Your Marriage Matters: Recent Episodes

Jim & Christie Jacobus

Hey gang! Welcome to Your Marriage Matters with Team Jacobus

This podcast is dedicated to couples that want to get the most out of this crazy thing we call marriage! Each episode is designed to guide us in a fun and exciting way through the skills, strategies, tactics and mindset we need to build a compelling life together! Our goal is for all of us to create the vibrant and healthy marriages we all dreamed of when we said “I do”.

Welcome to Your Marriage Matters with Jim and Christie Jacobus!

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This week we're reminding couples that the best marriages are built by those who never stop learning. We're inviting you to become a student of marriage — and of your spouse — with three incredible resources:

📘 The 5 Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman — Learn how to speak the unique "love language" of your spouse, whether that's Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Quality Time, Physical Touch, or Gifts. Discover why love often gets "lost in translation" and how to fix it! 📝

The Relational Needs Survey by David Ferguson — A practical tool that helps you identify your deepest relational needs (like acceptance, respect, support, or comfort) and how they show up in your marriage. Knowing your spouse's needs creates a roadmap for deeper connection. 📖

Marriage by Paul David Tripp — A gospel-centered look at marriage, reminding us that two broken people in a broken world desperately need grace. Tripp provides honest truth, real-life examples, and biblical wisdom to help couples move from frustration to flourishing.

✅ Invest in your marriage today — because great marriages don't just happen, they're intentionally built!

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Our Back to School series concludes with a very special interview featuring Matt & Julie Barnhill. These two are not only gifted counselors, they are also dear friends and incredible role models.

Spending time with them is like being in the presence of master teachers. In this episode, they unpack timeless lessons for marriage, family, and faith—leaving us encouraged, inspired, and equipped to live with greater intentionality.

This is one you won’t want to miss.

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Marriage is the most important class you’ll ever take! In this solo episode of Your Marriage Matters, Christie Jacobus, Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Nurse, takes you ‘Back to School’ to learn the ABC’s of a Successful Marriage.

With practical wisdom and heartfelt insights, Christie shares how appreciation, beliefs, and commitment can transform your relationship. Tune in and take home tools that will help you and your spouse graduate your marriage with honors!

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Hey gang ...

We’re back—and it feels good to be “Back to School”! In this kickoff episode of Your Marriage Matters, Jim and Christie share their #1 marriage flex: never stop learning. After 38 years of marriage, they’ve discovered that growth—personal and relational—is the foundation for a vibrant, resilient, and joy-filled marriage.

Together, they unpack 10 powerful reasons why a growth mindset is essential for couples, from keeping the marriage dynamic to modeling something transformative for kids and grandkids. You’ll also hear about their reset of the podcast, YouTube channel, and Instagram—and why now is the time to go back to school on your marriage.

This month’s theme, Back to School, sets the stage for a series of conversations and resources designed to help you and your spouse keep learning, growing, and reconnecting with God’s design for marriage.

Jim & Christie Jacobus

www.yourmarriagematters.com

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The Fundamentals for Building A More Vibrant, Healthy Marriage!

Hey gang ... Welcome to Your Marriage Matters episode 189 - The Fundamentals for Building A More Vibrant, Healthy Marriage! Since we are doing a new YouTube channel. we felt like it was important to go back to the fundamentals as a reset for everything we are going to be covering in the days and weeks ahead!

The fundamentals we are going to be covering during this episode are simple but powerful! They are: Create a "shared vision" for creating a compelling life together! Master the critical skill of communicating effectively! Master the equally critical skill of being able to solve life's inevitable problems together!

In this episode we discuss these from a bit of a 30,000ft view! In future episodes we will get into much more depth with very practical, real world skills anyone can learn! We do want to get you started creating a shared dream together so we put together a "Bucket List Exercise" downloadable pdf to prompt your discussion with each other!

You can download this exercise by Clicking Here! Thank you for joining us for this episode. Click

Here to watch the YouTube video! Catch you next week ...

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Problems, struggles, and conflict are signs of a healthy relationship!

Two imperfect people working to build a life together in an imperfect world are bound to face struggles. This is due to the mere fact that they:

  • Are male and female
  • Grew up in different households
  • Have different personality styles
  • Have different views on sex, money, household roles and responsibilities, parenting, and a dozen other subjects.

All of this, and more, means there will be conflict! What matters is how we handle it!!! This entire month, we will be following the theme of "I Am NOT the Enemy" (thanks Ben and Megan Coleman) and looking closely at effective strategies and mindsets for turning the inevitable differences we are going to have into a strength in our relationships!

Knowing we have each other's backs and that we will process struggles in a positive and healthy way builds confidence in ourselves and in each other! It isn't easy but it is well worth it!

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Join Jim & Christie Jacobus on episode 187 of Your Marriage Matters as they delve into the profound lessons learned from their adventurous journey as full-time RV travelers. In this insightful episode, 3 Life Lessons From the Road, they explore:

  1. Beauty Everywhere: Explore the breathtaking landscapes of America through the eyes of seasoned travelers. Discover how every corner of this country holds its own unique charm and beauty, reminding us to appreciate the world around us.
  2. People's Splendor: Dive into the heartwarming experiences of connecting with diverse communities across the nation. Jim & Christie share inspiring stories that highlight the kindness, resilience, and beauty of humanity found in every place they visit.
  3. Embracing the Moment: Learn the invaluable lesson of living in the present and making the most of every opportunity. With a message of "DO IT NOW," they encourage listeners to seize the moment, explore new horizons, and forge meaningful connections without delay.

Tune in to Your Marriage Matters and embark on a journey of discovery, inspiration, and joy with Jim & Christie Jacobus!

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Welcome back to Your Marriage Matters with Jim & Christie Jacobus! In this episode, we delve into the crucial topic of trust in marriage and why it's the cornerstone of a strong, enduring relationship. Trust isn't just a nice-to-have; it's the foundation upon which emotional connection, communication, stability, and growth thrive.

In this episode, we discuss:

  1. Foundation of Emotional Connection: How trust lays the groundwork for deep emotional intimacy.
  2. Enhances Communication: The role of trust in fostering open, honest communication.
  3. Promotes Relationship Stability: How trust contributes to a stable and secure partnership.
  4. Strengthens Bonds: Ways in which trust strengthens the bonds between partners.
  5. Encourages Growth and Development: How a trusting environment encourages personal and relational growth.

Tune in as we share practical insights and actionable tips on how to cultivate trust in your marriage. Whether you're newlyweds or seasoned partners, these strategies will help you nurture a relationship built on trust, respect, and love.

Listen to the full episode on Your Marriage Matters podcast now!

Ways to Develop Trust:

  1. Be Honest: Transparency and honesty are the building blocks of trust.
  2. Follow Through on Commitments: Keeping promises reinforces reliability.
  3. Communicate Openly: Create a safe space for open, non-judgmental communication.
  4. Respect Boundaries: Honor each other's boundaries to build trust and mutual respect.
  5. Be Dependable: Consistency and reliability are key to earning and maintaining trust.

Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share this episode to help others strengthen their marriages and build trust in their relationships. Let's spread the love and wisdom together!

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🎙️ Join Jim and Christie Jacobus on Your Marriage Matters as they dive deep into "The 5 R’s of Spring Cleaning Your Marriage"! 🌷

In this episode, they discuss practical strategies to revitalize your relationship and create a stronger bond this spring. From reorganizing your time together to renovating your finances, refreshing appreciation, revitalizing shared goals, and renewing your commitment, Jim and Christie provide actionable tips for couples to strengthen their marriages.

Tune in to discover how to:

  1. Prioritize quality time for bonding activities.
    1. Align your financial goals and create a budget together.
    1. Express gratitude and appreciation for each other daily.
    1. Set new challenges and adventures as a couple.
    1. Reaffirm your love and commitment to each other.

Don't miss out on valuable insights that can transform your marriage! 🌟 Subscribe, listen, like, and share this episode with friends and family who could benefit from a healthy and thriving relationship! 💑✨

Listen now on your favorite podcast provider or watch on YouTube and followYour Marriage Matters with Team Jacobus for more inspiring content! 🚀 #YourMarriageMatters #SpringCleaningYourMarriage #RelationshipGoals #PodcastWisdom #JoyhaulingWithTeamJacobus 🌻

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In this episode of Your Marriage Matters podcast with Jim & Christie Jacobus we talk about the one habit that can change your marriage.

We are going to introduce couples to the idea of having a weekly meeting. Doing so is a great habit and can help get couples on the same page in a busy day to day life. Weekly meetings can ,,,

  1. Improved Communication: Regular meetings provide a dedicated time for couples to discuss important matters, express their feelings, and share updates about their lives. This fosters open and honest communication, leading to better understanding and connection.
  2. Conflict Resolution: Meeting weekly allows couples to address any issues or conflicts promptly. By discussing concerns in a structured manner, couples can work together to find solutions and prevent conflicts from escalating.
  3. Shared Goals and Planning: Couples can use these meetings to set goals, plan activities, and discuss long-term aspirations. This helps them stay aligned with each other's priorities and work towards common objectives, fostering a sense of teamwork and unity.
  4. Quality Time: Weekly meetings create dedicated time for couples to focus solely on each other without distractions. This quality time strengthens their bond, enhances intimacy, and reinforces their commitment to the relationship.
  5. Financial Transparency: Meetings can include discussions about finances, budgeting, and financial goals. This promotes transparency, accountability, and responsible financial management within the marriage.
  6. Emotional Support: Couples can provide emotional support, encouragement, and reassurance during these meetings. Sharing successes, challenges, and emotions in a supportive environment strengthens the emotional connection between partners.
  7. Conflict Prevention: Regular check-ins can help identify potential issues early on, allowing couples to address concerns before they escalate into larger problems. This proactive approach can prevent misunderstandings and improve overall relationship satisfaction.
  8. Increased Trust: Through consistent communication and transparency, couples build trust in each other. Knowing that they have a dedicated time to discuss important matters fosters a sense of reliability and dependability within the relationship.
  9. Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Weekly meetings provide opportunities for couples to practice problem-solving skills together. By brainstorming solutions, compromising, and collaborating, couples develop effective strategies for addressing challenges both in their relationship and in life.
  10. Strengthened Connection: Ultimately, regular meetings help couples stay connected, deepen their understanding of each other, and nurture a strong and healthy relationship over time.

The 7 things we encourage them to do are …

  1. Start with prayer

  2. Agenda item 1 … how are “we” doing?

  3. Agenda item 2 … finances

  4. Agenda item 3 … schedules

  5. Agenda Item 4 … goals

  6. Agenda item 5 … how can I support you this week

  7. End with prayer

Acting as a social media expert and podcast expert write us a marketing blurb that can act as shownotes for both the audio podcast and the YouTube channel version.

Encourage them to like, subscribe and share the podcast with their friends as well as join our facebook group!

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Join Jim & Christie Jacobus as they dive deep into the crucial topic of the 5 things that can slowly erode the foundation of your marriage. In this eye-opening episode, they discuss:

Communication Issues: Uncover the secrets to effective communication that can transform your relationship.

Lack of Appreciation: Discover the power of showing gratitude and appreciation to reignite the spark in your marriage.

Ignoring Conflict Resolution: Learn practical strategies to resolve conflicts constructively and strengthen your bond.

Neglecting Quality Time: Explore the importance of carving out quality time for each other amidst life's busyness.

Neglecting Personal Growth: Find out how personal growth contributes to a thriving marriage and a fulfilling life together.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and actionable tips to revive intimacy, joy, and love in your marriage. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your friends and family. Join our vibrant community on Facebook for ongoing support and resources to nurture your marriage journey. Let's build stronger, happier marriages together!

🔗 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform and watch the video version on our YouTube channel. Link in bio! #YourMarriageMatters #MarriageGoals #HealthyRelationships #JoyfulMarriage #Podcast #YouTube #JoinOurCommunity #LikeSubscribeShare #HappyMarriageHappyLife 🌟

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Join Jim & Christie Jacobus on a transformative journey in this episode of Your Marriage Matters. Discover the profound truth that a great marriage is deeply rooted in worship, illuminating three essential facets of worship:

  1. Worship God as Creator: By acknowledging God as the creator of all things, including your marriage, you unlock the door to understanding the divine design behind your relationship.
  2. Worship God as Sovereign: Embrace the sovereignty of God in your marriage, recognizing His authority and wisdom in orchestrating every aspect of your journey together.
  3. Worship God as Savior: Lean into the redemptive power of God as your savior, finding hope and renewal in His grace and forgiveness within your marriage.

Through heartfelt worship, Jim & Christie reveal how:

  • Recognizing the sin, weakness, or failure of your spouse is a divine opportunity, not a coincidence.
  • God unveils the needs of your spouse to you, empowering you to become an instrument of His redemption and rescue.
  • Unity, understanding, and love flourish in marriages rooted in the worship of God.
  • Each glance at your spouse becomes a reflection of God's handiwork, reinforcing the sacredness of your bond.

Tune in to this episode to deepen your marital connection and experience the joy of worshiping together. Listen, like, share, and subscribe to Your Marriage Matters on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on YouTube and Facebook at Your Marriage Matters to stay updated on our latest episodes and insights!

Listen Now and Transform Your Marriage!

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Tune in to this episode of Your Marriage Matters, where we reflect on our recent participation at the One Night For Oneness Marriage Conference. Delve into the profound lessons we shared, including the significance of the apple tree analogy in understanding marriage dynamics. Explore why conventional approaches like threats, manipulation, and guilt fail to address the core issues in relationships, and how focusing on the heart is the key to lasting change. Gain valuable insights into recognizing and addressing your own role in marital challenges.

🔊 Key Takeaways:

  • Unpacking the apple tree analogy and its relevance to marriage
  • Why traditional tactics like threats and guilt are ineffective in solving marital issues
  • Understanding that all marriage problems are rooted in matters of the heart
  • The transformative power of self-awareness and personal growth in marriage improvement

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In this highly anticipated episode, Jim & Christie Jacobus take you on an enlightening journey through the heart of marriage. Fresh from their engaging presentation at the One Night For Oneness Marriage Conference, they delve into profound truths that form the bedrock of enduring relationships:

  1. Romance as a Result, Not a Cause: Discover why Jim & Christie believe that romance isn't just a spark but the radiant outcome of a robust foundation in marriage.
  2. Accountability in Communication: Join the discussion on how embracing accountability for our words and actions fosters deeper understanding and intimacy in relationships.
  3. The Heart's Role in Marital Dynamics: Gain valuable insights into the central role the heart plays in shaping our interactions, emotions, and connections within marriage.
  4. The Power of Words: Explore the profound link between the condition of our hearts and the words we speak, and how this impacts the quality of our relationships.

Connect with Jim & Christie Jacobus on their official website - www.yourmarriagematters.com.

Or, follow our Facebook Group - YourMarriageMatters

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Welcome back to Your Marriage Matters! As we wrap up February, the month of love, we're diving into the profound wisdom of Paul David Tripp's "Love is" statements. Join us as we break down these five powerful statements to help strengthen and deepen your relationship.

  1. Being Committed to Unity: Learn why it's more important to prioritize unity and understanding over winning arguments or being right. Discover how embracing unity can transform your relationship dynamics.
  2. Investing Time in Communication: Explore the significance of investing time to discuss and understand relational problems. We'll share practical tips for staying focused and resolving conflicts effectively.
  3. Valuing Trust and Faithfulness: Understand the crucial role of trust in relationships and the importance of being faithful to your promises. Discover how trust forms the foundation for a strong and lasting bond.
  4. Speaking Kindly and Gently: Discover the power of speaking kindly and gently, even during disagreements. Learn how to communicate effectively without attacking each other's character.
  5. Practicing Selflessness: Explore the significance of serving and supporting each other, even amidst busy schedules and exhaustion. Find inspiration to prioritize your partner's needs above your own.

Join us as we unpack these Love is statements and discover practical ways to enrich your marriage!

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In this week's episode of Your Marriage Matters, hosts Jim and Christie Jacobus dive deep into the dynamics of relationships, armed with insights from The 5 Love Languages, Relational Needs, and DISC personality profiles.

Discover how understanding and embracing our differences can strengthen the bond between partners. By recognizing and honoring each other's unique ways of expressing love and fulfilling relational needs, couples can foster deeper connection and harmony in their marriages.

Join Jim and Christie as they unpack the importance of communicating with empathy and adapting to our partner's love languages and personality traits for a more fulfilling relationship journey.

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Welcome to Your Marriage Matters with Jim & Christie Jacobus!

Embark on a journey through the dynamic stages of love with us as we explore the intricacies of relationships and the beauty of enduring commitment. Join us as we delve into the fascinating phases every couple encounters:

· Infatuation/Honeymoon Phase: Experience the exhilarating rush of passion and adoration as couples revel in the blissful haze of newfound love. Discover the magic of spontaneous gestures and the joy of being lost in each other's embrace.

· Reality Check/Adjustment Phase: Navigate the transition from euphoria to reality as couples confront imperfections and differences. Learn the art of effective communication and the power of compromise as you build a solid foundation for your future together.

· Building Security and Stability: Forge a bond of trust, commitment, and emotional intimacy as you lay the groundwork for a resilient partnership. Together, establish routines, share responsibilities, and pursue your dreams, united in purpose and unwavering support.

· Navigating Challenges/Crisis Phase: Confront external stressors head-on and emerge stronger as you weather life's storms together. Cultivate deep emotional connections and mutual support, finding strength in adversity and solace in each other's embrace.

· Mature Love/Companionship Phase: Celebrate the profound beauty of enduring love built on respect, understanding, and acceptance. Revel in the comfort of companionship and the richness of shared experiences, embracing the journey of growth and discovery as individuals and as a couple.

Join us on Your Marriage Matters as we unravel the mysteries of love's evolution and empower you to cultivate a relationship that stands the test of time. Remember, love is a journey, and together, we'll navigate its twists and turns with grace, communication, and unwavering commitment.

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Your Marriage Matters Podcast with Jim & Christie Jacobus: Pre Valentine's Day Edition!

Are you ready to elevate your Valentine's Day experience? Join the dynamic duo, Jim and Christie, on this week's podcast episode, where they unravel the secrets to making this romantic occasion truly unforgettable.

• Be Proactive: Don't settle for ordinary! Jim and Christie advocate for breaking free from the last-minute scramble and share insightful tips on being proactive in finding that perfect, thoughtful gift. Discover how a little planning can transform your Valentine's surprise into a cherished memory.

• Be Creative: Inject a dose of creativity into your celebration with the Cupid Challenge 2024! Immerse yourself in 14 fantastic ideas and challenges curated by Jim and Christie to add that extra spark to your Valentine's experience. From sweet gestures to exciting challenges, this is the perfect way to infuse fun and connection into your celebration.

• Be Intentional: Dive into the art of intentional love with Jim and Christie. Understand why knowing your partner's desires is the key to making them feel truly special. Discover the joy of selecting a gift that resonates with them, ensuring this Valentine's is all about celebrating their uniqueness.

Tune in now for a delightful blend of love, laughter, and invaluable wisdom that will make your Valentine's Day extraordinary! 🌹💑 #Joyhauling #ValentinesDay #MarriageMatters

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Welcome to another episode of the Your Marriage Matters podcast with Jim & Christie Jacobus! In episode 175, we dive into the essence of building critical habits in your marriage. 🌟 Building upon our recent discussions on how core beliefs shape thoughts, actions, and ultimately habits, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to create positive habits from the foundation of their core beliefs.

🤔 Understanding the Power of Habits: Discover the profound impact habits have on your marriage. We revisit the influence of core beliefs and how they serve as the driving force behind our daily actions.

💑 Linking Core Beliefs to Positive Habits: Uncover the intricate connection between core beliefs and the formation of positive habits. Jim and Christie share practical examples that demonstrate the transformative power of aligning your beliefs with positive actions.

🚀 Practical Tips for Creating Positive Habits: Jim brings his expertise in sales to the table, offering actionable insights on applying sales principles to habit formation. Meanwhile, Christie provides valuable perspectives on cultivating habits that contribute to a thriving and healthy marriage.

🌈 Case Studies or Examples: Get inspired by real-life stories and examples of individuals who have successfully turned core beliefs into positive habits. Learn from challenges faced and overcome in the journey towards building a stronger marriage.

We want to hear from you! Share your experiences with building positive habits and join the conversation. Ask questions, leave comments, and be a part of the Your Marriage Matters community.

Tune in to Your Marriage Matters Podcast #175 for a dose of wisdom, practical tips, and heartfelt discussions. Your journey to the marriage you dreamed of when you said "I Do" begins here! #YourMarriageMatters #PositiveHabits #MarriageWisdom

Never Forget … Your Marriage Matters to us!

Click Here to Sign Up for The Cupid Challenge 2024!

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🚀 Join us in this eye-opening episode of "Your Marriage Matters." Together, let's delve into the fascinating interplay between our core beliefs, thoughts, and actions within the intricate tapestry of marriage.

🔄 The Core Belief Cascade: In this episode we unpack the profound impact of core beliefs on the trajectory of a marriage. We will unravel how negative core beliefs, such as viewing marriage as a trap, can set off a chain reaction leading to negative thoughts and actions. Conversely, discover the transformative power of positive core beliefs, where marriage becomes an opportunity for shared growth, paving the way for positivity in every aspect.

🌱 Cultivating Positivity: Explore practical strategies and insights on fostering positive core beliefs about marriage. Whether you're navigating the nuances of a long-standing relationship or just embarking on the journey of marriage, this episode provides actionable takeaways to strengthen the foundation of your connection.

🎭 Perspectives from Jim and Christie: Experience the synergy gained from 37 years of marriage, experiencing the ups and downs and learning how to make your life together full of 99.9% ups!

🎉 Embrace the Joyful Journey: Tune in for learning and a lot of laughs as we share anecdotes and experiences that resonate with couples at every stage. Subscribe to "Your Marriage Matters" for a dose of inspiration and practical wisdom that will transform the way you view and navigate the beautiful adventure of marriage.

Never Forget … Your Marriage Matters to us!

Click Here to Sign Up for The Cupid Challenge 2024!

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In episode 173 of Your Marriage Matters podcast, Jim and Christie Jacobus delve into the critical importance of cultivating the right thoughts about marriage, oneself, and one's partner. This episode serves as a follow-up to their previous discussion on how core beliefs significantly impact our thoughts. Jim, drawing on his expertise as a professional speaker, and Christie, as an online counselor, explore the profound influence thoughts have on actions and the overall dynamics of a relationship. They share practical strategies for aligning core beliefs with a positive mindset to enhance marital well-being.

The conversation extends to scriptural insights, referencing passages like Luke 6:41-42 and Philippians 4:5. The hosts unravel the biblical perspective on thoughts, emphasizing their role in the context of a healthy and thriving marriage. As they navigate through these profound insights, listeners can expect practical tips from Jim's experiences and Christie's counseling expertise.

The episode aims to equip listeners with a deeper understanding of the power thoughts hold in shaping the dynamics of marriage. Whether reflecting on biblical wisdom or gleaning insights from the hosts' professional backgrounds, the episode offers valuable takeaways for building and sustaining a joyful and fulfilling marital relationship. As always, Jim and Christie encourage their audience to subscribe, rate, and leave a review, and invite them to connect further on their Joyhauling with Team Jacobus podcast and YouTube channels. Tune in for more episodes packed with wisdom and practical advice for cultivating strong and thriving marriages.

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Welcome to another episode of "Your Marriage Matters" with Jim and Christie Jacobus, where we dive deep into the foundations of a healthy marriage.

In today's episode, we're exploring the significance of core beliefs in fostering a strong and lasting marital bond.

Core beliefs are the fundamental convictions and principles that shape our perspectives and guide our actions. In the context of marriage, they form the bedrock of the relationship, influencing how partners interact and navigate through the journey together.

1: You Can't Change, Cure, or Control Someone Else

One key core belief we emphasize is the understanding that individuals have their own autonomy. Accepting that you cannot change, cure, or control your partner is liberating. It encourages open communication and acceptance, fostering an environment where both partners can grow individually.

#2: Pursue the Best Version of Yourself and Your Partnership: In our case, as Team Jacobus, we believe in the importance of pursuing personal growth and excellence within the relationship. This core belief underscores the idea that by striving to be the best version of ourselves, we contribute positively to the partnership, creating a dynamic where both partners continuously evolve and thrive together.

#3: Unconditional Love as Part of God's Plan for Marriage: Our third core belief centers around the divine aspect of marriage. We explore the idea that part of God's plan for marriage involves learning to love each other unconditionally, mirroring the unconditional love that He showers upon us. This core belief deepens the connection between partners and reinforces the spiritual foundation of the marital relationship.

In today's episode, we've looked into the essence of just 3 core beliefs in a marriage. By embracing these principles - recognizing individual autonomy, pursuing personal growth, and practicing unconditional love – you can strengthen your marriage and build a resilient foundation for a fulfilling and lasting life together!

Connect with us on:

  • Your Marriage Facebook Group: Your Marriage Matters
  • Instagram: @TeamJacobus
  • YouTube at Your Marriage Matters
  • Explore our Blog: www.yourmarriagematters.com/blog
  • Subscribe to our podcast on your preferred platform!

If you wish to reach out, feel free to contact us at info@TeamJacobus.com.

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This is part 2 of our "4 Questions" annual process we go through to make sure 2024 is going to be the best year ever. We trust you will enjoy questions 3 and 4!

Repeat of last week's show notes ...

People often ask us how we manage to stay in sync as a couple and maintain that synchronization over time. The key to our success lies in one word: communication. We firmly believe in the power of open, transparent and frequent communication, which allows us to be on the same page.

One of the effective processes we've implemented is what we call "The 4 Questions." We initiated this practice over two decades ago, and it has become a yearly ritual for us. As we approach the end of each year, we engage in this process to prepare for the upcoming one.

The impact of this process has been so profound that we've shared it with friends, family, our church community, and Jim delivers it to a number of his corporate clients annually.

This year, we're excited to share our "4 Questions" process with you over the next two weeks. We encourage you to answer these questions both individually and collectively, considering both your personal and professional roles In life. You can find a downloadable worksheet to guide you through the process at www.yourmarriagematters.com/170.

Connect with us on:

  • Your Marriage Facebook Group: Your Marriage Matters
  • Instagram: @TeamJacobus
  • YouTube at Your Marriage Matters
  • Explore our Blog: www.yourmarriagematters.com/blog
  • Subscribe to our podcast on your preferred platform!

If you wish to reach out, feel free to contact us at info@TeamJacobus.com.

Looking forward to connecting with you next week!

Jim & Christie

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People often ask us how we manage to stay in sync as a couple and maintain that synchronization over time. The key to our success lies in one word: communication. We firmly believe in the power of open, transparent and frequent communication, which allows us to be on the same page.

One of the effective processes we've implemented is what we call "The 4 Questions." We initiated this practice over two decades ago, and it has become a yearly ritual for us. As we approach the end of each year, we engage in this process to prepare for the upcoming one.

The impact of this process has been so profound that we've shared it with friends, family, our church community, and Jim delivers it to a number of his corporate clients annually.

This year, we're excited to share our "4 Questions" process with you over the next two weeks. We encourage you to answer these questions both individually and collectively, considering both your personal and professional roles In life. You can find a downloadable worksheet to guide you through the process at www.yourmarriagematters.com/170.

Connect with us on:

  • Your Marriage Facebook Group: Your Marriage Matters
  • Instagram: @TeamJacobus
  • YouTube at Your Marriage Matters
  • Explore our Blog: www.yourmarriagematters.com/blog
  • Subscribe to our podcast on your preferred platform!

If you wish to reach out, feel free to contact us at info@TeamJacobus.com.

Looking forward to connecting with you next week!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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In this exciting and fun episode, join our hosts as they sit down with two extraordinary couples, Mindy and Chris Harris, and Hannah and Austin Pierce. Get ready to delve into the depths of married life and uncover the invaluable experiences and wisdom these newlyweds have to share about their wedding day and everything that went into it!.

Discover the emotions as Jim & Christie ask the question, "How does it feel being married?" Listen in awe as Mindy and Chris, along with Hannah and Austin, paint a vivid picture of the transformative power of love and commitment, expressing their heartfelt sentiments and sharing the joys they have already found in marriage.

Journey with us as we delve into their wedding days, relishing in the details of these enchanting events. Explore the laughter and tears that accompanied them, and brace yourself for the surprises that left them breathless. Uncover the lessons they learned and the changes they would make if given the chance.

But it doesn't stop there! Be prepared to take notes as our guests provide invaluable advice for couples embarking on their own marital journeys. From the process to the preparation, and even the intricacies of the actual day itself, Mindy, Chris, Hannah, and Austin impart their hard-earned wisdom, ensuring that every couple has a head start towards a flourishing and meaningful union.

And as the episode draws to a close, we look toward the future and explore what lies ahead for these amazing couples. Find out the exciting new adventures, dreams, and aspirations that await Mindy, Chris, Hannah, and Austin. Their stories will leave you inspired and eager to embrace the infinite possibilities that marriage holds.

Tune in to "Your Marriage Matters" with Jim & Christie Jacobus, where love and commitment take center stage, and gain invaluable insights from these remarkable couples. Get ready to ignite the fire in your own relationship and witness firsthand how marriages truly matter. Don't miss a moment of this extraordinary podcast episode!

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Last week we discussed Jim's favorite topic for a great marriage - mindsets! This week we look at Christie's fav topic - skill sets! One is worthless without the other so we trust you will enjoy!

In this podcast you will discover the secrets to a thriving relationship on the latest episode of Your Marriage Matters podcast! Join relationship experts Jim & Christie Jacobus as they unveil the three essential skills that will revolutionize your love life.

In this episode, you will learn:

  • Effective Communication: Discover the key techniques to enhance communication with your partner, allowing for better understanding, active listening, and meaningful dialogue.
  • Conflict Resolution: Gain valuable insights on how to navigate conflicts in your relationship with grace and ease. Learn practical strategies to address disagreements constructively and find mutually satisfying resolutions.
  • The Power of Compassion: Explore the transformative power of compassion in your relationship. Discover how practicing empathy and understanding can foster deep connection, empathy, and intimacy.

With their years of expertise and practical advice, Jim & Christie will guide you towards a deeper connection and lasting happiness in your relationship.

Don't miss this opportunity to transform your relationship into something truly extraordinary. Tune in now and make your marriage matter!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matters, where we explore the essential mindsets for a thriving and enduring marriage. In this episode, we'll dive into the 10 critical mindsets that form the foundation of a successful partnership.

  1. Commitment: Approach marriage with unwavering dedication and understand that it requires effort and perseverance. Cultivate a deep commitment to your partner and the relationship to ensure its strength and longevity.
  2. Communication: Prioritize open and honest communication. Actively listen to your partner's thoughts, feelings, and needs, and express yourself clearly and respectfully. Effective communication is vital for understanding, connection, and resolving conflicts.
  3. Empathy: Cultivate empathy to understand your partner's perspective, emotions, and experiences. Foster a sense of understanding and compassion. Empathy strengthens the bond between partners and nurtures a supportive and harmonious relationship.
  4. Respect: Treat your partner with respect, valuing their opinions, boundaries, and individuality. Avoid criticism, contempt, or disrespect. Mutual respect lays the groundwork for trust, appreciation, and a healthy dynamic.
  5. Teamwork: Embrace a teamwork mentality, recognizing that you and your partner are a united front working towards common goals. Support each other through challenges, celebrate victories together, and foster a sense of partnership and unity.
  6. Compromise: Master the art of compromise. Find solutions that benefit both partners and be willing to make concessions when conflicts arise. Maintaining harmony and balance through compromise is essential for a thriving marriage.
  7. Gratitude: Practice gratitude for your partner and the relationship. Acknowledge and appreciate their positive qualities and the efforts they make to enhance the marriage. Cultivating gratitude fosters a positive and appreciative mindset.
  8. Forgiveness: Cultivate the ability to forgive and let go of past grievances. Recognize that nobody is perfect, and holding onto resentment hinders the growth of the relationship. Forgiveness allows healing and renewal within the marriage.
  9. Adaptability: Embrace flexibility and adaptability as life circumstances change. Be willing to adjust and navigate those changes together as a couple. An adaptable mindset ensures resilience and growth in the face of challenges.
  10. Continuous Growth: Commit to personal and relational growth. Recognize that a successful marriage requires ongoing effort, learning, and self-improvement. Embrace opportunities for growth individually and as a couple to strengthen your bond.

By adopting these 10 critical mindsets, you can lay a solid foundation for a successful and fulfilling marriage. Embrace commitment, effective communication, empathy, respect, teamwork, compromise, gratitude, forgiveness, adaptability, and continuous growth. Subscribe to YOUR Marriage Matters for more insights and practical guidance on building a thriving and lasting marriage.

See you next week for the "skills" episode!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Of all of the habits we have been discussing this series just how important are the spiritual habits we develop? We believe they may be more important than all of the rest!

In this episode of Your Marriage Matters, Jim and Christie Jacobus explore the importance of cultivating spiritual habits within a marriage. They discussed a variety of practices and activities that can enhance the spiritual connection between partners, ultimately leading to a stronger and more fulfilling relationship. Here's a recap of the key points discussed:

  1. Reading and Studying Scripture: Jim and Christie emphasized the significance of regularly engaging in the reading and study of scripture as a couple. They highlighted how delving into sacred texts can deepen one's understanding of faith and provide a foundation for spiritual growth within the marriage.
  2. Shared Prayer: The hosts stressed the power of shared prayer in fostering a strong spiritual bond between partners. They discussed the benefits of coming together in prayer, emphasizing how it allows couples to seek guidance, express gratitude, and nurture a deeper connection with God.
  3. Hanging Out with Godly People: Jim and Christie encouraged couples to surround themselves with like-minded individuals who are committed to their faith. They discussed the importance of spending time with Godly people, as it can provide support, encouragement, and opportunities for spiritual growth within the marriage.
  4. Getting Involved in Something God Is Doing: The hosts highlighted the value of actively participating in activities aligned with God's purpose. They discussed how engaging in acts of service, missions, or community involvement can strengthen the couple's spiritual journey and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in the world.
  5. Practicing Gratitude Individually and as a Couple: Jim and Christie emphasized the transformative power of practicing gratitude. They discussed how cultivating a habit of gratitude individually and as a couple can foster a positive mindset, deepen appreciation for life's blessings, and enhance the spiritual connection within the marriage.
  6. Practicing Forgiveness Towards Each Other and Others: The hosts underscored the importance of forgiveness in nurturing a healthy and harmonious marital relationship. They discussed how extending forgiveness to one another, as well as to others, is a vital spiritual practice that promotes healing, growth, and the restoration of relationships.
  7. Engaging in Meaningful Conversations about Faith: Jim and Christie encouraged couples to engage in open and meaningful conversations about their faith. They discussed the value of discussing beliefs, doubts, questions, and experiences, as it allows partners to deepen their understanding of one another's spiritual journeys and strengthen their connection.
  8. Embracing Rituals and Traditions with Spiritual Significance: The hosts explored the significance of incorporating rituals and traditions into the marital relationship. They discussed how these practices, such as observing religious holidays or engaging in specific spiritual rituals, can create moments of reverence, reflection, and connection with one's faith.
  9. Setting Shared Spiritual Goals: Jim and Christie emphasized the importance of setting shared spiritual goals as a couple. They discussed how defining and working towards common aspirations can create a sense of purpose, unity, and growth in the marriage's spiritual journey.

Throughout the podcast, Jim and Christie shared practical insights, personal anecdotes, and guidance on how to integrate these spiritual habits into a marriage. They emphasized that by embracing these practices, couples can foster a stronger spiritual bond, cultivate a deeper connection with God, and experience a more fulfilling and meaningful life together.

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Are you ready to take your relationship to the next level? Join hosts Jim and Christie Jacobus on their podcast, Your Marriage Matters, where they share valuable insights and practical advice on building a strong and prosperous marriage. In this episode, they uncover the secrets to healthy financial habits for engaged or seriously dating couples.

Money can be a sensitive subject, but Jim and Christie are here to guide you through the journey of financial harmony. They emphasize the importance of open and honest communication about money. By discussing your financial goals, priorities, and concerns regularly, you can ensure that you and your partner are on the same page.

Conflicts may arise, but fear not! Jim and Christie reveal the keys to conflict resolution when it comes to finances. They encourage couples to create a safe space to discuss differences in financial values, priorities, and approaches. Through active listening, compromise, and finding common ground, you can resolve disagreements and prevent financial issues from straining your relationship.

Ready to take control of your finances? The dynamic duo shares their wisdom on budgeting. By creating a joint budget that reflects both partners' income, expenses, and savings goals, you can avoid unnecessary financial stress and set yourselves up for success.

But financial success isn't just about the numbers. Jim and Christie emphasize the significance of shared financial goals. Whether it's saving for a dream house, retirement, or a well-deserved vacation, they guide you on how to work together, align your efforts, and make joint decisions to achieve these goals.

While working towards shared goals, it's equally important to maintain individual financial independence. Jim and Christie empower you to have personal spending money and be involved in managing your own finances, fostering a healthy balance in your relationship.

Unexpected expenses are inevitable, so be prepared! The hosts advocate for building an emergency fund together. Aim for three to six months' worth of living expenses and contribute to it regularly, ensuring peace of mind in times of financial uncertainty.

Debt can be a burden, but it doesn't have to be. Jim and Christie reveal strategies for debt management. Tackle existing debts as a team, prioritizing high-interest debts first. By avoiding new debt whenever possible, you can pave the way for a debt-free future.

Looking ahead, Jim and Christie stress the importance of saving for the future. Whether it's exploring retirement account options like 401(k)s, IRAs, or pension plans, or starting to save early to take advantage of compounding growth, they guide you on investing in your future together.

Regular financial check-ins are vital to staying on track. Jim and Christie advise scheduling these check-ins to assess your progress, adjust goals, and make any necessary changes. By staying accountable and adapting to new circumstances, you'll keep your financial journey on the right path.

Trust and transparency go hand in hand, especially when it comes to finances. Jim and Christie emphasize the need for maintaining transparent financial records. Sharing access to bank accounts, investment portfolios, and other financial accounts fosters trust and ensures that both partners have a clear understanding of the overall financial picture.

Finally, never stop learning. Jim and Christie encourage you to commit to ongoing financial education as a couple. Attend workshops, read books, or take courses together to enhance your knowledge about personal finance and investment strategies. This shared learning experience will strengthen your financial decision-making as a team.

Don't miss out on the wealth of knowledge shared by Jim and Christie on Your Marriage Matters. Tune in to their podcast today and discover the secrets to building a strong and financially secure marriage.

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Welcome to another episode of Your Marriage Matters, the podcast where we explore the keys to a successful and fulfilling marriage. I'm your host, Jim Jacobus, and I'm joined by my wonderful co-host and partner, Christie Jacobus.

Summary: In today's episode, we dive into the essential elements of a healthy relationship. We'll discuss effective communication, healthy conflict resolution, mutual respect, emotional support, quality time, boundaries and independence, shared responsibilities, physical intimacy, emotional resilience, and mutual goals and growth. These elements form the foundation of a thriving and lasting marriage.

Key Points:

  1. Effective Communication: Open and honest communication is crucial for couples. We explore the importance of active listening, expressing thoughts and emotions clearly, and avoiding defensive or aggressive behavior. Communication lays the groundwork for understanding and connection in your relationship.
  2. Healthy Conflict Resolution: Disagreements and conflicts are inevitable in any relationship. We'll share valuable insights on cultivating healthy conflict resolution skills, such as active listening, compromise, and finding solutions together. By addressing conflicts constructively, you can strengthen your bond and grow together.
  3. Mutual Respect: Respect is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship. We emphasize the significance of respecting each other's opinions, boundaries, and individuality. We'll provide tips on recognizing and appreciating each other's strengths and differences, fostering a sense of harmony and appreciation.
  4. Emotional Support: During challenging times, emotional support is vital. We'll discuss the importance of being empathetic, understanding, and offering reassurance and encouragement to each other. Discover how to navigate difficult moments as a team and build a strong foundation of emotional support.
  5. Quality Time: Spending quality time together is essential for maintaining a thriving marriage. We delve into the significance of regular shared activities that both partners enjoy, fostering connection and intimacy. Discover ways to prioritize quality time and strengthen your bond.
  6. Boundaries and Independence: Maintaining personal boundaries and respecting each other's need for space and individuality is key to a healthy relationship. We discuss the importance of encouraging each other's personal growth and interests while fostering a sense of togetherness and support.
  7. Shared Responsibilities: Establishing a fair division of household chores, financial responsibilities, and decision-making promotes a sense of equality and reduces stress. We provide strategies for effectively managing shared responsibilities, creating a balanced and harmonious partnership.
  8. Physical Intimacy: Physical affection, intimacy, and sexual connection are vital aspects of a healthy relationship. We delve into the significance of open communication about desires, needs, and boundaries, creating a safe and fulfilling space for physical intimacy.
  9. Emotional Resilience: Cultivating emotional resilience as a couple is essential for navigating challenging times. We explore strategies for supporting each other during difficult moments, promoting self-care practices, and seeking professional help when needed. Discover how to build emotional strength as a team.
  10. Mutual Goals and Growth: Setting shared goals, dreams, and aspirations is a powerful way to strengthen your bond. We discuss the importance of supporting each other's personal growth and celebrating achievements together. Explore how mutual goals can enhance your connection and create a fulfilling future.

Building a strong foundation for your marriage requires attention to these essential elements: effective communication, healthy conflict resolution, mutual respect, emotional support, quality time, boundaries and independence, shared responsibilities, physical intimacy, emotional resilience, and mutual goals and growth. By prioritizing these elements, you can create a lasting and fulfilling partnership. Thank you for joining us on Your Marriage Matters. We look forward to bringing you more valuable insights and discussions in future episodes. Remember, your marriage truly matters.

JIm & Christie Jacobus

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Does your physical health impact the health of your relationship? Simple answer - absolutely!

Join us on a journey to prioritize your physical health as a couple and strengthen your bond like never before. We are thrilled to present ten essential habits that will revolutionize your approach to physical well-being. Are you ready to embark on this exciting adventure together?

1️⃣ Regular Exercise Together: Discover the joy of shared physical activities. Whether it's taking leisurely walks, cycling, swimming, dancing, or joining a fitness class, exercising as a couple not only improves your physical health but also deepens the connection between you.

2️⃣ Meal Planning and Cooking Together: Unleash your culinary creativity and plan nutritious meals as a team. Engage in grocery shopping, meal prepping, and cooking to transform these activities into fun and collaborative endeavors.

3️⃣ Healthy Eating Habits: Embrace a balanced diet with an abundance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Bid farewell to processed foods, sugary drinks, excessive salt, and sugar consumption to embark on a healthier lifestyle together.

4️⃣ Regular Sleep Schedule: Create a sleep routine that nourishes your bodies and minds. Prioritize getting enough sleep each night by cultivating a relaxing environment and developing nighttime rituals that promote restful slumber.

5️⃣ Active Weekend Outings: Embrace the beauty of the outdoors by planning exhilarating weekend activities like hiking, cycling, kayaking, or exploring new places. As you immerse yourselves in physical activity, you'll forge unforgettable memories together.

6️⃣ Active Date Nights: Break free from the mundane and infuse your date nights with energy. Opt for active adventures like bowling, mini-golf, or dance classes. By embracing physical activity, you'll add excitement and variety to your relationship.

7️⃣ Team Sports or Recreational Leagues: Rediscover the thrill of friendly competition as you join local sports teams or recreational leagues together. This fantastic opportunity not only keeps you active but also allows you to expand your social circle.

8️⃣ Regular Health Check-ups: Prioritize your well-being by scheduling routine check-ups with healthcare professionals. By staying vigilant and catching potential issues early, you can ensure a healthier future for both of you.

9️⃣ Fitness Challenges or Goals: Unleash your inner athlete by setting fitness goals or challenges as a couple. Train for a charity run, participate in fitness challenges, or aim to reach a specific number of steps or workout sessions per week. Together, you can achieve greatness.

🔟 Support Each Other's Wellness: Stand as pillars of strength and support each other's physical health journeys. Be the accountability partner your partner deserves, encouraging and motivating one another to stay consistent with exercise, healthy eating, and overall well-being.

Remember, your physical health is a team effort. By embarking on this transformative podcast journey with us, you'll discover the power of supporting and motivating each other. Together, you can create a positive and healthy lifestyle that not only benefits both individuals but also strengthens the unbreakable bond you share as a couple.

Tune in to Your Marriage Matters with Jim and Christie Jacobus, where we'll delve into each habit and provide practical strategies to incorporate them into your lives. Let's make your marriage thrive through the power of physical health!

Jim & Christie "Team" Jacobus

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Welcome to "The Relationship Blueprint: Mastering 5 Habits for Sustained Success!" with your hosts, Jim and Christie Jacobus! Join us for an exciting podcast episode where we explore the fascinating world of habits and how they can shape your life.

In this special series spanning five weeks (and possibly more!), we'll guide you on a journey towards building incredible habits that will amplify the magic in your relationship. Are you ready to make your dreams a reality?

Our first habit is all about fostering strong communication through regularly scheduled weekly "team" meetings. Discover the immense benefits of setting aside dedicated time to align your visions, discuss goals, and support each other's aspirations. We'll share practical insights and a suggested agenda to help you get started.

Tune in and embark on this transformative adventure with us. Together, we'll unlock the potential of habits and create an extraordinary future that surpasses your expectations.

Join Jim and Christie Jacobus on "Habits Unleashed" - the podcast that empowers you to shape your destiny, one habit at a time. Let's dive in!

Jim & Christie "Team" Jacobus

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Do you want to learn how to achieve big things in your life without putting your relationship at risk? Well, you're in luck! In this podcast, we reveal the secret behind our success in working together as a couple. We call it the I D E A process, and it's a simple yet powerful tool that can help you achieve your goals without sacrificing your relationship.

I D E A stands for:

  • Inspiration
  • Discussion
  • Education
  • Action

We'll guide you through each step and show you how to apply it to both big and small projects. But that's not all! We'll also share some essential ground rules that will improve not only your relationship with each other but also your individual lives.

Whether you're planning a wedding, building a home, or pursuing a career, this podcast is a must-listen for any engaged couple looking to achieve success without compromising their love for each other.

Tune in now and discover how the I D E A process can transform your relationship!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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What moments in a wedding day are critical to your personal enjoyment and the enjoyment of your guests?

Well, Jim did a wedding this past weekend and on our way home we started discussing all of the great moments that were had by the couple and the guests and we had so much fun reliving the event we thought ... "why not do a podcast about it"!

So, here are 10 Key Moments In A Wedding Day You Absolutely Want To Get Right"!

We trust you will enjoy! Let us know if you have any questions ...

PS ... just seriously dating? Still a fun discussion to have!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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What is one of the most important skills a couple can develop to keep their lives together vibrant and exciting? That is learning to create a shared vision for their futures both as individuals and as a couple.

We always talk about being intentional. In this podcast we discuss how important it is to have:

  • A clear mission!
  • A clear vision!
  • A clear set of shared values!
  • A set of goals both individual and as a couple
  • And committing to be a great team!

We also encourage you to sit down and go through our Bucket List exercise. Download that exercise on our Facebook page documents section by Clicking Here!

As always we want you to know that we are here for you if we can help in any way and to remind you that YOUR Marriage Matters!

See ya next week gang ...

Team Jacobus

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Ever wondered what it would be like to be in a relationship with or marry someone who is fully committed to being the best version of themselves and is always growing and improving in every aspect of their life? It would be pretty awesome, don't you think?

There's a quote that we often use to guide our search for the right person to share our life with: "become the person the person you are looking for is looking for." So, if we want to find someone who is always growing, we must also be on that same path ourselves.

In this episode, we will discuss why it is crucial to continually grow and learn, and we will offer numerous ideas on how to achieve it. If you're reading this and listening to YOUR Marriage Matters, you're already on the right track! Let's make personal growth a part of our daily lives.

Remember: "As long as we are learning, we are living...the moment we stop learning is the moment we start to die." We hope you enjoy this podcast as we conclude our series on the 4 Cornerstones of a great life together!

To join the Facebook Group YOUR Marriage Matters, Click Here!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Let's get this straight ... you will have problems, challenges and outright conflicts in your relationship! It is inevitable!!! How you handle them will be the key to the success in your lives moving forward!

Handling them well will actually enhance the strength of your connection as well as creating a deeper level of intimacy you won't be able to ever experience without these skills and principles!

So, here is what you will find in this podcast:

  • Conflict is a normal part of a healthy relationship!
  • One of our favorite skills - "Rate the Debate"!
  • Another of our faves - "Fight NAKED"!
  • Some biblical wisdom from Luke 16: 41-42
  • And our own personal challenges and victories when it comes to solving challenges we have faced together!

Enjoy the podcast and let us know if we can help you in any way!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Is there any more critical in a relationship than being able to effectively communicate openly and transparently with each other? NOPE!!! There is not!

That is one of the reasons we are constantly doing podcasts about communications, teaching workshops that always include communications and, work very hard about improving our own communications. It is that critical!

In this podcast we:

  • Share with you two very important skill sets in the form of our Speaker Checklist and our Listener Checklist. You can Click Here to download our PDF that covers these two skills!
  • We will also share with you 10 No No's when it comes to effectively communicating with each other (and the rest of the world for that matter!)
  • Have 7 Powerful Communication Tools we all need to be intentional about mastering and using day in and day out!
  • Will teach you one of the most powerful techniques we teach in our workshops we call "The Two Chairs".

At the end of the podcast we give you 6 conversations you can use to practice the checklists, avoiding the No No's, the 7 tools and the chairs! Here are the 6 Great Conversations we created just for you:

  1. One thing I would like for us to find common ground on is …
  2. It really hurts my feelings when you …
  3. One thing you could do that would really make me feel loved is ….
  4. I would like to see us reduce our spending on …
  5. When it comes to our families could we …
  6. The one thing I think would make us a better team is …

Also, in the podcast we referred to one of our favorite tools, The Relational Needs Survey and learning more about making our partner feel loved. Here are the links to the two podcasts about the Relational Needs Assessment! Take the time to do this and watch how your relationship grows!!!

  • Click Here to access the podcast on How To Make Your Partner Feel Loved!
  • Click Here to access the podcast on Getting the Most From Your Relational Needs Survey!
  • Click Here to download the Relational Needs Survey!

As always, if you have any questions or if we can help in any way please feel free to reach out to us by responding to this podcast post or go on over to our YOUR Marriage Matters Facebook Group!

Be sure and join us next week as we tackle the 2nd most important skill set we all need to develop - solving problems and resolving conflict!

Click Here To Listen To The Podcast!

Never ever forget how much YOUR Marriage Matters!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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What better way to answer that question than going straight to two "Nearlywed" couples that are just weeks away from saying :I do" and interview them?

Hannah and Austin

Mindy and Chris

In this week's episode we ask these guys some great, even tough, questions about what their seriously dating and engagement phases have been like! You will hear them answer, very candidly, the following questions:

  • Why do you want to get married?
  • What have been some of the struggles you have faced while dating and engaged?
  • What have been the fun parts of this time in your lives? Any unexpected blessings?
  • What, if anything, do you think will be different once you say "I do"?
  • Imagine you have been married for 30 years ... what would you want people to say about you individually and as a couple?
  • What is one piece of advice or insight you would want to give our couples out there that are engaged or seriously dating?

This was both a fun interview and a great learning experience. We trust you will enjoy it!

  • For your homework this week Click Here to download our discussion on creating a "Bucket List" together!
  • And, Click Here to download our Speaker/Listener Checklist to guide you through the discussion above!
  • Additionally we encourage you to join our Facebook group by Clicking Here!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang!

In this podcast episode we preview a series we have entitled The 4 Foundations of A Great Relationship! It is intended to do exactly what the title says. As you are seriously dating or engaged we want you to begin working on the 4 things that will become the backbone of you experiencing everything you hope for if/when you walk down the aisle together to say "I DO"!

We will be covering the following:

  • Communication
  • Conflict resolution and/or problem solving
  • Creating a shared vision
  • Committing to being the best version of yourselves both individually and collectively
  • And, we have an interview with a few couples that are currently engaged and just months, or weeks, away from saying I DO to get their insights on this very important time in their lives!

We will also be sharing a little bit of our story and how we got here as well as the importance of commitment and intentionality! So, we trust you will enjoy this overview and join us in the weeks to come as we tackle these critical pieces to your success as a couple!

  • For your homework this week Click Here to download our discussion on creating a "Bucket List" together!
  • And, Click Here to download our Speaker/Listener Checklist to guide you through the discussion above!
  • Additionally we encourage you to join our Facebook group by Clicking Here!

Have an awesome week and join us for our podcast on Communication Skills!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Are we excited about you getting married? Yes, we are! Are there reasons to hit the STOP Button on getting married? Absolutely! Are these "life sentences"? Now way! But, if not dealt with before you walk down that aisle and say "I DO" they will cause you a world of hurt. If not dealt with now they could very easily lead to a divorce at a later date.

What are good reasons to hit the STOP Button?

  • Addiction
  • Abuse
  • Response to internal or external pressures
  • Thinking marriage will fix your fiancee
  • Not having a "non negotiable" met by your future spouse

In this podcast we go into each of these in detail and provide you with some options when it comes to dealing with them. Again, these are not life sentences. As a matter of fact, we have seen some of the strongest marriage we know come out of a couple's dedication to dealing with one or more of these marriage killers!

There are also a handful of reasons to hit the PAUSE Button on your nuptials as well. Meaning we are going to acknowledge these challenges and begin to address them now. The great thing about this approach is it helps us develop our communication and problem skills during our engagement which is a microcosm of what are married life is going to be like together!

There you have it! 5 Reasons To Absolutely Hit the STOP Button On Getting Married!

If you have any questions please let us know. We are always here to help! Here are a couple of things you can do to help us ...

  • Click Here to download our Speaker Listener Checklist!
  • Click Here to join our Your Marriage Matters Facebook Group!
  • If you enjoyed the podcast we would appreciate your giving it a 5 star review! That will help others find it more easily.

Join us next week as we kick off a new series on The 4 Foundations of A Great Relationship!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Why get married? That is a question we have been asking our seriously dating and engaged couples for years. Their answers are as varied as there are colors in a sunset!

Some of those reasons are clearly well thought through while some give reason for pause. The good reasons do not guarantee success nor do the not so good reasons mean certain failure. That said, it pays to have a serious conversation or two or three or (you get where we are coming from) about the most important decision either of you will make in your adult lives.

So, in this episode we walk you through what we feel like are great reasons for getting married. It isn't an exhaustive list but it is a pretty good place to start.

We have also provided you with some tools for this conversation in the form of a brainstorming process we like to use often when we are wanting to go deeper in a conversation. You can use this process for a lot of different decisions you will need to make together.

And, we have provided you with two of our PDF tools as resources for this conversation. You can ...

  • Click Here to download our Reasons To Get Married exercise
  • Click Here to download our speaker/Listener Checklist exercise. You can find the podcast for that tool at YMM

As always we appreciate it if you can share this podcast with your friends and family that you think might benefit! And, go join the Facebook group by Clicking Here!

We will see you next week when we will cover some really good reasons not to get married or at least think a little more about your decision!

Always here for you ...

Jim and Christie @TeamJacobus

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We have two awesome things to share with you this week!!!

First, happy Valentine's Day!!! In this podcast we cover the 5 Love Languages and give you some ideas on how to use them to make Valentine's Day, or any day, very special this year!

And then we share with you a new direction we are taking with the YOUR Marriage Matters podcast! We have a new focus we are so excited about so check it out and let us know what you think!

We appreciate all of your support and are so excited about the new book and the plans we have for you moving forward!

Jim & Christie "Team Jacobus"

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What's The One Thing You Can Do To Change the Trajectory of YOUR Marriage? Well, when we started thinking about it we couldn't come up with just one ... we came up with four of them!!! Each of these in their own way can make a huge difference in your marriage. If you can, do it together even if you both choose a different one. If your spouse isn't on board then pick one and do it yourself! If either member of the relationship gets better then the marriage gets better!

The four are simple but not necessarily easy. As a matter of fact they can be downright hard. But, they are worth your investment of time and energy. Here are the options:

  • #1 - fix your stuff! A lot of the marriages we see are struggling because of childhood trauma/experiences that one or both partners bring into the marriage! Time to grow up, deal with it and put it in the rear view mirror so you can move forward and experience all of the joy and happiness you deserve!!!
  • #2 - let's get physical! We aren't challenging anyone to be an olympic athlete, unless of course you can then go for it! We are challenging everyone to commit to being as healthy as they can be! Time to get up off of the couch, put down the fork and invest in being healthy!
  • #3 - exercise your brain! In #2 we talk about exercising your body. In this one we talk about how important it is to regularly exercise and stretch our brains! As long as we are learning we are living ... the moment we stop learning is the moment our marriage begins to die!!! Grab an article and read it! Read, or listen, to a book! Subscribe to a podcast ... there's an idea!!! Do something that regularly stimulates your brain to grow and get new ideas!
  • #4 - find your tribe! Don't try and go this alone. It is so important for us all to find a group of friends that are in the same stage of life we are in so two wonderful things happen! First, we find out we are not alone and the struggles we have are not unique! Second, we learn from others, and they learn from us, how they have successfully navigated the rough waters we are currently in! Find a tribe you can lean on as you experience marriage together! PS ... we find our tribe at church. We highly recommend it!!!

So, there you have it! 4 powerful strategies you can implement to get grow both individually and as a couple! Let us know what you think and which one you choose!

Here Are Some Marriage Resources for You!!! When it comes to that last one we wanted to give you some simple and easy to use resources for investing in each other!!! From previous episodes:

  • Take the time to learn what makes your spouse feel loved by taking our "Relationship Needs Survey"! This is a real eye opener and will give you the keys to your mates heart! Click Here to access that episode!
  • One of the most powerful things a couple can do is to work on creating a "Shared Vision" for their life together! In our episode on the subject we offered a downloadable pdf workbook to help you in the process! Click Here to access that episode and download your own Bucket List Exercise! WARNING ... it could lead to living full time in a RV or some similar life adventure!!!
  • One more simple thing you can do to access a great resource is to join our YOUR Marriage Matters Facebook Group where we share a ton of additional information for building a more vibrant, healthy marriage! Click Here to go to our Facebook Group and join in!!!
  • Oooooooppppssss! Almost forgot you can grab our book 52 Great Conversations for Building A More Vibrant, Healthy Marriage! Click Here to grab your copy!

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"You Are Not Likely To Protect YOUR Marriage If You Don't Believe There Is Any Danger" Rick Reynolds - The Affair Recovery Center

Last week we did our podcast on The 5 Early Warning Signs That Your Marriage Could Be In Trouble! A lot of the feedback was ... what can we do to get ahead of these early warning signs?!?

This week we are going to give every 3 strategies, or 3 Great Ways To Invest In Your Marriage! While they are simple, they are by no means easy! Here you go ...

  • Invest in YOUR Marriage by ... being a student of yourself! Be open and honest about who you are and who you are not and make the commitment to become the best version of yourself possible. Then be open and honest with your spouse about it and trust they will love you, just as you are, unconditionally!
  • Invest in YOUR Marriage by ... becoming a student of your spouse! Know their Love Languages, know their Relational Needs (we have a podcast dedicated to this subject HERE!), know their personality styles, know what is on their Bucket List (yet another podcast on this subject HERE!) and on and on and on! You can never know enough about your spouse!
  • Invest in YOUR Marriage by ... becoming a student of marriage! There is so much to know about this subject that you can, and likely will, spend an entire lifetime dedicated to learning more about it! The cool news is that it is THE MOST WORTHWHILE pursuit you will ever undertake!

Understand YOUR Marriage Matters and it is in constant danger if we aren't vigilant in how we protect it!

We love you and appreciate you and we want to see you and your relationship succeed beyond your wildest dreams!

Here are a couple of additional ways you can be proactive!

One more simple thing you can do to access a great resource is to join our YOUR Marriage Matters Facebook Group where we share a ton of additional information for building a more vibrant, healthy marriage! Click Here to go to our Facebook Group and join in!!!

Oooooooppppssss! Almost forgot you can grab our book 52 Great Conversations for Building A More Vibrant, Healthy Marriage! Click Here to grab your copy!

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YOUR Marriage, just like your health, has early warning signs when something isn't just right! Identifying what those signs are, looking to see if they are present in your marriage and then taking action to fix them can save you and your partner a whole lot of grief!!!

5 Early Warning Signs YOUR Marriage Could Be In Trouble!!! In this podcast we look at 5 specific warning signs we look for in the couples we work with. They are ...

  • Losing our connection with each other!
  • Avoiding spending time with each other!
  • Not making our marriage a priority!
  • Talking bad about our spouse, or marriage, to others!
  • Not being intentional when it comes to investing in our marriage!

When it comes to that last one we wanted to give you some simple and easy to use resources for investing in each other!!! From previous episodes:

  • Take the time to learn what makes your spouse feel loved by taking our "Relationship Needs Survey"! This is a real eye opener and will give you the keys to your mates heart! Click Here to access that episode!
  • One of the most powerful things a couple can do is to work on creating a "Shared Vision" for their life together! In our episode on the subject we offered a downloadable pdf workbook to help you in the process! Click Here to access that episode and download your own Bucket List Exercise! WARNING ... it could lead to living full time in a RV or some similar life adventure!!!
  • One more simple thing you can do to access a great resource is to join our YOUR Marriage Matters Facebook Group where we share a ton of additional information for building a more vibrant, healthy marriage! Click Here to go to our Facebook Group and join in!!!
  • Oooooooppppssss! Almost forgot you can grab our book 52 Great Conversations for Building A More Vibrant, Healthy Marriage! Click Here to grab your copy!

So, make the commitment today to not allow any of these red flags to show up in your relationship without taking action in a proactive way! Obviously if we can help in any way let us know. E-mail us, message us or post your question on the Facebook Group! We are always here for you ...

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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We are calling YOU out! But, we are calling ourselves out first!!!

We are frustrated, mostly Jim is frustrated, by what we perceive as a lack of interest people have in investing in their marriages! That is until they get into a crisis situation. That has made itself real to us many, many times through the years. That is why we began this podcast in the first place ... to keep couples out of Christie's counseling room and Jim's Divorce Care class!

Someone Is Getting Called Out! It Could Be You!!! It seems to us like people, you maybe, don't care!!! While the podcast gets solid numbers in the way of downloads it has very little engagement in the way of comments or feedback on any of our distribution channels like YouTube, Facebook, ITunes and the rest. So, we are doing 2 things ...

  • Calling ourselves out to be more engaged ourselves and do a better job of providing resources and promoting the podcast.
  • Calling you, our listeners, viewers, friends and family out to become more intentional in providing us your feedback and engagement in this process!

In the podcast we also speak to what we feel like are the most important elements to building the marriage you dreamed of when you said "I Do"!

So, there you have it! You have been called out and we have called ourselves out as well! Join us in helping to build a more vibrant, healthy marriage for yourselves and for others.

Thanks! We love and appreciate each of you. Let us know how we can help you ...

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Jim & Christie Jacobus

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To live the "life of your dreams" you are going to have to make some big decisions! You may also have to change direction sometimes ... even when the direction you are going is exciting and compelling!!! The question is how do you go about making these types of decisions and/or change direction? For a while now we have been using, and teaching, a process we came up with called I D E A! It goes like this ...

  • Inspiration - you have a compelling idea.
  • Discussion - you talk about it together and examine the pluses and the minuses with an open mind.
  • Education - you learn as much as you can about the decision you want to make.
  • Action - when the time comes (don't go too fast, or wait too long) you have to take action to make it happen!

We Made A BIG Decision! Another Life Lesson "From the Road"!!! In this episode we walk you through our decision to become Park Hosts at Brazos Bend State Park near Houston, Texas! It was a bucket list item for the two of us yet there were a lot of things to consider. That said, we made the decision and we are so excited about our stay here!

Need to make a decision? Try I D E A out and let us know how it goes for you!!!

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What is "travel day" like with Team Jacobus? What can we learn about marriage from how these two live out their full time RV'ing lifestyle? Travel Day With Team Jacobus! (Some "Lessons From the Road") It turns out, in this raw and uncut podcast, that there is a tone we can learn about the power of living out a dream and a shared vision! We can also learn a lot about how a ton of stuff has to get done and their approach to a shared workload!

Tune in and hear what "travel day" is like for Team Jacobus!

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As we wrap up our "I Am Not the Enemy"series we look at what role do we play when it comes to dealing with conflict and struggles in a healthy and productive manner!

In this podcast we will share with you 6 positive roles we each play in the lives of our spouse and in the life of our marriage! Each of these roles lead to us successfully navigating the inevitable rough spots every relationship will experience!

Learning to embrace these strategies will not only help with problem solving but will absolutely lead to a marriage relationship each of you can count on!

Knowing you can trust your mate during tough times is a huge win and a part of why God created marriage in the first place!

We trust you will enjoy this episode. Let us know if we can help you and your marriage in any way ...

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Challenges come at our relationship from one of two directions - outside forces of life just happening or inside the marriage where two imperfect people struggle with the give and take of growing up as a couple together!

In this Your marriage Matters episode 140 we get A Professional Counselor's Wisdom for Dealing With Conflict!

Christie has been a Licensed Professional Counselor, or LPC, for over a decade and currently serves clients via two online platforms ... Talkspace and BetterHelp! Her day begins and ends with helping individuals and couples deal with the inevitable conflict that comes with life.

In this episode she shares with us her formulas for helping couples navigate the oft times difficult waters.

We spend a good bit of our time discussing what to do when things seem impossible! So, grab a notebook and some paper because you will want to write some of this stuff down!

Come on over to the Your Marriage Matters Facebook Group for more great content and a community of like minded folks by Clicking Here!

Let us know if we can help you in your journey!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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This week we continue the "I Am Not the Enemy" series with YMM 139 ... Two Great Problem Solving Strategies You Can Use TODAY!

The are our two favorite , real world, techniques we use regularly when Team Jacobus is working our way through a difficulty or a when a not so clear decision needs to be made!

Struggles are part of the deal! Disagreements are part of the deal! Even arguing, when done in a healthy way, are a part of any deeply committed relationship! How we handle these normal parts of a normal relationship makes all of the difference in the world. These two techniques can help you turn conflict resolution into a marital strength and give you confidence in yourself, and in your relationship!

Enjoy ... and let us know if we can help in any way!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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When asked what is our best marital advice we always answer the same ... "Fight Naked"! While taken literally it can be a very effective methodology ... after all, who wants to fight with a naked person! All kidding aside the NAKED part is an acronym for 5 great things to remember to keep our disagreements both civil and productive at the same time. The 5 steps look like this:

  • N stands for "nothing up your sleeve" or no hidden agendas.
  • A stands for "assume the best" which we went into in depth last week in podcast #137 ... Click Here for that episode!
  • K stands for "keep things respectful"! I am not the enemy and deserve your respect even in a disagreement.
  • E stands for "engage in creating a positive outcome" and be a serious problem solver looking for solutions.
  • D stands for "decide on a plan of action" and move forward. Don't just leave problems hanging so that they pop up again and again!

Does this acronym help us in working through the inevitable problems and conflicts we run into as a couple? You bet it does! Are we perfect at it? Nope, not yet! But we want to be and we appreciate that we both want to be a part of the solution and "not the enemy"!

Let us know what you think about this episode and if you have any questions! Do us a favor when you have a few - like, subscribe and share this podcast with others! We would greatly appreciate it!

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Problems, struggles and conflict are signs of a healthy relationship! Two imperfect people working to build a life together are bound to have struggles by the mere fact that: * They are male and female * Grew up in different households * Have different personality styles Have different views on sex, money, household roles and responsibilities, parenting and a dozen other subjects

All of this and more means there will be conflict! What matters is how we handle it!!!

This entire month we will be following the theme of "I Am NOT the Enemy" (thanks Ben and Megan Coleman) and looking closely at effective strategies and mindsets for turning the inevitable differences we are going to have into a strength in our relationships!

Knowing we have each other's back and that we will process struggles in a positive and healthy way builds confidence in ourselves and in each other!  It isn't easy but it is well worth it!

Jim & Christie Jacobus 

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What's up gang?

A few weeks ago in our podcast YMM 133 we introduced you to the subject of Relational Needs in a relationship and provided the resources for everyone to take the Relational Needs survey!

Click Here to access that podcast and the resources.

This episode we introduce you to Matt and Julie Barnhill of Barnhill Counseling and Associates, our friends, mentors and co-laborers in building more vibrant, healthy marriages, who will take our understanding of the subject to an entirely new level!

Did you know that there are needs that only God was intended to fulfill? Did you know that there are needs that only our spouse, and no one else, are intended to fulfill? And, did you know that we get into serious trouble when we get who fulfills what need mixed up?

Imagine expecting our loved one to meet a need only God can meet? It happens all of the time and is a recipe for disaster!!! There are some amazing insights in this podcast that can change the nature of our relationships, for the good and forever!

Please let us know if you need any help in this important area of your relationship. We would be glad to assist in any way we can.

To learn more about Matt, Julie and to connect with Barnhill and Associates Counseling Center Click Here!

Matt & Julie Barnhill

As always we believe 100% that YOUR Marriage Matters! We want you to experience everything you hoped for when you said "I DO".

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Hey gang ...

It is the Wednesday after!!! After Valentine's Day, our 35th anniversary and, the launch of our first book YOUR Marriage Matters - 52 Great Conversations To Build A More Vibrant, Healthy Marriage! What a wild and crazy week this has been already and it is only Wednesday. WOW!

One of the things we got asked a lot on Valentine's Day is "what is the secret to staying married for 35 years"? We have been asked that question, or some version of it, a number of times through the years as we teach, counsel, coach and help folks like yourself work on making the most from their relationship!

As we looked back ourselves, there were 4 key things we felt like really made the difference for us. We share them in this podcast with you! They are:

  1. Commitment
  2. Keep Learning
  3. Work at intentionally being kind and loving
  4. Create a compelling shared vision for your life together

So, watch the YouTube video (below) or download the podcast and take a listen. Know in the days, weeks, months and years ahead we will be speaking to these things many times. We appreciate your being on this journey with us!

Also, our first book launched this week! We are so excited that it is finally out ... YOUR Marriage Matters - 52 Great Conversations To Build A More Vibrant, Healthy Marriage is a book that will walk couples through important conversations every couple needs to process together. You can learn more about the book and how to order it right here on our website at www.yourmarriagematters.com/52convos! If you have any questions please let us know.

As always, we are blessed that you would take the time to join us for the podcast. Know we are always here for you and glad to help!

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Valentine's Day Special Edition! 3 Simple Things You Can Do To Make Valentine's Day AMAZING This Year! Hey gang ...

It is Valentine's Day week and we are so excited for so many reasons but three reasons really stand out!

  • While we "should" be telling our spouses and loved ones how much they mean to us all year round, this week we really focus on saying I LOVE YOU! We have three easy and simple, but powerful, ways in this podcast for you to say it in a special way!
  • This Valentine's Day marks our 35th wedding anniversary! Yep, we were married on this day in 1987 in a hot air balloon and we have to pinch ourselves sometimes to imagine how that could even be true!
  • And to commemorate our anniversary ... our first book will launch that day! Yep, YOUR Marriage Matters ... 52 Great Conversations To Build A More Vibrant, Healthy Marriage will hit the shelves in both digital and print formats. If you would like more info on how to get your copy Click Here!

To access all of the content we discuss in the podcast about Relational Needs, one of the most impactful things we teach Go Here! There you will find the Relational Needs Survey Tool as well as a video and workbook to walk you through how to get the most from your results! You don't want to miss out on this stuff ... it is a game changer.

If you only do 1 thing that we suggest this week please take the time to make a list of 10 things you love about your spouse/significant other/partner/brother/sister/mom/dad/kids or whoever matters to you! We promise you will melt their hearts and yours at the same time!

So, like we said, it is a GREAT week for love! Make the most of it ...

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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In this week's episode we are sharing the chapter from the book "Let's Talk About Sex Baby" and focusing on the conversation "What Makes YOU Feel Loved" in the chapter! What we can learn from this conversation and the Relational Needs Survey is this:

  • We have 3 main Relational Needs that, when met, make us feel loved!
  • Our 3 main Relational Needs are not likely the same as our spouse!
  • Yet, we try to make them feel loved by giving them what makes us feel loved!

Do you see where there might be a disconnect there? So this month we are going to spend all of our time gaining clarity around knowing what exactly makes us feel loved and all of the awesome experiences that come from that understanding. Here is what we encourage you to do to get the most from this study!

  • Download the Relational Needs Survey by Clicking Here!
  • Watch the video instructions for getting the most from the survey by Clicking Here!
  • Download the "Let's Talk About Sex Baby" sample chapter from the book!
  • Go to Conversation #2 in the "Let's Talk About Sex Baby" and process through the conversation

While you are at it ... feel free to tackle the other conversations as well!

Again, it is going to be an awesome month of February! Let us know if you have any questions and feel free to follow us or subscribe to our podcast wherever it is you currently consume them!

Have a great week!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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YMM 132 ... Interview With Trevor and Catie Bird of Durango Harley Davidson Trevor, Catie, Millie and Reese Bird

From minimum wage employees to owning Durango Harley Davidson Trevor and Catie Grace Bird are a great example of what happens when a couple creates a compelling "shared vision" and sticks to what they believe God has called them to!

You are going to love their story complete with what they themselves refer to as "dark times"! Open, transparent and compelling these two are going to tell a story that is so encouraging to everyone that believes that their marriage is destined for something special! Here are just a few of the things you will hear in their story:

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YMM 131 ... The Power of A "Shared Vision"! Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matters episode #131! In this podcast we are going to look at how we can level up our relationship by getting behind a compelling "vision" for our marriage that goes beyond just surviving!

A "shared vision" can turn a bad marriage into a good one and a good one into a GREAT one! And, the benefits of finding a central driving force in your relationship go way beyond even thriving together! In this episode we will discuss:

  • How our lives look normally ... including ours
  • What a "shared vision" looks like
  • What a next level shared vision looks like
  • And, we are going to share a downloadable tool you can use to start the process of leveling up your relationship!

We do want to get you started creating a shared dream together so we put together a "Bucket List Exercise" downloadable pdf to prompt your discussion with each other! You can download this exercise by Clicking Here!

Thank you for joining us for this episode. Click Here to watch the YouTube video!

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The Fundamentals for Building A More Vibrant, Healthy Marriage! Hey gang ...

Welcome to Your Marriage Matters episode 133 - The Fundamentals for Building A More Vibrant, Healthy Marriage! Since we are doing a "restart" on the podcast, and new YouTube channel. we felt like it was important to go back to the fundamentals as a reset for everything we are going to be covering in the days and weeks ahead!

The fundamentals we are going to be covering during this episode are simple but powerful! They are:

  • Create a "shared vision" for creating a compelling life together!
  • Master the critical skill of communicating effectively!
  • Master the equally critical skill of being able to solve life's inevitable problems together!

In this episode we discuss these from a bit of a 30,000ft view! In future episodes we will get into much more depth with very practical, real world skills anyone can learn!

We do want to get you started creating a shared dream together so we put together a "Bucket List Exercise" downloadable pdf to prompt your discussion with each other! You can download this exercise by Clicking Here!

Thank you for joining us for this episode. Click Here to watch the YouTube video!

Catch you next week ...

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What is up? We are so very excited to be back podcasting after a little over a year of. So many things have happened during 2021 we wanted to catch you up on everything.

Plus, we really wanted to give you a preview of what lies ahead in 2022 ... it is so exciting! Our focus is going to be taking our relationship to an entirely new level. In this podcast we give you a little insight into just what that is going to take!

Click Here To Watch the Podcast!

Here is just some of what lies ahead!

  • We will launch our first book “52 Conversations” on Valentine’s Day
  • We will be interviewing extraordinary couples at least once a month to learn how the went to the “next level”
  • We will be doing regularly scheduled marriage training webinars
  • We will launch our first online marriage course in the spring
  • We hope you will join us and invite others to join us as well!
    • Click Here to subscribe to the YouTube channel
    • Click Here to join the Your Marriage Matters Facebook group
    • Click Here To Sign Up for Our Newsletter and have all of our resources sent to your inbox!
    • Or, do all three!!

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Are you set to make the most of 2021? Answer these 4 questions and we promise you will be! To say the least 2020 has been a really tough year! So, how do we turn the page and make the next year something special in our lives.

Take the time to do this simple exercise we are sharing with you over the next 2 weeks and you can make your 2021 something extra special!!!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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With all of the craziness that we have experienced in 2020 how in the heck can you be thankful this Thanksgiving? Well, if you know anything about Team Jacobus then get ready! We are going to show you how you can be thankful no matter what!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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It is a week after the elections of 2020 and we still aren't sure who is president. One side says they have won and the other says it was stolen!

So, what can we do? We focus on what is within our control and we take action! We make things, good things, happen that we can dictate. 

Today we give you some very important strategies and tactics to deal with these very uncertain times!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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In this episode, an excerpt from our webinar "Tough Talk for Tough Times", we look at what it takes to have each other's back no matter what.

Believe it or not, what helps us bond together as a team is understanding how imperfect we both are separately and how strong we are together!

We trust you will enjoy this episode!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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In this episode we are going to talk about the power of a Shared Vision! We are wrapping up our first long road trip since we went to full time living in a RV.

So, it seems appropriate that we share how your shared vision can propel your life, and your marriage, forward as well! We encourage and challenge you to work at developing this skill of dreaming big together so that you can build a more vibrant, healthy marriage and experience everything, and more, you dreamed of when you said "I Do"!

Jim & Christie Jacobus 

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Fight NAKED Our Best Marital Advice! This weeks episode is another excerpt from our recent webinar "Tough Talk for Tough Times" and it is a great acronym N A K E D that we use to teach one way to handle the inevitable conflict that is a part of every healthy relationship!

If the acronym doesn't work the try, literally, fighting naked. It will stop any argument in its tracks!

We trust you will really enjoy this episode!

Jim & Christie Jacobus 

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This is a "Tough Talk for Tough Times" (a webinar excerpt) ... I Am NOT Your Enemy!

One of the very best strategies Christie and Jim have learned in the last couple of years. Once we decide we are not "against" each other during tough times but actually on the same team ... it is a game changer!

We trust you will enjoy this episode!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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We get this question way too often but, the answer is always the same ... absolutely!

A heads up ... you are going to get two very different answers from Christie the professional counselor and Jim the coach and Divorce Care teacher and that's ok. You may find one answer more to your liking than the other!

What you will find the same coming from both of them is that it may not be easy and it may take a while, that said, we promise you it will be worth it!

If you want to sign up for the "Tough Talk for Tough Times" webinar go to www.yourmarriagematters.com/webinar1

We trust you will enjoy this episode!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Are You In A Season of Struggle? Has 2020 created a challenge for your your marriage?

No worries ... not only can you survive all of this craziness, you can actually thrive! In this episode we share with you 5 tips you can use today to get and keep your relationships vibrant and health!

To register for the "Tough Talk for Tough Times" webinar on Wednesday, October 7th at 7p CST go to www.yourmarriagematters.com/webinar1.

We look forward to your joining us!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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We learned a long time ago that every audience member, face to face or virtual, has the same 3 questions going through their mind when listening to us. In this episode we will answer those 3 questions! 

Who Are We? Why Are We Here? And Why Should You Care? Well, we definitely want you to know more about who we are and why we do these episodes but more importantly we want to answer the question ... why should you care! 

We trust this recording will encourage you in your relationship!

Jim & Christie Jacobus 

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What does it take for a couple, like the Jacobus' to successfully complete an incredible 3,700+ mile journey of a lifetime from Arlington, Texas to Bar Harbor Maine?

It takes the same Mindsets, Strategies, Tactics and Skill Sets that it does to build an incredible marriage. In this episode we will share with you the 5 critical Mindsets that we can all work on and leverage to build the life together we dreamed of when we said "I do"!

We invite you to join us on Facebook at Your Marriage Matters for more fun and valuable resources!

We trust you will enjoy this episode!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Yes ... you can find the video of this podcast on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5uhr3weF9GzCwyJbkITJOw

In this episode we talk about why YOUR Marriage Matters to so many people including yourself and we give you some tips on how to make it it the one you dreamed of when you said "I do"!

YouTube here we come!!!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Do you struggle with making "big decisions" in your marriage? Well, here is a process we use that can help!

We are in week five of our series on making important decisions in our lives and we are using the acronym I D E A. Inspiration, discussion, education and now finally "ACTION"!

Grab a notepad and a pen ... it is time to learn a great strategy!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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In this episode we discuss how important it is to educate ourselves before we make a decision! And, with all of the tools we have available today ... how easy it is too!

Grab a pen and pad ... you are going to want to take some notes!!!

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We are in our third week of this series ... We Have An IDEA! How To Have A Productive Discussion ... About Anything and Everything!!!

The "D" in the acronym is for "discussion" and in this podcast episode we "discuss" how to make your conversation a productive one and we share an awesome process you can use to really make great decisions!!!

Grab a pen and paper. Seriously, gran a pen and a pad. You will enjoy learning "The Ben Franklin Method" for decision making!!!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Currently we are in a 5 Part series on how we made the decision to go and live full time in a RV! Is the series we are using the acronym

  • I - Inspiration
  • D - Discussion
  • E - Educate
  • A - Action

In this episode we discuss the role inspiration played in our process and how inspiration can energize your marriage!

Grab a pen and a pad ... there's homework!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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First, thank you for all of the kindness you shared with us last week after hearing our Covid story! It was much appreciated.

This week we share with everyone the answer to a question we get a lot these days ... how did you two decide to sell everything you own, including your home, and go live full time in a RV?

We are going to share with you the process we used and you can use too when making a decision!

Grab a pad and pen and take notes!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Sorry we missed the last month podcasting ... we went through a brutal personal battle with Covid 19! We are using this podcast to reset everything, get a fresh start, share with you about our struggle with Covid and ... let you know where we will be headed with the podcast in the future!

Spoiler alert ... we have some fun stuff coming!

Jim & Christie Jacobus 

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We are wrapping up our 5 week series of tough questions to help us all build a more vibrant healthy marriage with the one big question we need to be asking ourselves daily! We trust you will enjoy this week's podcast!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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This week's "tough question" is very simple ... how do YOU stack up in the two most important skills to the success of every marriage? Seriously, if you can work hard to be just good at these two you can have a SOLID marriage! Master these two and you can have a great marriage!

What are they? Listen, take notes and find out "how you stack up"!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Last week we talked about what your 5 biggest strengths are. Well, it is equally important to be aware of and be working on what are challenges are. But ... we are going to cut you, and ourselves, some slack and focus on only 3!

It takes courage to look in the mirror and admit our faults! NEWS FLASH ... we all have them. That just makes us human. How we handle them determines what kind of human, and spouse we are!

So, let's do the work this week and make a change for the better!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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This week, in our 5 Tough Questions series we want you to list your top 5 strengths that you bring to the marriage! Strange that it would be one of our 5 Tough Questions series. Well, you would be surprised how people struggle to list what they are good at!

So, grab a note pad and a pen and get to it! After listening to the podcast of course!

NOTE: Our apologies for the poor sound quality on Jim's mic! OPERATOR ERROR!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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This is the first question from our series 5 Questions We Need To Ask Ourselves To Build A More Vibrant, Healthy Marriage! Week One, What Does It Take To Be A Great Woman/Man?

We start the series by asking ourselves to get clear about our goal ... being the best version of ourselves! What does it take? What do we admire in others? Where am I in relation to those qualities we see as "great".

Grab your pen and paper and let's get to work!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

In this episode we kick off a series of 5 questions we all need to ask ourselves to build a more vibrant healthy marriage! Today we focus on the power of questions, how to ask ourselves the right questions and how these questions can energize us as well as our marriage!

Grab a pen and paper ... time to take some notes!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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The time has come to put the Covid19 Pandemic in it's rightful place! While we are quite certain it isn't any where near 100% over we do want to focus on the future and moving ahead.

In this podcast episode Team Jacobus shares 4 different ways to intentionally move forward in our lives, and specifically in our marriages, in a positive and constructive manner!

Let's take what we have learned in the last several weeks and make a better way forward ...

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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What have we learned, in our marriages, from this Covid-19 pandemic? In this episode Team Jacobus looks at Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow With Covid-19!

What are the lessons learned? How do these lessons impact our lives today with things "opening back up"? And, most important, what is life and our marriages going to look like moving forward?

We believe this has been a great teacher for our marriage? How about you?

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Every challenge, difficulty or issue we face in life presents us with an opportunity to learn! In this episode we look at ... 3 Things We Have Learned From The Covid-19 Pandemic!

These are 3 lessons we believe each of us, individually and as a couple, can take away from this horrific situation and consequently be better tomorrow!

Enjoy ...

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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It has been said, throughout the ages, "Never Let A Good Crisis Go To Waste!" In this episode we share with you 3 strategies, along with some very specific "to-do's", to help us all make the most out of this crisis!

Taking action is huge when we feel like our lives are out of control so enjoy this B "action taking packed episode" and get busy not letting this crisis go to waste!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

In this episode Jim & Christie break down their tag line "Building More Healthy Vibrant Marriages"! And they talk about why YOUR marriage matters both on a personal front and in a much larger sense as well!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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How do you take control of your life when Covid-19 has sent everything else totally out of control?

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matters podcast episode YMM #099 COVID-19 ... Taking Control Of YOUR Life When Everything Is Out Of Control!

In this episode Team Jacobus will share 5 very specific things we can all do to control the things we can while everything else is crazy! Taking control and taking action is empowering and we want you and your team to be empowered during these unprecedented times!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

COVID 19 Stress ... 6 Ways You And Your Family Can Tame It!

To say the least we are living in interesting times and there is a lot of stress creeping, or barging, into our every day lives! In this episode we share with you 6 ways you can be proactive in handling this stress individually, as a couple and as a family!

We are going to want to be action oriented in the days ahead and resist the opportunity to become a "victim" of COVID-19!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

COVID-19 Tips From Team Jacobus' Resident Healthcare Professional!

We are in an unprecedented time in our communities, our nation and in our world! The Coronavirus, or COVID-19, has become a life changing event for everyone!

In this episode we find out from Christie Jacobus, an RN with 35 years of experience and alphabet soup behind her name as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor what we need to do to stay both physically and emotionally healthy during the days ahead!

There is a window of opportunity in the midst of it all for our ,marriages to grow and become even stronger in the days ahead! Learn, in this episode, how you can make that a reality!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

What Does It Take To Be The Best Teammate?

In this episode we discuss what does it take for me to specifically be 2 things. First, a student of marriage itself and second, what does it take to be a student of Christie my wife!

Yes, there is a lot to learn, no doubt! That said, it is the most rewarding endeavor we will ever undertake!

We trust you will enjoy this episode and it will challenge you to become the "best version of YOURself and a great teammate!

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Hey gang ...

Why We Believe Team Jacobus Is More Important Than Either Of Us Is Individually!

In this episode we follow up with a program we just did for a corporate client of Jim's in Miami! We answer the question why do we believe Team Jacobus is more important that either one of us is individually!

While there is a lot that goes into it, and it is sometimes WORK, it is well worth it!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey Gang ...

R E S P E C T In YOUR Marriage ... And A Few Other Words We Left Out Of The Cupid Challenge!

In this episode we tackle words like Respect, Roles and Responsibilities and a couple of other important ones that we left out of The Cupid Challenge 2020 that you requested we discuss.

Grab a pen and some paper ... you are going to want to take notes!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

The Most Impactful Words To Your Marriage! These 6 words are straight from The Cupid Challenge 2020!

During the 14 day challenge it was clear that these words meant the most to everyone and struck up the most conversation.

We trust you will enjoy this recap and our discussion why these words can make a huge difference in your relationship!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

4 Things We Have Learned From The Cupid Challenge 2020 ... How They Will Impact Our Work Moving Forward!

The Cupid Challenge 2020 has been a fun event and it has also been an awesome learning experience for Team Jacobus! In this episode we discuss 4 things we have learned from those of you that participated that will impact our podcast moving forward!

For what you have taught us ... we thank you!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

5 Things YOUR Team Needs To Be Wildly Successful!

This week we piggy back off of Day 3 of "The Cupid Challenge 2020" where our word of the day was TEAM and many of you asked us to talk more about what made TEAM Jacobus successful?

In this podcast we discuss 5 keys to YOUR Team being wildly successful! We trust you will enjoy!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

The Cupid Challenge 2020 Kicks Off February 1st! Join Us For 14 Days Of Intentionally Building A More Vibrant, Healthy Marriage!

In just a couple of days we will kick off this year's version of "The Cupid Challenge 2020"! Starting February 1st we will send you and e-mail, with a video (or you can catch it on our Facebook Group The Cupid Challenge 2020) every day for 14 days ending on Valentine's Day!

Each day we will have a word that pertains to marriage, a short discussion why that word is important and then we will present you with a fun, easy and awesome challenge that is going to help us all build more vibrant, healthy marriages!

Are you up for the challenge! We trust you are and will see you there!!!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

4 Great Questions To Kickstart YOUR 2020! (Part 2) And, we are sharing a big, huge, major announcement with everyone in this episode you don't want to miss!

Last week we shared with you the first two questions to ask yourselves to kick off 2020. This week we share with you the final two:

  1. What do you want to do that is new?
  2. What do you want to do that is big?

These two questions are Important because they make us think about the future with great intentionality and provide us with enthusiasm about the days ahead. There are few things worse in a marriage than getting in a rut!

So grab a pen and paper and get ready to discuss these two questions to kickstart your 2020!!!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

4 Great Questions To Kickstart YOUR 2020! (Part 1)

In this first of a two part series we are going to give you the following questions to process through:

  1. What's working in our lives and how do we do more of it?
  2. What's not working and how do we make it work or get rid of it all together?

You will ask these questions of each other both personally and professionally as well as individually and collectively (as a team)!

We encourage you to grab a piece of paper and something to write with! You are going to need it!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

How To Build A More Vibrant Healthy Marriage In 2020! In this episode we break down the key components of our tag line "build a more healthy vibrant" marriage in 2020. Key words are:

  • Build - a constant work in progress
  • Healthy - marked by not just the absence of sickness but displaying healthy habits
  • Vibrant - energetic and enthusiastic

We also invite you to join us for "The Cupid Challenge 2020" starting February 1st where we will take on a daily challenge designed to help us build those healthy vibrant marriages. You can sign up for The Cupid Challenge 2020 by Clicking Here!

We are looking forward to an awesome year here at Your Marriage Matterz!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

3 Keys To Being Thankful In Your Marriage ... Even If You Don't Feel Like It!

This episode will drop on Wednesday, November 27th the day before Thanksgiving 2019. We felt like it was the perfect time to talk about how we can all stay proactively and intentionally thankful in our marriages ... even if we don't feel like it!

Remember ... "it is thankful people that are happy ... not happy people that are thankful"!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

SEX ... 10 Things That Can Get In The Way Of A Great Sex Life! In this episode we are going to share the Top 10 things that get in the way of couples having a great sex life. Some you may be familiar with but some may come as a surprise!

So, write down the list and check to see where you and your spice can improve to spice things up a bit!!!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Welcome Gang ...

3 Things We Can Learn From A "Divorce Coach"!

Just this past week Christie and Jim had the opportunity to appear on Christy Stratton's show "The Divorce Coach Hour"! What an awesome learning experience it was talking about how people can go through, if they must, a divorce and come out the other side whole and with hope for a great future!

So, we decided to do this week's episode on 3 Things We Can Learn From A "Divorce Coach" and how to make sure you don't ever need one! The ideas are simple, not necessarily easy, and are:

  • Don't quit!
  • Be vigilante!
  • Be proactive!

Check out this week's episode for the details ...

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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I Said I'm Sorry! Why That Is Never Enough and The Art Of A Real Apology!

Today we are going to look at what a real apology looks like, why some people struggle with it and exactly what steps to tske when saying "I am sorry"!

We trust you will enjoy this episode!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode YMM #082 ... Why YOUR Spouse Doesn't Have A Clue ... And What To Do About It!

The truth is we all have times, things and stuff in our lives where we just don't have a clue! Certainly your spouse does ... and you do too!

In this episode we are going to cover the 3 reasons why we all don't have a clue sometimes. They are:

  1. Don't know what to do!
  2. Can't do what is required!
  3. And the toughest ... Won't do what needs to be done!

And, of course, we share with you what to do about each category! Want to know why your spouse doesn't have a clue? No problem! Grab a pen and paper and take notes. We promise it will be worth it.

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode YMM #081 ... 3 Huge Mistakes We Have Made In Our Marriage And What We Are Doing About Them!

In this episode we are going to get real with you all about just 3, there have been more for sure, huge mistakes we have made in our marriage and specifically what we did, and are doing, about them!

We felt like it was important for everyone listening to know that we struggle just like you do. That said, we believe there are some insights to be gained about how we tackle the inevitable problems and challenges marriage creates!

We trust you will enjoy this episode ...

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode YMM #080 ... 4 Words That Should NEVER Come Out Of A Married Person's Mouth!

This week we talk about the often used phrase "my wife/husband" won't let me (fill in the blank here)! If, and when, those words are spoken it is always bad news! In this episode we talk about why it is bad for your marriage and what you need to do about it.

This one is going to be fun and insightful so let's go!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode YMM #079 ... The 3 Biggest Mistakes Men Make In Marriage- and what to do about them!

Based on a phone call I had with a dad lately worrying about his daughter and son in laws marriage and our conversation made me really compelled to do this podcast. In the work we do we see these challenges day in and day out!

If you are one of our female listeners and you feel like you can take a pass on this episode ... think again! The same 3 things apply to women equally!

Enjoy the podcast and let us know if we can help you build a more vibrant healthy marriage!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode YMM #078 ... Back To School! 3 Classes EVERY Married Couple Needs To Enroll In This Fall!

With school starting back up for all of our kiddos as this episode drops we thought it appropriate to toss out 3 classes we felt couples ought to enroll in this fall to help build a more vibrant healthy marriage! Those classes are:

  • The Fundamentals of Marriage!
  • Spousal Science - The Study of YOUR Spouse!
  • ME - The Study of Self!

School's in session ...

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey Gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode YMM #077 What Can We Learn From Divorce To Grow Our Marriages?

Teaching a 13 week Divorce Care class 3 times a year, for 15 years, can definitely provide clues to why and how marriages get sideways enough to end in divorce. It also provides a lot of insights into how to "divorce proof" your marriage.

In this episode Jim answers some great, and tough, questions from Christie about what divorce can teach us about marriage. Check it out!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode YMM #076 - 3 Conversations Every Couple Needs To Have ... TODAY! You hear Christie and I talk about how important communication is so we are dishing out 3 critical conversations for you and yours to discuss this week!

  1. What's working in our relationship?

  2. What's not working? Where are we stuck? And, what is one thing we can do this week to improve or move forward?

  3. What is one SMART goal we can create together and start working on TODAY?

We trust these will just be the beginning of a great week of conversation! Let us know how it goes!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang!

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode YMM #075 What Can You Learn From A Marriage Counselor With 15 Years Experience?

Today we do a "camp site chat" with Christie Jacobus LPC, who has 15 years of experience as a counselor helping marrieds and pre-marrieds build more vibrant, healthy marriages! She also is a LPC Supervisor which means she helps future counselors as they prepare to become LPC's!

Today we are going to ask Christie what are some of the things she deals with in the privacy of her counseling office and what can we do to prevent needing marriage counseling in the first place!

Grab a pen and a piece of paper ... you are going to want to take some notes!!!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz episode YMM #074 ... How Can My Spouse & I Get On The Same Page About Money? This is the last in our series on 5 Tough Questions About Money!

Today we tackle the question almost every couple has ... "how can we get on the same page when it comes to our finances"? There are so many factors we have discussed over the last 4 weeks that contribute to why this is such a tough challenge.

While we may not solve that challenge in this podcast we do give you and your spouse a great exercise to go through we believe will help move you along the path!

Grab a pen and paper for this one! There is going to be work to do ...

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode #073 ... How Much Money Can I Spend Without Checking With My Spouse? This is the fourth in our series on 5 Tough Questions Couples Have About Money.

We divide our answers into 3 different responses based on which one of 3 phases or stages your marriage is in! Are you surviving, striving or thriving?

We trust you will enjoy this podcast ...

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode YMM#072 titled "What's The #1 Thing We Can Do To Stop Arguing About Money?"

This is Question #3 in our series on 5 Tough Questions About Money! In this episode we actually give you 6 great ideas you can process to get on the same financial page and quit arguing about money. We trust you will enjoy the answers to this week's tough question!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode YMM#072 titled "What's The #1 Thing We Can Do To Stop Arguing About Money?"

This is Question #3 in our series on 5 Tough Questions About Money! In this episode we actually give you 6 great ideas you can process to get on the same financial page and quit arguing about money. We trust you will enjoy the answers to this week's tough question!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matters podcast episode YMM #071 5 Tough Questions About Money! Q2 ... The Battle Between Savers vs Spenders! As a part of our series on tough money questions couples face we dive into this "hot button" topic that lots of couples struggle with!

We are going to give you a couple of thoughts on the subject and 4 awesome principles you can apply to get on the same page when it comes to Saving vs Spending styles!

We trust you will enjoy this week's episode and that it will help you understand how to make the most of your spending/saving style!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

This week we start a new series 5 Tough Questions About Money! And, Question #1 is ... Joint Or Separate Bank Accounts, Which Is Best?

And, the answer is? It depends! I know, that stinks for those of you that wanted us to solve the problem or the debate you and your spouse have ongoing on this subject. What we think you are going to value even more are the 4 Tips we give you to help you find the right answer that will work best in your, or any, situation!

Let us know what you think and please let us know what are your "what if" questions around this subject and how we can help you come to an effective solution in your marriage!

Next week ... we will be tackling which is better? Spender vs Saver in a marriage!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode YMM #069 ... How To Make YOUR Spouse Feel Loved! Getting the Most From YOUR Survey ...

We have a great show for you this week as we dig into being intentional about building strong, vibrant marriages and learning what our relational needs are and how they give us the keys to making our spouse feel loved!

This week we are digging deeper into last week's podcast and going through a debriefing process that will bring a lot of clarity around what do I do exactly to make my spouse feel loved!

We have a Relational Needs Debriefing form you can download at ...

  1. Our Your Marriage Matterz Facebook page - Click Here
  2. Or, go to our podcast blog page - Click Here
  3. Or, e-mail Jim and put SURVEY in the subject line and he will send it to you ... jim@teamjacobus.com

On the podcast we model the debrief for you and while doing it we learned new things about each other even after 31 years of marriage. We are excited to hear what you learn in your debrief!

Let us know if you have any questions or if we can help you in anyway ...

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode YMM #036 ... How To Make YOUR Spouse Feel Loved! Understanding Relational Needs In Marriage!

We have a great show for you this week as we dig into being intentional about building strong, vibrant marriages and learning what our relational needs are and how they give us the keys to making our spouse feel loved!

We have a Relational Needs Survey you can download at ...

  1. Our Your Marriage Matterz Facebook page - Click Here
  2. Or, go to our podcast blog page - Click Here
  3. Or, e-mail Jim and put SURVEY in the subject line and he will send it to you ... jim@teamjacobus.com

In this survey we measure 10 different relational needs ... Acceptance, Affection, Appreciation, Approval, Attention, Comfort, Encouragement, Respect, Security and Support. Here are some things you will learn:

  • Doing the survey will provide a lot of clarity around the mystery of how do I make my wife/husband happy!
  • Why doesn't he/she respond when I (try to make them feel loved with what makes me feel loved)?
  • Some great ways to communicate what you want from your spouse and learn what they want from you!
  • Clear up a lot of sources of frustration in your marriage you may never have even known existed!
  • A great plan moving forward for being intentional in your marriage1

We know you will enjoy this week's podcast so download the survey, complete it and let's get started!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz episode YMM #067 ... 5 "Vital Signs" That You Have A Vibrant, Healthy Marriage! In this week's episode we draw on Christie's experience as a nurse that teaches CPR, Advanced Life Support Systems and a number of other classes that teach other nurses how to check "vital signs" in their patients.

We are going to look at 5 Vitals Signs we see in vibrant, healthy marriages. They are:

  • Communicating effectively ...
  • Dealing with conflict in a constructive manner ...
  • Planning and dreaming a future together ...
  • Constantly growing individually and as a couple ...
  • A deep love, appreciation and respect for each other!

So, check it out and assess your own relationship "vital signs"!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOU Marriage Matterz podcast episode YMM #066 ... 7 Great (and FUN) Texts You Can Send Your Spouse This Week!

After 8 intense weeks of studying Pastor Rick Warren's 40 Days of Prayer we thought it would be a good idea to lighten things up a little bit, have some fun and still do something that will improve the quality of our marriages.

So, here are the 7 days of texts we encourage you to send your spouse. Fill in the blanks however you see fit and please, let us know how it goes on the YOUR Marriage Matterz Facebook group!

Day #1 - I wanted you to know I love the way you (fill in the blank)!

Day #2 - When I met you the first thing that caught my eye was (fill in the blank)!

Day #3 - One of the things I admire about you most is (fill in the blank)!

Day #4 - One thing I would love for us to plan to do together is (fill in the blank)!

Day #5 - I am totally in love with your (fill in the blank)!

Day #6 - I think you are so sexy when you (fill in the blank)!

Day #7 - What is one thing I can do to make you feel more loved?

Enjoy and have fun!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode YMM #065 ... What To Do When God Doesn't Answer Your Prayer the First Time?

This is the final episode of the 40 Days of Prayer series and man have we learned a lot about prayer! Today we learn about unanswered prayer. As you will hear, all prayer is answered in one of 4 ways.

God says ...

  • No - I won't do what you ask because he knows what's best for us!
  • Grow - I need for you to mature a little bit before I answer that prayer.
  • Slow - which means "wait" now is not the time. And, God's timing is always perfect!
  • Go - this is the answer we always want ... YES!

We trust you have enjoyed the series and we trust you will enjoy this last, but very important, episode!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz episode YMM #064 ... How To Pray In A Crisis! This is our 6th week in Rick Warren's 40 Days of Prayer and we are going to learn the pattern for praying in a crisis from Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20 when 3 vast armies attacked the Israelites and Jehoshaphat had only 2 days warning! Talking about a crisis!

To summarize his prayer he basically said to God ... "I know who you are, I know what you have said, I know what you have done, I know what you have promised and I know you will do it again"!

Talk about trusting and depending on God! That is the model we want and need to utilize when our marriage, kids, family, health, finances or anything else is in a crisis!

We trust you will find this episode as valuable as we did!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YMM #063 ... Praying For A Breakthrough! We are in Week 5 of Rick Warren's 40 Days of Prayer study and this week we are going to learn the pattern for praying for a major change!

This week's lesson comes out of Daniel Chapter 9 and we are given the pattern Daniel used when he needed a breakthrough for the people of Israel who were in exile in Babylonia!

This is the same pattern we need to use when we are looking for a breakthrough in our marriages!

We trust you will enjoy this week ...

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode YMM #062 "Why Change Is Critical To A More Vibrant, Healthy Marriage ... And, How To Make It Happen!"

Tommy Hopkins once said "the price of progress is the pain of change"! So growth can certainly be uncomfortable for sure and at times can be downright painful. In this episode we will discuss why it is so important to you and your marriage and we are going to provide you with a formula for making it happen in your lives!

We will be back next week with our next session in the "40 Days of Prayer" study!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matters podcast episode #061! This week we are tackling the second part of the Lord's Prayer and specifically how it applies to our marriages.

We are in Rick Warren's 40 Days of Prayer study in our church, in our Sunday School Class (now called a Connect Group!) and we are following along here in our podcast as well!

If you would like access to all of the resources we talk about in the podcast go to www.yourmarriagematterz.com/episode61. There you will find the videos, the powerpoint presentation and other awesome materials!

Enjoy this week's study!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode - YMM #060 40 Days of Prayer Week 4 ... Jesus Teaches Us How To Pray (For Our Marriages)!

We are in Week 4 of Rick Warren's 40 Days of Prayer and we are going to take a very close look at 10 key things we can take away from The Lord's Prayer. Because there is so much ground to cover we are going to dig into the first 5 this week and the second 5 next week.

Here is what we will tackle in this episode ...

  1. How much God loves us ...
  2. How God is worthy of praise ...
  3. We want his kingdom to come here on earth ...
  4. We want his will to be done ...
  5. Give us today just what we need for today ...

If you want access to ...

  • Rick Warren's videos
  • A copy of the teaching powerpoint file
  • A link to buy the 40 Days of Prayer workbook

Then go to www.yourmarriagematterz.com/episode60

Let us know how we can pray for you and your marriage!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ... 

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterzpodcast episode #059 "How To Pray For YOUR Marriage With Confidence"!We are in week 2 of our 40 Days of Prayer study led by Rick Warren. 

In this lesson we learn that God is our Father in heaven and that he:

  • Cares for us ...
  • Is consistent in his nature ...
  • Is as close to us as can be ...
  • And is Competent to handle any and everything we need!

If you want to watch the Rick Warren video or take advantage of a number of resources available for this study then go to our website at www.yourmarriagematterz.com/episode59 !

Also, please let us know if there is anything we can pray for you and your marriage!

Jim & Christie Jacobus 

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode #058! This week we start an 8 week series from Rick Warrens "40 Days Of Prayer" and this week, Week 1, we are learning about the "Purpose of Prayer!

This series is full of awesome resources for us to use in our study. To grab those resources go to our website at ... www.yourmarriagematterz.com/episode58!

We are so excited about this series, what it can do for our marriages and what it can do in our homes! Be sure and go to the website and download all of the resources!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode YMM #057 ... 3 Lessons Team Jacobus Learned From A Major Decision We Made!

In this episode you are going to learn 3 important things that can be really important to success when it comes to decision making in your relationship! As a bonus you will also find out what dorks Team Jacobus can be from time to time!

Want to sign up for our brand new newsletter ... Click Here!

So tune in and take notes!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode YMM #056 ... How To Straighten Out Your Spouse - In the "BIG" Stuff!

Last week we discussed How To Straighten Out Your Spouse ... In the Small Stuff! and as we promised, this week we are going to tackle the strategies, tactics, skills and mindset needed when we have to straighten out our spouse and it is something that truly threatens themselves and/or the marriage.

We are going to walk through a "continuum of care" from the easiest thing to do to the most invasive of options. If, after listening to this podcast you feel like you need help please feel free to reach out to us viw DM on Facebook or by e-mail info@teamjacobus.com.

We would be glad to help ...

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode #055 where we tackle the strategies, tactics, skills and mindset needed to "straighten out your spouse" ... in the small day to day stuff that is just a part of marriage!

The Jacobus' are going to give us some very practical ideas to help us navigate what can be some tricky waters as we share these minor, but important, pieces of information in our relationships!

Next week we will tackle how to do it in the BIG stuff! Learning how to do it in the small stuff is a great primer for when the difficult comes our way!

We trust you will enjoy this podcast ...

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode #05 where we tackle the question ... What Does It Take To Build A More Vibrant Healthy Marriage? Last week we heard Jim's version and this week we get to hear what Christie has to say!

Grab a notebook and a pen. You are going to want to take notes on this one!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to Your Marriage Matterz podcast episode #053 where Jim tackles what he believes are the keys to building the marriage we dreamed of when we said "I do"!

We will get Christie's version next week so we can get an alternative perspective. But for today ... let's see what Jim has to say!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode #052 and yes, that means we have been at this podcasting for exactly one year.

In this episode we look back over our favorite and most impactful episodes from year one as well as we preview what we see coming for the podcast in the year that lies ahead!

We trust you will enjoy this quick walk down memory lane as well as you will enjoy the previews of what is to come!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode #051 Marriage Power Skill #2 ... Learning To Effectively Resolve Conflict! Successful couples learn how to navigate the tricky waters around how they solve problems together whether they are "conflict avoiders" like Christie or "conflict engagers" like Jim!

Learning to solve our conflicts effectively allows us to gain trust in each other and in the marriage. Nothing makes a couple more confident than knowing no matter what the world throws their way they are going to deal with it and deal with it effectively!

And, we think you will love learning how to fight N A K E D! Trust us on this one ...

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to this week's YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode YMM #050 Marriage Power Skill #1 ... Learning To Effectively Communicate!

At the root of the vast majority of marital challenges lies the same 2 culprits ...

  • The inability to effectively communicate
  • The inability to effectively solve problems together

When a couple makes a decision to tackle and master these two key "Power Skills" then everything else from there on can be handled! Money, parenting, sex, family and every other marital challenge is a subset of communication and conflict resolution.

This week we are tackling communication and are giving us all a very powerful and immediately applicable set of skills to assist us all in becoming better communicators! Next week we will tackle conflict resolution with one of our favorite skill sets!

If you want to download the handout for this week's episode Click Here!

To register for The Cupid Challenge go to www.thecupidchallenge.com ! It is going to be a blast ...

Until next week ...

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode #049! We have a special treat for you in this one as Team Jacobus interviews Wedding Industry Expert Amanda Meeker Vela ... and boy does she have some incredible insights for us all!

We recommend getting out your notepads and you might want to grab a box of Kleenex as well! This is some really good stuff Amanda shares with us as she reflects on her own marriage, her parents marriage and her work in the wedding industry both on the photography and video perspective as well as being a co-owner and Director of Business Development for The Meekermark wedding venue. To learn more about the venue or their amazing wedding photography go to www.themeekermark.com !

Also, if you haven't signed up for The Cupid Challenge we encourage you to do so! We are just a few days away from launching this 14 day fun event on February 1st! Each day you will receive an e-mail with a short video giving us all a fun, easy to do challenge designed to help develop a more vibrant healthy marriage!

We trust you will enjoy this awesome interview with Amanda Meeker Vela!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode #048 where this week Team Jacobus Answers "What Are The Biggest Threats To YOUR Marriage In 2019?"

We are regularly asked this questions in the workshops that we do and were just asked it again the other day so we thought why not tackle it right from the get go here at the beginning of 2019! Our answers about what to do about them may surprise you!

Also, we are well under way in getting people signed up for "The Cupid Challenge"! This 14 day challenge will begin on February 1st and will end on February 14th which is, of course, Valentine's Day!

This is going to be a fun filled time of doing simple things each day to be more intentional about building more vibrant healthy marriages! Every day you will receive an e-mail from us with a short video describing our challenge for the day. We are excited to hear what you come up with each day!

To sign up you can ...

  1. Go to the website www.thecupidchallenge.com and register there!
  2. You can go to our Facebook Group "Your Marriage Matterz" and sign up there and join the FB group if you haven't already. To go to the FB Group Click Here!

Again, this is going to be a lot of fun so we invite you to join us!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode #047 ... Team Jacobus Answers 2 Great Questions About Conflict!

Day in and day out we regularly receive questions that have to do with conflict in marriage. Those questions consistently revolve around people who avoid conflict and people that always seem to be in conflict. The truth is conflict is healthy in a marriage when dealt with appropriately!

In this episode we tackle 2 very common questions:

  1. What do you do when your spouse won't engage in conflict and consequently nothing ever gets resolved.
  2. What do you do when it seems like we argue about everything?

You are going to hear some great ideas regarding what to do about both in this podcast!

Also, we introduced "The Cupid Challenge" in this episode. Simply put it is going to be 14 days of focus on being intentional about building more vibrant healthy marriages and it is going to be a lot of fun!

To sign up Click Here to go to our Facebook Group or go wo www.thecupidchallenge.com and you can sign up there. Join us for this cool event and have some fun learning some new ways to grow your marriage!

We trust you will enjoy and learn a lot from this week's podcast ...

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ... 

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode #046 What Are YOUR Word(s) To Drive Success In 2019? 

As we have turned the page on 2018 and moved into 2019 there has been a lot of discussion on Social Media regarding what word, or words, will you lock in on to drive success in 2019. 

We share with you what our words are but really want to hear what will be the focus for building your own vibrant healthy marriage in 2019? Take a moment to fo to our Facebook Group - YOUR Marriage Matterz and share your thoughts!

Also, we announced The Cupid Challenge a 14 day event we will launch on February 1st that will run through Valentine's Day. Each day we will send you an e-mail with a video that will put a fun, simple and exciting challenge in front of you for that day. Each challenge will help us all, Christie and I included, to build a more vibrant healthy marriage. 

Click Here to sign up for The Cupid Challenge!

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Hey gang ... 

Welcome to Your Marriage Matterz podcast episode #044 4 Questions To Ask Yourself To Make 2019 YOUR Best Year Ever! This is Week 4 in the series ... the last week of the series and the last week of 2018!

We wrap up the series and the year with a great question - "what do you want to do that is BIG in 2019"?This question is a lot like last week's question but focuses on something that would be a game changer for you! Remember we are asking ourselves this question:

  • Individually
  • Collectively as a couple or family
  • Personally
  • And, professionally

So much of what we have done in this series is tied to us being "intentional" about our lives and specifically our marriages! In this episode we discuss some things we have done through the years that have been game changers for us and our marriage. And, we give you some ideas for what you could do that might be "BIG" in your marriage.

To download your cheat sheet for this week Click Here. We trust you will enjoy the wrap up question for this awesome series!

Jim & Christie Jacobus 

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Hey gang ... 

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode #044 "4 Questions To Ask Yourself To Make 2019 YOUR Best Year Ever"! We are in week 3 of this 4 week series and our question this week is ... "What do you want to do in 2019 that is NEW"!

We love this question for a lot of reasons including ... 

  1. It allows us to plan for exciting new things in 2019
  2. It gives us the opportunity to enlist the blessing and support of our spouse for what we want to do new.
  3. It gives us great insights into ways we can grow individually and collectively!

So, download the handout by Clicking Here or by going to our Facebook Group at Your Marriage Matterz and let's get started!

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Hey gang ... 

Welcome to YMM episode #044 ... 4 Questions To Ask Yourself To Make 2019 YOUR Best Year Ever! In Week 3 of this 4 week series our question of the week is "What do we want to do that's NEW in 2019"?

This question helps us in a couple of ways ... 

  1. It allows us to plan for exciting things we may want to do together!
  2. It allows us to be able to plan things we want to do individually but want or need our partners blessing or help to make it successful!
  3. It gets us on the same page!
  4. It gives us a ton of stuff to look forward to in 2019

We are going to ask ourselves this question in the following ways as will our spouse. Then we will compare notes. 

  • Personally as an individual
  • Professionally as an individual
  • Personally as a collective or couple (Team Jacobus)
  • Professionally as a collective or couple (Team Jacobus)

Be sure and download the handout we have for you before listening to the podcast. You can download the handout at Click Here!

Jim & Christie Jacobus 

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Hey gang ... 

Welcome to YMM episode #043 ... 4 Questions To Ask Yourself To Make 2019 YOUR Best Year Ever! In Week 2 of this 4 week series our question of the week is "What's not working in your life and how do you get rid of it, or make it work"?

This question helps us in a couple of ways ... 

  1. It allows us to get rid of the things in our life that no longer bring us value or don't bring us enough value to justify the time we are investing.
  2. It allows us to examine how to male these things work so that we are maximizing the value they bring.
  3. Most important ... it creates margin in our lives so we can add new and more valuable things into our lives and our marriages!
  4. A new level of intentionality is added to our marriages!

We are going to ask ourselves this question in the following ways as will our spouse. Then we will compare notes. 

  • Personally as an individual
  • Professionally as an individual
  • Personally as a collective or couple (Team Jacobus)
  • Professionally as a collective or couple (Team Jacobus)

Be sure and download the handout we have for you before listening to the podcast. You can download the handout at Click Here!

Jim & Christie Jacobus 

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Hey gang ... 

Welcome to YMM episode #042 ... 4 Questions To Ask Yourself To Make 2019 YOUR Best Year Ever! In Week 1 of this 4 week series our question of the week is "What's working in your life and how can you do more of it"?

This question helps us in a couple of ways ... 

  1. It assists us in looking for patterns of things that are working because we will see some commonalities in the good!
  2. It assists us in increasing our satisfaction in life that we can do more of or add to!

We are going to ask ourselves this question in the following ways as will our spouse. Then we will compare notes. 

  • Personally as an individual
  • Professionally as an individual
  • Personally as a collective or couple (Team Jacobus)
  • Professionally as a collective or couple (Team Jacobus)

Be sure and download the handout we have for you before listening to the podcast. You can download the handout at Click Here!

Jim & Christie Jacobus 

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Hey gang ... 

Welcome to Your Marriage Matterz with Jim & Christie Jacobus! This week's episode is titled The Power Of Personality Styles and How They Impact YOUR Marriage!

This is a two part podcast and is the last in our series of 4 Ways To Be Intentional About YOUR Marriage! This is one of our favorite topics to teach on marriage. It is the source of a lot of marital conflict when couples fail to see how God made them and their spouse. It can become a great strength as we learn that God was wise beyond our understanding when he put us together. 

So after you listen to the podcast please download the Personality Styles Cheat Sheet for taking notes and then watch the video to learn what your basic style is. Next week's episode will be about debriefing the strengths and challenges of each style, looking at the natural conflicts that will arise because we are different and then giving you some ways to use the info to be intentional about growing your marriage! 

Please let us know if you have any questions or if we can help you in any way! Enjoy these two episodes on The Power Of Personality Styles and How They Impact YOUR Marriage!

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ... 

Below you will find both the downloadable Cheat Sheet for Episodes 41 & 42 as well as a link to the video's for both 41 and 42. Note: The video for 42 will not be added until YMM #042 is published ... no jumping ahead!

If you have any questions or difficulty with the downloads or the videos reach out to us Jim@JJacobus.com. We trust you will enjoy this episode! 

  • Here is the link to the downloadable Cheat Sheet - Click Here
  • Here is the link to the Week 1 YMM #041 video - Click Here

Have an awesome day! 

Jim & Christie Jacobus 

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Hey gang ... 

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz episode YMM#040 The Power of Thanksgiving In Marriage ... and Life!

We feel so blessed to be able to do this work that we do and blessed that you would follow us. We are prayerful this Thanksgiving for all of the marriages out there and wanted to pass on a Thanksgiving 2018 podcast to encourage you!

As always, we do have a great exercise at the end of this podcast and encourage you to take some time to do it. And then, share it on the Facebook Group at

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1017258051759978/

We look forward to seeing your responses!

Happy Thanksgiving from Team Jacobus ... 

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ... 

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz with Jim & Christie Jacobus. This episode is Introducing "The 5 Love Languages" And How You Can Use Them To Strengthen YOUR Marriage! We are going to plug everyone into this awesome work done by Dr Gary Chapman and the folks at www.5lovelanguages.com!

This is another in our series on how to be intentional about building your marriage! In this episode we talk about the 5 Love Languages:

  • Gifts
  • Quality Time
  • Physical Touch
  • Words of Affirmation
  • And ... Acts of Service

To get the most from this podcast we recommend you download the 5 Love Languages assessment tool and take it before listening. You can access the survey at any of the following ... 

  1. Our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1017258051759978/
  2. Our podcast blog page - http://marriagematters.libsyn.com/
    1. At the 5 Love Languages website - www.5lovelanguages.com

Get ready to learn yet another way to intentionally build YOUR marriage!

Jim and Christie Jacobus 

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Hey gang ...

With Thanksgiving just 2 weeks away we wanted to run one of our most popular podcasts ever on "How Will You Decide Where To Spend The Holidays"! We think you will enjoy how we, as Team Jacobus, go about making those tough decisions even after 31 years of marriage!

We trust you will enjoy ...

Welcome! Today’s episode is about Holidays. Where will you spend them? Have you and your spouse had this important conversation? This topic involves the expectations you have of your marriage and ties to family beliefs and traditions. There are several variables to consider: stepfamilies, geographic location, travel, and children. This topic is best addressed before marriage and is certainly one that requires couples to work together.

Consider the following about your holiday plans:

  • Assess what the different holidays and traditions mean to each of you.
  • Try to begin new traditions with your partner. Remember that your marriage relationship comes before any other family ties.
  • Once you make decisions, “have each other’s backs” and don’t blame the other partner.
  • Negotiate “win-win” situations for both of you.
  • “Rate the debate” based on how important each element is to you: 1st choice, 2nd choice, and 3rd choice.
  • Establish communication and exercise your problem-solving skills.
  • This is NOT the time to be selfish and demanding!

What can you expect if you handle this conversation well?

  • You achieve teamwork and unity with your spouse in the eyes of friends and family.
  • You may end up enjoying the family traditions and the bonding opportunities with your spouse’s family.

Listener Question of the Week: I am really frustrated. My fiancé and I have been together for several years and have been through many birthdays and holidays. He likes to give practical gifts, and I like fun, crazy gifts. What are your recommendations as to what to do?

Fun Question of the Week: What is your idea of a great gift?

Jim & Christie Jacobus

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Hey gang ...

Welcome to YOUR Marriage Matterz podcast episode YMM #037 ... How To Make YOUR Spouse Feel Loved! Getting the Most From YOUR Survey ...

We have a great show for you this week as we dig into being intentional about building strong, vibrant marriages and learning what our relational needs are and how they give us the keys to making our spouse feel loved!

This week we are digging deeper into last week's podcast and going through a debriefing process that will bring a lot of clarity around what do I do exactly to make my spouse feel loved!

We have a Relational Needs Debriefing form you can download at ...

  1. Our Your Marriage Matterz Facebook page - Click Here
  2. Or, go to our podcast blog page - Click Here
  3. Or, e-mail Jim and put SURVEY in the subject line and he will send it to you ... jim@teamjacobus.com

On the podcast we model the debrief for you and while doing it we learned new things about each other even after 31 years of marriage. We are excited to hear what you learn in your debrief!

Let us know if you have any questions or if we can help you in anyway ...