Dating, Marriage, and Parenting with the Vander Ploegs | Season 3 Episode 11
Release Date: 05/17/2025
The Disciple Standard Podcast
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info_outlineIn Episode 11 of The Disciple Standard Podcast, Pastor Aaron, Pastor Scott, and Andrea dive deep into faith, family, parenting, and marriage from a biblical perspective.
They tackle real questions like:
- How spiritually ready should someone be before marriage?
- What’s the most impactful thing parents can do to pass on their faith to their kids?
- What’s the most challenging season of motherhood—and how can faith make a difference?
- What does Scripture say about marriage, divorce, and raising a godly household?
Whether you’re a young adult thinking about marriage, a parent in the thick of it, or someone looking to build a faith-filled home, this episode offers honest insights, biblical wisdom, and practical encouragement. 🎉
This episode is sponsored by The Crafter Party by Cherie Youngblood — where creativity meets celebration. Visit her on social to book your next unforgettable event!
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Timestamps:
00:01 - Faith and Relationships
00:18 - Spiritual Disciplines in Marriage
00:58 - Introductions: The Podcast Panel
02:56 - Topic Setup: Marriage and Mother’s Day
03:18 - How They Met: The Andrea & Scott Story
10:33 - When Faith Becomes the Foundation
11:02 - Why We Chose Each Other
12:36 - A Relationship Rooted in the Bible
14:16 - What Drew Scott to Andrea
15:06 - The Commitment to Read the Bible Together
16:25 - Faith Compatibility and Dating
19:12 - Faith Level in Relationships
20:15 - Compatibility in Relationships
20:58 - Faith, Finances, and Core Values
22:00 - Dating Advice: Start with Faith
24:21 - Emotional and Spiritual Balance in Marriage
25:00 - Supporting Each Other Through Struggles
25:41 - 28 Years of Marriage
26:04 - Spiritual Disciplines for Couples
26:25 - Raising Kids with Active Faith
28:24 - Passive vs Active Faith Leadership at Home
28:59 - Benefits of Growing Up in Church
33:40 - Church is People, Not Just a Building
34:06 - Community as a Spiritual Discipline
36:05 - Faith and Community as Core Family Values
39:20 - Conflicting Schedules and Church Disconnect
39:44 - Re-centering the Family on Faith
40:25 - Shifting to Motherhood Challenges
43:06 - Trusting God's Plan for Your Kids
43:32 - Ministry Life and Its Demands on Marriage
47:00 - Wisdom and Discernment in Marriage
47:44 - Trusting a Husband’s Convictions
50:34 - The Unseen Sacrifices of Moms
52:01 - Single Mothers and Their Strength
53:26 - Sacrifice as a Form of Worship
56:37 - The CrafterParty Sponsor
57:22 - Introducing the Candace Owens Video
1:00:00 - Realizing My Own Selfishness in Marriage
1:01:52 - Why the Gospel Is Essential for Selflessness
1:02:21 - Culture’s Shifting View on Marriage
1:02:41 - Introducing a Video: "Marriage Is an L"
1:03:53 - Dating with Core Values in Mind
1:04:33 - Cultural Resistance to Commitment
1:05:17 - Marriage Is a Sacred Covenant, Not a Contract
1:05:45 - Love Is Always a Risk
1:06:30 - Marriage Exposes Deep Vulnerability
1:07:13 - Sticking Through Hardship with Covenant Love
1:08:06 - Love Requires Trust in the Covenant
1:08:29 - Abuse Is a Clear Exception
1:08:54 - Abuse Requires Boundaries and Help
1:09:17 - The Risk of Unequally Yoked Marriages
1:09:47 - Advice for Unequally Yoked Marriages
1:10:15 - Don’t Ignore Foundational Incompatibilities
1:10:35 - When One Spouse Converts in Marriage
1:11:23 - Living as a Christian Witness in Marriage
1:12:12 - Common but Challenging: Mixed-Faith Marriages
1:12:38 - Encouragement for the Faithful Spouse
1:13:12 - Seek Wisdom, Pray, and Persevere
1:13:57 - Why We Were Hesitant About This Episode
1:14:21 - Comparison and the Danger of Idealizing Others
1:15:07 - Social Media’s Skewed View of Marriage
1:15:50 - Embracing Your Unique Relationship Journey
1:16:08 - Psalm 16: Finding Peace in Your Own “Land”
1:16:35 - Choosing Thankfulness Over Comparison
1:17:12 - God’s Unique Plan for Each of Us
1:17:38 - Trusting God's Plan Through All Seasons
1:18:10 - Gratitude for the Life God Gave Me
1:18:32 - Trusting God Over Discontentment
1:19:00 - Finding Joy and Contentment Now
1:19:24 - God’s Intimate Involvement and Gratefulness
1:19:50 - Marriage Challenges and Life’s Seasons
1:20:22 - Moving to Florida: A Major Challenge
1:20:44 - Struggling with Family Distance and Jealousy
1:21:09 - Trusting God Through the Transition
1:21:46 - Overcoming Bitterness and Finding Home
1:22:10 - Mindset Shift and Contentment
1:22:31 - Loneliness and Comparison in Port St. Lucie
1:22:49 - The Danger of Social Media Comparisons
1:23:22 - Reminder of Our Delightful Inheritance
1:23:38 - Closing Remarks and Thanks
1:24:03 - Outro and Upcoming Topics