Bringing your first baby home is one of life's greatest blessings—but it can also become one of the biggest adjustments your marriage will ever face. Sleepless nights, new responsibilities, shifting priorities, and the demands of parenthood can leave even the strongest couples feeling disconnected.

In this episode of the Still Holding Hands Podcast, Tim and Chris Peterson share practical, biblical wisdom on how to protect your marriage while embracing the incredible journey of becoming parents. Drawing from over 40 years of marriage and raising a family together, they discuss how to intentionally keep your relationship strong as your family grows.

You'll discover:

• How to keep your marriage the foundation of your growing family.
• Why communication becomes even more important after your first child arrives.
• Practical ways to stay emotionally, spiritually, and physically connected.
• How to navigate changing roles and expectations with grace.
• Biblical principles for building a healthy Christian family without losing each other in the process.

Whether you're expecting your first baby, navigating the newborn stage, or preparing to grow your family, this conversation will encourage you to keep holding hands through one of marriage's biggest transitions.

Psalms 127:3-5 (TPT)

Children are God’s love-gift; they are heaven’s generous reward.

Children born to a young couple will one day rise to protect and provide for their parents. 

Happy will be the couple who has many of them! A household full of children will not bring shame on your name but victory when you face your enemies, for your offspring will have influence and honor to prevail on your behalf!

Life's Priorities:

1. Your Relationship with God
2. Your Relationship with your Spouse
3. Kids
4. Church
5. Work

STILL HOLDING HANDS CHALLENGE:

The Us before busy challenge

• Choose 1 evening where you intentionally connect after the baby/kid(s) go to bed OR the house is quiet
• Have 30-60 minutes of uninterrupted time
  • No conversations about kids, work
• Ask each other "What has been the hardest part of this season for you?"
• Ask each other "What can I do to help/support you in this season?"
• Ask each other "How can I make you feel loved?"
• Ask "What is one thing we can look forward to as a couple?"
• Pray together over each other, your children & ask God to help you to protect your marriage

On the Next STILL HOLDING HANDS:

"Still Holding Hands Through Hard Seasons - Finding Strength Together in Marriage"

f you enjoyed today's episode, here's how you can help us:

• Like Us: Rate & Subscribe where you listen/watch podcast
• Love Us: Leave a rating, review, comment & share with someone else
• Email Us: TimandChrisPeterson@gmail.com

Remember, strong Christian marriages aren’t shaped by perfection, but by perseverance, faith, and the commitment to KEEP HOLDING HANDS.

Until next time.....

#ChristianMarriage #MarriagePodcast #MarriageAfterBaby #BiblicalMarriage #ChristianCouples #MarriageEncouragement #FaithAndMarriage #MarriageGrowth #StillHoldingHands #StillHoldingHandsPodcast #ChristCenteredMarriage #HealthyMarriage #MarriageCommunication #MarriageAdvice

What does it take to build a marriage that lasts 40 years? In this special anniversary episode of Still Holding Hands, we celebrate four decades of marriage by sharing the biblical principles, practical lessons, and everyday choices that have helped our relationship grow stronger through every season. Whether you're newly married or have been together for years, discover Christian marriage advice on lasting love, friendship, communication, faith, forgiveness, and staying connected as you build a Christ-centered marriage that stands the test of time.

Proverbs 17:22 (Christian Standard Bible - CSB)

1 Corinthians 7:3-4 (CSB & MSG)

Mark 10:9 (MSG)

Book: "Boundaries" - Dr. Henry Cloud and John Townsend

https://www.boundariesbooks.com/pages/free-boundaries-resources

Song (didn't discuss, but a good one!) - "Always Remember You Young" - Thomas Rhett

https://youtu.be/f5pHiXBt8UU?si=BMh5xhTESwDulo00

STILL HOLDING HANDS CHALLENGE:

• Hold hands every day this week
• Pray together
  • Hold hands when praying
  • Thank God for your spouse
  • Ask him to strengthen your friendship & your marriage
  • Thank God for every year behind you….
  • And every year that is ahead
• Be intentional with your uninterrupted time together and/or plan a date
  • During this time together ask each other these questions
    • What is one of your favorite memories of us?
    • What do you appreciate about me?
    • What is something new you would like to experience together?
    • How can I be a better friend to you?

On the Next STILL HOLDING HANDS:

"When 2 become 3 - Protecting Your Marriage When Starting A Family."

If you enjoyed today's episode, here's how you can help us:

• Like Us: Rate & Subscribe where you listen/watch podcast
• Love Us: Leave a rating, review, comment & share with someone else
• Email Us: TimandChrisPeterson@gmail.com

Remember, strong Christian marriages aren’t shaped by perfection, but by perseverance, faith, and the commitment to KEEP HOLDING HANDS.

Until next time.....

#ChristianMarriage #MarriagePodcast #AnniversayEpisode #BiblicalMarriage #ChristianCouples #MarriageEncouragement #FaithAndMarriage #MarriageGrowth #StillHoldingHands #StillHoldingHandsPodcast #ChristCenteredMarriage #HealthyMarriage #MarriageCommunication #ChristianLiving #MarriageAdvice

Can the Fruit of the Spirit really transform your marriage? In this episode of Still Holding Hands, Tim & Chris explore how the powerful truths of Galatians 5:22-23 can strengthen communication, deepen intimacy, reduce conflict, and help couples build a Christ-centered marriage that thrives.

Join us as we discuss how love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are more than spiritual qualities—they are practical relationship tools that can change the way husbands and wives interact every day. Whether you're newly married or have been together for decades, you'll discover how allowing the Holy Spirit to work in your life can create healthier patterns, stronger connections, and a more fulfilling Christian marriage.

Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT & TPT)

Matthew 7:3-5 (TPT)

Ephesians 2:17 (NKJV)

Proverbs 31:10-31 "The Virtuous Wife" (NKJV)

Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)

Romans 12:2 (NKJV)

Song: VBS Song, "The Fruit of the Spirit"

https://youtu.be/PR5OLu7xkvo?si=wQxkHqoQme7Bkyeo

STILL HOLDING HANDS CHALLENGE:

Fruit Focus

• Read Galatians 5:22-23 together OUT LOUD every day
• Pray & ask God what fruit of the Spirit do you need to grow in right now
• Choose one fruit & work on it that week
  • Each day pray for growth in that area
  • Every day intentionally practice that fruit with your spouse
• When reading the scripture with each other, share an example of the fruit
• At the end of the week, ask each other what fruit had the greatest impact in our marriage this week? In me? In you?
• Remember the goal isn't perfection, it's becoming more like Jesus together!

On the Next Still Holding Hands:

IT'S ANNIVERSARY WEEK! 40!

"Growing Older Without Growing Apart - How To Stay Best Friends For Life"

If you enjoyed today's episode, here's how you can help us:

• Like Us: Subscribe where you listen/watch podcast
• Love Us: Leave a rating, review, comment & share with someone else
• Email Us: TimandChrisPeterson@gmail.com

Remember, strong Christian marriages aren’t shaped by perfection, but by perseverance, faith, and the commitment to KEEP HOLDING HANDS.

Until next time.....

#ChristianMarriage #MarriagePodcast #FruitOfTheSpirit #Galatians52223 #BiblicalMarriage #ChristianCouples #MarriageEncouragement #FaithAndMarriage #MarriageGrowth #StillHoldingHands #StillHoldingHandsPodcast #ChristCenteredMarriage #HealthyMarriage #MarriageCommunication #ChristianLiving #MarriageAdvice #