Did you know we release a My Virtual Mentor episode once a month? Each one is designed to help you grow and then process what you’re learning with a mentor or trusted friend who’s a season ahead of you. This month’s conversation is one every family needs, but many couples struggle to live out. I’m joined by Ashley Willis, speaker, author, and co-host of The Naked Marriage Podcast, to talk about prioritizing your marriage while raising kids. We all say our marriage comes first, but actually living that way takes intentionality. Ashley shares honest encouragement and practical wisdom for couples who feel stretched thin—and especially for those who may be losing hope. Don’t miss her practical advice at the end. If you’re just getting started - don’t miss the previous episodes: My Virtual Mentor: Why Mentorship Matters My Virtual Mentor: Intimacy with God My Virtual Mentor: Personalities and Temperaments My Virtual Mentor: Stewardship & Generosity My Virtual Mentor: Time Management & Creating Margin My Virtual Mentor: Identity in Christ (Part 1 and Part 2) 00:00 Introduction 05:56 Practical Tips for Prioritizing Marriage 08:52 The Role of Counseling in Marriage 11:57 Building a Supportive Community 15:41 Navigating Hard Seasons in Marriage 20:52 The Role of Intimacy in Marriage 24:45 Encouragement for Struggling Moms 27:27 Witnessing God's Miracles in Marriage 31:21 Closing Thoughts and Prayer MY VIRTUAL MENTOR GUIDE (MARRIAGE) Scripture to memorize: Colossians 3:13-14 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Scriptures for prayer and study: Romans 12:3, I Peter 3:8-9, Philippians 2:1-5, Proverbs 5:15-19 Books for further study: Do Marriage Better with – Ashley Willis Us In Mind – Ted Lowe Marriage – Paul David Tripp You and Me Forever – Francis and Lisa Chan Discussion questions: What is the most rewarding part of being married? What is the most challenging part of being married? What are your prayers for your marriage? What is God nudging you to focus on - how you can improve your role in marriage? Connect with Pardon The Mess: Christian Parenting Pardon The Mess Courtney DeFeo Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube! ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW Resources from today’s show: Connect with Ashley XO Marriage Naked Marriage Podcast Married Into the Family - book by Ashley Willis Do Marriage Better - Ashley and Dave’s latest book Resources from Titus 2 Mentoring Sign up for Morning Minute Christian Parenting Open a LearningRX center The Hunt for the Kraken Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy