Episode Summary:

In this episode, I’m talking with relationship experts, and the founders of the Living Love-Wise Community, Bill and Pam Farrel, about rebuilding intimacy in marriage.

Quotables from the episode:

• For wives, romance means connection.
• For men, romance starts with respect.
• Romance communicates to your spouse “You are worth it.”
• A loving (and romantic) relationship requires intentionality.
• Instead of spending money, consider making memories.
• Give yourself permission to love yourself like God does.
• The best Valentine’s Day gifts are personalized.
• If you are in a relationship and don’t feel loved, try treating your partner the way you would want to be treated and watch God change their heart over time.

Scripture References:

• 1 Corinthians 13:1-8, 13 “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails…And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love.”
• Hebrews 3:13 “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.”
• Philippians 2:1-4 “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
• 1 John 4:19 “We love each other because he loved us first.”
• Ephesians 4:2-3 “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Recommended Resources:

• Men are Like Waffles, Women are Like Spaghetti: Understanding and Delighting in Your Differences by Bill & Pam Farrel
• Discovering Joy in Philippians: A Creative Devotional Study Experience by Pam Farrel, Jean E Jones, and Karla Dornacher 
• Red-Hot Monogamy: Making Your Marriage Sizzle by Bill and Pam Farrel
• Appreciation: The Key to Unlocking Romance
• Hope for Marriage Struggles
• Creative Ways to Show Love During Times of Crisis
• How Do I Love You? 8 Different Ways to Show Love
• Great Love Prompts Great Sacrifice: It’s What Love Does
• Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places
• You Are Loved by God
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide
• Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
• Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award

Social Media Links for Host and Guest:

 Connect with Pam Farrel:

Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter / Website

For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:

Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube

Guest Pam Farrel:

Bill and Pam Farrel are relationship experts, international speakers, and Directors of the ministry “Love-Wise.” They have been married and in ministry for 41 years. Bill has experience as Youth Pastor, followed by 15 years as a Lead Pastor, then was Pastor of Small Groups for Dr. David Jeremiah at Shadow Mountain Church. Pam served alongside Bill in youth work then served as Director of Women’s Ministry during Bill’s years as a pastor. They have written over 50 books including the best-selling “Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti,” and “10 Best Decisions a Single Can Make.” They have spoken for a wide variety of groups ranging from overseas for missions to the military and businesses. Their wit and wisdom make them popular speakers and radio/tv/podcast guests.

The Farrels also enjoy helping people with their most vital relationships online in the Living Love-Wise Community. When not in the thick of ministry pursuits you can find them caretaking for elderly parents, spending time with their grown children and grandchildren, or walking the beach, biking, or kayaking from their down-sized home on a live aboard boat docked in Southern California. www.Love-Wise.com

Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

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