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 item. What would it be? Amber: My Bible. I’ve read it every year cover-to-cover since 2000.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Guy: My father passed away shortly after I graduated college. I never got to have an adult conversation with him.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Amber: You don’t have to figure this all out today.

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Guy: Love the people who are in your life, not worry so much about what tomorrow is going to bring, and focus on what to do today to make it fantastic for me and those around me.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?Amber: She loved God and she loved others; Guy: Happiness in life is not found in the destination but through the journey.

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Pre-order your copy of IN AWE today to receive access to fun, interactive bonus features emailed to you in the lead-up to the book’s release! Visit ReadInAwe.com. 

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