8 min read ⭑

Stefanie and Caleb Rouse have a passion for helping others find deep joy in relational connection. With backgrounds in marriage and family therapy, they are on a mission to see marriages transformed on a global scale. Their new book, “Wholehearted Love,” is a valuable resource on cultivating intimacy and moving past surviving and into thriving in marriage.

Keep reading to hear them open up about their individual kryptonite, their enjoyment of shared adventure and the spiritual practice that has profoundly affected their lives and relationship.

QUESTION #1: ACQUAINT

There’s much more to food than palate and preference. How does a go-to meal at your favorite hometown restaurant reveal the true you behind the web bio?

One of our absolute favorite places to eat is Pamela’s Diner in Pittsburgh. Brunch at Pamela’s in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Strip District isn’t just a meal; it’s the place we love to go for special occasions and celebrations that truly reflects the essence of who we are. At Pamela’s, each brunch becomes a celebration of our bond. Stefanie’s choice of a gluten-free egg white omelet with bacon mirrors her thoughtful approach to wellness, while Caleb’s indulgence in a bacon and cheese omelet with Italian toast reflects his hearty appetite for life’s flavorful moments.

These visits are much more than dining out — they are our special moments to connect deeply. Whether it’s celebrating a milestone birthday, welcoming family into town or enjoying a spontaneous date day, each visit to Pamela’s is an opportunity to strengthen our bond and create joyful memories. The diner-like atmosphere, with its vibrant buzz and homely feel, sets the perfect stage for us to laugh, share stories and enjoy each other’s company in a meaningful way. Through these shared meals at Pamela’s, we not only nourish our bodies but also our relationship. It’s here, among the clatter of dishes and the chatter of fellow diners, that the true us — playful, connected and joyfully in sync — comes to life.

QUESTION #2: REVEAL

We’ve all got quirky proclivities and out-of-the-way interests. So, what are yours? What so-called "nonspiritual" activities do you love and help you find spiritual renewal?

Our shared passion for adventure and road trips defines much of our life together. We absolutely cherish the thrill of jumping into the car and setting out to explore new horizons. Over the years, we’ve embarked on several cross-country drives, each one a new chapter in our ongoing adventure. These trips often lead us to the national parks spread across the country, where we indulge in our love for hiking.

There’s an indescribable feeling that comes with witnessing the majesty of God’s creation, whether it’s the serene landscapes, towering mountains or the quiet beauty of a remote trail. Hiking through these natural wonders, we find not just physical exertion but also spiritual renewal. The vastness and beauty of these spaces reminds us of something greater than ourselves, grounding us and reconnecting us to our faith. Each hike, drive and new town we explore enriches our bond and rejuvenates our spirits, filling us with a sense of peace and gratitude.

These activities are more than just hobbies; they are our way of connecting with each other and with God. They remind us of the beauty of creation and the joys of exploring it together, making each journey a cherished spiritual experience. Some of our favorite places include Arches National Park, Banff Canada, Bryce Canyon, Yosemite, Maroon Bells and so many more!

QUESTION #3: CONFESS

Every superhero has a weakness. Every human, too. We're just good at faking it. But who are we kidding? We’re broken and in this thing together. So what’s your kryptonite and how do you hide it?

Indeed, every human has vulnerabilities, much like superheroes with their specific weaknesses. For us, our past experiences have been our “kryptonite,” shaping us into who we are today and guiding our mission to help others. Caleb’s kryptonite was broken dreams. Early in his life, several ambitions didn’t pan out as he hoped, leading to periods of doubt and reevaluation. Stefanie faced significant heartbreak, which brought its own deep emotional challenges and learning experiences.

Rather than hide these vulnerabilities, we’ve embraced them as integral parts of our journey. We believe in the transformative power of healing and the importance of confronting our past pain. By acknowledging and working through our struggles, we’ve found profound healing and growth. This process has not only fortified our relationship but also deepened our empathy and understanding for others facing similar trials.

Today, we leverage these experiences in our coaching, helping individuals navigate their paths to healing and fulfillment. We’ve learned that our “kryptonite” doesn’t have to weaken us forever. Instead, it can be a source of strength, a testament to human resilience and a tool to help others. In this shared human experience, we find connection, purpose and hope for restoration.

QUESTION #4: FIRE UP

Tell us about your toil. How are you investing your professional time right now? What’s your obsession? And why should it be ours?

Currently, we are deeply invested in sharing our new book, “Wholehearted Love.” This project is not just a book; it’s the culmination of our experiences, insights and wisdom we’ve garnered in our journey as Christian relationship coaches. In “Wholehearted Love,” we delve into the essence of cultivating a relationship that not only survives but thrives through spiritual and emotional intimacy.

Our current obsession lies in spreading the message that love, when rooted in faith and understanding, can be transformative. This book offers practical advice, guided by our professional backgrounds and personal experiences, to empower individuals and couples to overcome challenges and deepen their connections.

Why should this be your obsession, too? Because “Wholehearted Love” is more than a guide — it’s a journey toward healing, joy and the kind of love that we all yearn for. It addresses common struggles with clarity, providing tools for readers to build stronger, more fulfilling relationships. At a time when relationships are tested by everyday stresses and the complexities of modern life, “Wholehearted Love” offers a beacon of hope and a path to a more loving and spiritually aligned partnership with yourself, God and others.

QUESTION #5: BOOST

Cashiers, CEOs, contractors, or customer service reps, we all need grace flowing into us and back out into the world. How does the Holy Spirit invigorate your work? And how do you know it's God when it happens?

In our roles as authors and relationship coaches, the Holy Spirit is an essential source of inspiration and guidance. While writing our book, “Wholehearted Love,” we experienced profound moments of divine inspiration that shaped our work. As we penned each chapter, the Holy Spirit often brought to mind personal stories and insights that, at times, we hadn’t considered in years. These memories, sometimes deeply personal and raw, were not always easy to revisit, but we felt a clear prompting to share them.

This process of recalling and sharing our experiences was invigorated by the Holy Spirit, guiding us to be open and vulnerable in our writing. We believe that it’s through this vulnerability that our book can truly resonate with and assist others. Each time a story flowed from our hearts to the page, we knew it was God’s hand at work. The peace and certainty that accompanied these moments reassured us that we were on the right path, conveying the right message.

The Holy Spirit invigorates our work not only by bringing these stories to light but also by empowering us to channel grace back into the world through our teachings. We recognize these divine interactions by the clarity and urgency they bring — transforming our thoughts and enabling us to speak truth into the lives of others effectively. It is our hope and prayer that through our vulnerability and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, our readers find the encouragement and strength they need to foster more fulfilling relationships.

QUESTION #6: inspire

Scripture and tradition beckon us into the rich and varied actions that open our hearts to the presence of God. So spill it, which spiritual practice is workin' best for you right now?

One spiritual practice that has profoundly impacted our lives is our commitment to engaging with God’s Word every morning before we interact with anything else, including our phones. This daily habit is more than a routine; it’s a vital part of our day that sets the tone for everything that follows. By immersing ourselves in Scripture first thing in the morning, we ensure that the first truths we absorb each day are God’s truths, not the clutter and noise of the outside world.

This practice opens our hearts to the presence of God and allows his peace and wisdom to influence our thoughts and actions throughout the day. It is a sacred time where we seek guidance, gain wisdom and fortify our spirits with divine truths, enabling us to operate from a place of love and integrity. Starting our day grounded in Scripture helps us approach the world and our interactions within it with compassion, understanding and a firm foundation in our faith.

We find that this method not only enriches our personal spiritual journeys but also enhances our ability to serve and counsel others effectively. It reminds us daily of our purpose and the values we strive to embody. In a world that often demands immediate attention and reaction, choosing to prioritize our spiritual nourishment keeps us anchored in what truly matters, guiding us to lead lives that reflect God’s love and truth.

QUESTION #7: FOCUS

Our email subscribers get free ebooks featuring our favorite resources — lots of things that have truly impacted our faith lives. But you know about some really great stuff, too. What are some resources that have impacted you?

Reflecting on our faith journey, several resources have profoundly influenced our paths and reshaped our perspectives. Among these, three stand out as particularly transformative, each offering unique insights and spiritual awakenings that have deeply impacted us.

For Caleb, the book that marked a turning point was “Killing Kryptonite” by John Bevere. This book delves into the biblical story of how spiritual compromise, much like Superman’s kryptonite, can sap our spiritual strength. It challenged Caleb to confront and remove the hidden sins that hinder a vibrant relationship with God. The insights from this book not only reinvigorated his faith but also instilled a new fervor to pursue a life of holiness and power that God promises to those who live truly surrendered lives.

For Stefanie, “The Hiding Place” by Corrie Ten Boom was a game-changer. This remarkable narrative of faith amidst the horrors of the Holocaust brought a new depth to her understanding of God’s sovereignty and the power of forgiveness. It radically altered her perception of God’s presence in the midst of suffering and demonstrated the profound impact of trust and forgiveness, even under the most dire circumstances.

These books, coupled with our daily practice of engaging with Scripture, have not only changed our hearts but also radically altered our reality. They have equipped us with the courage to face challenges, the wisdom to guide others and the inspiration to continually seek God’s truth in our lives and our work. Each of these resources has been instrumental in shaping our approach to life and faith, deeply ingraining the values of resilience, grace and unwavering trust in God.

QUESTION #8: dream

God is continually stirring new things in each of us. So give us the scoop! What’s beginning to stir in you but not yet fully awakened? What can we expect from you in the future?

As we continue to walk in faith and serve our community, God is stirring a profound desire in our hearts to see marriages transformed on a global scale. We are increasingly passionate about equipping couples not only to survive the challenges of marriage but also to thrive in them, embodying the fullness and joy that God intends for marital relationships.

Our vision for the future involves deepening our commitment to this cause. We aim to provide resources, guidance and support that empower couples around the world to live wholeheartedly in their marriages. This means cultivating relationships based on trust, understanding and spiritual unity. We believe that when couples embrace these principles wholeheartedly, they can experience a transformative impact not only in their own lives but also in their communities.

In practical terms, this stirring vision is leading us to develop new materials, perhaps another book or a series of workshops and seminars, designed to reach a broader audience. We are also exploring ways to enhance our online presence to connect with couples internationally, providing them with the tools and insights needed to foster healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

Expectant and passionate about these initiatives, with the hope of igniting a movement toward stronger, more spiritually aligned marriages across the globe. Through our work, we aspire to inspire couples not only to pursue love but to live out that love in every aspect of their lives, making every interaction a reflection of their commitment and their faith.

Every human has vulnerabilities, but the Rouses have learned that the key to thriving relationships is not hiding these weaknesses but embracing them as “integral parts” of the journey. How can embracing weaknesses in marriage and family relationships be a pathway to deeper connection?  Paul quotes Jesus in 2 Corinthians 12: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Ask God to show you how he can transform your weaknesses into strength and how growing through weaknesses together, instead of hiding them from those we love, can lead to deeper relational intimacy.

Stefanie and Caleb Rouse are dynamic relationship mentors and digital creators passionately guiding singles and couples toward fulfilling and resilient relationships anchored in faith. With their master’s degrees in marriage and family therapy with an emphasis in theology (Stefanie) and in education (Caleb), they offer tailored courses, mentorship and guidance. These are all rooted in prayer, backed by training in psychology and biblical counseling, encouragement from Christ and practical strategies for love that lasts. Speaking to an engaged audience across multiple social media platforms, Stefanie and Caleb provide daily insights into the transformative power of Jesus’ love across all relationship stages. Their vision is a world where we learn to love each other out of God’s abundance of love, leading to impactful and joyous relationships.

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