In this episode of 'Called to Marriage, we dive deep into the challenges and joys of the postpartum period, emphasizing the crucial role of paternity leave. We share personal experiences from our journey with our second child, contrasting it with our first, and highlight the transformative power of teamwork and spousal support.

This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring testimonies, making it a must-listen for mothers, fathers, and anyone involved in family life.

00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode

00:32 Postpartum Period and Paternity Leave

01:07 Experiences and Challenges with Newborns

02:17 Importance of Paternity Leave

03:42 Father's Role in Postpartum Support

04:35 Teamwork and Family Bonding

07:20 Rest and Prioritizing Family

16:09 Home Adjustments and Planning

22:23 Planning for Family Time

23:02 The Sacrifices of Paternity Leave

24:18 The Importance of Being Present

25:09 Supporting Your Spouse

28:55 The Benefits of Taking Time Off

30:48 Making Career Decisions During Leave

34:29 Cherishing Family Moments

36:35 Encouragement for Fathers

42:46 Concluding Thoughts and Future Topics

In this episode, we share our personal experience of home birthing our second child, Nti. We recount the details from the early contractions to the challenges of labor, and the joyous moment of delivery. We discuss the spiritual significance of childbirth, the importance of trust in God, and the significance of supportive spouse roles.

Marcia provides insights on labor pain, the concept of the mucus plug, and the physical demands of birth, while Thomas touches on the father's role and our collective experience as a family. This episode includes a mix of personal anecdotes, scriptural reflections, and practical advice on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery.

00:00 Introduction and Scripture Reflection

01:14 Early Labor Signs and Timeline Confusion

03:28 Errands and Increasing Discomfort

05:48 Active Labor and Midwife Support

10:58 The Birth and Immediate Aftermath

18:01 Unexpected Sensory Experience

19:06 Reflecting on Childbirth Experiences

19:57 Delivering the Placenta

22:07 The Mystery of Childbirth

26:34 Postpartum Journey and Breastfeeding

28:14 Father's Role and Paternity Leave

29:10 Healing and Reintegration

34:05 Final Thoughts and Advice for Husbands

In this episode, we delve into the thought-provoking and personal journey of naming our sons. From discussing the significance of names to sharing family traditions and personal anecdotes, this episode provides a heartfelt look at how we navigated this important aspect of parenthood. Learn about the stories behind our choices, how we balanced tradition with personal preference, and the meaningful conversations that strengthened our bond. Whether you're expecting, already a parent, or just curious about the naming process, this episode offers valuable insights and a bit of fun. Don’t forget to share your own experiences in the comments! 00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic 01:09 Naming Our First Child: Charles 11:35 The Significance of Names 14:48 Cultural Perspectives on Naming 23:05 Introducing Our Second Child: Nt 25:27 The Significance of Names 26:58 Cultural and Personal Reflections on Names 30:16 The Importance of Names in History and Religion 34:02 The Process of Naming a Child 36:15 Concluding Thoughts on Naming 46:30 Final Reflections and Farewell FOLLOW US FOR MORE CONTENT: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calledtomarriage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calledtomarriage TikTok: tiktok.com/@calledtomarriage

In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of breastfeeding.

We discuss the challenges and rewards associated with breastfeeding, share personal experiences, and explore cultural perspectives.

Marcia highlights the difficulties she faced while breastfeeding both of our children and emphasizes the invaluable benefits, including health and emotional bonding. We also touch on the important role of men in supporting breastfeeding mothers and the cultural shifts impacting breastfeeding practices.

Tune in for a heartfelt and insightful conversation on nurturing the next generation!

00:00 Welcome Back to Call to Marriage

00:23 Diving into Breastfeeding

02:14 Challenges and Rewards of Breastfeeding

03:25 Learning Curve and Support

06:50 Health Benefits and Cultural Perspectives

14:20 Struggles and Solutions

21:34 Cultural Shifts and Formula Marketing

39:36 Understanding the Letdown Reflex

40:29 Cultural Perceptions of Breastfeeding and Formula

42:05 Personal Anecdotes on Food and Perceived Wealth

46:17 The Practical Benefits of Breastfeeding

53:10 The Role of Men in Breastfeeding Support

01:04:10 Societal and Policy Implications

01:14:48 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

Marcia and Thomas challenge the conventional wedding and event culture, emphasizing a return to simplicity and biblical principles. They discuss the significant impact of societal norms on our celebrations and explore key themes such as financial stewardship, cultural traditions, and the true intent behind events. Through engaging conversation, they provide insights on navigating cultural pressures and highlight the importance of honoring God in every aspect of wedding and event planning. 00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic 01:33 Biblical Perspective on Weddings 02:19 Western Wedding Culture and Its Influence 04:27 Questioning Wedding Traditions 14:34 Financial Implications of Weddings 28:14 Cultural Expectations and Personal Values 34:09 Parental Influence and Setting Boundaries 45:27 Validating and Acknowledging Efforts 46:17 Setting Boundaries with Family 47:05 Intent Behind Events 52:20 The Value of Presence Over Gifts 58:45 Financial Wisdom in Celebrations 01:01:07 Challenging Cultural Norms 25:19 The Unnecessary Pressure of Big Weddings 26:30 The Temptation of Long Engagements 28:14 Questioning Cultural Norms 30:18 Redefining Cultural Expectations 33:11 Setting Boundaries with Parents 47:05 Intent Behind Celebrations 57:06 Living Within Your Means 01:03:43 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this episode of 'Called to Marriage,' we delve into the significance of finding contentment and simplicity amidst the busyness of life. Beginning with a scripture from Ecclesiastes 4:6, we reflect on its meaning and relevance to our current season of life, which is characterized by living simply and making financial sacrifices. We share our personal experiences of choosing to live on one income, downsizing our home, and the challenges and joys that come with these decisions. We address the societal pressures that often lead to dissatisfaction and compare our journey to others, highlighting the importance of contentment and the dangers of succumbing to FOMO (fear of missing out). Furthermore, we discuss the importance of having a strong vision for the future to navigate life's challenges confidently and the role of sacrifice in achieving long-term goals. We emphasize that life is seasonal, and understanding this can help foster contentment and gratitude in every stage of life. Throughout the episode, we encourage our listeners to embrace their current season, find joy and contentment in the simple things, and remember that personal growth and character development are just as important as material success. We wrap up the episode by inviting our listeners to engage with us through comments and feedback, expressing our gratitude for their support and love.

00:00 Opening and Scripture Reflection

00:45 Embracing Simplicity and Contentment in Life

03:42 The Joy of Living Within Your Means

07:30 The Long Game: Sacrifice Today for Comfort Tomorrow

13:33 The Importance of Vision in Navigating Life's Seasons

17:19 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

What are you waiting on the Lord for? How are you waiting? What is your attitude and posture toward God in delay? Thomas and I answer these questions for ourselves on this episode. We are waiting, hoping, and praying for another baby. Feel free to agree with us in prayer 🙏🏾 😊 but we are genuinely grateful to and content with God and all He has given us. Be encouraged, and may God’s PERFECT will be accomplished in all of our lives. FOLLOW US FOR MORE CONTENT: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calledtomarriage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calledtomarriage TikTok: tiktok.com/@calledtomarriage

Key Qualities to Look for in a Christian Marriage Partner

In this episode hosts Marcia and Thomas discuss essential qualities to look for in a potential Christian marriage partner. They emphasize that choosing a spouse aligned with Christian values and beliefs is crucial for a harmonious and fulfilling marriage. The episode outlines seven key qualities, including being a Christian with shared biblical values, adaptability, selflessness, faithfulness, a vision for the future (especially for men), and respect (particularly important for women to have towards men).

Marcia and Thomas illustrate the importance of these qualities through practical examples and biblical references, stressing that these traits contribute to a strong, unified marriage that reflects Christ's relationship with the church. They encourage listeners to seek and develop these qualities within themselves and in their potential partners.

00:00 Welcome & Introduction: The Importance of Choosing the Right Partner

02:07 The Foundation of Faith in Marriage

12:11 Adapting and Compromising: Key Qualities for a Successful Marriage

18:55 The Impact of Adaptability on Family Dynamics

23:50 The Importance of Self-Sacrifice in Marriage

25:34 Embracing the Mind of Christ for a Stronger Union

25:39 The Significance of Being a Believer in Marriage

28:13 Demonstrating Selflessness: A Key to Marital Success

31:18 The Role of Commitment and Faithfulness in Marriage

36:30 Seeking a Partner with Vision: Guidance for Women

39:22 Respecting Your Partner: A Foundation for Marriage

45:51 Concluding Thoughts on Marriage and God's Glory Summary of qualities to look for in a potential spouse: 1. Equally yoked (not just a professing Christian, but shared/biblical values) 2. Flexible/Adaptable 3. Self-sacrificing 4. Committed/Faithful Bonuses: *A man with a strong vision or devotedly seeking *A woman who respects and admires you FOLLOW US FOR MORE CONTENT: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calledtomarriage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calledtomarriage TikTok: tiktok.com/@calledtomarriage

After a few lovely years in our last apartment, we have decided to move! Some would consider it a downgrade, but we consider it a great move for us in this season! God has prospered us, and we are trusting Him in our new place and in this new season! We are just sharing some life updates for testimony and posterity sake. FOLLOW US FOR MORE CONTENT: YouTube

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On this episode of CTM, we dig a little deeper into how we live on one income, particularly since having our son. The lifestyle is not for everyone at every time, but if you want it, there is a very good chance you could do it! Set your priorities and make decisions according to them. Most of all, align with your spouse! FOLLOW US FOR MORE CONTENT: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calledtomarriage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calledtomarriage TikTok: tiktok.com/@calledtomarriage

I reflect on how when we look back to the past, we're able to make sense of many things that we were blind to.  One of the lessons I take away from this realization is that I need to be humble. I figured the more I grow, the more I'm able to recognize and sincerely appreciate the fact that I'm not as wise as I thought.  
Someday, I may look back to myself at this very moment I'm typing these words and admit that I thought I knew what I was doing, but I didn't - why not stay humble now?  Let me know what you think in the comments, thank you.