End of Year 2024 Letter

Coeur d’Alene Weekend to Remember - October 2018

Coeur d'Alene Top Ten Comments

Weekend to Remember

October 26-28, 2018

Attendance: 670

Those indicating decisions below:

Salvation Decisions: 29

Recommitted Family to Christ: 134

Prayed to be filled with the Holy Spirit: 201

I was not optimistic coming to the getaway. I thought I would be getting divorce papers Monday. But this weekend has opened my eyes and now there’s nowhere else I’d rather be than with my husband.

(wife, married 2 years and received Christ this weekend)

This weekend made me realize just how much I am not doing what I should be. I have let the experiences of my past hold me hostage and from doing right in my marriage and as a parent. Today I am breaking Free! The chains of my past will no longer hold me prisoner. Satan was my Jailer, but God became my living Savior.

(wife, married 17 years and received Christ this weekend)

Extremely uplifting. I feel like I’m seeing my wife through new clear eyes. I’m VERY grateful for the guidance I’ve had this weekend.

(husband, married 3 months and received Christ this weekend)

It’s amazing how much 2 ½ days can impact our oneness and improve our relationship.

(husband, married 7 years)

My wife and I came into this conference wounded by an affair. This getaway felt like a rebirth to our marriage. I would highly recommend this conference to anyone who faces the devil’s trials and traps.

(husband, married 1 year)

It was great to have time together to talk and work on the projects. Writing the love letter was very impacting on me, to remember the things I fell in love with and still love and appreciate about my husband. My goal was to laugh and feel more connected after this weekend. I did both! Thank you.

(wife, married 12 years)

You don’t need to be near the end of the road to realize you’ve gotten off track. Our getaway has been an opportunity to celebrate our differences and the value in correcting ourselves so that in love and respect we can refocus on being one, joined together and honoring this beautiful gift we call marriage centered in God’s design.

(wife, married 6 years)

Immeasurable=> emotionally and spiritually. Opened communication in areas we couldn’t on our own.

(husband, married 3 months)

Encouragement, insight, direction; time together to rediscover each other, rest & rewal. Basically, recalibration for marriage & for life…this was a critical juncture for us. Thank you!

(husband, married 7 years)

It was an important step we needed to get beyond the “good” plateau and get closer to “great”.

(husband, married 10 years)

Attend a Spring Event for Half Price

Today is the last day to "Buy One Get One Free"!  If you register for a FamilyLife Event today using the code "Saddlerock" you will save 50% off the registration price.

Find a Weekend to Remember Event near you 

Blessings,

Tom & Laura

https://give.cru.org/0467491

SaveSave

Redmond Weekend to Remember

May 4th-6th, 2012

Received Christ: 4
       Filled with the Holy Spirit: 43
  Rededicate Family: 61

Top 10 Comments:

·        We were sleeping in separate bedrooms before this weekend for about 5 months.  We were trying to keep it peaceful at home for the kids.  Both of us are Christians but just couldn’t seem to get it together but this weekend really spoke to us and hearing the transparent stories from the speakers showed us there is hope.  Our room had one bed so we had to sleep together, when we go home we will be moving our bedrooms back together.  We have committed to fight for our marriage. – wife married 9 years

·        We are newly married and my new husband has a past, which left him with a previous past of religion and a damaged father figure from his childhood which carries over to our new relationship.  This weekend has given him new skills to release some of that damage from his father and to become a husband  empowered to love God, find God again and to carry this love to his wife. – wife married 1 year

·        Gave us the foundation to start building our legacy.  Helped us realize how important the work we put into our marriage now will be for establishing healthy relationships for generations to come.  – Wife married less than one year

·        I came withdrawn, unhappy because we have been down this road before.  But at the end of the first night my heart softened.  I no longer wanted to be surviving in isolation.  I wanted living in oneness.  Weekend gave me the tools I need to get there.   Wife Married 18 years

·        I was becoming very detached and “numb” to my relationship with my husband.  This weekend I was able to realize the danger of my decision and how unhealthy this was to our marriage.  I was also encouraged to remember all of his qualities and strengths. – Wife married 9 years

·        This experience helped us truly focus on our marriage.  It gave us the opportunity to be more open and honest about issues within our relationship.  We received personal prayer from the  volunteer staff and leave feeling supported, encouraged and hopeful for our marriage.  – Wife married 5 years

·        Five months ago we realized we had problems and decided to work on them.  Since then we have gotten on the right path.  This event has been like an oil change to keep the vehicle of marriage rolling. – Husband married 5 years

·        Dan and I already underwent an intense marriage rewiring.  It was general in the same content, but THIS weekend really gave us specific tools and was so organized.  I look forward to going through my notes…for years to come! – Wife married 5 years

·        I just wanted to say thank you.  I know this Weekend to remember saved my marriage.  Friday I was ready to say that’s it.  Today I will do whatever it takes to save it.  So again thank you.  Wife married 9 years

·        The most significant change is that my husband and I have started up (again) our praying together.  I longed for it because God has really touched us through these prayers before.  So, having this started again is amazing.  Wife married 3 years



Pasco Weekend to Remember

Comments from the Pasco Weekend to Remember®

April 20-22 2012

Attendance 200

Decisions for Christ 27

Asked to be filled by the Holy Spirit 58

Recommitted their life and family to Christ 42

Wow!  Another incredible Weekend to Remember...200 people in attendance and 27 people prayed to receive Christ!  Not only that, we got a glimpse of God's redeeming work in the hearts and lives of the people that attended.  Check out the following life change stories! 

I feel this provided an insight into my marriage I didn’t know existed! This has truly changed my heart!!  After 15 years of marriage, I finally know what love for my wife really is!  Thanks be to God! Husband, married 15 years (husband of wife on following comment)

This Getaway was so important for my marriage.  We have recommitted ourselves to working on our marriage with God at the center. (wife of husband on preceding comment)

Allowing us to talk more about issues that get swept under the rug.  It’s so much easier to talk when we don’t have toddlers interrupting us every 30 seconds. Wife, married 5 years

It’s a great start—let’s let the work begin.  Husband, married 17 years

I wish we had attended many years ago.  We have been married 41 years and we now realize we have done many things wrong in our relationship.  I don’t really know how we stayed together—except through God’s grace.  But this weekend is indeed life-changing for me.

Wife, married 41 years

We did not know what to expect but we were pleasantly surprised by the teaching and practical tools to help with our marriage and parenting.  This seminar has had a rejuvenating effect on my heart.  It was like a Gatorade after running a marathon.  Husband, married 20 years

Instead of focusing on surviving our marriage, we now have the tools to succeed in our marriage. Husband, married 12 years

Came here not expecting to learn anything new—not really wanting to be here.  But God spoke to the core of my being.  Husband, married 29 years

We have been separated for over 2 months.  We have been working on our relationship, but this weekend has changed our relationship forever.  It cleared up misconceptions and helped us heal our wounds.  We are definitely on the right track now. Husband, married 19 years

Before the conference I definitely felt lonely and isolation set in as we were slowly drifting apart.  But now after the conference I feel so much closer to God and my husband.  We have re-connected in a way that touches my heart, brings tears to my eyes and makes us both want to honor God through our oneness and unity as we commit to him and to our marriage. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts J.  Wife, married 9 years

Bellevue Weekend to Remember Comments

This past weekend we had the privilege to serve at the Weekend to Remember Event.  What a blessing to see how God used the weekend to transform lives and families for His glory.  Here is just a snapshot of what happened...

Prayed to Receive Christ:    3 + 3
Prayed to be Filled with the Holy Spirit:   23
Prayed to Rededicate Marriage and Family to Christ:   34

Top 10 Comments:

We were at a crossroads where to go from here – fight to make it work or walk away.  After the weekend we realized how incredible what we have is.  We have neglected the second greatest gift God ever gave us.  Thank you! – Wife Married 7 years.

This conference was the most meaningful and life-changing marriage event I have ever attended!  I did not want it to end. – Husband Married 7 years

Even though we have only been married two months this getaway has completely changed our marriage and our understanding of marriage. – Husband married 2 months

We came back from our date night, did the last project, and began talking about some stuff that had been avoided for far too long.  The journey/conversation n lasted nearly all night and was somewhat of a roller coaster.  The end result is we’re in a much better place with a lot more clarity. – Wife Married 3 years

It has broken through so many walls.  We each realized how poorly we were treating the other.  We have so far to go but we have hope.  – Wife married 30 years

It gave me permission to love my husband in a way that I hadn’t.  I always put the kids first and now I know that it’s healthy and okay to put him first.  – Wife married 3 years

This is our second weekend in seven years and it’s just as new, fresh and powerful now as it was the first time we attended.  It has encouraged us to be open and vulnerable with each other which can only increase our love for each other.  – Wife married 25 years

After 33 years of marriage, a physician’s schedule, six kids we home school and “life” we really had lost our oneness and have forgotten to “mirror” God’s image in the relational ways.  God has revealed how on the brink we were, sobered us and caused us to fall at His feel again.  – Wife married 33 years

Before coming I was constantly thinking negative and destructive thoughts.  I was not even sure we could make it.  Now I have realized God can change my attitude and am excited that our marriage is forever! – Wife Married 1 year

I had just filed for a legal separation and my Husband told me he wanted to go and just made the payment and told me the date.  I am so glad he stepped up and did this.  These are things that every couple needs to hear.  This is really a major turning point in our 29 year relationship married 21 years on April 20^th started dating 10 years before. – Wife married 29 years

Coeur d'Alene Weekend to Remember Comments

Coeur d'Alene Weekend to Remember®
October 18-20, 2011
Prayed to Receive Christ: 23
Asked to be filled with the Holy Spirit: 92
Recommitted their family to Christ: 87
Attendance 476

Comments from the Weekend:

This was our first time away overnight without kids in 6 years. We have been struggling for the past year. My husband lost his job 6 months ago. My husband admitted this weekend he had give up on our marriage. I have been looking for an excuse to leave. We are going home fully committed to restoring our marriage not to just what it was…but better! (wife, married 6 years)

We’ve been married 18 years and have been separated for 1 ½ years. Our divorce was to be finalized just weeks from now. We’ve made the choice to stay married and grow old together. Praise God. (wife of husband below, married 9 years)

I believe it saved our marriage. We are very close to divorce and now we want to make our marriage work. I want to grow old with her. (husband of wife above, married 9 years)

Closer to each other. Every relationship needs needs a tune up to keep it running great. We try to go to this each year and our church or marriage conference. (husband married 16 years)

Gave us understanding to issues we have dealt with all our married life. Reminded us we need Christ in our lives and in our marriage because without him we are driving blind. Great tools, great resources. (wife, married 16 years)

Touched me deeply. With God’s help I can change to the man God wants me to be. (husband, married 28 years)

My wife and I have now attended seven Weekend to Remember conferences. We look forward to this time every year. It began with us working on our junk, but now it is an equipping tool for the people around us. Thanks. (husband and pastor, married 12 years)


Although this conference helped save our marriage 3 years ago, we still managed to lose focus. We used to think, as I’m sure most couples do, that we were untouchable, we had something not many couples possessed. Little by little, we realized we were missing something. Satan was whittling away that security we thought we had. We truly needed this refresher to combat the evil that ends so many marriages today. Thank you. (wife, married 6 years)

We had just separated 2 weeks ago and my wife moved out. This weekend really helped and I think we have a good shot at working this out. Thanks. (husband, married 13 years)

The power of God is amazing! A miracle happened here this weekend! (wife, married 7 years)

Weekend to Remember Update

Below are comments reflecting each of the Weekend to Remember Events held this past weekend. It is so awesome to see God's transforming work in the lives of these couples...

*I was at the end, ready to throw in the towel. Not divorce, just give up. I have recommitted myself to our marriage.

*If I'm willing to die for my wife, like Christ did for the church, then how much easier should it be to rub her back, or rub her feet, or fold laundry.

*We're a young married couple (19 & 21) and it was just a blessing to start off on a good foot, surrounded by couples doing marriage right. This getaway was a straight up blessing from God.

*We were ready to separate, this was our last ditch effort for hope & strength. We fought on the way to the conference through Saturday afternoon & my husband was too angry to attend. Sat. afternoon something changed . God spoke & softened our hearts. My husband has turned back to God. I see my failures. We are going to make it.

*My husband and I haven’t spoken in 7 months prior to coming this weekend. The divorce had been filed and it was ugly. I didn’t even know why I agreed to come. But I’m glad I did. A miracle took place here. My marriage and family haven been saved. My life has been saved. Amen!

*“This weekend was our final attempt. We already had the divorce paperwork and were basically living in two separate households. In fact, we went to file the paperwork but decided to do one last thing before throwing in the towel. I am so glad we did! We have both been convicted and recommitted our lives, marriage, and family to the Lord. For the first time in years, I have hope for our marriage! I had forgotten that there is nothing too big for God to fix.”

Raising Dead Things

God is in the business of brining life to the things that are dead and without hope...

Weekend to Remember

I am always amazed at how God can give hope in a situation that seems hopeless. He is in the business of restoring broken people and broken lives.

If you would like to attend a Weekend to Remember Event use the code "thecliftons" and save 50% off the cost of registration.

Spring Weekend to Remember Quotes

A Few Comments from the Spring 2011 Weekend to Remember Season:

• This weekend helped me more and more to open up as I give my whole heart to my husband. Marriage felt like a chore, a burden – now I know marriage as a precious gift from God. I see my husband in a whole different light – it’s bright and will forever shine!!

• We found forgiveness!

• I had made up my mind and heart to walk away from my marriage because I thought there was no hope. I was burned out with trying to make it work. Now I see I can stop trying my way and do it God's way. I found new hope in the marriage covenant.

• As a military wife, my reason for planning a trip to Florida was to leave my husband, because of an affair. After this weekend, I plan on going back home with my husband, giving my marriage to God, along with my hurt, pain and put God first in my life and my husband 2nd and pray our marriage will be better, but mostly godly! Thank you!

• I came with the hope that God would speak to the heart of my husband and work wit him to see my needs. The most wonderful thing happened. God opened my eyes and worked on my heart to show me all of the ways that I was lacking in providing for my husband’s needs. Leaving here a newly devoted wife.

• My husband and I are currently in the process of a divorce. However this weekend has changed the way that we have been looking a each other. We have started to put the principles that we have learned this weekend into practice and it feels like we are learning to fall back into love with each other.

Join us for a Weekend to Remember this fall. Use the code "thecliftons" and save 50% off the registration price. Register today at www.familylife.com

Weekend to Remember Comments

Bellevue (Seattle) Weekend to Remember
April 15-17, 2011
Attendance 375
Indicated a Decision for Christ 25
Asked to be filled with the Holy Spirit 46
Recommitted family to Christ 65

• "This getaway saved our marriage. We were on the brink of divorce! Now we are working hard at saving our new life together!" (Wife, married 6 years, spouse of the following comment)
• "I have failed my charge as a husband according to Eph 5:25. My wife was driven to leave our family Friday afternoon. God got both of our attention and led us to this seminar Saturday morning. We are focusing on God's will and beginning healing/recovery." (Husband, married 6 years, spouse of the preceding comment)
• "Brought us back together with a common goal. Reminded us that God has had a plan all along. I didn't make the wrong choice, my spouse is a specifically chosen GIFT." (Wife, married 3 years)
• "You have provided great insight on the opposite sex for both of us. Before, I felt that my husband thought I was crazy, but during the sessions it was shown that I am just a normal woman and he, normal as a man as well!" (Wife, married 7 years)
• "I came in hoping my husband would hear what 'I' thought he needed to know. Well I came in realizing my changes were what was needed. We were able to let down our guard and talk genuinely. I stayed quiet when he didn't want to go to [the men's talk], and off I went to [the women's talk], came back weeping and saw that he went to his session. He came in positive and told me many things, and I was able to ask him for forgiveness. I committed to letting God take control of my life and our marriage and let Him be in charge. Thank you." (Wife, married 14 years)
• "This has been the absolute most important weekend in my marriage. You/God have blessed our life more than anything. Thank you." (Husband, married 10 years)
• "It was very well worth it. Like digging for buried treasure. I desperately needed this so I can begin to be a better husband/dad." (Husband, married 31 years)
• "Our eyes have been opened up to what is wrong in our marriage. We are separated and we know what we need to work on." (Wife, married 16 years)
• "Communication!! This was the thing missing in our marriage. This of course will always be a work in progress. I thank God for folks who point out the obvious things I seem to miss." (Husband, married 7 years)
• "The words spoken this weekend saved my life and the way I approach my marriage. Thank you!" (Husband, married 6 years)
  

Weekend to Remember Comments

Redmond (Seattle) Weekend to Remember
April 1-3, 2011
Attendance 197
Indicated a Decision for Christ 1
Asked to be filled with the Holy Spirit 14
Recommitted family to Christ 19

• "This was the 1st time we have been away for a weekend-just the two of us-in 7 years! I fell in love again. I also learned some great things on how to love and pray for my husband. And we talked about sex and intimacy for the 1st time in I don't know how long. (married 6 years)
• "Emotional and sharing, focus challenging. This is our 3rd conference in 6 years-it's like changing the oil in our marriage, to keep our spiritual and marital engines from the sludge that builds up slowly! 'Maintenance to last a life time.'"(husband, married 13 years)
• "WOW very eye opening. Information overload, but awesome. It drew us closer on how to be Godly and have a thriving marriage. How to truly be one. (wife, married 10 years)
• "This conference always helps us re-focus our priorities and perspectives for our marriage. It's a great 'tune-up' for us as well as a great reminder of God's bigger picture for our marriage and our family."
  
• "It reminded me of what was important." (husband, married 4 years)
• "This getaway is just what we needed! After weeks and months of building stress and tension, this getaway gave us the opportunity and tools we needed to communicated with each other and really connect." (wife, married 3 years)
  
• "It encourages us to continue to seek the Lord and His guidance in our lives. It reminded us that the two of us come first before our children. We have forgotten that with teenagers in the house." (wife, married 18 years)
• "I should have brought a box of Kleenex!!! It was better than I imagined. Both empowering and humbling. After being a single Mom for 10 years and married to an abusive man the first marriage for three years, I realized how selfish I am and how scared I am. I realized too that I've never had solid examples of a wife or mother. My mom, step mom, and mother-in-law 'wear the pants in the family'. No one understands why I don't want to spend too much time with them, but I honestly don't want to become them or watch how they treat their men. I have choices now." (wife-married 3 years, married to the husband with the following comment)
• "This conference reveals to you not how to solve your marriage issues but rather that you yourself are the issue of your marriage. Poor management leads to a poor marriage. Now I h ave some tools to be a better manager of my marriage." (husband, married 3 years to the woman with the preceding comment)
  

Weekend to Remember Comments

Coeur d'Alene
November 19-21, 2010
Attendance 720
Prayed to receive Christ 16
Holy Spirit 98
Recommit life to Christ 107

• "I was punched, beaten, picked up, cleaned up, and taught what I need to do. 1st make God the center of my life and my house, 2nd take care of my wife and 3rd take care of my family." (married 8 years)
• "This conference provided a platform and a structure to talk about things we don't normally talk about, and are good to talk about. Thank you for helping us fine tune our marriage so it more accurately reflects Christ and the Church." (married 3 years)
• "This event has changed me personally more than I ever thought it would. It was as a switch turned my brain on. I can't change him I can change me, which will change us!" (married 3 years)
• "We came last year and loved it. We decided to come back this year just to refocus ourselves on our marriage. Although we did not experience anything profound this year it has helped us keep our eyes on the ultimate goal of oneness. It is an invaluable tool to help us continue a great marriage." (married 9 years)
• "Breath taking experience the gift God gave me when He created my bride." (married 12 years)
• "Weekend to Remember is truly that, we have been given a gift of knowledge on how to receive the grace of Jesus Christ to grow together spiritually and as a family and I thank you all from the depths of my heart." (married 1 year)
• "I really wanted to come to this conference because I was looking to a separation from my husband and I wanted God to change my husband and his heart. What happened is that God spoke to me the entire weekend. He showed me where I have been wrong and where I needed to work. God softened my heart and has shown me how to improve and be a better wife and mother." (married 9 years)
• "This conference allowed us to be more open with each other and trust each other more. My wife opened up to me, that after 18+ years of marriage, she said things about her past that she felt she couldn't trust me with before. This truth gave me a better understanding of why she acts the way she does. It opened up a new door of hope for us and I am looking forward to our future together." (married 18 years)
• "It opened up old issues that needed to be resolved and provided a "safe" environment to work through them. It opened our hearts to each other and challenged us to be a better spouse and Godly parents. I feel truly blessed to have been here. I am walking away hope and love in my heart, not bitterness." (married 10 years)
• "It's always so good for us to have uninterrupted time together. We are very aware of how awful our marriage had become. Everything about this weekend gave us the encouragement and tools for us to begin our climb out of the pit. Thank you for making it possible for us to begin our journey." (married 15 years)
  

Weekend to Remember Comments

Bellingham
November 19-21, 2010
Attendance 335
Invited Holy Spirit to take control 33
Recommitted marriage and Family to Christ 47

• "Astronomical! So much insight and honesty. I came in to this conference thinking this was our last hope to save our marriage...now I'm leaving feeling like a rejuvenated partner in a strong friendship geared with the tools I need to awaken the bride of his youth he first fell in love with. Amazing! Thank you!" (wife, married 4 years)
• "We missed the sessions on Friday night because of an argument we had on our way over. We arrived a mid-night because, at one point, we decided not to come and headed for home. As a result of attending this conference, we are committing to receiving our spouse--differences and weaknesses--forgiving them and working on companionship and commitment. We desire to be image bearers to other couples and to leave a legacy with our children. I was also inspired to be a stealth warrior princess!!!" (wife, married 9 years)
• "Reminded me of why I fell in love with my wife and opened my eyes to my priorities in life." (husband, married 4 years)
• "Being married 3 months we are just running into how to grow, encourage and glorify the Lord as one rather than individuals. FamilyLife gave us the tools to start doing this early. I am so glad I came to this at 3 months rather than 3 years. We both love each other deeply and have been pointed in the direction to show it."
• "We have gone for 3 years now and we enjoy the weekend to remember so much we always plan on coming each year. It is so nice to have time to get her without the kids screaming. We miss the kids but we need our time." (husband, married 3 years)
• "We talked, really talked." (wife, married 4 years)
• "Broke down walls between us. I feel me again and have moved past some huge road blocks that we could not figure out how to get beyond."
• "On me--underscored where I am failing, yet provided hope for doing it right! On us--provided hope, re-energized us. I asked my wife to marry me again--to throw away the marriage we don't like and forge ahead building the marriage we can feel we can have the one one God promised us." (husband, married 5 years)
• "It gave us hope for our marriage. Even though we have only been married for less than a year, it's been a hard one. Coming here and knowing we weren't along and that God wants our marriage to succeed. We've learned how to communicate better. Thank you!" (wife, married 9 months
  

Weekend to Remember Comments

Portland
November 12-14, 2010
Attendance 688
Prayed to Receive Christ 12
Recommitment to Christ 132
Asked to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit 86

• "Gave us a chance to have deeper conversation, more intimate, rather than the 'Daily Data Dump' we do every weeknight dinner. We had a chance to sit and look at each other with no distractions or responsibilities. I was also able to be transparent with my spouse as we talked about my intimacy concerns. We have been married 6 years and I have never shared those concerns."
• "This has been the most important couples' conference I have ever been to. It has helped me greatly." Married 19 years
• "It gave us the opportunity to talk in a safe place, with a prepared heart, about important issues in our marriage. We had a good marriage on Friday. Now we have an amazing marriage with tools to make it better day by day! Thank you!" Married 3 months
• "This conference got us back together. Being in full time ministry has drained us and has been an 'extramarital affair' in our relationship. We, on this weekend have set some boundaries and some goals. thanks for the weekend and the challenge!" Married 3 years
• "A couple days before the conference I wanted a divorce because of major differences and miscommunication between my husband and I. He said something that made me embarrassed and worthless. I was ready to give up. Now--we are starting over." Married 3 years
• "We are committed not only to making this marriage work, but enjoy it to the fullest. I realize that my wife is a good gift from God and not my enemy. We really are on the same team!" Married 1 year
• "It has helped us remember that our marriage is worth fighting for, that no sin, no wrong can go unforgiven and there is always a reason to fight for marriage." Married 2 years
• "We come to the conference every few years because of the difference it made for us in our first year of marriage." Married 7 years
• "Brought us back together in discussions that we needed to have...from half dead relationship to alive--beyond room-mates to a married couple."
• "We have been through so much, worked through so many issues throughout our marriage. We couldn't seem to shake the past. This weekend was our fresh start, and second chance to have the marriage we've always wanted. Receiving each other was the missing piece in our journey toward oneness." Married 3 years
  

Weekend to Remember Comments

Coeur d'Alene
November 5-7, 2010
Attendance 700
Prayed to Receive Christ 45

• "I came here with very little hope and with a mental plan to divorce my spouse by the New Year. I'm leaving with a commitment to love him and see him as a child of God. Thank you for giving me hope and for giving our kids a future." Married 17 years
• "I thought we were doing better than we are. We need a 360 degree change to make God the center and follow God's plan for our marriage and family." Married 1 year
• Things have been shaky for us for a few months. We have been seeing a counselor for the last few months. This weekend has been so great for bringing us together and strengthening and filling in the gaps from that counsel. It has strengthened my faith. It reminded me of why it's so worth it to keep fighting for my marriage." Married 14 years
• "We were able to reconnect and work forward on areas of our marriage that have been put on autopilot, especially in communications and ongoing intimacy. My husband's recent travel has made things challenging--thank you all!!! Married 1 year
• "This conference was an 'eye-opener' with direct and specific impact on our (my wife and I) hearts about the keys to make our marriage what God has designed it to be!!! Married 38 years
• "I am amazed at the amount of information. It is all very useful and slightly overwhelming until you decide a few things to work on at a time. This is an event you could attend each year and learn something new." Married 2 years
• The effect this conference had on us was huge! When we arrived less than 48 hours ago we could barely speak to each other with love and tenderness. We have made great strides in learning to respect each other and embrace our differences. We have a renewed commitment to each other and to God." Married 17 years
• "Oh my goodness, I don't even know where to start! I have already developed a greater level of love and respect for my husband! I want to pray and pray some more to be the greatest gift from God my husband could ask for." Married 9 years
• "God is so merciful! It is such a miracle of God that we are here. (2 months ago my husband was living w/old girlfriend). We are so excited that God is working in both of us and for what is in store for our marriage. Married 38 years (wife of husband with quote below)
• "In light of a recent infidelity, helped renew a passion for Christ and my wife. God is loving, cares, full or grace, and mercy. God is rebuilding what I tried to tear down. Praise God. Married 38 years (husband of wife with quote above)
  

Redmond Weekend to Remember

April 30th-May 2nd, 2010
Decisions for Christ 6
Pray to be filled by the Holy Spirit 144
Recommit family to Christ 111
Attendance 361

"We have been married 25 years and came in wounded. I feel like we have been 'transplanted' from the improper location to a place we will grow and thrive."

"The night of day 1, we fought, I slept on the floor. Day 2 changed my entire outlook on our marriage and our oneness. Thank you." Bank manager, married 2 years

"Feeling like I just got my best friend back." husband, general contractor, married 2 years

..."he walks with me instead of way off ahead of me and holds my hand." Homemaker, married 4 years

"We reconnected so big. We have never had so many calm intense deep conversations. It was amazing." Stay at home mom, married 2 years

"We are not getting a divorce now-we feel hope and have tools. We are calling everything after (this conference) 'our second marriage'. A new beginning. Wife, medical assistant, married 2 years

"I arrived at the conference feeling pretty hopeless about the future of our marriage, but now I have hope, and tools." Wife, physician, married 5 years

"We were okay coming here. We are great leaving. We cannot wait to share this with our friends through group leadership and Homebuilders." Wife, married 5 years

"The highlight of the conference was...the way she smiled at me, before we kissed, after the men to men and women to women meetings." Painter, married 13 years

"This conference has given us some tools that we are excited to use in strengthening our family. Many barriers were rubble by the end of the weekend." Husband, industrial painter, married 6 years

FamilyLife Weekend to Remember

I love stories about life change. Enjoy the video!
This spring there are three opportunities to attend a FamilyLife Weekend to Remember in Washington State:

• Seattle, Redmond Marriott Town Center, April 30th-May 2nd
• Seattle, Bellevue Hilton, May 14th-16th
• Yakima, Holiday Inn Downtown Convention Center, June 11th-13th

Register at www.familylife.com If you would like to save $80 off the price of registration you can register under our group name (TheCliftons). You can also create your own group and after 5 couples register under your group you earn a free registration.