The Art of Marriage

A few months after our first baby, Lydia, was born, Andy's parents gave us the gift of two tickets to a marriage conference through Family Life ministries.

It was so kind of them! And yet, I distinctly remember thinking, "I only wish I could give the tickets to a couple who is in greater need than

us."

We had been married five years and were blessed with a very healthy, strong, loving marriage. We now had our Lydia, and our little family felt healthier than ever. I knew I'd enjoy the break from parenting for the day, but I truly didn't think we really needed the conference. Wasn't it only for strained and troubled marriages???

My misconceptions were shattered and blown out of the water, and it's why Andy and I continue to be such huge advocates of deliberately and proactively caring for our marriage and encouraging others to do the same. What we found at the conference was that we DID need this! At times, we looked at each other in awe, wondering how the speakers had managed to spy on our lives before they prepared for the conference. We laughed, we learned, we cried. Our already healthy marriage was strengthened, and there's no doubt we left with more tools in our belt for the day rocky times would hit. They always do, none of us are immune.

We take care of our family. We keep our cars tuned up. We give to church, little league, school, our jobs, and on and on and on...... Even with our best attempts, our marriages so often are neglected and we're in reactive mode...tackling problems as they occur and not preventing them with care.

There isn't a single couple out there who would not benefit from this weekend. Whether you're engaged, newlywed, at the seven-year-itch, or

are stacking decades in the bank. We ALL need to spend one weekend minimum each year, focused on the mate God has matched us with. THIS weekend is just that. You share only with your spouse; never are you asked to share with the larger group. It's about you, your spouse, and the one who created you.

Make this weekend a priority! Sign up before the seats are filled and join us! Andy and I will be there, learning more! It's not just for you, it's for your kids, and their kids, and their kids.....

You can simply send an email to firstchurchoffice@sbcglobal.net, or look for a sign-up in your bulletin at church. $50 can be paid to Eato

n First Church of God at anytime. There's no greater investment!