066. From Strife to Strength: The 3 P's Approach to Resolving Marital Conflicts – AND the Power of Consistency

Navigating the complexities of modern life can be challenging, especially when it comes to maintaining a strong and healthy marriage. For many couples, faith plays a crucial role in providing support and guidance during these trying times.

In today’s episode, Teri sits down with Mark and Donna Shepherd to explore the delicate balance required to keep a relationship thriving in our fast-paced world. Mark and Donna introduce the concept of the "Three P's" - Pause, Pray, and Proceed - a formula that has the potential to reshape the very essence of relationships. Mark and Donna use their own experiences to showcase the distinct differences and complementary qualities of men and women; they stress the importance of preserving these bonds. Finally, they offer hope reminding us them that there is always a silver lining even during difficult times.

Tune in, as this conversation is not only about revisiting the fundamentals of marriage but also serves as a reminder that love and faith can conquer all, even amidst life's chaos.

[00:00 - 19:19] Cultivating Relationship Power

• Relationship Power: Mark and Donna emphasize that strong relationships and community are essential in various aspects of life, emphasizing the value of connecting and supporting one another.
• Three P's Approach: To resolve marital conflicts, remember the three P's: Pause to interrupt emotions, Pray for guidance and humility, and Proceed with intentional action.
• Awareness and Growth: Conflict exposes opportunities for growth by choosing responses overreactions, recognizing triggers, and seeking to understand before being understood.
• Spiritual Foundation: Incorporating prayer and biblical wisdom helps navigate conflicts, fostering an environment of forgiveness, understanding, and growth in relationships.

[19:20 - 34:05] Transforming Marriages: Communication and Growth

• Communication & Conflict: Mark and Donna emphasize couples' challenges with communication and conflict resolution due to diverse behavior styles.
• Abound Program's Impact: Through the Abound program, they offer tools for couples to enhance their marriages, leveraging behavior styles and community support.
• Gender Roles & Understanding: Mark advises men to cherish and protect their wives, while Donna encourages women to trust in Jesus for guidance.

Connect with Donna and Mark through their Date Night Webinar: How to stay best friends with your spouse while working through conflict HERE: https://keap.page/swx840/staybestfriends.html

Quotes:

"I believe there is power in relationship. So, whether we're connecting with our friends, our family, our spouses, our clients, anything, relationships are key and community is key and connecting with others... it's like the backbone of everything." - Teri Johnson

"Courage, wives. There's always hope, no matter what, and that Jesus is always with you in every single circumstance. Just obey what His steps and not to be so attached to the outcome; he will take care of the outcome a hundred percent." - Donna Shepherd

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