IT’S NOT OVER - - THERE IS STILL HOPE!

A New Beginning is a turn-around weekend designed to help couples who feel stuck in an unhealthy marriage, couples who are frustrated and unhappy, and couples considering divorce.

To learn more about A New Beginning workshop, click here

His Temper May Be Fiery, But Your Criticism Is Explosive Fuel

We like Shaunti Feldhahn's advice. She is the best-selling author of eye-opening, research-based books about men, women and relationships.

Following is a letter a lady wrote about her husband. We found her answer quite interesting and enlightening.

Dear Shaunti:

My husband has an anger problem, and I don’t know how to handle it. We’ve always had “intense discussions,” but lately he’s been getting furious and walking away. Last night, we got into a fight on our way out of a restaurant, just because I told him that he shouldn’t have eaten so much, and he definitely shouldn’t have had dessert. He actually walked away and left me standing at the door! It was a good thing I had my keys in my purse or I would’ve been stranded, as well. He is like a little kid who can’t handle criticism and throws a tantrum. How do I get him to handle his anger better?

-The Only Grown-up

Here's Feldhahn's answer:

Dear Only:

I just have to ask: have you ever considered that maybe-just maybe—it isn’t only your husband who needs to handle things better?

I’m not saying you’re to blame, but you can’t just continue to sit back, cross your arms and say that your man needs some Anger Management 101, without examining why he’s getting so angry. A lot of women don’t realize that a man’s anger is often very legitimate: an outward signal of very real internal pain.

In my research, I’ve seen that anger for men is like crying for women. When we are hurt, we women often find tears leaking down our cheeks – and we want to be able to cry without being judged for the tears. In a similar way, anger is often a man’s signal of being hurt — and they don’t want to be judged, either.



What “hurts” our big, strong men? Well, underneath that outward strength they often have a soft heart and a deep need to be respected. So what hurts, usually, is the feeling that he’s being disrespected by those he most cares about. In my surveys, more than 80% of men agreed that this was the source of their anger during a fight with their wives. Above all, a man wants to measure up in her eyes. And it is excruciating when he feels that she is saying, instead, “you’re inadequate” or “you failed.” Or, even, “grow up.”

Ahem. Read More

Five Rules for Serving Your Spouse

Jimmy Evans reminds us that marriage requires a Christ-like love, which means we should love each other with the character of Jesus. Jesus was humble. Jesus sacrificed for us. Jesus came to serve. Evans says, "I am convinced that marriage has become broken in America because we are not Christ-like people."

Here are five rules he suggests for serving your spouse using the acronym SERVE.

S - Supply what your spouse needs in spite of what you need, want or understand.

E - Enjoy serving your spouse and do it with a joyful attitude.

R - Reject Scorekeeping

V - Vigilantly protect the priority of your marriage.

E - Expect to be blessed.

Evans has a lot more to say on this subject, so to read the entire article, click here

Grace Marriage

SURVIVE OR THRIVE- BLENDED FAMILY SURVIVAL WORKSHOP

All you'd like is a little peace, right? However sometimes what you get is chaos or, at best, someone is not happy.

More importantly, you want your marriage to thrive in the midst of confusing or confounding situations.

These common situations, faced by most married couples in blended families, will be addressed and solutions will be offered that can help.

Tim & Brandy Gibson will present tips from the ministry they founded "In the Blender" and drawing from their own blended marriage experience.

Friday, April 17, 6:30 - 8 pm

MERCI Barn

8510 Hwy. 111, Memphis, IN

To register click here

Good Morning Texts by Mark Gungor

Staying connected is what it’s all about in marriage. One simple way to do that is by sending a fun, sassy or romantic text message! It can go a long way to get your husband’s day off to a great start or give your wife a boost to face the tasks of her morning. It always makes us feel all warm and fuzzy when we know the one you love is thinking of you, and a good morning text is sure to put a smile on your spouse’s face. Start today and do it any day or every day!

Here's a short list to get you brainstorming ways to send your sentiments, but with some creativity and imagination, you’re sure to find multiple ways to say, “I love you and am thinking of you. Have a great day!” in your own way! And don’t forget the emojis!  😘😍💐❤😉

For a few more suggestions, click here