We want to say, "Thank You" to everyone who made a donation to MERCY on September 12 during the "Give for Good" Louisville campaign.

This ministry could not continue without loving support from people like you. You have no idea the difference your contribution will make as we continue to try to move forward.

Grace and peace,

Penny and David

Three Things

Years ago, we led a retreat at a church and when I recently saw the minister's wife, she reminded us of a technique we introduced at that event. She told us she still uses it and passes it onto others. It is simple: "Share three things that happened each day and how you felt about them."

Hope you will try it. You might like it.

Stop Acting Like a Two-Year Old

Nancy Landrum, a relationship coach, recently wrote an article called "The First Way to Stop a Fight."

As she pointed out, "Every one of us has a two-year-old within. . .you know, the part of you that when you're angry, you only want to hurt back and win at all costs."

She says, the scientific name for the two-year-old in an adult body is the limbic system, also known as the "lizard brain." The "lizard brain" is important in certain circumstances, such as when you need to make quick, instinctive, survival decisions. . .like to avoid a collision or kill an attacking animal. It just isn't the best approach in our relationships.

Landrum goes on to explain how to switch to the "Thinking Brain." If interested in reading more on this topic, click here.

Four Ways to Keep Romance Hot - by Gary Chapman

If you find yourself in a dry or distant season with your spouse, Dr. Gary Chapman offers the following tips:

• Speak your spouse's primary love language.
• Keep talking - Prolonged silence and stonewalling should never be an alternative to working towards differences being resolved.
• Keep your relationship off the back burner - Neglect is like poison to your relationship, but attention is like fertilizer.
• Find new ways to love your spouse - Find the goodness in your spouse rather than focusing on the things that frustrate or irritate you.
• Get rid of potential wedges in your relationship. Root out the things that could drive a wedge in your relationship. Could it be pride, unforgiveness, anger, negative words, or is it coming from external sources, such as negative input from others, an overbooked schedule, etc.
• And may we add, seek Christ individually and as a couple. This will do more for your marriage than all the tips in the world.

10 Reasons Why You Should Get Away Without Kids

Carlos Santiago with Family Life suggests the following reasons to get away without the kids. We're just sharing the highlights. If you would like to read the entire article, click here.

1. Your kids aren't the only ones that need attention.
2. Divorce hurts.
3. Happy Marriage = confident children.
4. It's not all about them.
5. Kids learn how to respect and obey others.
6. Kids learn that you will keep your word.
7. Less fighting.
8. Kids learn how to love their future spouse.
9. More laughing.
10. You demonstrate God's love.

Getting away without the kids is a gift to your marriage.

Upcoming Marriage Events

Art of Marriage

Thursday, September 19, 2024 -6:30 PM - Thursday, October 24, 2024 - 8:00 PM



6 Consecutive Thursday Night Couples' Study Sessions

• MERCI
• 8510 Indiana 111Memphis, IN, 47143
• To register, click here.

Virtual Marriage Enrichment Group

If you are interested in a monthly virtual marriage enrichment group, feel free to join Eddie and Sylvia Robertson with Better Marriages. The Robertson's have years of experience in marriage ministry.

Monday, Sept 23

8:15pm to 9:30pm EST

Topic: To Be Determined

Join Zoom Meeting CLICK HERE!

Meeting ID: 848 8625 8078

Passcode: 539596

Weekend to Remember - November 8 - 10, 2024

Galt House - 140 N. Fourth St.

Louisville, KY 40202​

A getaway with a goal: oneness.

No marriage is static. Each day, each choice, you’re moving closer together toward oneness … or coasting farther apart. 

At the intersection of a faith-based relationship conference and romantic marriage retreat from everyday life, Weekend to Remember helps couples do just that—choose oneness. Whether you’re sending up an SOS for marital rescue or looking to foster an already flourishing connection, Weekend to Remember is your best next step toward being, and staying, one. 

Could your Weekend to Remember be even more unforgettable? It could, if you opt to make a true getaway out of it and stay the weekend at the conference hotel.

FamilyLife’s discounted room rate at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, KY allows guests the opportunity to spend free time in getting a quick workout in, at the Club 360° Fitness Center or enjoying a meal at one of the many onsite restaurants. And don’t forget Saturday night date night, a chance for the two of you to reconnect and reflect on all you’ve learned over the weekend. (We hear Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse is perfect for a romantic dinner!)



Shape memories that fuel your marriage--and help you remember all over again.

Discounted Room Rate:

$177/night thru October 8th, as available.

Registration Price: $350/couple

$175/couple - Sale ends September 16.

Special Discounts

Group Rate: If you use our group name, MERCY you qualify for a $100 discount.

$250/couple.

Active Duty Military

Active duty with your military ID? We’ll help you protect and reconnect.

$120/couple.

Full-time Pastors & Associate Pastors

Pastoring full time (40+ hours)? This weekend’s on us. FREE

For additional information, or to register click here

Virtual Marriage Encounter

The virtual Restore, Rekindle, Renew Enrichment, “3RE,” happens completely online, with a couple or couples who will facilitate the experience for you. Each one- to two-hour Zoom session will include a video, experiential learning and private interaction with your spouse. Learn more about what happens on this multi-session, virtual date night experience.

Cost: $100 per couple.