Your Marriage Matters

Our Back to School series concludes with a very special interview featuring Matt & Julie Barnhill. These two are not only gifted counselors, they are also dear friends and incredible role models. Spending time with them is like being in the presence of master teachers. In this episode, they unpack timeless lessons for marriage, family, and faith—leaving us encouraged, inspired, and equipped to live with greater intentionality. This is one you won’t want to miss. Jim & Christie Jacobus

Marriage is the most important class you’ll ever take! In this solo episode of Your Marriage Matters, Christie Jacobus, Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Nurse, takes you ‘Back to School’ to learn the ABC’s of a Successful Marriage. With practical wisdom and heartfelt insights, Christie shares how appreciation, beliefs, and commitment can transform your relationship. Tune in and take home tools that will help you and your spouse graduate your marriage with honors!

Hey gang ... We’re back—and it feels good to be “Back to School”! In this kickoff episode of Your Marriage Matters, Jim and Christie share their #1 marriage flex: never stop learning. After 38 years of marriage, they’ve discovered that growth—personal and relational—is the foundation for a vibrant, resilient, and joy-filled marriage. Together, they unpack 10 powerful reasons why a growth mindset is essential for couples, from keeping the marriage dynamic to modeling something transformative for kids and grandkids. You’ll also hear about their reset of the podcast, YouTube channel, and Instagram—and why now is the time to go back to school on your marriage. This month’s theme, Back to School, sets the stage for a series of conversations and resources designed to help you and your spouse keep learning, growing, and reconnecting with God’s design for marriage. Jim & Christie Jacobus www.yourmarriagematters.com

The Fundamentals for Building A More Vibrant, Healthy Marriage! Hey gang ... Welcome to Your Marriage Matters episode 189 - The Fundamentals for Building A More Vibrant, Healthy Marriage! Since we are doing a new YouTube channel. we felt like it was important to go back to the fundamentals as a reset for everything we are going to be covering in the days and weeks ahead! The fundamentals we are going to be covering during this episode are simple but powerful! They are: Create a "shared vision" for creating a compelling life together! Master the critical skill of communicating effectively! Master the equally critical skill of being able to solve life's inevitable problems together! In this episode we discuss these from a bit of a 30,000ft view! In future episodes we will get into much more depth with very practical, real world skills anyone can learn! We do want to get you started creating a shared dream together so we put together a "Bucket List Exercise" downloadable pdf to prompt your discussion with each o

Problems, struggles, and conflict are signs of a healthy relationship! Two imperfect people working to build a life together in an imperfect world are bound to face struggles. This is due to the mere fact that they: Are male and female Grew up in different households Have different personality styles Have different views on sex, money, household roles and responsibilities, parenting, and a dozen other subjects. All of this, and more, means there will be conflict! What matters is how we handle it!!! This entire month, we will be following the theme of "I Am NOT the Enemy" (thanks Ben and Megan Coleman) and looking closely at effective strategies and mindsets for turning the inevitable differences we are going to have into a strength in our relationships! Knowing we have each other's backs and that we will process struggles in a positive and healthy way builds confidence in ourselves and in each other! It isn't easy but it is well worth it!

Join Jim & Christie Jacobus on episode 187 of Your Marriage Matters as they delve into the profound lessons learned from their adventurous journey as full-time RV travelers. In this insightful episode, 3 Life Lessons From the Road,  they explore: Beauty Everywhere: Explore the breathtaking landscapes of America through the eyes of seasoned travelers. Discover how every corner of this country holds its own unique charm and beauty, reminding us to appreciate the world around us. People's Splendor: Dive into the heartwarming experiences of connecting with diverse communities across the nation. Jim & Christie share inspiring stories that highlight the kindness, resilience, and beauty of humanity found in every place they visit. Embracing the Moment: Learn the invaluable lesson of living in the present and making the most of every opportunity. With a message of "DO IT NOW," they encourage listeners to seize the moment, explore new horizons, and forge meaningful connections without delay. Tune in to

Welcome back to Your Marriage Matters with Jim & Christie Jacobus! In this episode, we delve into the crucial topic of trust in marriage and why it's the cornerstone of a strong, enduring relationship. Trust isn't just a nice-to-have; it's the foundation upon which emotional connection, communication, stability, and growth thrive. In this episode, we discuss: Foundation of Emotional Connection: How trust lays the groundwork for deep emotional intimacy. Enhances Communication: The role of trust in fostering open, honest communication. Promotes Relationship Stability: How trust contributes to a stable and secure partnership. Strengthens Bonds: Ways in which trust strengthens the bonds between partners. Encourages Growth and Development: How a trusting environment encourages personal and relational growth. Tune in as we share practical insights and actionable tips on how to cultivate trust in your marriage. Whether you're newlyweds or seasoned partners, these strategies will help you nurture a relationship

In this episode of Your Marriage Matters podcast with Jim & Christie Jacobus we talk about the one habit that can change your marriage. We are going to introduce couples to the idea of having a weekly meeting. Doing so is a great habit and can help get couples on the same page in a busy day to day life. Weekly meetings can ,,,   Improved Communication: Regular meetings provide a dedicated time for couples to discuss important matters, express their feelings, and share updates about their lives. This fosters open and honest communication, leading to better understanding and connection. Conflict Resolution: Meeting weekly allows couples to address any issues or conflicts promptly. By discussing concerns in a structured manner, couples can work together to find solutions and prevent conflicts from escalating. Shared Goals and Planning: Couples can use these meetings to set goals, plan activities, and discuss long-term aspirations. This helps them stay aligned with each other's priorities and work towards co

Join Jim & Christie Jacobus as they dive deep into the crucial topic of the 5 things that can slowly erode the foundation of your marriage. In this eye-opening episode, they discuss: Communication Issues: Uncover the secrets to effective communication that can transform your relationship. Lack of Appreciation: Discover the power of showing gratitude and appreciation to reignite the spark in your marriage. Ignoring Conflict Resolution: Learn practical strategies to resolve conflicts constructively and strengthen your bond. Neglecting Quality Time: Explore the importance of carving out quality time for each other amidst life's busyness. Neglecting Personal Growth: Find out how personal growth contributes to a thriving marriage and a fulfilling life together. Tune in to gain valuable insights and actionable tips to revive intimacy, joy, and love in your marriage. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your friends and family. Join our vibrant community on Facebook for ongoing support an

Join Jim & Christie Jacobus on a transformative journey in this episode of Your Marriage Matters. Discover the profound truth that a great marriage is deeply rooted in worship, illuminating three essential facets of worship: Worship God as Creator: By acknowledging God as the creator of all things, including your marriage, you unlock the door to understanding the divine design behind your relationship. Worship God as Sovereign: Embrace the sovereignty of God in your marriage, recognizing His authority and wisdom in orchestrating every aspect of your journey together. Worship God as Savior: Lean into the redemptive power of God as your savior, finding hope and renewal in His grace and forgiveness within your marriage. Through heartfelt worship, Jim & Christie reveal how: Recognizing the sin, weakness, or failure of your spouse is a divine opportunity, not a coincidence. God unveils the needs of your spouse to you, empowering you to become an instrument of His redemption and rescue. Unity, unde

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

In this highly anticipated episode, Jim & Christie Jacobus take you on an enlightening journey through the heart of marriage. Fresh from their engaging presentation at the One Night For Oneness Marriage Conference, they delve into profound truths that form the bedrock of enduring relationships: Romance as a Result, Not a Cause: Discover why Jim & Christie believe that romance isn't just a spark but the radiant outcome of a robust foundation in marriage. Accountability in Communication: Join the discussion on how embracing accountability for our words and actions fosters deeper understanding and intimacy in relationships.  The Heart's Role in Marital Dynamics: Gain valuable insights into the central role the heart plays in shaping our interactions, emotions, and connections within marriage. The Power of Words: Explore the profound link between the condition of our hearts and the words we speak, and how this impacts the quality of our relationships.   Connect with Jim & Christie Jacobus on their o

Welcome back to Your Marriage Matters! As we wrap up February, the month of love, we're diving into the profound wisdom of Paul David Tripp's "Love is" statements. Join us as we break down these five powerful statements to help strengthen and deepen your relationship. Being Committed to Unity: Learn why it's more important to prioritize unity and understanding over winning arguments or being right. Discover how embracing unity can transform your relationship dynamics. Investing Time in Communication: Explore the significance of investing time to discuss and understand relational problems. We'll share practical tips for staying focused and resolving conflicts effectively. Valuing Trust and Faithfulness: Understand the crucial role of trust in relationships and the importance of being faithful to your promises. Discover how trust forms the foundation for a strong and lasting bond. Speaking Kindly and Gently: Discover the power of speaking kindly and gently, even during disagreements. Learn how to commun

In this week's episode of Your Marriage Matters, hosts Jim and Christie Jacobus dive deep into the dynamics of relationships, armed with insights from The 5 Love Languages, Relational Needs, and DISC personality profiles. Discover how understanding and embracing our differences can strengthen the bond between partners. By recognizing and honoring each other's unique ways of expressing love and fulfilling relational needs, couples can foster deeper connection and harmony in their marriages. Join Jim and Christie as they unpack the importance of communicating with empathy and adapting to our partner's love languages and personality traits for a more fulfilling relationship journey.

Welcome to Your Marriage Matters with Jim & Christie Jacobus! Embark on a journey through the dynamic stages of love with us as we explore the intricacies of relationships and the beauty of enduring commitment. Join us as we delve into the fascinating phases every couple encounters: ·      Infatuation/Honeymoon Phase: Experience the exhilarating rush of passion and adoration as couples revel in the blissful haze of newfound love. Discover the magic of spontaneous gestures and the joy of being lost in each other's embrace. ·      Reality Check/Adjustment Phase: Navigate the transition from euphoria to reality as couples confront imperfections and differences. Learn the art of effective communication and the power of compromise as you build a solid foundation for your future together. ·      Building Security and Stability: Forge a bond of trust, commitment, and emotional intimacy as you lay the groundwork for a resilient partnership. Together, establish routines, share responsibilities, and pursue your

Your Marriage Matters Podcast with Jim & Christie Jacobus: Pre Valentine's Day Edition! Are you ready to elevate your Valentine's Day experience? Join the dynamic duo, Jim and Christie, on this week's podcast episode, where they unravel the secrets to making this romantic occasion truly unforgettable. •       Be Proactive: Don't settle for ordinary! Jim and Christie advocate for breaking free from the last-minute scramble and share insightful tips on being proactive in finding that perfect, thoughtful gift. Discover how a little planning can transform your Valentine's surprise into a cherished memory. •       Be Creative: Inject a dose of creativity into your celebration with the Cupid Challenge 2024! Immerse yourself in 14 fantastic ideas and challenges curated by Jim and Christie to add that extra spark to your Valentine's experience. From sweet gestures to exciting challenges, this is the perfect way to infuse fun and connection into your celebration. •       Be Intentional: Dive into the art of int

Welcome to another episode of the Your Marriage Matters podcast with Jim & Christie Jacobus! In episode 175, we dive into the essence of building critical habits in your marriage.

In episode 173 of Your Marriage Matters podcast, Jim and Christie Jacobus delve into the critical importance of cultivating the right thoughts about marriage, oneself, and one's partner. This episode serves as a follow-up to their previous discussion on how core beliefs significantly impact our thoughts. Jim, drawing on his expertise as a professional speaker, and Christie, as an online counselor, explore the profound influence thoughts have on actions and the overall dynamics of a relationship. They share practical strategies for aligning core beliefs with a positive mindset to enhance marital well-being. The conversation extends to scriptural insights, referencing passages like Luke 6:41-42 and Philippians 4:5. The hosts unravel the biblical perspective on thoughts, emphasizing their role in the context of a healthy and thriving marriage. As they navigate through these profound insights, listeners can expect practical tips from Jim's experiences and Christie's counseling expertise. The episode aims to