Posts Tagged ‘LOVE’

Don and I had a great time a couple of weekends ago at Fort Rock’s annual Marriage Retreat.  It was rainy, cold, and even snowed before we left, but even this could not dampen the warm spirits and the cozy environment camp Fort Rock offers.  We met up with some friends, the Mashburns and the Witchers.  We all had our baby girls in tow, the youngest just 3 weeks old and the oldest 11 months.  They had a great time “hanging out” with each other.

The main speaker of the conference was S.M. Davis from Solve Family Problems Ministries.  We thoroughly enjoyed his sermons and purchased some of his tapes.  We recommend his ministry to any one who had a family, whether you think you have problems or not!The biggest thing that stood out to Don and I was the first message “Expectations Ruin Relationships”.  You don’t know how many times these last few days we have reminded ourselves or each other of that!  We have a funny idea, that somehow we are entitled to have things a certain way,  and we are entitled to NOTHING!!!  When you look at raising children or at life in general, It’s a lot easier to give your expectations to God.  Then you can praise your children for everything, they will always exceed your “lowered expectations!”  This being said, you should still have goals for them and encourage them in those directions.

  They had lots of games and activities, horseback riding, target shooting, tomahawk throwing, archery and even a zip line.  There were 3 brave souls, in our group, who rode the zip line, none of which were Don and I!  We had a little friendly competition on the firing range and then headed over to the tomahawk throwing. 

This looks easy, but it is not!  If you ever get a chance to try it you must.  We thought it rather funny that at a marriage retreat we shot guns, bows and threw tomahawks, but we had fun any way!  I don’t think our husbands have anything to worry about!!

 After archery, we very graciously, received a ride back to the camp.  I don’t know if we could have made it back up that hill in all that mud without a few muddy accidents!  We sat on the porch and anxiously awaited the arrival of special guest speakers Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar. 

 We had a lovely lamp lit dinner after they arrived, and then began the scramble to get photos with them.  We snapped a quick one on the porch before we played some games.  Good things come tho those who wait, and our group was able to talk to them for nearly 30 minutes after they spoke to the crowd.

 They were just as cordial and humble as they seem on TV.  We enjoyed talking with them and listening to their advise on bring up all those babies to magnify the Lord.  Michelle advised to take time with each child and continually offer praise.  She said that in America we have somehow lost the art of Child Training……discipline is not training.  She also said she had a heart for mothers with many little ones and reassured us that it does get easier!  Jim Bob’s advice was to have more babies!

Don and I had a great time together, and we had a great time with our friends too.  We even met a few other like-minded  families as well.  The Elmore Family is pictured below.

We are already planning to take all the kids back to Fort Rock Family camp this July, and we would highly recommend it for your family too!

Read the Witcher’s Perspective of Fort Rock.

1. Compliment on appearance. Who dosen’t like to be complimented? Men and women alike, love to be noticed by their mate.

2. Praise them in front of the others. Especially if you have children at home!!! Kids need to see and hear positive affirmation in their parents.  Don’t just praise your husband/wife in front of the kids, take time to praise them in a croud…at church…in the workplace…EVERYWHERE!

3. Have an Attitude of Thanksgiving.  Husbands and dads need to know we see how hard they’re working for us and that we’re grateful for it. Wives and Mothers only motivation (sometimes) to keep on going is a grateful child or Husband. Gratitude is a great motivator it makes women want to serve our husband and children more and it  makes a husband who will enjoy providing for his family.

4. Pray for them. God entrusts our husbands with a great responsibility as heads of the household.  As their helpmates, we can and should pray for wisdom for our man to be the leaders that God would have them be. Husbands should pray for their wifes to be encouraged in their sometimes monotonous daily tasks, and also for the children in her daily care.

5. Keep a record of wrongs rights. It is so often easier to keep ”records of wrongs.”  We should remember God’s grace towards us ” while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”  and  “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us” and we should “go and do likewise.”  After we have thrown our that old list…replace it with a “Record of Rights” and pull it our often!

A Little More Advice:

 Tone is key when speaking words of affirmation. If you speak in a condescending way, your spouse will feel dejected.  If you only affirm to get what you want out of a situation, your mate will know you are just playing games. People are often more influenced by the way in which you speak than the words you say.  Don’t just say nice things to mark them off your list.  It has to come from the heart.  Be sincere. No Nagging…No Pessimism, ALWAYS greet your mate with good news and a smile!  Your glass should always be HALF-FULL! Be Positive! Lastly, remember to always KISS GOODNIGHT!