Singer/songwriter Kim Walker-Smith grew up in a blended family with multiple stepparents, instability, abuse, and isolation. She shares her story with Ron Deal in this podcast episode, beginning with her mom’s first divorce when she was a young child. It didn’t take long for her mom to marry again, divorce, and marry again. Eventually, her mom married a stable, loving man who wanted to be a father to Smith when she was a young teenager. Hungry for his love but scared it wasn’t real, Smith rejected him over and over again. But this stepdad kept coming back, faithful and steadfast in every way a ..read more

Are there blessings in blended family life? Yes! But they might not show up in ways we expect or as quickly as we’d like. In this 2023 Blended and Blessed presentation, Cheryl Shumake talks about the many bonus blessings she has experienced and the strength God gave her during seasons of weariness to keep going when she wanted to quit. Cheryl says, “God meets us in the waiting to strengthen us for the walking.” God wants to guide our steps when we face challenges. He knows that our convictions of creating long-term relationships can waver when weariness sets in. But our biggest blessings are w ..read more

Remarriage after widowhood carries unique challenges and unwanted transitions. Expectations that aren’t realistic often show up, creating even more grief and heartache. But hard dynamics in the beginning can move toward bonded relationships and family unity with time and effort. In this podcast episode, Ron Deal talks with Rod and Rachel Faulkner Brown about their blended family challenges after Rachel was widowed twice, had two children with her second husband, and then married Rod with two young children in tow. Show Notes and Resources Blended and Blessed Info Learn about Rachel Rachel's wi ..read more

Our past affects our present. And when we experience complicated blended family dynamics as a child, we're forever changed. Listen to Scott Kedersha share with Ron Deal how his blended family upbringing has impacted his parenting and marriage as an adult. Show Notes and Resources Join us for Blended and Blessed to learn how to build unity in your family! Get a copy of Dating and The Single Parent Order your copy of Preparing To Blend Please call and leave us a voicemail review! 407-826-2606 Check out Ron's upcoming events Consider giving to FamilyLife Blended to support this podcast ..read more

Do you wonder about God's purpose and intent for marital sexuality within marriage? What about the symbolism the Bible presents on this topic? Do you need help on how to nurture and protect this aspect of marriage? Listen to Ron Deal's message: God's Purpose and Intent for Sexuality. Show Notes and Resources Get more information on Blended and Blessed Get the Blended and Blessed All-Acess Digital Pass See where Ron will be speaking. Resouces for blended families Join us for Blended and Blessed 2024 ..read more

Trauma and suffering can impact families in unexpected ways. Joel and Vaneetha Risner share with Ron Deal the positive effects of loss and suffering and how it helped to ground their faith, trust God in deeper ways, and bond their blended family. Show Notes and Resources Check out the podcast on YouTube! Join us for Blended and Blessed 2024! Learn about Vaneetha. Say "thank you" with a gift of support. Blended and Blessed All-Access Pass ..read more

Conflicts are inevitable on family journeys. Rodney and Annetta Whitney share their journey, confusing dynamics, and their light bulb moments with Ron Deal. Stepparent, if you feel like an outsider, keep having hard discussions and don't give up. Show Notes and Resources Grab your copy of The Smart Stepfamily Check out where Ron will be speaking. The Smart Stepfamily series free on Right Now Media! Join us for the Blended and Blessed livestream! Call us and leave a message with your podcast suggestion! 407-826-2606 ..read more

Do you have trouble organizing your life? Your family calendar? Well, help is on the way! Ron Deal speaks with James and Ginger Dellaripa about challenges of blended family management including schedules, co-parenting, custody, and more. Listen to gain valuable insights in getting your life organized. Show Notes and Resources Get organized for 30 days free! Use the code: FLB30 Get your copy of The Smart Stepfamily Guide to Financial Planning Learn more about our Blended resources Ron's speaking schedule Please leave a message for us: 407-826-2606 Join us for the Blended and Blessed livestream ..read more

Getting remarried in later life after the death of a spouse or divorce? How do you know if you’re ready? Should you consider the feelings of your adult children? Ron Deal talks with Jim and Shirley Mozena about the risks, as well as rewards, of a later-life remarriage and what to consider as you date. Show Notes and Resources Access The Smart Stepfamily for free! More about Jim and Shirley and their book, Second Chance At Love Get your copy of The Smart Stepfamily Guide to Financial Planning More FamilyLife Blended resources Every gift to FamilyLife Blended for the month of December is matched ..read more

When relationships with our adult kids and stepkids become strained or estranged, our hearts hurt. How did we get here? How do we fix it? Ron Deal talks with Dr. Charlotte Melcher Smith about common themes that contribute to strained relationships and what parents can do to help. Show Notes and Resources Dr. Charlotte Melcher Smith's book, Life's Third Tri Blended resources and events Send a matching gift to say "thank you" to FamilyLife Blended. Send us a suggestion for a future podcast. Register now for Blended and Blessed Live Event and Livestream ..read more