wrapping it up

i've been taking the opportunity in my blog to review the notes i gathered from the familylife weekend to remember. it has been important for me to take a second look at what i learned and actually put it in writing so i have a better handle it. i also had such a burden to share what i learned with other women because it was so beneficial to me. i knew that others would benefit from it as well. so today i'm going to wrap up the last two topics. "how marriages thrive" and "leaving a legacy".

i think almost everyone who is married desires to have a marriage that thrives. barnett brickner stated, "Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate but through being the right mate." i think he got that one right! in the end we are responsible only for our actions, behaviors, words...we are not responsible for what our mate does or does not do.

essential #1 extravagant love: it is exclusive (one person has your heart for a lifetime), it is expressed (it is repeated often through words and actions), it is extraordinary (it places your spouse's needs above your own)
extravagant love is a choice not a feeling.

essential #2 generous forgiveness: it is offered quickly, applied freely, and expressed graciously

essential #3 enthusiastic encouragement: openly affirms your spouse, avoids critical words, maintains a positive attitude, even in hard times

after we were challenged to have a thriving marriage we were asked the question, "what kind of legacy will you leave?"

i think all of us want to leave a positive legacy that is passed down from generation to generation. but how do we accomplish that? it seems like a daunting task.

hebrews 13:16 says, "do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."

we are to be examples in our every day life...doing good and sharing...making sacrifices.

we need to preach a silent sermon...our actions speak louder than words.

we need to rejoice in our progress rather in perfection.

we need to put on the full armour of God as a family.

what is a priority for your family?

this video was played at the end of the session and it spoke volumes to my heart. i hope it challenges you to think about who you want to be. what you want your family to be? what kind of legacy will you leave?