What if everything you've been taught about love is incomplete?

The world says love is a feeling. Movies tell us it's chemistry. Social media says it's finding the right person. But God gives us a completely different picture in 1 Corinthians 13—a love that isn't based on emotions but on daily choices, selfless actions, and the transforming power of Christ.

In this episode of Still Holding Hands, Tim and Chris Peterson take a fresh look at what many call the greatest love chapter ever written and discover why God is the true Author of the "Book of Love." Together, you'll unpack the timeless truths of 1 Corinthians 13 and learn how biblical love can strengthen your marriage, deepen your friendship, and help you build a relationship that reflects the love of Jesus.

"Love Is A Decision" Gary Smalley and John Trent

https://a.co/d/0ePVmQeY

John 13:34-35 (CSB)

1 Corinthians 13:1-8;13

Ephesians 4:2 (TPT)

Ephesians 4:32 (TPT)

James 3:16 (CSB)

Philippians 2:3-4 (TPT)

John 3:16-17 (NKJV)

1 Timothy 2:4 (NKJV)

James 4:6 (TPT)

Proverbs 15:1 (TPT)

Mark 10:45 (CSB)

James 1:19-20 (TPT)

Colossians 3:13 (TPT)

Ephesians 4:14 (NLT)

Romans 5:5 (TPT)

American's Family Coaches - Dr. Gary & Barb Rosberg

https://www.youtube.com/@DrGaryAndBarb

"The Proof of Your Love" - For King & Country

https://youtu.be/b-2dKOfbC9c?si=hy3nT3HRBywrDXvF

"Portrait of Love" - Billy Crockett

https://youtu.be/o2eqXtKeYTo?si=Pz19HtpSd8baytYQ&t=64

STILL HOLDING HANDS CHALLENGE:

The Love Chapter 7 Day Challenge

• Day 1: Read 1 Cor 13 together
• Day 2: Each choose 1 characteristic of love to intentionally practice
• Day 3: Ask how can I love you better this week (don't defend, just listen)
• Day 4: Serve your spouse without announcing it
• Day 5: Tell your spouse 1 reason that you are thankful for them
• Day 6: Pray together verses 4-7-Ask God to grow these qualities in both of you
• Day 7: Go on a simple date…no phones.
  • End the day (clothing optional) reading 1 Cor 13:13. Pray together for your future

On the Next STILL HOLDING HANDS:

"Is Comparison Quietly Killing Your Marriage-The Bible cure for the Comparison Trap"

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 #BiblicalLove #1Corinthians13 #MarriageAdvice #FaithAndMarriage #HealthyMarriage #MarriageGoals #StillHoldingHands

What do you do when one spouse seems spiritually stronger than the other? In this episode of Still Holding Hands, Tim and Chris Peterson explore one of the most common—and often unspoken—challenges in Christian marriage: navigating seasons when one spouse is growing spiritually faster than the other.

Whether you're longing for your spouse to pray with you, attend church more consistently, or take greater spiritual leadership, this episode offers biblical wisdom, practical encouragement, and hope without guilt or comparison. Discover how to encourage rather than pressure, pray instead of criticize, and create an environment where spiritual growth can flourish together.

You'll learn practical ways to strengthen your marriage while honoring each other's unique faith journey, along with this week's Still Holding Hands Challenge to help you intentionally support your spouse's walk with Christ.

Romans 14:13 (CSB)

Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)

Hebrews 10:24 (TPT

1 Peter 2:12 (TPT)

Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

YouVersion Bible for Device:

Get wherever you go to get apps for your device

Check them out at: https://www.youversion.com/

Bible Study (to be used with your YouVersion App) from The Bible Project: God's Eternal Love

https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/22466

STILL HOLDING HANDS CHALLENGE:

The "Pray, Encourage, Celebrate" Challenge (plus one more!)

Pray

Spend five minutes each day praying specifically for your spouse's spiritual life—not asking God to make them more like you, but more like Jesus.

Start a Devo together

The Bible Project-there are lots of great ones…."God's Eternal Love" suggestion

Encourage

Speak one genuine affirmation about something you see God doing in their life.

Celebrate

If your spouse takes even one small spiritual step this week, celebrate it instead of evaluating it.

At the end of the week, ask each other:

- "How did you feel most encouraged by me spiritually this week?"

On the Next STILL HOLDING HANDS:

"Who Wrote the Book of Love? A Still Holding Hands look at

1 Corinthians chapter 13"

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

Let us know where you are listening/watching from, whether it is a City and State in the US or a Country outside of America. Let's add to the count of countries!

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 #BiblicalMarriage #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianCouples #MarriageEncouragement #FaithAndMarriage #MarriageGrowth #StillHoldingHands #StillHoldingHandsPodcast #ChristCenteredMarriage #HealthyMarriage #MarriageCommunication #MarriageAdvice

Every marriage will face difficult seasons—but those seasons don't have to pull you apart. Whether you're navigating financial stress, job loss, illness, grief, infertility, parenting challenges, ministry pressures, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life's demands, there is hope. In this episode of Still Holding Hands, Tim and Chris Peterson share practical, biblical wisdom on how to find strength together in marriage when life gets hard.

Discover why the strongest marriages aren't those that avoid storms—they're the ones that learn to walk through them hand in hand with Christ at the center.

John 10:10

Matthew 7:24-27

3 John:2

Hebrews 13:8

Ephesians 6:12

Galatians 6:2

Ephesians 4:6-7

Romans 5:13

Psalms 23

James 1:19 (MSG)

Nehemiah 8:10

STILL HOLDING HANDS CHALLENGE:

• 30 minutes of uninterrupted time together
• Pray together
• Each spouse will ask themselves the following questions & give the answers to their spouse
  • Here is what feels heavy & is what is the hardest part of this season for me
  • What is one way that you have helped me that I haven't thanked you for?
• Each spouse will ask the other
  • What can do to support you this week?
• Speak words of encouragement over your spouse & your marriage
  • "We are going to make it!"
  • "We are still holding hands & I'm not letting go!"

Gal 6:9 (NIV)

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

On the Next STILL HOLDING HANDS:

"How To Stay United When Your Faith Journey Looks Different"

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 #BiblicalMarriage #ThroughTheStorm #ChristianCouples #MarriageEncouragement #FaithAndMarriage #MarriageGrowth #StillHoldingHands #StillHoldingHandsPodcast #ChristCenteredMarriage #HealthyMarriage #MarriageCommunication #MarriageAdvice

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