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Blending a family isn't easy, but it's definitely worth it. Blended family expert Ron Deal reminds couples that their marriage must be a priority if the marriage is going to thrive. Each couple is called to leave and cleave, which means a couple must shift their allegiance from their children to each other. There will always be seasons when children's needs will have to come ahead of other things, but a husband and wife need to put each other first to maintain a healthy marriage. Hear one young woman share what it's like to be a stepdaughter.

FamilyLife Blended director Ron Deal explains that marriage, while typically a two-person dance, gets complicated as couples try to manage all the lives around them. Deal talks about feeling isolated in a marriage, something spouses sometimes admit as they try to find their place in the blended family. He encourages couples to hold onto God's hand and never give up.

Ron Deal, director of FamilyLife Blended, talks with Dave and Ann Wilson about the new content in his Smart Stepfamilies video series. Deal explains how couples often get blindsided when trying to blend two families and gives some practical advice for interacting with stepchildren. He reminds listeners to address any family issues right away, because those same issues often become marital issues.

Brian and Cherie Lowe know a little about managing money. Working together, they paid off $127,000 worth of debt in four years, and they've never been happier-or more intimate! The Lowes tell how working as a team to manage the household finances can lead to surprising benefits.