Tonight is the start of our second round at the new Theology of the Body/Marriage Prep/God's Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage weekend in our diocese. The original team of many couples has been split up so that we can more effectively cover particular regions of our very large diocese. Thus, there are only 4 couples facilitating this upcoming weekend. Consequently, Dave and I are presenting three talks this weekend. Two of these talks are new to us (Why Christ? and The Practical Benefits of Natural Family Planning); The Joy of Sexual Honesty Before Marriage is a talk that we have given once before. Although Dave and I met on a NET team, which specialises in giving daily faith-based talks and testimonies, these weekends are still a little nerve-wracking. Giving a talk with one's spouse can be a great occasion for unity ... or fabulous arguments and annoyances. So, I'm asking for some prayer this weekend: for all the presenting couples but especially for the engaged couples who are probably hearing the message of Christ and His plan for marriage for the very first time in a coherent way. Particularly pray that hearts would be opened to the Natural Family Planning message as, above all of its other benefits, the divorce rate among NFP users is 1-2% (compare that with 50% and upwards). Pray that hearts would be softened and opened to the love of Christ. We'll do our best; Jesus can do it all. He can even help me pick an outfit that somehow drops 10 pounds from my pregnant frame! Thanks, Elena.
(Also, any area readers who would like to see what these new weekends are like and possibly help facilitate them in the future, please feel free to drop in at any time. Hint, hint to all NFP users in Barry's Bay and the surrounding area!)
5 comments:
I'll be praying for you guys! The message of God's plan for sexuality in marriage is not always easy for couples to hear - heck, it's USUALLY not easy! But it is beautiful, and true and life-affirming. I can say with complete certainty that you and Dave are an ideal couple to show that beauty, truth and life-affirmation. The couples will be blessed by you guys allowing the Holy Spirit to work through you.
Wow...it's like NET grown up! I love it and will most definitely be praying for you.
I'll be praying too...I'm going to Adoration tomorrow morning, so will pray for you there. I'm sure you'll do great!
I wish someone in my family who is getting married in a few weeks could be there to hear you and Dave give these talks. You are wonderful examples of the fullness of God's plan for married love and life. You will be a witness even if you don't say a word. God bless. Granne
I was spiritually united to you and Dave this weekend as Jordan and I were the "junior couple" on the Engaged Encounter weekend just outside Edmonton. We too were the official NFPers. The weekend went well, mostly positive feedback, however there is always at least one who wants to point out how backward we are, sexually transmitted diseases etc, etc... lovely. Anyway, Jordan and I always come away completely exhausted and also refreshed at the same time. I pray your words will bear fruit in all of their lives.
T
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