Marriage Ministry: Marriage Memories

By Erica Bley

Last January, my husband and I attended the FamilyLife Weekend to Remember conference. Visions of group counseling and repeating our feelings to each other were in both of our heads, but after three years of marriage, I was feeling like we could use a boost. My spousal thoughts had turned from 'I can't believe God chose this wonderful man for me' to 'If only he would just do more housework!'

The conference turned out to be an amazing weekend of sharing, growing, and coming to understand God's design for marriage in practical terms. We, in addition to about 400 other couples, listened to lectures from two dynamic Christian couples who God had obviously called to this ministry. As they shared stories from their marriages-the accidental death of a child under his mother's care; a husband's addiction to pornography; putting the finishing touches on a dream home, only for it to burn to the ground the next year-we heard the pain and incredible forgiveness of spouses, and saw the growth and commitment that sustained each marriage through Christ. If they could survive these experiences and grow closer together, surely our marriage was as richly blessed for a divine purpose created by God!

The conference reminded me that marriage is to be fulfilled in the way God commanded and intended. When I tried to run it my way, demanding earthly expectations from my husband, it didn't work. It was becoming almost like a chore itself!

The FamilyLife Weekend to Remember conference is in Baltimore again this year on February 22nd-24th and February 29th-March 2nd. Consider attending. Whether you're still madly in love or you're really struggling to stay committed, the truths presented over this weekend will surely change your relationship. Use Central's group code (13954) to receive $80 off of the registration fee (you must register 18 days in advance). Visit FamilyLife's website - www.familylife.com/weekend or email me for more information.

So, how will our marriage be remembered? I hope that one day our future children will remember it as God's marriage, as a picture of His love, sacrifice, and grace for us, lived out through their parents' union. Every marriage will leave a mark, a memory, a legacy. How do you want yours to be remembered?