Click here to send me a text message.Just because your marriage isn't what you thought it would be, or what you think it should be, or what you'd hoped it might be, doesn't mean you're stuck being unhappy forever. The good news is there are practical steps you can take to increase the joy in your life. And, the best news is you don't have to take them on your own.Here is the theme verse of this episode:"With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Jesus - Matthew 19:26)...

Click here to send me a text message.Shame is one of the most powerful, influential emotions we can experience. It's also one feeling that's very difficult to admit or discuss. In this episode I define shame, talk about where it comes from, and most importantly, share how we can be set free from it.Here are a few of the key bible verses I reference:“I have sinned against you—only against you— and done what you consider evil. So you are right in judging me; you are justified in condemning me.”...

Click here to send me a text message.You might be surprised at how much you "self talk," and how much it affects you. In this episode I explain self talk, demonstrate how it can impact your life, and share how God can help you change it- which in turn will change your life.Here are a few (there are many more!) verses from Scripture which address the issue of self talk:“Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.” (Prov. 4:23, GNT)“And do not be conformed to this...

God calls us as Christ followers to help others. Jesus is our perfect example of this. However, not all "helping" is helpful. In fact, sometimes our helping can actually be harmful. In this episode I explain what this unhelpful helping, also known as "enabling," looks like. I also discuss the deep reasons why we enable. And, I share some strategies you can implement to begin to stop enabling.God can meet your need for:safety/security (Psalm 16:8)peace (John 16:33)connection/companionshi...

I've learned that despite the fact the we know God forgives us, many of us struggle to forgive ourselves. What makes this so hard? Is forgiving ourselves even the right thing to do? If so, how in the world do we go about doing it? In this episode I reference a website I use all the time and find very helpful: www.blueletterbible.org. Check it out.A couple of relevant verses about forgiveness:"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1)."If we con...

God designed the marriage relationship to be the most intimate of all. Yet, sometimes we don't feel the closeness and connection we'd like to experience with our spouses. In this episode, I offer three practical strategies you can begin to implement today, which I guarantee will help you grow closer and more connected to each other. Here are the key biblical references I mention in this episode: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall...

We all have our fears-we may not even be aware of some of them. They're impacting our lives more than we realize, and we tend to try to cope with them in unhelpful, unhealthy ways. In this episode, I share some healthy responses to fear, and explain how God can help us deal with it. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10) “I sought the Lord, and He answered me...

Marriage is challenging for all of us, because no spouse is perfect. But, some spouses are extremely difficult- even to the point of being "toxic." In this episode, I describe characteristics of a toxic spouse, and I offer some practical strategies to implement to help you cope in a very difficult situation. Some excerpts from the Bible describing God's plan for marriage: “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is...

Temptation is something we all deal with. What makes it so difficult? What can we do to avoid giving in to it? How can God help us? In this episode, I offer some answers to these critical questions. Jesus' challenge to do "whatever it takes" to avoid giving in to temptation can be found in Matthew 5:29-30. God's promise to get us out of any temptation we face can be found in I Corinthians 10:13. The apostle Paul’s encouragement to us to fill our minds with good things can be found in...

Do you ever feel confused, ashamed, or frustrated about how you feel? Have you ever wondered why you feel a certain way? Are you struggling with how to deal with your emotions? Should you deny them, ignore them, or go with them? In this episode, I address the issue of what to do with our feelings, and how we can learn to manage them in a godly, biblical way. Here's what God says about our hearts: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? I, the Lord,...

Have you been through a tough season of suffering? Are you experiencing significant suffering right now? In this episode, I wrestle with why we suffer, and share realities about suffering that can help us get through it. Some of the Scripture I reference in this episode: “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is...

Are you struggling with feelings of loneliness? All of us do. In this episode, I explain how, with God's help, you can not only cope with these feelings, but even allow Him to use them for good in your life.  Some of the biblical references I use in this episode include: Psalm 31:1 (David's cry to the Lord) Matthew 27:46 (Jesus' cry to His Father) Psalm 139 (your homework!) Psalm 145:18 (God's promise to those who call on Him) I encourage you to read more about the life and ministry of...

What makes you mad? How do you handle your angry feelings? Is it sometimes OK to get angry? What does God say about anger? In this episode, I examine reasons we get angry, I discuss "righteous" vs. "unrighteous" anger, and I share some practical strategies to help you better manage your angry feelings. Some of the Scriptural references included in this episode: “People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.” (Proverbs 14:29, NLT) “Human anger does...

The holidays are often a difficult season for many of us. One in which we experience a variety of emotions.  We can be torn between how we want to feel, what we think we should feel, and what we actually experience. In this episode, I examine some specific reasons why our holidays can be so difficult. I also present three intentional strategies we can implement to help us better enjoy them. The biblical references mentioned in this episode include: "These things I have spoken to you, that...

Are you feeling stuck in an unhappy, unhealthy relationship that seems like it’s never going to get better? Do you sometimes feel no matter how hard you try, you can never change? In this episode, I examine five ways in which you might be contributing to your own problems, and I offer some practical suggestions for how, with God’s help, you can move forward. Biblical references I mention in this episode: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen...

What is the "secret" to being emotionally healthy? Why are some relationships better and more satisfying than others? How come some people are so much easier to get along with than others (and, vice-versa)? In this episode, I discuss the one essential factor I believe answers these questions. The bad news is not everyone has it; but, the good news is each of us can develop it.  Here are some of the Scripture references I include in this episode: “Behold, You desire truth in the inward...

If you could go back in time and tell your younger self the 3 most important things you need to know about marriage, what would you say? In this episode, I reveal what I would say. Whether you're not yet married but someday hope to be, you're newly married, or you've been married for a long time, I believe these 3 truths can revolutionize your perspective on marriage, and help you and your spouse enjoy your relationship more than you ever have before. Biblical references from this...

Are you struggling with anxiety? Do you ever wonder why you're so anxious? Are you frustrated and discouraged because you can't seem to get over it? In this episode, Robb analyzes  reasons why we experience anxiety, discusses what God, in His Word, says about anxiety, and shares several practical strategies to cope with it, including a surprising perspective you may not have considered before. Some of the biblical passages referred to in this episode are: "Be anxious for nothing, but in...

Do you sometimes feel frustrated, embarrassed, or ashamed about things you say or do? Do you ever wonder why you do things you don't want to do, and why you seem unable to change? In this episode, Robb discusses one primary reason we say and do things we wish we didn't. He talks about how our pasts influence our present, and what that can look like. And, he shares some practical steps we can take to get free from our pasts. In this episode, I reference the bible passages below which I...

Are you in a relationship with, or married to, a narcissist? Are you looking for some help navigating this challenging relationship? In this episode, Robb shares  a biblical perspective on narcissism, discusses common narcissistic behaviors, explains why narcissists behave the way they do, and provides six specific strategies you can begin to implement right away to give you hope and help in your relationship and your life. Two books I recommend which I believe will be very helpful to...

In this episode, Robb clarifies what pornography is, talks about the damage it can do in a person's life and relationships, and shares specific strategies you can take to begin to be set free from porn. He also addresses practical steps to take if you're involved with someone who is struggling with pornography. Notes from this episode: Jesus said looking at a woman and lusting after her is just like having sex with her in Matthew 5:28. Jesus said nothing is impossible with God in Matthew...

In this episode, Robb examines why being hurt by the church is so painful; he discusses six specific ways in which we can be hurt by the church; and, he shares some practical steps to take to begin to heal from these wounds. Jesus' instructions on what to do when we feel someone has sinned against us can be found in Matthew 18:15-17. For more information on this subject, or to submit a question for Robb to answer, reach out to him at his website at www.robboram.com.

In this episode, Robb talks about how our relationship with our earthly father impact us in several critical ways; how we can be hurt by our fathers; and how, with God's help, we can begin the process of healing from our "father wounds."  For specific, practical steps to begin the forgiveness process, check our episode 10: "How Can I Forgive Someone Who's Really Hurt Me?" Some of the attributes of our Heavenly Father: available “The Lord will hear when I call to Him.” (Psalm...

In this episode, Robb clarifies what forgiveness really means, shares why we need to forgive, and offers practical steps we can take to begin the process. Some Scriptural references from this episode include: “The wise see danger ahead and avoid it, but fools keep going and get into trouble.” (Proverbs 22:3) “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”...