Podcast: Play in new window
How do you stay crazy in love when your spouse is driving you crazy?It’s often said that opposites attract, and if you look at most marriages, you’ll see that’s true. But if you’ve been married for any amount of time, you also know that it’s not very long before the very characteristics that initially attracted you to your spouse start to drive you crazy. On this episode, I’m chatting with my Proverbs 31 buddy, Karen Ehman. Karen is the author of Keep Showing Up: How to Stay Crazy in Love When Your Spouse is Driving You Crazy.
Karen has been married thirty-two years to the same man, and while her marriage has stood the test of time, there definitely have been bumps in the road. She’s dealt with the friction caused by differences perhaps even more than most married women. In fact, during premarital counseling, Karen and her husband were told that they only had around a 5% chance of staying married because the differences between them were so great.
While her marriage hasn’t been easy, Karen and her husband have stuck it out and learned many things along the way. Karen hopes to use her experience to encourage women who are going through normal bumps in the road like the loss of excitement, the mundaneness that settles in, and the constant busyness of raising kids.
Your marriage may not be all that you thought it would be, but I hope this episode provides a fresh perspective that helps you to keep going and keep showing up. If you’re single, don’t overlook this episode! Not only will you likely have to face differences in marriage one day, but you also have to engage with people who are different from you right now in your day-to-day life y. You can put the principles Karen shares into practice long before you walk down the aisle.
Marriage is a beautiful journey, but it inevitably comes with challenges. No one’s marriage looks exactly how they thought it would. Everyone struggles in some way. What we must remember as followers of Christ is that marriage is a special, sacred relationship in which we choose to reflect Christ’s love over and over and over again – even, if not especially, when it is difficult and doesn’t bring us immediate happiness.
In her book, Karen not only shares pieces of wisdom and insight she has gained over the years, but also offers practical suggestions for things like date nights and conversations starters that will help you talk to your spouse about your marriage. Seriously, she’s got so much good stuff to share! So listen to our chat, and then head over and grab a copy of her book!
Highlights from Today’s Episode:
- How to reframe your feelings about your spouse
- How to balance strengths and weaknesses in your marriage
- What it means to be a faithful forgiver
- Why comparing marriages is dangerous
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- “Every person in your life, your spouse included, is an on-purpose person.” – Karen Ehman
- “Going to your spouse for things you should only go to God for will get you in trouble” – Karen Ehman
- “You are a whole person if you are single. You are not a half person.” – Karen Ehman
- “You have to know that sometimes it’s okay to let some plates fall and focus on the ministry of home.” – Chrystal Hurst
Resources From Today’s Show
- Connect with Karen on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and on her website.
- Be sure to check out Karen’s book, Keep Showing Up: How to Stay Crazy in Love When Your Spouse is Driving You Crazy
Other Stuff to Check Out
- Grab my latest books She’s Still There, 28 Days of Prayer, or Kingdom Woman!
- Did you miss Episode 207?! Click here to hear my conversation with Kim McQuitty about How to Be Wife-Ready.
- Interested in supporting the content I create? Learn more about becoming a co-producer!
- Want to subscribe to the blog and grab a freebie? CLICK HERE
Let’s Talk!
After you’ve listened to the podcast, I’d love to continue the conversation. Be sure and leave a comment!
- Has your marriage lost its spark? In what practical, tangible ways can you rekindle it?
- Do you value the ways in which your husband is different from you? What’s one practical way you can show him that you do?
- Let’s help each other keep the fire going! Share your favorite date night idea in the comments below.
Connect with me…
How to Listen to The Podcast
If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you workout, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world.
1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.
2. Listen on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play! – Be sure and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Also, if you would be so kind as to leave a rating on iTunes and/or write a 2-3 sentence review there or on Stitcher? Your commentary or rating helps make the podcast more “findable” by others who might not know it exists!
3. Share today’s show – Email the link to a friend or share on social media. Just click on the sharing buttons at the bottom of this post!
You have been so great to join me on the journey here on the blog, I hope you jump right in and do the same on the podcast!
I love, love your podcast today! I am in a tough season and can relate to so many of the things discussed here today! I leave feeling a little more known and encouraged.
So glad to hear about how the podcast is an encouragement to you! Thanks for listening!
I LOVED and NEEDED this episode! I have been struggling in my marriage for awhile bc ever since I rededicated my life to Christ and started being active in my church, my non believer husband has issues with it. I loved what Karen said about people being an on purpose person in your life. The episode ended and I was empowered to do what I need to for God and instead of getting upset about my husband, try to see what God is trying to show me through him.
Marriage = growth if we will see it that way. Love your refreshed perspective!
Hi Chrystal my name is Otilia, not Olivia. That’s my sister’s name. Anyways thanks for mentioning me and yes my last name is Caraveo!
Also hope you read and got my email!