Called to Marriage

Thomas & Marcia
  • 5.0 (5)
  • CHRISTIANITY

A podcast for the bride of Christ. If you are called, come! As a married couple, the Oppongs talk about their marriage and life in parallel to their union with Christ the King. Through their conversations, they aim to glorify God and edify his body, at the same time leaving a legacy for posterity. Tune in!

  1. FEB 9

    #56 Modeling Connection Calls: Deepening Intimacy Through Questions

    Communication is essential in marriage, but knowing how to deepen it is where many couples struggle. One simple and powerful exercise we’ve used in our own marriage is asking each other intentional questions. Some are light and fun. Others invite us to reflect on our past, our experiences, and even the deeper questions of life. Each one opens the door to meaningful conversation and connection. Questions create space for honesty, laughter, vulnerability, and intimacy. Over time, they help strengthen the bond between spouses and draw hearts closer together. We’ve benefited immensely from this practice and have recommended it to many couples over the years. In this episode, we model what this exercise looks like in real time. It’s simple, fun, and easy to try in your own relationship. Try it with your spouse or partner (if you're in a relationship) and let us know how it goes. And if you already use questions to stay connected in your marriage, share in the comments how it’s impacted your relationship. 00:00 Introduction to Call to Marriage 00:04 The Connection Call Conversation 02:03 Ground Rules for Deep Conversations 02:35 Handling Sensitive Topics 02:52 Family Interruptions and Realities 03:12 Indirect Questions for Better Communication 04:47 Starting the Q&A Session 05:22 Reflecting on Our Relationship 08:51 Strengthening Our Bond 11:16 Feeling Loved and Appreciated 16:20 Expectations in Marriage 21:03 The Importance of Communication in Marriage 22:26 Forgiveness and Managing Expectations 26:00 Handling Conflicts with Transparency and Vulnerability 29:57 Resilience and Levity in Conflict Resolution 34:04 Receiving and Giving Constructive Feedback 36:58 Maintaining Oneness in Marriage 40:40 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

    43 min

  2. 08/11/2025

    #55 Reflecting on 7 Years of Marriage, Family Life, and God's Faithfulness

    In this intimate episode, we celebrate our 7-year marriage anniversary. We reflect on our journey together, from moving from China to the States, raising two boys, and experiencing God's constant faithfulness. We also share insights on parenting, facing challenges, documenting memories, and ministry, all while balancing life and family. We candidly discuss the importance of faith, family unity, homeschooling, and managing finances, providing an honest glimpse into our life. 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast 00:10 Reflecting on Seven Years of Marriage 01:59 Faithfulness of God in Our Journey 03:30 Parenting and Raising Children 09:31 Discovering and Nurturing Passions 15:51 Balancing Work and Family Life 31:19 Challenges and Daily Life 33:28 Managing Chaos and Gratitude 34:22 Entrepreneurial Challenges and Conversations 36:10 Navigating Transitions and Family Dynamics 42:41 Homeschooling Thoughts and Strategies 54:50 Health Challenges and Support 59:59 Financial Reflections and Future Plans 01:04:34 Final Thoughts and EncouragementFOLLOW US FOR MORE CONTENT:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calledtomarriageFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/calledtomarriageTikTok: tiktok.com/@calledtomarriageCALLED TO MARRIAGE PODCAST:https://anchor.fm/calledtomarriageYou can listen on several different platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, etc.

    1h 6m

  3. 06/30/2025

    #54 Building a Vision: Our Homeschooling Conference Experience

    In this episode, we share insights from a Christian Homeschooling convention we attended recently. We discuss our plans for home education, the enriching experience of the convention, and provide a compact list of 10 lessons we learned from the convention. From fostering a vision for your family’s education to practical tips for engaging your child’s imagination and curiosity, this episode covers essential aspects of homeschooling from a Christian perspective. Learn about the importance of valuing both parents' contributions, the challenges and rewards of homeschooling, and the critical role of spiritual education. Whether you're new to homeschooling or a seasoned parent, this episode offers something for everyone. 00:00 Introduction to the Episode 00:21 Our Homeschooling Plans 02:41 Overview of the Homeschool Convention 03:11 Keynote Speakers and Sessions05:50 Family-Friendly Event Highlights 06:40 Lessons Learned from the Convention 07:12 Vision for Homeschooling 12:21 Practical Tips for Homeschooling 26:59 Encouraging Fathers to Get Involved in Education 28:34 Balancing Household Responsibilities 32:23 Validating Our Homeschooling Journey 35:22 Challenges and Sacrifices in Homeschooling 39:23 Exploring Homeschooling Resources 40:28 The Importance of Socialization Across Ages 47:43 Teaching Children to Know the Lord 51:36 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

    52 min

  4. 01/28/2025

    #53 Fatherhood, and the need to lead, be present, and involved.

    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

    44 min

  5. 01/21/2025

    #52 The Birth Story of Baby Nti

    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

    41 min
  6. #51 Choosing Names for Our Children

    01/07/2025

    #51 Choosing Names for Our Children

    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

    49 min

  7. 12/18/2024

    #50 Breastfeeding in Modern Culture: A Vital Discussion

    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

    1h 18m

  8. 06/27/2024

    #49 Navigating Wedding Culture with Intentionality and Faith

    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

    1h 5m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

A podcast for the bride of Christ. If you are called, come! As a married couple, the Oppongs talk about their marriage and life in parallel to their union with Christ the King. Through their conversations, they aim to glorify God and edify his body, at the same time leaving a legacy for posterity. Tune in!

Information

  • Creator
    Thomas & Marcia
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Thomas & Marcia
  • Show Website
    Called to Marriage