Thoughts on the Focus on Marriage Simulcast
I enjoyed speakers from Saturday’s Focus on Marriage Conference. Here are a few random thoughts shared by the presenters. I would love your responses.
Beth Moore’s comment on expectations in marriage: “Good is good.” This phrase has been ringing in my head all day. Sometimes we are looking for our mates to give us only what God can give, resulting in discontentment and the attitude that my marriage is not ”great.” This discontentment keeps us from seeing not only just how good marriage really is, but also how wonderful our spouse really is. Maybe unrealistic expectations have a blinding effect on us.
Gary Thomas’ depth of insight into marriage was clearly evident as he reminded us of how temporary the romance stage of marriage is. It is this romantic stage that God uses to bring couples together…it is selfless love that bonds us together for a lifetime. Western culture has turned the feelings of love into the primary pursuit. God says pursuing Christ is the primary pursuit. Big difference.
At first, I really was not sure where Gary Smalley was going with the twig and branch illustration especially after sharing his story of hanging upside down in the garage. He eloquently used these visuals to illustrate the point that humility is the key to loving our spouses with God’s love which turns out to be the secret to having a happy marriage. I want to love Luann with God’s love…but I would rather not hit my head on the garage floor.
OK, how did God speak to you?
Good is good, isn’t it? And is there really such a thing as great? Great is a preconceived notion that often we assume others have. We end up with all sorts of seeds of jealousy and malcontent and yet everyone’s gym socks stink, don’t they? Beth Moore’s talk was my favorite by a long shot. She was funny and didn’t lack depth. And I learned that I can rip a woman’s arm off at the neck if she so much as sneaks a peek @ BLowe. Bonus.
I enjoyed Gary Thomas’ talk in regard to seeing your spouse as a child of God and wanting the absolute best for that child. What a great re-positioning of our eternal perspective of our spouse. Especially when I consider what I want for my own children in a spouse and that fierce mama love that overcomes my soul, I know that God wants the same for his little boy – my amazing husband.
And um, Gary Smalley. Hmmm. Well I might be the odd duck here, but I was totally confused and felt like it was randomly smashed together with little content, most coming in the last 3 minutes (and one too many old man humor innuendos – “She had this big ‘smile’”). Personally, wasn’t my flavor. Someone sitting near me remarked that it was a lot like watching a Vaudville act and someone else mentioned Don Rickles. So I’m thinking at least I’m not a total freak in feeling a bit baffled.
I came away more affirmed in my husband’s love for me, too. He does so many of the things that Beth Moore outlined and he does see God as his Father-in-law. His love mirrors God’s love for me in so many ways. And on a day to day basis I can hear God’s voice through my own husband. I am one blessed chica.
If you’re interested in reading the twitterfeed for the #fofm tag mentioned at the event, you can go here http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23fofm
I am really wanting to reiterate everything Cherie said (especially about ripping off the arm at the neck!). What I want to add is that I had a light bulb moment when one of the speakers mentioned his wife telling him where the spoons were (who was that?). I saw myself in his wife. LOL I don’t mean to belittle my husband’s intellect, but when it comes down to it, that is exactly what I am doing. Wow. Guess I need to work on that! Just because we have good intentions does not justify what we are doing.
All in all a very good day.
My husband and I were truly blessed by the telecast. When it was stated that my “spouse is Gods son”, that hit me right between the eyes. So many times during the course of our 32 year marriage, I have not treated him w/the love & respect that is required of me. Also when it was stated that we were brought together to glorify God, it made an awesome impact on us both!!
I loved all the speakers. I do admit that Gary S. seemed a little scattered, but I laughed out loud at his hanging upside down story. So even though he didn’t make a solid point for his portion, I still was blessed by it.
Marriage is one of the most sacred ceremonies that we humans experience. Being married also gives us happines.:;*
marriage is of course very sacred that is why both partners should give respect to each other ;*: