September 24, 2025
Back To School … The ABC’s of A Successful Marriage!
By: Jim Jacobus
Marriage is the most important class you’ll ever take. Just like going back to school, it requires orientation, core subjects, good study habits, and the right tools to succeed. In this episode of Your Marriage Matters, Christie Jacobus (Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Nurse) walks us through a fun “Back to School” framework for learning how to grow stronger together.
What you will learn in this episode of Your Marriage Matters ...
🏫 Orientation – The ABC’s of a Successful Marriage
Every great class starts with orientation.
What’s the purpose of your marriage?
Why does growth and learning matter so much?
What ABC’s are most important to you and your spouse: Appreciation, Beliefs, Commitment?
📚 Core Subjects – The Four Pillars of Marriage
Just like school, marriage has subjects you can’t skip. These are the Four Pillars:
Purpose (History Class): Understand why marriage was created and how you’re writing “The Story of Us.”
Priorities (Math Class): Get the order right—God first, spouse second, others after.
Processes (Science Lab): Experiment and keep learning in communication, finances, and conflict resolution.
Practices (PE Class): Stay active with daily habits, teamwork, fun, and connection.
✏️ Study Habits – The Process for Growth
Strong marriages don’t happen by accident; they’re the result of intentional rhythms:
Dream Together: Set a vision for your future.
Define Goals: Make plans around finances, parenting, intimacy.
Develop Rhythms: Date nights, prayer, weekly check-ins.
Daily Choices: Show up in the little things that add up.
🧰 Tools for the Journey – Your “School Supplies”
You wouldn’t go back to school without supplies—marriage needs them too!
Communication Tools: Use “I” statements, ask clearly, and listen actively.
Conflict Resolution: Agree on rules of engagement and solve problems constructively.
Love Languages: Learn to “speak” your spouse’s language of love.
Marriage Mentors & Community: Lean on wise couples who have gone ahead of you.
Your Marriage Matters Podcast & Resources: Think of these as “extra credit.”
📝 Summary
Marriage is your most important class—so show up, study hard, and graduate with honors!
Build on the Four Pillars: Purpose, Priorities, Processes, Practices.
Develop study habits: Dream, Define, Develop, Daily.
Use your tools: Communication, conflict resolution, love languages, community.
📒 Homework: Make Your Home Work
Take time this week to talk with your spouse about your own ABCs of A Successful Marriage and what study habits or tools you need to sharpen.
💡 This Week’s Challenge: Download our Marriage Growth Checklist & Team Us Growth Plan. Use it with your spouse and start your own Back to School journey together.
💌 We’d love to hear from you!
Email us at christie@teamjacobus.com.
And don’t forget—you can always find more resources on the Your Marriage Matters Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and Stitcher. Click Here to listen!
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