7: Quality Time to Strengthen Your Marriage

Episode 7:  Quality Time to Strengthen Your Marriage (11/15/2023) Introduction Welcome and brief introduction to the episode. In today's fast paced chaotic world with everything at our fingertips, it is easy to lose sight of each other.  That's why we want to talk about the importance of Quality Time.  And remember Quality Time is different than Quantity Time.  Quality Time is putting more of a focus on each other Quantity Time is where you might be physically nearby and even talking to each other, but everything else is actually taking precedence.  Segment 1: Understanding the Impact of Quality Time Increased Quality Time Has Many Positive Outcomes:  1.       Communication Issues 2.       Emotional Closeness 3.       Increased Intimacy 4.       Decreased Stress and Frustration 5.       Increased Satisfaction 6.       Lower Vunerability to Outside Influences – 3 stranded Cord example "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken" Ecc 4:12 Brian talka about how Lack of QT contributed to demise of first marriage. Segment 2: The 5 Love Languages Especially Quality Time Let's Talk About the 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman (Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Physical Touch, and Quality Time). Talk to Each Other about how important Quality Time is and how high it is on the list.  Brian – Words, Physical Touch, Quality Time Heather – Physical Touch, Quality Time Know Your Love Language order but maybe more importantly get to know your Spouses.  Segment 3: Roles of Technology and Distractions Let's discuss the role of technology and distractions in modern relationships and how to address them. Phones Down Time Segment 4: Prioritize Quality Time and Tips Focus on Quality Time and how it can impact your marriage.  You have to make time.  Are there things in your life that you can cut out:  Television, Phone Time, Extracurricular Activities, Get Help With the Kids, Delegate/Hire out House and Yard Work Let's discuss how couples can prioritize quality time even when they have busy schedules.  Carve out moments. Games, Puzzles, Walks, planting flowers or something more significant like a couples massage or a retreat together.  The key is to find something you both agree on would work.  Notice we didn't say that make you both happy, because sometimes the focus should be less on the activity and more on your relationship.  Segment 5: Biblical Examples of Quality Time The Story of Jesus visiting Martha and Mary Jesus wanted to spend QT with them both.  Mary intently listened to Jesus, while Martha spent her time scurrying about.  While serving and preparing food are important, Jesus wasn't as upset about that as he was that she was being propelled by her worry.  As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" 41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."  Luke 10:38-42 Extra Nugget:  Most people when listening to a Rabbi, would be sitting in a chair.  However, disciples (only men at this time in history) would sit at the feet of Jesus.  Jesus accepted Mary even though she was a female but what he said about her chose and that what she received from him will not be taken from her.  Call to Action Sign up for the Love How Deep Newsletter to get great advice and tips just like you heard today to help strengthen your marriage and make it the best it can be.  Outro:  Thank you so much for joining us.  We are so excited that you have chosen to listen.  We want to continue to bring you great content and guests to help strengthen your marriage from a Godly perspective.