Episode 1

How to keep or create unity

In a Fostering Marriage, you’re faced with stressors, emotional struggles and hard decisions that can chip away at unity. Learn how to keep or create unity in the midst of challenges.

Introduction

If you listened to Episode 0, welcome back and we’re thrilled you’re here!

  • If you didn’t listen to episode 0, go listen because we share a little about why we’re doing this show and who we are

In this episode, we’re talking about how to keep or create unity in a Fostering Marriage

  • Why is this so important?
  • What holds couples back from greater unity?

Key #1 - Prioritizing connection

Create the time and space away from the kids to…

How couples drift away from prioritizing connection…

What happens when we don’t connect as couples

Key #2 - Quality communication

We’re gonna talk a ton about communication on this show….

We're gonna talk a lot about personality styles and communication…

The point we want to make today is constantly work on your communication…

  1. Slow down and practice patience 
  2. Pay attention to your tone - being careful of accusations/ controlling in how you speak
  3. Gain perspective/Ask questions
  4. Remember you’re on the same team

Key #3 - Be generous to each other

What does that mean?

  • Giving, sacrificing, not being selfish

Being graceful and understanding of each other’s struggles

Be generous in how you view the other person

  • Shut down judgment, bitterness, resentment, victim mentality
  • Serve each other
  • Not everything has to be compromise…

Conclusion

Three keys to focus on to keep or create unity are:

  1. Prioritize connection
  2. Quality communication
  3. Be generous to each other

About the Podcast

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Fostering Marriage
Keep your marriage strong when fostering kids

About your hosts

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Joel Fortner

Joel has been married to MaryBeth since 2010 and began the fostering journey in 2019. They have a heart to serve married couples who've chosen the fostering journey. He and MaryBeth have 2 biological kids and 2 foster kids (and 2 dogs) and make their home in middle Tennessee, where Joel serves as a leader and coach with Chris LoCurto and team.
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MaryBeth Fortner