EPISODE 0255 | Biblical Hope for Blended Families: 20 Years of Hard-Won Wisdom
THESE NOTES ACCOMPANY EPISODE 0255
This special Q&A episode features Pastor Nate and his wife Ashley pulling back the curtain on their 20+ years as a blended family—answering tough, vulnerable questions about divorce, remarriage, step-parenting, healing from rejection, navigating custody drama, and holding fast to God’s best in the middle of a broken start.
From counseling and co-parenting to building emotional intimacy and protecting unity, this episode is full of practical encouragement and biblical wisdom for anyone walking through—or walking with—blended families today.
Key Topics Covered:
How to honor a past marriage while building a unified new one
Dealing with insecurity and rejection from previous relationships
Parenting in a blended family: discipline, trust, and bonus parent dynamics
Setting boundaries to protect your marriage from emotional affairs
Advice for navigating holidays, traditions, and toxic co-parents
When to separate, how to get help, and what the Bible says about abuse
Why consistent church attendance and spiritual family really matter
What couples can do today to prepare for tomorrow’s success
Key Scriptures:
Isaiah 43 – “Forget the former things… See, I am doing a new thing.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 – “Two are better than one… a cord of three strands is not easily broken.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”
Psalm 82:3–4 – “Defend the weak… rescue the poor and helpless.”
Matthew 5:44 – “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
1 Corinthians 13 – “Love is patient… keeps no record of wrongs.”
Resources
The Better Planner™ is a personal planner designed by Pastor Stephen to help you map out all the different aspects of success and personal growth on your way to better.
The foundation of the Better Planner™ is the practice of defining and reaching your personal vision. The other principles for growth all integrate with and flow out of this essential step. As you develop and record the insights you receive from God and His design for your life, the Better Planner™ will lead you through a step-by-step process to become better.
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