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...
157 "I see you": Creating Community for Brown & Black Blended Families
Cheryl Shumake wants to reach brown & black blended families with brown & black voices. She & Clifton Howard talk with Ron Deal about her new ministry, Sawubona, which means “I see you” & its goal to break through the barriers with culture-informed spaces Show Notes and Resources Watch Blended & Blessed from anywhere in the world! Join us on the 2026 Love Like You Mean It Cruise Learn more about Cheryl Sawubona Ministries Send a tax deductible gift Ron's upcoming events Blended Small Group Ministry Map See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy
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156 Playing Hurt: A Guy’s Strategy for a Winning Marriage
What does the apostle Paul mean in Philippians 2:4 when he says, “Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others?” How do we apply that to marriage, and to relationships in a blended family?In this podcast episode, Ron Deal talks with Brian Goins, author of Playing Hurt, A Guy’s Strategy for a Winning Marriage, about taking care of our own needs and always being mindful of the needs of our spouse. Goins explains that marriage is about finding the motivation and resolve to stay in the game despite the pain and calls husbands to be the heroes they long to be--men who play hurt in order to win at marriage. Show Notes and Resources Get Ron's new book: The Mindful Marriage Get Brian's book: Playing Hurt Check out Brain, Heart, World Order The Art of Marriage Send a tax deductible gift of support Register for Blended & Blessed See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy
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155 A New Year, An Improved Self, A Better Marriage
Do you think your marriage could improve if your spouse were different? Is it easier to look at their faults instead of considering your own? In this podcast episode, Ron Deal talks with co-authors of his new book, The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself. Terry and Sharon Hargraves and Nan Deal share how the book can help couples understand their part of marital distress, why they react the way they do, how to be more empowered constructively, and how to cultivate more loving and harmonious relationships as they understand themselves better and learn to relate to their partner as a companion. Show Notes and Resources Small Group Searchable Map Email us for your chance to win a signed copy of The Mindful Marriage. [email protected] Get your copy of The Mindful Marriage The Mindful Marriage Conference Register for Blended & Blessed See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy
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154 From Their Perspective: Adjusting to a Bigger Family, Luke Landwer
Luke Landwer was young when his parents divorced, and he enjoyed time with just his mom for many years. When she remarried to a man with six kids, the adjustments for Luke were many. At just 11 years old, his conversation with Ron Deal is insightful as he articulates how adjusting to new rules, a new house, new people, was a challenge. He yearns for more time with his dad, but distance prevents it at times. He recognizes the blessings of a large family, however, with step-grandparents who love him and siblings around who prevent the loneliness he experienced in days past. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Ron & Nan Deal's new book: The Mindful Marriage Watch Luke's Blended Family story on YouTube. Give a year end tax deductible gift! Join us in April for a marriage event just for couples in blended families. See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy
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153 From Their Perspective: Talking With A Young Adult, Amelia Dellaripa
Living in a blended family as a young adult can bring challenges and blessings. For Amelia Dellaripa, it brings many more blessings. In this podcast episode, Ron Deal talks with Amelia about her blended family of seven and how they developed love and acceptance for one another over time.Amelia talks about how there was seldom any divisiveness or difficult interactions with her stepmom or stepbrother from the beginning. They were always welcoming toward her, and it seemed that everyone was on the same team and wanted to do their part in building relationships. Although she was young when her dad remarried and understanding new family dynamics was hard, she’s now thankful for her big, blended family. Show Notes and Resources Pre-order Ron & Nan Deal's new book: The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself Get organized with the Family Core App! This Christmas, your gift will be doubled! Upcoming events and resources Join us in April for a marriage event just for couples in blended families. 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.