Forever Marriage Podcast

Season 9: Faith, Family & Finances

As we kick off Season 9 of the Forever Marriage Podcast, Scott and Dawn begin with the foundation that impacts every area of marriage and family life: our spiritual growth. As we go, so goes our marriage. As our marriage goes, so goes our family—and the ripple effect continues into our church, community, and beyond.

In this episode, Scott and Dawn talk about the importance of pursuing spiritual growth individually and together, and how spiritual growth naturally leads to relational growth. They share one practical wa...

In these two bonus episodes, we’re talking about two important conversations every couple should have each week: Making Life Go and Making Love Grow.

In this second episode, we’re focusing on the Making Love Grow conversation—a weekly time to slow down, check in with each other, and intentionally invest in your marriage.

First, you'll ask each other What’s Working? Take time to celebrate what’s going well and encourage one another. Then ask, What’s Not Working? Learn to address the little thing...

Before we jump into a new podcast season, we wanted to put out these two bonus episodes where we’re talking about two important conversations every couple should have: Making Life Go and Making Love Grow.

In this first episode, we’re talking about the Making Life Go conversation—a weekly check-in that helps you and your spouse get on the same page about the things that keep your family moving.

We’ll talk about the kids—who needs to be where, school projects and activities...

Season 8, Episode 12: You Are a Family of Light

Jesus called His followers "the light of the world," but what does that look like for a family? In this episode, Scott and Dawn finish up the FAMILY series by exploring how families can shine Christ's light through serving others, practicing hospitality, and living generously.

Discover practical ways to serve together as a family, open your home with biblical hospitality, and model a lifestyle of generosity that your children won't just hear about—they'll learn by watching. 

Join us as we discuss how rai...

In Season 8, Episode 11 of the Forever Marriage Podcast, we conclude our discussion on L — Listen to Understand by exploring the final four components of the L.I.S.T.E.N. framework.

Great listening requires more than simply hearing words. It means staying focused on the conversation, testing your understanding through thoughtful questions, paying attention to non-verbal cues, and managing your emotions when conversations become difficult. In this episode, we discuss how to stay on target without "chasing rabbits," how to clarify what you've heard, how to listen between the lines, and how to...

In Season 8, Episode 10 of the Forever Marriage Podcast, we continue unpacking the L — L.I.S.T.E.N. to Understand in our FAMILY series by moving from principle to practice.

What does it actually look like to be a great listener? In this episode, we discuss simple but powerful ways to help your spouse and children feel heard and valued. From giving your undivided attention and removing distractions, to making eye contact, showing genuine interest, and responding with empathy and compassion, we explore practical habits that strengthen connection and communication in the home.

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In this episode of the Forever Marriage Podcast, we continue our FAMILY series by unpacking the letter “L” — Listen to Understand. So often, we listen with the intention of replying instead of truly hearing the heart behind the words. But Scripture calls us to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.”

Whether you’re communicating with your spouse, your children, or friends, this conversation will challenge you to slow down, listen well, and speak with wisdom and grace.

In Season 8, Episode 8 of the Forever Marriage Podcast, we continue unpacking the letter “I” in our FAMILY series as we talk about the importance of giving our children practical instructions about life. From finances and relationships, to car maintenance or how to properly shake someone's hand, children need parents who are willing to guide them through the everyday realities of life—not leave them guessing. Join us as we discuss how intentional teaching helps prepare kids to navigate life with wisdom, confidence, and godly character. 

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Season 8, Episode 7 of the Forever Marriage Podcast continues our FAMILY series as we unpack the letter “I” — Instruct in the Ways of the LORD. What does it really look like to disciple your children in the flow of everyday life?

In this episode, we talk about cultivating natural, meaningful spiritual conversations, learning to recognize the teachable moments God places right in front of you, and the lasting impact of keeping faith-filled traditions alive in your home. Discipleship is often found in the small, intentional moments that shape your family over time.

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Season 8, Episode 6: Minimize Provocation — Slowing the Pace

In this episode of the Forever Marriage Podcast, we continue unpacking the “M”—Minimize Provocation—in our FAMILY acrostic by taking an honest look at the pace of our family lives. Because the truth is: the speed at which your family runs often determines the health of your home.

Are we expecting too much from our kids? Have we filled our calendars so tightly that there’s no margin left for rest—physically, emotionally, or spiritually? Together, we explore how a hurried life can quietly provok...

Season 8, Episode 5 of the Forever Marriage Podcast dives into the powerful (and often overlooked) call to minimize provocation in our homes. Rooted in Ephesians 6:4 and Colossians 3:21, this conversation unpacks how easily frustration, unrealistic expectations, and constant correction can discourage the hearts of our children.

Through honest reflection questions and real-life insight, this episode invites you to consider: Were your parents hard to please? Did they push you to your limits—and what impact did that have? More importantly, are you unintentionally doing the same to your own children?

In this episode of the Forever Marriage Podcast, we explore the power of creating a culture of honor within your home. We discuss what it truly means to address family members with honor—and why the atmosphere we cultivate in our homes begins with how we see one another. 

When we recognize our spouses and children as creations of God, image bearers of God, and even children of God through Christ, it transforms the way we speak, respond, and interact. 

After listening to today's episode, consider asking your...

When you look back over your life, you can probably trace it to a handful of defining moments — decisions that quietly but powerfully shaped your entire story. In this episode, we unpack The Power of Right Decisions and how small, seemingly insignificant choices can radically alter the trajectory of a life and a marriage.

Through personal stories and Scripture, we’re reminded that faithfulness in little things matters, wise decisions shape our future, and obedience is our responsibility — the results belong to the Lord.

In Season 8, Episode 2 of the Forever Marriage Podcast, we continue our FAMILY series by digging deeper into the “F” — Focus on Doing What’s Right.

How do we determine what is truly right and good? In this episode, we share four biblical questions to help guide your decisions:

• Does this bring glory to God?
• Will this cause someone to stumble?
• Would Jesus have done this?
• Will I be content with the consequences?

These simple but powerful questions can shape the way we lead our marriages, families, and everyday choices.

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We’re kicking off Season 8 of the Forever Marriage Podcast with a brand-new focus: FAMILY. This season, Scott’s signature acrostic is back, and each episode will unpack one letter with a practical, faith-centered lens for our homes.

In this first episode, we begin with F — Focus on Doing What Is Right. What does “doing what is right” actually look like in everyday family life? How do we discern what is right, and how should we respond when someone in the family has been wronged?

Join us as we lay a strong fou...

Season 7, Episode 11 marks the final episode in our parenting series, and we’re joined once again by Tyler and Catie Smiley as they share more of the particulars of their adoption journey. In this concluding conversation, Tyler and Catie reflect on the season of waiting and the lessons God taught them along the way—lessons about obedience, learning not to miss what is right in front of you, and choosing to walk by faith rather than by sight. Their story is an encouragement for anyone navigating uncertainty while trusting God’s timing and purposes.

In Season 7, Episode 10 of the Forever Marriage Podcast, we continue our parenting series with Tyler and Catie Smiley as they share more of their adoption journey. This episode dives into the ins and outs of the adoption process—the waiting, the praying, and the discernment required along the way. Tyler and Catie also reflect on the challenges and blessings of the waiting process that come with the journey, and how adoption has shaped not only their marriage but also their three boys.

In this episode of our parenting series, we sit down with Dr. Tyler and Catie Smiley. Tyler, senior pastor at Lakewood, and Catie share their story as a couple—how they met, how God brought them together, and the journey that led them into family life and ministry. They open up about raising their three boys and also share the beautiful story of how they recently welcomed a little girl into their family through adoption. This conversation is both honest and encouraging, offering a glimpse into the joys, challenges, and faith that shape the Smiley family.

In this episode of our parenting series, we continue our conversation with Jamie and Joy Willis as they reflect on what they would do differently. As parents of three girls, the Willises share honest insights from their own journey—times they were a little too protective, moments they stepped in too quickly, and the ways they wish they had allowed more freedom for their girls to explore, play hard, and learn through experience.

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In Season 7 Episode 7, we’re continuing our parenting series with Jamie and Joy Willis, who join us to share what went well in their parenting journey. They talk about the importance of intentional family discipleship — reminding us that while church attendance is vital, parents hold the primary responsibility for discipling their children. Jamie and Joy also open up about how they’ve prioritized family time through regular dinners and meaningful vacations together.

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In Season 7 Episode 6, we continue our conversation with Scott and Molly Legg about their parenting journey. We specifically talk about what they wish they would have done differently. One of the things they mention is wishing they would have done an overseas mission trip together as a family. They also talk about how it would have been helpful to do a bit more financial training with their children prior to college. 

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In Season 7 Episode 5, we are joined at the table with Scott and Molly Legg as they share with us from their parenting journey. Scott and Molly share about the importance of being in biblical community as a family and the impact that had on their children. They talk about the necessity of having a biblical definition of manhood and womanhood and how they incorporated that into their parenting. And finally, we discuss how prayer throughout their parenting experience has been such a transformative blessing in their children's lives, but theirs as well. 

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In Season 7 Episode 4, we continue our conversation with Jason & Bethany O'Bryant on their parenting journey. We specifically talk about what they wish they would have done differently. They mention wishing that would have had a strategic plan for things like doing a family devotional and establishing that as a habit. We also talk about the necessity of continually bringing our children before the Lord, no matter how "right or wrong" we do things, we have to surrender them to Him daily. And finally we talk about "swinging for the fences" in our parenting efforts - giving it all we've...

In Season 7 Episode 3, we are joined at the table with Jason and Bethany O'Bryant as they share with us some of their parenting journey. Jason and Bethany unpack a little bit of their story and how their love for Jesus has filled them with a passion to disciple others, especially their 4 children. As a homeschooling family, the O'Bryants explain how important intentional time together has been for them and their children in their formational years. 

In Season 7 Episode 2, we continue our conversation with Brian and Alana Rochester on their parenting journey. We specifically talk about what they wish they would have done differently. A few things they mention are wishing they had not disciplined in anger and that they would have served more together as a family. They also touch on what has been most rewarding in this season of parenting adult kids. 

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In Season 7 of the Forever Marriage Podcast we are going to be talking about Parenting. Whether you are preparing to have children one day or you are in the throws of parenting right now, this season is for you! Join us as we invite couples who have walked the parenting journey to share with us what went well and what didn't go so well, or things they would do differently. 

In the first episode, Brian and Alana Rochester join us at the table to unpack their journey and tell us what went well for them. I...

In S6E6 of the Forever Marriage Podcast, the Smiths talk about how, in order to THRIVE in marriage, we must "Embrace Growth." How have you grown as a result of being married? How would you like to see the two of you grow together in your marriage? How have you grown in the last year? What have you learned in marriage that you could share with the generation following you?

In S6E5 of the Forever Marriage Podcast, the Smiths talk about how, in order to THRIVE in marriage, we must "Value Vision." Why did God put the two of you together? What is His purpose? What was His reasoning? What does He wants to accomplish in and through you? Your answer to those questions will help determine God's vision for your marriage.

In S6E4 of the Forever Marriage Podcast, the Smiths talk about how, in order to THRIVE in marriage, we must "Invest Intentionally." They talk about why it's important for a couples to look beyond themselves and invest intentionally in others. They also give several ways to practically do this. 

In Season 6 of the Forever Marriage Podcast we are publishing the content from our most recent Forever Marriage Conference where Scott & Dawn talked about what it looks like to THRIVE in marriage. In these episodes we are breaking down their teaching  acrostic THRIVE. So far, we've covered:

T - Trust in the Lord (S6E1)

H - Honor Humbly (S6E2)

And today in S6E3 we are going to hear them talk about the letter R, which is to Reconnect Regularly. 

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In Season 6 of the Forever Marriage Podcast we are going to publish the content from our most recent Forever Marriage Conference that Lakewood hosted at the end of March. Scott and Dawn Smith were our keynote speakers and they talked about what it looks like to THRIVE in marriage, and not just survive. So they broke down the word THRIVE into an acrostic for their teaching points and we are going to use those session recordings for our Season 6 content. 

In this episode we are going to hear in the first session where they unpack the l...