Have you ever felt like you and your spouse are more like roommates? Maybe five years ago, before this job, or before having kids, your relationship felt strong and emotionally connected. But now, things feel flat, distant, and maybe even a bit hopeless. If that sounds familiar, we have great news—this episode is for you! And more importantly, you're not alone. Even marriage experts Greg and Erin Smalley have been where you are! In Jim’s conversation with the Smalleys, you’ll find plenty of encouragement and practical tips to help you reconnect with your spouse. The best part? It’s not about adding more to your already full schedule. Greg and Erin point out simple actions you’re likely already doing that can create small moments of connection, leading to the deeper relationship you’re longing for.

HomeWord Links:

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

Greg & Erin Smalley Links:

About Greg Smalley: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/contributors/greg-smalley/

About Erin Smalley: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/contributors/erin-smalley/

Focus on Marriage Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/focus-on-marriage-podcast/id261059123

Resist the Drift Marriage Conferences: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/resistthedriftsalemconferences/

Leave a Message for HomeWord: 949-485-3905

Have a question you want Jim to answer? Email us! info@homeword.com

Books:

Reconnected: Moving from Roommates to Soul Mates in Marriage: https://a.co/d/ezgelqC

Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage: 12 Secrets for a Lifelong Romance: https://a.co/d/hFXzOP8

The 5 Sex Needs of Men and Women by Gary Rosberg: https://a.co/d/fAokZWp

Closer: 52 Devotions to Draw Couples Together: https://a.co/d/gizZbnQ

Order Jim’s New Book:

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/

As parents, we devote at least two decades to raising our children so they can go off into the world as (hopefully) confident, kind, and capable individuals. It’s easy for our identity to get wrapped up in parenthood, but we eventually have to confront who we are once the kids are gone - and that can be intimidating. Jim welcomes author, speaker, and marriage coach Jill Savage to talk about her book Empty Nest, Full Life, and how much joy can be found in the season after kids. From dissolving codependency to reconnecting with your spouse, from reigniting old hobbies to finding new ones, from “bleacher-butt” friends to deep, lasting friendships, this conversation will encourage you to be intentional in whatever stage of parenting you are currently in.

Jim's Takeaways for Moving Forward in the Empty Nest

• Remember that your children haven’t left your life
• Reinvent the relationship with your adult children (they aren’t your major emotional support!)
• Work out flexible ways to stay in touch
• Reactivate your social life
• Practice healthy doses of self-care

HomeWord Links:

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

Jill Savage Links:

Jill Savage: https://jillsavage.org/

Empty Nest Resources: https://www.emptynestbook.com/the-resources/

No More Perfect Marriages LIVE Events: https://jillsavage.org/no-more-perfect-marriages-live-oct-2024/

Leave a Message for HomeWord: 949-485-3905

Have a question you want Jim to answer? Email us! info@homeword.com

Books:

Empty Nest, Full Life: https://a.co/d/anzRZh8

Finding Joy in the Empty Nest: https://a.co/d/9zG4nTd

Doing Life with Your Adult Children: https://a.co/d/gmFWAMP

Order Jim’s New Book:

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/

Studies show that Gen-Z is the loneliest generation despite the pervasiveness of technology. However, loneliness isn't new; it can be experienced by a single person, a married individual, a person in a church community - even in families. So how do we keep this experience from evolving into a lifelong condition? Jim welcomes author, speaker, and founder of Ruth Graham Ministries, Ruth Graham to discuss her book, Transforming Loneliness: Deepening our Relationships with God and Others When We Feel Alone. Having lived through many seasons of loneliness herself, Ruth shares how being honest with God and a trusted friend opens up the door for transformation - and how loneliness has a positive side if we look for it.

Jim's Takeaways

Replenishing Relationships

• We have to seek replenishing relationships. We all have VDPs in our lives - Very Draining People - but I want to focus on VIP’s. Do you have VIP’s in your life? People who really replenish your relationships?
• We need friendships primarily in two areas:
  • Mentors - do you have someone who can coach you, and give you wisdom and wise counsel? Someone you can imitate?
    • These mentors can also be found in books in certain seasons of our life - but they shouldn’t be your primary mentor.
  • Peer Support - This could be one person or a small group of peers that you are honest and open with - you tell them when you’re lonely, hurting, struggling, etc. A good peer relationship will be someone who shares back, and you can walk alongside, pray with, and encourage each other - and hold you accountable.

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

About Ruth Graham: http://www.ruthgraham.com/meet-ruth-graham/

Ruth Graham Ministries: http://www.ruthgraham.com/

Leave a Message for HomeWord: 949-485-3905

Have a question you want Jim to answer? Email us! info@homeword.com

Books:

Transforming Loneliness: Deepening our Relationships with God and Others When We Feel Alone: https://a.co/d/6PmxxM7

In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart: https://a.co/d/8BoLlJB

Ruth Graham Books

Order Jim’s New Book:

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/