More than Roommates

The newborn season can leave couples exhausted, overwhelmed, and struggling to find the time or energy for intimacy, but it doesn't have to mean losing connection with one another. In this episode, we talk about spiritual, emotional, and physical intimacy and how husbands and wives can pursue one another, give grace, and stay connected while navigating the chaos of a new baby.

Discussion Questions:
1. Which type of intimacy (spiritual, emotional, or physical) has been hardest for us to maintain in this season? Why?
2. What is one thing I could do that would help you feel more seen, known, and cared for right now?
3. What rhythms or “little rituals” could we create to protect our emotional connection, even when we don't have much time?
4. How has our relationship with God changed since entering the newborn season? Where do we need to pursue Him together more intentionally?
5. Are there ways either of us has been viewing intimacy primarily through the lens of our own needs? What would it look like to “outdo one another in showing honor”?
6. How can we communicate honestly about physical intimacy without either spouse feeling pressured, rejected, or ashamed?
7. What is one thing about our marriage in this season that we can choose to be grateful for?
8. Instead of trying to get back to the way our marriage was before kids, what might God be inviting us to build in this new season?

Parenthood was never meant to be happen in isolation. But, what do you do when "help" isn't helpful? And how do you know if it's them or you? In the 3rd episode of the "marriage in the newborn season" series, we discuss how to invite community into your marriage, establish healthy boundaries with family, ask for help without shame, and raise your children alongside others.

Discussion Questions
- Why is it difficult to ask for help?
- What practical help would bless us most during this season?
- What boundaries do we want to establish with parents, in-laws, and visitors? Is there anything unfair in our boundaries?
- How can we stay connected to our church and life group instead of isolating ourselves?
- Who are the trusted people we want speaking into our marriage and parenting?
- Are we receiving help with humility—or expecting it with entitlement? How can we practice gratitude?

Pregnancy and the first three months after bringing home a baby can be some of the sweetest and hardest days of your marriage. In this second episode of our "marriage in the newborn season" series, we talk honestly about pregnancy, postpartum recovery, sleep deprivation, serving one another, and how husbands and wives can protect their marriage while navigating the and "fourth trimester."

Discussion Questions for Couples
- What fears or anxieties do we each have about pregnancy or the postpartum season?
- How can we better communicate our needs instead of expecting each other to read our minds?
- What are practical ways we can serve one another during the first 90 days?
- What rhythms (prayer, check-ins, date nights, etc.) do we want to protect after baby arrives?
- How can we intentionally guard against resentment and entitlement?
- What words of encouragement do we each need to hear more often in this season?

Having a baby changes everything, especially your marriage. In this first episode of our "marriage in the newborn season" series, we talk about the mindset, expectations, and biblical foundation couples need before entering the newborn season so they can thrive as teammates instead of simply surviving.

Discussion Questions
- What expectations do each of us have about how becoming parents will change our marriage?
- What are we most excited about, and most nervous about, as we prepare for parenthood?
- How can we intentionally prioritize our marriage after the baby arrives?
- What conversations do we still need to have about finances, work, sleep, family, or expectations?

Your phone can be an incredible tool, but it can also quietly become one of the biggest distractions in your marriage. In this episode, Derek, Andrew, and Gabrielle talk honestly about screen time, social media, work boundaries, pornography, and practical ways to make your spouse more important than your screen.

RESOURCES
Harris Creek Sermon Series “Removed”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1- When do our phones distract us the most from one another?
2- Have you ever felt less important than my phone?
3- What boundaries around technology would help us connect more?
4- What would one phone-free hour every evening look like?
5- Is there any app that has more influence over me than it should?
6- How can we help each other without becoming controlling?