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Earlier this year, we set a goal to attend one marriage conference or retreat each year. In 7 1/2 years of marriage we’ve read a few marriage books, listened to a lot of marriage podcasts and have heard a couple sermon series on marriage but had never attended a marriage conference.
We got a chance to attend our first one this past weekend and it was such a blessing! Today I want to share 5 nuggets from my notes to hopefully accomplish two things:
- to encourage you in your marriage – these truths apply to every stage and situation in marriage
- to motivate you to seek out and attend a conference with your husband!
The dysfunction found in our churches (and I would add, in the rest of society) originates in and reflects the dysfunction found in our homes. (I have talked about this topic here, too!)
What God expects from us, He gives us in Jesus.
We should strive to be gospel husbands and wives. If I apply Romans 5:8 to my marriage and treat my husband the way the gospel treats me, I must forgive him before he even realizes he’s wronged me. I must give him the benefit of the doubt even after he’s failed me.
There are no “off days” in marriage. I have to work hard every day.
My personal holiness is the best gift I can give to my husband.
Marriage retreats and conferences can be expensive, and I think that’s one of the main things that’s kept us away from them. We were grateful to find one locally that was extremely affordable – and it showed us the value of investing in these times!
Until you’re able to get one of these on your calendar, here’s something you can do for your marriage today that will make a huge difference (at least it has for me!). Start reading a chapter of Proverbs every day. The wisdom in that book has transformed my life and continues to stop me in my tracks when I’m tempted to be a contentious wife!
Have you been to a really helpful marriage retreat or conference? I would love to hear about it!
Come Home For Comfort 
Great tip about about never having a day off from marriage. It’s definitely something to work on daily and a good reminder that every day is a chance to invest in your marriage. Thanks for that reminder. Our church is doing a marriage study in June and I’m looking forward to it.
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It’s so easy to forget – or to let marriage just run on auto pilot. I’m so guilty of that! Hope you all enjoy your marriage study next month!
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Wendy, I am always amazed at how someone your (young) age has become so wise so early.
We attended some marriage classes at our Church a few years back. They were wonderful classes but oh how soon we forgot all the things we learned. We worked at the changes we needed to make but only for a short while. I loved your statement…… “There are no āoff daysā in marriage. I have to work hard every day.”
I bought the “The Extraordinary Woman” book a couple of years ago. Your mom had a few devotions and wise words to say in there. I enjoyed it very much. I probably need to get it out again.
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I was really thankful to learn from the wise couple we were the speakers, that’s for sure. š Definitely pull that book out and refresh your heart and mind with those truths. š
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How wonderful you both had a great retreat! We went to one several years ago and it as the worse ever! It was very uncomfortable writing all thru the booklet and sharing in groups. The leaders insisted you do the workbook and share. I cried, my husband told me to just go with it which led to an argument that didnāt help us display the marriage we would desire others to see in us. Not a pretty weekend!
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I’m so sorry you had a rough experience, Diana! We were in a marriage Sunday School class right after we were married that did more harm than good for us. They aren’t always gems which is why I was extra thankful for this one! š
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