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March, 2025
Newsletter from the Marriage Education and Resource Center (MERCY)
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Recently, we had the privilege of visiting a swamp sanctuary, where the beauty of nature left a lasting impression on us. Among the things we encountered, one particular sight stood out: a vibrant flower blooming from what seemed to be a decaying log.
This striking image served as a reminder of God's incredible ability to transform our past, no matter how marred by sin it may be with something beautiful. We sincerely hope that you have experienced this renewal in your life. If you haven’t yet, take heart—it's not too late for a fresh start! Just as He can revive a dying marriage, turning it into a testament of love and resilience, so too can He breathe new life into our individual journeys. Remember, grace and peace are always within reach. With love and encouragement, Penny and David.
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Forgiveness Doesn't Mean. . .
Dr. Gary Chapman adapted this message from A Simple Guide for a Better Marriage by Dr. Gary Chapman and John Hinkley. It is called, Forgiveness Doesn't Mean. Here are the highlights:
- Forgiveness does not destroy our memory.
- Forgiveness does not remove all painful emotions.
- Forgiveness does not restore trust
- Forgiveness does not always lead to restoration.
If you would like to read the entire article, click here.
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13 Toxic Communication Patterns That Kill Your Love and Intimacy - by Barrie Davenport, Certified Life Coach and best-selling author.
- You talk more than listen
- You throw in "always" and "never" like grenades
- Sarcasm and snark have replaced real communication
- You shut down instead of speaking up
- You turn every argument into a blame game
- You bring up the past like it just happened yesterday
- You dismiss your spouse's feelings as "too sensitive" or too "dramatic"
- You expect mind-reading instead of using your words
- You use the silent treatment as a weapon
- You turn small disagreements into an all-or-nothing battle
- You interrupt before your spouse can finish a though
- You joke about your spouse's flaws in front of others
- You are more focused on proving a point than solving the problem
If you need help with your communication, there are mentors waiting to help you. Simply call or email MERCY - pdhud9@aol.com or (502) 939-0121. The only cost is a $35 fee for processing a report. The mentoring is free.
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Helping Wives Awaken Intimate Pleasure
Gary Thomas, a best-selling author and international speaker whose ministry brings people closer to Christ and closer to others, has an all-star panel (Dr. Julie Slattery, Debra Fileta and Beth Rose) available to discuss a crucial issue for Christian couples -- How does a woman awaken to sexual fulfillment and pleasure after years of telling herself "No"? And what can a husband do to help her achieve this fulfillment? What can the wife do for herself?
This is being approached from the perspective that the Bible's message is beautiful and clear: sexual expression is reserved for marriage. But we have not all followed that pattern, and even those who have recognize the challenges of turning on the switch after years of telling ourselves to just say no.
If you would like to hear from these experts on this subject, please click on the video below.
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We were thrilled to find out the incredible turnout of couples at the February workshop.
With the invaluable expertise of John and Lorie Weires from "Growing Your Marriage," we are delighted to announce another fantastic workshop this month that promises to deepen connections and enhance relationship satisfaction. Their engaging approach and wealth of knowledge instill a sense of trust and excitement, making it an event you won't want to miss.
We warmly invite all couples to join us and invest in their relationship.
So Happy Together - Unveiling the "secrets" to a blissful marriage
March 21, 2025
6:30 p.m.
Highpoint
424 E. Main Street
LaGrange, KY
Free
No childcare available
To register, click here.
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Blended and Blessed
April 5, 2025
Home Livestream
Cost $20
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Blended and Blessed, by FamilyLife, is a one-day live event and livestream just for stepfamily couples, dating couples with kids and those who care about blended families.
With some of today's most trusted and respected experts, Blended and Blessed
will challenge, inspire and encourage you.
Watch with a group in your home, with your spouse or as an individual on a computer/mobile device.
To register, click here.
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Atti2de - Love Buster or Love Booster
Friday, April 25, 2025
6:30 PM - 8:15 PM
MERCI Barn
8520 Indiana 111
Memphis, IN 47143
Free
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Ever thought about your attitude?
It might not be your first priority in enhancing your marriage, but intentionally fostering a positive attitude at home can create a peaceful and joyful atmosphere where most marriages flourish.
Join Bob and Carol Esham in this workshop to discover how you can transform the attitude in your home.
To register, click here.
| According to the Family Foundation, Kentucky Ranked 13th in the Nation for Strong, Enduring Families | |
Husband and Wife Retreat
April 25 - 27, 2025
Harvest Heights
Scottsville, KY
Registration Fee: $375
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"The odds of divorce for couples who have monthly date nights is 30% lower than for those who hardly go out."
Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott
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6 Comfy Date Nights - by the
Dating Divas
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If it is still a little cool to start some outdoor date nights, the Dating Divas offer you six creative and comfy date ideas to help you relax, reconnect and turn up the romance. Here are the titles:
💆♀️ Spa Date Night – Set the mood with candles & fluffy robes, and fill a basket with everything you need for a night of pampering. *Free printables included!
🏡 Relaxing Date Night – Grab your softest blankets, put on your favorite loungewear, and have a stress-free night of movies, snacks, and zero obligations. *Free printables included!
🧺 Romantic Cuddle Date – Create a cuddle kit with cozy socks, bubbly, and a sweet treat. Snuggle up and let the warmth do the rest. *Free printables included!
🍷 Indoor Picnic Date – Spread out a blanket, light some candles, and enjoy a charcuterie board or your favorite takeout—picnic-style, right in your living room. *Free printables included!
🚗 Cozy Car Date – Turn your car into a snug love nest with pillows, blankets, and fairy lights. Drive to a scenic spot, play soft tunes, and sip on something warm. *Free printables included!
💑 Massage Date – Swap relaxing massages with scented oils and slow, intentional touch. It’s the perfect way to melt away stress and turn up the intimacy. Bonus points for a relaxing playlist! *Click for sensual massage tips!
If interested, simply click on the links above.
No matter which one you choose, the goal is simple—get cozy, get close, and enjoy every snuggly second together. ❤️
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These weekend journeys provide the perfect opportunity for "Growing Your Marriage." With the busyness of life and unexpected challenges, couples often lose sight of what first brought them together.
Conflict and coexistence were not God’s design for marriage; it can be so much more. We invite you to embark on a journey with your loved one, blending biblical teachings with rest and recreation. You will have designated time during the sessions to talk intimately one-on-one with your spouse through guided, insightful activities.
As you share adventures, laughs and delicious food with your spouse we are confident you will reignite the joy of sharing life together.
Your fun filled weekend begins Friday evening and wraps up by noon on Sunday. Your registration fee includes housing, program materials, meals-snacks, recreational activities and more.
For more information and/or to register, click here.
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Pure Life Ministries Annual Conference
April 25-26, 2025
Ark Encounter
Cost: Individual - $129 per person
Livestream - $75
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Pure Life Ministries has been a pioneer in dealing with sexual addiction and its consequences for over 35 years. During that span of time thousands of people have found freedom through their counseling programs and teaching materials.
Each year they hold an annual conference. For more information, or to register for the conference, click here.
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Coupletime - Recreational Intimacy | | |
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Recreational intimacy is about what the two of you do for fun. Being intentional about recreational intimacy boosts closeness and
connection.
Do you feel overwhelmed by a busy schedule? If so, we're offering a few tips from One Extraordinary Marriage they call micro-dating. Here are a few to consider:
- When your kids are at practice, get takeout and have a picnic on the sidelines or in your car.
- Grab some coffee or an appetizer together to connect without having to order a full meal.
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Keep conversation cards* in the glove box or your purse.
- Have a micro-date with pizza and a card game after you put the kids to bed.
- Work out together.
- Spend 30 minutes in your backyard talking about your goals and dreams for the rest of the year.
- Go on a walk around the neighborhood and talk.
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Turn on a romantic playlist or your favorite song and dance together for a few minutes.
- FaceTime each other.
- Cook dinner (or another meal) together.
So why not consider some of these ideas when you are short on time.
In addition, have some discussion about recreational intimacy.
- What does recreational intimacy look like for the two of you?
- What is something you would like to do in terms of recreation?
- Look at your calendar and find those small widows of opportunities and discuss how you can plan some time together.
*MERCY offers Conversation Baskets for couples. If interested, check them out here. Half of the proceeds go to support MERCY.
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