The date of the devotion was January 2, 2025. "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." - Psalm 51:12 (NIV).

The devotion went on to talk about how this individual had chosen a word for this year. Her word was glory. For the past couple of years, I (Penny) have asked the Lord to give me a word. The word the Lord revealed to me this year was inspire.

I thought that is kind of a strange word. And what does that really look like in practical terms?

I looked up Bible verses about influencing others. I found 30 powerful Bible verses about influencing others. They were categorized under the following headings:

• The Power of Words
• Leading by Example
• Encouragement and Support
• Influence as Salt and Light
• Being a Positive Influence in the community and
• Sharing the gospel

We want to be able to inspire hope, grace and encouragement that reflects the heart of Jesus in 2025.

Do you have a word the Lord has revealed to you?

Grace and peace,

Penny and David

Are you and your spouse struggling to get on the same page about sex? You're not alone - nearly 80% of couples face mismatched desires, confusion, or frustration when it comes to intimacy.

That is why Jay and Laura Laffoon,

sometimes called, marriage

edu-tainers (a mix of education and entertainment) who care deeply about marriages, is offering the following podcast. It is an eye-opening episode featuring relationship researcher Shaunti Feldhahn and renowned sex therapist Dr. Michael Sytsma. They'll uncover 8 simple, transformational factors that will help couples better understand one another and build the marriage they desire.

To listen, click here.

According to the most recent American Family Survey:

• 54% do not agree that society is better off when people are married.
• 48% do not agree that marriage is needed to create stronger families
• 46% do not agree that marriage makes families and children better off financially

XO Marriage, a Christian marriage ministry, recently shared this video on "The Current State of Marriage in America." We'd encourage you to listen to what two in five young adults think about marriage. This is alarming.

XO is working on how to change this dynamic and rewrite the narrative of marriage.

10 Marriage Tips from Divorced Women & 10 From Divorced Men

Story by Farva Syed 

We've all heard the phrase "Hindsight is 20/20" which simply means looking back at a situation or an event and having a clearer understanding of how things could have been done differently for a better outcome. Therefore, we thought you might like to hear some tips from divorced women and men detailing pitfalls one can avoid to possibly save their marriage.

Women's Tips:

• Stop Blaming
• Give Them Space
• Communicate Regularly
• Prepare for Conflict
• Question Yourself
• Seek Counsel
• Be physical
• Treat them like a man

Men's Tips:

• Leave work at the office
• Always see the best
• Make the most of everyday
• Practice forgiveness
• Talk about Money
• Make Time
• Be Vulnerable
• Don't Put them Down
• Embrace the Past
• Choose Love

Upcoming Marriage Events

We're sending out this month's newsletter a little early as we want you to be able to take advantage of all the special events planned for February.

Tuesdays, February 4, 2025 - 6:00 PM - Tuesdays,

April 1, 2025 - 8:00 PM

MERCI Barn

8510 Indiana 111,

Memphis, IN 47143

When debt isn't in your way, you can comfortably live life. And here's the great news: You can achieve it with the right plan. That's exactly what you'll discover in Financial Peace. MERCI Indiana invites you for 9 Tuesday sessions where you will learn how to have financial peace.

Cost: *Only one sign up per couple is necessary*

Only $60 for the First 10 to sign up!

($100 per household after first 10 sign-ups)

For more information, click here.

Valentine Date Night

Saturday, February 8, 2025

6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

MERCI

8510 Indiana 111

Memphis, TN

Join the folks at MERCI Indiana for a night of dinner, games, laughter and practical marriage tips.

Cost: $50 per couple

Don't miss out on this memorable evening.

For more information, or to register, click here

Marriage Week Live Streams

Get ready for powerful livestreams each night of National Marriage Week -

"8 Essentials of a Lasting Love" with some amazing marriage experts.

Each night's discussion will be a different topic:

• Family Roots Impact Your Marriage
• Building Togetherness While Honoring Individuality
• Becoming Parents
• Coping with Crisis and Adversity
• Making a Safe Place for Conflict
• Intimacy in Marriage
• Keeping the Fun Alive
• Nurturing Emotions and Romance

We want to encourage you to tune in to these live stream messages.

Let National Marriage Week know you want to attend by clicking the button for each night that interests you. By doing so, you will receive not only the live link prior to the event, but bonus resources after the event, as well as a rewatch link in case you end up missing it.

All livestreams will be at 7:00 CST via our Youtube Channel. A special viewing link will be sent to you before the event.

For more information, click here.

88.5 WJIE Sweetheart Dinner with Tasha Layton

Friday, February 14, 2025

Galt House Hotel,

140 North Fourth Street

Louisville, KY 40202

Get ready for an unforgettable night filled with great music, delicious food, and wonderful company with Tasha Layton. This in-person event is the perfect way to celebrate love and music with your sweetheart.

Cost: Tickets for 2 - $220 + $16.60 fee.

For more information or to register, click here.

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