And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another…
– Hebrews 10:24-25
Greetings!
Another weekend is Rapidly approaching, and hence it is time for our weekly message – lest everyone thinks there is nothing to do over the next 4 days…. 😉
During our first hour this past Monday we completed the discussion of Topic 1: Building A Climate of Respect, including a quick review of the skill of using “Personal I Statements.” Note how this exercise fits in with “The Couples Bill of Rights” – and particularly Items 3 – 8. (Additional copies of the “Bill of Rights for Married Couples” and “Personal I Statements” may be picked up in class.)
Tony & Linda kicked off Topic 2 – Responsibility and the Blame Game during the 2nd hour on Monday, looking at how we can be Out of Balance by being either UNDER- OR OVER -Responsible. This topic also dives deeper into using “I Statements,” as well as examining both “Enabling” and “The Blame Game” – and offering up some solutions for each.
Notes for Monday, January 26:
1) For our first hour this Monday, Tony & Linda will wrap up their talk on Topic 2: “Responsibility & The Blame Game.”
If you have not already done so, remember (naturally…) to take the time before class to PONDER the “Questions to Ponder” on Worksheet #2.
Do you tend toward being Over- or Under- Responsible? Have you caught yourself using the “Accusing You” – ??
And then, of course, consider the “Suggested Goals” on the Worksheet, pick YOUR Goal – and write it down (if not done in class this past Monday!) – and decide what Practical Plans you can lay out to implement it! (Copies of the Worksheet and Notes for Topic 2 are attached.)
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
– 1 Peter 5:8-9
2) For our 2nd hour this Monday, Doug & Michele will begin the lesson on Topic 3: “Understanding Expectations.”
This topic is packed with insightful information, which can lead to much greater understanding of not only Ourselves, but also our Spouses (as well as other important people in our lives!). Understanding and Managing Expectations is one of the foundational concepts in most marriage studies – and failing to get a handle on this subject is a common source of marital discord.
As the newest members of the MarriageBuilders Team, Doug & Michele bring a fresh set of perspectives – to say nothing of fresh voices! – to our study. We are blessed to have them join us, and hope everyone will give them a Warm Welcome when they take the lead on Monday evening!
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. – Proverbs 27:17
Finally, as discussed last Monday, a women’s weekend retreat is coming up at the end of January (Jan 30 – Feb 1).
“The Great Exchange Weekend” is an “Experiential Healing Weekend for Women,” and the upcoming event is the first of 3 scheduled for 2015.
For additional information, or to register, visit www.lifecarechristiancenter.org, or speak with Marilyn on Monday evening.
(A copy of The Great Exchange Weekend flyer is also attached.)
Take care on your drive in Monday evening. And remember Tony’s discussion during our first meeting concerning how readily the devil will throw Obstacles into our path whenever we begin to work for our Faith.
We pray that you are have had a Wonderful Week, & look forward to seeing everyone on Monday!
Go with God –
Reid & Marilyn Kistler; Tony & Linda DeFelice; Doug & Michele Koser
Tony & Linda: tdefelicejr@aol.com
Doug: dbk65@msn.com
Michele: m.koser@sbcglobal.net
Reid & Marilyn: kistler96@gmail.com
Marilyn: mgkistler@gmail.com
Reid: rdkistler@gmail.com
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. ….
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
– 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; 12-13
Attachments
Topic #2 – Responsibility Notes
Worksheet #2
Great Exchange Weekend 2015
