What if your marriage pivoted on three humble questions? Dr. Gary Chapman—yes, the Five Love Languages guy—gets real about early struggles, foot-washing humility, and how servant-hearted love transformed his 64-year marriage. Blended families, take heart: Far from fluff, these are faith-fueled, grit-tested keys to a successful marriage--as well as messy love, lasting connection, and conflict that doesn’t destroy. Find real talk, deep grace, and hope you can hold onto. Show Notes and Resources Order a copy of Gary and Ron's book, Building Love Together Access blended resources and sign up for our free newsletter Meet Ron and Nan in person at a speaking event! RonDeal.org Discover your love language, learn more about Dr. Chapman, or get a copy of his new book, A Simple Guide for A Better Marriage 5lovelanguages.com Make a tax deductible donation See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy
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176: How to Help Kids Cope with Divorce and Remarriage
Divorce…hurts. But for kids caught in the middle, it can feel like the world has split in two. How can you help kids cope with divorce and remarriage? Summer Butler, creator of Blended: Navigating Life Between Two Homes, cracks open a healing workbook for kids juggling two homes, big feelings, and confusing rules. Hear her raw story, then discover how drawing, writing, and boundary-setting can bring clarity, comfort—and even joy. Show Notes and Resources Learn about Summer, and get her workbook, BLENDED, Navigating Life Between Two Homes www.blendedbookco.com Search for virtual groups Get the 2025 Summit All-access digital pass Order a copy of The Mindful Marriage Make donation to FamilyLife Blended The next Smart Stepfamily Therapy training See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy
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175: Blended Holidays Are Complicated. Here’s How They Made It Work
What do red sweaters, a ski trip “familymoon,” and a Christmas sleepover have to do with healing after loss? A lot, actually. Join pastor and author Rob Bugh, pediatrician Rhonda Williams Bugh, and their adult kids Kyle and Nate as they revisit the rocky, grace-filled early years of blending two grieving families—and navigating those first blended holidays. It's raw, real, and rich with hope and hard-won wisdom. Show Notes and Resources Summit on Stepfamily Ministry details Find a virtual group for blended family couples Order a copy of When the Bottom Drops Out The next Smart Stepfamily Therapy training International Therapy provider list FamilyLife Resources and Events See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy
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174: More Than Just A Stepparent: Helping a Grieving Child Heal
When a child loses a parent, grief doesn't end for them. And when they join a stepfamily, we need to come alongside them with love and support as parents and stepparents as we honor their pain and memories. Ron Deal talks with Diane Fromme about what helps and what hinders, especially as stepparents with grieving stepchildren. Fromme explains how a stepparent can never replace a biological parent and functions as an "and," not an "instead." Stepparents will likely face rejection, insecurity, and feelings of being an outsider; however, with humility and ongoing love and support, they can, over time, develop meaningful and significant relationships with stepchildren following loss. Show Notes and Resources Learn about Diane and get a copy of, Stepparenting the Grieving Child You can still register for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry Find a small group on the searchable map and browse Ron's speaking schedule Send a gift to help with FamilyLife Blended's work See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy
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173: When Your Brains Are Different: Finding Your Way in a Neurodivergent Marriage
A neurodivergent marriage is when at least one partner has a neurodevelopmental condition like autism or ADHD. In this episode, Ron Deal speaks with Dr. Stephanie Holmes and her husband, Dan, who struggled to face that their young child was on the autism spectrum. Many years later, Dan discovered his own autism diagnosis.Neurodiverse couples face unique challenges with communication, emotional expression, and sensory sensitivities that can include physical touch and intimacy, along with a lack of understanding between both partners. Stephanie & Dan offer support and guidance on how to recognize neurodiversity and strategies to cope with it. Show Notes and Resources Register for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry Learn more about Dr. Stephanie and Dan Holmes and their book Uniquely Us Read Ron and Dr. Stephanie Holmes article: Autism and the blended family Learn more about Embracing The Autism Spectrum Listen to podcast 46: Autism and the Blended Family Give a tax-deductible gift See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy
FamilyLife Blended® provides timeless wisdom and practical help and hope for blended families and those who love them. Join Ron L. Deal, LMFT, LPC as he and his guests discuss a wide variety of marriage, family, and relationship topics related to blended families.
New Zealand