The Art of Marriage at Sea: Learning to love your spouse all over again!

Just before Thanksgiving this past year, Shirley and I attended a “Weekend to Remember” marriage retreat put on by FamilyLife Ministries. I am here to tell you: Before the conference I loved Shirley very much and didn’t realize it was possible to love her deeper than I did, but I learned how much more I could love her and how I could serve her more. We both left that weekend realizing how much every married couple should attend a life-changing weekend like we had the privilege to experience. Now I have renewed my commitment to Shirley, and she really is stuck with me “till death do us part”! God worked so deeply in both of our lives and impacted us so much, we want to get that message to ALL married couples.

The institution of marriage is a sacrament of God. When we get married, we stand before a minister, our friends, and family; but most importantly, we stand before God and promise our vows to Him. How has our society gotten where divorce is so easily accepted? (I am not pointing fingers—I too am divorced. I made some mistakes that I am ashamed of. But praise God, He has forgiven me!) With the divorce rate approaching 50% of all marriages in the USA, no wonder every time you turn on the news, all you hear about is murder and mayhem all over the place. From big cities to small towns, I believe with all my heart that these problems are directly linked to the breakdown of the family. So many kids are growing up with only one parent, and most single parent households are without a father. People don’t seem to realize that the commitment to marriage is not an “agreement” that can be just walked away from. “You take your stuff, and I’ll take mine, and have a good life.” How sad that the God-given institution of marriage has become no more than a simple agreement.

Shirley and I have partnered with Intentionally Yours Ministries to put on a seminar similar to the one we attended titled “The Art of Marriage.” It is also produced by FamilyLife Ministries. This program is a DVD series with study guide that you and your spouse complete together. Normally this program is conducted over a Friday and Saturday. However, Shirley and I meet Scott and Sherri Jennings at our Weekend to Remember, and God laid on all our hearts to conduct the marriage seminar on a cruise this October. Their ministry, Intentionally Yours, is all about strengthening marriages and families by sharing their experiences and using this DVD series with these sessions:

• Session 1: Love Happens (Purpose of Marriage)

• Session 2: Love Fades (Drift to Isolation)

• Session 3: Love Dances (Roles)

• Session 4: Love Interrupted (Communication)

• Session 5: Love Sizzles (Romance and Sex)

• Session 6: Love Always (Legacy)

 

Don’t think this is just for couples who are newly married. Couples who have been married all their lives (Well, it may seem like that sometimes!) will also benefit. This is a great seminar for couples who have been married any length of time, and it would also be ideal for a couple about to get married. Instead of going to a church or conference room to study the DVD for a Friday night and Saturday, we are doing it on a cruise ship for one simple reason: We want to immerse you and your spouse into this program. Oh, there will be plenty of time to enjoy the cruise and the wonderful ports of call, but most importantly, there will be special time to spend with your spouse without the interruptions of our lives. A chance for the two of you to connect in a way that you never thought was possible. It’s not just a few hours in a classroom, then back home. Each day of the cruise we will spend time going through the DVDs and having discussions on the topics with real-world answers from other couples who have been through many of the issued that will be discussed. You can just sit back and take in the information, or you can actively get involved. No pressure. If you find that your situation needs more privacy, accompanying us will be trained counselors who will be willing to talk with you and pray with you.

 

As we set sail from Charleston, SC, on the beautiful Carnival Fantasy, there will be lots of time to explore both the breathtaking ship as well as the fantastic ports of Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas, making memories you will share with each other over and over again. If you have never been on a cruise before, know that virtually everything is included: world-class food, entertainment, most activities, and lots and lots of fun. Carnival’s fleet, after all, are “The Fun Ships”! Whether you are a seasoned cruiser or new to the seas, you will enjoy the Carnival Fantasy. It is consistently rated high for service, food, and cleanliness throughout the 22 ship Carnival fleet. No passport is needed (though having one is highly recommended); all you need are a government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license and a certified copy of your birth certificate.

 

I have to tell you, space/cabins are limited. We have a variety of cabins that will fit your budget, and payment plans are available. We have a special for reduced deposits from now until March 4, 2013; just $100 per couple secures your cabin. Here are the prices for this cruise of a lifetime:

• Inside Stateroom: $1,050 per couple

• Ocean View Stateroom: $1,200 per couple

• Suites are available upon request and require a full deposit of $500 per couple.

 

For more information about the cruise itinerary, visit agapecruisetravel.com. Please, please, please do not delay in securing your spot! Staterooms are limited for this very intimate setting. I can’t wait to welcome you aboard the Fantasy October 23, 2013, and see what God has in store for each of us!

 

Rick and Shirley Trollinger

To learn more about Intentionally Yours and FamilyLife, check out the following:

www.intentionallyyours.org

www.familylife.com

 

PS: What a great anniversary or wedding present to give to someone!