While working at a recent Weekend to Remember in Charlotte, NC, I had a young woman come to me as she was wrestling with one of the projects that encourages couples to give things over to God. At one point she said, “If God is good and powerful, why does He allow bad things to happen to me and others?” I told her, among other things, that if life went along smoothly and we never encountered trouble we would not even know we have a need to be helped or to be rescued by a Savior. She thought about that for a minute and still didn’t really like the thought that she needed something other than her own strength to get through life. She was really wrestling with whether or not she believes in God, even though she didn’t come right out and say it that way. At the conclusion of the event, she and her husband came to find me and thanked me for letting her ask questions without making her feel judged. She seemed much more at peace and I hope to hear the rest of that story someday. 

This particular weekend also had special sessions for those in full time ministry - pastors and their spouses. We have special scholarship money designated to make it possible for pastors to attend and not have to worry about the registration cost. This is a particularly needed thing for those who are constantly serving and need to be encouraged to take time to work on their relationships and families. Below are a few of the top comments from those attending this weekend, including one from a pastor couple.

This getaway has reaffirmed and confirmed what we know. Life is short, and we have been put on this earth to do God’s will. We are blessed to be a blessing. We have much to offer to help other couples and families. Married 18 years 

It got us talking again and begin the process of liking each other again. This was our last effort. We have a long way to but WTR has given us the tools to begin the healing process. Married 22 years

Learning that balance in ministry is challenging and normalizing it made me feel refreshed—like maybe it’s ok to talk about that struggle with others.  Better learning how to help my husband fight off the enemy was good. Pastor couple married almost 1 year

Brandon was able not only to help with setting up, but he also got to sit in on several of the sessions during the weekend. He even asked if Angie would sit in the pre-married session with him on Saturday. There were times when couples or individuals would leave during a session and he would ask us where are they going? After the weekend was over, his take on the Weekend to Remember was that he will go before he gets married, and after he is married, again and again and again. 

From one of the pastor couples

They have challenged me to be intentional about working on our marriage and not simply coasting along.  I am grateful for this scholarship for so many reasons.  Thus far this weekend has challenged me to nurture my marriage and re-submit it to God.  It is easy to coast on what you’ve been taught when you’re in a spiritual drought. This conference has made me aware of my drought and has re-energized me to be intentional about bringing God back to the center.  So…thank you for pouring into our relationship.   

Wife married 15 years

• • • • • • Praise for a great God, Bible, Holy Spirit class and that our papers are completed.   

          • Praise for the smooth Charlotte Weekend to Remember.  My first sole event went very well and I am going to really enjoy this new role.  

          • Pray for us as we prepare to attend our Cru staff conference in Fort Collins, CO next month.

          • Praise for the Weekend to Remember we were able to attend in Plano. It was great focusing on our marriage and just being a participant during the weekend. 

Put one of these on your calendar and join us this spring at a Weekend to Remember, use our group code thebarbers to save $100. 

Weekend to Remember Getaways

• • • Delray Beach - Marriott - September 27 - 29

    • Naples - Grande Beach Resort - October 4 - 6

    • Augusta - Marriott Convention Center - Oct. 18-20

10 more events this Spring and more information at familylife.com/events.