My husband and I recently wrapped up a 14-week marriage intensive through our church. This was our second time going through the Re|Engage program — the first time as participants, and this time as facilitators for five other couples.

The program was no small commitment.

Each week required:
✅ Homework
✅ Action steps
✅ Deep discussions with each other
✅ Group conversations with other couples

And yet — I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. In fact, we both casually agreed that we should make this a rhythm every three years. That’s how enriching it has been for our marriage.

I remember during week two, sitting on the couch after our five kiddos were finally asleep, completely exhausted. That week’s topic was communication. One of the questions we had to discuss led to a one-hour conversation about a seemingly small situation from weeks earlier — but one of us was still carrying the weight of it. That conversation opened my ears to truly hear my husband’s perspective. By the end, we had a resolution and, more importantly, reconciliation.

Why do I share this?

Because not every struggle in marriage (or in life) is the result of Satan’s attacks.

Sometimes, it’s the small seeds of discord life naturally brings — seeds that, if left alone can grow into pervasive weeds months or years down the line.
Other times, it is the enemy — planting seeds that lie dormant until life presents the right conditions to let them thrive: postpartum, job loss, menopause, transition into empty nesting etc.

The Re|Engage lessons helped my husband and me invite Scripture to search our hearts and shine a light on parts of our marriage that date nights and stolen alone time simply weren’t reaching. We had conversations we never would’ve chosen to have — especially with five little ones running around. But those hard moments brought healing, clarity, and growth.

This isn’t a plug for Re|Engage (although it’s a great program).

It’s a call — whether single or married — to build spiritual disciplines that serve as preventative guardrails for your spiritual, emotional, and relational health.

Fruit doesn’t just happen.

It takes:
🌱 Fertile soil
💧 Water
✂️ Pruning

Yes, the Lord bears the Fruit — but we have a role.
We are called to recognize the weeds by way of the Holy Spirit and respond.

We are called to feast daily on His Manna.

We are called to abide in His presence and to learn His voice.

We are called, through the Spirit, to choose the things that nourish the soul over the things that only entertain the flesh.

In short, I’m thankful for a spouse who’s willing to do the work TOGETHER.

What about you?

What’s one area where the Lord has shown you how to sow for life rather than decay?

Til next time,
Pondered Thought 💭