Send Questions or comments here! We'll respond back in future episodes.

Ever catch yourself scrolling while your partner speaks—and feel the room chill by a few degrees? We dive into the quiet ways marriages drift, not through fights or explosive moments, but through the small daily choices that siphon attention away from each other. Using the story of Mia and Alex as a mirror, we unpack how busy schedules, kids, work pressure, and especially our devices can turn soulmates into roommates—without anyone meaning to. The fix isn’t a grand gesture; it’s a reset of priorities and a defense of the moments that make intimacy possible.

We explore the idea of “sacred space invaders”—the modern distractions that creep into evenings, dinners, and pre-sleep windows—and show why timing beats technology. You’ll hear the difference between unintentional intrusions (the toddler crying, the urgent call) and deliberate interruptions (technoference, phubbing) that send an unspoken message: the screen matters more than the person. We offer practical, low-friction boundaries to reclaim connection: phone-free bookends to your day, visible device placement out of reach, short but consistent check-ins, and gentle repair when interruptions happen anyway.

Along the way, we stay honest about real-life constraints, from homeschooling chaos to long workdays, and how to balance one partner’s need for quiet with the other’s need for escape. We also talk about using technology for good: thoughtful midday messages, shared calendars that protect “us time,” and video calls that keep warmth alive when distance intrudes. Attention is the currency of intimacy; spend it where it compounds. Stay to the end for a preview of next week’s focus on three sacred moments worth guarding, and start building a marriage that feels present, playful, and prioritized.

If this resonates, tap follow on your favorite app, leave a quick review to help others find the show, and share this episode with a couple who could use a gentle reset. What’s one moment you’ll protect this week?

Reconnected - G&ES

Support the show

Contact us at Marriage Life and More and Connecting the Gap Ministries

• Website: https://www.marriagelifeandmore.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ctgaponline
• X and Instagram: @ctgaponline
• You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectingthegap
• Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1351356
• Email us at daniel@connectingthegap.net
• Spotify direct link: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Zg2rss7gRtCfzCggGVYl9
• Apple Podcast direct link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connecting-the-gap-podcast/id1586240413

Connecting the Gap does not own the rights to any audio clips or bumper music embeds used in the episodes from third party resources.

Thanks for listening and please subscribe!

Sky High Broadcasting Corp.

Send Questions or comments here! We'll respond back in future episodes.

A rushed Sunday, a quiet room, and a man who thought he was too far gone—what started as an inconvenient moment became a wake-up call about how real influence actually works. We open with that personal story, then trace a path through Daniel’s life in Babylon to show why connection before correction isn’t soft; it’s strategic, biblical, and powerful.

Across seventy years and four regimes, Daniel stood firm without becoming combative. He earned trust through integrity, humility, and consistency—and that trust gave him a voice. We translate his approach for today’s skeptical culture: speak with grace seasoned with salt, live so your presence raises honest questions, and share your story as a witness, not a prosecutor. Along the way, we tackle the common lenses that keep people from knowing God: the locked gate that feels unapproachable, the pile of luggage that screams disqualified, and the endless ladder that exhausts the soul. Then we replace each with the gospel’s better news—God is near, grace meets us in our mess, and faith rests in Jesus rather than performance.

You’ll hear how Jesus’ meal with Zacchaeus models relationship first, how respect builds bridges for truth, and why the most persuasive moments often happen when we feel least prepared. If you’ve ever wondered how to share faith without sounding preachy—or how to hold convictions without losing kindness—this conversation offers a simple blueprint: listen long, love well, and let grace do the heavy lifting. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review to help more people find the show. What’s one relationship where you could begin with connection this week?

Daniel Dilemma - CH

Support the show

Contact us at Marriage Life and More and Connecting the Gap Ministries

• Website: https://www.marriagelifeandmore.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ctgaponline
• X and Instagram: @ctgaponline
• You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectingthegap
• Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1351356
• Email us at daniel@connectingthegap.net
• Spotify direct link: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Zg2rss7gRtCfzCggGVYl9
• Apple Podcast direct link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connecting-the-gap-podcast/id1586240413

Connecting the Gap does not own the rights to any audio clips or bumper music embeds used in the episodes from third party resources.

Thanks for listening and please subscribe!

Sky High Broadcasting Corp.

Send Questions or comments here! We'll respond back in future episodes.

The difference between marriages that thrive and those that merely survive often comes down to one critical element: the quality of communication between partners. In this episode, we unpack why so many couples get stuck in patterns of surface-level interaction that leave them feeling more like roommates than soulmates.

We've all experienced those days when conversation with our spouse revolves solely around scheduling pickups, discussing bills, or solving household problems. While these practical exchanges are necessary, they're not sufficient for building true intimacy. Research shows most married couples spend less than five minutes daily engaged in meaningful dialogue, despite studies confirming that deeper conversations actually make us happier.

The missing ingredient in most marriages? What we call "life-giving conversations" – intentional dialogue that explores each other's inner worlds, hopes, dreams, and fears. Unlike small talk, logistical discussions, and problem-solving (which happen naturally), these deeper exchanges require deliberate effort. This explains why they're often the first casualty of busy schedules and overwhelming responsibilities.

We explore the fascinating differences in how men and women typically approach emotional conversations. For many husbands, direct questions about feelings can lead to one-word answers and communication dead-ends. Yet when asked about "the high and low of your day" or "what's currently causing stress," the same man might open up completely. Understanding your spouse's unique conversation triggers is key to unlocking meaningful dialogue.

The "10-minute rule" offers a practical solution: couples who dedicate just ten minutes daily to substantive conversation report significantly higher relationship satisfaction. We share specific questions that spark these exchanges, practical tips for finding time in even the busiest schedules, and real-life examples of how these conversations transform relationships.

Whether you're newly married or celebrating decades together, implementing these communication strategies will help you experience the joy of continuously rediscovering each other. After all, God designed marriage as a partnership where both spouses help each other become the person He intended them to be – and that journey of discovery never ends.

Reconnected - G&ES

Support the show

Contact us at Marriage Life and More and Connecting the Gap Ministries

• Website: https://www.marriagelifeandmore.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ctgaponline
• X and Instagram: @ctgaponline
• You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectingthegap
• Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1351356
• Email us at daniel@connectingthegap.net
• Spotify direct link: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Zg2rss7gRtCfzCggGVYl9
• Apple Podcast direct link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connecting-the-gap-podcast/id1586240413

Connecting the Gap does not own the rights to any audio clips or bumper music embeds used in the episodes from third party resources.

Thanks for listening and please subscribe!

Sky High Broadcasting Corp.

Send Questions or comments here! We'll respond back in future episodes.

The physical symptoms of stress often arrive as messengers, carrying deeper spiritual warnings we've been too busy to hear. When I experienced what I thought was a heart attack during church service—later diagnosed as a severe stress attack—it became a pivotal moment that revealed how dangerously divided my life had become.

Drawing from the biblical story of "the writing on the wall," this powerful episode explores how chronic stress serves as our body's urgent alert system, signaling that something fundamental is misaligned in our spiritual lives. The warning signs are clear: increased vulnerability to temptation, emotional volatility, declining productivity, and difficulty hearing God's voice amidst life's constant noise. These aren't merely symptoms of an overloaded schedule but evidence of a divided heart trying to serve competing priorities.

At the center of this message lies a countercultural truth—the ancient practice of Sabbath rest isn't optional but essential for spiritual wholeness. In our achievement-driven world, intentionally stopping to rest has become a radical act of faith, declaring that our identity isn't found in what we produce but in whose we are. True Sabbath encompasses physical restoration for the body, emotional renewal for the soul, and spiritual realignment for our relationship with God.

Most revealing is the connection between fatigue and spiritual vulnerability. As I share from both scripture and personal experience, "The enemy waits for that opportune moment, that window when you're weakest." Through intentional rhythms of rest and accountability in relationships, we can safeguard our souls against breakdown and division.

Whether you're feeling the pressure of constant productivity or simply struggling to find moments of genuine joy, this episode offers a pathway from hectic to holy—from burnout to the breakthrough that comes when we honor our God-given limits and place our relationship with Him above all else. What warning signs are blinking in your life right now, and what changes might God be prompting you to make?

Daniel Dilemma - CH

Support the show

Contact us at Marriage Life and More and Connecting the Gap Ministries

• Website: https://www.marriagelifeandmore.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ctgaponline
• X and Instagram: @ctgaponline
• You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectingthegap
• Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1351356
• Email us at daniel@connectingthegap.net
• Spotify direct link: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Zg2rss7gRtCfzCggGVYl9
• Apple Podcast direct link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connecting-the-gap-podcast/id1586240413

Connecting the Gap does not own the rights to any audio clips or bumper music embeds used in the episodes from third party resources.

Thanks for listening and please subscribe!

Sky High Broadcasting Corp.

Send Questions or comments here! We'll respond back in future episodes.

Ever wonder why "just communicate better" feels like such empty advice when your marriage is struggling? That's because most of us don't understand what communication actually means. In this illuminating episode, we unpack the surprising truth that communication encompasses far more than just talking—it's about how we connect through words, actions, silence, and even digital exchanges.

We share a revealing story about a husband who thought flour was his wife's favorite flower, highlighting how easy it is to miss what truly matters to our partners without genuine interaction. Drawing from both personal experience and relationship research, we explore how 70% of Americans recognize communication as the cornerstone of marital happiness, yet it remains one of the top causes of divorce.

The conversation takes a practical turn as we examine two critical types of communication every marriage needs. First, we discuss the unexpected importance of small talk—those seemingly insignificant exchanges that maintain your friendship and connection. When these light interactions disappear, it's often an early warning sign of relationship trouble. We also unpack "work talk"—the essential conversations about schedules, finances, and household management that prevent couples from operating as mere roommates.

Most powerfully, we introduce a spiritual perspective that has transformed our own communication: asking yourself, "Would I speak to Jesus this way?" This simple reflection can immediately shift your tone, intent, and approach when talking with your spouse.

Whether you're struggling with silent treatment, hiding behind digital devices, or just want to deepen your connection, this episode offers practical wisdom for moving from roommates to soulmates. Tune in next week as we continue with two more essential conversation types and introduce the game-changing 10-minute rule for better marital communication.

Reconnected - G&ES

Support the show

Contact us at Marriage Life and More and Connecting the Gap Ministries

• Website: https://www.marriagelifeandmore.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ctgaponline
• X and Instagram: @ctgaponline
• You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectingthegap
• Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1351356
• Email us at daniel@connectingthegap.net
• Spotify direct link: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Zg2rss7gRtCfzCggGVYl9
• Apple Podcast direct link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connecting-the-gap-podcast/id1586240413

Connecting the Gap does not own the rights to any audio clips or bumper music embeds used in the episodes from third party resources.

Thanks for listening and please subscribe!

Sky High Broadcasting Corp.

Send Questions or comments here! We'll respond back in future episodes.

This week we have a special episode. We are taking a break for 1 week from our Unshaken series to bring you this interview. We hope you enjoy it and please go purchase Kim's Book!

Have you ever felt like your spiritual life has become more about checking boxes than experiencing genuine connection with God? You're not alone. In this heartfelt conversation with author Kim McIntire, we explore the transformative journey from routine religion to the life-giving experience of truly abiding in Christ.

Kim shares her personal testimony of moving beyond "checkbox Christianity" – where Bible reading was merely a devotional duty and prayer consisted mainly of routine requests – to discovering a passionate relationship with God that changed everything. With disarming honesty, she reveals how God shifted her spiritual life in 2003 from obligation to delight, creating a hunger for His Word that eventually blossomed into a love for prayer she never thought possible.

The conversation takes a deep dive into what it actually means to abide in Christ, using Jesus' powerful vine and branches metaphor from John 15. Kim explains that just as branches can only thrive when connected to the vine, believers can only bear spiritual fruit when they maintain constant connection with Jesus. This connection manifests as increased compassion, wisdom, forgiveness, and humility – qualities that don't naturally flow from human effort alone.

For those who feel that intimacy with God seems unattainable, Kim offers refreshing perspective: it's not about spiritual giftedness but about willingness to invest time. "Anyone hungry for God can get as much of God as they are willing to invest time to gain," she explains, encouraging listeners to start with even just five or ten minutes of focused time in God's Word. What begins as spiritual discipline gradually transforms into spiritual delight as God creates deeper hunger for His presence.

Ready to move beyond superficial spirituality to experience the transformative power of abiding in Christ? Grab Kim's new book "Abide: John 15:4-7 Seven Lesson Study" on Amazon or Barnes & Noble, and discover practical ways to make Bible reading and prayer the life-giving foundation of your relationship with God.

Pick up Kim's book:
Amazon here: https://a.co/d/4Lm3vr3
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/abide-kim-mcintire/1147548189?ean=9798895976999

Support the show

Contact us at Marriage Life and More and Connecting the Gap Ministries

• Website: https://www.marriagelifeandmore.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ctgaponline
• X and Instagram: @ctgaponline
• You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectingthegap
• Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1351356
• Email us at daniel@connectingthegap.net
• Spotify direct link: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Zg2rss7gRtCfzCggGVYl9
• Apple Podcast direct link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connecting-the-gap-podcast/id1586240413

Connecting the Gap does not own the rights to any audio clips or bumper music embeds used in the episodes from third party resources.

Thanks for listening and please subscribe!

Sky High Broadcasting Corp.

Send Questions or comments here! We'll respond back in future episodes.

Have you ever felt like you're just roommates with your spouse instead of soulmates? The culprit might be hidden in plain sight - those small, everyday moments you're missing.

In this continuation of our Marriage Reset series, we dive deep into how busyness erodes relationships and why the solution isn't what most couples think. While many struggling couples pin their hopes on vacations or date nights to reconnect, research reveals something far more powerful: micro-moments of connection.

Relationship researcher Dr. Elaine Morris discovered after studying thousands of couples that those who stayed together responded positively to each other's "connection cues" about 84% of the time, while those who divorced responded only 30% of the time. These subtle bids for connection - a question about your day, sharing excitement over a find, a gentle touch - are constantly happening, but most of us miss them completely.

We share Jake's powerful story of a family lake house getaway that nearly imploded under the weight of impossible expectations, along with personal examples from our own 23-year marriage journey. Michelle's enthusiasm for Christmas decorating and Daniel's evolution in responding to her joy provides a touching glimpse into how these principles transform real relationships.

You'll learn to recognize the three responses to connection bids - turning toward, turning away, or turning against - and how each impacts your relationship over time. We provide practical examples of common connection cues and their hidden meanings, helping you spot opportunities for connection you've been missing.

The beauty of this approach is its simplicity. You don't need more time, money, or complicated strategies - just awareness and intention in everyday moments. As we wrap up this episode, remember: roommates don't have time for each other, but soulmates use simple everyday moments to stay connected.

Listen now and discover how these micro-moments can breathe new life into your relationship without adding one more thing to your busy schedule.

Reconnected - G&ES

Support the show

Contact us at Marriage Life and More and Connecting the Gap Ministries

• Website: https://www.marriagelifeandmore.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ctgaponline
• X and Instagram: @ctgaponline
• You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectingthegap
• Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1351356
• Email us at daniel@connectingthegap.net
• Spotify direct link: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Zg2rss7gRtCfzCggGVYl9
• Apple Podcast direct link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connecting-the-gap-podcast/id1586240413

Connecting the Gap does not own the rights to any audio clips or bumper music embeds used in the episodes from third party resources.

Thanks for listening and please subscribe!

Sky High Broadcasting Corp.

Send Questions or comments here! We'll respond back in future episodes.

The weight of your days hangs in the balance. What would God's scale reveal about your life right now?

When King Belshazzar saw mysterious writing on his palace wall, Daniel interpreted the word "tekel" as "you have been weighed on the scales and found wanting." This sobering message echoes through our hectic modern lives. We're constantly running on empty, wearing busyness like a badge of honor, and wondering why we feel so overwhelmed.

Our culture bombards us with endless choices and pressures us to say "yes" to everything. We've bought into the lie that more is always better, leading us to chase possessions, activities, and obligations that drain rather than fulfill. As Ecclesiastes wisely reminds us, "Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind." The secret to a balanced life isn't managing our time better—it's recognizing that the life we're trying to juggle simply won't balance as currently structured.

This episode offers three transformative steps toward finding true balance: taking regular inventory of your life (preferably during your Sabbath rest), making hard choices to eliminate what doesn't belong, and focusing exclusively on what will still matter in 100 years. When we apply this eternal filter, only two things consistently pass the test: God and people. Everything meaningful flows from who God is and how He's created us to live.

Listen as we explore how to live by divine design rather than cultural default. Stop trying to cram everything into your life. Instead, cultivate the discipline to say "no" to good things so you can say "yes" to the best things. God isn't shouting or condemning you—He's quietly and consistently inviting you to examine your priorities. In that stillness, you just might hear His gentle whisper guiding you toward a life that truly matters.

How will you respond when the scales of your days are measured?

Daniel Dilemma - CH

Support the show

Contact us at Marriage Life and More and Connecting the Gap Ministries

• Website: https://www.marriagelifeandmore.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ctgaponline
• X and Instagram: @ctgaponline
• You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectingthegap
• Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1351356
• Email us at daniel@connectingthegap.net
• Spotify direct link: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Zg2rss7gRtCfzCggGVYl9
• Apple Podcast direct link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connecting-the-gap-podcast/id1586240413

Connecting the Gap does not own the rights to any audio clips or bumper music embeds used in the episodes from third party resources.

Thanks for listening and please subscribe!

Sky High Broadcasting Corp.