Why A Marriage Seminar?

If you have to ask, “Why attend a marriage seminar?” – then it’s time!  

 

Marriage is a beautiful journey, but it also requires effort, understanding, and continuous growth. Whether you’re newlyweds or have been married for years, attending a marriage seminar can be a valuable investment in your relationship. Seminars are a unique opportunity for couples to learn, grow, and strengthen their bond. 

 

You might be thinking “We’re ok, we got this,” but did you know that attending a seminar could be a real game-changer for your relationship? In full honesty, there was a time when Tim and I thought we had it, that we could do it. But we weren’t prepared. It wasn’t until a bump in the road became a crater that we realized we had neglected our marriage. That difficult period in our life and relationship led us to want to help other couples to be intentional about their relationships.

The Benefits of Marriage Seminars

So, let’s explore why you should consider attending a marriage seminar and the benefits of it.

 

  1. Enhancing Communication Skills

We all know that effective communication is the foundation of a healthy and thriving marriage. Unfortunately, we aren’t taught good communication–thus we don’t have the skills. A seminar helps couples improve their communication skills through actively listening, expressing themselves honestly, and resolving conflicts peacefully. By learning these essential skills, couples can foster better understanding and connection.

 

  1. Gaining New Perspectives

A seminar is a platform for couples to gain fresh perspectives on their relationship. Time together provides valuable insights into the dynamics of a healthy relationship and inspires couples to implement positive changes in their own lives.

 

  1. Strengthening Emotional Intimacy

I think we all would agree that emotional intimacy is a vital aspect of any successful marriage. Attending a marriage seminar can help couples deepen their emotional connection by providing a safe space to explore their feelings, vulnerabilities, and desires. A deeper level of connection can lead to increased trust, understanding, and overall satisfaction in the relationship.

 

  1. Acquiring Practical Tools and Strategies

A mechanic needs tools to fix the car. A surgeon needs tools to operate. Navigating the ups and downs of married life also requires specialized tools. Attending a seminar equips couples with practical tools and strategies especially for their marriage. Through learning and implementing these tools, couples can overcome challenges more effectively and build a stronger foundation for their marriage.

 

  1. Investing in Your Relationship

A successful marriage requires investing. By dedicating time and effort to attend such an event, you are sending a clear message to your partner that you value them and prioritize your marriage. This act of commitment can reignite the spark in your relationship and demonstrate your willingness to work together towards a fulfilling and lasting partnership.

A Transformative Experience

Attending a marriage seminar can be a transformative experience for couples. It offers an opportunity to enhance communication skills, gain new perspectives, strengthen emotional intimacy, acquire practical tools, and invest in the relationship. By actively participating in these seminars, couples can nurture their bond, learn to overcome challenges, and create a thriving and fulfilling marriage. 

 

So, why wait? Consider attending the Rekindle That Loving Feeling seminar and embark on a journey of growth and connection with your partner. Your relationship deserves it!

 

Would you like more information? Get all the seminar details and reserve your spot here:


https://thejourneythrough.mvsite.app/products/courses/view/1159132

Our Very First Blow Up!

It’s true! We weren’t even married 24 hours, and wouldn’t you know it? We had our very first blow up. It left us confused and wondering what happened. You see, the day before, we were full of excitement, love, and joy. Fast forward one day, and we were barely able to look at one another. So just what was the argument about? (Wait for it…) – the wedding gifts weren’t recorded correctly. Really? We would let something so insignificant steal our joy? Rob us of our happily ever after?

Transitions

Looking back, I can see we were both tired. It had been a long couple of days with all the wedding preparation, the wedding, and then the reception immediately after. While getting married was an exciting and joyous milestone for Tim and me, we didn’t really stop to think about how stressful our wedding day would be. Or how transitioning into married life would be so challenging. 


So,

  • What happens from the excitement of the wedding to the marriage itself?  
  • What do you do when the light of that loving feeling of dating and the newness of being married begins to dim?
  • How do you respond when you see your dreams and goals for life and your happily ever after fading away?

Common Stresses That Might Cause Blow Ups

Let’s look at some of the stresses that can occur throughout the course of marriage:

 

Early Stages ~

 

  1. Overwhelm from Wedding Planning

Planning a wedding involves numerous decisions, from choosing a venue and selecting vendors to managing guest lists and coordinating timelines. The sheer number of tasks can quickly become overwhelming, leading to stress and anxiety. Friction between the couple is a real possibility, and something to be aware of during this exciting yet anxious time. 

 

Transitional Stages ~

 

  1. Financial Strain and Concerns

Weddings (and let’s be honest – life!) can be expensive. Financial strain is a common stressor for many couples. It’s not uncommon for couples to get caught up in the event and not focus on the true value of a wedding, which is the love and commitment shared between the couple. 

It is essential to discuss long-term financial dreams, goals, and concerns early in a marriage, to ensure both spouses are on the same page and on the right track!

 

  1. Adjusting to Married Life

This is no small thing! The transition from being engaged to being married can bring about a mix of difficult emotions. It’s normal to feel a sense of excitement, but also anxiety about the unknown. Plus, adjusting to living together can be a real challenge. Giving grace and allowing space for these changes is crucial to a marriage.

 

Ongoing and Ever-Changing Stages ~

 

  1. Managing Family Expectations

Family dynamics and expectations can add another layer of stress during just about any phase of marriage. Establishing boundaries and communicating your needs and desires can be difficult, but these discussions are paramount to a healthy relationship.

 

  1. Self-Care and Prioritizing Your Relationship

Amidst the chaos of wedding planning, adjusting to married life, and as the marital and family life evolve, it’s essential to prioritize self-care and your relationship. The wedding is just one day, but marriage is a lifelong journey. 

 

While I share an early argument in our married life, we’ve certainly had many more ‘learning opportunities’ through the years. I wish someone would have sat with us and shared that marriage is a lifelong journey requiring not only love, but a continued commitment to stretch, learn, and grow. I can honestly say that times would have been easier if we had put the effort into our relationship to grow together.  

 

Maybe you are at a place where you find yourself wondering what happened to that loving feeling. Or your marriage is ‘good,’ but you know there is much more in store for your relationship. 

 

No matter the stage of your marriage, we hope you will consider attending our marriage seminar, Rekindle That Loving Feeling. We would love to help you learn and grow together into the next level for your marriage. 

 

You can find all the details and reserve your spot here:

https://thejourneythrough.mvsite.app/products/courses/view/1159132

 

It would be a privilege for Tim and I to see you at our Rekindle That Loving Feeling Seminar!

 

Questions?  Feel free to email us at either diana@thejourneythrough.com or tim@thejourneythrough.com

 

Special Christmas Gifts

Looking back through the years, I remember some unique and special Christmas gifts I received. I got a stuffed monkey with a banana from my brother (I was only four!), a guitar from my mom and dad, a skirt, a shirt, and a sweater from my son, Matthew. He was three at the time and couldn’t hold a secret. After shopping, Matthew walked in with Tim and said, “I won’t tell Mommy we got her a skirt, shirt, and sweater!” I smile every time I share this memory! I fondly remember the Christmas Tim gave me the ‘journey’ necklace – and so many other precious gifts.  

How about you? Do you have memories of extra meaningful gifts you received through the years? Gifts that have made you smile or touched your heart?

Have you thought about a gift that would enhance your marriage? You can touch your spouse’s heart as they realize you value your relationship enough to make the commitment to do something for your marriage.  

A Gift for Your Marriage

Well, l would love to share with you the upcoming seminar Tim and I are preparing for you and your spouse.  

On February 17th – 18th, 2024, we are presenting Rekindle That Loving Feeling!

We will cover:

* How we lose that Loving Feeling in the first place

* Steps to regain that Loving Feeling

* Dinner and Entertainment

* Exercises to reignite and keep that Loving Feeling going!

Has Your Fire Burned Down to a Flicker?

In our marriage history, there have been times when the fire in our marriage was just a flicker. I wish I could say it was just us, but we have met so many couples you have experienced the same in their marriages. So, Tim and I felt it was essential to develop and present the Rekindle seminar to help others in the same situation know they are not alone, and restoration is possible. The slow-burning embers of your relationship can be reignited!

Of course, it doesn’t ‘just happen.’ Tim and I had to do the work, showing each other that our marriage was invaluable and reinforcing our commitment to keeping the fire burning strong in our relationship. 

How about you? Are you ready to give your spouse the best gift ever?  Send them the message of how committed you are to your marriage by joining us for the Rekindle That Loving Feeling seminar in February!

He (or she) Drives Me Crazy!

Even in the happiest, most satisfied marriages, spouses tend to have that one little thing about their partner that drives them absolutely crazy!

He doesn’t close doors behind him, leaving the unsightly pantry or closet mess in view of guests.  Her hair accessories and makeup are littered across the countertop, strewn about and leaving little room for anything else. The never-ending toilet seat battle. You know the one. And let’s not talk about her multiple pairs of shoes strung out on the closet floor along with  those tried-on-but-not-worn clothes. 

We could go on and on, couldn’t we? 

Toleration

Instead, let’s talk about tolerations. According to Vocabulary.com, toleration is ‘a disposition to tolerate or accept people or situations’ and ‘the practice of allowing or putting up with something, especially if you disagree with it.’

Toleration within marriage can be challenging, to say the least. Learning to allow and accept – even when those things might exasperate us. 

Notice that the definition above says toleration is a ‘practice.’ What does that mean exactly? It means we must exercise and flex our toleration muscles. Train it. Sometimes daily. 

If You Must Battle, Choose Wisely

For the sake of love and our marriages, it’s crucial to pick and choose which battles are worth fighting. Are those open doors, messy countertops, or toilet seats worth causing friction and arguments?

Instead, we must focus on our own mindset (toleration!) toward that behavior. And shift how we respond. 

Is he leaving his dirty laundry around the house to annoy you intentionally? Probably not. Are the dishes piling up in the sink on purpose to bother you? Doubtful. If we can understand these patterns are not about us, we can begin to accept and love our spouse where they are. 

Perhaps rather than getting stressed out, clean and organize the pantry so if (ok, when!) the door is left open, you won’t stress about guests seeing the contents. When the toilet seat is left up (again!), simply put it down, thank the Lord for your spouse – and keep going!

Toleration Is An Investment Into Your Marriage

While it takes effort, repetition, and certainly forgiveness, growing our tolerations is an investment into our marriages. When we can view our spouse through the eyes of God; wonderful and flawed, all at the same time – our marriages will blossom.

Ephesians 4:32 tells us, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

We would do well remembering this verse the next time those dirty socks are lying on the bedroom floor or her makeup is taking up your toothpaste space. 

Forgiveness and compassion. And a sprinkling of humor sure doesn’t hurt. 

Grief And Betrayal

I was touched recently while reading a daily devotion. It was one that I read daily, it is written by Bob Gass Ministry. This day was about Healing for Your Grief.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Ps 147:3 The Lord didn’t promise to protect us from pain and loss but to bring us through.

Wow, wasn’t that the truth about betrayal? The Lord never promised that my marriage would be free from betrayal, I had that expectation. So, when betrayal occurred in my marriage, I needed to trust in the Lord’s promise that he would bring me through. But did He expect me to sit and wait to do nothing? I don’t believe so; I had to take steps that would aid me in my healing. When someone has been betrayed, they need to walk through. But what exactly are they walking through? It’s the stages of grief; there has been a death: a death of a dream, a marriage and a life.

Shock and Denial

Learning of Tim’s affair, I went into shock. I was numb. And though I don’t remember much of those first few weeks, I do remember feeling like I was in a fog. I didn’t feel connected to myself or anyone else. Day after day, I felt like I was living an out-of-body experience. I did see what I was doing, but I didn’t feel connected to the body that was doing them.

Denial was a huge piece because this couldn’t be real, it couldn’t be happening to me. Surely, my husband would not have done such a thing. I just knew that Tim couldn’t have an affair. He would never be able to have an affair. No, not my husband! All denial. How long did I stay there? Who knows, at the time it seemed like eternity. Some days, I may have moved out of it, but then something would happen and I would be pulled back in.

I often operated in several stages at the same time. I would be engulfed with pain. At times, I could barely stand because the pain consumed me. From there I would move to this anger that was so deep that it I boiled out of me. It was in every space within me and would ooze out of me. I could not contain it I would go from a place of pain so deep I couldn’t get out of bed to anger so intense that, if ignited, it could burn a forest in seconds.

Moving Through Betrayal

How did I move through the pain of betrayal? Well, I had to place one foot in front of the other and move. There were certain steps I had to take to help me walk through. That is what I would like to share.

1) I turned to others for counsel and compassion. I didn’t isolate myself; instead I called one of my very good Godly friends. I needed to put others around me that would compassionately give me Godly counsel – someone I could talk with and release all that I was carrying. This act helped me to feel loved and gave me the reassurance that I was not alone. Sharing with my friend was a healing act.

D.E.A.R

2) I had to take care of myself, even when I didn’t want to. I had to apply the D.E.A.R.. acronym, Drink, Eat, Exercise and Rest. This was hard. I had a pastor and counselor who saw, within days of learning of Tim’s infidelity, who both said to me, “Diana, don’t forget to eat”. “Who cares about food?” was my thought. Truth is that we need strength and nourishment to get through.

I had to learn to eat and drink when I didn’t feel like it. I was running on empty, as sleep would evade me. My mind went 24/7 with obsessive thoughts. I had to work hard to learn to turn off the thoughts.

One way I did this was to try to replace my thoughts by moving to more pleasant thoughts or at least less hurtful thoughts. Finally, I recognized that exercise was a release and it felt good. For me I would go for walks. During my walks I could think, talk out loud and release some of the negativism that was controlling me.

Acceptance

3) I had to accept my loss. With time it became apparent that I would have to accept my loss. My husband had had an affair; he was not the loyal and faithful husband I had imagined I had. Our marriage was no longer the pure marriage I dreamed of and expected. It was time for me to accept and move beyond the past that I had could not change.

Until I had gone through the initial stages of grief my heart wasn’t prepared to walk through the final stage that would lead to the breakthrough for healing. Looking back on my healing I can see the footprints of God and how he was patiently walking me through each step. All while he was preparing me for surrendering, the final stage of healing. It was in surrendering I would accept and see hope. By surrendering to God, I could feel the assurance of my Father and I knew that I would be O.K.

Take The Steps

As I write this, I wonder how many people out there are stuck in the stages of grief and do not know how to move on. My heart acts to think of others who are living in denial, pain, anger, depression, and loneliness. I want to reach out to them all and offer them the knowledge and wisdom that there is hope, they can get through, and they too will be O.K.

So, if you are on the journey of healing from infidelity, I want to encourage you to take the steps. Place one foot in front of the other and slowly walk through the healing process. You are not alone.

If you are walking the path of recovery from betrayal, I’d like to invite you to join the private Broken and Beautiful Facebook group. We are a group of women in the same boat, with various outcomes, who help and encourage each other along the way.

“The expert in anything was once a beginner.” —Helen Hayes

The Newlywed Game. We may be dating ourselves here, but who else remembers this entertaining game show? Newly married couples played against other couples in a game of ‘who knows their spouse better.’ And it never failed; silliness and sometimes even irritation ensued as someone revealed an incorrect answer. Some couples were stellar examples of knowing their spouse intimately – and others – not so much!

Would you and your spouse pass with flying colors, or nosedive with many different answers and lots of eye-rolling involved?

Building a Stronger Marriage

Here’s what we know: learning to be a student of your spouse will build up your marriage and show your spouse how much you value them. 

The way she snuggles up next to you in bed or sleeps with socks on. The way he doesn’t like his food to touch on his dinner plate. The cute little habit of double-checking her appearance in the mirror each morning. The fun way he interacts with the kids.

While these are all great things to know about your spouse, they can go much deeper. 

How does she prefer to communicate? What really stresses him out? What things can I do or even say to lift her up when she’s having a particularly rough day? How can I make him feel respected and valued in our relationship? 

When we genuinely take the time to know our spouse, we strengthen and build up our spouse and marriage. Whether you’re in the newlywed marriage stage or about to celebrate 25 years (or more!), there’s always something new to be learned. Loving our spouses well requires intentionality and thoughtful inquiries into who they are and what makes them well – uniquely them!

Some ideas for being a straight-A student of your spouse? Try regular date nights and asking questions. They can be fun questions or questions that make it necessary to dig a bit deeper. Keep the conversation going! 

If you haven’t already, read The 5 Love Languages book together, and be sure to take the quiz so you can readily share how you both show and receive love. Of course, both are equally important to know about yourself and your spouse. 
Don’t ever stop observing, asking, and listening to your spouse. Think about A.S.K. – Always Seeking Knowledge about and from your spouse. This will make you a top-tier student, and keep you at the head of your spouse’s class!! There’s certainly no better time to start than now. And besides, nobody wants to be stuck at the novice level for long, right? So work toward becoming an expert-level student of your spouse – and watch the dividends pay off in more extraordinary love, satisfaction, and intimacy in your marriage.

Merry almost Christmas! 

It’s time to celebrate Jesus and have cherished time with family and friends. 

But what if things aren’t so merry and bright with your relationship?

We’ve developed some practical tips to help keep you focused on each other and the real reason for Christmas.

  1. Look for the ‘little things’ – and have a heart of gratitude. Even when things are stressful, focus on the small, happy things, and be grateful.
  2. Talk about the reason for the season, and share with friends and family.
  3. Pray together regularly – and make prayer a priority. 
  4. Have you made your list for Santa yet? If not, get it done as soon as possible to reduce stress. 
  5. Discuss your Christmas budget, and agree with your spouse on the amounts to be spent.
  6. Understand and accept that things (and people!) are out of your control. Remind yourself of this fact often.
  7. Mind your busyness! Remember B.U.S.Y. = is Being Under Satan’s Yoke. Slow down. We all know how very quickly time passes – why rush it with busyness?
  8. Prioritize your to-do list for the season. And stick to it!
  9. Surround yourself with friends and family who will support you and your spouse during the holidays. 
  10. Try to remember that your actions and words can hurt your spouse. Don’t let a moment’s stress cause pain for those around you. Take a breath and pause before you speak.

We pray that you can slow down and enjoy each treasured moment this Christmas season. Be intentional about showing extra love to those around you – and always remember the REAL reason for this season!

Merry Christmas, and may you find reasons to celebrate every day this Christmas season. 

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” 
Luke 2:10

Sex.

(I bet we just caught your attention!)

How do you relate to sex and intimacy in your marriage? Do you and your spouse delight in God’s beautiful plan for physical and emotional connection through sex and share on a deeper level? Or perhaps it’s viewed less as a loving and attached experience and more as a chore – attended to begrudgingly and, unfortunately – without enjoyment. 

God’s intention toward marriage and sex is evident, going all the way back to the very first book of the Bible. Genesis 2:24 (ESV) reads: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” That paints quite a clear picture regarding the inclusion of intimacy with sex. “...hold fast to his wife” and “.. they shall become one flesh.” It’s as if husband and wife, through closeness and affection, unite into one person. 

Song of Songs (or Song of Solomon) is another beautiful example of intimate and connected love, expressed physically between a husband and wife. The relationship’s vision of intimacy and physical passion leaps off the pages; it’s a sexual marriage relationship straight from the heart of God.

But – it doesn’t always turn out that way. When unresolved or painful issues step into the bedroom, intimacy can be cut off, leaving one – or both – partners feeling anything but ‘one.’ Or it may be that you grew up in a home where sex was a taboo subject; therefore thoughts were shaped around the topic of sex long before you could participate or even knew what to ask. Either way, emotional disconnect from your partner can leave much to desire in the arena of sex and intimacy, and the barriers are not always simple to overcome.

The good news is that with intentional effort, intimacy can return. Of course, it will require care, keeping God at the center, placing your spouse’s needs above your own, and seeking outside help if needed. But, it is possible to regain that intimate friendship and physical connection with your spouse. The place that is sacred to only your marriage. 

When we live out sex and intimacy according to God’s plan, we honor His marriage design. And we reap the benefits of a stronger and more connected physical and emotional relationship with our spouse.

Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled. Hebrews 13:4, (ESV)

If you’re struggling with this or any other area, in your marriage, Tim and I would love to come alongside you to coach you to a vibrant, fulfilling relationship.

Communication: a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior. That’s Merriam-Webster’s definition. So how do you define communication? Better yet:

Communication in Marriage

How is communication in your marriage?

Most counselors and coaches (including us) agree that communication is foundational to a solid marriage relationship. It’s crucial for each spouse to be able to safely express feelings about a situation or experience – whether positive or negative. Take a moment and think about the last ‘opportunity for growth’ (aka disagreement or argument!) you experienced as a couple. Did your wife believe you would acknowledge her feelings and listen to her?  Did your husband have the space to honestly air his thoughts and concerns – without judgment? 

How do we go about communicating well?

When we express ‘how that makes or made me feel’, we are learning to express our own feelings in a safe way – and in a way that will also protect our spouse from feeling attacked and rushing to the defense mode. By using this communication tool early in the conversation, doors will remain open, rather than walls being built up with ‘you’ statements. 

Scenario One looks a little like this: Husband approaches Wife with the statement, “You always …. (add your own storyline here).” Immediately, Wife feels she’s left with no choice but to defend herself. As a result, communication is shut down from the beginning, leaving no chance for healthy discussion and resolution.

Scenario Two plays out this way: Husband approaches wife Wife with the statement, “That situation made me feel this way.” Wife can now honestly communicate her feelings as well since Husband has opened the door for genuine discussion.

Building Trust

How we relate and communicate is essential to building trust. Most women want to know they are being heard and their feelings to be validated. Typically, men want to know they are valued and heard (as well). 

This rings true on a general relational level as well. Women need love (and to feel loved), and men need respect (and to feel respected). In fact, this comes straight from the Bible. Ephesians 5:33 tells us, “However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” 

It doesn’t get much more clear than that!

So, the next time an ‘opportunity’ arises, let’s take a moment and remember to safely express ourselves and allow our spouse that same chance. Keep those lines of communication freely moving, and build that strong foundation.

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone?

Ecclesiastes 4:9-11

If you find that you’re struggling with effective communication in your relationship, we would love to help.

Aristotle said, ‘Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.’ There is much truth to that statement!

In a marriage relationship, the more we understand ourselves, the better we can relate and connect with our spouse. Think about the way God built you:  your habits, traits, and quirks – all the good and the bad –  along with how and especially why you react to things the way you do. This is the key to your personal style. 

It’s also crucial to consider your past hurts and pains. What might be weighing you down and keeping you from moving forward? Or worse, what unresolved offenses have kept home in your heart, keeping you bitter and unforgiving? These, too, will shape your personal style and interactions with your spouse.

Think about your communication approach, which is vital to any relationship, especially within a marriage. And how does that fit (or not!) with your partner’s? If conflict arises in this arena, perhaps it’s time to look at both personality styles and do more profound work.

Are you on the same page with finances? Perhaps you’re the spender, and your spouse is the saver – which will undoubtedly cause friction in a marriage! What has caused you to spend – and conversely – what has caused your spouse to be the saver? Do the hard thought work and learn your patterns and habits around finances. 

When conflict arises in our home, we try to take a step back and assess. If one of us needs a moment (or maybe even a day) to process, the other allows that space. When one spouse needs a hug (personal style), the other will offer that much-needed affection, even in conflict. No, it’s not easy. But it’s worth the effort. We have learned our own, as well as each other’s personal styles. Although we are not perfect every time, we certainly strive to constantly learn of ourselves first and seek knowledge of our spouse’s unique, God-given style. 

Most of all, are you able to accept yourself for the unique individual God created you to be? He has given your personal style to only you, with all your humor, your rugged good looks or beauty and grace, your natural talents, the funny way you snort when you laugh, and your slightly hot temper (which maybe needs a little work!). All of it. When we know, understand, and accept who we are, we can then extend more grace and love when it’s needed.

Understanding our thoughts, emotions, and personal style first is crucial so we can begin to understand our partner’s viewpoint and, in turn, their needs. Learn your personal style, and pursue knowledge of your spouse’s as well. The benefit will you will see is invaluable!

Wired that Way Assessment