Episode Details

Relationships are hard.

Amber + Guy Lia, owners of faith-and family-friendly production company Storehouse Media Group, join us to share practical advice on some of the most common issues that trigger friction in partnerships.

Married for 14 years, Amber + Guy are proof that a typical couple can break the reactionary cycle of outbursts and embrace the opportunity for growth as individuals and as a couple. Whether it's poor communication, busy schedules, different parenting styles, or another culprit, this husband-wife team offers easy-to-apply advice to counter adverse reactions to these triggers.

Today's conversation will offer hope that anger + frustration can shift into peace + joy -- and it's not as hard as you think!

SHOW NOTES:

• Find a rhythm that works for you. To balance writing with raising their four children, Guy + Amber carved dedicated time to work together by waking up at 2 a.m.
• Although Amber's first childhood memories were positive, she recalls dark periods which she attributes to her parents being raised in a strict separatist cult.
• "In the midst of all the conflict, my parents were incredibly devoted and exceedingly generous."
• Guy's parents were in a car accident when he was a child, causing conflicts in their relationship. After a massive heart attack, his parents learned a new way to love each other and present a better model of parenting.
• "I thought I was getting Prince Charming and he thought he was getting Princess Perfect and we were both falling short of that idea."
• From marriage to parenting within three months: Not having an opportunity to solidify the foundation of their friendship and marriage relationship caused stumbling blocks early in their marriage.
• Having been around kids her entire life, Amber did not expect the internal identity crisis she faced.
• Triggers will always be there. Stop reacting in anger and frustration, and start responding in more gentle, Biblical responses.
  • When you're no longer friends... To rediscover why she fell in love with Guy, Amber wrote down one thing that she appreciated and valued about him.
  • When you're weary and exhausted... being involved in their community eases the burdens Amber + Guy carries.
  • When your marriage ebbs and flows... commit to "check-ups" with your significant other once or twice a month to openly communicate needs and problems.
• "Being proactive in our marriages prevents us from being reactive in our marriages."
• "Making our spouses happy is not our job but should be our delight."
• "Some of our biggest marriage triggers don't result from what we do but from what we neglect to do."
• "There is nothing anger can do that love can't do better"
• Get a copy of Amber and Guy Lia's book Marriage Triggers here.

If you loved hearing from a married couple, then you'll love hearing from Smitty and Louise Harris! Married for 60 years, this love story of a decorated POW hero + his wife is truly remarkable. Listen to Smitty + Louise on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 210.

AMBER AND GUY LIA'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you've ever read? Amber: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Guy: I wish I could have the balance, joy, and purposefulness today that I did as a child.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one ite