528: Marriage First: Why Your Spouse Comes Before the Kids [RE-AIR]

In this listener-favorite episode re-air, Karen and Greg pull back the curtain on nearly four decades of marriage—the good, the hard, the early years, and the season they’re in now. This conversation will make you smile, and maybe even tear up, as they remind us that we serve a faithful God who wants the best for us and our marriages.

Episode Recap:

• How Karen and Greg back met in 1984 (4:00)
• What were some of your biggest differences as newlyweds? (7:50)
• How did you stay connected during the early years of raising kids? (10:09)
• What has been the hardest season of your marriage? (18:48)
• How has your relationship changed now that your kids are grown and gone? (31:35)
• What has surprised you about becoming grandparents? (37:19)
• Lightening round questions (40:12)

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Discussion Questions:

1. Karen and Greg talked about prioritizing their marriage even while raising young kids. How do you currently make space for your spouse in a busy season of parenting?
2. Greg shared the advice he received from his dad: “Your family is your hobby.” What might it look like for you to protect your margin for your family?
3. Karen described her “needy gal” season where she learned to depend on God to meet her needs. How have you experienced God providing for you in a hard marriage or parenting season?
4. What small rhythms (like a daily debrief, date nights, or intentional quiet time) could you adopt to strengthen your connection with your spouse?
5. Looking ahead, what do you hope your marriage will look like when you reach the “high five” finish line of raising kids together?

Resources:

• Use code WT20 to get $20 off SOAR registration today! 
• Reach out to have Karen come speak in your community.
• Become a WT+ Insider this month and get an exclusive SOAR discount! 
• Join our private FB group, BOAW Moms

Want More of This Conversation?
During Wire Talk+, Greg and Karen share advice for making it through difficult seasons of family life and don’t miss the very end of this conversation, when they share some of their biggest fights that they laugh about now!

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