FamilyLife Today®

In this episode, Dr. Ryan Rush and FamilyLife Today hosts Dave and Ann Wilson discuss the power of mealtime and its profound impact on families, relationships, and spiritual growth. The conversation begins with a humorous remark about how the interview feels "wrong" because there's no food present, highlighting the importance of food and mealtimes in their daily lives. This sets the tone for a discussion on the significance of shared meals, something that has been studied by Dr. Rush for years.Dr. Rush explains how meals around the table can restore and strengthen family connections, noting that while people universally agree that mealtime is important, it is often neglected due to busy schedules. The episode delves into the challenges families face in making mealtimes a priority, especially when schedules are jam-packed with activities. However, Dr. Rush emphasizes that finding just a few moments to gather around the table—whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—can make a huge difference in maintaining strong family bonds.The idea of a "trunk picnic" is introduced, showcasing how creative solutions like eating in the back of a car can make mealtime a special occasion, no matter how busy life gets. Dr. Rush also shares insights from his own experiences, offering personal anecdotes of how his family has maintained mealtimes despite hectic schedules. This includes how his family holds a weekly meal together at a local restaurant after church and how even in the midst of tough circumstances, meals continue to be a bonding time.The episode further explores the spiritual significance of mealtimes. Dr. Rush highlights how mealtime can be an opportunity for evangelism and building relationships, particularly with neighbors. By inviting others to the table, families can engage in meaningful conversations and show Christ’s love without explicitly preaching. He shares stories from his diverse neighborhood, including connections with people from different cultural and religious backgrounds.The emotional and spiritual growth that can occur around the table is also discussed, especially in light of Dr. Rush’s family’s experiences with their daughter Lily, who has special needs. Despite Lily's nonverbal communication, she plays a central role in the family’s mealtime practices by encouraging prayer and helping the family stay focused on what truly matters.Throughout the episode, Dr. Rush invites listeners to participate in the "Restore the Table" challenge, encouraging them to spend 40 days prioritizing mealtime as a way to strengthen family and spiritual life. He offers practical advice and tips for making mealtimes a regular, cherished part of daily life, and the hosts encourage listeners to read his book, Restore the Table, for further insights.

In this episode of FamilyLife Today, Dave and Ann Wilson discuss the profound importance of family meal times, a topic that resonates deeply with both the hosts and their guest, Dr. Ryan Rush. The conversation begins with a heartfelt recollection from one of the hosts about their special memories of their childhood dinner table, where laughter, stories, and a sense of security thrived. Dr. Rush shares his own passion for the family dinner table, emphasizing how the simple act of sitting down together can have a lasting impact on relationships, mental health, and overall family cohesion.Dr. Rush, who pastors in Katy, Texas, explains his approach to family life through the lens of intentionality, highlighting how meals together offer families a unique opportunity to connect and foster relationships. He references his book Restore the Table, which explores how families can cultivate meaningful, distraction-free meals, even in today's fast-paced world. According to Dr. Rush, studies have shown that families who share meaningful meals regularly (about five times a week) experience better mental health, improved academic performance, and stronger relationships. These meals, while seemingly simple, serve as a place for connection and bonding.Dr. Rush also discusses how his own family’s journey shifted when they embraced Christ, which brought about a deeper commitment to intentional family time, especially around the table. His upbringing in a busy household with a father who worked hard and was often absent contrasts with the transformative shift they experienced when they began prioritizing shared family meals.The conversation dives into practical advice on how families can make meals meaningful, emphasizing the importance of setting aside distractions (such as phones and TV), scheduling regular meal times, and creating an environment where meaningful conversations can happen. Dr. Rush gives examples of simple conversation starters and shares tips on making mealtime a time for connection, even for families that may have struggled in the past or are dealing with conflict.The hosts and Dr. Rush also discuss the broader impact of mealtime discussions, particularly for teens who may seem distant but still deeply desire a connection with their parents. Dr. Rush stresses that family meals can be transformative, even if they initially feel awkward or forced, and encourages parents to be intentional in carving out this time. He also highlights how this approach has led to restored marriages and reconnected families in his church, demonstrating how powerful family meals can be in the healing process.The conversation also touches on the role of single parents or families with different dynamics, noting that meaningful meal times are not exclusive to traditional family units. Dr. Rush shares his experiences mentoring young people, illustrating that even if a child lacks one or both parents, a meaningful connection over a meal can still have a profound impact.In conclusion, the podcast episode emphasizes the transformative power of shared family meals. Through intentional time at the table, families can foster deep relationships, create a culture of meaningful conversation, and experience spiritual growth. The episode serves as a call to action for families to make mealtime a priority and restore the tradition of connection that can strengthen bonds and build lasting memories.

In this podcast episode, Dave and Ashley Willis return to discuss their ministry, "Naked Marriage," with hosts Dave and Ann Wilson. They focus on the importance of emotional and spiritual openness within marriage. The episode starts with an update on their four children, including the unique characteristics of each child and how they keep the couple both young and old at the same time.The conversation then dives into the topic of “secrets” in marriage, specifically addressing the issue of pornography and its impact on relationships. The Willises explore the emotional pain caused by hidden secrets, especially when one partner reveals something like pornography use, which feels like a betrayal. Ashley shares her personal experience of battling anxiety, which she kept hidden from Dave, and the impact it had on their relationship.A major point of discussion centers around how couples can navigate such revelations, with Dave sharing his past struggles with pornography and how he dealt with them. He discusses how keeping secrets, particularly regarding pornography, can lead to guilt and shame, and how the act of keeping such secrets can create a cycle of deceit in relationships.Ashley offers advice to women who are dealing with the revelation of such secrets from their husbands, emphasizing the need to feel and process emotions like anger and grief, but also not to let those feelings dictate the future of the relationship. She underscores that it’s important for couples to face the truth and the pain together. The couple also talks about how boundaries and accountability tools are critical in relationships to avoid temptation, especially in today's digital age.The conversation also touches on the importance of open communication with children about pornography and the necessity of setting up safeguards, like filtering software, to protect young minds. Dave and Ashley emphasize how their open dialogue about sex with their children has been crucial to creating a safe space for them to ask questions without shame.Finally, the episode dives into the broader theme of healing from past trauma and secrets, encouraging listeners to bring the truth into the light for healing and freedom. They discuss the importance of not keeping any secret that might weigh heavily on the relationship, with both partners sharing their past struggles and the power of vulnerability in marriage.

In this episode, Dave and Ashley Willis, alongside hosts David and Anne Wilson, share their journey of navigating marriage, mental health, vulnerability, and the struggles that come with facing hidden struggles, such as anxiety, depression, and pornography. The conversation is deeply personal as they explore the challenges they've faced in their own marriages, offering listeners practical advice and powerful stories of grace and healing.The episode opens with a humorous and warm exchange between the hosts and guests. Dave and Ashley Willis drive down from Atlanta to Orlando and talk about their marriage ministry, which has flourished through Facebook, podcasts, and other online resources. They began with a simple Facebook page called "Marriage," later rebranded as “Naked Marriage.” This title, while provocative, is grounded in the biblical concept of "naked and unashamed," emphasizing the importance of emotional intimacy in marriage. They highlight the idea that marriage should be a place of full vulnerability, where secrets are laid bare, and trust is developed.Ashley shares a personal story about the struggles with anxiety and depression she faced early in their marriage. For years, she kept her anxiety a secret from Dave, feeling deep shame. However, after a painful moment of realizing she couldn’t carry the burden alone, she finally confided in Dave. His patient, understanding response played a pivotal role in her healing process. This moment is a beautiful example of what it looks like when partners support each other in marriage, choosing presence over the need to fix.The conversation then turns to the topic of pornography, which, despite its prevalence in society, remains a taboo subject in many marriages. Dave shares his own battle with pornography, acknowledging the secrecy and shame he felt, and how it became a significant obstacle in his marriage. He describes his initial decision to keep his struggles hidden from Ashley, believing he could overcome them on his own. However, when Ashley discovered his secret years later, the initial confrontation was intense, filled with emotions of betrayal, anger, and shame. Over time, with grace, accountability, and the support of each other, they worked through the difficulty together.The couple discusses the ongoing challenges that many couples face regarding pornography in their relationships, and they emphasize that it is a problem in and out of the church. They point out that while it’s a difficult issue to confront, bringing it into the light is the key to finding freedom and healing.The episode wraps up with an invitation for listeners to access their free eBook, Nine Days to Great Sex, a resource designed to help couples break free from barriers like pornography and rediscover intimacy. It’s clear from this conversation that both Dave and Ashley, as well as David and Anne, have made it their life’s mission to help married couples build trust, communicate openly, and develop deeper emotional intimacy.

In this episode, Dave and Ann Wilson dive into the concept of how husbands can lead and cherish their wives, focusing on advice from Brad Merchant, a pastor from Indianapolis, who wrote a blog titled "Six Ways to Lead and Love Your Wife." The hosts discuss what makes wives feel cherished and loved, offering both humor and practical advice for husbands.The episode opens with the hosts highlighting the importance of this topic, especially for wives who might be multi-tasking—whether at home or at work. One of the hosts introduces Brad Merchant’s blog, and they begin to walk through the six ways mentioned in it. The main focus is on encouraging husbands to ask meaningful questions that show care and interest in their wives' feelings and experiences. These questions could include things like, "How are you doing?" "How can I help you?" and "What’s the heaviest thing you're carrying emotionally?"Incorporating a faith-based perspective, the hosts discuss how the Apostle Paul’s teachings in Ephesians 5 about self-sacrifice and love can be applied to relationships. They unpack the meaning of cherishing a wife, which goes beyond the traditional idea of buying gifts; it’s about truly treasuring and caring for her deeply. The hosts share some humorous and personal stories, including one about a husband's obsession with his guitars and how it connects to his lack of attention to his wife’s needs.The episode also touches on the idea of a husband humbling himself and leading in a way that empowers his wife. They discuss practical ways to serve wives, like doing household chores, asking for their input in decisions, and giving them quality time. The hosts also provide examples from their own marriages of how asking questions and listening can strengthen a relationship. One host shares an insightful story about realizing how his love and attention to his daughter’s car was a reflection of how he should treat his wife with the same care.The show concludes with a reminder for husbands to act on these principles, even if they don’t announce them, and to consider the impact of simple actions in showing love. They suggest that wives might want to share the podcast with their husbands as a subtle way to encourage growth in their relationships. The episode wraps up with mentions of other FamilyLife resources and encouragement to visit their website for more relationship advice.

In this episode, Dave and Ann Wilson reflect on the journey of their book "Vertical Marriage," sharing both the highs and lows of public feedback. The episode takes a playful and light-hearted approach to discuss the one-star reviews they received on the book, focusing on those that are negative or critical in nature. The hosts make fun of some outlandish reviews, like one that claims reading the book was less satisfying than slamming a body part in a car door, while also acknowledging reviews that stem from real pain and misunderstanding.One review they address highlights concerns about the book’s portrayal of gender roles in marriage, with the reviewer claiming it promotes "sexist propaganda." The hosts discuss this critique openly, clarifying their intent and emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and love in marriage. They touch on the sensitive issue of how their message may have been misinterpreted, especially by women who feel disrespected by their husbands or burdened by unrealistic expectations.Throughout the episode, they dive deeper into the motivations behind their book, explaining that it’s not a self-help guide but rather a tool to help couples apply the gospel to their marriage. They discuss how the teachings in the book are based on biblical principles of love, respect, and mutual submission, particularly focusing on the idea that only through Christ can a marriage truly thrive. They also reflect on the importance of repentance in a marriage and the role it plays in healing and growth.One particularly emotional moment occurs when they discuss the personal impact of marriage struggles. They recount a past moment where Dave, in the midst of a marital challenge, humbled himself by kneeling and repenting before his wife, Ann, which allowed their relationship to heal. This is presented as a poignant example of the power of humility and surrender in marriage.The episode closes with a prayer for couples who are struggling, offering hope for those who may feel exhausted or hopeless in their marriages. The hosts encourage listeners to get the book and reflect on their own relationships, reminding them that true change comes through a relationship with God, not through relying on self-help advice alone.

In this episode, Dave and Ann Wilson dive into the power of storytelling and theology in Jordan Raynor's latest book, ""The Royal in You."" The conversation begins with a surprising endorsement of Jordan’s book from Candace Cameron Bure, who praises it for being one of the best ways to help children understand God. Jordan shares the inspiration behind his first book, ""The Creator Knows,"" and elaborates on why he wanted to continue the story with ""The Royal in You,"" which focuses on the future hope of Heaven and the New Earth.The episode dives into the heart of the theological message Jordan is sharing with kids: that Heaven isn't the place where people will live eternally in the clouds, but rather it will be a renewed Earth where believers will reign with Christ. Jordan and the hosts discuss how common misconceptions about Heaven have been perpetuated, particularly the idea that Heaven is a boring, disembodied existence where people will do nothing but sing for eternity. They correct this idea by referencing Scriptures like Revelation 21, where it’s clear that the New Earth will be a place of joyful, meaningful work with Christ at the center.Jordan shares insights on how work in the New Earth will be fulfilling and exciting. He contrasts the work we know today, which is marred by the curse of sin, with the future work in the New Earth, which will be perfect, untainted, and done alongside Jesus. The episode encourages listeners to view their work today as a practice for the eternal work they will do with Christ in the renewed world.The discussion also touches on the importance of teaching children these biblical truths, emphasizing that understanding the New Earth will help them look forward to eternity with Christ. Parents and grandparents can instill hope and excitement in their kids by reading ""The Royal in You"" to them, as it offers a vivid portrayal of what the future holds. In addition, Jordan offers resources for parents, including a free e-book and a devotional app, to deepen their understanding of Heaven and the New Earth.The conversation concludes by reflecting on how the church’s traditional teachings about Heaven have often fallen short, and how reimagining Heaven as a renewed Earth can inspire both adults and children to live with greater joy, anticipation, and faithfulness in their everyday lives.

In this episode, Dave and Ann Wilson talk with Sam Allberry to discuss a key aspect of identity and self-worth, focusing on how our understanding of being ""in Christ"" reshapes how we view ourselves and others. The conversation starts with a personal reflection on social anxiety and the desire to impress others in social situations. The hosts share their experiences of walking into rooms of strangers and feeling the need to prove themselves. There’s a candid exploration of the insecurities many people face, especially when dealing with social situations and a lack of self-confidence.Sam Allberry shares his journey of shifting from a mindset focused on impressing others to understanding who he is ""in Christ."" Anne Wilson echoes this sentiment, highlighting how one's identity in Christ offers freedom from the need to seek validation from others. The conversation moves into the idea of being ""self-forgetting"" rather than self-absorbed, with a significant mention of Ray Ortlund's advice: ""There you are"" as a mindset to adopt when entering a room, instead of ""Here I am.""The conversation dives into the role of identity in relationships, especially marriage and family life. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing our union with Christ and with others who share that union, which impacts how we relate to both fellow Christians and people who may not yet know Christ. The hosts discuss the significance of church fellowship, pointing out that, even in difficult times or personal struggles, the church community is vital for spiritual growth and encouragement.The guests reflect on how understanding and believing in who we are in Christ helps us navigate our relationships, particularly in healing broken relationships or experiencing spiritual abuse. A moving moment occurs when the hosts talk about a woman who gradually learned to trust again through the support of close friends and church members, showing the slow yet steady process of healing and growth.In the final moments, the hosts emphasize that transformation in Christ takes time and requires the support of a Christian community. The conversation concludes with a reminder that ""being in Christ"" means not just a vertical relationship with God but a horizontal relationship with others who are also ""in Christ."" This mutual connection is foundational to the Christian faith, underscoring the importance of fellowship and encouragement within the body of Christ.

In this episode of Family Life Today, hosts Dave and Ann Wilson engage with Sam Allberry, a renowned speaker and author, exploring the profound theme of identity in Christ. The episode kicks off with a light-hearted banter about accents, showcasing a playful dynamic among the guests. The conversation quickly transitions into a deep theological inquiry: what is more crucial—what one believes about God or what one believes about themselves? Both Allberry and the hosts affirm that understanding God is paramount to understanding oneself.Allberry elaborates on his insights from his book ""One With My Lord,"" emphasizing the biblical concept of being ""in Christ."" He explains that the New Testament predominantly uses this language to articulate a believer's relationship with Jesus, which transcends the idea of merely following Him. Being ""in Christ"" signifies a profound spiritual union that defines a believer's identity and shapes their understanding of the Christian life.Throughout the discussion, Allberry draws parallels between theological understanding and everyday experiences, likening the awakening of this spiritual identity to the realization of needing glasses to see clearly. He emphasizes that the concept of union with Christ clarifies many aspects of the Christian faith, providing a lens through which believers can view their lives and struggles.Key points include the significance of understanding our union with Christ in relation to sin, holiness, and identity. Allberry challenges the notion that holiness is an alien concept to believers, suggesting instead that living in accordance with one’s identity in Christ feels natural and fulfilling. He posits that true transformation and growth come from recognizing one’s new identity rather than adhering to a distant standard of behavior.The episode also touches on the challenges of sin and the internal struggles faced by believers, illustrating that feeling tempted does not define one's identity but rather highlights the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. Allberry encourages listeners to affirm their identity in Christ, suggesting that a deep understanding of this truth can lead to a more vibrant and authentic Christian life.

In this episode, Dave and Ann Wilson are joined once again by Dr. Mark Bailey, an esteemed scholar and former president of Dallas Theological Seminary. The conversation centers around the powerful story of the resurrection of Lazarus from John 11, particularly reflecting on its theological and personal significance as we approach Good Friday and Easter. Dr. Bailey elaborates on how this story demonstrates the power of Jesus over both physical and spiritual death.The episode begins with light-hearted humor, with Dr. Bailey being praised as one of the best seminary professors and an important figure in the hosts' lives. The discussion moves to an in-depth exploration of the passage, focusing on the structure of John’s Gospel. Dr. Bailey explains that the Gospel of John is divided into two sections: The Book of Signs (chapters 1-12), where miracles like the resurrection of Lazarus demonstrate Jesus' divine power, and The Book of Glory (chapters 13-21), which explores the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection. He highlights the pivotal role of Lazarus’ resurrection as the seventh and climactic sign that emphasizes Christ’s power over death and serves as a precursor to His own resurrection.Dr. Bailey uses the concept of ""chiasm"" (inverted parallelism) to break down the structure of the passage and point out the mirrored themes throughout. For example, the sickness and death of Lazarus frame the miracle of his resurrection, and this parallels with Jesus' own journey toward His crucifixion and resurrection. The hosts discuss the theological implications of this passage, particularly the importance of belief in the resurrection. Dr. Bailey dives deep into the personal and familial implications of the resurrection story, offering reflections on how it relates to marriage, family, and the legacy we leave behind.The narrative also explores the delay of Jesus in coming to Lazarus, which initially perplexed Mary and Martha but was revealed as a purposeful act for the glory of God, the immediate glory of Jesus, and the strengthening of the disciples’ faith. Dr. Bailey discusses the irony of the reactions to Jesus' miracles—how some believed, while others became hostile and plotted to kill Jesus.As the conversation transitions toward Good Friday, the hosts reflect on the suffering of Christ and the importance of understanding His humanity. Dr. Bailey shares poignant insights on the deep emotional impact of Jesus’ weeping over Lazarus and the broader suffering He experienced throughout His life, including the daily rejection He faced. This segment connects to the broader narrative of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for humanity, with the hosts reflecting on how believers can find hope in the face of sorrow and death.Finally, the episode concludes with a discussion on how to apply the lessons from Lazarus’ resurrection to contemporary life. Dr. Bailey offers advice on how to deal with God’s timing, emphasizing that delays in answers to prayer are not signs of divine indifference but opportunities to strengthen faith. The hosts encourage listeners to reflect on their own beliefs and the significance of the resurrection in their lives. The episode ends with Dr. Bailey praying for listeners, particularly those who may be encountering the Gospel message for the first time.