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Bridging the Gap...
BAPTIST EXPRESSION OF MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER (BEofME)Bridging the Gap between Marriage and Divorce
By Vince & Janice Ramkissoon
One hundred and sixty six thousand, seven hundred (166,700) divorces in the UK in one year! That’s quite an alarming figure, wouldn’t you say? Research reveals that in every thousand (1000) marriages there are fourteen (14) divorces*. Where are we, as a nation, going wrong? Could ‘BEofME’ be the UK’s answer to happier marriages?
One couple, who have experienced what a Marriage Encounter (ME) weekend has to offer, seems to think so. Read along as this couple takes you through their personal encounter and understanding of BEofME.
Bridging the gap between marriage and divorce is how we see BEofME. If a marriage, like anything in life is not maintained, it deteriorates and often ends in divorce. But what is the alternative? Could BEofME be the UK’s answer in bridging the gap between marriages and divorce?
Enhancing marriages is what we believe ME is all about. We had an educative and enlightening weekend, coupled with quality time together. We learnt more about each other in this one weekend than any other ‘together time’ we’ve had before. All this has happened without the constant interruption of the phone ringing or “Mummy can I have…” or “Daddy I want…”. Total peace and no timekeeping required – surely, more couples could benefit from this type of environment.
Old-fashioned values in this day and age? No way! Well, it seems it is the very ingredient that cements the relationship. We heard stories from the 50’s to modern-day and the same values seem to stand firm throughout the ages. For example, so often we get complacent in our relationship and begin to take each other for granted, soon after that, lack of respect issue creeps in and before long the relationship is on a downward spiral. The examples shared with us on this weekend reminded us that respect swings both ways. It also offered long-term solutions in maintaining that level of respect required in maintaining/sustaining the marriage. Bringing these old-fashioned values into your marriage will have you and your spouse learning a lot about each other and find you renewing your vows on a daily basis.
Finding time for each other and the entire family is essential. If this element is missing it leaves the door wide open for the evil one to enter and often the end result is a very unhappy partner, neglected children and frustrated couples. These are the perfect ingredients for a house of misery. ME weekends can both help you recognise the warning signs and/or revitalise your marriage so that your house can be a happy home.
Maintaining a marriage is hard work, especially if children are involved. It is therefore best to get all the help you can while your marriage is blossoming, that way you’ll have all the tips you need for maintaining it throughout the seasons. Don’t wait until the storms are raging before you seek help – it might be too late. If your partner hurts your feelings – do you sulk all day, start name calling, give that look of disapproval or have a ‘10/10’? If you’re wondering what a ‘10/10’ is, then BEofME is that ‘helping hand’ you require. They have been helping to strengthen marriages for over 30 years.
Ending the weekend was closing the door to old habits and forming new and exciting ones that would enhance our marriage. We were mentally energised and ready to go home and apply what we had learnt, to every aspect of our marriage. As a result of the ME weekend our marriage is in a new spring. We would encourage anyone who has never been on a ME weekend before to make it a priority. The benefits are far too great to miss out on. Go on! Book a weekend at www.beofme.org.uk. You won’t regret it.
© 2006, Vincent & Janice Ramkissoon
___________________________________________________
Notes:This article was written for and 1st published by the ME&YOU Newsletter (a BEofME publication -UK). Source: Figures taken from Divorce-online.co.uk and Christian.org.uk
One couple, who have experienced what a Marriage Encounter (ME) weekend has to offer, seems to think so. Read along as this couple takes you through their personal encounter and understanding of BEofME.
Bridging the gap between marriage and divorce is how we see BEofME. If a marriage, like anything in life is not maintained, it deteriorates and often ends in divorce. But what is the alternative? Could BEofME be the UK’s answer in bridging the gap between marriages and divorce?
Enhancing marriages is what we believe ME is all about. We had an educative and enlightening weekend, coupled with quality time together. We learnt more about each other in this one weekend than any other ‘together time’ we’ve had before. All this has happened without the constant interruption of the phone ringing or “Mummy can I have…” or “Daddy I want…”. Total peace and no timekeeping required – surely, more couples could benefit from this type of environment.
Old-fashioned values in this day and age? No way! Well, it seems it is the very ingredient that cements the relationship. We heard stories from the 50’s to modern-day and the same values seem to stand firm throughout the ages. For example, so often we get complacent in our relationship and begin to take each other for granted, soon after that, lack of respect issue creeps in and before long the relationship is on a downward spiral. The examples shared with us on this weekend reminded us that respect swings both ways. It also offered long-term solutions in maintaining that level of respect required in maintaining/sustaining the marriage. Bringing these old-fashioned values into your marriage will have you and your spouse learning a lot about each other and find you renewing your vows on a daily basis.
Finding time for each other and the entire family is essential. If this element is missing it leaves the door wide open for the evil one to enter and often the end result is a very unhappy partner, neglected children and frustrated couples. These are the perfect ingredients for a house of misery. ME weekends can both help you recognise the warning signs and/or revitalise your marriage so that your house can be a happy home.
Maintaining a marriage is hard work, especially if children are involved. It is therefore best to get all the help you can while your marriage is blossoming, that way you’ll have all the tips you need for maintaining it throughout the seasons. Don’t wait until the storms are raging before you seek help – it might be too late. If your partner hurts your feelings – do you sulk all day, start name calling, give that look of disapproval or have a ‘10/10’? If you’re wondering what a ‘10/10’ is, then BEofME is that ‘helping hand’ you require. They have been helping to strengthen marriages for over 30 years.
Ending the weekend was closing the door to old habits and forming new and exciting ones that would enhance our marriage. We were mentally energised and ready to go home and apply what we had learnt, to every aspect of our marriage. As a result of the ME weekend our marriage is in a new spring. We would encourage anyone who has never been on a ME weekend before to make it a priority. The benefits are far too great to miss out on. Go on! Book a weekend at www.beofme.org.uk. You won’t regret it.
© 2006, Vincent & Janice Ramkissoon
___________________________________________________
Notes:This article was written for and 1st published by the ME&YOU Newsletter (a BEofME publication -UK). Source: Figures taken from Divorce-online.co.uk and Christian.org.uk
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