Marriage is a joy, but it takes work to have a truly Christian home.  The “oneness” which Jesus intended between a husband and wife must be guarded every day.  I am very grateful that Tammy and I had the privilege of growing up in godly homes.  Both of our parents modeled Calvary love.  We were blessed to have good examples.

Fifteen years ago we were married. (Friday the 13th of June to be exact!  Not just bad things happen on that day.)  Watching a good marriage and working to have a good marriage are two different things.  Very quickly we learned that it would take both of us yielding to Christ and submitting to one another’s needs to have a truly Christian home.

She has been a much better wife than I have been a husband.  No marriage is perfect, and there is always room to grown.  But we are grateful for every helpful resource and relationship that God has allowed to cross our path.

One of the blessings through the years has been the opportunity to attend a marriage retreat.  The time away, with one another, with the Lord (and without the kids) has been a special encouragement.  Pastor Sexton has given a number of helpful messages on marriage and written a wonderful book on the Christian home.  (These and other resources may be found at faithforthefamily.com.)

Pastor and Mrs. Sexton host the annual Faith for the Family Couples’ Retreat in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.  Married couples from all over the country attend.  There is plenty of time to enjoy the Smoky Mountains and several powerful sessions on marriage.  I would like to encourage you to join us this year.

The retreat will be held Thursday – Saturday, February 28 – March 2, 2013 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.  For more information or to register you may call 1.877.MY CROWN or by clicking http://faithforthefamily.com/events/couples-retreat-2013/.

I thank God for my wonderful wife and we are excited about this year’s retreat.  You will be glad you came.  Tammy and I hope to see you there.