FamilyLife Blended® Podcast

185: This Was Never the Plan: Walking with God through the Heartache of Divorce

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Vaneetha Risner knows the raw grief of unwanted divorce and betrayal. She gets church shame, lost identity, lingering triggers. Yet God has turned lament into deeper trust. This was never the plan, but it has forged faith. And it offers hope for yours.

Show Notes and Resources

Register for the live Blended & Blessed event in Oklahoma City
Listen to episode 130: Coping With Traumatic Events
Learn about Vaneetha and get a copy of her book, This Was Never the Plan: Walking with God Through the Heartache of Divorce
Help us reach more families around the world with a gift of support

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184: Parenting & Grandparenting kids about tech, phones, and screens

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

When did “family time” become everyone scrolling in separate corners? In this eye-opening episode, Ron Deal and author Arlene Pellicane unpack how to manage screentime—helping parents and grandparents raise screen-wise kids who still look up, laugh, and live offline. Discover why boredom builds brilliance, how to delay devices with grace, and how real connection always outshines the algorithm.

Show Notes and Resources

Reserve your Love Like You Mean It cabin!
Look for a seminar or stepfamily small group in your area
Learn about Arlene and order her book, Screen Kids ArlenePellicane.com
Send a tax-deductible gift
Join us online for Blended & Blessed for FREE!
Watch the film, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words

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183: Grief Triggers and Tender Triumphs: Happy Chaos in a Blended Family

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Grief lingers, yet love insists on living. Podcasters Justin and Kelly Walker navigate a blended family of 9 amid grief triggers and daily chaos. Hallway tributes, fire-pit conversations, and tender routines show how honoring the past fosters resilience, teaches empathy, and shapes a family that holds loss and new beginnings in a single heartbeat.

Show Notes and Resources

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182: Blended and Blessed book, Building Healing through the Beatitudes

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 15:59:46 +0000

After a scandalous start to their blended marriage, Ines Franklin and her husband Jim discovered God's grace turns broken stories into masterpieces. With raw honesty--and pulling from the richness of the beatitudes in the Bible--Ines explains core ingredients to flourishing in blended family life, with heaps of practical takeaways. What began in shame ends in her "smoothie family" of 5 kids, 10 grandkids, and redemption that shouts hope.

Show Notes and Resources

Order a hardback copy of The Mindful Marriage here or preorder the paperback where you get books
Blended & Blessed for FREE!
Look at Ron's upcoming events
Learn about Ines on her website
Get a copy of Ines' book, Blended and Blessed
Make a donation to FamilyLife Blended

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181: Beauty in the Broken: A Kintsugi Approach to Blended Family Life

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Overwhelmed by blended-family brokenness? Ron Deal and Wynand Jacobs dive into the messy, unpolished reality of blended families in New Zealand. Using Kintsugi as a gospel metaphor, they explore God's power to reform shame into beauty, grief into testimony, and mistakes into stories that shine. It's a masterclass in the divine alchemy of blended family life.

Show Notes and Resources

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180: Tinsel, Tension, Togetherness: Navigating Your Blended Family Christmas--Mike and Kim Anderson

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Holidays got your blended family feeling like a tossed salad of joy, stress, and edgy emotions? Podcast hosts and blended marriage coaches Mike & Kim Anderson bring real talk, raw truth, and restoration therapy magic. Learn how to swap pain cycles for peace, chaos for connection—and maybe, just maybe, survive a blended family Christmas with your sanity and your stepkids.

Show Notes and Resources

Order a hardcover copy of The Mindful Marrriage. You can pre-order a paperback version any place books are sold.
Learn about Mike and Kim
Send in a year-end gift to FamilyLife Blended

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179: From Shock to Strength: Unplanned Pregnancy in a Blended Family

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

What happens when God’s good plan lobs an unplanned pregnancy into a blended family? Jay and Tammy Daughtry chat about shock, grace, and choosing love over shame. From unfiltered Day One reactions to faith-fueled healing, they offer a blueprint for both welcoming chaos and blessing it. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to turn unexpected blended-family moments into hope-filled family legacies.

Show Notes and Resources

Ron and Nan's schedule
Learn about The Daughtrys coparentinginternational.com
Unplanned Grandparenting
Give a year end gift and it will be doubled!

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178: We Struggled to Blend. Now We Help Blended Families Thrive

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Their first Christmas nearly broke them. Five kids, two parenting styles, zero prep. But Scott and Deana Thayer didn’t quit—they built a blended family from mismatched traditions, co-parenting chaos, and grace-fueled grit. As a couple now helping blended families thrive, the Thayers share hard-won wisdom, church-sized challenges, and the “95/5” rule that saved their sanity. Blending isn’t easy—but it’s worth every messy, beautiful step.

Show Notes and Resources

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177: Gary Chapman: Keys to a Successful Marriage

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

What if your marriage pivoted on three humble questions? Dr. Gary Chapman—yes, the Five Love Languages guy—gets real about early struggles, foot-washing humility, and how servant-hearted love transformed his 64-year marriage. Blended families, take heart: Far from fluff, these are faith-fueled, grit-tested keys to a successful marriage--as well as messy love, lasting connection, and conflict that doesn’t destroy. Find real talk, deep grace, and hope you can hold onto.

Show Notes and Resources

Order a copy of Gary and Ron's book, Building Love Together
Access blended resources and sign up for our free newsletter
Meet Ron and Nan in person at a speaking event! RonDeal.org
Discover your love language, learn more about Dr. Chapman, or get a copy of his new book, A Simple Guide for A Better Marriage 5lovelanguages.com
Make a tax deductible donation

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176: How to Help Kids Cope with Divorce and Remarriage

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Divorce…hurts. But for kids caught in the middle, it can feel like the world has split in two. How can you help kids cope with divorce and remarriage? Summer Butler, creator of Blended: Navigating Life Between Two Homes, cracks open a healing workbook for kids juggling two homes, big feelings, and confusing rules. Hear her raw story, then discover how drawing, writing, and boundary-setting can bring clarity, comfort—and even joy.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn about Summer, and get her workbook, BLENDED, Navigating Life Between Two Homes www.blendedbookco.com
Search for virtual groups
Get the 2025 Summit All-access digital pass
Order a copy of The Mindful Marriage
Make donation to FamilyLife Blended
The next Smart Stepfamily Therapy training

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175: Blended Holidays Are Complicated. Here’s How They Made It Work

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

What do red sweaters, a ski trip “familymoon,” and a Christmas sleepover have to do with healing after loss? A lot, actually. Join pastor and author Rob Bugh, pediatrician Rhonda Williams Bugh, and their adult kids Kyle and Nate as they revisit the rocky, grace-filled early years of blending two grieving families—and navigating those first blended holidays. It's raw, real, and rich with hope and hard-won wisdom.

Show Notes and Resources

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174: More Than Just A Stepparent: Helping a Grieving Child Heal

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

When a child loses a parent, grief doesn't end for them. And when they join a stepfamily, we need to come alongside them with love and support as parents and stepparents as we honor their pain and memories. Ron Deal talks with Diane Fromme about what helps and what hinders, especially as stepparents with grieving stepchildren.

Fromme explains how a stepparent can never replace a biological parent and functions as an "and," not an "instead." Stepparents will likely face rejection, insecurity, and feelings of being an outsider; however, with humility and ongoing love and support, they can, over time, develop meaningful and significant relationships with stepchildren following loss.

Show Notes and Resources

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173: When Your Brains Are Different: Finding Your Way in a Neurodivergent Marriage

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000

A neurodivergent marriage is when at least one partner has a neurodevelopmental condition like autism or ADHD. In this episode, Ron Deal speaks with Dr. Stephanie Holmes and her husband, Dan, who struggled to face that their young child was on the autism spectrum. Many years later, Dan discovered his own autism diagnosis.

Neurodiverse couples face unique challenges with communication, emotional expression, and sensory sensitivities that can include physical touch and intimacy, along with a lack of understanding between both partners. Stephanie & Dan offer support and guidance on how to recognize neurodiversity and strategies to cope with it.

Show Notes and Resources

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172: Beautifully Blended: Devotions and Resources for Every Kind of Blended Family

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Ron Deal speaks with Gayla Grace about her new book, Beautifully Blended: 101 Devotions to Encourage Couples in Blended Families. This book offers support and advice with relatable anecdotes, along with a devotion, prayer, and Bible reading for each day.

Every day dynamics in blended families are addressed with answers to common situations that often create struggle, such as stepparenting, co-parenting, marital conflict, and challenges in relationship-building. Grace offers practical tips that provide hope for blended families by encouraging them to trust God, seek His wisdom, persevere through challenges, offer grace freely and often, count their blessings, and recognize God’s redeeming power in relationships.

Show Notes and Resources

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171: How To Navigate In-Law Relationships: Building Bridges, Not Battlegrounds

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000

In-law relationships can be delicate and challenging, especially when they involve a former spouse. Ron Deal speaks with Dave and Ashley Willis about how to prevent feelings of powerlessness and frustration as we build bridges, not battlegrounds, in difficult relationships. Establishing healthy boundaries can safeguard our mental health and encourage healing from past wounds. Honest conversations convey respect—even when relationships are full of tension. Grace-filled discussions that reflect our ability to see the best in others and extend forgiveness when we’ve been wronged allow God’s love to reach hardened hearts.

God wants to redeem relationships, and as we do our part with difficult in-law relationships, God will honor our efforts.

Show Notes and Resources

Listen to the podcast Grandparenting and the Blended Family.
Learn about Dave and Ashley and get their Married Into The Family book.
Join us in Nashville for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry
Email blended@familylife.com for small group coaching or check out The Smart Stepfamily free series to get started.
Our small group searchable map
Ron's list of certified counselors
Clinical Training

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170: 2025 Blended and Blessed: Answering Your Blended Family Dilemmas

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Ron Deal and Gayla Grace answer questions from Blended & Blessed, such as: how do I manage tug of war feelings between my spouse and my children; how do I talk to my teenager who doesn't want me to remarry after his dad died; what are common ghosts of marriage past and how do we cope with them, how do we effectively place limits on screen time and hold the boundaries in our home when the other home has no limits; how do I calm my heart as a stepmom when my adult stepchild is rejecting me and what steps can I take to help, and many more.

Show Notes and Resources

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169: Growing up Blended: The Hidden Grief Kids Carry

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Blake Hudspeth grew up in multiple stepfamilies as a result of death & divorce and described his family to Ron Deal as pieced together. As a result, he struggled with complicated emotions and unresolved wounds well into adulthood.

Now, Hudspeth wants to help others who’ve grown up in complex blended family dynamics learn how to reconcile a difficult upbringing with hope for the future. He understands how to grieve a family he wanted but didn't have and the importance of forgiving his parents for their part in the instability of his upbringing, which created distrust and uncertainty for him. He advises parents that one of the most important pieces in helping their kids who are growing up blended is simply acknowledging the pain they are carrying.

Show Notes and Resources

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168: Learning from Stepfamilies of the Bible

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Guidance and hope for blending families can be found in stories from scripture. Ron Deal talks with Laura Petherbridge about her latest book, Stepfamilies of the Bible: Timeless Wisdom for Blended Families. Through true stories of God's heroes from stepfamilies of biblical times, Petherbridge offers practical tools to build unity, overcome complexity, foster love, and create lasting relationships for today's blended families. Through families such as David's, a man after God's own heart, and Joseph's, the favored son of Jacob, we learn how God can use sin done to us and sin done by us for His glory, and redeem relationships, regardless of how messy and broken they are.

Show Notes and Resources

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167: Unrecognized Loss, Unexpressed Grief

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Divorce and the death of a spouse naturally bring grief. But we don't always recognize the grief our kids also carry after walking through hard circumstances. Ron Deal talks with Stanley & Mryna Brown on how they navigated grief when they married. Stanley had lost his first wife to cancer, later remarried briefly, then divorced. Myrna had also been through a divorce and was a single mom for ten years before marrying Stanley. They both had two children who struggled with their own grief and loss. Through counseling, Stanley and Myrna began to understand more about their children’s grief and how to help them work through the unique grief each of them carried, allowing relationship building within the family to more easily develop.

Show Notes and Resources

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166: The Six Stages on Your Stepfamily Journey

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Every blended family navigates common stages on their way to finding familyness. It's not uncommon to experience the questioning stage, where you begin to doubt if you've made the right decision about your newly blended family, and you take a detour or two as you navigate your circumstances. Or perhaps you get stuck along the way as you walk through a crisis together. And what about the rewards stage? Wondering if you’ll ever get to that one?

Gayla Grace shares the six stages of stepfamily development, how to navigate each stage well, and what it takes to build loving, connected relationships along the way.

Show Notes and Resources

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165: Two Homes, One Team: Co-Parenting for Your Kids' Well-being

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Good co-parenting with a former spouse helps kids navigate life in two homes with greater ease. Ron Deal's conversation with Jay and Tammy Daughtry teaches us how to be parental partners, not angry associates, as we compartmentalize the pain from divorce and manage co-parenting through a businesslike relationship. They emphasized the importance of congenial handoffs during the parental exchange, biological time spent with biological parents/kids, recognizing unrealistic expectations of former spouse relationships, reframing sensitive days on the calendar to minimize emotional landmines, and understanding two dynamics often at play:

Bio fog—when a deep connection between biological parents and kids creates fog with the parent, who then often tolerates misbehavior.

Step vision—when an objective stepparent quickly identifies shortfalls in stepchildren and often communicates them harshly.

Show Notes and Resources

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164: Building Character for Stronger Relationships: Developing the 4 Essential Character Traits to Raise Resilient Kids

Mon, 19 May 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Dr. John Townsend defines four essential character traits that individuals need to navigate life's challenges and demands. He shares with Ron Deal that these components are required for stronger relationships. We can help our children and stepchildren develop them and be resilient kids. 1) Attachment: the ability to trust and be vulnerable with others 2) Separation: the ability to have your own voice, which includes healthy boundary-setting 3) Integration: navigating both the positive and negative realities of life 4) Adulthood: the capacity to take responsibility, make sound decisions, and live a purposeful life.

Show Notes and Resources

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163: Cutting the Tension: Building Trust Between a Stepmom and Stepdaughter

Mon, 05 May 2025 07:00:00 +0000

The stepmom-stepdaughter relationship often includes competing loyalties and confusing dynamics and can be the hardest relationship to navigate when blending a family. Ron Deal talks with stepmom Jessica Pickens and her bonus daughter, Jayla, about their ongoing struggles, cutting through tension, which began early and continued for years, and how they finally built a loving, trusting relationship with one another.
Jayla explains how her position as a “Daddy’s girl” and her relationship with her own mother impacted her desire for a bonus mom. She didn’t respond well to Jessica’s nurturing, and tension escalated as she got older. In time, Jessica began to understand the complexity of their relationship, change her expectations, and parent Jayla differently. Slowly, their relationship moved toward understanding and love toward one another.

Show Notes and Resources

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162: One Family's Journey to Blended Unity: Looking Back to the Teenage Years

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Tim and Olivia Smith brought six kids into their blended family in 1997. In their conversation with Ron Deal, they share the joys and challenges of melding together two families, how to encourage relationship building between siblings, and how stepparents can move from a place of isolation to a place of belonging in a stepfamily.

Tim’s daughter, Christie, joins the conversation with her perspective as a teenager from the early years of their blended family. Although the stepmom—stepdaughter relationship is often the hardest to connect, Christie shares how Olivia’s small actions of moving toward her and allowing her to engage at her own pace created a loving, long-lasting relationship that she treasures today as an adult.

Show Notes and Resources

Get a copy of The Mindful Marriage.
Get your copy of Blending-100 Day Guide for Step-Parents.
Learn about Blended Not Broken
Get our monthly newsletter

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161: Growing Up Blended, and Navigating the Maze to Build Strong Blended Bonds

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Robert and Jennie Lord both grew up in blended families. They share their stories with Ron Deal about the residue left behind from the maze of parental divorce, multiple stepparents, challenges in relationship building, unwanted transitions, and ongoing instability. They’ve sought healing from those experiences and now want to share what they’ve learned with others.

Married with a family of their own, they are committed to their marriage and want to provide an upbringing for their children that is vastly different than what they experienced. They teach and model a life built on faith and seek to provide stability and build strong bonds with their children.

Show Notes and Resources

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160 From Shame to Strength: A Single Mom's Journey to Healing and Hope

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Jennifer Maggio shares her story with Ron Deal of her challenges as a single mom that propelled her to begin a national ministry, serving over 1,000,000 single moms. Now married in a blended family, she continues the mission that no single mom walk alone.

Show Notes and Resources

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159 The 3-Step Guide to Navigating Hard Feelings in Your Blended Family

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0000

What do you do with feelings like anger, jealousy, hurt, or rejection in your blended family? Listen to Ron Deal’s conversation with Dr. Alison Cook, who offers a three-step process to work through hard feelings and find healing and hope for your journey.

Show Notes and Resources

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158 Prodigal Parents: Rebuilding Relationships with Children and Not Losing Your Influence

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Parenting a prodigal creates pain and helplessness as we seek to navigate difficult relationships. Listen to Ron Deal’s conversation with Judy Douglass, a prodigal parent, on how to tenderly manage these tenuous relationships while staying calm, present, and patient in rebuilding a relationship on their terms.

Douglass and Deal discuss the Prodigal Son story in Luke and the parallels with our prodigals in opening our arms to them when appropriate but not chasing or threatening in any way with our behavior. We move toward the goal of gaining influence as we patiently work to bring back love and trust in our relationships.

Show Notes and Resources

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157 "I see you": Creating Community for Brown & Black Blended Families

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Cheryl Shumake wants to reach brown & black blended families with brown & black voices. She & Clifton Howard talk with Ron Deal about her new ministry, Sawubona, which means “I see you” & its goal to break through the barriers with culture-informed spaces

Show Notes and Resources

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156 Playing Hurt: A Guy’s Strategy for a Winning Marriage

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 08:00:00 +0000

What does the apostle Paul mean in Philippians 2:4 when he says, “Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others?” How do we apply that to marriage, and to relationships in a blended family?

In this podcast episode, Ron Deal talks with Brian Goins, author of Playing Hurt, A Guy’s Strategy for a Winning Marriage, about taking care of our own needs and always being mindful of the needs of our spouse. Goins explains that marriage is about finding the motivation and resolve to stay in the game despite the pain and calls husbands to be the heroes they long to be--men who play hurt in order to win at marriage.

Show Notes and Resources

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155 A New Year, An Improved Self, A Better Marriage

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Do you think your marriage could improve if your spouse were different? Is it easier to look at their faults instead of considering your own? In this podcast episode, Ron Deal talks with co-authors of his new book, The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself. Terry and Sharon Hargraves and Nan Deal share how the book can help couples understand their part of marital distress, why they react the way they do, how to be more empowered constructively, and how to cultivate more loving and harmonious relationships as they understand themselves better and learn to relate to their partner as a companion.

Show Notes and Resources

Small Group Searchable Map
Email us for your chance to win a signed copy of The Mindful Marriage. blended@familylife.com
Get your copy of The Mindful Marriage
The Mindful Marriage Conference
Register for Blended & Blessed

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154 From Their Perspective: Adjusting to a Bigger Family, Luke Landwer

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Luke Landwer was young when his parents divorced, and he enjoyed time with just his mom for many years. When she remarried to a man with six kids, the adjustments for Luke were many. At just 11 years old, his conversation with Ron Deal is insightful as he articulates how adjusting to new rules, a new house, new people, was a challenge. He yearns for more time with his dad, but distance prevents it at times. He recognizes the blessings of a large family, however, with step-grandparents who love him and siblings around who prevent the loneliness he experienced in days past.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Ron & Nan Deal's new book: The Mindful Marriage
Watch Luke's Blended Family story on YouTube.
Give a year end tax deductible gift!
Join us in April for a marriage event just for couples in blended families.

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153 From Their Perspective: Talking With A Young Adult, Amelia Dellaripa

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Living in a blended family as a young adult can bring challenges and blessings. For Amelia Dellaripa, it brings many more blessings. In this podcast episode, Ron Deal talks with Amelia about her blended family of seven and how they developed love and acceptance for one another over time.

Amelia talks about how there was seldom any divisiveness or difficult interactions with her stepmom or stepbrother from the beginning. They were always welcoming toward her, and it seemed that everyone was on the same team and wanted to do their part in building relationships. Although she was young when her dad remarried and understanding new family dynamics was hard, she’s now thankful for her big, blended family.

Show Notes and Resources

Pre-order Ron & Nan Deal's new book: The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself
Get organized with the Family Core App!
This Christmas, your gift will be doubled!
Upcoming events and resources
Join us in April for a marriage event just for couples in blended families.

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152 From Their Perspective: Losing a Dad and Life with a Stepdad with Davis & Campbell Faulkner

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +0000

What’s it like to be a teenager in a blended family? How do you manage the confusing emotions of your childhood and teenage years while also adjusting to new family dynamics? Davis and Campbell Faulkner lost their dad in a traffic accident when they were very young. Their mom remarried and they’ve navigated feelings of loss, fear, anxiety, grief, abandonment, and more as they’ve adjusted to a new stepdad and life in a blended family. Listen to their insightful conversation with Ron Deal and learn how they’ve coped and found gratitude for their current journey in the midst of loss.

Show Notes and Resources

Pre-order Ron & Nan Deal's new book: The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself
Double your year end gift to FamilyLife Blended.
List of counselors and coaches
Upcoming events and resources
Please send your comments! blended@familylife.com
Join us in April for a marriage event just for couples in blended families.

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151 Practicing Gratitude in Your Blended Family

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Gratitude doesn’t always happen naturally in blended families, but it is worth pursuing and can move us toward unity in relationships. As we take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5), consider our perspective about the circumstances we find ourselves in, and allow ourselves to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2), we posture ourselves toward an obedient heart that discovers blessings, even in hard seasons.

In this podcast episode, Ron Deal and Gayla Grace talk about intentional ways to create a heart full of gratitude that pursues love with others and more easily moves our relationships toward connectedness.

Show Notes and Resources

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150 Parenting Foster Kids & Adopted Kids

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Foster care and adoption present difficult dynamics with issues similar to blended families. How do you help a child cope with ambiguous loss or connect as a parent when children act out from prior wounds? The loss that results from separation from a first family carries deep wounds that manifest themselves in misbehavior. Many children can’t verbalize their hurts, and families don’t have access to all the pieces of the puzzle. Love isn’t enough to fix the brokenness in a child, particularly when trauma is part of the story. Listen to Ron Deal's conversation with Jenni Lord for answers to these complex issues.

Show Notes and Resources

Pre- order Ron's new book: The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself
Learn more about Jenni and Chosen
Ron's speaking schedule
Get our monthly newsletter
Learn more about blended family resources
Get The Summit on Stepfamily Ministry, All-Access Digital Pass

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149 A Special Edition: Growing Up Blended After Parental Loss: Laura Husband

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Laura Husband, daughter of Columbia astronaut Rick Husband, was 12 years old when she endured her dad’s very public death. Laura shares with Ron Deal the layers of grief that followed with the lingering effects and expectations after an astronaut dies. When her mom began dating three years later, she felt abandoned and without a voice to the changes in her life. Her mom later remarried and Laura began an adjustment to blended family life with her new stepdad, Bill. Laura shares the loving relationship she and Bill eventually formed and how Bill chose a path, separate from her dad, that drew her in.

Show Notes and Resources

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148 Dealing With A Narcissist

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 08:00:00 +0000

How do you identify narcissism or cope with a narcissist? Ron Deal talks with counselor Laurel Slade-Waggoner about strategies in a relationship when someone seeks to control, manipulate, shift blame, gaslight, or behave in other narcissistic ways.

Show Notes and Resources

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147 Reimagining Christian Sabbath

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Does your family have a designated Sabbath? How do you spend that day? Author Kathi Lipp shares with Ron Deal her suggestions for reimagining Christian Sabbath that is a meaningful day with the Lord and one another as you prioritize rest and share a meal together. On Sabbath, we want to focus on who God is and His provision for us as we rest and connect with one another.

Lipp suggests that food provides the platform to linger in relationships, and feeding your family shows you care for them. She shares recipes from her new book, Sabbath Soup, and offers ideas on preparing for Sabbath and creating a special day each week.

Show Notes and Resources

Watch Women & Blended Families!
Join us for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry!
Learn more about Kathi and get her new book: Sabbath Soup
Thank you for supporting FamilyLife Blended with a donation!

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146 Stepfamilies: Stepparent Dynamics and Your Marriage

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 08:00:00 +0000

The intersection of marriage and parenting often creates tension for stepcouples that leads to disagreements and, as a result, slows down relationship building.

Listen to Ron Deal and Gayla Grace give valuable input on how to become a parenting team and strengthen your marriage in the process as you cope with common stepfamily dynamics such as: different parenting styles, co-parenting struggles, rejection from stepchildren, stepparent ambiguity, fear of failure, a paralyzed biological parent, a stepparent who oversteps their place, guilt from the past and fear to parent well because of what the children have already walked through, and other challenging dynamics.

Show Notes and Resources

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145 Physical Intimacy Issues for Stepfamily Couples

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 08:00:00 +0000

As a blended family couple, it’s not uncommon to experience sexual pitfalls that bring additional stress to your relationship. How do you prevent physical intimacy issues and work through those that have shown up?

In this episode, Ron Deal and Gayla Grace talk about how to build trust and emotional safety to overcome common pitfalls such as: the comparison trap, fear and insecurity from "ghosts" of marriage past, unlearning old rhythms of sexual practice and learning new ones, and lingering messages from prior sexual experiences that can inhibit healthy physical intimacy in marriage. In addition, you’ll understand more about the biblical view of healthy sexuality and why God established boundaries around it.

Show Notes and Resources

Make plans to join us at the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry!
Check out where Ron will be speaking.
Listen to or watch episode 30, 66, or 131 of the FamilyLife Blended Podcast
Send a donation and get a copy of The Smart Stepfamily Marriage

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144 Hope Is What the Dr. Ordered

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 08:00:00 +0000

The dynamics of blended family life can bring hopelessness, and we lose the ability to see a future where God can make our situation better. But there’s always hope for a brighter tomorrow. In this episode, Ron Deal speaks with Dr. Lee Warren, a neurosurgeon who has experienced personal trauma and loss, and explains the difference between our mind and our brain and how to use our mind to face hard things in a constructive manner. As we transform our thoughts and consider our feelings against the Truth of what God’s Word says, we find hope again for healing, for purpose, for change.

Show Notes and Resources

Send a gift and receive The Smart Stepfamily Marriage
Learn more about the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry
Get Dr. Lee's book, HOPE IS THE FIRST DOSE
Dr. Lee Warren's website and podcast
Email us for a chance to win a hard copy of Hope Is The First Dose! blended@familylife.com
Ron's list of Smart Stepfamily therapists.

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143 Ghosts of Marriage Past—Dealing with Relationship Baggage

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Ghosts of marriage past—triggers from past hurt that we carry into a new relationship—are common for blended family couples. But emotional ghosts don’t just appear from relationship baggage. We can be triggered by childhood wounds, grief, or other hurts that leave a residue on our heart and create hypersensitivity to getting hurt again. As a result, we guard our heart and resist vulnerability in our relationships.

In this episode, Ron Deal speaks with Gayla Grace about how to recognize our ghosts and take responsibility to move past our fears. Ron and Gayla both share ghosts they’ve wrestled with and how to have conversations with your partner that build trust in your relationship.

Show Notes and Resources

Register for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry!
Get your copy of The Smart Stepfamily Marriage
Make a tax dedecutible donation and get a free gift!
Watch Women & Blended Families on YouTube
Call and leave a message with your podcast suggestions: 407-826-2606

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142 Troubled Teens & Addiction Help

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 09:00:00 +0000

How do we help kids who are struggling with addictive behaviors? Ron Deal speaks with Dr Adrian Hickmon, who says we start by understanding the pain and void underneath their addiction, and then we must face the facts and determine the help they need.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry.
Learn about Capstone.
Watch the Brain, Heart, World documentary.
Get In Their Shoes with any gift amount!
Email us a review or a comment! blended@familylife.com

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141 Overcoming Stepparenting Myths

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Stepparenting myths have been around a long time, and they can negatively impact stepparents if not understood well. Although there might be some truth to them, the non-truth messages create tension and confusion for us. Ron Deal talks with Gayla Grace about how to sort through the reality and false messages of myths such as: All stepmothers are wicked and all stepfathers are abusive, stepparents can easily take on a high parental role, stepfamilies can behave as traditional families, we will love biological and stepchildren the same, and if you call them "my children," they will like being your children.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry.
Get a copy of In Their Shoes for a gift of any amount!
Check out books and resources for Blended Families!
Email us a review or a comment! blended@familylife.com

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140 A Home Built From Love & Loss

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 09:00:00 +0000

After losing her husband in a tragic accident, Sabrina McDonald looked forward to her young kids having a dad again. But she wasn’t prepared for the challenges that followed. Her kids felt threatened by her new spouse and competed for her attention. Her dream of being part of a family again didn’t happen quickly. And stepparenting felt awkward and unfamiliar in the beginning.

In this episode, Sabrina shares her lessons of love and loss with Ron Deal and how God met her in the wilderness, showed her that brokenness didn’t mean ugliness, and encouraged her to keep going despite her fears and uncertainty about the future. Today, she rejoices to have found familyness again after remarriage.

Show Notes and Resources

Get your copy of A Home Built from Love & Loss.
Learn about Sabrina.
Donate and receive the book: The Smart Stepdad!
Learn about The Summit on Stepfamily Ministry!
Leave us a voicemail with a review! 407-826-2606

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139: Growing Up Blended: My Stepdad

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 09:15:00 +0000

Growing up blended often includes hard transitions and isolation for those involved. But Marshall West's story is different. He shares with Ron Deal the beauty of God's provision for two families coming together after loss, giving him a dad he never had and two brothers who were never considered “step.”

Marshall was 12 when his mom married his stepdad, a pivotal point for him. Marshall had been praying to have brothers join his family, and his stepdad had been praying for a Mom for his two boys. Marshall credits the Lord and His goodness for bringing two broken things together and creating a family.

Show Notes and Resources

Get the donor premium gift!
Events and resources for you.
Join us for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry!
Watch Women and Blended Families on You Tube

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138: Cancer, NFL, and Family

Mon, 20 May 2024 09:15:00 +0000

Ex-NFL football player Devon Still and his wife Asha married shortly after Devon's young daughter, Leah, went into remission from stage four cancer. While rejoicing over Leah's healing, they were soon blindsided by blended family struggles.

Devon and Asha talk with Ron Deal about how they had both been raised in divorced homes and didn't understand how to create a lasting marriage. They began to learn about blended family dynamics and take intentional steps toward harmony in their relationship. They quit avoiding hard conversations, listened to each other's feelings, and created new habits in their communication to connect well. They also leaned into their faith to work through misguided expectations and move toward love and trust, ultimately finding hope in a long-term relationship.
Show Notes and Resources

Get this month's premium offer with a donation!
Get free access to Smart Stepfamily sessions.
Check out the blended small group map
Listen to Devon and Asha's podcast
Please send us your comments! blended@familylife.com

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137: Broken: Help for Family Problems

Mon, 06 May 2024 05:01:40 +0000

God understands broken people. He sent His son to die for us. Even when we feel beyond help, He meets us where we are, He loves us, and He redeems us. He sent the Holy Spirit to be our counselor and our guide. In our messiness, God wants to use our stories and our brokenness to minister to others.
Show Notes and Resources

Get The Smart Stepfamily as your free gift when you donate to FamilyLife Blended.
Get the Blended and Blessed All-Acess Digital Pass
Learn more about resources for blended families.
More info for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry in October.
Email us your podcast show suggestions!

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136: Help Me with My Finances

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 05:05:56 +0000

Help for your finances! Money matters can be a hot topic for blended families, creating strife and inequity if not handled well. Listen in as Ron Deal speaks with Gayla Grace and financial expert Greg Pettys about how couples can make wise decisions on financial issues that benefit all members of their blended family.
Gain insight from listener questions such as: Should my spouse and I carry separate bank accounts? How do we spend our money equitably with “his and her” kids? Why do blended families need to do estate planning? What budgeting tools do you recommend? How do we share our resources? And more great topics applicable to every blended family.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about resources for blended families.
You can watch the podcast on YouTube.
You can still join the Blended and Blessed Livestream!
Look for a small group in your area.
Get your copy of The Smart Stepfamily Guide to Financial Planning
Make a donation to FamilyLife Blended.

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135: Growing Up Blended: Kim Walker Smith’s Story

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 05:10:37 +0000

Singer/songwriter Kim Walker-Smith grew up in a blended family with multiple stepparents, instability, abuse, and isolation. She shares her story with Ron Deal in this podcast episode, beginning with her mom’s first divorce when she was a young child. It didn’t take long for her mom to marry again, divorce, and marry again.
Eventually, her mom married a stable, loving man who wanted to be a father to Smith when she was a young teenager. Hungry for his love but scared it wasn’t real, Smith rejected him over and over again. But this stepdad kept coming back, faithful and steadfast in every way and, eventually, a stabilizing force for Smith.
Although Smith experienced hardship and adversity as a child, as an adult, she came to know a loving, redeeming God, who she now sings about all over the world, testifying of His love.

Show Notes and Resources

Register for Blended and Blessed!
Learn more about Kim.
Hear Kim's song, "On My Side".
You can watch the podcast on the FamilyLife Blended YouTube channel.
Leave us a voicemail! – 407-826-2606
Support the podcast.

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134: Being a Stepparent: Is it a Blessing?

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 22:36:47 +0000

Are there blessings in blended family life? Yes! But they might not show up in ways we expect or as quickly as we’d like. In this 2023 Blended and Blessed presentation, Cheryl Shumake talks about the many bonus blessings she has experienced and the strength God gave her during seasons of weariness to keep going when she wanted to quit.
Cheryl says, “God meets us in the waiting to strengthen us for the walking.” God wants to guide our steps when we face challenges. He knows that our convictions of creating long-term relationships can waver when weariness sets in. But our biggest blessings are waiting for us in the later years if we persevere.

Show Notes and Resources

Get the Blended and Blessed All-Access Pass
Learn more about Cheryl and her ministry.
Host Blended and Blessed in your church or at home!
Give a tax deductible donation
You can watch podcast episodes on our YouTube channel.
Call us and leave a message about the show! 407-826-2606

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133: Remarrying After Loss

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 05:01:55 +0000

Remarriage after widowhood carries unique challenges and unwanted transitions. Expectations that aren’t realistic often show up, creating even more grief and heartache. But hard dynamics in the beginning can move toward bonded relationships and family unity with time and effort. In this podcast episode, Ron Deal talks with Rod and Rachel Faulkner Brown about their blended family challenges after Rachel was widowed twice, had two children with her second husband, and then married Rod with two young children in tow.
Show Notes and Resources

Blended and Blessed Info
Learn about Rachel
Rachel's widow ministry
Learn more about Rod
Ron's speaking schedule
Thank you for sending a tax-deductible donation!

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132: Growing Up Blended: Navigating Loss

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 06:01:26 +0000

Our past affects our present. And when we experience complicated blended family dynamics as a child, we're forever changed. Listen to Scott Kedersha share with Ron Deal how his blended family upbringing has impacted his parenting and marriage as an adult.

Show Notes and Resources

Join us for Blended and Blessed to learn how to build unity in your family!
Get a copy of Dating and The Single Parent
Order your copy of Preparing To Blend
Please call and leave us a voicemail review! 407-826-2606
Check out Ron's upcoming events
Consider giving to FamilyLife Blended to support this podcast.

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131: God’s Purpose and Intent for Sexuality

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 06:01:29 +0000

Do you wonder about God's purpose and intent for marital sexuality within marriage? What about the symbolism the Bible presents on this topic? Do you need help on how to nurture and protect this aspect of marriage? Listen to Ron Deal's message: God's Purpose and Intent for Sexuality.
Show Notes and Resources

Get more information on Blended and Blessed
Get the Blended and Blessed All-Acess Digital Pass
See where Ron will be speaking.
Resouces for blended families
Join us for Blended and Blessed 2024!

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130: Coping With Traumatic Events

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 06:01:38 +0000

Trauma and suffering can impact families in unexpected ways. Joel and Vaneetha Risner share with Ron Deal the positive effects of loss and suffering and how it helped to ground their faith, trust God in deeper ways, and bond their blended family.

Show Notes and Resources

Check out the podcast on YouTube!
Join us for Blended and Blessed 2024!
Learn about Vaneetha.
Say "thank you" with a gift of support.
Blended and Blessed All-Access Pass

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129: Stepparent Vs Bio Parent: Seeing Conflicts Differently

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 06:01:47 +0000

Conflicts are inevitable on family journeys. Rodney and Annetta Whitney share their journey, confusing dynamics, and their light bulb moments with Ron Deal. Stepparent, if you feel like an outsider, keep having hard discussions and don't give up.

Show Notes and Resources

Grab your copy of The Smart Stepfamily
Check out where Ron will be speaking.
The Smart Stepfamily series free on Right Now Media!
Join us for the Blended and Blessed livestream!
Call us and leave a message with your podcast suggestion! 407-826-2606

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128: Organize Your Life

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 06:01:10 +0000

Do you have trouble organizing your life? Your family calendar? Well, help is on the way! Ron Deal speaks with James and Ginger Dellaripa about challenges of blended family management including schedules, co-parenting, custody, and more. Listen to gain valuable insights in getting your life organized.

Show Notes and Resources

Get organized for 30 days free! Use the code: FLB30
Get your copy of The Smart Stepfamily Guide to Financial Planning
Learn more about our Blended resources
Ron's speaking schedule
Please leave a message for us: 407-826-2606
Join us for the Blended and Blessed livestream!

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127: Getting Remarried?

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 06:01:24 +0000

Getting remarried in later life after the death of a spouse or divorce? How do you know if you’re ready? Should you consider the feelings of your adult children? Ron Deal talks with Jim and Shirley Mozena about the risks, as well as rewards, of a later-life remarriage and what to consider as you date.

Show Notes and Resources

Access The Smart Stepfamily for free!
More about Jim and Shirley and their book, Second Chance At Love
Get your copy of The Smart Stepfamily Guide to Financial Planning
More FamilyLife Blended resources
Every gift to FamilyLife Blended for the month of December is matched!
Email: blendedquestions@familylife.com or call: 407-826-2606

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126: Strained Relationships with Adult Kids

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 06:01:27 +0000

When relationships with our adult kids and stepkids become strained or estranged, our hearts hurt. How did we get here? How do we fix it? Ron Deal talks with Dr. Charlotte Melcher Smith about common themes that contribute to strained relationships and what parents can do to help.

Show Notes and Resources

Dr. Charlotte Melcher Smith's book, Life's Third Tri
Blended resources and events
Send a matching gift to say "thank you" to FamilyLife Blended.
Send us a suggestion for a future podcast.
Register now for Blended and Blessed Live Event and Livestream.

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125: How To Be Thankful in a Blended Family

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 06:01:44 +0000

Have you ever wondered how to be thankful in a hard season in your blended family? Listen to Ron Deal and Gayla Grace talk about finding joy, regardless of our circumstances, as we focus on God’s faithfulness, His provision, and His promises.
Show Notes and Resources

Thank you for sending a gift to be matched dollar for dollar!
Send us your review via email: blendedquestions@familylife.com or voicemail: 407-826-2606.
Info on Blended and Blessed
Register now for Blended and Blessed Live Event and Livestream.

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124: Helping Your Kids With Their Emotions

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 07:00:18 +0000

Helping your kids with their emotions is a critical life skill, yet we often don’t equip kids with these valuable skills. Ron Deal speaks with Michelle Nietert, LPC, about common feelings kids in blended families experience and how parents can help.

Show Notes and Resources

Michelle Nietert, M.A., LPC-S

Learn about our blended events and resources.

Ron's personal speaking schedule.

Find a counselor.

Give a tax-deductible donation to FamilyLife Blended ministry.

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123: How To Overcome Co-parenting Conflict

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 05:01:57 +0000

High-conflict co-parenting is a common struggle in blended families. Ron Deal speaks with Diane Dierks and Rick Voyles on how to improve co-parenting conflict as you prioritize what you're fighting for, change your response, and consider your kids first.
Show Notes and Resources

List of counselors
Register for Preparing to Blend
Co-parenting Dilemmas podcast
Get the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry All-Access Digital Pass.
Ron's personal speaking schedule.
Send a gift to FamilyLife Blended.
Email a comment about this show or call to share your thoughts. blendedquestions@familylife.com or 407-826-2606

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122: Blending a Family: Where Do I Start?

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 05:01:52 +0000

When we blend two families, what's the goal and how do we get there? Do we focus more on parenting or our marriage? Do I parent my stepchild or build a relationship first? How do we manage a difficult former spouse? Ron Deal answers these questions and more about the critical tasks of parenting in a blended family.
Show Notes and Resources

You still have time to join the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry!
The Online Certificate in Blended Family Ministry
Get monthly encouragement for your blended family
FamilyLife Blended Resources
Get the Summit All-Access Digital Pass
Email us your questions at blendedquestions@familylife.com

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121: Lessons from Adoptive Parents

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 05:01:31 +0000

Blended families come in all shapes and sizes. Each family is unique with its own complexities. Chris and Yodit Brooks share their stories growing up in a blended family as well as wisdom they've gained from raising both their adopted and biological children. Family stories matter.
Show Notes and Resources

The Smart Stepfamily on Right Now Media
Get a copy of The Smart Stepfamily
Summit on Stepfamily Ministry: Registration and Information
Listen to Equipped with Chris Brooks.
Ron's personal speaking schedule.
Support the FamilyLife Blended podcast
Call in a review 407-826-2606

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120: Blended Family Christmas: Tips to reduce holiday stress

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 05:01:04 +0000

The holidays can be a stressful time juggling visitations, planning family activities, and managing all the feelings in the Christmas season. Emotions in blended families are often magnified during Christmas. Gayla Grace and Ron Deal offer practical ways to be sensitive and promote positivity so your holiday can be a truly joyous time.
Show Notes and Resources

Gift a copy of The Smart Stepfamily
More Blended Family Resources
Ron's upcoming events
Send a gift to FamilyLife Blended
Leave us a review voicemail at 407-826-2606 or email us: blendedquestions@familylife.com

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119: Parenting Teens During the Loneliness Epidemic

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 05:01:09 +0000

Children want to be heard and seen. Ron Deal had a conversation with Dr Mark Mayfield about how parents can help teens with loneliness. They offer wisdom and practical help for sensitive, serious topics such as suicide and address the role parents have as children navigate their overwhelming feelings and confusing thoughts.
Show Notes and Resources

Blended Family resources
Smart Stepfamily on Right Now Media
Learn more about the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry
Dr. Mark Mayfield
The Path out of Loneliness and The Path to Wholeness
Donate to FamilyLife Blended
Leave us a review voicemail at 407-826-2606 or email us: blendedquestions@familylife.com

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118: Blended Family Dynamics – The Enneagram Types Explained

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 05:01:46 +0000

The enneagram gives us insight into our unique gifts and the contributions we can make with those around us. But it shouldn’t be the ultimate source of our identity. Ron Deal talks with Jeff and Beth McCord about interpreting core enneagram types alongside the truth of the Gospel as we relate to others.

Show Notes and Resources

Dive deeper into the 9 different Enneagram types
Free downloads from Jeff and Beth
Blended Family Resources
Learn more about the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry
Join us on the cruise!
Thank you for your support!
Leave us a review voicemail at 407-826-2606 or email us: blendedquestions@familylife.com

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117: Trusting God in Difficult Times

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 05:01:39 +0000

No one wants to walk through grief and suffering. But God uses hard times to grow our character, develop perseverance, and find hope in Him. Ron Deal talks with Davey and Kristi Blackburn about how to trust God's faithfulness during painful seasons and find healing and restoration through Him.

Show Notes and Resources

10th Anniversary DVD Edition of The Smart Stepfamily
Women and Blended Families
Davey and Kristi Blackburn and their Pain to Purpose resources
Leave us a review voicemail at 407-826-2606 or email us: blendedquestions@familylife.com
Support FamilyLife Blended
The Summit on Stepfamily ministry

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116: Divorce Grief– Breaking Soul Ties

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 05:01:30 +0000

Do you have wounds from a previous relationship that you carried into your new family? We call these ghosts of marriage past. Unresolved residue also happens with our kids and affects our ability to form trust and intimacy with others. Ron Deal speaks with Moe and Paige Becnel about how to wrestle with our ghosts and lessen their power.

Show Notes and Resources

The Smart Stepfamily online series
More about the Becnels and their book
Join this year's VIRTUAL Summit on Stepfamily Ministry.
Add your blended small group on the searchable map.
Make a tax deductible gift.
Ask a question and submit a review at blendedquestions@familylife.com or call 407-826-2606.

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115: Stepchildren and Marriage: How to Build Trust

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 05:01:50 +0000

Blended family life doesn't often start with every relationship experiencing harmony. But it's not unusual to develop it along the way. Listen to Ron Deal speak with Gil and Brenda Stuart about how disappointment and confusion in their family relationships with 7 kids eventually morphed into redemption and joy.
Show Notes and Resources

Gil and Brenda Stuart
Get a copy of Restored and Remarried, workbook or small group bundle.
Blended ministry map
Make plans for The Summit on Stepfamily ministry.
Send a gift of support to help us expand our reach.
Call or email us with your ideas! 407-826-2606, blendedquestions@familylife.com

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114: Men in Blended Families: Why You Need a Strong Support System

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 05:01:37 +0000

Former NFL player Jeff Kemp has spent decades connecting with men. He understands the common struggles which include insecurity, comparison, and shame. He shares with Ron Deal how men can best cope by understanding their identity in our Father God, and why healthy male friendships are valuable in everyday life.
Show Notes and Resources

Get Jeff Kemp's Men Huddle Playbook
Online Certificate course in Blended Family Ministry
Tips to a deeper friendship
Easy steps to friendship and huddling
The Smart Stepdad: Steps to Help You Succeed
Make a tax deductible donation.
Call with your question: 407-826-2606, email a podcast topic suggestion: blendedquestions@familylife.com
The Summit on Stepfamily Ministry

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113: Bonus Dad Pro Tips from Mike

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 05:01:48 +0000

Men want harmony in their homes, but the dynamics of blended family life can threaten peaceful relationships. Mike Haney speaks with Ron Deal on how stepdads can create meaningful connections with their stepchildren through warm and inviting behavior, a perspective for long-term bonds, and mindfulness toward a role that less is more.
Show Notes and Resources

The Summit on Stepfamily ministry
Info and booking for the Love Like You Mean It Marriage Cruise
Mike Haney’s Courageous Stepdad Coaching Program
Podcast #38- Daily Practices for Happy Stepcouples
Get your copy of The Smart Stepdad
Support the Blended podcast with a gift
Call or email us! 407-826-2606, blendedquestions@familylife.com

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112: Stepmom Help: Pro Tips from Jen & Bill

Mon, 22 May 2023 05:01:26 +0000

Do you struggle with 2nd wife syndrome? Are you confused with your role and often feel you can't measure up to the expectations? Ron Deal speaks with Bill and Jen Rogers on the valuable role stepmoms play and offers encouragement and pro tips for those stuck in the trenches.
Show Notes and Resources

Free download: Top 10 Pro tips
Jen's Bold and Blended podcast
Read: The Smart Stepmom
Attend The Summit on Stepfamily Ministry virtually!
Find a small group or add your group to the Blended ministry map.
Set sail with on the Love Like You Mean It cruise!
Thank you for making a gift to FamilyLife Blended.

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111: Custody Battles and Court Conversation

Mon, 08 May 2023 05:01:35 +0000

Litigation creates stress and anxiety for stepfamilies, but there are ways to experience peace and bring kindness to others in the midst of it. Listen to Ron Deal with Scott and Vanessa Martindale on how to resist negative emotions and find resolution in custody cases that best meets the needs of your child.
Show Notes and Resources

Find more FamilyLife Blended resources.
Get your copy of Scott and Vanessa's book, Blended and Redeemed
Learn more about Scott and Vanessa
Join the Virtual Summit on Stepfamily ministry this year!
Thank you for supporting FamilyLife Blended.
We would love to hear from you. Email blendedquestions@familylife.com | Call 407-826-2606

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110: Growing Up Blended: Dr. Darrell Bock

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 05:01:59 +0000

When complicated circumstances show up in blended families, relationship-building slows down. Ron Deal speaks with Dr. Darrell Bock about how the death of his mom when he was a teenager, a dad who traveled weekly with work, and a new stepmom with three kids created tension and uneasiness for everyone.
Show Notes and Resources

Blended and Blessed information and registration
Get your copy of Lauren Reitsema’s book, In Their Shoes.
Get your copy of Building Love Together in Blended Families
Buy a copy of The Smart Stepfamily Guide to Financial Planning
Send a tax deductible gift for FamilyLife Blended.
Please email blendedquestions@familylife.com or call with a question for a future podcast at 407-826-2606.

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109 Who Comes First in a Blended Family?

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 05:01:00 +0000

Stepfamilies are fundamentally different than biological families, which can create tension and ambiguity for everyone involved. In this episode, Ron Deal speaks with Dr. Patricia Papernow about key principles for healthy relationship building in blended families which navigating complex dynamics and competing priorities between the marriage and the children.
Show Notes and Resources

Step-Insiders and Step-Outsiders
Validating Children in Stepfamilies

Dr. Papernow's website
Join sites around the globe for this year's Blended and Blessed!
Send a tax deductible gift for FamilyLife Blended.
Please email blendedquestions@familylife.com or call with a question for a future podcast at 407-826-2606.

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108: Prioritize Marriage in Your Home

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 05:01:50 +0000

How can you establish your marital relationship as the foundation for the home when children preceded your union? It starts by understanding that a strong marriage contributes more significantly to the stability of the home than any other factor—including the children. In this episode, Ron Deal and Gayla Grace offer practical tips on how to put your spouse in the front seat of your heart while still prioritizing your children.

Show Notes and Resources

Your review of the podcast might be played on a future show! Call 407-826-2606
FamilyLife Blended resources
Make a tax deductible donation.
Join us for this year's Blended and Blessed. Watch from home!

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107: Blending a Family: Strategies that Don’t Work

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 05:01:52 +0000

Blending isn't the goal for stepfamilies; it suggests the family becomes one in a relational sense, which rarely occurs. Other cooking strategies that stepfamilies try, such as the instapot, food processor, or pressure cooker, don't work well either. Then what does? Listen to Ron Deal and Gayla Grace discuss how crockpot cooking is the key.

Show Notes and Resources

Get your copy of The Smart Stepfamily
Blended Family Events and Resources
Join us for this year's Blended and Blessed. Watch from home!
Make a tax deductible contribution to support the blended podcast.
Write to us at blendedquestions@familylife.com or call 407-826-2606 to share a review of the podcast.

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106: Scripture for Families in Need of Encouragement

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 06:01:02 +0000

Do you have a roadmap to follow on your blended family journey? We'd like to encourage using God's Word to guide you, encourage you, and empower your steps. Listen to Ron Deal and Gayla Grace, along with stepcouple guests, talk about the value of scripture for families who are in need of hope, guidance, comfort, and encouragement in their homes.
Show Notes and Resources

We would love to hear about your family's "Promised Land Moment!" Call 407-826-2606 or write to us at blendedquestions@familylife.com
Epsiode 97: Protecting Your Kids From Porn
Blended Family Events and Resources
Thank you for sending support.
One day to a better marriage! Learn more.

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105: Stepfamily Relationship Building: Stepping Stones for Success

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 06:01:41 +0000

What are key stepping stones every stepfamily needs that will lead to healthy relationship building? Ron Deal and Gayla Grace discuss how perseverance, flexibility, commitment, Christ-likeness and other core attributes work together to create familyness.
Show Notes and Resources

Share a positive moment in your family's journey with others. Write to us at BlendedQuestions@familylife.com or call 407-826-2606 to share a positive moment for your family!
Blended Family Events and Resources
Get your copy of The Smart Stepfamily.
Make a tax deductible contribution to support the blended podcast.
One day to a better marriage! Learn more.

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104: Kids, Culture, Phones, and the Other Home

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 06:01:08 +0000

Every parent undertands the power a smartphone carries with kids. What rules, principles, or contracts should you put in place to manage their use? David Eaton, author of Smartphone Sanity, talks with Ron Deal about 8 major concerns to consider that will keep smartphones from invading your home and hijacking your child.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn about Axis.
Get your copy of David's book, Smartphone Sanity.
Get your copy of David's book, Engaging Your Teens World.
Thank you for supporting FamilyLife Blended with a donation.
Find blended events and groups in your area.
Blended Family Events and Resources
We'd love to hear about your journey! Write to us at BlendedQuestions@familylife.com or call 407-826-2606 to share a positive moment for your family!

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103: Alienated: One Child’s Journey to Reconnect (A Parental Alienation story)

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 06:01:29 +0000

Parents who are alienated from their children due to the behavior of a former spouse face devastating loss. But there is hope for redemption! Listen to Ron Deal's conversation with Dr. Richard Marks on how Marks re-connected with his mother as an adult and has enjoyed a healthy, thriving relationship with her for 30 years.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Dr. Richard Marks
Listen to episode #6: Challenging Co-Parent Situations and Parent Alienation.

Make a tax deductible contribution to support the blended podcast.
Call 407-826-2606 or email blendedquestions@familylife.com to tell us about a “Promised Land Moment” for your family (e.g., a moment of joy or success for your family)!

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102: Working Smarter, Not Harder

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 06:00:52 +0000

What does it mean to work smarter, not harder? How do we apply that to our relationships and why is it important? Listen to Ron Deal and Gayla Grace talk about unique blended family dynamics and the value of strategic and intentional behavior as we build relationships.
Show Notes and Resources

Empowered to Love Registration
Blended Family Events and Resources
Find blended family ministries and events.
Order The Smart Stepfamily Couple's Set
Would you please give us a review on a voicemail? Call 407-826-2606

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101: Christmas: Recovering Joy

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 06:01:29 +0000

It's the most wonderful time of year! Wait ... is it really? We want Christmas to be a season that feels magical. But too often, we feel disappointment, stress, sadness, and loneliness. Listen to Ron Deal's conversation with author and former co-host of FamilyLife Today Bob Lepine on how to find lasting joy this holiday season.
Show Notes and Resources

Empowered to Love Registration
Watch Women and Blended Families
The FamilyLife Blended team appreciates your gift of support this season.
Blended Family Events and Resources
Please email blendedquestions@familylife.com or call with a question for a future podcast at 407-826-2606.

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100: FamilyLife Blended: The Birth of a Movement

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 06:01:00 +0000

How did Ron Deal get started in blended family ministry? When was FamilyLife Blended birthed and what role does Nicole Burns play? What about Gayla Grace's start in stepfamily ministry? Listen to Ron Deal and Gayla Grace tell their stories and how they intersect with FamilyLife.
Show Notes and Resources

Listen to episode 21- Stepfamilies and The Holidays
Thank you for sending a year end donation!
More information and registration on the Preparing to Blend virtual premarital course for couples
Register for the Empowered to Love resort event on Feb 13-17, 2023.
Get your copy of Step Parenting with Grace by Gayla
Help others find FamilyLife Blended. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
Please email blendedquestions@familylife.com or call in a question for a future podcast at 407-826-2606.

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99: Growing Up Blended: Changing the Course of Your Family Legacy

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 06:01:51 +0000

Growing up in an unstable blended home with 7 stepmoms and 11 marriages between his parents left Fred Von Canon determined to change his legacy. Listen to his conversation with Ron Deal as he and his wife Anita describe their passion and commitment toward creating a godly home in their own blended family.
Show Notes and Resources

FamilyLife Blended resources
Women and Blended Families
Thank you for sending support for this podcast!
Please email blendedquestions@familylife.com or call in a question for a future podcast at 407-826-2606.
Blended and Blessed Live Event and Livestream

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98: Dating and the Single Parent, Revisited

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 06:01:48 +0000

As a single parent, it's natural to yearn for a marriage partner who will love you AND your kids unconditionally. But is that realistic? Listen to Ron Deal's conversation with Sabrina McDonald about dating, remarriage, and stepfamily life after widowhood, and the valuable lessons she's learned.
Show Notes and Resources

Sabrina McDonald
Get a copy of Preparing to Blend
Read Dating and the Single Parent
Watch Ron's Pouring of the Sands video
Be a part of the Preparing to Blend Leader's Training
We are thankful for every generous donation
Join us for the Women and Blended Families Livestream on 11/29
Please email blendedquestions@familylife.com or call in a question for a future podcast at 407-826-2606.

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97: Protecting Your Kids From Porn

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 05:01:42 +0000

Pornography is everywhere. It's quickly becoming the leading sex educator of our kids. Listen to Ron Deal's conversation with Brian Goins and Gayla Grace about the new documentary series "Brain, Heart, World" to learn how to address this important topic with your family.
Show Notes and Resources

Access the "Brain, Heart, World" free video series.
Get your copy of Brian's book: Playing Hurt: A Guy’s Strategy for a Winning Marriage.
Get Blended resources like The Smart Stepdad and The Smart Stepfamily.
Buy The Summit on Stepfamily ministry all access pass.
Every donation is appreciated.
Check availability for Brian's new series for parents on Right Now Media.
Please email blendedquestions@familylife.com or call in a question for a future podcast at 407-826-2606.

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96: Get On Board

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 05:01:22 +0000

Would you consider joining our mission to serve blended families as a volunteer or affiliate staff with FamilyLife Blended? Listen to Ron Deal and four couples share about why and how they minister to stepcouples and the blessings they receive in return.
Show Notes and Resources

Find a Stepfamily Event or Small Group.
Learn more about FamilyLife.
Support this podcast with a donation.
Learn more about Summit on Stepfamily Ministry and how to buy the all access pass.
Get your Certificate in Blended ministry through this online course.
Do you have a question about this episode? Email blendedquestions@familylife.com or call 407-826-2606.

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95: Good Parenting, Good Stepparenting

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 05:01:41 +0000

As parents and stepparents, we want to raise our kids well, but we often feel inadequate. In this episode, Ron Deal talks with Ginger Hubbard about parenting the heart of our children, seeking a change in behavior that stems from a change in their heart, and motivating them to become God-pleasers, not people-pleasers.
Show Notes and Resources

Get a copy of one of Ginger's books and/or listen to The Parenting with Ginger Hubbard podcast.
Watch Art of Parenting bonus videos.
Get details on The Summit on Stepfamily ministry.
Double your impact with a donation this September!
Please email blendedquestions@familylife.com or call in a question for a future podcast at 407-826-2606.

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94: The Honeymoon: Blended Families: 10 Years and Beyond

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 05:01:00 +0000

Are you in the early years of blending a family and you wonder if life will ever get easier? Listen to Ron Deal and Gayla Grace talk about the honeymoon season that often follows the hard relationship-building years and the rewards that come as familyness begins.
Show Notes and Resources

Look for a blended small group happening in your area.
Get a copy of The Smart Stepfamily.
Your gift will be matched dollar for dollar!
Information on The Summit on Stepfamily Ministry.
Check out past episodes of FamilyLife Blended.

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93: Ministering to Blended Families

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 05:01:11 +0000

Is God calling you to minister to blended families, but you feel inadequate? We have a solution! Listen to Ron Deal explain how to earn an online ministry certificate as you glean from blended family experts with 7 hours of engaging video content, thoughtful handouts to help you reflect and apply, and bonus resources to use again and again.
Show Notes and Resources

The Certificate in Blended Family Ministry online course.
Get your copy of The Smart Stepfamily.
Send a donation.
The Summit on Stepfamily Ministry.
Please send in a topic or question to blendedquestions@familylife.com

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92: The Fields Are White for Harvest: Teaching Pastors Speak Out About Blended Family Ministry

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 05:01:20 +0000

Families are changing. Non-traditional families are now considered traditional. As churches, how do we continue to meet the needs of complex families and serve them well? Listen to Ron Deal's conversation with three senior pastors on why and how churches can love all families, despite the narrative of their past.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Pastor Bryan Carter
Learn more about Dave Wilson
The Church and Blended Family Ministry
Get your Certificate in Blended Family Ministry
Learn more about this year's Summit on Stepfamily Ministry
Search all FamilyLife Blended resources
Thank you for your support!

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91: Bonus Q&A: More Answers to Questions Blended Families Ask

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 05:10:08 +0000

Our bonus episode offers another question and answer format with Ron Deal and Gayla Grace to address those hard-to-navigate circumstances in your blended family with solutions that offer nuggets of wisdom and practical suggestions.
Show Notes and Resources

Find a therapy provider.
Check out all FamilyLife Blended has to offer.
Learn more about the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry.

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90: Bonus Q&A: You Ask, We Answer

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 05:10:59 +0000

Do you have stepfamily questions for the experts? We have answers! Listen to Ron Deal and Gayla Grace discuss everyday issues that frequently show up in blended family homes—along with practical solutions—to help you find harmony in your relationships.
Show Notes and Resources

Check out all FamilyLife Blended has to offer.
Support FamilyLife Blended
Check out ministries in your area on our searchable map.
Learn more about the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry.

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89: Bonus Q&A: Blended Questions with Kirk

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 05:10:54 +0000

Do you struggle to find unity as a couple or need help setting boundaries with an ex-spouse and co-parenting successfully? Or maybe you could use a few tips on navigating the teen years with your stepdaughters. Listen to Ron Deal's conversation with Kirk McGregor on these common stepfamily topics and more.
Show Notes and Resources

Check out all FamilyLife Blended has to offer.
Support FamilyLife Blended
Learn more about the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry.

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88: Bonus Q&A: Stepfamily Questions with Don and Sandi

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 05:01:29 +0000

Veteran stepcouples have a wealth of knowledge on best practices for stepfamilies. Listen to Ron Deal's conversation with Sandi Patty and Don Peslis, married in 1995 with a blended family of 8 children, on wise solutions to challenges like: managing the visitation schedule after high school, forming good relationships with stepsiblings, pros and cons of an "ours" child, and other common issues stepfamilies face.
Show Notes and Resources

Check out our audio resources, videos, books, and virtual and live conferences
Support FamilyLife Blended
Episode 70: Having an Ours Baby
Learn more about the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry.

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87: Well Blended

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 05:25:39 +0000

Do you need help growing unity and building character in your stepfamily? Our convenient online course, Well-Blended, can help! Listen to Ron Deal and Dave and Ann Wilson talk about how it can help you build robust, resilient relationships in the unique mash up that is your family.

Show Notes and Resources

Get the Well-Blended online course.

Thank you for supporting us!

Please leave us a voicemail review (407-826-2606) or email it to us!

Learn more about all of FamilyLife Blended's resources.

Learn more about the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry.

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86: Bi-Polar Value Differences Between Homes

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 05:01:56 +0000

Are you steering your kids toward Christ while the other home is steering them toward the world? Ron Deal talks with Kara Powell and Gayla Grace about how to manage bi-polar value differences between homes and how to understand and answer the three important questions every teenager is asking.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Fuller Youth Institute and Kara's new book, 3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager
Learn more about Gayla Grace.
Learn more about the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry.
You can support the FamilyLife Blended podcast.
Please call and leave us a message or send us an email with your questions!

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85: Terrible Loss, Unexpected Love

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 06:30:38 +0000

When remarriage happens after the death of a spouse, the stepcouple faces unique and hard-to-navigate circumstances related to grief and leftover feelings from those experiences. Ron Deal talks with Bill and Evelyn Thompson, who both lost their spouses prior to remarriage, on how to blend a stepfamily after death and what they wish they'd done differently in their early years of dating and remarriage.
Show Notes and Resources

Bill and Evelyn will be speaking at this year's Summit on Stepfamily Ministry! Learn more.
Listen to Bill and Evelyn on FamilyLife Today.
Learn more about the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry.
You can support the FamilyLife Blended podcast
Please leave us a message at 407-826-2606! Or send us an email

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84: Relationship Essentials – Tools for Healthier Relationships

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 05:00:36 +0000

Critical relationship skills are needed in every important relationship, especially in stepfamily life. In this episode, Ron Deal talks with a dynamic mother-daughter duo, Joneen Mackenie and Laueren Reitsema, on gaining a larger toolbox of wisdom and skills for strengthening relationships.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn about My Relationship Center
Get a copy of Relationship Essentials
Find a blended family small group or event near you.
Find a counselor near you
Get your Certificate in Blended Family Ministry
You can support the FamilyLife Blended podcast
Summit on Stepfamily Ministry

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83: Unsung Heroes

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 05:00:19 +0000

Stepdads take on a heroic challenge as they parent someone else's child, which often includes frustration and defeat. Stepdad Gil Stuart talks with Ron Deal about his video series, Unsung Heroes, which captures the value of vulnerability, courage, and humility in forming lasting relationships as a stepdad.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Gil Stuart and Restored and Remarried
Find a counselor near you
Unsung Heroes Series: Encouragement for Dads in a Stepfamily
Please call and leave us a message! 407-826-2606 Or send us an email.
Check out all FamilyLife Blended has to offer.
Learn more about the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry

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82: It’s All Fun and Games

Mon, 23 May 2022 05:00:48 +0000

Krista Smith-Larson is a blended family mom who produces games that help draw out matters of loss and stepfamily transition in order to bring about hope and healing. Listen to her dialogue with Ron Deal and learn about games that can benefit your stepfamily.
Show Notes and Resources

Krista's games with purpose. Get yours here.
Check out Life in a Blender for your kids
Get your copy of The Smart Stepfamily
Call with a topic or a review, you might hear your message on a show! 407-826-2606
Learn more about Summit on Stepfamily Ministry
Thank you for supporting this podcast

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81: Bonus Moms: Refined for Good

Mon, 09 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000

God loves the work of refining our character, particularly as we engage in family relationships. We become more and more like Christ as we learn how to love, forgive, show kindness, and be family to one another. In this episode, Ron Deal talks with Summer Butler and Gayla Grace about the value of God's refining fire for stepmoms.

Show Notes and Resources

Gayla Grace
Summer Butler and her book
Please call and leave us a message! 407-826-2606
The Smart Stepmom
Summit on Stepfamily Ministry
Searchable map

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80: From Toxic Competitors to Business Partners

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 14:24:09 +0000

Relationships between biological moms and stepmoms can be malicious, competitive, and wounding. But they don't have to be! Listen to Ron Deal's discussion with two women who found healing for their toxic relationship through God's grace, forgiveness, and acceptance that led to a long-term, loving friendship and benefited not only themselves, but also their son and stepson.

Show Notes and Resources

Stepfamily Network
The Smart Stepmom
Send us a topic you want us to cover, a question you want to ask, or a comment you want to share
Women and Blended Families Livestream – May 3
Send support to the Blended podcast

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79: Advice to Children: What Experts Might Say to Your Kids

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 13:15:14 +0000

Would you like your kids to hear helpful advice from several experts about their blended family struggles? This podcast is for you! Listen for yourself first, then with your child—young or old—to encourage dialogue about their feelings that can help build a bridge for long-term relationship building.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Lauren Reitsema.
Get Lauren's book, In Their Shoes.
Learn more about Gayla Grace.
Get Gayla's book, Step Parenting with Grace.
Stepfamily Therapy Providers
Leave us a voicemail review; you might hear it on a show! 407-826-2606
Get the Blended and Blessed Digital All-Access Pass

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78: From Our Perspective

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 07:08:07 +0000

Kids in stepfamilies often lose control over many aspects of their lives after their parents remarry. In this episode, Ron Deal talks with two stepsiblings about their own experiences, their hard adjustments to stepfamily life, and how parents can give children a voice and open lines of communication to aid relationship building in their home.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Blended and Blessed live event and livestream

Say “Thank you” with a donation

Learn more about Blendistry.

Send us your questions for a future podcast. Call us at 407-826-2606 or send an email to blendedquestions@familylife.com

Learn more about FamilyLife Blended.

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77: Grace-filled Parenting in Blended Families

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 07:05:02 +0000

Blended and Blessed is a marriage event specifically designed for couples in a blended family. This podcast episode features a dynamic speaker from Blended and Blessed 2021, author and stepmom Laurie Short, with nuggets of wisdom and real-life stories from her stepfamily journey.

Show Notes and Resources

Blended and Blessed All Access Pass

Email us / Call us: 407-826-2606

Laurie Short

FamilyLife Blended

Donate to FamilyLife Blended

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76: Moving from Roommates to Soulmates in Marriage

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 07:05:33 +0000

Life has a way of moving us into roommates in marriage when we want to be soulmates. Ron Deal talks with Dr. Greg Smalley about how to stay deeply connected with one another, even during seasons of exhaustion or busyness, with intentional behavior that includes protecting sacred moments, guarding against distractions, working through conflict, and connecting in small ways every day.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Greg Smalley
Get Greg's book, Reconnected
Learn more about Blended and Blessed live event and livestream
Give us a review of this show or ask us a question. We may answer it on an upcoming the podcast. Contact us at blendedquestsions@familylife.com or 407-826-2606
Learn more about FamilyLife Blended
Support FamilyLife Blended

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75. Dancing in the Bedroom

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 07:04:43 +0000

The subject of sexuality and sexual desire in marriage brings up lots of questions. In this episode, Ron Deal interviews Dr. Michael Sytsma, a pastor and sex therapist, who talks about how to pursue the heart of intimacy with one another. You'll hear teaching on how to manage differences in sexual desire in marriage, how we can reflect who Christ is in our sexual lives, and how to form deep intimate connections in the process.
Show Notes and Resources

The (Nearly) Complete Guide to Better Married Sex online course
Listing of Certified Christian Sex Therapists
Give us a review of this show or ask us a question. We may answer it on an upcoming podcast. Call (407) 826-2606 or email BlendedQuestions@familylife.com
Learn more about Blended and Blessed Live Event and Livestream
Listen to previous podcasts #30 and #66 for more insight into this topic.
Learn more about The Smart Stepfamily Marriage book
Building Intimate Marriages
Sexual Desire in Marriage course

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74: You ask, We answer

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 07:08:40 +0000

Do you have stepfamily questions? We have answers! Listen to Ron Deal's discussion with Gayla Grace on important topics like finding your place as a stepparent, being a childless stepmom, reasonable parenting standards, adding a new baby to a stepfamily, coping with a narcissistic bio parent in the other home, and more.
Show Notes and Resources

Send us your questions for a future podcast: blendedquestions@familylife.com or 407-826-2606
Learn more about Blended and Blessed live event and livestream
Listen to Sandi Patty and Ron, episode 27
Stepfamily Therapy Providers
The Smart Stepfamily (from RightNow Media)
Well-blended and the Certificate in Blended Family Ministry

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73. Waiting to Be Wanted in Your Blended Family

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 07:08:02 +0000

Are you good at waiting? What about waiting to be wanted by someone you care about in your blended family? That's a hard reality for many in the early years of stepfamily life. In this episode, listen to Ron Deal's conversation with stepmom Cheryl Shumake on how to persevere through the waiting during the wilderness years.

Show Notes and Resources

Cheryl Shumake and Stepmom Sanity

Free Ministry Map

Blended and Blessed

Online courses

Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast.

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72: Ridding Your Soul of Shame

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 07:05:05 +0000

Shame is a common theme in blended families, perhaps stemming from a previous divorce, failed relationship building in your current stepfamily, or the negative stigma associated with a non-traditional family. Learn how shame develops and what you can do to release your shame as you listen to Ron Deal's interview with Dr. Curt Thompson.
Show Notes and Resources

Curt Thompson
Get free downloads to Curt's books, and order his book.
Give us a review of this show or ask us a question. We may answer it on the podcast in the new year! Leave a message at (407) 826-2606, or send an email to blendedquestions@familylife.com
FamilyLife Blended
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast.

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71: Have Serious Fun, And Make Each Day Count

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 07:05:13 +0000

The benefit of "fun" is often overlooked when we consider how to build healthy stepfamily relationships. But Ron Deal's podcast guest, Dr. Jim Burns, says it's an important piece that can help connect relationships.. Listen to their conversation about why and how intentional play can benefit your family.
Show Notes and Resources

Jim Burns, his ministry and his new book, Have Serious Fun
Stepfamily Resources
Give us a review of this show or ask us a question. We may answer it on the podcast in the new year! Call (407) 826-2606, or email us at blendedquestions@familylife.com
Ministry Leaders, access Ron Deal’s new Certificate course.
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast.

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70: Having an Ours Baby

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 07:02:51 +0000

Many stepcouples want to have a baby together. Is it a good idea? Are there negative implications? In this episode, Ron Deal talks with Heidi Farrell about how an "ours" baby impacts the family and other children, what research shows on this important topic, and what dynamics should be considered before making a decision.
Show Notes and Resources

Heidi Farrell
How to Add an Ours Baby to Your Stepfamily…Without Resentment Getting in the Way
The Smart Stepfamily
Send us a topic idea for next year
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast.
Call us to submit a review or a question: (407) 826-2606

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69: Good Co-Parenting: Conflict and Cooperation with Your Ex

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 06:01:22 +0000

Children need healthy relationships with both parents after divorce, which requires good co-parenting. Listen to Ron Deal's conversation with Dr. Mary Jeppsen on how co-parent anger dramatically impacts a child and how former spouses can keep conflict at a minimum and cooperation at a maximum in order to co-parent well.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Dr. Jeppsen.
Stepfamily Resources
Certificate in Blended Family Ministry course for ministry leaders
Well Blended: Growing Unity and Character in your Stepfamily – a self-paced course
Send us your questions: blendedquestions@familylife.com
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast.

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68: Preparing to Blend: Getting ready for life after the wedding

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 10:06:19 +0000

Preparing to blend a family can be a daunting endeavor. But you can—and should—get smart about stepfamily living ahead of time to create a strong family. Listen to Ron Deal talk with two stepcouples about what they did during their pre-married season that helped them prepare to blend their families.
Show Notes and Resources

JonathanPitts.net
Preparing to Blend + FREE resources.
Send us your questions for Ron.
FamilyLife Blended
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast.
To submit a review or question, call us at: 407-826-2606

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67: Blended with Grit: Widowhood and Forming a New Family

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 06:00:50 +0000

Remarriage after widowhood creates unique struggles. Listen to Ryan and Jess Ronne, parents and stepparents to 8, share with Ron Deal about how insecurities can create conflict in a new marriage after widowhood and how they found beauty from ashes as they worked through their struggles and insecurities.

Show Notes and Resources

JessPlusTheMess.com
Blended with Grit and Grace.
Sunlight Burning at Midnight.
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast.
Smart Stepfamily Therapy Providers.
FamilyLife Blended resources.

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66: A Healthy Sex Life: What Couples Should Know

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 06:01:31 +0000

What does a healthy sex life really look like? How do you find healing if you've experienced sexual brokenness? Listen to Ron Deal's conversation with Dr. Juli Slattery on what makes a good lover, the importance of bringing God into that equation, and how sexuality is a tangible way of helping us understand God at a deeper level.
Show Notes and Resources

Authentic Intimacy – Dr. Juli Slattery's website
Preparing to Blend by Ron Deal.
Episode 30: Re-Sex: The Challenges of Sex for Blended Family Couples.
FamilyLife Blended.
Get a certificate in Blended Family ministry.
All access pass to The Summit.

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65: Turn Your Season and Your Life Around

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 06:04:11 +0000

Pro baseball player Darryl Strawberry has experienced fame, fortune, and notoriety. But he's also walked through addiction, divorce, and anguish. Today, he's far more interested in talking about Jesus than baseball as he and his wife Tracy, parents of 9 kids in their blended family, share with Ron Deal about the importance of keeping Jesus at the center to find healing and redemption.
Show Notes and Resources

Finding Your Way – Darryl and Tracy's website
Preparing to Blend by Ron Deal
YouTube interview with the Strawberrys
Summit on Stepfamily Ministry
FamilyLife Blended
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast.

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64: Seasons and Rhythms: Strengthening Your Family Throughout the Year

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 08:00:16 +0000

Special days give families an opportunity to honor each other, celebrate one another, and strengthen their identity as a stepfamily. Ron Deal and his guests present ideas on how to creatively take advantage of your family calendar in ways that will strengthen family relationships throughout the year.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/.
Listen to episode 21: Stepfamilies and The Holidays https://www.familylife.com/podcast/familylife-blended-podcast/21-stepfamilies-and-the-holidays/.
Get Ron's newest book: Preparing to Blend. https://shop.familylife.com/p-6133-preparing-to-blend.aspx.
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast. https://donate.familylife.com/blended/?cru_source=D000BLENDGandcru_medium=DesktopHeaderNavandcru_campaign=Blended.
Learn more about FamilyLife Blended. https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/blended-families/.

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63: Growing up in a Blender: Shelby Abbott

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 06:01:03 +0000

Sometimes in stepfamilies, we take things out on each other that really are about someone or something from the past. We have something to say to a parent from the past, but instead fight that battle with a child—or spouse—in our present. Listen to Ron Deal talk with Shelby Abbott on how to keep unresolved issues of the past from damaging relationships in the present.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Shelby Abbott. https://shelbyabbott.com/.
Get Shelby's books. https://shop.familylife.com/product-creator/shelby-abbott/.
Learn more about FamilyLife Blended. https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/blended-families/.
Listen to other Growing up in a Blender episodes:

51: Growing up in a Blender: Play the Long Game with Jim Ramos – https://www.familylife.com/podcast/familylife-blended-podcast/51-growing-up-in-a-blender-play-the-long-game/
43: Growing Up in a Blender: Who's my Daddy? with Ray and Robin McKelvy – https://www.familylife.com/podcast/familylife-blended-podcast/43-growing-up-in-a-blender-whos-my-daddy/
28: Growing up in a Blender with Ryan Guinee and David Bowden – https://www.familylife.com/podcast/familylife-blended-podcast/28-growing-up-in-a-blender/

Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast. https://donate.familylife.com/blended/?cru_source=D000BLENDGandcru_medium=DesktopHeaderNavandcru_campaign=Blended.
Learn more about FamilyLife Blended's annual Summit on Stepfamily Ministry. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/.
Get blended family resources. https://shop.familylife.com/product-category/marriage/blended-family/.

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62: Pressure to Perform: When it Feels Like the World is Watching

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 06:02:26 +0000

The end of your marriage doesn't mean the end of God's favor. But when you're in ministry, it can feel that way. Drs. Bobby and Janice Love speak with Ron Deal about how to manage the spotlight of ministry and the pressure that follows when you walk through divorce and remarriage, offering personal stories and suggestions to help.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Rev. Dr. Bobby and Dr. Janice Love. http://www.stepwithlove.org.
Get Dr. Janice's book, One Plus One Equals Ten: A First Lady's Survival Guide for Stepmoms. https://www.amazon.com/One-Plus-Equals-Ten-Survival/dp/0615695388/.
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast. https://donate.familylife.com/blended/?cru_source=D000BLENDGandcru_medium=DesktopHeaderNavandcru_campaign=Blended.
Learn more about FamilyLife Blended's annual Summit on Stepfamily Ministry. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/.
Get downloadable tip sheets for ministering to blended families. https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/resources/.
Learn more about FamilyLife Blended https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/blended-families/.

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61: Love Mercy: Divorce & Remarriage in the Bible

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 06:03:30 +0000

What does the Bible teach about divorce and remarriage? How do we consider Truth and Grace when we apply it to God's people? Listen to Ron Deal's conversation with Dr. Rubel Shelly on a subject that's hard to understand in Scripture and often disagreed upon in Christian circles.

Show Notes and Resources

Get Dr. Rubel Shelly's book, Divorce and Remarriage: A Redemptive Theology. https://www.amazon.com/Divorce-Remarriage-Redemptive-Rubel-Shelly/dp/0891123628.
Read Ron's article, "Loving Mercy." https://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/blended-family/loving-mercy-a-theological-basis-for-blended-family-ministry/.
Get the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry Digital All-Access Pass. https://shop.familylife.com/p-5938-all-access-pass-summit-2020.aspx.
Learn more about FamilyLife Blended's annual Summit on Stepfamily Ministry. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/.
Get downloadable marriage ministry tip sheets. https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/resources/.
Learn more about FamilyLife Blended. https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/blended-families/.

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60: Grace-filled Stepparenting

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 06:01:32 +0000

Stepparenting is a marathon, not a sprint. And getting to the finish line with strong relationships requires a lot of grace, personal strength, and wisdom as you accommodate people's grief and feelings along the way. Listen to Ron Deal talk with Jere and Laurie Short on this important topic.

Show Notes and Resources

60: Grace-filled Stepparenting https://laurieshort.com/.
Learn more about FamilyLife Blended's annual Summit on Stepfamily Ministry. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/.
Check out Laurie on the Blended and Blessed All-Access Pass https://shop.familylife.com/search.aspx?searchterm=Blended+%26+Blessedandsearchtype=Any.
Drop us an email and let us know what you would like to hear on future podcasts or send us a review. blendedquestions@familylife.com.
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast. https://donate.familylife.com/blended/?cru_source=D000BLENDGandcru_medium=DesktopHeaderNavandcru_campaign=Blended.
Pre-order Ron's new book Preparing to Blend https://www.amazon.com/Preparing-Blend-Couples-Becoming-Stepfamily/dp/0764237934/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1andkeywords=preparing+to+blendandqid=1622129394andsr=8-2.

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59: Conversations to Improve Your Family

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 06:02:39 +0000

Little things can create big changes in blended family homes. In this episode, Jed and Jenny Jurchenko share with Ron Deal how they created positive change in their home by taking small, positive steps to grow their most important relationships and give examples in their book, 131 Conversations for Stepfamily Success.

Show Notes and Resources

Get your copy of Jed and Jenny's book. https://www.amazon.com/131-Conversations-Stepfamily-Success-Intimacy/dp/1543236731.
Learn more about FamilyLife Blended. https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/blended-families/.
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast. https://donate.familylife.com/blended/?cru_source=D000BLENDGandcru_medium=DesktopHeaderNavandcru_campaign=Blended.
Get Ron's book, Daily Encouragement for the Smart Stepfamily. https://shop.familylife.com/p-5224-daily-encouragement-for-the-smart-stepfamily.aspx.
Learn more about FamilyLife Blended's annual Summit on Stepfamily Ministry. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/.

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58: Investing for Life After Kids

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 06:00:41 +0000

We could spend 1/3 of our lives without a paycheck since it's expected we can live into our mid-80's and beyond. How do we know if we're preparing adequately for retirement? Ron Deal talks with financial planner Greg Pettys on this topic and how to account for blended family variables.

Show Notes and Resources

Get your copy of The Smart Stepdad https://shop.familylife.com/p-5664-the-smart-stepfamily-guide-to-financial-planning.aspx.
Listen to Ron and Greg's other podcast: "Financing Togetherness in Blended Families" https://www.familylife.com/podcast/familylife-blended-podcast/19-financing-togetherness-in-blended-families/
Get the free download, 10 Tips to Avoid Money Drama and Plan Your Blended Family Future. http://www.blendedfamilyfinances.com
Learn more about FamilyLife Blended's annual Summit on Stepfamily Ministry https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/
Learn more about FamilyLife Blended. https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/blended-families/
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast. https://donate.familylife.com/blended/?cru_source=D000BLENDGandcru_medium=DesktopHeaderNavandcru_campaign=Blended
.

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57: The Smart Stepdad

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 06:03:46 +0000

How do you know if you're ready to be a stepdad? Ron Deal gives insight into the stepdad role as he talks with Bob Lepine and Dennis Rainey about this important position that can be daunting, but rewarding. Listen to his encouragement about the realities of being a stepdad and the value of stepping out in faith and relying on God's wisdom when ready to take the risk.

Show Notes and Resources

Get your copy of the Smart Stepdad. https://shop.familylife.com/p-5666-the-smart-stepdad.aspx.
Learn more about FamilyLife Blended. https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/blended-families/.
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast. https://donate.familylife.com/blended/?cru_source=D000BLENDGandcru_medium=DesktopHeaderNavandcru_campaign=Blended.
Learn more about FamilyLife Blended's annual Summit on Stepfamily Ministry. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/.

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56: Adult Stepfamilies

Mon, 24 May 2021 06:00:30 +0000

Blended families that form when children are in their late teens or adult years are adult stepfamilies. We often mistakenly think these families have few adjustments to make. Listen to Ron Deal's conversation with Terry and Carol Moss, Brandon Moss, and Nina Thomas on how they've navigated multiple transitions in their adult stepfamily.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about blended family resources. https://shop.familylife.com/product-category/marriage/blended-family/.
Learn more about FamilyLife Blended's annual Summit on Stepfamily Ministry. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/.
Learn more about Terry and Carol and their ministry, One Flesh Ministries. https://www.onefleshministries.info/.
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast. https://donate.familylife.com/blended/?cru_source=D000BLENDGandcru_medium=DesktopHeaderNavandcru_campaign=Blended.
Check out the stepfamily ministry map. http://www.familylife.com/blendedmap.

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55: The Smart Stepmom

Mon, 10 May 2021 06:03:37 +0000

What does it mean to be a smart stepmom? Laura Petherbridge answers that question as she speaks with Dennis Rainey, Bob Lepine, and Ron Deal on how to navigate a role that can be confusing, lonely, and frustrating. She offers principles to help stepmoms feel encouraged and empowered in the important role they play.
Show Notes and Resources

Get The Smart Stepmom book. https://shop.familylife.com/product/the-smart-stepmom-updated/.
Subscribe to the FamilyLife Blended newsletter. http://familylife.com/blendedsubscribe.
Learn more about Laura Petherbridge and her ministry. http://thesmartstepmom.com/.
Learn more about FamilyLife Blended. https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/blended-families/.
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast. https://donate.familylife.com/blended/?cru_source=D000BLENDGandcru_medium=DesktopHeaderNavandcru_campaign=Blended.

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54: The Power of God at Work in Stepfamilies

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 06:03:02 +0000

Marriage, while typically a two-person dance, gets complicated when couples try to manage a stepfamily maze with multiple lives around them. Ron Deal talks with Dave and Ann Wilson about how to navigate stepfamily struggles that create marital stress by sharing life with other stepfamilies and holding onto God's hand, relying on Him for answers and help to persevere.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about our Blended and Blessed Livestream Event. https://www.blendedandblessed.com/.
Get Ron's Smart Stepfamily Video series for FREE. https://www.familylife.com/the-smart-stepfamily
Buy The Smart Stepfamily Participant's Guide and book. https://shop.familylife.com/p-3640-smart-stepfamily-couples-set.aspx
Learn more about FamilyLife Blended. https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/blended-families
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast. https://donate.familylife.com/blended/

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53: Managing Yourself in the Midst of the Unknown

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 06:03:17 +0000

If self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, how do we allow the Spirit to cultivate that fruit in our lives? Pastor Rob Bugh answers that question and speaks with Ron Deal on the value of self-control, particularly in blended family relationships, and how his lack of it contributed to much heartache in the early years of his blended family.

Show Notes and Resources

Get Rob's book: When the Bottom Drops Out: Finding Grace in the Depths of Disappointment. https://www.amazon.com/When-Bottom-Drops-Out-Disappointment/dp/1414363494.
Learn more about our Blended and Blessed Livestream Event. https://www.blendedandblessed.com
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast. https://donate.familylife.com/blended
Learn more about FamilyLife Blended. https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/blended-families

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52: Blended and Blessed Backstage

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 06:03:01 +0000

Blended and Blessed® is a one-of-a-kind annual event for stepfamily couples, single parents, dating couples with kids, and those who care about blended families, with valuable teaching by trusted and respected experts. Get a glimpse of the upcoming event as you listen to fun and informative interviews from previous speakers including Ron Deal and Shaunti Feldhahn.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about our Blended and Blessed Livestream Event. https://www.blendedandblessed.com/.
Get Rob and Rhonda Bugh's book. https://www.amazon.com/When-Bottom-Drops-Out-Disappointment/dp/1414363494
Get Lauren Reitsema's book. https://shop.familylife.com/p-5706-in-their-shoes.aspx
Learn about Joneen Mackenzie. https://www.myrelationshipcenter.org/services/speakers/joneen-mackenzie
Learn more about Shaunti and her resources. https://shaunti.com/
Listen to the Battle of the Moms podcast episode. https://www.familylife.com/podcast/familylife-blended-podcast/40-battle-of-the-moms
Learn about FamilyLife Blended. https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/blended-families/

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51: Growing Up in a Blender: Play the Long Game

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 06:01:27 +0000

When blended family variables create tough dynamics to parent through, we might consider giving up on those relationships. But Jim Ramos, raised in a blended family, speaks with Ron Deal about he was impacted by his parents and stepparents and the value of playing the long game in our stepfamilies.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Jim Ramos and Men in the Arena. https://meninthearena.org/
Read Ron's Article: What Do We Do Now? When Step-siblings Have Sex. https://smartstepfamilies.com/smart-help/learn/parenting-stepparenting/what-do-we-do-now-when-stepsiblings-have-sex
Get your copy of Building Love Together. https://shop.familylife.com/product/building-love-together-in-blended-families/
Learn more about our Blended and Blessed Livestream Event. https://www.blendedandblessed.com/
Get The Smart StepMom. https://shop.familylife.com/product/the-smart-stepmom-updated/
Get Daily Encouragement for the Smart Stepfamily. https://shop.familylife.com/product/daily-encouragement-for-the-smart-stepfamily/

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50: Parenting Troubled Children in Stepfamilies

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 06:00:10 +0000

How do you help a child or stepchild who feels lost, or angry, or who really fights against the family? And what if their anger or hurt is justified—and you deserve it, but everyone else doesn't? In this episode, Ron Deal speaks with Danny Huerta, Vice President of Parenting and Youth at Focus on the Family, about parenting troubled children in a stepfamily.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Focus on the Family's parenting resources. http://focusonthefamily.com/parenting
Check out Danny's book 7 Traits of Effective Parenting. https://store.focusonthefamily.com/7-traits-of-effective-parenting#refcd=869302
Take the FREE 7 Traits Assessment to learn more about your parenting. https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/the-7-traits-of-effective-parenting/
Help strengthen stepfamilies by donating to FamilyLife Blended.https://donate.familylife.com/blended/?cru_source=D000BLENDGandcru_medium=DesktopHeaderNavandcru_campaign=Blended
Learn more about our Blended and Blessed Livestream Event.https://www.blendedandblessed.com/.
Learn about FamilyLife Blended. https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/blended-families/

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49: Blended Kingdom Families podcast

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 06:00:12 +0000

People of faith want their family to be a Kingdom family—centered in God's Word and rooted in truth and grace. Listen to Ron Deal's conversation with Scott and Vanessa Martindale, founders of Blended Kingdom Families, on how to create a blended kingdom family and why that's important.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Scott and Vanessa Martindale and their ministry, Blended Kingdom Families. https://www.blendedkingdomfamilies.com/
Get Life in a Blender Living in a Stepfamily: a Guide for Kids. https://shop.familylife.com/p-2672-life-in-a-blender.aspx
Find ministries and events in your area on the Blended Family Ministry Map. https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/find-an-event/
Help strengthen stepfamilies by donating to FamilyLife Blended. https://donate.familylife.com/blended/?cru_source=D000BLENDGandcru_medium=DesktopHeaderNavandcru_campaign=Blended
Learn about FamilyLife Blended. https://www.familylife.com/blended
Learn more about our Blended and Blessed Livestream Event. https://www.blendedandblessed.com/
Donate to FamilyLife Blended by phone 1-800-358-6329.

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48: Sending & Receiving Kids Between Homes

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 06:00:30 +0000

Stepfamily life often includes kids with two homes. Moving between those homes is not just physical for kids, but emotional, psychological, and relational. Ron Deal's panel discussion on this episode gives valuable tips on how to create smooth transitions and a secure environment when kids move between homes.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn about Joel Hawbaker and his resources. https://reallifeleading.com/blended-families
Get David and Claudia Arp's book: "Suddenly Their Thirteen." https://www.amazon.com/Suddenly-Theyre-David-Claudia-Arp/dp/0310227887
Learn more about Billy and Yolanda Jackson. https://www.liveinpeaceministries.org/
Visit Gayla Grace's website. https://stepparentingwithgrace.com/
Learn more about our Blended and Blessed Livestream Event. https://www.blendedandblessed.com/
Learn about FamilyLife Blended. https://www.familylife.com/blended
Learn more about Bethany House. http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/bethanyhouse
Donate to FamilyLife Blended by phone 1-800-358-6329.

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47: Lessons From the School of Hard-Knocks

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 06:00:41 +0000

The journey into a blended family is full of bumps and bruises—for someone anyway. Unpacking those for yourself, your kids, your new spouse is part of readying yourself and your family for stepfamily living. In this episode, Craig and Gina Morgan talk with Ron Deal and unpack some of their baggage and invite you to do the same as you listen.
Show Notes and Resources

Get Craig and Gina's book, "Building Blocks to Making the Family WHOLE Again." https://www.amazon.com/Building-Blocks-Making-Family-WHOLE/dp/1733804013
Visit the Morgan's ministry, Blended Together Forever. https://blendedtogether.org/
Get Ron's book, The Smart Stepfamily. https://shop.familylife.com/p-3625-the-smart-stepfamily.aspx
Get Ron's Daily Encouragement for the Smart StepFamily. https://shop.familylife.com/p-5224-daily-encouragement-for-the-smart-stepfamily.aspx
Learn more about the April 2021 Blended and Blessed Livestream event. https://www.blendedandblessed.com/
Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended
Help strengthen stepfamilies by donating to FamilyLife Blended. https://donate.familylife.com/blended/?cru_source=D000BLENDGandcru_medium=DesktopHeaderNavandcru_campaign=Blended

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46: Autism and the Blended Family

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 06:00:30 +0000

Did you know that 1 in 6 children have some form of learning disability and some form of developmental disability, according to the CDC? Dr. Stephanie Holmes is a professional counselor and mom to a child with autism and talks with Ron Deal to give tips, understanding, and perspective on raising kids with autism in a blended family.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Stephanie Holmes and her ministry. counselorstephanieholmes.com
Read Ron and Stephanie's article: Autism and the blended family. https://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/blended-family/stepparents/multiple-home-realities/autism-and-the-blended-family/
Get Ron's book, The Smart Stepfamily. https://shop.familylife.com/p-3625-the-smart-stepfamily.aspx
Get Ron's Daily Encouragement for the Smart StepFamily. https://shop.familylife.com/p-5224-daily-encouragement-for-the-smart-stepfamily.aspx
Get the 2020 Summit on Stepfamily Ministry All-Access Pass. https://shop.familylife.com/p-5938-all-access-pass-summit-2020.aspx
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast. https://donate.familylife.com/blended/?cru_source=D000BLENDGandcru_medium=Podcastandcru_campaign=Blended

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45: Adult Stepfamilies: Joys and Challenges with the Holidays

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 06:00:15 +0000

Blended family Christmases with adult children don't always go so well, especially in the early years. Adult children bring their own needs, wants, opinions, and agendas to the family and when those wants clash with the wants of the parents, conflict erupts. In this powerful episode, Ron Deal speaks with Bob and Vicki Maday and two of their adult daughters about their holiday challenges and how they worked through their differences to find a win-win for both the parents and the children.

Show Notes and Resources

Read various articles on Adult Stepfamilies with topics including: money, dating, and the holidays. https://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/blended-family/
Read Ron's article: Second-Half Stepfamilies. https://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/blended-family/stepparents/developing-a-relationship-with-stepchildren/second-half-stepfamilies/
Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended
Get the all new FamilyLife App! https://www.familylife.com/app/
Join the FamilyLife Blended Christmas Match and help expand stepfamily ministry! https://donate.familylife.com/blended/?cru_source=D000BLENDGandcru_medium=DesktopHeaderNavandcru_campaign=Blended
Donate to FamilyLife Blended by phone 1-800-358-6329.

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44: Overcoming Emotional Abandonment in Marriage

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 06:00:26 +0000

Do differences in your marriage ever make you feel disconnected? Blended family couples have so many things related to step-ness that they need to manage, the last thing you need is to be irritated with one another about differences-or drift away from each other. In this episode, Neil and Sharol Josephson speak with Ron Deal and offer valuable tips on managing and overcoming a drift in marriage.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Neil and Sharol and FamilyLife Canada. https://www.familylifecanada.com/
Read Neil's Article - Differences and Drift: Wisdom for the Challenges Every Marriage Faces. https://www.familylifecanada.com/marriage/differences-drift/
Learn more about The Smart Stepfamily Marriage book. https://shop.familylife.com/p-4114-the-smart-stepfamily-marriage.aspx
Get the all new FamilyLife App! https://www.familylife.com/app/
Join the FamilyLife Blended Christmas Match and help expand stepfamily ministry! https://donate.familylife.com/blended/?cru_source=D000BLENDGandcru_medium=DesktopHeaderNavandcru_campaign=Blended
Donate to FamilyLife Blended by phone 1-800-358-6329.

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43: Growing Up in a Blender: Who’s my Daddy?

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 06:00:23 +0000

Imagine you have a relationship with your father for many years, then find out there are family secrets that will dramatically change your relationship and life. Stepfamily instability can bring confusion and shame to both children and adults. But God works in and through imperfect people and families. Listen to Ron Deal's conversation with Ray and Robin McKelvy and how God's love and grace brought resilience and redemption to their stepfamily story.

Show Notes and Resources

Episode 2: Life in a Blender with Dave and Ann Wilson. https://www.familylife.com/podcast/familylife-blended-podcast/2-life-in-a-blender-dave-and-ann-wilson/
Episode 14: In Their Shoes with Lauren Reitsema. https://www.familylife.com/podcast/familylife-blended-podcast/14-in-their-shoes/
Episode 28: Growing Up in a Blender with David Bowden and Ryan Guinee. https://www.familylife.com/podcast/familylife-blended-podcast/28-growing-up-in-a-blender/
Learn more about Robyn McKelvy and her ministry. https://robynmckelvy.com/
You can get the poem Ray quoted, The Secret, in Robyn's book SOS: Sick of Sex. https://robynmckelvy.com/books/
Check out the Blended Family Ministry Map to find ministries and events in your area. https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/find-an-event/#blendedmap
Learn more about the online courses FamilyLife has to offer. https://www.familylife.com/learn
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast. https://donate.familylife.com/familylife-blended/

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42: Military Stepfamilies: Mission Ready

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 06:00:19 +0000

Did you know the military has a high-rate of couples in stepfamilies? Did you know that military personnel marry, divorce, and remarry at a younger age and more frequently than civilians do? Todd Gangl, co-founder of Military Ready Stepfamily, talks with Ron Deal about the added stressors military stepfamilies experience and how these families can create a healthy stepfamily culture that gives everyone the opportunity to bond, even amidst the challenges.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about The Military Ready Stepfamily and how to create a Stepfamily Care Plan. https://www.themilitaryreadystepfamily.com/
Learn about the resource When War Comes Home. https://shop.familylife.com/p-1559-when-war-comes-home.aspx
Learn more about the Restored and Remarried resource. https://gilandbrenda.com/restored-remarried/
Learn about the Combat Trauma Healing Manual. https://crumilitary.org/product/combat-trauma-healing-manual/
Resources from Tammy and Jay Daughtry. http://modernfamilydynamics.com/about/
Learn more about the online courses FamilyLife has to offer. https://www.familylife.com/learn
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast. https://donate.familylife.com/familylife-blended/
Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended

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41: Raising Kids in a Toxic Culture

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 06:00:38 +0000

We can't help but live in a social culture. For blended families, that culture often includes multiple homes, ambiguous roles of parents and stepparents, and lots of moving parts. Listen in while Ron Deal talks with pediatrician Dr. Meg Meeker on how parents and stepparents can protect their kids from the culture and make a lasting impact on those in their home.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Dr. Meg Meeker's book: Raising a Strong Daughter in a Toxic Culture: 11 Steps to Keep Her Happy, Healthy, and Safe. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1621575039/
Check out Dr. Meg Meeker's podcast. https://www.meekerparenting.com/podcast
Podcast #26: Two Homes, Two Sets of Values: From a Child’s Point of View. https://www.familylife.com/podcast/familylife-blended-podcast/26-two-homes-two-sets-of-values-from-a-childs-point-of-view/
Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended
Learn more about FamilyLife's Art of Parenting®. https://www.familylife.com/parenting/register/
Watch blended family parenting tips from Ron Deal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1r30g9sMm4andlist=PLoZ3uqAYX8EHZjGMdaSq55x93sOyetX7c

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40: Battle of the Moms

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 06:00:44 +0000

Our world expects moms and stepmoms to be against each other. The social media club of "let's bash the mom or stepmom and commiserate together" is alive and well. But when a mom and stepmom don't play that game-when they find a way past resentment and appreciate what each offers the children, and cooperate on behalf of the child-people take notice and the world celebrates a small victory. In this episode, Ron Deal speaks with Jessica Patterson, a licensed counselor and mom and stepmom about how to mitigate the battle of the moms.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Jessica Patterson. https://www.newlifecounselingcenter.com/
Article: Battle of the Moms in a Blended family. https://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/blended-family/stepparents/multiple-home-realities/battle-of-the-moms-in-a-blended-family/
The Smart Stepmom by Ron Deal and Laura Petherbridge. https://shop.familylife.com/p-5665-the-smart-stepmom.aspx
Listen to episode "21: Stepfamilies and The Holidays". https://www.familylife.com/podcast/familylife-blended-podcast/21-stepfamilies-and-the-holidays/
Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended

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39: Grandparenting and the Blended Family

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 06:01:12 +0000

For most of us, grandparents are fabulous! They are the adults who love us, but don't have to discipline us, and because they don't have to take us home, relish the chance to spoil us. Stepgrandparenting can be all that if everyone agrees that it can-and everyone wants it to happen. Listen in on this episode while Ron Deal talks with Gordon and Carrie Taylor about the unique aspects of grandparenting in blended families.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Gordon and Carri Taylor's ministry Opportunities Unlimited. http://www.cgtaylor.com/
Read about stepgrandparenting and how to bring the outsider in. https://smartstepfamilies.com/smart-help/learn/special-topics/stepgrandparenting-bringing-the-outsider-in
Learn more about blended family resources. https://shop.familylife.com/Products.aspx?categoryid=171
Learn more about the Legacy Coalition. https://legacycoalition.com/
Learn more about the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/
Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended

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38: Daily Practices for Happy Stepcouples

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 15:46:59 +0000

Whatever we invest ourselves on a regular basis-our habits-not only become commonplace, but actually shape our decisions and our relationships. What are the habits-the daily practices-of your marriage? And how can they make your blended family marriage stronger? In this episode, Ron Deal talks with marriage and family therapist and stepfamily coach, Jayna Haney, and her husband Mike about intentional daily habits that have strengthened their marriage and stepfamily relationships over time.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Mike and Jayna Haney. https://www.thebridgeacross.com
Check out Jayna's blog. https://www.jaynahaney.com/2020/05/15/feeling-left-out-make-more-time-with-your-spouse/
The Smart Stepfamily Marriage by Ron Deal. https://shop.familylife.com/p-4114-the-smart-stepfamily-marriage.aspx
Learn more about the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/
Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended

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37: Co-Parents, Teachers, and Your Child’s Education

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 06:00:26 +0000

Parents, stepparents and school representatives (teachers, counselors, and administrators) all play a role in helping school-home relationships thrive. But not everyone knows how to play that role. Ron Deal is joined by school counselor Allison Weatter, principal Steven Helmick, and teacher Nan Deal, along with stepmom and author Gayla Grace, for a panel discussion on this important subject. As a parent or stepparent, how can you help teachers understand your unique stepfamily dynamics and relate to your child better? As a teacher or school counselor, how can you better advocate for and look out for your students who live in stepfamily or single parent homes? Kids wear different backpacks to school with baggage they're carrying from life experiences. Listen in for some great ideas on how to help lighten their load as a parent, stepparent, or school representative.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more and register for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/
Learn about FamilyLife's other podcasts. https://www.familylife.com/podcast
Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended

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36: Crisis Counselor Tips for Managing Crisis

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 06:00:45 +0000

Stepfamily life often includes a variety of crises, some big, many small. How do you effectively manage those crises and come out on the other side with connected relationships and renewed commitment? Crisis counselor Jennifer Ellers became a stepmom and had to survive her own crisis of expectation. She and her husband, Kevin, join Ron Deal in this episode and offer tips and tools they've learned from their years in a stepfamily.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Kevin and Jennifer Ellers. http://institute4compassionatecare.com/ and http://www.crisisresponse.org/Our-Instructors/
International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. https://icisf.org/ellers-m-a-jennifer/
ARTICLE: Coaching for Resilience: An Interview with Jennifer. (8 min. read) https://www.aacc.net/2017/09/20/coaching-for-resilience-an-interview-with-jennifer-cisney-ellers/
Blended Family Ministry Map. https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/find-an-event/
Find stepfamily resources in the online store. https://shop.familylife.com/products.aspx?categoryid=171andpage=1andpagesize=all
Learn more about the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/

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35: Second Wife, Second Life

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 06:00:39 +0000

As a second wife or husband, have you ever felt second best? Or treated as second class by others? How can you be first in your spouse's heart when you're not the ONLY? In this episode, Ron Deal talks with Lore Ferguson Wilbert about how to combat your insecurities that naturally arise in second marriages. Perhaps there's a lack of trust, shame, or feelings of competition with your partner's former spouse. Whatever the reason, insecurities dissipate when we look to God as our source of love for our identity. We can respond from His wellspring of love even in the midst of hard emotions, offering compassion for our spouse instead of competition with someone who isn't even in the picture anymore.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Lore Wilbert at Sayable.net.
ARTICLE: Second Wife, Second Life. (8 min. read) https://www.fathommag.com/stories/second-wife-second-life
Handle With Care by Lore Wilbert. https://www.handlewithcarebook.com/
Dating and The Single Parent by Ron Deal. https://shop.familylife.com/p-2487-dating-and-the-single-parent.aspx
Building Love Together in Blended Families by Dr. Gary Chapman and Ron Deal. https://shop.familylife.com/p-5763-building-love-together-in-blended-families.aspx
Daily Encouragement for The Smart Stepfamily by Ron Deal. https://shop.familylife.com/p-5224-daily-encouragement-for-the-smart-stepfamily.aspx
Learn more about the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/

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34: Finding Support for Your Family

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 06:01:02 +0000

Are you looking for support for the unique dynamics and challenges that stepfamily life brings? Have you wondered where you can go to get help? Then this episode is for you! Ron Deal talks with Gil and Brenda Stuart on how to find a church that will support you as a stepcouple, how to know if you need counseling and where to go, and what to do if not everyone is willing to go. It might be as simple as attending a small group at your church with other couples on a similar journey. But you must commit to go! Listen in as we talk about the value of finding the right support for your stepfamily and your part in making it happen.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Gil and Brenda Stuart. https://gilandbrenda.com/
Blended Family Ministry Map. https://www.familylife.com/blendedmap
Learn more and register for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/
How to Find a Competent Christian Stepfamily Therapist. https://www.smartstepfamilies.com/smart-help/learn/sharing-hope-finding-help/how-to-find-a-competent-christian-stepfamily-therapist
Trusted Counselor List https://smartstepfamilies.com/smart-help/marriage-therapy-intensives
Encouragement for the couples in a stepfamily. https://gilandbrenda.com/restored-remarried/
Building Love Together in Blended Families by Dr. Gary Chapman and Ron Deal. https://shop.familylife.com/p-5763-building-love-together-in-blended-families.aspx

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33: Bonus Parenting

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 06:01:15 +0000

If you had your pick, what term would you use for the stepparent in your family? Some people are perfectly fine with “stepparent”, but others prefer “bonus parent” or “Smom” if you’re a stepmom. And, does the label really matter? Or is it how you conduct yourself as a stepparent that matters? Ron Deal will get into all that and more on today’s FamilyLife Blended podcast with guests, Steve and Misty Arterburn.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Steve and Misty Arterburn http://www.stevearterburn.com/
The Smart Stepfamily by Ron Deal. https://shop.familylife.com/p-3625-the-smart-stepfamily.aspx
Blended and Blessed- Digital All-Access Pass https://shop.familylife.com/p-5838-all-access-pass-blended-blessed-2020.aspx
Learn more and register for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/
Books by Steve and Misty Arterburn http://www.stevearterburn.com/books/mediterranean-love-plan/
Daily Encouragement for The Smart Stepfamily https://shop.familylife.com/p-5224-daily-encouragement-for-the-smart-stepfamily.aspx
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast. https://donate.familylife.com/familylife-blended/

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32: The Essentials of Co-parenting

Mon, 11 May 2020 06:00:34 +0000

If you've ever had frustrations dealing with between-parenting issues, today's conversation will provide you practical help. We're going to wrestle with the every day hiccups of co-parenting and the stressful, ultra frustrating challenge of dealing with a difficult former spouse. Healthy co-parenting truly works. Jay and Tammy Daughtry talk with Ron Deal about how they have thrived in this area and how you can do the same.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Jay and Tammy Daughtry's ministry http://modernfamilydynamics.com/
Co-Parenting Works! by Tammy Daughtry https://coparentinginternational.com/resources?olsPage=products%2Fco-parenting
One Heart, Two Homes Digital Resource https://coparentinginternational.com/resources?olsPage=products%2Fhome-study
Cooperative Co-Parenting article https://www.smartstepfamilies.com/smart-help/learn/ex-spouses-co-parenting-multiple-home-realities/cooperative-co-parenting
Learn more and register for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/
Learn about FamilyLife's other podcasts. https://www.familylife.com/podcast
Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended

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31: Mother’s & Father’s Day in Blended Families

Wed, 06 May 2020 19:28:46 +0000

For stepparents, biological parents, and children, Mother's Day and Father's Day seem to have tons of swirling emotions. How do you manage this so the day doesn't work against you? Our panel of guests today react to the challenges that all members of a stepfamily can feel on these special days. Previous podcast guests have shared their experiences and tips for you. Additionally, Ron Deal talks with Bryan Stell, Jennifer Walker, Tanisha Johnson and Shannon Simmons about how they each have lived and learned through the many Mother's Days and Father's Days they have celebrated.
Show Notes and Resources

The Smart Stepmom by Ron Deal and Laura Petherbridge. https://shop.familylife.com/p-5665-the-smart-stepmom.aspx
The Smart Stepdad book by Ron Deal. https://shop.familylife.com/p-5666-the-smart-stepdad.aspx
Learn More about Building Love Together in Blended Families by Dr. Gary Chapman and Ron Deal.
Learn about FamilyLife's other podcasts. https://www.familylife.com/podcast
Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast. https://donate.familylife.com/familylife-blended/

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30: Re-Sex: The Challenges of Sex for Blended Family Couples

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 06:00:42 +0000

Should you ask your spouse about their previous sex life? What if you find yourself thinking about sex with your former spouse-is that a problem? And, what if your spouse is thinking about sex with their former spouse-should you be concerned? What if there are clear differences in your sex life now and then-what do you do with that and how do you keep it from being a problem? Healthy marital sexuality is important to the vitality of any marriage. More and more, married couples are engaging in re-sex, that is, a second or subsequent sexual relationship. Whether the story is death, divorce, or relationship dissolution, one or both partners has had a sexual relationship with at least one other person prior to the current marriage. Dr. Juli Slattery joins Ron Deal to have a conversation about sex.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Dr. Juli Slattery. https://www.authenticintimacy.com/
Get the book Rethinking Sexuality. https://shop.authenticintimacy.com/products/rethinking-sexuality
Sex as Sacrament? Learn more... https://www.authenticintimacy.com/resources/2756/is-sexual-intimacy-a-sacrament
Sexual differences CAN build intimacy. Check this out... https://www.authenticintimacy.com/resources/12334/sexual-differences-can-make-us-better-lovers
Learn about FamilyLife's other podcasts. https://www.familylife.com/podcast
Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended

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29: When A Parent Goes M.I.A.

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 06:00:47 +0000

If a parent dies, it is devastating to a child and the other parent has to carry the load of parenting. But what if one parent is there, but absent. Many people think life would be easier if the other parent was "missing in action". It's not. That kind of ambiguity is confusing for everyone. And, how does that impact a blended family, kids, and a parent and stepparent who have to pick up all the pieces? Despite their strong faith and good intentions, Andy and Heather Hetchler were blown away by how hard it was to bring their two families together when one former spouse was an MIA parent. Eventually they made some headway and began sharing what they learned with others. This is their conversation with Ron Deal.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Andy and Heather's ministry Learn2Step. https://www.learning2step.com/
Read the Where's Mom article. https://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/blended-family/stepparents/multiple-home-realities/wheres-mom/
Article Helping Children Cope With Loss: Practical Emotional Coaching. https://www.smartstepfamilies.com/view/emotional-coaching
Learn more about the Blended and Blessed® livestream. https://www.blendedandblessed.com
Learn about FamilyLife's other podcasts. https://www.familylife.com/podcast
Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended

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28: Growing Up in a Blender

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 06:01:03 +0000

Many times the voice of the child in a blended family is drowned by the conflict and loss associated with how the couple entered the stepfamily journey. In this episode, Ron Deal invites children of divorce, Ryan Guinee and David Bowden, to share how they grew up in a stepfamily blender. They offer perspective on their experiences and progress as adult men with wives and children of their own.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about David Bowden's ministry. https://www.spokengospel.com/
Changes that Heal by Dr. Henry Cloud. https://www.christianbook.com/changes-four-practical-steps-happier-healthier/henry-cloud/9780310351788/pd/351788?event=ESRCG
Learn more about the Blended and Blessed® livestream. https://www.blendedandblessed.com
Learn about FamilyLife's other podcasts. https://www.familylife.com/podcast
Hear episode 2 of the FamilyLife Blended Podcast with guests Dave and Ann Wilson called Life in a Blender. https://www.familylife.com/podcast/familylife-blended-podcast/2-life-in-a-blender-dave-and-ann-wilson/
Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast. https://donate.familylife.com/familylife-blended/

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27: Beyond Broken

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 06:00:40 +0000

We sometimes hear the term "broken" when people describe families that have gone through a divorce. However, Ron Deal suggests that we not refer to stepfamilies, as broken families because all of humanity is broken due to sin. Today's guests Sandi Patty and Don Peslis share how brokenness was a starting point for their relationship and how God has redeemed their story beyond broken.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Sandi and Don. https://www.sandipatty.com/
Hear I Am They's song Scars. https://www.iamtheyband.com/#official-audio
Learn more about the Blended and Blessed® livestream. https://www.blendedandblessed.com
Learn about FamilyLife's other podcasts. https://www.familylife.com/podcast
Building Love Together in Blended Families by Dr. Gary Chapman and Ron Deal. https://shop.familylife.com/p-5763-building-love-together-in-blended-families.aspx
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast. https://donate.familylife.com/familylife-blended/

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26: Two Homes, Two Sets of Values: From a Child’s Point of View

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 06:00:17 +0000

What if you were hearing conflicting messages about moral values-from two people you loved and respected-and very much wanted to please? That is what a child who lives in two different homes and is part of a blended family often feels. Melody Fabien joins Ron Deal for a conversation about her experience learning to navigate between the homes, hearts, and faith of her divorced parents. Her stance to remain sexually abstinent before marriage was not supported by one of her parents and caused much heartache. Learn how she eventually reconciled how to live between two homes and how God redeemed her story and continues to use it to help other couples.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Melody Fabien. http://www.cdandmelody.com/
Learn more about the Blended and Blessed® livestream. https://www.blendedandblessed.com/
Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. https://www.familylife.com/familylife-podcast-network/
Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast. https://donate.familylife.com/familylife-blended/

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25: Building Love Together in Blended Families

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 06:00:27 +0000

Dr. Gary Chapman has spread the message of love languages to millions of people. In this episode, Dr. Chapman and Ron Deal discuss their new book, Building Love Together in Blended Families, and how couples can navigate love languages in stepfamilies. Through stories, research, and practical tips, they encourage families to help build love together in: marriage, stepparenting, sibling relationship, and grandparenting.

Show Notes and Resources

Building Love Together in Blended Families by Dr. Gary Chapman and Ron Deal. https://shop.familylife.com/p-5763-building-love-together-in-blended-families.aspx
To take a quiz to find out your love language. https://www.5lovelanguages.com/
Learn more about the Blended and Blessed® livestream. https://www.blendedandblessed.com/
Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. https://www.familylife.com/familylife-podcast-network/
Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast. https://donate.familylife.com/familylife-blended/

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24: Blending Despite Betrayal

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 06:00:28 +0000

As a first-marriage, blended family, Darryl and Gwen Smith had good intentions when they wed over thirty years ago. However, their immaturity and emotional baggage led to a divorce. Utlimately, after spending time in prison and losing his family, Darryl became a Christian. God restored him and began to soften Gwen's heart toward him. They discuss with Ron Deal their remarriage and how God is helping them to unpack their baggage and continuing to heal their family.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about the Blended and Blessed® livestream. https://www.blendedandblessed.com/
Building Love Together in Blended Families by Dr. Gary Chapman and Ron Deal. https://shop.familylife.com/p-5763-building-love-together-in-blended-families.aspx
Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. https://www.familylife.com/familylife-podcast-network/
Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast. https://donate.familylife.com/familylife-blended/

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22: The Clutter-Free Home, the Clutter-Free Family

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 05:00:10 +0000

Many stepcouples know that they will be merging families, but most don't realize that they are merging their belongings, as well. Maybe you combined two families and didn't have room for everything. Who decides what goes and what stays? Author and speaker, Kathi Lipp, helps people de-clutter their homes. She and Ron Deal will discuss how we all need to purge things from our relationships as well.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Kathi Lipp, her books, and events. https://www.kathilipp.com/
Learn more about the Blended and Blessed® live event and livestream. https://www.blendedandblessed.com/
Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. https://www.familylife.com/familylife-podcast-network/
Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast. https://donate.familylife.com/familylife-blended/

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21: Stepfamilies and The Holidays

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 15:50:46 +0000

It's that time of year again when you not only need to plan for the holidays but need to prepare for the co-parenting issues that inevitably arise. Ron Deal and guests share their wisdom and blunders of navigating holidays through the years. We'll also hear holiday tips and ideas for stepfamilies from previous podcast guests.
Show Notes and Resources

The Smart Stepfamily by Ron Deal. https://shop.familylife.com/product/the-smart-stepfamily/
To learn more practical tips for handling stepfamily holidays, 13 Ideas to Manage Holiday Step-Stress. https://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/blended-family/stepparents/stepfamily-living/13-ideas-to-manage-holiday-step-stress/
Learn more about the Blended and Blessed® live event and livestream. https://www.blendedandblessed.com
Learn about FamilyLife's other podcasts. https://www.familylife.com/podcast
Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended

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20: About to Blend

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 05:00:09 +0000

Whether you are dating, engaged or single hoping to marry one day, there are preparations to make if you or your significant other have children. How do you get ready to blend? Drs. Jeff and Judi Parziale discuss with Ron Deal how they coach couples in pre-stepfamily work and the wisdom they have learned in their 20 year marriage.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Blended and Blessed®. www.blendedandblessed.com
"Marrying With Children" resource. http://instepministries.com/books/marrying-with-children/
InStep Ministries. www.instepministries.com
Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. https://www.familylife.com/familylife-podcast-network/
Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast. https://donate.familylife.com/familylife-blended/

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19: Financing Togetherness in Blended Families

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 05:00:10 +0000

The topic of money matters can be a pain point in any marriage and family. However, blended families can produce monetary minefields! Debt, child support payments, and inheritance conundrums influence couples' decisions in stepfamilies. Instead of blowing up, Ron Deal, Greg Pettys, and David Edwards offer a better way to handle your money as they discuss financial planning and how blended families can finance togetherness.

Show Notes and Resources

The Summit on Stepfamily Ministry All-Access Digital Pass gives you the best content from the 2019 Summit, including all of the breakout sessions. PLUS, bonus backstage interviews and messages from previous Summit's. https://shop.familylife.com/p-5675-all-access-pass-summit-2019.aspx
Buy the book "The Smart Stepfamily Guide to Financial Planning." https://shop.familylife.com/p-5664-the-smart-stepfamily-guide-to-financial-planning.aspx
Download Dave Edward's "10 Tips to Get Started: Avoid Money Drama and Plan for Your Future" containing 10 action steps you can take to put your blended family on the path to financial stability. https://edwardsgroupllc.lpages.co/blended-family-finances/
More from David Edwards at blendedfamilyfinances.com.
Learn about FamilyLife's other podcasts. https://www.familylife.com/podcast

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18: The Blessing and Your Blended Family

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 05:00:11 +0000

For each of us, regardless of our age, the acceptance of our parents and significant others in our life is incredibly important. Many people spend a lifetime searching for something the Bible calls, The Blessing. John Trent and his daughter, Kari Trent-Stageberg, join Ron Deal for a conversation about how the principle of blessing has affected their lives and how it can be applied to parenting and blended families.

Show Notes and Resources

Take The Blessing Challenge. https://www.theblessing.com/
Learn about FamilyLife's other podcasts. https://www.familylife.com/podcast
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast. https://donate.familylife.com/familylife-blended/

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17: Grief and the Blended Family

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 05:00:10 +0000

If death or divorce is part of your stepfamily journey, then you know the pain and obstacles that can come when blending a family. In this episode, Ron Deal talks with Brian and Diane Fromme. They have been married 25 years-a second marriage for both of them. Diane was divorced with no children, and Brian, with two children, lost his first wife to cancer. They share stories and wisdom from their experience, and Diane gives insight on the challenge of entering a family that is grieving the death of a parent.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Diane Fromme. http://www.dianefromme.com/
Learn more and register for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/
Learn about FamilyLife's other podcasts. https://www.familylife.com/podcast
Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast. https://donate.familylife.com/familylife-blended/

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16: The Childless Stepmom

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 05:00:10 +0000

Whether by choice or chance, the stepmom who hasn't birthed children of her own can find loneliness in her role with her stepchildren and her relationship with her husband. Ron Deal talks with Laura Petherbridge, The Smart Stepmom, has over twenty years of experience, as a childless stepmom who has helped countless women redefine what it means to mother and love children who don't share their DNA.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Laura Petherbridge. http://www.laurapetherbridge.com/
Learn more and register for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/
Buy the book "The Smart Stepfamily Guide to Financial Planning." https://shop.familylife.com/product/the-smart-stepfamily-guide-to-financial-planning/
Learn about FamilyLife's other podcasts. https://www.familylife.com/podcast
The Smart Stepfamily DVD: An 8-Session Guide to a Healthy Stepfamily. https://shop.familylife.com/product/the-smart-stepfamily-dvd-10th-anniversary-edition/

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15: Navigating Your Custody Battle

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 05:00:10 +0000

One of the unfortunate and sometimes ugly results of a divorce is a custody battle. How do you sift through the murky waters of lawyers, legalities and loss while parenting your children? Throw in sustaining a healthy marriage will cause even more challenges. Ron Deal talks with Willie and Rachel Scott about their perspective and how God walked them through their individual stories of custody matters.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Better than Blended. https://betterthanblended.com/
Learn more and register for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/
Buy the book "The Smart Stepfamily Guide to Financial Planning." https://shop.familylife.com/p-5664-the-smart-stepfamily-guide-to-financial-planning.aspx
Learn about FamilyLife's other podcasts. https://www.familylife.com/podcast
The Smart Stepfamily DVD: An 8-Session Guide to a Healthy Stepfamily. https://shop.familylife.com/p-5643-the-smart-stepfamily-dvd-10th-anniversary-edition.aspx

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14: In Their Shoes

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 15:43:24 +0000

Have you ever wondered what's really going on inside a child of divorce? Or what their experience of your blended family is? Lauren Reitsema, is a wife and mother, and grew up a child of divorce and living between two stepfamilies. On this episode Ron Deal and Lauren address common questions parents and stepparents ask about kids-and share insights that will help you love and lead them well.
Show Notes and Resources

Lauren Reitsema's lastest book "In Their Shoes." https://www.christianbook.com/helping-parents-understand-connect-children-divorce/laren-reitsema/9780764233012/pd/233015?event=ESRCG
Learn more and register for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/
Shop Ron's newest resources: Ron Deal's Books
Learn about FamilyLife's other podcasts. https://www.familylife.com/podcast
Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended

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13: Calming Angry Kids

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 06:00:10 +0000

Does your childhood, or previous relationships, ever creep into your current ones? If you've ever noticed that certain themes tend to repeat in our relationships you are not alone. And you'll want to listen if you've ever had an angry kid in your home and you've wondered what to do about it. Ron Deal is talking about that and much more with USA-Today Best-selling author Tricia Goyer.
Show Notes and Resources

Tricia Goyer's latest book "Calming Angry Kids." https://www.triciagoyer.com/
Learn more and register for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/
Shop Ron's newest resources: Ron's Books
Learn about FamilyLife's other podcasts. https://www.familylife.com/podcast
Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended

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12: Overcoming Betrayal

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 06:00:14 +0000

Betrayal in marriage can be devastating. Kyle and Sheri Keffer have both experienced betrayal in previous marriages and have seen how the effects can carry over into a new marriage. They join Ron to discuss what betrayal can do to a person, the shame that sexual betrayal can produce, and how they're finding healing. Kyle and Sheri are both marriage and life therapists as well as sex addiction therapists. Sheri is a frequent co-host on the radio program New Life Live! with Steve Arterburn and has written the book Intimate Deception: Healing the Wounds of Sexual Betrayal.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Dr. Sheri Keffer. https://drsherikeffer.com/
Read Sheri's book Intimate Decption: Healing the Wounds of Sexual Betrayal. https://www.christianbook.com/intimate-deception-healing-sexual-betrayal-paperback/sheri-keffer/9780800735050/pd/735056
Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, resources, for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended
To learn more and register for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry visit. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/

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11: Undone: Making Peace With the Life You Have

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 06:00:15 +0000

Michele Cushatt has experienced divorce, blended family life, adoption, and is a three time cancer survivor. In this episode Michele and Ron discuss the unexpected journey of her life and the hard work of parenting hurting kids.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Michele Cushatt. https://michelecushatt.com/
Read Michele Cushatt's story in her book Undone. https://www.christianbook.com/undone-story-making-peace-unexpected-life/michele-cushatt/9780310339786/pd/339786
Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, resources, for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended
To learn more and register for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry visit. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/

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10: A Battle for Your Child and a Fight For Your Marriage

Mon, 27 May 2019 11:00:00 +0000

What would you do if the night before your wedding one of your children comes to you and says, "Please don't get married tomorrow?" On this episode, Mike and Kim Anderson discuss how they handled that as well as how they dealt with losing their daughter to her biological father's control.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn about Mike and Kim's ministry. https://www.mikeandkimcoaching.com/
To learn more and register for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry visit. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/
Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, resources, for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended

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9: Stepparenting With Grace

Mon, 20 May 2019 11:00:00 +0000

How do you give grace to a teenager? To a stepteenager, at that? And, how do you give each other grace as parents, when it comes to how they react to your teenager? Ron discusses these questions and more with Randy and Gayla Grace.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Gayla and her ministry at http://stepparentingwithgrace.com/
To learn more and register for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry visit. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/
Gayla's book Stepparenting with Grace provides wisdom and comfort from a veteran stepmom. https://www.christianbook.com/stepparenting-with-grace-devotional-blended-families/gayla-grace/9781683972686/pd/972686
Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, resources, for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended

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8: Parenting After Divorce

Mon, 13 May 2019 11:00:00 +0000

All parenting is difficult, but when you add in divorce, the challenge multiplies. Staying connected is harder than ever, and fragile and shifting co-parenting structures and relationships put pressure on everyone. Navigating even the most routine parental responsibilities can become difficult. This episode brings help and hope to those parents who may be struggling.
Show Notes and Resources

Are children you know angry, hurt, and confused about their parent's separation or divorce? Check out Divorce Care 4 Kids and how they can help. https://www.dc4k.org/
To learn more and register for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry visit: https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/
Linda Ranson Jacobs new book The Single Parent. https://www.christianbook.com/the-single-parent-confident-and-successful/linda-jacobs/9780764232848/pd/232848
Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, resources, for blended families. https://www.FamilyLife.com/blended

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7: Eternity Is Now in Session

Mon, 06 May 2019 11:00:00 +0000

When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be." What about now? Pastor and theologian John Ortberg provides a fresh perspective on the nature of eternity and our own connection to an eternal creator.
Show Notes and Resources

As believers, we're waiting for eternal life. But what is it? John Ortberg dispells the myths in his new book Eternity Is Now In Session.
To learn more and register for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry visit. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/
Learn more about John Ortberg and his ministry on his website. http://www.johnortberg.com/
Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, resources, for blended families. http://www.FamilyLife.com/blended

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6: Challenging Co-Parent Situations and Parent Alienation

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 11:00:00 +0000

Stepcouples hope and pray they can have peaceful relations with their former spouses, and it is possible. But for some couples, no matter how much they try, the venom and vitriol of the former spouse drowns out all reason and compromise. Rodney and Lisa Webb, and counselor and therapist Helen Wheeler share their difficult blended journey.
Show Notes and Resources

Whether married or soon-to-be married, The Smart Stepfamily will help you discover how to communicate effectively and solve the everyday puzzles of stepchildren relationships. An 8-session DVD curriculum and participant's guide is also available.

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5: Daily Bread for the Starving Stepmom

Mon, 22 Apr 2019 11:00:00 +0000

Stepmoms bear a unique burden, and they often neglect their own care. Melanie Anthony offers hope for balance in the midst of the burden.
Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about Melanie Anthony's ministry StepMoms Alive. A one day faith-based event designed to equip stepmoms to be strong and steadfast for the journey.
Learn more and register for the 2019 Blended and Blessed® live event and livestream. It's the only livestream event for couples in stepfamilies.
In today's complicated stepfamily, the stepmom often doesn't know where to turn for help. Let stepfamily expert Ron Deal and experienced stepmom Laura Petherbridge show you how to survive and thrive as a stepmom in The Smart Stepmom.

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4: Caught Between Your Spouse and Your Family

Mon, 15 Apr 2019 11:00:00 +0000

She may have been in love with Lamar, but as a strong self-confident woman, Ronnie wasn't that interested in Lamar's help raising her two children from a previous relationship. Exploring the complex nuances of blended relationships.
Show Notes and Resources

Ronnie and Lamar Tyler are the founders of blackandmarriedwithkids.com, the largest African American marriage and parenting site on the web.
Learn more and register for the 2019 Blended and Blessed® live event and livestream. It's the only livestream event for couples in stepfamilies.
Feeling caught in the blender's swirl? Life in a Blender will help you learn how to handle the “Big Five” challenges—loss, sadness, fear, guilt, and confusion—and dilemmas kids in blended families often experience.

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3: The Good News About Marriage

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 11:00:00 +0000

Fifty percent of marriages end in divorce, right? WRONG. In this encouraging exploration of the real state of marriage, researcher and author Shaunti Feldhahn teams up with Ron Deal for a deep look at the facts behind the statistics.
Show Notes and Resources

What if these “facts” are actually myths? In The Good News About Marriage, best-selling author Shaunti Feldhahn, presents groundbreaking research that reveals the inspiring truth.
If you want answers to questions every wife is asking, listen to Shaunti Feldhahn on the FamilyLife's Married With Benefits podcast.
Ron Deal and Shaunti Feldhahn are both featured speakers at this year's Blended and Blessed®. Learn more and register for the only livestream event for couples in stepfamilies.
Whether married or soon-to-be married, The Smart Stepfamily will help you discover how to communicate effectively and solve the everyday puzzles of stepchildren relationships.

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2: Life in a Blender: Dave and Ann Wilson

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 11:00:00 +0000

Understanding the long-term effects of divorce and remarriage on kids is difficult. A good way to start is to ask an adult who experienced life in a blended family. Ron talks with "FamilyLife Today" host Dave Wilson about his childhood blended family experience.
Show Notes and Resources

To learn more about Dave and Ann Wilson, their ministry, and their new book Vertical Marriage check out their website.
Learn more and register for Blended and Blessed®, the only livestream event for couples in stepfamilies.
Feeling caught in the blender's swirl? Life in a Blender will help you learn how to handle the “Big Five” challenges—loss, sadness, fear, guilt, and confusion—and dilemmas kids in blended families often experience.

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1: Blended Families, Identity, and Different Last Names

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 11:00:00 +0000

When Dave was growing up his father told him over and over, "You're a Bondeson and a Christian." That helped shape his identity. But as a father himself, Dave finds it challenging to translate that into a blended family situation with a step-daughter whose last name is not Bondeson.
Show Notes and Resources

The Parent's Summit is a one day livestream experience for all parents. It is built on the idea that local churches equipping local parents make the community a stronger, better place for families to thrive. https://parentssummit.com/
Learn more and register for Blended and Blessed®, the only livestream event for couples in stepfamilies. https://www.blendedandblessed.com/
Whether married or soon-to-be married, The Smart Stepfamily will help you discover how to communicate effectively and solve the everyday puzzles of stepchildren relationships. https://shop.familylife.com/p-3625-the-smart-stepfamily.aspx

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