October 27, 2024 — Episode #43

Jerry and Becky discuss what it really means to be present for a spouse, not just physically in the same room, but emotionally engaged and available.

Referencing Dr. James Dobson’s advice to spend meaningful daily and weekly time together, they describe practical rhythms for couples: talking daily, dating weekly, and getting away quarterly. They discuss how easy it is for couples and families to sit together while everyone is absorbed in a cell phone, and how that erodes communication over the years. Jerry recounts a story of a young pastor who built a thriving ministry but nearly lost his family in the process, and the couple emphasize balancing career and ministry demands with real time for a spouse and children. They also mention a friend’s son-in-law currently facing a difficult cancer diagnosis, closing with Amos 3:3 and Ephesians 5:15-16 on walking together in step with one another.

Topics discussed:

• Dr. James Dobson’s guidelines for couple time together
• “Dialogue daily, date weekly, depart quarterly”
• Cell phones and distraction at the dinner table
• Balancing a demanding career or ministry with family time
• Traveling together versus in separate vehicles
• A friend’s son-in-law facing a cancer diagnosis
• Amos 3:3 and Ephesians 5:15-16

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or directly via our podcast RSS feed. See the full episode archive for more.