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Cord of Three
#122 | 9 Best Practices to Build Intimacy in Marriage
This week, Spencer and Lisa center the conversation on simple, repeatable habits that deepen connection, strengthen trust, and build teamwork in marriage: talk, listen, and love with intention.
Here are the 9 best practices they share:
• Give full attention: remove distractions, make eye contact, and be present when a spouse is speaking.
• Praise each other often: notice strengths and speak sincere encouragement regularly.
• Use assertiveness and “I” statements: share needs and feelings clearly without blame (e.g., “I feel…”).
• Avoid criticism: it erodes trust; raise concerns without put-downs.
• Balance critique with positivity: pair any necessary feedback with a positive to keep it constructive.
• Listen to understand, not to judge: pursue empathy before defense or correction.
• Practice active listening: summarize what was heard before responding to build clarity and trust.
• Avoid blame; collaborate on solutions: face problems as a team and co-create next steps.
• Use structured conflict resolution: when stuck, get help—marriage coaching provides tools and guardrails.
Stay connected with us and continue the conversation!
You can find us on:
• Facebook: Cord Of Three Coaching
• Instagram: @cordofthreecoaching
• Web: cordofthreecoaching.com
Please share this episode with your friends and leave us a review. We are thankful for your support and look forward to bringing you more content next week. In the meantime…
…Always Remember, that TWO ARE BETTER THAN ONE AND A CORD OF THREE STRANDS IS NOT EASILY BROKEN.
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123. #123 | 31 for 31 |31st Anniversary Edition
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121. EP121 | Busting the Back to School Butterflies
28:14||Season 3, Ep. 121This episode focuses on the theme of “Busting the Back-to-School Butterflies,” offering practical encouragement for parents navigating the anxieties of a new school year. Whether you’re sending a child to kindergarten, college, or facing an empty nest, this episode aims to ignite and empower courageous growth through meaningful conversation.Connect with us:www.cordofthreecoaching.comYou can find us on Instagram and Facebook too... @cordofthreecoaching
120. EP 120 | Balance vs. Harmony in Life and Work
35:51||Season 3, Ep. 120Cord of Three Podcast — Episode 120 SummaryIn Episode 120, Spencer and Lisa explore the powerful theme of Harmony vs Balance in Life and Work, drawing inspiration from the Lead Every Day Podcast with Randy Gravitt and Mark Miller. They share that a fulfilling life isn’t about choosing between balance and harmony—you actually need both. (LISA referenced The Balance Blueprint Episode)Balance is described as a pie chart, representing the intentional and wise management of your time and energy across critical life areas: work, family, health, personal growth, spirituality, and rest. The Breedloves explain that the aim isn’t equal distribution but ensuring no essential area is consistently neglected. Living with balance enables you to “make the most of your time,” referencing Ephesians 5:16 and 1 Chronicles 29:28.Harmony is likened to a symphony—a state where your actions, values, priorities, and relationships flow together. Lisa unpacks the analogy, highlighting that if balance is about where your energy goes, harmony is about how those areas interact and support one another, creating life’s music.To create harmony, Spencer and Lisa recommend:- Clarifying your values and vision- Practicing self-care and presence- Setting healthy boundaries- Expressing gratitude daily- Investing in energizing relationships- Living authenticallyUpcoming Events- ROUNDUP: Aug 16, 2025 at Crossroads Baptist Church (Social Circle)- AMPLIFY Workshop: Sept 18 & Oct 7, 2025 — Interactive, one-day public speaking/communication experience. For more information and to register: AMPLIFY WORKSHOP- REFUEL Couples Conference: Oct 18, 2025, Honeysuckle Drive/Amy Bowdoin at Whispering Pines at Beck Farms (Graham, AL) -- TICKETS -- FACEBOOK EVENTConnect with Spencer, Lisa, and the Cord of Three Coaching community on Facebook, Instagram (@cordofthreecoaching) or at www.cordofthreecoaching.com.Always Remember: “TWO ARE BETTER THAN ONE, AND A CORD OF THREE STRANDS IS NOT EASILY BROKEN.”*
119. #119 | Death & Devotion | Lisa throws Spencer under the bus | Spencer's Pet Deer
44:09||Season 3, Ep. 119Episode 119 of the Cord of Three podcast, “Death and Devotion,” hosted by Spencer and Lisa Breedlove, draws deeply from John Eldredge’s book Resilient and the “30 Days to Resilient” program available through the PAUSE app. The episode unpacks Jesus’ admonition, “Remember Lot’s Wife” from Luke 17, using it as a lens to examine the divided allegiances and unconverted places in our hearts that hinder true resilience and wholehearted devotion to God.Spencer and Lisa explore Eldredge’s central themes: in turbulent times, many try to fit a bit of God around the edges of their busy lives, but the invitation is to reverse this—start with God at the center and let everything else flow outward. They challenge listeners to reflect on where their hearts are divided, what is competing for their allegiance, and what God may be asking them to lay down. Drawing from Eldredge’s model, the episode emphasizes that resilience is cultivated by moving from a fragmented spirituality to a life where union with God IS the epicenter.Listeners are encouraged to use the practical tools found in the PAUSE app’s 30-day journey, which offers daily prayers and guided practices designed to help restore weary souls, heal from trauma, and build spiritual and emotional resilience through small, consistent steps. The Breedlove's guide you to embrace wholehearted devotion to God in their life to be the source of true strength and hope in this life and the next.LINKS:Our Home Church | Night of Worship | Wed. July 9 at 6:30PMGratis Church3200 Perry Smith RdMonroe, GA 30656Brock Toole -- Satisfied Food CoJohn EldredgeJohn Eldredge | ResilientPAUSE APPSpeaking Events:ROUND UP: August 16, 2025Crossroads Baptist Church (Social Circle)AMPLIFY Communication WorkshopSeptember and October -- dates coming soonREFUEL Marriage Conference: October 18, 2025@ Whispering Pines at Beck FarmsHosted by: Amy Bowdoin & Honeysuckle Drive 2.0 (Follow on Facebook)Connect with Cord of Three CoachingFacebookInstagramwww.cordofthreecoaching.com
118. #118 | The Balance Blueprint
42:51||Season 3, Ep. 118In this episode of the Cord of Three Podcast, Spencer and Lisa Breedlove present The Balance Blueprint, a practical guide for finding the right balance between life and work. Drawing from their extensive coaching experience and personal journey, the Breedlove's outline four foundational cornerstones that help others create a firm foundation in their daily lives:Knowing Your Purpose: Spencer and Lisa emphasize that true balance begins with a clear understanding of your deeper purpose. This clarity helps you align your actions and decisions with what truly matters most.Deciding What Gets Your Yes: By being selective about what you commit to, you protect your time and energy for the priorities that align with your purpose and values.Clarifying Your Values: Core values serve as a compass, guiding your choices and helping you navigate the competing demands of work and life.Healthy Relationships: Finally, Spencer and Lisa highlight the critical role of nurturing healthy relationships. Supportive connections provide accountability, encouragement, and resilience as you pursue balance.Throughout the conversation, Spencer and Lisa weave in spiritual insights and practical strategies, empowering listeners to take courageous steps toward meaningful growth. Their heartfelt approach reflects the mission of Cord of Three Coaching: to ignite and empower courageous growth through meaningful conversation.Thank you for tuning in and being a part of our community. We hope you found this weeks’ conversation meaningful and insightful. Stay connected with us and continue the conversation! You can find us on: • Facebook: Cord Of Three Coaching • Instagram: @cordofthreecoaching • Web: cordofthreecoaching.comPlease share this episode with your friends and leave us a review. We are thankful for your support and look forward to bringing you more content next week. In the meantime… …Always Remember, that TWO ARE BETTER THAN ONE AND A CORD OF THREE STRANDS IS NOT EASILY BROKEN.
117. LIVE @ GRATIS CHURCH | FATHERS DAY | EP117
43:07||Season 3, Ep. 117Welcome to the 117th episode of the Cord of Three Podcast, a special edition recorded live at Gratis Church on Father’s Day. In this heartfelt conversation, Lisa and I come together to explore the profound themes of Loss, Legacy, and Love as they relate to the fathers in our lives.As we gather in the spirit of Father’s Day, we reflect on the unique journeys we’ve experienced with our fathers—celebrating the legacies they’ve left, honoring the love they’ve given, and acknowledging the losses that have shaped us. Whether you’re remembering a father who’s passed, cherishing the presence of a father figure, or navigating the complexities of fatherhood yourself, this episode is for you.Join us as we share personal stories, meaningful insights, and practical encouragement designed to inspire courageous growth and deeper connection within your own family and community. Let’s dive into this special conversation on Loss, Legacy, and Love—recorded in the heart of our faith community, and dedicated to all the fathers who have impacted our lives.Stay connected with us and continue the conversation! You can find us on: • Facebook: Cord Of Three Coaching • Instagram: @cordofthreecoaching • Web: cordofthreecoaching.comPlease share this episode with your friends and leave us a review. We are thankful for your support and look forward to bringing you more content next week. In the meantime… …Always Remember, that TWO ARE BETTER THAN ONE AND A CORD OF THREE STRANDS IS NOT EASILY BROKEN.
116. #116 | The Fruit of Discipline
41:48||Season 3, Ep. 116Episode Summary: Scripture FoundationThe episode centers on Hebrews 12:5-11, emphasizing that God’s discipline is an expression of love and a sign of true relationship, much like a father’s correction of his children. The hosts highlight that discipline, though often uncomfortable, is designed for our good, producing the “peaceful fruit of righteousness” in those who accept it and are trained by it.Big Idea: Discipline is Rooted in Relationships • Relationship with Self: • Relationship with Others: • Relationship with God:Being a disciple means being a learner, held accountable for one’s actions, referencing Jesus’s call to self-denial and following Him (Matthew 16:24-27). Discipline from God is not merely punitive but redemptive, shaping us for holiness and eternal reward.Key Insights and Facts • Discipline is temporary, but learning is a lifelong journey. • Growth does not happen in comfort; discipline challenges us. • Accountability is essential to true discipline. • Discipline is about applying what is learned, not just receiving correction. • Habits are the building blocks of discipline. • In healthy relationships, discipline is elevated above mere behavior modification—it’s about transformation. • The ultimate fruit of discipline includes righteousness, growth, maturity, and character development.
115. Marriage: The Shock Absorber
33:00||Season 3, Ep. 115On this episode of the CO3 Podcast, Spencer and Lisa explore the concept of marriage as a “shock absorber,” drawing on Tim Keller’s insights from The Meaning of Marriage. Keller describes marriage as a stabilizing force that helps couples weather life’s storms—disappointments, illnesses, and hardships—by providing a foundation of support and resilience. The episode uses the metaphor of “air shocks” on a vehicle to illustrate how a marriage, especially one grounded in a threefold cord (the couple plus God), can absorb life’s bumps and keep partners moving forward together.Key Takeaways • A Cord of Three: Hard Work, Good WorkMarriage is described as a partnership that requires effort but yields substantial rewards. The principle “Two is ONE. One is NONE.” underscores the importance of unity and teamwork. Keller’s research highlights that married men tend to earn 10–40% more than their single counterparts, and couples who stay married accumulate significantly more wealth. This is attributed to the mutual discipline, accountability, and support that marriage fosters. • Helping Each Other in TroubleThe episode references the biblical idea that “if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion,” emphasizing the practical and emotional support spouses provide. The story of climbers Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell illustrates how partnership and mutual aid are essential for overcoming challenges, both in extreme adventures and in everyday life. • Comforting Each Other in NeedMarriage offers comfort during times of pain and heartache. The discussion asks listeners to reflect on who is present to offer warmth and reassurance when life gets cold and difficult, reinforcing the value of not facing struggles alone. • Protecting Each Other Against DangerThe episode concludes with the message that a “cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart,” highlighting the protective strength found in unity. Whether facing external threats or internal struggles, the support system within marriage—especially when centered on faith—provides resilience and security.Closing ThoughtsMarriage, when built as a “cord of three,” becomes more than a partnership; it transforms into a resilient, supportive, and empowering bond that helps individuals and couples thrive through adversity. This episode encourages listeners to view marriage not just as a relationship, but as a vital shock absorber that enables courageous growth and enduring connection.Stay connected with us and continue the conversation! You can find us on: • Facebook: Cord Of Three Coaching • Instagram: @cordofthreecoaching • Web: cordofthreecoaching.comPlease share this episode with your friends and leave us a review. We are thankful for your support and look forward to bringing you more content next week. In the meantime… …Always Remember, that TWO ARE BETTER THAN ONE AND A CORD OF THREE STRANDS IS NOT EASILY BROKEN.