A lifetime of love

And they both lived happily ever after… If only life were so simple! Whether you are preparing for marriage or have been married for decades, there is always something new to discover about each other. It can take a lifetime to get to know each other especially as we grow and change through life’s experiences. We may arrive starry eyed in church for our wedding but none of us know what lies ahead. Adjusting to each others habits, sharing a home together, sleepless nights with a restless baby, unexpected ill health, shift work, demanding jobs, redundancy, expectations of in-laws, and money pressures are just a few of the challenges we can face. It’s so easy for the demands of life to squeeze out time for each other, yet the strength and resilience of our relationship is so important.

Our weekends for engaged or married couples give you space away from the day-to-day pressures of life to focus on each other, to talk and dream, and to rediscover more of the love that first drew you together. Find out more about yourself, learn better ways of communicating, how to develop deeper trust and intimacy, and what God wants for your marriage. On the weekend, experienced married couples share some of their ups and downs and what they have discovered and you have space to reflect and talk in privacy about your own journey together. The weekend is free apart from a small booking fee and you have the opportunity to make a donation towards future weekends.

“God has begun something beautiful in our marriage and we will be forever grateful to you for making it possible for us to attend this incredible weekend.” C&M

“The weekend came at a much-needed time for us. We were coming out of the pandemic and the challenges that the illness of loved ones and the pressure of uncertainties caused for our families and us. The weekend enabled us to escape life and its responsibilities and focus on ourselves, our marriage, and our future. This ministry has blessed us and helped our marriage to reach a healthy 10-year milestone this year. “ X&S

“The memories of this will stay with us forever.” G&A

Roses are red, violets aren’t blue, but did you know that God loves you? Yes, that’s right! Woman, you are loved by the One who created you. Called to be a helper (Genesis 2:18) but, let’s face it, it can feel like you’re everyone’s helper except your own. God said: “Love others as yourself” (Mark 12:31). The trouble is... you put others first and neglect your own health and fitness.

The consequences can be many - including fluctuating weight, sagging skin and reduced energy levels. It can even leave your immune system less able to fight infection and disease, which is not part of His divine plan for you!

For some women, it can feel like they are just not getting any fitter. Despite visiting the gym, going walking and running after children, they simply feel they are not making any progress. They just don’t feel they have the time to fit any healthy habits into their day and even feel they are “going backwards”.

Poor health is the inevitable price of such choices. However, the good news is Jesus has already paid the price for you to ‘have an abundant life’ (John 10:10). Remember, the Bible said: ‘You are God’s temple’ (1 Corinthians 3:16).

Time to love yourself

The time has come for you to look after yourself, rather than berating yourself. This will ensure you stay looking and feeling good for years to come.

If you feel you have wandered off track; felt changes in your hormones, or even felt demotivated, stop feeling guilty! Instead, use these 15 tips to love yourself, stay on track and keep motivated:

1. Slow down or simply take a ‘pause’. Find a bathroom, close the door, take an extended ‘toilet break’ and talk to God. He is no respecter of where you speak with Him!