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 #

Friendship is the foundation of a strong and lasting marriage, but the pressures of everyday life can cause couples to drift from the fun, connection, and closeness they once shared. In this episode of Still Holding Hands, Tim & Chris explore how Christian couples can rediscover friendship in marriage, reconnect emotionally, and find joy in doing life together again. Learn practical, faith-based ways to strengthen your relationship, create meaningful moments, improve communication, and build a Christ-centered marriage where love, laughter, and companionship thrive through every season.

Proverbs 17:22 (CEV)

1 Corinthians 15:33-34 (TPT)

Romans 12:2 (JB Phillips)

Luke 10:38-42 (NLT)

"Somebody Feed Phil" Netflix Trailer:

https://youtu.be/Zv29Sjt7LnA?si=EHLkBSvAodtZX2Qc

(Don't forget to watch to the end of each episode for "A joke from/for Max")

STILL HOLDING HANDS CHALLENGE:

The couple whose laughs last, will last!

• Ask your spouse "What made us laugh so much when….
  • We were 1st dating
  • In our early days/months/years of marriage"
• Recreate a fun dating memory where you were connected (fun-laughter-friendship)
  • Go back to the location of your 1st date
  • Rewatch an old movie that made you both laugh
  • Look at old pictures
  • Cook a meal together
• Be intentional to bring back 'that activity' you reminisced about
  • Keep it active
  • Keep it fresh
  • Make it a priority
  • Do it regularly & consistently
    • Not a one time every blue moon event……

On the Next Still Holding Hands:

"Fruit Snacks for Your Marriage - How the Fruit of the Spirit Can Change Your Marriage"

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

#MarriageAdvice

#MarriagePodcast

#MarriageCommunication

#RelationshipAdvice

#StillHoldingHands

#GodCenteredMarriage

#AMerryHeartDoesGoodLikeMedicine

In a world filled with distractions, temptations, and constant demands on our attention, protecting your marriage requires intentionality. In this episode of Still Holding Hands, R=Tim & Chris discuss how Christian couples can guard their hearts, strengthen emotional and physical intimacy, establish healthy boundaries, and protect their marriage from the subtle influences that can erode trust and connection. Discover practical, biblical strategies for building a strong, Christ-centered marriage that remains healthy, faithful, and deeply connected in today's culture.

Proverbs 4:23-27 (MSG) (NLT)

1 Corinthians 10:12 (TPT)

Romans 12:2 (JB Phillips)

Matthew 19:6 (CSB)

(I spy Remy the DOG)

Song: "Battle Belongs" - Phil Wickham

https://youtu.be/qtvQNzPHn-w?si=Xc77D0wS47XMfv2K

Weekend to Remember by Family Life: (search locations)

https://www.familylife.com/weekend-to-remember/

Code for $100 off at check out:

STILLHOLDINGHANDS (all one word)

STILL HOLDING HANDS CHALLENGE:

Guard your heart conversation

• Set aside 60 minutes of uninterrupted time
• No phone, tablet or computer
• No TV
  • Ask yourselves/each other "What distracts us from each other?"
  • Ask each other "Are there any unhealthy habits or boundaries that we need to strengthen?"
  • Ask each other "How can we work on strengthening our emotional, spiritual & physical connection"
  • Discuss together what is one specific & intentional thing that we can do to prioritize our marriage?

On the Next Still Holding Hands:

"Friendship, Fun & Finding Us Again"

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

#MarriageAdvice

#MarriagePodcast

#MarriageCommunication

#RelationshipAdvice

#StillHoldingHands

#GodCenteredMarriage

#GurardYourHeart

Not every marriage journey unfolds the way couples imagined. In this episode of Still Holding Hands, Tim & Chris talk about navigating broken dreams, unmet expectations, disappointments, and difficult seasons in marriage while still holding onto faith, hope, and each other. Discover practical, biblical encouragement for overcoming setbacks, healing together, rebuilding trust, and finding a victorious outcome through God’s grace and perseverance in your Christian marriage.

Hebrews 10:23 (TPT) (NKJV)

Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT)

Proverbs 3:5 (NKJV)

Song: "Broken Together" - Casting Crowns

https://youtu.be/RhxELo-uD3c?si=deDkfDfDYXCrcOa1

STILL HOLDING HANDS CHALLENGE:

• Have an open & honest conversation about your dreams & goals as a couple
  1. What dream are we still holding on to?
• Have an open & honest conversation about disappointment & loss
  • What disappointment still hurts?
• Talk about how you can walk through this storm together
  • How can I support you & our marriage as we walk through this?
• Build each other up with your words
  • Remember that our words are containers of life or death
    • CHOOSE LIFE!
• Pray for each other

On the Next Still Holding Hands:

"Guarding Your Heart & Marriage in Today's Culture"

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

#MarriageAdvice

#MarriagePodcast

#MarriageCommunication

#RelationshipAdvice

#StillHoldingHands

#GodCenteredMarriage

Family relationships can be a blessing—but without healthy boundaries, they can also create stress and tension in marriage. In this episode of Still Holding Hands, Tim & Chris talk about love, limits, and setting healthy boundaries with family and in-laws in a Christian marriage. Learn practical and biblical ways to protect your relationship, improve communication, handle family conflict respectfully, and build a strong marriage where your spouse remains your primary partnership.

Genesis 2:24 (TPT)

Romans 12:18 (ESV)

Song: Married Into This Town - Hannah Harper (2026 American Idol Champion) https://youtu.be/OmbJzg9KCnw?si=GxELBisyFcyDGVWV

STILL HOLDING HANDS CHALLENGE:

• Have an honest conversation with your spouse about family relationships & dynamics
  • Remember you are a new family unit
  • Team mentality
• Identify one healthy boundary that your marriage needs
• Ask each other 'where do you feel unsupported?'
• Ask each other 'how can I protect our marriage & unity?'
• Pray together for wisdom & peace for your marriage & your family relationship

On the Next Still Holding Hands:

"Dreams & Disappointments: How To Come Out Victorious"

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 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

#MarriageAdvice

#MarriagePodcast

#MarriageCommunication

#RelationshipAdvice

#StillHoldingHands

#GodCenteredMarriage

Wedding vows are more than words spoken on one special day—they are promises meant to be lived out every day of marriage. In this episode of Still Holding Hands, Tim & Chris explore what it means to daily honor your wedding vows through love, commitment, faithfulness, and intentional connection. Discover practical, biblical marriage principles that help couples build a strong, lasting relationship even through life’s challenges and changing seasons.

Traditional Wedding Vows:

I, ____, take you, ____, to be my wedded husband/wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.

Song: "When I Said I Do" - Clint Black & Lisa Hartman Black

https://youtu.be/ZgalAdgEd-E?si=f7t5ibce6KyrXGrR

Ephesians 5:31 (NLT)

"Real Love isn't tested in the better, but it's proven in the worse."

Galatians 6:9 (TPT)

Galatians 6:2 (TPT)

STILL HOLDING HANDS CHALLENGE:

Simple and Powerful!

• Sit down together & read your vows out loud to each other
  • If you can't find them, use the traditional and enhance with your own words
• Each person answer what are we doing well?
• Each person answer where do we need to grow?
• Of those things you discussed/read, choose one area to focus on this week
  • Don’t try to fix everything
  • Focus on one thing
  • Then move on to the next
• Reaffirm your covenant commitment to each other and to your marriage
• We want to encourage you to do this same exercise each year on your anniversary

On the next STILL HOLDING HANDS Podcast:

"In-Laws & Out-Laws: Love, limits, and healthy boundaries"

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 review, comment & share with someone else
• Email Us: TimandChrisPeterson@gmail.com

Until next time.....keep STILL HOLDING HANDS!

#ChristianMarriage

#MarriageAdvice

#MarriagePodcast

#MarriageCommunication

#RelationshipAdvice

#StillHoldingHands

#GodCenteredMarriage

#IntimacyInMarriage

#WhenISaidIDo