Bringing Hope Home

When Your Child Is Being Bullied: Biblical Wisdom and Practical Steps for Christian Parents

Is your child suffering in silence? Practical help for parents of bullied children.One in five students experiences bullying—but the real number is likely higher, because many kids never tell their parents what's happening. If your child is coming home quieter, reluctant to go to school, or showing signs of withdrawing, this episode is for you.Bryce and Colette Schaffer have walked through bullying with their own three children, witnessed it countless times as teachers and coaches, and counseled families through it as pastors. They bring raw honesty about their own kids' experiences in a small-town school and share both biblical truth and practical wisdom for helping your child navigate this painful season.In this episode, you'll discover:Warning signs your child might be facing bullying (even when they're not talking about it)How to stay calm and be the steady presence your child needsBuilding your child's identity and worth in Christ—not in others' opinionsThe balance between protecting your child and avoiding helicopter parentingAnswering hard theological questions: "Why would God let this happen?"Specific strategies for verbal bullying, physical bullying, and cyberbullyingWhen to involve teachers, principals, or authoritiesWhy "hurting people hurt people"—and what that means for your responseScripture prayers to speak over your childHow God can redeem even the most painful seasonsKey truth: Your child's worth isn't defined by what the bully says—it's anchored in what God says. "You are fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14). "God is close to the brokenhearted" (Psalm 34:18).Whether your child is in elementary school, middle school, or high school, whether they're dealing with classroom bullies or cyberbullying, this episode will equip you with both the spiritual foundation and practical tools to help them walk through this valley—with God's strength and your steady support.You are not alone. God sees. God grieves. And God will walk with you through this.📖 FREE DOWNLOAD: Scripture Prayers for Bullied Children Schafferministries.comHow Healthy Is Your Marriage? Take the QuizFollow us on InstagramJoin our monthly newsletterCheck out our books and products

When Depression Hits Your Marriage: A Pastor's Guide to Hope and Healing

One in five adults will experience mental illness this year—including Christians, pastors, and people of faith. Yet depression remains one of the most silent struggles in marriage, especially in Christian circles where we're often afraid to admit we need help.In this vulnerable and practical episode, Bryce and Colette Schaffer tackle depression head-on, sharing their own experiences with postpartum depression, teenage struggles, and supporting congregation members through mental health challenges. As pastors with nearly 20 years of ministry experience, they've walked alongside countless couples through this darkness—and they're here to tell you: seeking help isn't weakness.In this episode, you'll discover: ✓ The real difference between sadness and clinical depression ✓ Warning signs that your spouse may be struggling (changes in sleep, isolation, loss of interest) ✓ Why depression often has both physical and spiritual components ✓ What NOT to say when your spouse opens up ("Just pray more" or "Others have it worse") ✓ How to validate your spouse's feelings without trying to "fix" everything immediately ✓ Why isolation is the enemy's tactic—and why staying connected to church matters ✓ When it's time to encourage professional help or medication ✓ How to have regular "check-ins" that create safety for honest conversationsBryce and Colette remind us that Jesus said "Come to me, all who are weary"—not "wait until you're all cleaned up." Depression isn't a spiritual failure; it's often a chemical imbalance that requires both faith and professional treatment. Your spouse needs you to be present, patient, and willing to walk through this marathon—not offer quick-fix solutions.If you're the one struggling, please hear this: You are not alone. You are not weak. You are valued and valuable. God's mercies are new every morning, and there is hope for healing.🆘 CRISIS RESOURCES: If you or someone you love is having suicidal thoughts, please call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.Schafferministries.comHow Healthy Is Your Marriage? Take the QuizFollow us on InstagramJoin our monthly newsletterCheck out our books and products

From Goals to Habits: Building Daily Rhythms That Strengthen Your Marriage

Turn Your Marriage Goals into Reality with Intentional HabitsYou've set goals for your marriage and family—that's the first step. But goals without habits are just wishes on paper. In this episode of Bringing Hope Home, Bryce and Colette Schaffer show you how to create the daily rhythms and habits that'll actually get you where you want to go.Building on last week's conversation about setting goals together as a couple, this week dives into the practical "how-to" of making those dreams a reality. Because when both of you are pulling in the same direction with consistent habits, that's when real transformation happens.What You'll Learn:The power of rhythm in your marriage (and why it's like a golf swing or basketball play—momentum matters!)How to use willpower strategically to build lasting habits (spoiler: it takes 21 days, and you can start today)Four essential habit categories every strong marriage needs:Connection habits: Daily check-ins, date nights, and tech-free timeSpiritual habits: Praying together, reading Scripture, and seeking God as a coupleConflict resolution habits: Healthy communication and fighting fairKindness habits: Small acts of service that fill up your spouse's emotional bankPractical strategies for making new habits stick, including tracking progress, using environmental cues, and giving yourself graceWhy "progress over perfection" is the secret to long-term growth in your marriagePerfect for:Couples wanting to strengthen their marriageNewlyweds building their foundationStruggling marriages seeking practical helpParents trying to create better rhythms at homeAnyone who's set goals but struggles with follow-throughResources:Schafferministries.comHow Healthy Is Your Marriage? Take the QuizFollow us on InstagramJoin our monthly newsletterCheck out our books and products

How to Set Goals Together as a Couple: Financial, Spiritual & Marriage Goals for 2026

Are you and your spouse walking together in unity, or are you headed in different directions? In this episode, Colette and Bryce Schaffer share how to set meaningful goals together as a couple—covering finances, spiritual growth, and your marriage itself.The Schaffers walk you through practical steps to create a unified vision for your relationship in 2026. Learn how to align your priorities, support each other's dreams, honor God with your resources, and make your home the peaceful sanctuary it was meant to be.Whether your marriage is thriving or struggling, goal setting together can transform how you communicate, dream, and build your future. When you agree to walk together (Amos 3:3), God can do exceedingly abundantly beyond what you imagine.KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED:Setting financial goals and creating a budget that honors GodDeveloping spiritual growth goals as a coupleAligning your family prioritiesScheduling intentional couple time to protect your marriageBalancing individual goals with shared couple goalsRESOURCES MENTIONED: Marriage Builders Course - A comprehensive marriage curriculum to help you build a strong foundation Schafferministries.comHow Healthy Is Your Marriage? Take the QuizFollow us on InstagramJoin our monthly newsletterCheck out our books and productsDon't just set goals individually this year—set them together. Your marriage will be stronger, your home will be more peaceful, and you'll walk in the unity God designed for you.Bring hope home to your life today!

Love: The Greatest Gift for Your Marriage This Christmas | Advent Series

This Christmas season, discover how God's unconditional love through Jesus can transform your marriage and family life.In this Advent series episode on LOVE, pastors Bryce and Colette Schaffer unpack the true meaning of biblical love and how it applies to your everyday relationships. Drawing from John 3:16 , they share practical wisdom on showing love through giving, forgiveness, quality time, and acts of service.In This Episode:Why God's love is the ultimate example of unconditional givingHow to show love in your spouse's love languageThe power of pre-emptive forgiveness during stressful seasonsBreaking free from phone distractions to be truly presentTrading material gifts for meaningful promises to each otherWhy your presence is more valuable than your presentsWhether your marriage is thriving or struggling, this episode offers hope and practical tools to cultivate a more loving, peaceful home. Perfect for couples navigating the busy holiday season or seeking to reconnect with each other and God.Note: No episode next week as we celebrate Christmas with family. Happy Holidays!Schafferministries.comHow Healthy Is Your Marriage? Take the QuizFollow us on InstagramJoin our monthly newsletterCheck out our books and products