New Life Marriage Team Hosts the Annual Couples Retreat
(Feb, 2008, Branson, MO)Harmony is described as agreement in feeling or opinion, to be on one accord. Marriage in the key of “A” Agreement was the theme for this year’s Marriage Rejuvenation retreat held at the luxurious Chateau on the Lake Resort in Branson, Mo.
The conductor raises his hands, the audience becomes as silent as still life, the instruments are drawn to the ready, and methodically it begins. Slowly and deliberately the conductor pieces together the masterpiece; the violins begin stringing the chorus, they hum in unison like a soft lullaby caressing a newborn baby. Gently yet intently the brass instruments awaken like a family of bears returning to the world from the depths of hibernation. Like a low hum of bees the trombone and tuba draw in the souls of the audience. Then the French horn and the trumpet cause them to become alert like soldiers standing at attention awaiting the Generals commands. They mustn’t wait long because the potential energy that has been created in the audience is increasing in urgency like lava boiling just below the surface. The conductor senses the anticipation rising, but must ignore it because everything must fall into his design. When the time is finally right, he unleashes their fury; drum roll sounds announcing the inevitability of their approach; the violins increase the frequency of their stringing; the brass hold the aggressive note preparing for their arrival; and at last the conductor releases the bass drum, the cymbal, the triangle, the gong, the tambourine, and the chimes. The perfect melody sings from the orchestra’s harmony. The harmony orchestrated by the conductor and experienced through the instruments exemplifies God’s plan for marriages. Marriage in the Key of “A” Agreement.
Amos 3:3 says, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” ‘One of the tools the enemy uses is discord and disharmony, and wherever these two are, there is bound to be strife and confusion. But our God is a God of peace and harmony, which speaks of agreement. We see this exemplified in creation, for in the beginning there was agreement with the Godhead; “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…”(Gen 1:26) When we look at all of creation, it exemplifies a beautiful work of art designed by our Master Creator. We also see this personified in the joining of two lives between the man and woman. God is restoring us back to His original intent.
On Friday Pastors Travis and Lisa Shockley from Kansas City, Mo brought a message on being harmonized in marriage. To be in harmony is to be in full agreement and to be on one accord. On Saturday the couples split up in groups for various breakout sessions. Each couple selected the breakout session that they would attend based on problems that they were currently having, or problems that they may potentially have. There were 6 different breakout sessions hosted by different pastors. Strike the B Chord was hosted by Apostle Maurice K. & Lady Brenda Wright. This session dealt with Balancing Work, Church, & Home. Strike the C Chord was hosted by Pastors Derrick & Charmaine Flanagan. This session focused on Communication & Conflict Resolution. Strike the D chord was hosted by New Life’s own Ministers James and Rae Lewis. This cord dealt with Divorce & Remarriage- Blended Families. Strike the E Chord was hosted by Pastors Kevin & Darlene Barber. It’s focus was Experiencing the Empty Nest. Strike the F Chord was about “Faith and Finance,” and was hosted by Apostle Karockas & Pastor Audra Watkiins. Strike the G Chord dealt with “Growing Together in Ministry,” and was hosted by Pastors Frank and Robin King. Saturday also featured another general session with Pastors Larry and Lorrie Russell from Parker, Colorado. Pastors Larry & Lorrie delivered a message on the 5 keys for a successful marriage: Covenant, Trust, Forgiveness, Love, and Friendship.
Before dinner, each couple was involved in a Grand Promenade, which included each couple being announced and prancing down a runway and underneath an archway to have their pictures taken. This was followed by dinner where the couples were treated to performances by National Recording Artist Helen Baylor. Helen combines the sounds of jazz and rock with gospel creating songs that people can listen to repeatedly. She travels throughout the country conveying the message of God’s saving and healing power. She describes her concerts and performances as “a church service set to music.”
The Marriage retreat was a great opportunity for couples to get away from everything and rejuvenate their marriages. Couples were able to recharge, retool, and release to improve their marriages. I look forward to next years retreat.