Couples' Retreat

It has been about 2 weeks since we attended the Faith for the Family Married Couples' Retreat in Gatlinburg, and we have been meaning to post. Our intentions included a picture slideshow, but we've obviously not mastered that element just yet. When we do figure out how to add the show, we'll be sure to add it to this post.

We had a wonderful time at the Retreat. It was held Thursday, February 28 - Saturday, March 1. Speakers included Pastor & Mrs. Sexton of Knoxville, TN, Chris & Kathi Lamb of Birmingham, AL, and David & Trish McCoy of McDonough, GA. There were sessions in the evenings (7:00 pm) and mornings (10:00 am). The morning sessions included split sessions. The afternoons were free to enjoy the activities of Gatlinburg.

It was refreshing to hear messages geared specifically to couples. I especially enjoyed the session on teaching and training children, since we are on the threshold of that chapter of our lives. I also was encouraged by Pastor's message about expectations. We can have high expectations in our marriage and home because of the God we serve. May the Lord help us take the things we heard and apply them to our home and family.

Our accommodations were a 5-bedroom cabin at the edge of Pigeon Forge. It was absolutely wonderful. The setting was gorgeous and the rooms were fantastic. We invited 3 other couples and 2 college girls to join us. Nikki and Jessica watched the children while we attended the meetings. Keith and I made breakfast (OK, mostly Keith) for everyone on Friday and Saturday morning. The Giallourakis and Ylitalos had a snack for after the evening meetings. Friday evening everyone joined in a game of Apples to Apples and Grandpa Don came out the winner.

The dates for next year's retreat have been set for February 26-28, 2009 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. We are looking forward to going again and hope some more of our friends can join us.