In this special bonus episode of The Delay and Pray Podcast, I’m joined by my dear husband, Mike. Together, we’re celebrating two big milestones:

• 35 years of marriage

• Both turning 60 this year

We sat down for an honest, joy-filled conversation about what it really takes to build a life together. Spoiler alert: it’s not always pretty – but it is beautiful.

From a Physics Cheat Sheet to Forever

Our love story began at Purdue University, and yes – there’s a legendary Physics 241 cheat sheet involved. That moment sparked something big, but so did our first date: Mass and a movie.

Over the next three and a half decades, we experienced:

• Big moves and career changes

• Children (and now grandchildren!)

• Health scares and spiritual awakenings

• The ups, downs, and in-betweens of married life

• A growing commitment to prayer, fasting, and faith

How Faith Brought Us Through It All

In our early years, our faith was more of a background detail. But over time – especially during one difficult season when Mike faced a serious illness – we both turned more intentionally to our Catholic roots.

That experience became a turning point for our family. We started making prayer a regular part of our marriage, attending daily Mass, and – most recently – embracing spiritual fasting as a couple.

Delay, Pray, and Learn Together

During Lent, we committed to delaying sugar, flour, and alcohol – especially on Fridays. At first, it felt like a challenge. But over time, it’s become a way of life that’s helping us:

• Grow in discipline and self-control

• Support each other physically and spiritually

• Handle conflict with more grace and patience

• Experience joy in unexpected ways

Even one “cheat night” (yes, there was pizza involved) taught us more than we expected – about what really satisfies, and what doesn’t.

Family, Grandchildren, and Legacy

We also talk about our grown children, our grandkids, and what it means to be a Catholic parent and grandparent today. From family game nights to shared traditions, we’ve learned that faith-filled fun is a legacy worth building.

“We want to be the kind of grandparents our kids want to visit—not the kind they feel obligated to.” – Mike

Daily Practices That Changed Our Lives

Some of the most meaningful habits we’ve added into our routine this year:

• Morning rosary together (even just a few decades before work)

• Scripture reflections on Sunday evenings

• Praying the Deliverance Prayer over each other and our children

• Weekly workouts as part of our Lenten fasting commitment

These small acts have brought big peace – and transformed the way we love, serve, and show up for each other.

“Marriage is About Getting Each Other to Heaven”

We wrap the episode with a powerful prayer and a heartfelt reminder: the goal isn’t perfection – it’s union with God, and helping each other get there.

Help Beth reach her goal of bringing 1 Million Catholics back to the Church 

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