Blending Two Lives into One Flesh

Author Kari Trent Stageberg – daughter of psychologist and author Dr. John Trent – and her husband, Joey, coach couples toward greater health and connection.

They say there’s a moment in every marriage that permanently changes the relationship. It’s called the “merge moment.” It occurs when husbands and wives realize their differences have the potential to drive them apart.

“Merge moments” are like two rushing rivers crashing into one another. They can be noisy, messy, and unpredictable. In the midst of that turbulence, newly married couples face an important decision – will they allow the merge to break their relationship apart? Or will they navigate it and learn to blend their differences into a powerful bond between them?

Research from marriage expert Dr. John Gottman shows that 31% of a couple’s differences are solvable. That means 69% are not. Which is why differences in marriage are not what lead to a couple’s downfall. It’s how they handle those differences.

God put differences into marriage on purpose, to help us accept and forgive and learn from each other. As Ephesians 4:2 says, “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bear with one another in love.”

Joey and Kari Trent Stageberg are joining us on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Blending Two Lives into One Flesh” to help husbands and wives better navigate inevitable differences and manage unexpected conflict, especially in the early years of marriage.

Tune in on your local radio station, online, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, via Google Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.

Kari Trent Stageberg’s book The Merge for Marriage: Turning Frustration and Disunity into Closeness and Commitment is available for a gift of any amount. That money goes right back into ministry, providing hope and help to families just like yours.

And when you help Focus on the Family with a gift, your donation will be doubled for twice the impact in helping others through this ministry. Our thanks to generous donors who’ve made that possible. For more information, click here or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).