May 2016 Prayer Letter

 

Check out this new book from FamilyLife

 

Barbara & Dennis Rainey, the co-founders of FamilyLife have been married over forty years. Barbara’s new book, Letters to my Daughters: the Art of Being a Wife speaks from those many years of marriage. She is very candid in sharing their struggles, disappointments, mistakes, and tells how and why their love and joy has endured through the years. This is a great resource for any married couple.

Here is a description of the book:

Marriage is a complex work of art, and the callings of husband and wife are important individually but must work in harmony to create a beautiful whole greater than the sum of its parts. Throughout this lovely, gift-worthy book, Barbara uses the arts--painting, dancing, gardening, etc.--to reveal this truth in a wise, insightful, and visually captivating way.

If you would like to have this book, please let us know. We would be happy to send it to you at no charge. It is one way we can encourage you and come along side of you just have you have done for us. We so appreciate your prayers and financial support! Perhaps there is another book you would like that you see on our website:  shopfamilylife.com  Please let us know. Again, we would love to send it to you at no cost to you.

Happy Mother’s Day!

           We wish all you moms a wonderful mother’s day. For all the sacrifices you make for your family remember they have not gone unseen. The Lord sees and knows each and every effort you make for others. This side of heaven there may seem little acknowledgement, but it does not go unnoticed by our Heavenly Father!

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Only God Himself fully appreciates the influence of a Christian mother in the molding of character in her children.

Billy Graham

April 2016 Prayer Letter

Update from our first Weekend to Remember

              It is always good to get the first Weekend to Remember event completed. It is surprising how “rusty” we get being off for a few months. As each season begins there are always new processes, products, responsibilities. Fortunately there is a great team of people back in Little Rock that does its best to help us be successful working the events.

Of course the most glorious thing is that in spite of our mistakes, problems, and issues, God still works in a mighty way! How awesome it is to join Him where He is working. The first event in Rockwall (a suburb of Dallas) was no exception. We had 514 in attendance. There were 22 salvations.

Here is a snippet of how He worked in the lives of the unsaved, pastors, and military:

 Couple, Married 12 years

We registered last minute because we were looking for one last tool to see if something or anything could help our struggling marriage. We came broken, having hit rock bottom and hoping that maybe this could help. We entered as two separate people fighting about everything, and have left as a couple, who have for the first time in 12 years of marriage truly understanding oneness and how God has a plan for building happiness, love, and a lasting marriage! Thank you! You have saved our marriage! Wife, Marital Health 2 to 8 (but working to a 10), Salvation

Saved us!! We were headed the wrong way! Made the u-turn!!! Thanks! Husband, Marital Health 2 to 8, Salvation

Pastor Couple, Married 36 years

Good to get away and spend this time to invest in ourselves. We’re always giving ourselves away into others’ lives. A great re-charge! Husband, Marital Health 10 to 10

Reiterate how to be a godly wife and support to my husband, as well as help other young wives and mothers in this journey. This is our 6th WTR (we think). The first one we attended was in 1990. We also have paid the way for both our children after they married because of the difference it made in our lives. Wife, Marital Health 10 to 10

Military

I just returned from a deployment, and my wife tells me she signed us up to attend this getaway. I was upset because I had planned on filing for divorce the following week. (She was not aware of this.) The love letter exercise put me in a vulnerable position where I needed to be honest about my feelings. My wall came down, and I broke down emotionally. My wife accepted my feelings and actually listened openly. We received an amazing breakthrough and we are now on the path of healing. God used this getaway to save our marriage! Husband, Married 22 years, Marital Health 1 to 10 

Another Thought on Prayer

              Yes my friend and I are still working our way through Paul Miller’s book: The Praying Life. In it he reminds me that “praying with God should be just like having dinner with an old friend; you love being with Him, you don’t have an agenda, and you can talk about anything.” I hope that thought encourages you in your prayer life. It certainly has encouraged me. Instead of seeing time in prayer as drudgery I look forward to time to connect with my dear friend.

Dallas (Rockwall) Weekend to Remember

Top Ten Comments
Dallas (Rockwall) March 4-6, 2016
Attendance: 513
Salvation: 22
Holy Spirit: 114
Recommitment: 104
 

We registered last minute because we were looking for one last tool to see if something or
anything could help our struggling marriage. We came broken, having hit rock bottom and
hoping that maybe this could help. We entered as two separate people fighting about
everything, and have left as a couple, who have for the first time in 12 years of marriage truly
understanding oneness and how God has a plan for building happiness, love, and a lasting
marriage! Thank you! You have saved our marriage! Wife, Marital Health 2 to 8 (but working to
a 10), Salvation

Saved us!! We were headed the wrong way! Made the u-turn!!! Thanks! Husband, 2 to 8,
Salvation

I thought I loved my wife. After this weekend, I learned to love my wife like I never have
before. I will cherish the gift my Heavenly Father graciously gave me - perhaps undeserving of
such a blessing of a gift as her. Now, I can feel my rough edges smoothing to be a refined Man
of God. Husband, Married 6 weeks, 2 to 10, Salvation

We’ve decided to put our treasure where our heart is, which is fighting for families. So we
purchased Gift Certificates for three couples to attend a future WTR. We don’t know who they
are yet, but know that God will provide. Through this, our desire is that all families will invest in
their marriages and fight for godly marriages. Husband, Married 13 years, 8 to 9

This is our fifth conference and each time we come, we peel back another layer and go deeper
than before. It’s not only a refresher, it’s an opportunity that always challenges us to reach for
the 10s and not settle for the 7s, 8s, & 9s. Wife, Married 28 years, 8 to 9

After being married 16 years and having 7 children, it was so helpful to get away and hear God’s
intent and purpose for our marriage (and parenting) as we had lost our priorities and we were
able to focus on us and where we want to be as man and wife. Wife, Married 16 years, 8 to 9
Couple, Married 3 years:

We became very close this weekend and for the first time in a while I couldn’t keep my hands
off him! Thank you FamilyLife! Wife, 4 to 9
It has impacted me massively! I have not only discovered things about her, but about myself as
well. Thank you so much for all you do! Husband, 5 to 9

It caused us to be forced to discuss some things we have been avoiding. It helped us remember that we do actually enjoy spending time together. To finally completely surrender my whole self and my marriage and family to God! I can’t do it by myself and frankly I need to quit getting in God’s way. Wife, Married 8 years, 3 to 6
Couple, Married 2 years:

My wife and I were not doing well at all prior to attending this Weekend to Remember. In fact, we were separated and felt like a divorce was inevitable and our only option. After this weekend we both have hope, and divorce is NOT an option anymore! Husband, 4 to 8, Salvation
Prior to this weekend getaway, my husband and I were planning to divorce this September after being separated for a year with a minor child. (LA state law). After this getaway, we now have hope, and understand the changes that we need to make in ourselves and in our relationship. Wife, 3 to 8, Salvation

Pastor Couple, Married 36 years
Good to get away and spend this time to invest in ourselves. We’re always giving ourselves away into others’ lives. A great re-charge! Husband, 10 to 10

Reiterate how to be a godly wife and support to my husband, as well as help other young wives and mothers in this journey. This is our 6th WTR (we think). The first one we attended was in 1990. We also have paid the way for both our children after they married because of the difference it made in our lives. Wife, 10 to 10

I just returned from a deployment, and my wife tells me she signed us up to attend this getaway. I was upset because I had planned on filing for divorce the following week. (She was not aware of this.) The love letter exercise put me in a vulnerable position where I needed to be honest about my feelings. My wall came down, and I broke down emotionally. My wife accepted my feelings and actually listened openly. We received an amazing breakthrough and we are now on the path of healing. God used this getaway to save our marriage! Husband, Married 22 years, 1 to 10

March 2016 Prayer Letter

             Wow– a lot of ministry was done and a lot of lives were changed! What a privilege to be a part of the sixth Love Like You Mean It Cruise. Here are just a few of the comments we received following the event:

· MOST wonderful event in my 40-year LIFE!  360 days is too long of a wait for the next LLYMI cruise!! (Married 16 years)

· This cruise is unlike any other marriage event.  This is our 5^th LLYMI, and our marriage gets better and better because of the purposeful teaching provided to us.  We just HAVE to keep coming. (Married 14 years)

· The cruise was very relaxing…the sessions were life-changing…the information was profound! (Married 6 years)

· This helped reconcile us, and gave us a giant leap in our communication.  It broke down the walls between us and gave us hope and confidence to renew our marriage.  I hope God will use us to bless other couples.  Thank you – Thank you – Thank you for all you do!!! (Married 27 years)

· We almost cancelled out of this cruise since our marriage was in such pain and division. It took us 2-3 days after leaving frozen home to thaw some of the conflict & hurt to the point of loving conversation.  The teaching sessions with real, authentic struggles dealt with by the speakers brought hope, healing, and renewal.  We are on the path of renewal, getting “on mission” and rebuilding – even after 33 years.  Thank you for this warm and wonderful ministry.  (Married 33 years)

· Thank you – thank you – thank you for an excellent over the top experience.  This intimate time with God has allowed for us to have an intimate time with each other.  Our good marriage is great and now we pray God will use us to bring other marriages closer through Him. (Married 22 Years)

·  

San Antonio, Weekend to Remember

San Antonio Top Ten Comments
November 20-22, 2015
Attendance: 811

Salvation: 49
Holy Spirit: 143
Recommitment: 82

I was so discouraged after 22 years of marriage – and nothing has changed. In all our faith and work in ministry – now living in two different cities, not doing ministry, living now as a single mom with three kids still at home. I was done. I was tempted so severely in September to file for divorce. In desperation we began to pray over the phone the “Oneness Prayers.” I could hardly do it, realizing all the topics that came up – more not happening in our marriage - and I would hang up and cry, sobbing to the Lord. I basically said either we get counseling and do this WTR, or I’m done. He, months earlier, had felt the same way, but had heard from the Lord. He was to stay. During the Pastor Session, God recommitted our hearts to the clear calling we BOTH received 22 years ago, and to each other. Thank you. We will continue to seek healing. We will be funding a couple annually and prayerfully. Former Pastor’s Wife, Married 22 years, Marital Health 2 to 8

If my marriage were a baby…
The baby is well-fed!!  Thank you very much. Military Wife, Married 9 years, Marital Health 8 to 10.

We have been involved over the years in this ministry and volunteered. This is our 5th one for ourselves. We have done The Art of Marriage video in our church. Each time we come we are at a higher level in our relationship and we always benefit even if the material is the same. We have learned how important it is to keep rekindling the fire! My husband couldn’t wait to write the love letter, and it was so good! We share with many people about this ministry regularly. Group Coordinator, Wife, Blended Family, Married 21 years, Marital Health 9 to 9

Amazing. Mind-blowing. Great start for the remaining 2015 and a new 2016 beginning. Wife, Marital Health 7 to 9

We cried together, we laughed together, we prayed together, and we cried some more. This weekend was about understanding oneness with God and my husband. “God gave me a wonderful gift of salvation and a husband,” which I will cherish. Wife, Married 17 years, Marital Health 5 to 8

This is our second time to attend. The first time was six years ago, and it was the BEST thing we ever did for our marriage. We are here this weekend for a ‘tune-up.’ It’s good to refocus on each other. Wife, Married 26 years, Marital Health 6 to 8

We’re talking! Talking about goals, desires, important things. I loved the direct way topics were addressed, the resources were made available, and God’s plan for marriage and sex was revealed. Wife, Married 31 years, Marital Health 8 to 10

This weekend has taught me what it truly takes to be a successful man, husband, and father. I’ve learned in less than 72 hours what 31 years of life couldn’t teach me. Thank you! Husband, Married 7 years, Marital Health 5 to 7

It showed me that I need to step aside in my marriage and let God be center. I need to respect my husband and love and trust him so that our marriage can be functional and healthy. Wife, Married 8 months, Marital Health 7 to 9

We came here as individuals who had deeply scarred one another – me more than her. We both wanted to do better, but couldn’t figure out how. After this conference we are both equipped to LOVE each other through all our circumstances and use Jesus as our guiding light. Husband, Married 16 years, Marital Health 3 to 7 and growing, Salvation

Dallas (Las Colinas) Weekend to Remember

Dallas (Las Colinas) Top Ten Comments
November 13-15, 2015
Attendance: 630
Salvation: 31
Holy Spirit: 137
Recommitment: 150

Helped us understand our roles and encouraged us to pray more. When I first signed us up, we were in crisis. We twice cancelled this conference, and our marriage nearly ended last summer. God turned our marriage around. We rescheduled the seminar, and it gave us something to look forward to as our marriage began to heal. I am working with friends now who are also in crisis. I will recommend this conference to them. Wife, Marital Health 9 to 10, Married 21 years, Salvation

Outstanding spiritual connection. As a US Navy sailor, I greatly appreciate the outstanding opportunity and spiritual preparation this conference granted to my wife and I. Thank you so much!!! Husband, Marital Health 9 to 10, Married 1 year

We filed for divorce last month. We are going to dismiss the proceedings tomorrow. Husband, Marital Health 1 to 6, Married 13 years

It was like standing in front of a mirror…with the lights on. No place to hide. Husband, Marital Health 4 to 6, Married 29 years

We hadn’t been to a WTR for approximately 18 years. Being empty-nesters now the sessions that impacted me were far different than when we had preschoolers and school-age children. What is profound to me is knowing the foundation that was laid early in our marriage by attending WTR has been paramount in giving us the tools to face with faith and hope the trials and tragedies our marriage has encountered over the years. Wife, Marital Health 10 to 10, Married 31 years

It opened my eyes to the reality of my contribution to a declining, dysfunctional marriage, and provided the tools to achieving a loving, unified marriage the way God intended and designed…All I had to do was get out of the way. Wife, Marital Health 2 to 8, Married 7 months

After 30 years of marriage instead of celebrating our anniversary, we were separating. This weekend has helped us reprioritize our lives and our marriage. We have committed to starting anew, and tomorrow we can actually celebrate our 30th anniversary. Thank you for giving us the tools to rebuild. Wife, Marital Health 1 to 7, Married 30 years

This was a last ditch effort to save our marriage. I came feeling like there was a 20% chance that our marriage could be salvaged. Dealing with the betrayal of an affair, I felt that little could be done, even though I know that through Christ all things are possible. I am blown away by the impact that this conference has made on my spouse and myself. I am hopeful that trust can be restored and I am able to truly forgive. Though it’s not at 100%, I now feel like we have an 80% chance of restoration. I am hopeful that it will continue to increase. Wife, Marital Health 1 to 7, Married 14 years

It was a great time to reconnect and recharge and evaluate our marriage. It gave us insights to help us make a good marriage better. The session on manhood was a really helpful corrective to a culture devoid of biblical manhood. Husband, Married 10 years, Marital Health 9 to 9, Pastor

We have been struggling in our marriage for years, not honoring each other the way God wants us to. But God has been working on our hearts, and this weekend has sealed the kiss. We have been filled with Biblical truth of how to have an awesome marriage that honors our Lord. Wife, Marital Health 5 to 8. My wife and I have been married for 19 years. We’ve been through many challenges. All the problems from the last 19 years were baggage and thorns in our life, and were culminating over the past few months, and not in a good direction. This weekend has been amazing, and our love and appreciation for each other has been renewed. We are so excited to love each other every remaining day of our lives, the way God intended. Thank you! Husband, Marital Health 3 to 9, Married 19 years, Military