What was meant for evil, God is using for good.

In this episode of the Marriage After God podcast, Aaron and Jennifer Smith reflect on their recent family camping trip and the unexpected challenges that came with it. They share how music, creativity, and prayer became sources of encouragement and connection during the experience. Together, they discuss the importance of recovery days, facing fears, and adopting the “gap and gains” mentality as tools for spiritual and relational growth. Through personal stories and honest reflection, Aaron and Jennifer encourage couples to embrace challenges as opportunities to grow closer to God and to each other.

Takeaways

• The journey of marriage is filled with ups and downs.
• Music can be a powerful tool for connection and inspiration.
• Creativity in family life can foster deeper relationships.
• Facing challenges together strengthens the bond between partners.
• Spiritual growth often occurs during difficult times.
• The “gap and gains” mentality can shift our perspective on progress.
• Recovery days are essential for maintaining balance in life.
• Prayer is a vital component of recovery and connection in marriage.
• Facing fears can lead to personal growth and resilience.
• Future plans should include intentional time for reflection and connection.

Our Books:

https://shop.marriageaftergod.com

Husband After God devotional: https://a.co/d/1nVcFGs

Wife After God devotional: https://a.co/d/8XoPQmJ

Follow Marriage After God:

• Instagram: Marriage After God - https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergod
• Instagram: Unveiled Wife - https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwife
• Instagram: Husband Revolution - https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolution

Support this podcast:

• Shop: https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/
• Become a patron: https://marriageaftergod.com/patron

Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2025

Keywords

marriage, family, creativity, challenges, spiritual growth, recovery, prayer, overcoming obstacles, music, parenting

Aaron Smith sits down with Gary Thomas, bestselling author and teaching pastor, to talk about his journey into marriage ministry and the role of the local church in our spiritual growth. They discuss the dangers of entitlement, the lies that keep us from intimacy with God, and the importance of multi-generational ministry. Gary reminds us that gratitude and grace are key to cultivating joy and compassion in our walk with Christ.

Key Takeaways

• The local church is essential for community and growth.
• Entitlement robs us of gratitude and joy.
• Struggles with sin are expected in the Christian life.
• Spiritual adventure keeps our faith vibrant.
• Recognizing our sin helps us have compassion toward others.
• The church should be a place of healing and support.
• Gratitude for God’s grace leads to a joyful life.

Connect with Gary Thomas:

• Website: https://garythomas.com/
• Books: https://garythomas.com/books/
• Instagram: @garythomasbooks

Follow Marriage After God:

• Instagram: Marriage After God - https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergod
• Instagram: Unveiled Wife - https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwife
• Instagram: Husband Revolution - https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolution

Support this podcast:

• Shop: https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/
• Become a patron: https://marriageaftergod.com/patron

Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2025

Keywords

marriage, ministry, church, community, spiritual growth, intimacy with God, entitlement, sin, grace

In this episode, Aaron Smith sits down with Dr. Juli Slattery to explore sexuality from a Christian perspective. Together, they discuss how cultural shifts have shaped our understanding of marriage and sexuality, the growing tension between psychology and faith, and why open, biblical conversations are vital for families today. Dr. Slattery shares how surrendering our sexuality to God, addressing shame, and grounding ourselves in truth are key to experiencing healing and intimacy. This conversation also highlights the role of parents in guiding their children with wisdom and truth in the face of cultural pressures.

Key Takeaways

• Sexuality is a critical topic for Christians today.
• Cultural shifts have changed perceptions of marriage and sexuality.
• Many Christians wrestle with how psychology integrates with faith.
• The purpose of sexuality has shifted toward self-fulfillment rather than God’s design.
• Parents must engage in open, honest conversations with their children about sexuality.
• Surrendering sexuality to God involves addressing shame and brokenness.
• Understanding God’s truth is essential to combat cultural lies.
• True healing requires a personal relationship with Jesus.
• Cultural pressures can complicate biblical conversations around sexuality.
• Teaching children truth equips them to navigate a complex and confusing world.

Connect With Dr. Juli Slattery

• Instagram: @authenticintimacy
• Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00HNSB114?ccs_id=686b0293-8c34-414f-a1f0-f19bf3d32d58
• Website: https://www.authenticintimacy.com/

Follow Marriage After God:

• Instagram: Marriage After God - https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergod
• Instagram: Unveiled Wife - https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwife
• Instagram: Husband Revolution - https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolution

Support this podcast:

• Shop: https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/
• Become a patron: https://marriageaftergod.com/patron

Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2025

Keywords

sexuality, marriage, biblical counseling, cultural shifts, parenting, surrender, healing, truth, intimacy, Christian perspective

In this episode, Aaron Smith sits down with author Jackie Avilés, to share her powerful story of walking through a terminal cancer diagnosis. Jackie Avilés is widely known as the “Internet’s Hope Coach.” She imparts hope grounded in biblical truth—offering Scripture-based encouragement and practical strategies to help people move from despair into hope-filled living. In today’s episode, Jackie opens up about how her faith in God sustained her through suffering, the importance of prayer, and what it means to lament well in times of pain.

Key Takeaways:

• Jackie shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with stage four terminal metastatic breast cancer
• How faith and prayer can carry usr through life’s toughest challenges
• The significance of lament and finding hope in God during seasons of suffering
• The impact of trials on marriage and family relationships
• Encouragement for couples to lean on God’s promises and find strength in weakness



Be encouraged as Jackie reminds us that even when we feel pressed, we are not crushed—because of Christ in us.

Connect With Jackie ​​Avilés:

• Instagram: @jackie_aviles
• Website: https://jackieaviles.com/

Follow Marriage After God:

• Instagram: Marriage After God - https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergod
• Instagram: Unveiled Wife - https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwife
• Instagram: Husband Revolution - https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolution

Support this podcast:

• Shop: https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/
• Become a patron: https://marriageaftergod.com/patron

Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2025

Keywords: testimony, suffering, faith through trials, Christian marriage, cancer, God’s promises, strength in weakness

Aaron and Jennifer Smith share reflections from a full and meaningful summer—homeschooling adventures, the value of preserving memories, and the encouragement they received at a recent homeschool conference. They open up about the bittersweet transition of leaving their home church and how gardening has become a personal metaphor for growth. Through prayer, community, and faith, they embrace the process of change, finding joy in transformation.

Key Takeaways

• Prioritizing relationships with family.
• Creating tangible memories.
• Homeschooling thrives with intentional planning.
• Transitioning from a church community can be emotional but necessary.
• Gardening illustrates personal growth and consistent effort.
• Prayer and support from friends are vital during hard times.
• Change requires patience, communication, and faith.
• Joy can be found in the journey of transformation.

Follow Marriage After God:

• Instagram: Marriage After God - https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergod
• Instagram: Unveiled Wife - https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwife
• Instagram: Husband Revolution - https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolution

Support this podcast:

• Shop: https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/
• Become a patron: https://marriageaftergod.com/patron

Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2025

Keywords: marriage, parenting, homeschooling, planning, family, growth, change, prayer, community, memories, encouragement

This week Aaron Smith sits down with Jay Holland, husband to Emily, and the biological, adoptive, and foster father of four children. For over 25 years he’s served as a pastor in college and student ministries and has personally navigated seasons of special‑needs parenting within his own family, and is the voice behind the Let’s Parent on Purpose podcast. Together, they discuss the intersection of marriage, parenting, and youth ministry. Jay shares powerful insights on raising children in today’s culture, the importance of rites of passage in shaping manhood and womanhood, and how parents can intentionally model faith and humility in their homes.

Whether you’re navigating the challenges of parenting or seeking to strengthen your marriage in the midst of raising kids, this episode is packed with biblical wisdom and practical encouragement.

• Marriage and parenting in a digital age
• The importance of rites of passage for boys and girls
• Building community and mentorship for youth
• Technology’s effect on mental health and connection
• Modeling repentance and humility in parenting
• Encouraging bravery and risk-taking in the physical world
• Teaching children their identity in Christ
• Prioritizing joy and intimacy in marriage

Connect with the Jay Holland:

• Let’s Parent on Purpose podcast:
• Things for Thursday Newsletter: text THINGS to 66866
• letsparentonpurpose.com

Follow Marriage After God:

• Instagram: Marriage After God - https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergod
• Instagram: Unveiled Wife - https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwife
• Instagram: Husband Revolution - https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolution

Support this podcast:

• Shop: https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/
• Become a patron: https://marriageaftergod.com/patron

Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2025

Keywords: marriage, parenting, youth ministry, rites of passage, manhood, womanhood, community, technology, anxiety, spirituality

In today’s episode, Aaron Smith sits down with Ashton and Spencer Draper to share their inspiring journey of adoption, faith, and perseverance. Spencer and Ashton met through a mutual friend at a youth conference, drawn together by their shared love for Jesus and a heart for faith-filled living. Through the ups and downs of a difficult adoption journey and ongoing health challenges, they’ve learned to walk in grace, patience, and purpose—anchored by God’s faithfulness. Spencer works as a planner in manufacturing, while Ashton is a sign language interpreter and author of the book “Big Yellow House.” Whether playing games, watching movies, or raising their family, they’re committed to living faithfully and using their lives to serve Christ’s Kingdom.

From their early years of marriage, to adopting their son Bismarck from Ghana, the Drapers open up about how God has worked through health challenges, biblical counseling, and their passion for adoption to strengthen their marriage and deepen their faith.

Key Topics:

• The Drapers’ early marriage and decision to adopt
• Ashton’s lifelong passion for adoption and its roots
• The challenges and blessings of adopting Bismarck
• Navigating health struggles and their impact on marriage
• The transformative power of biblical counseling
• Encouragement for couples considering adoption

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• The Big Yellow House by Ashton Draper – Purchase on Amazon
• Gobena Coffee – Adoption fundraising support
• Parenting by Paul Tripp
• Forgive by Tim Keller

Connect with the Drapers:

• Follow Ashton Draper on Facebook
• Purchase The Big Yellow House https://a.co/d/4IEmWCd

Follow Marriage After God:

• Instagram: Marriage After God - https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergod
• Instagram: Unveiled Wife - https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwife
• Instagram: Husband Revolution - https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolution

Support this podcast:

• Shop: https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/
• Become a patron: https://marriageaftergod.com/patron

Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2025

Keywords: adoption, marriage, parenting, faith, family, communication, fundraising, counseling, health challenges, community support