talk about being intentional. In this podcast we discuss how important it is to have: A clear mission! A clear vision! A clear set of shared values! A set of goals both individual and as a couple And committing to be a great team! We also encourage you to sit down and go through our Bucket List exercise. Download that exercise on our Facebook page documents section by Clicking Here! As always we want you to know that we are here for you if we can help in any way and to remind you that YOUR Marriage Matters!  See ya next week gang ...  Team Jacobus

Ever wondered what it would be like to be in a relationship with or marry someone who is fully committed to being the best version of themselves and is always growing and improving in every aspect of their life? It would be pretty awesome, don't you think? There's a quote that we often use to guide our search for the right person to share our life with: "become the person the person you are looking for is looking for." So, if we want to find someone who is always growing, we must also be on that same path ourselves. In this episode, we will discuss why it is crucial to continually grow and learn, and we will offer numerous ideas on how to achieve it. If you're reading this and listening to YOUR Marriage Matters, you're already on the right track! Let's make personal growth a part of our daily lives. Remember: "As long as we are learning, we are living...the moment we stop learning is the moment we start to die." We hope you enjoy this podcast as we conclude our series on the 4 Cornerstones of a great life together! To join the Facebook Group YOUR Marriage Matters, Click Here!   Jim & Christie Jacobus

Let's get this straight ... you will have problems, challenges and outright conflicts in your relationship! It is inevitable!!! How you handle them will be the key to the success in your lives moving forward! Handling them well will actually enhance the strength of your connection as well as creating a deeper level of intimacy you won't be able to ever experience without these skills and principles! So, here is what you will find in this podcast: Conflict is a normal part of a healthy relationship! One of our favorite skills - "Rate the Debate"! Another of our faves - "Fight NAKED"! Some biblical wisdom from Luke 16: 41-42 And our own personal challenges and victories when it comes to solving challenges we have faced together! Enjoy the podcast and let us know if we can help you in any way! Jim & Christie Jacobus

Is there any more critical in a relationship than being able to effectively communicate openly and transparently with each other? NOPE!!! There is not! That is one of the reasons we are constantly doing podcasts about communications, teaching workshops that always include communications and, work very hard about improving our own communications. It is that critical! In this podcast we: Share with you two very important skill sets in the form of our Speaker Checklist and our Listener Checklist. You can Click Here to download our PDF that covers these two skills! We will also share with you 10 No No's when it comes to effectively communicating with each other (and the rest of the world for that matter!) Have 7 Powerful Communication Tools we all need to be intentional about mastering and using day in and day out! Will teach you one of the most powerful techniques we teach in our workshops we call "The Two Chairs". At the end of the podcast we give you 6 conversations you can use to practice the checklists, avoiding the No No's, the 7 tools and the chairs! Here are the  6 Great Conversations we created just for you:  One thing I would like for us to find common ground on is …  It really hurts my feelings when you …  One thing you could do that would really make me feel loved is …. I would like to see us reduce our spending on …  When it comes to our families could we … The one thing I think would make us a better team is … Also, in the podcast we referred to one of our favorite tools, The Relational Needs Survey and learning more about making our partner feel loved. Here are the links to the two podcasts about the Relational Needs Assessment! Take the time to do this and watch how your relationship grows!!!  Click Here to access the podca

What better way to answer that question than going straight to two "Nearlywed" couples that are just weeks away from saying :I do" and interview them?   Hannah and Austin  Mindy and Chris In this week's episode we ask these guys some great, even tough, questions about what their seriously dating and engagement phases have been like! You will hear them answer, very candidly, the following questions: Why do you want to get married? What have been some of the struggles you have faced while dating and engaged? What have been the fun parts of this time in your lives? Any unexpected blessings? What, if anything, do you think will be different once you say "I do"? Imagine you have been married for 30 years ... what would you want people to say about you individually and as a couple?  What is one piece of advice or insight you would want to give our couples out there that are engaged or seriously dating? This was both a fun interview and a great learning experience. We trust you will enjoy it! For your homework this week Click Here to download our discussion on creating a "Bucket List" together! And, Click Here to download our Speaker/Listener Checklist to guide you through the discussion above! Additionally we encourage you to join our Facebook group by Clicking Here! Jim & Christie Jacobus

Hey gang! In this podcast episode we preview a series we have entitled The 4 Foundations of A Great Relationship! It is intended to do exactly what the title says. As you are seriously dating or engaged we want you to begin working on the 4 things that will become the backbone of you experiencing everything you hope for if/when you walk down the aisle together to say "I DO"! We will be covering the following: Communication Conflict resolution and/or problem solving Creating a shared vision Committing to being the best version of yourselves both individually and collectively And, we have an interview with a few couples that are currently engaged and just months, or weeks, away from saying I DO to get their insights on this very important time in their lives! We will also be sharing a little bit of our story and how we got here as well as the importance of commitment and intentionality! So, we trust you will enjoy this overview and join us in the weeks to come as we tackle these critical pieces to your success as a couple! For your homework this week Click Here to download our discussion on creating a "Bucket List" together! And, Click Here to download our Speaker/Listener Checklist to guide you through the discussion above! Additionally we encourage you to join our Facebook group by Clicking Here! Have an awesome week and join us for our podcast on Communication Skills! Jim & Christie Jacobus

Are we excited about you getting married? Yes, we are! Are there reasons to hit the STOP Button on getting married? Absolutely! Are these "life sentences"? Now way! But, if not dealt with before you walk down that aisle and say "I DO" they will cause you a world of hurt. If not dealt with now they could very easily lead to a divorce at a later date. What are good reasons to hit the STOP Button? Addiction Abuse Response to internal or external pressures Thinking marriage will fix your fiancee Not having a "non negotiable" met by your future spouse In this podcast we go into each of these in detail and provide you with some options when it comes to dealing with them. Again, these are not life sentences. As a matter of fact, we have seen some of the strongest marriage we know come out of a couple's dedication to dealing with one or more of these marriage killers! There are also a handful of reasons to hit the PAUSE Button on your nuptials as well. Meaning we are going to acknowledge these challenges and begin to address them now. The great thing about this approach is it helps us develop our communication and problem skills during our engagement which is a microcosm of what are married life is going to be like together! There you have it! 5 Reasons To Absolutely Hit the STOP Button On Getting Married! If you have any questions please let us know. We are always here to help! Here are a couple of things you can do to help us ... Click Here to download our Speaker Listener Checklist! Click Here to join our Your Marriage Matters Facebook Group! If you enjoyed the podcast we would appreciate your giving it a 5 star review! That will help others find it more easily. Join us next week as we kick off a new series on The 4 Foundations of A Great Relationship! Jim & Christie Jacobus   <!-- /wp:cre

Why get married? That is a question we have been asking our seriously dating and engaged couples for years. Their answers are as varied as there are colors in a sunset!  Some of those reasons are clearly well thought through while some give reason for pause. The good reasons do not guarantee success nor do the not so good reasons mean certain failure. That said, it pays to have a serious conversation or two or three or (you get where we are coming from) about the most important decision either of you will make in your adult lives.  So, in this episode we walk you through what we feel like are great reasons for getting married. It isn't an exhaustive list but it is a pretty good place to start.  We have also provided you with some tools for this conversation in the form of a brainstorming process we like to use often when we are wanting to go deeper in a conversation. You can use this process for a lot of different decisions you will need to make together. And, we have provided you with two of our PDF tools as resources for this conversation. You can ...  Click Here to download our Reasons To Get Married exercise Click Here to download our speaker/Listener Checklist exercise. You can find the podcast for that tool at YMM  As always we appreciate it if you can share this podcast with your friends and family that you think might benefit! And, go join the Facebook group by Clicking Here!  We will see you next week when we will cover some really good reasons not to get married or at least think a little more about your decision!  Always here for you ...  Jim and Christie @TeamJacobus

We have two awesome things to share with you this week!!! First, happy Valentine's Day!!! In this podcast we cover the 5 Love Languages and give you some ideas on how to use them to make Valentine's Day, or any day, very special this year! And then we share with you a new direction we are taking with the YOUR Marriage Matters podcast! We have a new focus we are so excited about so check it out and let us know what you think!  We appreciate all of your support and are so excited about the new book and the plans we have for you moving forward! Jim & Christie "Team Jacobus"

What's The One Thing You Can Do To Change the Trajectory of YOUR Marriage?  Well, when we started thinking about it we couldn't come up with just one ... we came up with four of them!!! Each of these in their own way can make a huge difference in your marriage. If you can, do it together even if you both choose a different one. If your spouse isn't on board then pick one and do it yourself! If either member of the relationship gets better then the marriage gets better! The four are simple but not necessarily easy. As a matter of fact they can be downright hard. But, they are worth your investment of time and energy. Here are the options: #1 - fix your stuff! A lot of the marriages we see are struggling because of childhood trauma/experiences that one or both partners bring into the marriage! Time to grow up, deal with it and put it in the rear view mirror so you can move forward and experience all of the joy and happiness you deserve!!! #2 - let's get physical! We aren't challenging anyone to be an olympic athlete, unless of course you can then go for it! We are challenging everyone to commit to being as healthy as they can be! Time to get up off of the couch, put down the fork and invest in being healthy! #3 - exercise your brain! In #2 we talk about exercising your body. In this one we talk about how important it is to regularly exercise and stretch our brains! As long as we are learning we are living ... the moment we stop learning is the moment our marriage begins to die!!! Grab an article and read it! Read, or listen, to a book! Subscribe to a podcast ... there's an idea!!! Do something that regularly stimulates your brain to grow and get new ideas! #4 - find your tribe! Don't try and go this alone. It is so important for us all to find a group of friends that are in the same stage of life we are in so two wonderful things happen! First, we find out we are not alone and the struggles we have are not unique! Second, we learn from others, and they learn from us, how they have successfully navigated the rough waters we are currently in! Find a tribe you can lean on as you experience marriage together! PS ... we find our tribe at church. We highly recommend it!!! So, there you have it! 4 powerful strategies you can implement to get grow both individually and as a couple! Let us know what you think and which one you choose! Here Are Some Marriage Resources for You!!! When it comes to that

"You Are Not Likely To Protect YOUR Marriage If You Don't Believe There Is Any Danger" Rick Reynolds - The Affair Recovery Center Last week we did our podcast on The 5 Early Warning Signs That Your Marriage Could Be In Trouble! A lot of the feedback was ... what can we do to get ahead of these early warning signs?!? This week we are going to give every 3 strategies, or 3 Great Ways To Invest In Your Marriage! While they are simple, they are by no means easy! Here you go ... Invest in YOUR Marriage by ... being a student of yourself! Be open and honest about who you are and who you are not and make the commitment to become the best version of yourself possible. Then be open and honest with your spouse about it and trust they will love you, just as you are, unconditionally! Invest in YOUR Marriage by ... becoming a student of your spouse! Know their Love Languages, know their Relational Needs (we have a podcast dedicated to this subject HERE!), know their personality styles, know what is on their Bucket List (yet another podcast on this subject HERE!) and on and on and on! You can never know enough about your spouse! Invest in YOUR Marriage by ... becoming a student of marriage! There is so much to know about this subject that you can, and likely will, spend an entire lifetime dedicated to learning more about it! The cool news is that it is THE MOST WORTHWHILE pursuit you will ever undertake! Understand YOUR Marriage Matters and it is in constant danger if we aren't vigilant in how we protect it! We love you and appreciate you and we want to see you and your relationship succeed beyond your wildest dreams! Here are a couple of additional ways you can be proactive! One more simple thing you can do to access a great resource is to join our YOUR Marriage Matters Facebook Group where we share a ton of additional information for building a more vibrant, healthy marriage! Click Here to go to our Facebook Group and join in!!! Oooooooppppssss! Almost forgot you can grab our book 52 Great Conversations for Bui

YOUR Marriage, just like your health, has early warning signs when something isn't just right! Identifying what those signs are, looking to see if they are present in your marriage and then taking action to fix them can save you and your partner a whole lot of grief!!! 5 Early Warning Signs YOUR Marriage Could Be In Trouble!!! In this podcast we look at 5 specific warning signs we look for in the couples we work with. They are ... Losing our connection with each other! Avoiding spending time with each other! Not making our marriage a priority! Talking bad about our spouse, or marriage, to others! Not being intentional when it comes to investing in our marriage! When it comes to that last one we wanted to give you some simple and easy to use resources for investing in each other!!! From previous episodes: Take the time to learn what makes your spouse feel loved by taking our "Relationship Needs Survey"! This is a real eye opener and will give you the keys to your mates heart! Click Here to access that episode! One of the most powerful things a couple can do is to work on creating a "Shared Vision" for their life together! In our episode on the subject we offered a downloadable pdf workbook to help you in the process! Click Here to access that episode and download your own Bucket List Exercise! WARNING ... it could lead to living full time in a RV or some similar life adventure!!! One more simple thing you can do to access a great resource is to join our YOUR Marriage Matters Facebook Group where we share a ton of additional information for building a more vibrant, healthy marriage! Click Here to go to our Facebook Group and join in!!! Oooooooppppssss! Almost forgot you can grab our book 52 Great Conversations for Building A More Vibrant, Healthy Marriage! Click Here to grab your copy! So, make the commitment today to not allow any of these red flags to show up in your relationship without taking action in a proactive way! Obviously if we can help in any way let us know. E-mail us, message us or post your question on the Facebook Group! We are always here for you ... <img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1056" src= "https

We are calling YOU out! But, we are calling ourselves out first!!! We are frustrated, mostly Jim is frustrated, by what we perceive as a lack of interest people have in investing in their marriages! That is until they get into a crisis situation. That has made itself real to us many, many times through the years. That is why we began this podcast in the first place ... to keep couples out of Christie's counseling room and Jim's Divorce Care class! Someone Is Getting Called Out! It Could Be You!!! It seems to us like people, you maybe, don't care!!! While the podcast gets solid numbers in the way of downloads it has very little engagement in the way of comments or feedback on any of our distribution channels like YouTube, Facebook, ITunes and the rest. So, we are doing 2 things ... Calling ourselves out to be more engaged ourselves and do a better job of providing resources and promoting the podcast. Calling you, our listeners, viewers, friends and family out to become more intentional in providing us your feedback and engagement in this process! In the podcast we also speak to what we feel like are the most important elements to building the marriage you dreamed of when you said "I Do"! So, there you have it! You have been called out and we have called ourselves out as well! Join us in helping to build a more vibrant, healthy marriage for yourselves and for others. Thanks! We love and appreciate each of you. Let us know how we can help you ... Jim & Christie Jacobus

To live the "life of your dreams" you are going to have to make some big decisions! You may also have to change direction sometimes ... even when the direction you are going is exciting and compelling!!! The question is how do you go about making these types of decisions and/or change direction? For a while now we have been using, and teaching, a process we came up with called I D E A! It goes like this ... Inspiration - you have a compelling idea. Discussion - you talk about it together and examine the pluses and the minuses with an open mind. Education - you learn as much as you can about the decision you want to make. Action - when the time comes (don't go too fast, or wait too long) you have to take action to make it happen! We Made A BIG Decision! Another Life Lesson "From the Road"!!! In this episode we walk you through our decision to become Park Hosts at Brazos Bend State Park near Houston, Texas! It was a bucket list item for the two of us yet there were a lot of things to consider. That said, we made the decision and we are so excited about our stay here! Need to make a decision? Try I D E A out and let us know how it goes for you!!!

What is "travel day" like with Team Jacobus? What can we learn about marriage from how these two live out their full time RV'ing lifestyle? Travel Day With Team Jacobus! (Some "Lessons From the Road")   It turns out, in this raw and uncut podcast, that there is a tone we can learn about the power of living out a dream and a shared vision! We can also learn a lot about how a ton of stuff has to get done and their approach to a shared workload! Tune in and hear what "travel day" is like for Team Jacobus!

As we wrap up our "I Am Not the Enemy" series we look at what role do we play when it comes to dealing with conflict and struggles in a healthy and productive manner! In this podcast we will share with you 6 positive roles we each play in the lives of our spouse and in the life of our marriage! Each of these roles lead to us successfully navigating the inevitable rough spots every relationship will experience! Learning to embrace these strategies will not only help with problem solving but will absolutely lead to a marriage relationship each of you can count on! Knowing you can trust your mate during tough times is a huge win and a part of why God created marriage in the first place! We trust you will enjoy this episode. Let us know if we can help you and your marriage in any way ...