The Marriage Altar

Michael & Shana Williams

Welcome to The Marriage Altar—a sacred space for married couples who are holding on to hope when everything feels broken. We are Michael & Shana Williams, and we know what it feels like to struggle with a broken marriage, secrets, lies and addictions. But, we also know that God can restore anything. This podcast is for those walking through the fire: infidelity, betrayal, addiction, and the deep wounds no one sees. But more than that, it’s for those who believe—or are daring to believe—that God can still breathe life into what looks dead. Each episode offers honest conversations, Biblical truth, and practical encouragement for couples who are fighting for healing, restoration, and redemption in their marriage. Whether you're standing in the wreckage or walking the long road toward repair, this space was created to remind you that you're not alone—and that with God, healing is possible. At The Marriage Altar, we lay down pride, pain, and shame—and invite God to rebuild what only He can restore. Learn more about us by visiting www.shanastrange.net or email Shana@ShanaStrange.net Christian marriage help for veterans • PTSD and marriage problems • Combat veteran marriage issues • Military PTSD and relationships • Faith-based healing for PTSD • Marriage counseling for veterans • Trauma recovery in Christian marriage • Veterans struggling with marriage • Biblical healing from PTSD • Military couples and marriage crisis

  1. The Unsexy Work of Building a Great Marriage

    FEB 11

    The Unsexy Work of Building a Great Marriage

    Most of what builds a great marriage doesn't feel sexy. It feels intentional. It feels awkward sometimes. It feels like choosing discipline over desire and consistency over chemistry.  In this episode, we talk about the unsexy work of building a great marriage - the conversations, the boundaries, and commitments that don't make the highlight reel but actually create safety, trust and lasting connection.  If your marriage feels less spontaneous and more deliberate right now, you're not failing-you might actually be building something solid.  Check out ShanaWilliams.com for more Marriage Altar resources and coaching information.  Chapters (00:00:15) - Foxes Eat Their Own(00:00:57) - The Unsexy Work Of Building A Great Marriage(00:04:59) - How To Love Your Marriage When It's Old(00:08:53) - God's Plan for My Marriage(00:13:56) - How to Heal a Broken Marriage(00:18:36) - How To Get Out Of Your Marriage(00:21:34) - Marriage: The Unsexy Part(00:25:45) - Be the Rock For Your Partner(00:26:11) - Why Does This Work Feel So Hard?(00:28:17) - Paul on Boundaries in His Marriage(00:32:41) - Marriage: The Right to Die(00:33:43) - The Fun, Fun Part of Marriage(00:38:10) - Marriage Is About Safety, Not Chaos(00:40:16) - Marriage Is Not Sexy(00:44:18) - How to Talk To Your Wife About Problems in the Marriage(00:49:05) - A Couple's Advice on Their Marriage(00:52:14) - Why Don't We Get Help For Our ptsd?(00:56:18) - How to Get Your Marriage Back on Track(00:59:03) - Valentine's Day Podcast

    1h 1m
  2. Vision Casting As a Couple: Where Are We Actually Going?

    JAN 14

    Vision Casting As a Couple: Where Are We Actually Going?

    Many marriages don't break - they drift. Not because of conflict, but because there was never a shared direction. In this episode of The Marriage Altar, we talk about vision casting as a couple and why clarity matters in marriage. We explore how drifting creates distance, why misalignment often shows up as frustration or silence, and how intentionally choosing a shared vision can bring connection, peace and purpose.  We walk through the five areas every couple needs vision in - marriage, family, faith, finances, and legacy - and offer practical, gentle ways to start these conversations without pressure or conflict.  If you love your spouse but feel like you're just managing life instead of building something together, this episode invites you to pause and ask an important question: Where are we actually going - and are we going there together?  Go to ShanaWilliams.com for more information about the Marriage Altar and links to the Grace and Grit Mindset Podcast.  Chapters (00:00:15) - 2026(00:02:05) - "A Purposeful Life"(00:03:37) - How Clarity Creates Distance in a Marriage(00:07:05) - Marriage Arterial Reboot(00:10:16) - A Couple's Attempt To Get Together(00:13:25) - Should We Talk About Money With Our Spouse?(00:17:00) - Jesus on the Israel debate(00:17:17) - Wonders of the World(00:21:58) - Work Remotely Can Lead To Infidelity!(00:26:13) - Married Couple: If You Get a New Job, Do(00:27:19) - A Shared Vision(00:28:17) - Another cost of Not Having A Shared Vision(00:30:48) - 5 Areas Every Couple Needs a Vision For Their Marriage(00:32:24) - Domestic Discipline: The Right Kind of Love(00:35:21) - 5 Rules For Talking About Problems In Your Marriage(00:36:38) - Ways of Loving Your Wife(00:40:48) - Should You Ask Your Wife to Choose a Church?(00:43:07) - 4 Questions For Marriage: Financial Peace(00:45:51) - Family, Faith, Money(00:49:32) - Shay Lawson on Leaving a Spiritual Legacy For Her Kids(00:53:52) - Marriage Goals For The Next Year(00:57:00) - Wonders of the World

    1 hr
  3. You're Not Fighting About What You're Fighting About!

    12/15/2025

    You're Not Fighting About What You're Fighting About!

    Most arguments in marriage aren't really about the dishes, the budget, or the tone of voice. They're about something deeper. In this episode of the Marriage Altar Podcast, we unpack the truth behind recurring conflict and reveal what's actually happening beneath the surface of your arguments. If you find yourselves having the same fight on repeat, this conversation will help you slow down, identify the real issue, and begin responding from understanding instead of reaction.  We explore why surface disagreements are often symptoms of unmet emotional needs, how to recognize the hidden wounds driving conflict, and how couples can turn moments of tension into opportunities of connection and healing.  #christianmarriagepodcast #christiancounseling #christianlifestyle Chapters (00:00:15) - Good Morning, Vietnam(00:01:14) - How to Stop Fighting In Your Marriage(00:04:00) - When You're Having A Hard Time Financially, You Fight(00:08:24) - 3 Hidden Feuds In A Marriage(00:11:41) - Married Women Talk About Not Prioritizing Each Other(00:15:48) - Marriage Is About Emotional Safety(00:17:51) - How To Identify The Real Problem in a Marriage(00:21:39) - How To Get Back Together With Your Significant Other(00:24:48) - Brawlers: Between the Lines(00:25:44) - How to Heal an Argument With Your Partner(00:29:50) - Anointing the Accusations in Your Marriage(00:33:59) - The Real Truth About Marriage(00:36:04) - Marriage Covenant(00:38:36) - Talking About Relationships in the Army(00:40:36) - How to Get Back in the Marriage(00:44:55) - Closing Prayer for Marriage(00:45:34) - Happy Holidays!(00:46:14) - Bless y'all

    47 min
  4. One Year Later: The Most Important Lessons We've Learned

    10/27/2025

    One Year Later: The Most Important Lessons We've Learned

    What can God do in a year???? More than we can ask, think or imagine! In this episode we talk about what we have learned over the past year after infidelity and the suicide attempt that forever changed our world.  We also share about what God has done to restore us to better than new!  If you find yourself in a difficult marriage without hope, tune in with us as we share about the process God uses to restore individuals. There is no marriage that is too far gone for God to restore.  Email us at Shana@ShanaStrange.net #marriagerestoration #Godlymarriage #christianmarriagepodcast Chapters (00:00:15) - Catch us little foxes(00:00:30) - God Awakes!(00:01:35) - A Year Out: Truth about PTSD and Infidelity(00:06:48) - One Suicide Attempt Gets the Love He Deserves(00:09:34) - Married Couple on How They're Different Now(00:14:01) - Bradley on Controlling Demonic Influences(00:18:42) - God's Work in Relationships(00:22:36) - Wonders of the World: Forgiveness and Healing(00:27:50) - Personal Responsibility of the Betrayer(00:33:21) - How To Talk About An Affair in Your Marriage(00:36:46) - What is Your Purpose As A Married Couple?(00:37:56) - What Surprises You Most About The Healing Process(00:40:55) - Wonders of the World(00:45:22) - How to Get Out of Marriage Recession(00:50:51) - How to Love Your Wife Despite Differences(00:55:19) - How to Love a Unjustly Yoked Marriage(00:59:04) - A Year in the Life With God

    1h 4m
  5. Marriage & Money: Building Unity In Your Finances

    10/01/2025

    Marriage & Money: Building Unity In Your Finances

    Money doesn't just pay the bills- it reflects our values, priorities, and trust in each other. In this episode, we talk about how couples can manage money together in a way that builds unity instead of division. From aligning your financial vision to tackling practical budgeting as a team, you'll learn how to invite God into your finances and create peace in your home.    For more information about our marriage coaching, contact us at Shana@ShanaStrange.net   #managingmoneyinmarriage #christianmarriagepodcast #moneymatters #Biblicalprinciplesformoney   Chapters (00:00:15) - Back to the Marriage Ministries Podcast(00:03:10) - Money and marriage(00:04:10) - How to Stop Blaming Yourself Over Money in Your Marriage(00:09:01) - How to Get Out of Poverty(00:11:38) - How to Manage Money(00:16:31) - The Man's Role as the Provider(00:20:42) - How To Prioritize Your Relationships(00:22:34) - How to Manage Money in Your Marriage(00:26:28) - How to Budget for Your Family(00:27:12) - Tithing and Financial Security(00:31:06) - Secret Spending Is Not Financial Infidelity(00:34:49) - Married Couples Talk About Money(00:38:04) - Reasons We Didn't Go on a Cruise(00:41:43) - How to Prevent Friction in Your Marriage Over Money(00:45:53) - Separation of Money in the Marriage(00:49:59) - How to Support a Dual Parent Home During Hard Times(00:54:52) - Marriage Counselor on How to Grow Your Business(00:57:50) - God in Control of Your Marriage(01:00:27) - "She Should Love You More"

    1h 4m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Marriage Altar—a sacred space for married couples who are holding on to hope when everything feels broken. We are Michael & Shana Williams, and we know what it feels like to struggle with a broken marriage, secrets, lies and addictions. But, we also know that God can restore anything. This podcast is for those walking through the fire: infidelity, betrayal, addiction, and the deep wounds no one sees. But more than that, it’s for those who believe—or are daring to believe—that God can still breathe life into what looks dead. Each episode offers honest conversations, Biblical truth, and practical encouragement for couples who are fighting for healing, restoration, and redemption in their marriage. Whether you're standing in the wreckage or walking the long road toward repair, this space was created to remind you that you're not alone—and that with God, healing is possible. At The Marriage Altar, we lay down pride, pain, and shame—and invite God to rebuild what only He can restore. Learn more about us by visiting www.shanastrange.net or email Shana@ShanaStrange.net Christian marriage help for veterans • PTSD and marriage problems • Combat veteran marriage issues • Military PTSD and relationships • Faith-based healing for PTSD • Marriage counseling for veterans • Trauma recovery in Christian marriage • Veterans struggling with marriage • Biblical healing from PTSD • Military couples and marriage crisis