Marriage Inc., Magazine '15

40
MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE FEATURING: Healthy Marriages = Healthy Communities. Marriage, Inc. is dedicated to building a culture of marriage. February 2015 A Celebration of Marriage · Path of Forgiveness · Creating the Marriage you Desire · Little ings Matter ... and resources for marriage renewal THIS ISSUE:

description

In this edition of Marriage, Inc. Magazine we want to tell you a few stories of couples experiencing happy marriages in our own community. We trust that the stories of their journeys in the articles found on the following pages will offer a ray of hope to the disheartened and encouragement to all. We believe so strongly there is hope for every marriage that we have given away 1,000 copies of the book, Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages. This book is filled with insights and tips that will help any marriage begin to make changes that can lead to a positive difference. If you did not receive a copy, we encourage you to find a copy and read it. Your spouse, children, and friends will all thank you.

Transcript of Marriage Inc., Magazine '15

Page 1: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

MARRIAGE INC

MAGAZINE

FEATURING

Healthy Marriages = Healthy Communities Marriage Inc is dedicated to building a culture of marriage

February 2015

A Celebration of Marriage

Path of Forgiveness Creating the Marriage you Desire Little Things Matter and resources for marriage renewal

THIS ISSUE

Greetings from Olivet

February 20 2015

We are so glad yoursquove come to visit

On behalf of Olivet Nazarene University Jill and I are pleased to welcome you to Centennial Chapel for the 7th annual community Date Night We count it a true privilege to open these doors to old and new friends who come from across Kankakee County the Chicagoland area and beyond The more we get together the more we feel like family

Tonightrsquos event focuses on strengthening marriages and serves as a tangible reminder that these relationships are foundational to the well-being of all society To help communicate this message marriage ldquoedu-tainersrdquo Jay and Laura Laffoon and comedian Michael Jr are here tonight to teach us inspire us and make us laugh We are in for a great evening

Marriage Inc the nonprofit organization that partners with Olivet in making this evening possible promotes the message that Healthy Marriages = Healthy Communities

We couldnrsquot agree more

Sincerely

John amp JillPresident and Mrs John C BowlingOlivet Nazarene University

Marriage Inc Magazineis published yearly by

Marriage Inc in conjunction with our Date Night event

Volume 4 Issue 1

Marriage Inc StaffDr Kent and Beth Olney

Co-Directors

Alisha ClarkAssociate DirectorCultural Liaison

Kathy HeckAssociate Director

Church amp Community Liaison

Ian MatthewsMarketing Coordinator

Sheryl FeminisKent Olney

Laura Wasson WarfelEditorial Support

Contact UsMarriage Inc

One University AvenueBourbonnais IL 60914

wwwmarriageincorginfomarriageincorg

815-939-5385

Magazine Design

Matthew MooreWhitesand Graphics

Evening Program

Special Guests

Book ResourceThe Surprising Secrets

of Highly Happy Marriages

A Place of Renewal

The Path of Forgiveness

How to Create theMarriage You Desire

Impact Award - 2015

Little Things Matter

Book Resource The GoodNews About Marriage

Blizzards amp Blessings

Hope

Counselors amp Coaches

Sponsor Advertisements

Prayer

CONTENTS

MARRIAGE INC

MAGAZINE

3

4

6

8

10

13

16

18

22

24

28

31

32

37

Stories of HopeAs I (Beth) was growing up a copy of The Ladiesrsquo Home Journal was delivered faithfully to our mailbox every month In each edition there was a feature called ldquoCan This Marriage Be Savedrdquo For some reason I made a point to read the stories of marital crises I was curious about why couples were fighting and why they were considering divorce I wanted each relationship to experience joy because I believed as a young girl and still do that marriages were meant to be enjoyed

Our culture urges couples to take the easy way out ndash to throw away a marriage and start again We are here to tell you that divorce isnrsquot the answer We unapologetically ask couples to consider investing the same amount of energy and money they would spend on getting a divorce back into the relationship The truth is whether you are lsquomarried torsquo or lsquodivorced fromrsquo your spouse that person will somehow be present in your life for the ldquorest of your daysrdquo Why not make those days the best by committing to share them together

In this edition of Marriage Inc Magazine we want to tell you a few stories of couples experiencing happy marriages in our own community We trust that the stories of their journeys in the articles found on the following pages will offer a ray of hope to the disheartened and encouragement to all

We believe so strongly there is hope for every marriage that we have given away 1000 copies of the book Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages This book is filled with insights and tips that will help any marriage begin to make changes that can lead to a positive difference If you did not receive a copy we encourage you to find a copy and read it Your spouse children and friends will all thank you

Finally persistence and longevity have their reward A happy marriage is the goal We can help you and your spouse reach that goal

Kent and Beth OlneyCo-Directors Marriage Inc

A Celebration of Marriage

2015 2015

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 3

WELCOME TO

February 20 20157-945 pm

Welcome

Marriage ldquoEdu-tainersrdquoJay and Laura Laffoon

15-minute intermission

ComedianMichael Jr

Closing

Guest speakers will have resources for sale in the lobby before the show during intermission and immediately following the conclusion of the eveningrsquos programming

ON STAGE EVENT PROGRAM

Spencer CookMaster of Ceremonies

Joel DeckardDrums

Jesse DillmanBass

Amber LeffelVocalist

Luke OlneyPianist

Wesley TaylorVocalist

4 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The Laffoons fearlessly share their own experiences as they unravel what theyrsquove learned about the mysteries of intimate relationships believing that all married couples share the same struggles and joys along the journey Their humorous and entertaining transparency offers couples permission to laugh with each other and courage to continue growing a future together

After meeting on a blind date in 1984 their brief courtship has since transformed into a daily marital celebration Having ministered together in Youth for Christ for 15 years along with interviewing thousands of couples theyrsquove gained tremendous insight into marriage and family issues Now theyrsquove been presenting comedy- infused marriage events for more than 17 years

Jay grew up in Petoskey Mich and holds degrees in Biblical Literature and Music Laura grew up in Atlanta Ga (site of their famous blind date) and holds a degree in Social Ministries

Both Jay and Laura previously served on staff at Youth for Christ and currently serve on staff at Mt Pleasant Community Church coordinating their Marriage and Family Care Ministry They are part of an exclusive group of certified instructors for Dynamic Communications International

Together Jay and Laura have written numerous books They currently live in Michigan They have two children A teenage daughter Grace and son Torrey who is married to Shana a wonderful addition to the family Jay amp Laura founded Celebrate Ministries Inc in 1995

SPECIALGUESTS

Jay and Laura Laffoon

Hailed as one of todayrsquos most gifted comedians Michaelrsquos entry into comedy was almost preordained Years ago in a crowded Grand Rapids Mich movie theater the projector malfunctioned The film snapped the house lights came on and acting on a dare young Michael jumped in front of the restless crowd and took center stage When the theater manager tried to usher him out the audience demanded he stay Michael Jr had discovered his gift

Comedian George Wallace offered Michael his first break when he took him to the legendary Comedy amp Magic Club in Hermosa Beach home of Jay Leno and The Tonight Show staff The clubrsquos owner slipped Michael onstage A week later Michael was performing at the Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal where he became the first comedian to ever appear live via satellite on The Tonight Show

Since then he has appeared on The Tonight Show Comedy Central BETrsquos ComicView Jimmy Kimmel Live CNN Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen and ComedyTV Yoursquoll also find him at the most prestigious comedy clubs across the nation including The Improv The Laugh Factory The Comedy Store The Punchline The Comic Strip and Zanies Comedy Club If thatrsquos

not enough Michaelrsquos versatility takes him from major universities such as Notre Dame the University of Massachusetts and the University of Alabama to church events ranging from the 60000-member Willow Creek Church in Chicago the 17000-member West Angeles Church in LA and the 10000-member New Life Church in Colorado Springs

How can one man be equally at home in the heartland and the inner city churches and prisons corporate events and youth rallies Michael calls it comedy accountability

ldquoIf Irsquom in a club my material has to be clean enough to work in a church If Irsquom in a pulpit it has to be funny enough to work in a clubrdquo he says

This versatility has enabled Michael to author a childrenrsquos book The Parts We Play to be featured in the wildly successful comedy DVD ldquoThou Shalt Laughrdquo and to have made his directorial debut with the documentary ldquoComedy The Road Less Traveledrdquo (available in stores at amazoncom and michaeljrcom)

On the home front Michael is happily married He and his wife are the proud parents of five beautiful children

2015 2015

Michael Jr

ldquoWhere does lsquohighly happyrsquo come from mdash and can we have some toordquo

Have you ever looked at a blissfully married couple and thought I wish I could know their secret Now you can After years of investigative research Shaunti Feldhahn reveals 12 powerful habits that the happiest marriages have in common

Best news of all Anyone can learn the secrets of a highly happy marriage

In The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages Feldhahn shares her findings about little very unexpected often overlooked actions that make a huge difference Yoursquore about to discover that highly happy couples

Go to bed mad Keep score (just not in the way you think) Boss their feelings around Have factual fantasies Get in over their heads Donrsquot tell it like it is Donrsquot look to marriage to make them happy

Packed with eye-opening research and practical helps this book delivers relationship insights that will take your marriage from ldquojust finerdquo to ldquojust the marriage wersquove always wantedrdquo

surprising secrets of

highly happy

marriages

BOOK RESOURCE

ldquoI am thrilled with the findings clear reporting and explanations Shaunti is tireless at tracking down the truths that matter to relationships mdash and countless men and women have benefitted as a result I have already started using some of this new data at my conferencesrdquo mdash Emerson Eggerichs Best-selling author of Love and Respect

ldquoThe entire time I was reading this book I kept stopping and saying to my wife lsquoOh wow Listen to thisrsquo The great truth within these pages is that little things do indeed mean a lotrdquo

mdashJeff amp Pamela Foxworthy

ldquoShaunti has done the research dissected the results and delivered to us the proven recipes for successEven after 30 years of marriage I learned so much This is a book every married person should readrdquo mdash Jill Savage CEO of Hearts at Home and author of No More Perfect Moms

8 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

God is great and doing great things in the lives of those who seek Him At A Breath of Heaven Ministries the staff has the blessing of watching as our Savior moves in the lives of married couples who are seeking rest and renewal By providing a relaxing setting mdash away from daily distractions and responsibilities mdash this ministry is helping couples find renewed hope spiritual refreshment and restoration for their marriages

As relationships are rekindled couples find a deeper relationship with each other and with their God This personal testimony from a husband and wife who made their relationship a priority speaks volumes about the renewal experience that A Breath of Heaven seeks to offer

One year ago at age 57 I retired After 35-plus years of marriage and raising two children my wife and I felt as if we really didnrsquot know each other anymore We knew that we still loved each other But somehow somewhere we felt that we had grown apart We heard of A Breath of Heaven through some friends on Facebook and thought why not

While there we spent time hiking at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park sitting and talking at an amazingly beautiful beach and just enjoying Godrsquos creation Together But as much as we enjoyed the

sights and sounds of Godrsquos incredible handiwork we sensed that God was allowing us to use the time away to re-experience each other in ways that we hadnrsquot for many years And we did

From the minute we walked through the door we were welcomed with loving open arms Your warm Christian hospitality gave us the opportunity to rediscover each other as you prayed for the Lord to renew our life together as a married couple

If you remember it was difficult for us to leave Since wersquove returned home wersquove joined a couplesrsquo small group and are serving together as volunteers in our churchrsquos food pantry

We are so thankful for our time at A Breath of Heaven and canrsquot wait to return Thank you for being there

This ministry is offering relationship renewal opportunities to couples who are connected with Marriage Inc To learn more and to book your renewal getaway contact A Breath of Heaven Ministries

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 9

Scott and Laurie Vaughn have owned A Breath of Heaven Bed amp Breakfast since April 2014 They have decades of customer service and business experience between them Laurie has years of bookstore industry experience working in management customer service training and buying and selling Scott has served in various ministry roles for more than 35 years and has worked in sales marketing management and non-profit development The Vaughns have five children

A PLACEOF RENEWAL

Scott and Laurie Vaughn

A Breath of HeavenScott and Laurie Vaughn

8153839999breathofheavenbnbgmailcom

wwwbreathofheavenbnbcom

Lisa Gassin PhD

Marriage brings some of the happiest moments in life It can also bring some of the deepest hurts

What is one to do when a spouse uses unkind words commits an infidelity habitually lies or somehow breaks trust For good reason our inclination is usually to be angry accuse defend ourselves and perhaps ultimately walk out of the relationship In most cases however traversing the difficult path of forgiveness can pay dividends for us as individuals and for our relationships

10 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 11

Psychologists have differing views on what forgiveness is and is not A good place to start is the definition by Dr Robert Enright a pioneer of research on the topic ldquoForgiving involves rooting out negative thoughts feelings and behaviors vis-agrave-vis a person who has hurt you and striving to develop positive thoughts feelings and behaviors towards herrdquo Note that for most of us forgiveness is a process rather than an instantaneous occurrence

Dr Enright like many other thinkers distinguishes forgiveness from reconciliation While forgiveness refers more to our internal disposition toward an offender reconciliation refers to re-entering a relationship with that person This is a particularly sticky distinction when the offender is your spouse because by definition the two of you are already in a multi-dimensional relationship that cannot and should not be easily ended

While psychologists often differentiate between forgiveness and reconciliation these processes are not completely separate Reconciliation involves input from two different people Forgiveness may be offered from the one who is hurt but in most situations should be offered with a clear statement about how the injury has affected the one hurt

In some cases the injured party may need to establish a boundary in the relationship mdash both for hisher own protection and also to help the other person avoid hurtful behavior For example if the husband has been secretly irresponsible with money the wife may wish to take temporary control of the finances as a part of the reconciliation process

Of course the one who has committed an offense also must make contributions to the relationship for reconciliation to take place Heshe must offer understanding of how hisher actions affected the other as well as sincere repentance and a commitment to stop the hurtful behavior in the future In some cases a personrsquos abstaining from the hurtful action must be effective immediately (such as never engaging in another affair) In others it may be a process (such as seeking counseling to learn to cope with anger)

Of course in some circumstances both husband and wife have hurt each other Each party must listen respectfully to the other and weigh hisher own role in the conflict Sometimes the involvement of a third party such as a counselor or pastor can help a couple identify how each person played a role in a hurtful situation and what each can do to help re-establish trust

Now letrsquos look at this from a faith-based perspective Scripture especially the New Testament frequently emphasizes the importance of forgiving others There are many ways to understand what this means and why such a command is given

In forgiving as Christians we allow Godrsquos redeeming mercy to flow from us to the one who hurt us We mirror His identity as the One who always draws each person to Himself in love Of course we offer Godrsquos love in the context of truth

Speaking clearly about how an offense has affected you can be an important part of forgiveness and reconciliation especially in the context of a relationship as intimate as marriage If we see speaking such truth as a chance to hammer the offender with our anger we must keep in mind the purpose of Godrsquos truth to lovingly call the other to repentance and reconciliation not to drag the other into an abyss of sorrow that leads to death (2 Corinthians 710)

It is in practicing forgiveness that we perhaps most closely emulate the Lord Interestingly enough much evidence suggests that being merciful is good for us not only spiritually but also psychologically Research and data consistently demonstrate that those who forgive reap the benefits of better mental health and improved social relationships From a faith-based perspective we donrsquot forgive just to benefit ourselves The ldquoside effectsrdquo of the process serve to keep us happier and healthier

The road to a fulfilling long-lasting marriage is paved with the grace of forgiveness and reconciliation

Lisa Gassin is a licensed professional counselor and a professor teaching Developmental and Cross-cultural Psychology at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais Illinois Dr Gassinrsquos research focus includes the psychology of forgiveness attachment and bereavement Her counseling methods of interest are play and other expressive therapies

12 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 13

How to Create theMarriage You Desire

Michelle Klavohn

The vision looks something like this People get so inspired longing for the potential of their marriage and family that 90 percent of married couples are working with a family coach to find their best life together

Imagine the clarity that would come in worklife balance parenting choices healthy communication managing in-law relationships etc if couples would take that kind of action to make their marriages thrive

Did you know that 90 percent of businesses use coaching in some form Businesses have found that they have a greater likelihood for reaching their potential when they partner with a skilled coach

While I love hearing about that kind of success I find myself dreaming about reaching that potential in a very different realm

14 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Great marriage and family life is not reserved for a select few people who get very very lucky It is a vision and a goal to pursue wholeheartedly

Irsquove had this dream in my own life for a very long time Some days the vision is loud confident and victorious Other days it is much shyer shaken by my own shortcomings

True confessions My husband and I have our own times that take their toll on the dreams we have for a dynamic marriage and family The past three years have brought some of the most painful losses and circumstances that wersquove had to navigate in our 24 years together I refer to it as the ldquoperfect stormrdquo The loss of numerous friendships that were like family to us the end of a ministry role that was extremely meaningful for me a painful change in our church community unfulfilled career goals and to top it off the mayhem of finding out I am in full-blown menopause What (I hear that by itself is enough to make a couple think life as they know it may be over)

This long season in our family of what we refer to as ldquosurvival moderdquo has taken its toll Tempers may be short words may be said selfishness may rear its ugly head and weekends may drain more life than they give

You may have had times like these too

Not that I will give up on our marriage altogether but perhaps I will give in to the idea that my marriage will just have to get by Life takes over I lose my vision The dream slips low on the priority list In the middle of the night I wrestle with thoughts like ldquoThis is too hardrdquo

Yes everyone needs outside support for their marriage In fact this step for us has been exactly what propels our relationship to the level we desire

Take a look at some common misconceptions that keep people from getting that support

ldquoWe donrsquot really need to talk with someonerdquo

Letrsquos be honest The root of this is pride The ldquowe can do it on our ownrdquo mentality at its best robs so many of the thriving marriage they want and

at its worst can lead to the end of a marriage We all stand at the wedding altar with dreams of a beautiful relationship Why not give yourselves a gift by taking action to fulfill those dreams It is not a sign of weakness but a spirit of wisdom that shows maturity commitment and strength

ldquoWe donrsquot have the money or timerdquo

This is almost always a priority issue What in your budget or schedule is more important than your marriage Will your kids think itrsquos worth it for you to work on your marriage Five years down the road will you regret investing in your marriage

ldquoWhat if people knewrdquo

Why not be a part of a growing movement of people who say ldquoThe best thing wersquove done for our marriage is work with a marriage coachrdquo You can be part of normalizing this healthy habit so that someday itrsquos as routine for couples as having a physical seeing the dentist etc We pay attention to the healthiness of other areas of life Why not do the same for the most important relationship we have

Yes I sometimes blow it in my marriage When I do Irsquom left with a decision Will I allow discouragement to steal my commitment to this relationship Or will I choose to give myself and my spouse grace and have a fresh dedication to building our dream one day at a time So I choose to live the philosophy that I espouse for my coaching clients A thriving marriage can happen today

Todayrsquos agenda for my husband and me reflects that Connect with our family coach (yes we value an outside perspective for our relationship too) A coffee date with my lover (okay a coffee mocha for him and a green iced tea with no sweetener for me ldquoCoffee daterdquo just sounds so much cooler than a ldquotea daterdquo) Time with our kids this evening

Of all the things that could demand our attention nothing is more important than building this dream we share

How to Create the Marriage You Desire

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 15

Michelle Klavohn is a family coach with more than 20 years experience in the field of Human Development She has a masterrsquos degree in communication and has been a communication educator for 10 years She and her husband Jon have been married for 23 years and have two children Kate and Carson

16 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 17

MARRIAGE INC IMPACT AWARD - 2015

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

Steve and LindaSweeney

18 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

In 38 years of marriage wersquove learned this timeless truth The quality of our marriage does not depend on the monumental events or big decisions of life mdash how much money we earn whether we take an anniversary cruise the size of our house or even how we respond to an unexpected family crisis We have discovered over time that the little things matter most in determining the health and level of satisfaction in our marriage How we talk our priorities how we treat the other (both in private and public) and our ability to laugh are all better reflections of our marriagersquos well-being than are securing tickets to a favorite Broadway production or the value of our 401(k)

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 19

Lessons from a Wedding Psalm

Dr Kent and Beth Olney

We are not sure why it has taken us so long to learn this truth Perhaps it is because we are prone to invest so much time and energy pulling off what we hope will be viewed as impressive accomplishments After achieving a goal we naturally want to sit back and congratulate ourselves for being such exemplary spouses

The reality is however that simple daily habits and responses contribute more to our marriage than the occasional spectacular events In her 2013 book The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages author Shaunti Feldhahn confirms this truth (see pages 6-7 of this magazine) So does a much older writing Psalm 45 which carries the interesting title of ldquoA Wedding Songrdquo (or ldquoA Song of Lovesrdquo in the classic King James version) We encourage you to read it for yourself and discover its enduring marriage message

The psalm begins by referring to marriage as a ldquonoble themerdquo (v 1) one that is worth considering In other words we do ourselves a favor when we pause to think about marriage and how we might get the most out of it When a couple dares to do that the results may be surprising

Suggested in this psalm are several profound and yet unexpected principles for making an attractive husband and a magnificent wife ndash descriptions that by the way are both implied in the psalm

The first half of Psalm 45 speaks to the husband who is referred to as ldquothe most excellent of menrdquo (v 2) What would it take today for a husband to earn that title from his wife How might he become so attractive to his spouse that he is thought of in this way Hints are given as the psalm unfolds Here are five defining characteristics

Graceful talk which means not just what is said but also how one says it Splendid character including an emphasis on truth humility and making wise choices Commendable priorities that are plain for all to see applaud and imitate Cheerful disposition wherein others are encouraged and find their spirits lifted Respectful interactions such that others are consistently and genuinely honored

Not one of these has a price tag Yet their value to any marriage is enormous At first glance each trait may seem relatively small but each has vast potential to transform a relationship Men take note

Not one of these has a price tagYet their value to any marriage is enormous

20 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The second part of the psalm addresses the bride Practical tips if observed would make any man feel he had a magnificent or ldquoroyalrdquo (v 9) bride How might a wife enhance the possibility of being considered magnificent by her husband What are some qualities she might develop to elevate her in the eyes of her husband Psalm 45 points to several possibilities including

Listening well so that genuine communication takes place Forgetting the past and adopting new loyalties and patterns Cultivating beauty for the purpose of pleasing and honoring her husband Contributing socially by winning othersrsquo favor and thus becoming a public asset Developing friendships that are healthy pleasant and mutually enriching

Again what is noteworthy is that this list contains ideas that are far from extraordinary Ladies minor adjustments often have a profound impact

Psalm 45 contains three overarching truths One despite what scoffers might say a good marriage is possible Two Godrsquos Word can help us attain such a marriage Those who dare to live by biblical principles will uncover helpful instruction and insight to enhance their relationships Three little things really do matter most when it comes to creating a successful and happy marriage No one needs to wait 38 years to discover that

Dr Kent and Beth Olney serve as co-directors of Marriage Inc Both are employed at Olivet Nazarene University where Kent is professor of Sociology and chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences Beth directs the Center for Student Success They are parents to Luke and Kyle and grandparents to Autumn and Kamden the children of Kyle and his wife Amber

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 21

22 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

the good news

aboutmarriage

BOOK RESOURCE

Did You KnowThe actual divorce rate has never come close to 50 Church attendance makes a HUGEdifference Most marriages are strong and happy for a lifetime

What does this mean for youIf you are a marriage champion mdash a pastor counselor or simply someone who cares aboutmarriages mdash you need to know this new information As one marriage leader put it ldquoIf thisis true the implications are enormousrdquo

Next steps Read the book Discuss findings with fellow leaders ldquoHow does this change how we talk about marriagerdquo ldquoHow does this change how we counsel couplesrdquo Visit wwwGoodNewsMarriagecom for leaders to find

Brief videos Interviews with national leaders discussing the implications and potential changes A slide share presentation with key info and research Bulk discount information

ldquoThis book will change how all of us think and talk about marriage and divorcerdquo mdashLysa Terkeurst president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

ldquoIn 32 years of marriage ministry I have been demoralized at times by the negative statistics quoted And now I am ecstatic as I read the truth in this incredible bookrdquo mdashJimmy Evans Founder of MarriageToday and Senior Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church

ldquoShauntirsquos thoroughly researched book will inject life and hope not only into our national consciousness about marriage but also into every individual marriage in the countryrdquo mdashDr Tim Clinton President of American Association of Christian Counselors

ldquoBelievers who put their faith into practice mdash who worship together and pray together mdash are muchmore likely to enjoy stable and happy marriages This is good news indeedrdquo mdashW Bradford Wilcox National Marriage Project Director Associate Professor of Sociology University of Virginia

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 23

24 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Kenneth and Marlene Carr are pastors at Total Restoration Christian Center in Kankakee Illinois Married for 26 years the Carrs have six children a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 25

BLESSINGSampLaura Wasson Warfel

ldquoMarriage has a lot of seasonsrdquo says Marlene Carr as she looks toward her husband Kenneth ldquoWe got married on Christmas Day It was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s The next morning there was a blizzard and 10 inches of snowrdquo

Weathering those seasons and growing closer than ever is one of the secrets to a successful marriage God uses those testing times to bring strength and a closer walk with Him

A TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGEA TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGE

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

midlandsbcom1-855-MY-MIDLAND Member FDIC

BourbonnaisGrant ParkBeecher

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS Three Locations

720 Main St NWBourbonnais IL

228 N Dixie HwyMomence IL

110 Marquette Pl SManteno IL

or visit us online atmunicipalbankcom

CUSTOMER GRUMISH CHIRO-PRACTIC OFF PROOF TIME 9152014 32039 PM

REP ID KKK130 FIRST RUN 092514KK-202140

PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

bull SMALL NEWSPAPER GROUP bull

THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

SPO

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VERT

ISEM

ENTS

DATE NIGHT NOTES

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 2: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

Greetings from Olivet

February 20 2015

We are so glad yoursquove come to visit

On behalf of Olivet Nazarene University Jill and I are pleased to welcome you to Centennial Chapel for the 7th annual community Date Night We count it a true privilege to open these doors to old and new friends who come from across Kankakee County the Chicagoland area and beyond The more we get together the more we feel like family

Tonightrsquos event focuses on strengthening marriages and serves as a tangible reminder that these relationships are foundational to the well-being of all society To help communicate this message marriage ldquoedu-tainersrdquo Jay and Laura Laffoon and comedian Michael Jr are here tonight to teach us inspire us and make us laugh We are in for a great evening

Marriage Inc the nonprofit organization that partners with Olivet in making this evening possible promotes the message that Healthy Marriages = Healthy Communities

We couldnrsquot agree more

Sincerely

John amp JillPresident and Mrs John C BowlingOlivet Nazarene University

Marriage Inc Magazineis published yearly by

Marriage Inc in conjunction with our Date Night event

Volume 4 Issue 1

Marriage Inc StaffDr Kent and Beth Olney

Co-Directors

Alisha ClarkAssociate DirectorCultural Liaison

Kathy HeckAssociate Director

Church amp Community Liaison

Ian MatthewsMarketing Coordinator

Sheryl FeminisKent Olney

Laura Wasson WarfelEditorial Support

Contact UsMarriage Inc

One University AvenueBourbonnais IL 60914

wwwmarriageincorginfomarriageincorg

815-939-5385

Magazine Design

Matthew MooreWhitesand Graphics

Evening Program

Special Guests

Book ResourceThe Surprising Secrets

of Highly Happy Marriages

A Place of Renewal

The Path of Forgiveness

How to Create theMarriage You Desire

Impact Award - 2015

Little Things Matter

Book Resource The GoodNews About Marriage

Blizzards amp Blessings

Hope

Counselors amp Coaches

Sponsor Advertisements

Prayer

CONTENTS

MARRIAGE INC

MAGAZINE

3

4

6

8

10

13

16

18

22

24

28

31

32

37

Stories of HopeAs I (Beth) was growing up a copy of The Ladiesrsquo Home Journal was delivered faithfully to our mailbox every month In each edition there was a feature called ldquoCan This Marriage Be Savedrdquo For some reason I made a point to read the stories of marital crises I was curious about why couples were fighting and why they were considering divorce I wanted each relationship to experience joy because I believed as a young girl and still do that marriages were meant to be enjoyed

Our culture urges couples to take the easy way out ndash to throw away a marriage and start again We are here to tell you that divorce isnrsquot the answer We unapologetically ask couples to consider investing the same amount of energy and money they would spend on getting a divorce back into the relationship The truth is whether you are lsquomarried torsquo or lsquodivorced fromrsquo your spouse that person will somehow be present in your life for the ldquorest of your daysrdquo Why not make those days the best by committing to share them together

In this edition of Marriage Inc Magazine we want to tell you a few stories of couples experiencing happy marriages in our own community We trust that the stories of their journeys in the articles found on the following pages will offer a ray of hope to the disheartened and encouragement to all

We believe so strongly there is hope for every marriage that we have given away 1000 copies of the book Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages This book is filled with insights and tips that will help any marriage begin to make changes that can lead to a positive difference If you did not receive a copy we encourage you to find a copy and read it Your spouse children and friends will all thank you

Finally persistence and longevity have their reward A happy marriage is the goal We can help you and your spouse reach that goal

Kent and Beth OlneyCo-Directors Marriage Inc

A Celebration of Marriage

2015 2015

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 3

WELCOME TO

February 20 20157-945 pm

Welcome

Marriage ldquoEdu-tainersrdquoJay and Laura Laffoon

15-minute intermission

ComedianMichael Jr

Closing

Guest speakers will have resources for sale in the lobby before the show during intermission and immediately following the conclusion of the eveningrsquos programming

ON STAGE EVENT PROGRAM

Spencer CookMaster of Ceremonies

Joel DeckardDrums

Jesse DillmanBass

Amber LeffelVocalist

Luke OlneyPianist

Wesley TaylorVocalist

4 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The Laffoons fearlessly share their own experiences as they unravel what theyrsquove learned about the mysteries of intimate relationships believing that all married couples share the same struggles and joys along the journey Their humorous and entertaining transparency offers couples permission to laugh with each other and courage to continue growing a future together

After meeting on a blind date in 1984 their brief courtship has since transformed into a daily marital celebration Having ministered together in Youth for Christ for 15 years along with interviewing thousands of couples theyrsquove gained tremendous insight into marriage and family issues Now theyrsquove been presenting comedy- infused marriage events for more than 17 years

Jay grew up in Petoskey Mich and holds degrees in Biblical Literature and Music Laura grew up in Atlanta Ga (site of their famous blind date) and holds a degree in Social Ministries

Both Jay and Laura previously served on staff at Youth for Christ and currently serve on staff at Mt Pleasant Community Church coordinating their Marriage and Family Care Ministry They are part of an exclusive group of certified instructors for Dynamic Communications International

Together Jay and Laura have written numerous books They currently live in Michigan They have two children A teenage daughter Grace and son Torrey who is married to Shana a wonderful addition to the family Jay amp Laura founded Celebrate Ministries Inc in 1995

SPECIALGUESTS

Jay and Laura Laffoon

Hailed as one of todayrsquos most gifted comedians Michaelrsquos entry into comedy was almost preordained Years ago in a crowded Grand Rapids Mich movie theater the projector malfunctioned The film snapped the house lights came on and acting on a dare young Michael jumped in front of the restless crowd and took center stage When the theater manager tried to usher him out the audience demanded he stay Michael Jr had discovered his gift

Comedian George Wallace offered Michael his first break when he took him to the legendary Comedy amp Magic Club in Hermosa Beach home of Jay Leno and The Tonight Show staff The clubrsquos owner slipped Michael onstage A week later Michael was performing at the Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal where he became the first comedian to ever appear live via satellite on The Tonight Show

Since then he has appeared on The Tonight Show Comedy Central BETrsquos ComicView Jimmy Kimmel Live CNN Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen and ComedyTV Yoursquoll also find him at the most prestigious comedy clubs across the nation including The Improv The Laugh Factory The Comedy Store The Punchline The Comic Strip and Zanies Comedy Club If thatrsquos

not enough Michaelrsquos versatility takes him from major universities such as Notre Dame the University of Massachusetts and the University of Alabama to church events ranging from the 60000-member Willow Creek Church in Chicago the 17000-member West Angeles Church in LA and the 10000-member New Life Church in Colorado Springs

How can one man be equally at home in the heartland and the inner city churches and prisons corporate events and youth rallies Michael calls it comedy accountability

ldquoIf Irsquom in a club my material has to be clean enough to work in a church If Irsquom in a pulpit it has to be funny enough to work in a clubrdquo he says

This versatility has enabled Michael to author a childrenrsquos book The Parts We Play to be featured in the wildly successful comedy DVD ldquoThou Shalt Laughrdquo and to have made his directorial debut with the documentary ldquoComedy The Road Less Traveledrdquo (available in stores at amazoncom and michaeljrcom)

On the home front Michael is happily married He and his wife are the proud parents of five beautiful children

2015 2015

Michael Jr

ldquoWhere does lsquohighly happyrsquo come from mdash and can we have some toordquo

Have you ever looked at a blissfully married couple and thought I wish I could know their secret Now you can After years of investigative research Shaunti Feldhahn reveals 12 powerful habits that the happiest marriages have in common

Best news of all Anyone can learn the secrets of a highly happy marriage

In The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages Feldhahn shares her findings about little very unexpected often overlooked actions that make a huge difference Yoursquore about to discover that highly happy couples

Go to bed mad Keep score (just not in the way you think) Boss their feelings around Have factual fantasies Get in over their heads Donrsquot tell it like it is Donrsquot look to marriage to make them happy

Packed with eye-opening research and practical helps this book delivers relationship insights that will take your marriage from ldquojust finerdquo to ldquojust the marriage wersquove always wantedrdquo

surprising secrets of

highly happy

marriages

BOOK RESOURCE

ldquoI am thrilled with the findings clear reporting and explanations Shaunti is tireless at tracking down the truths that matter to relationships mdash and countless men and women have benefitted as a result I have already started using some of this new data at my conferencesrdquo mdash Emerson Eggerichs Best-selling author of Love and Respect

ldquoThe entire time I was reading this book I kept stopping and saying to my wife lsquoOh wow Listen to thisrsquo The great truth within these pages is that little things do indeed mean a lotrdquo

mdashJeff amp Pamela Foxworthy

ldquoShaunti has done the research dissected the results and delivered to us the proven recipes for successEven after 30 years of marriage I learned so much This is a book every married person should readrdquo mdash Jill Savage CEO of Hearts at Home and author of No More Perfect Moms

8 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

God is great and doing great things in the lives of those who seek Him At A Breath of Heaven Ministries the staff has the blessing of watching as our Savior moves in the lives of married couples who are seeking rest and renewal By providing a relaxing setting mdash away from daily distractions and responsibilities mdash this ministry is helping couples find renewed hope spiritual refreshment and restoration for their marriages

As relationships are rekindled couples find a deeper relationship with each other and with their God This personal testimony from a husband and wife who made their relationship a priority speaks volumes about the renewal experience that A Breath of Heaven seeks to offer

One year ago at age 57 I retired After 35-plus years of marriage and raising two children my wife and I felt as if we really didnrsquot know each other anymore We knew that we still loved each other But somehow somewhere we felt that we had grown apart We heard of A Breath of Heaven through some friends on Facebook and thought why not

While there we spent time hiking at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park sitting and talking at an amazingly beautiful beach and just enjoying Godrsquos creation Together But as much as we enjoyed the

sights and sounds of Godrsquos incredible handiwork we sensed that God was allowing us to use the time away to re-experience each other in ways that we hadnrsquot for many years And we did

From the minute we walked through the door we were welcomed with loving open arms Your warm Christian hospitality gave us the opportunity to rediscover each other as you prayed for the Lord to renew our life together as a married couple

If you remember it was difficult for us to leave Since wersquove returned home wersquove joined a couplesrsquo small group and are serving together as volunteers in our churchrsquos food pantry

We are so thankful for our time at A Breath of Heaven and canrsquot wait to return Thank you for being there

This ministry is offering relationship renewal opportunities to couples who are connected with Marriage Inc To learn more and to book your renewal getaway contact A Breath of Heaven Ministries

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 9

Scott and Laurie Vaughn have owned A Breath of Heaven Bed amp Breakfast since April 2014 They have decades of customer service and business experience between them Laurie has years of bookstore industry experience working in management customer service training and buying and selling Scott has served in various ministry roles for more than 35 years and has worked in sales marketing management and non-profit development The Vaughns have five children

A PLACEOF RENEWAL

Scott and Laurie Vaughn

A Breath of HeavenScott and Laurie Vaughn

8153839999breathofheavenbnbgmailcom

wwwbreathofheavenbnbcom

Lisa Gassin PhD

Marriage brings some of the happiest moments in life It can also bring some of the deepest hurts

What is one to do when a spouse uses unkind words commits an infidelity habitually lies or somehow breaks trust For good reason our inclination is usually to be angry accuse defend ourselves and perhaps ultimately walk out of the relationship In most cases however traversing the difficult path of forgiveness can pay dividends for us as individuals and for our relationships

10 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 11

Psychologists have differing views on what forgiveness is and is not A good place to start is the definition by Dr Robert Enright a pioneer of research on the topic ldquoForgiving involves rooting out negative thoughts feelings and behaviors vis-agrave-vis a person who has hurt you and striving to develop positive thoughts feelings and behaviors towards herrdquo Note that for most of us forgiveness is a process rather than an instantaneous occurrence

Dr Enright like many other thinkers distinguishes forgiveness from reconciliation While forgiveness refers more to our internal disposition toward an offender reconciliation refers to re-entering a relationship with that person This is a particularly sticky distinction when the offender is your spouse because by definition the two of you are already in a multi-dimensional relationship that cannot and should not be easily ended

While psychologists often differentiate between forgiveness and reconciliation these processes are not completely separate Reconciliation involves input from two different people Forgiveness may be offered from the one who is hurt but in most situations should be offered with a clear statement about how the injury has affected the one hurt

In some cases the injured party may need to establish a boundary in the relationship mdash both for hisher own protection and also to help the other person avoid hurtful behavior For example if the husband has been secretly irresponsible with money the wife may wish to take temporary control of the finances as a part of the reconciliation process

Of course the one who has committed an offense also must make contributions to the relationship for reconciliation to take place Heshe must offer understanding of how hisher actions affected the other as well as sincere repentance and a commitment to stop the hurtful behavior in the future In some cases a personrsquos abstaining from the hurtful action must be effective immediately (such as never engaging in another affair) In others it may be a process (such as seeking counseling to learn to cope with anger)

Of course in some circumstances both husband and wife have hurt each other Each party must listen respectfully to the other and weigh hisher own role in the conflict Sometimes the involvement of a third party such as a counselor or pastor can help a couple identify how each person played a role in a hurtful situation and what each can do to help re-establish trust

Now letrsquos look at this from a faith-based perspective Scripture especially the New Testament frequently emphasizes the importance of forgiving others There are many ways to understand what this means and why such a command is given

In forgiving as Christians we allow Godrsquos redeeming mercy to flow from us to the one who hurt us We mirror His identity as the One who always draws each person to Himself in love Of course we offer Godrsquos love in the context of truth

Speaking clearly about how an offense has affected you can be an important part of forgiveness and reconciliation especially in the context of a relationship as intimate as marriage If we see speaking such truth as a chance to hammer the offender with our anger we must keep in mind the purpose of Godrsquos truth to lovingly call the other to repentance and reconciliation not to drag the other into an abyss of sorrow that leads to death (2 Corinthians 710)

It is in practicing forgiveness that we perhaps most closely emulate the Lord Interestingly enough much evidence suggests that being merciful is good for us not only spiritually but also psychologically Research and data consistently demonstrate that those who forgive reap the benefits of better mental health and improved social relationships From a faith-based perspective we donrsquot forgive just to benefit ourselves The ldquoside effectsrdquo of the process serve to keep us happier and healthier

The road to a fulfilling long-lasting marriage is paved with the grace of forgiveness and reconciliation

Lisa Gassin is a licensed professional counselor and a professor teaching Developmental and Cross-cultural Psychology at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais Illinois Dr Gassinrsquos research focus includes the psychology of forgiveness attachment and bereavement Her counseling methods of interest are play and other expressive therapies

12 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 13

How to Create theMarriage You Desire

Michelle Klavohn

The vision looks something like this People get so inspired longing for the potential of their marriage and family that 90 percent of married couples are working with a family coach to find their best life together

Imagine the clarity that would come in worklife balance parenting choices healthy communication managing in-law relationships etc if couples would take that kind of action to make their marriages thrive

Did you know that 90 percent of businesses use coaching in some form Businesses have found that they have a greater likelihood for reaching their potential when they partner with a skilled coach

While I love hearing about that kind of success I find myself dreaming about reaching that potential in a very different realm

14 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Great marriage and family life is not reserved for a select few people who get very very lucky It is a vision and a goal to pursue wholeheartedly

Irsquove had this dream in my own life for a very long time Some days the vision is loud confident and victorious Other days it is much shyer shaken by my own shortcomings

True confessions My husband and I have our own times that take their toll on the dreams we have for a dynamic marriage and family The past three years have brought some of the most painful losses and circumstances that wersquove had to navigate in our 24 years together I refer to it as the ldquoperfect stormrdquo The loss of numerous friendships that were like family to us the end of a ministry role that was extremely meaningful for me a painful change in our church community unfulfilled career goals and to top it off the mayhem of finding out I am in full-blown menopause What (I hear that by itself is enough to make a couple think life as they know it may be over)

This long season in our family of what we refer to as ldquosurvival moderdquo has taken its toll Tempers may be short words may be said selfishness may rear its ugly head and weekends may drain more life than they give

You may have had times like these too

Not that I will give up on our marriage altogether but perhaps I will give in to the idea that my marriage will just have to get by Life takes over I lose my vision The dream slips low on the priority list In the middle of the night I wrestle with thoughts like ldquoThis is too hardrdquo

Yes everyone needs outside support for their marriage In fact this step for us has been exactly what propels our relationship to the level we desire

Take a look at some common misconceptions that keep people from getting that support

ldquoWe donrsquot really need to talk with someonerdquo

Letrsquos be honest The root of this is pride The ldquowe can do it on our ownrdquo mentality at its best robs so many of the thriving marriage they want and

at its worst can lead to the end of a marriage We all stand at the wedding altar with dreams of a beautiful relationship Why not give yourselves a gift by taking action to fulfill those dreams It is not a sign of weakness but a spirit of wisdom that shows maturity commitment and strength

ldquoWe donrsquot have the money or timerdquo

This is almost always a priority issue What in your budget or schedule is more important than your marriage Will your kids think itrsquos worth it for you to work on your marriage Five years down the road will you regret investing in your marriage

ldquoWhat if people knewrdquo

Why not be a part of a growing movement of people who say ldquoThe best thing wersquove done for our marriage is work with a marriage coachrdquo You can be part of normalizing this healthy habit so that someday itrsquos as routine for couples as having a physical seeing the dentist etc We pay attention to the healthiness of other areas of life Why not do the same for the most important relationship we have

Yes I sometimes blow it in my marriage When I do Irsquom left with a decision Will I allow discouragement to steal my commitment to this relationship Or will I choose to give myself and my spouse grace and have a fresh dedication to building our dream one day at a time So I choose to live the philosophy that I espouse for my coaching clients A thriving marriage can happen today

Todayrsquos agenda for my husband and me reflects that Connect with our family coach (yes we value an outside perspective for our relationship too) A coffee date with my lover (okay a coffee mocha for him and a green iced tea with no sweetener for me ldquoCoffee daterdquo just sounds so much cooler than a ldquotea daterdquo) Time with our kids this evening

Of all the things that could demand our attention nothing is more important than building this dream we share

How to Create the Marriage You Desire

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 15

Michelle Klavohn is a family coach with more than 20 years experience in the field of Human Development She has a masterrsquos degree in communication and has been a communication educator for 10 years She and her husband Jon have been married for 23 years and have two children Kate and Carson

16 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 17

MARRIAGE INC IMPACT AWARD - 2015

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

Steve and LindaSweeney

18 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

In 38 years of marriage wersquove learned this timeless truth The quality of our marriage does not depend on the monumental events or big decisions of life mdash how much money we earn whether we take an anniversary cruise the size of our house or even how we respond to an unexpected family crisis We have discovered over time that the little things matter most in determining the health and level of satisfaction in our marriage How we talk our priorities how we treat the other (both in private and public) and our ability to laugh are all better reflections of our marriagersquos well-being than are securing tickets to a favorite Broadway production or the value of our 401(k)

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 19

Lessons from a Wedding Psalm

Dr Kent and Beth Olney

We are not sure why it has taken us so long to learn this truth Perhaps it is because we are prone to invest so much time and energy pulling off what we hope will be viewed as impressive accomplishments After achieving a goal we naturally want to sit back and congratulate ourselves for being such exemplary spouses

The reality is however that simple daily habits and responses contribute more to our marriage than the occasional spectacular events In her 2013 book The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages author Shaunti Feldhahn confirms this truth (see pages 6-7 of this magazine) So does a much older writing Psalm 45 which carries the interesting title of ldquoA Wedding Songrdquo (or ldquoA Song of Lovesrdquo in the classic King James version) We encourage you to read it for yourself and discover its enduring marriage message

The psalm begins by referring to marriage as a ldquonoble themerdquo (v 1) one that is worth considering In other words we do ourselves a favor when we pause to think about marriage and how we might get the most out of it When a couple dares to do that the results may be surprising

Suggested in this psalm are several profound and yet unexpected principles for making an attractive husband and a magnificent wife ndash descriptions that by the way are both implied in the psalm

The first half of Psalm 45 speaks to the husband who is referred to as ldquothe most excellent of menrdquo (v 2) What would it take today for a husband to earn that title from his wife How might he become so attractive to his spouse that he is thought of in this way Hints are given as the psalm unfolds Here are five defining characteristics

Graceful talk which means not just what is said but also how one says it Splendid character including an emphasis on truth humility and making wise choices Commendable priorities that are plain for all to see applaud and imitate Cheerful disposition wherein others are encouraged and find their spirits lifted Respectful interactions such that others are consistently and genuinely honored

Not one of these has a price tag Yet their value to any marriage is enormous At first glance each trait may seem relatively small but each has vast potential to transform a relationship Men take note

Not one of these has a price tagYet their value to any marriage is enormous

20 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The second part of the psalm addresses the bride Practical tips if observed would make any man feel he had a magnificent or ldquoroyalrdquo (v 9) bride How might a wife enhance the possibility of being considered magnificent by her husband What are some qualities she might develop to elevate her in the eyes of her husband Psalm 45 points to several possibilities including

Listening well so that genuine communication takes place Forgetting the past and adopting new loyalties and patterns Cultivating beauty for the purpose of pleasing and honoring her husband Contributing socially by winning othersrsquo favor and thus becoming a public asset Developing friendships that are healthy pleasant and mutually enriching

Again what is noteworthy is that this list contains ideas that are far from extraordinary Ladies minor adjustments often have a profound impact

Psalm 45 contains three overarching truths One despite what scoffers might say a good marriage is possible Two Godrsquos Word can help us attain such a marriage Those who dare to live by biblical principles will uncover helpful instruction and insight to enhance their relationships Three little things really do matter most when it comes to creating a successful and happy marriage No one needs to wait 38 years to discover that

Dr Kent and Beth Olney serve as co-directors of Marriage Inc Both are employed at Olivet Nazarene University where Kent is professor of Sociology and chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences Beth directs the Center for Student Success They are parents to Luke and Kyle and grandparents to Autumn and Kamden the children of Kyle and his wife Amber

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 21

22 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

the good news

aboutmarriage

BOOK RESOURCE

Did You KnowThe actual divorce rate has never come close to 50 Church attendance makes a HUGEdifference Most marriages are strong and happy for a lifetime

What does this mean for youIf you are a marriage champion mdash a pastor counselor or simply someone who cares aboutmarriages mdash you need to know this new information As one marriage leader put it ldquoIf thisis true the implications are enormousrdquo

Next steps Read the book Discuss findings with fellow leaders ldquoHow does this change how we talk about marriagerdquo ldquoHow does this change how we counsel couplesrdquo Visit wwwGoodNewsMarriagecom for leaders to find

Brief videos Interviews with national leaders discussing the implications and potential changes A slide share presentation with key info and research Bulk discount information

ldquoThis book will change how all of us think and talk about marriage and divorcerdquo mdashLysa Terkeurst president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

ldquoIn 32 years of marriage ministry I have been demoralized at times by the negative statistics quoted And now I am ecstatic as I read the truth in this incredible bookrdquo mdashJimmy Evans Founder of MarriageToday and Senior Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church

ldquoShauntirsquos thoroughly researched book will inject life and hope not only into our national consciousness about marriage but also into every individual marriage in the countryrdquo mdashDr Tim Clinton President of American Association of Christian Counselors

ldquoBelievers who put their faith into practice mdash who worship together and pray together mdash are muchmore likely to enjoy stable and happy marriages This is good news indeedrdquo mdashW Bradford Wilcox National Marriage Project Director Associate Professor of Sociology University of Virginia

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 23

24 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Kenneth and Marlene Carr are pastors at Total Restoration Christian Center in Kankakee Illinois Married for 26 years the Carrs have six children a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 25

BLESSINGSampLaura Wasson Warfel

ldquoMarriage has a lot of seasonsrdquo says Marlene Carr as she looks toward her husband Kenneth ldquoWe got married on Christmas Day It was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s The next morning there was a blizzard and 10 inches of snowrdquo

Weathering those seasons and growing closer than ever is one of the secrets to a successful marriage God uses those testing times to bring strength and a closer walk with Him

A TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGEA TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGE

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

midlandsbcom1-855-MY-MIDLAND Member FDIC

BourbonnaisGrant ParkBeecher

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

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VERT

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720 Main St NWBourbonnais IL

228 N Dixie HwyMomence IL

110 Marquette Pl SManteno IL

or visit us online atmunicipalbankcom

CUSTOMER GRUMISH CHIRO-PRACTIC OFF PROOF TIME 9152014 32039 PM

REP ID KKK130 FIRST RUN 092514KK-202140

PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

bull SMALL NEWSPAPER GROUP bull

THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

SPO

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____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 3: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

Evening Program

Special Guests

Book ResourceThe Surprising Secrets

of Highly Happy Marriages

A Place of Renewal

The Path of Forgiveness

How to Create theMarriage You Desire

Impact Award - 2015

Little Things Matter

Book Resource The GoodNews About Marriage

Blizzards amp Blessings

Hope

Counselors amp Coaches

Sponsor Advertisements

Prayer

CONTENTS

MARRIAGE INC

MAGAZINE

3

4

6

8

10

13

16

18

22

24

28

31

32

37

Stories of HopeAs I (Beth) was growing up a copy of The Ladiesrsquo Home Journal was delivered faithfully to our mailbox every month In each edition there was a feature called ldquoCan This Marriage Be Savedrdquo For some reason I made a point to read the stories of marital crises I was curious about why couples were fighting and why they were considering divorce I wanted each relationship to experience joy because I believed as a young girl and still do that marriages were meant to be enjoyed

Our culture urges couples to take the easy way out ndash to throw away a marriage and start again We are here to tell you that divorce isnrsquot the answer We unapologetically ask couples to consider investing the same amount of energy and money they would spend on getting a divorce back into the relationship The truth is whether you are lsquomarried torsquo or lsquodivorced fromrsquo your spouse that person will somehow be present in your life for the ldquorest of your daysrdquo Why not make those days the best by committing to share them together

In this edition of Marriage Inc Magazine we want to tell you a few stories of couples experiencing happy marriages in our own community We trust that the stories of their journeys in the articles found on the following pages will offer a ray of hope to the disheartened and encouragement to all

We believe so strongly there is hope for every marriage that we have given away 1000 copies of the book Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages This book is filled with insights and tips that will help any marriage begin to make changes that can lead to a positive difference If you did not receive a copy we encourage you to find a copy and read it Your spouse children and friends will all thank you

Finally persistence and longevity have their reward A happy marriage is the goal We can help you and your spouse reach that goal

Kent and Beth OlneyCo-Directors Marriage Inc

A Celebration of Marriage

2015 2015

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 3

WELCOME TO

February 20 20157-945 pm

Welcome

Marriage ldquoEdu-tainersrdquoJay and Laura Laffoon

15-minute intermission

ComedianMichael Jr

Closing

Guest speakers will have resources for sale in the lobby before the show during intermission and immediately following the conclusion of the eveningrsquos programming

ON STAGE EVENT PROGRAM

Spencer CookMaster of Ceremonies

Joel DeckardDrums

Jesse DillmanBass

Amber LeffelVocalist

Luke OlneyPianist

Wesley TaylorVocalist

4 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The Laffoons fearlessly share their own experiences as they unravel what theyrsquove learned about the mysteries of intimate relationships believing that all married couples share the same struggles and joys along the journey Their humorous and entertaining transparency offers couples permission to laugh with each other and courage to continue growing a future together

After meeting on a blind date in 1984 their brief courtship has since transformed into a daily marital celebration Having ministered together in Youth for Christ for 15 years along with interviewing thousands of couples theyrsquove gained tremendous insight into marriage and family issues Now theyrsquove been presenting comedy- infused marriage events for more than 17 years

Jay grew up in Petoskey Mich and holds degrees in Biblical Literature and Music Laura grew up in Atlanta Ga (site of their famous blind date) and holds a degree in Social Ministries

Both Jay and Laura previously served on staff at Youth for Christ and currently serve on staff at Mt Pleasant Community Church coordinating their Marriage and Family Care Ministry They are part of an exclusive group of certified instructors for Dynamic Communications International

Together Jay and Laura have written numerous books They currently live in Michigan They have two children A teenage daughter Grace and son Torrey who is married to Shana a wonderful addition to the family Jay amp Laura founded Celebrate Ministries Inc in 1995

SPECIALGUESTS

Jay and Laura Laffoon

Hailed as one of todayrsquos most gifted comedians Michaelrsquos entry into comedy was almost preordained Years ago in a crowded Grand Rapids Mich movie theater the projector malfunctioned The film snapped the house lights came on and acting on a dare young Michael jumped in front of the restless crowd and took center stage When the theater manager tried to usher him out the audience demanded he stay Michael Jr had discovered his gift

Comedian George Wallace offered Michael his first break when he took him to the legendary Comedy amp Magic Club in Hermosa Beach home of Jay Leno and The Tonight Show staff The clubrsquos owner slipped Michael onstage A week later Michael was performing at the Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal where he became the first comedian to ever appear live via satellite on The Tonight Show

Since then he has appeared on The Tonight Show Comedy Central BETrsquos ComicView Jimmy Kimmel Live CNN Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen and ComedyTV Yoursquoll also find him at the most prestigious comedy clubs across the nation including The Improv The Laugh Factory The Comedy Store The Punchline The Comic Strip and Zanies Comedy Club If thatrsquos

not enough Michaelrsquos versatility takes him from major universities such as Notre Dame the University of Massachusetts and the University of Alabama to church events ranging from the 60000-member Willow Creek Church in Chicago the 17000-member West Angeles Church in LA and the 10000-member New Life Church in Colorado Springs

How can one man be equally at home in the heartland and the inner city churches and prisons corporate events and youth rallies Michael calls it comedy accountability

ldquoIf Irsquom in a club my material has to be clean enough to work in a church If Irsquom in a pulpit it has to be funny enough to work in a clubrdquo he says

This versatility has enabled Michael to author a childrenrsquos book The Parts We Play to be featured in the wildly successful comedy DVD ldquoThou Shalt Laughrdquo and to have made his directorial debut with the documentary ldquoComedy The Road Less Traveledrdquo (available in stores at amazoncom and michaeljrcom)

On the home front Michael is happily married He and his wife are the proud parents of five beautiful children

2015 2015

Michael Jr

ldquoWhere does lsquohighly happyrsquo come from mdash and can we have some toordquo

Have you ever looked at a blissfully married couple and thought I wish I could know their secret Now you can After years of investigative research Shaunti Feldhahn reveals 12 powerful habits that the happiest marriages have in common

Best news of all Anyone can learn the secrets of a highly happy marriage

In The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages Feldhahn shares her findings about little very unexpected often overlooked actions that make a huge difference Yoursquore about to discover that highly happy couples

Go to bed mad Keep score (just not in the way you think) Boss their feelings around Have factual fantasies Get in over their heads Donrsquot tell it like it is Donrsquot look to marriage to make them happy

Packed with eye-opening research and practical helps this book delivers relationship insights that will take your marriage from ldquojust finerdquo to ldquojust the marriage wersquove always wantedrdquo

surprising secrets of

highly happy

marriages

BOOK RESOURCE

ldquoI am thrilled with the findings clear reporting and explanations Shaunti is tireless at tracking down the truths that matter to relationships mdash and countless men and women have benefitted as a result I have already started using some of this new data at my conferencesrdquo mdash Emerson Eggerichs Best-selling author of Love and Respect

ldquoThe entire time I was reading this book I kept stopping and saying to my wife lsquoOh wow Listen to thisrsquo The great truth within these pages is that little things do indeed mean a lotrdquo

mdashJeff amp Pamela Foxworthy

ldquoShaunti has done the research dissected the results and delivered to us the proven recipes for successEven after 30 years of marriage I learned so much This is a book every married person should readrdquo mdash Jill Savage CEO of Hearts at Home and author of No More Perfect Moms

8 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

God is great and doing great things in the lives of those who seek Him At A Breath of Heaven Ministries the staff has the blessing of watching as our Savior moves in the lives of married couples who are seeking rest and renewal By providing a relaxing setting mdash away from daily distractions and responsibilities mdash this ministry is helping couples find renewed hope spiritual refreshment and restoration for their marriages

As relationships are rekindled couples find a deeper relationship with each other and with their God This personal testimony from a husband and wife who made their relationship a priority speaks volumes about the renewal experience that A Breath of Heaven seeks to offer

One year ago at age 57 I retired After 35-plus years of marriage and raising two children my wife and I felt as if we really didnrsquot know each other anymore We knew that we still loved each other But somehow somewhere we felt that we had grown apart We heard of A Breath of Heaven through some friends on Facebook and thought why not

While there we spent time hiking at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park sitting and talking at an amazingly beautiful beach and just enjoying Godrsquos creation Together But as much as we enjoyed the

sights and sounds of Godrsquos incredible handiwork we sensed that God was allowing us to use the time away to re-experience each other in ways that we hadnrsquot for many years And we did

From the minute we walked through the door we were welcomed with loving open arms Your warm Christian hospitality gave us the opportunity to rediscover each other as you prayed for the Lord to renew our life together as a married couple

If you remember it was difficult for us to leave Since wersquove returned home wersquove joined a couplesrsquo small group and are serving together as volunteers in our churchrsquos food pantry

We are so thankful for our time at A Breath of Heaven and canrsquot wait to return Thank you for being there

This ministry is offering relationship renewal opportunities to couples who are connected with Marriage Inc To learn more and to book your renewal getaway contact A Breath of Heaven Ministries

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 9

Scott and Laurie Vaughn have owned A Breath of Heaven Bed amp Breakfast since April 2014 They have decades of customer service and business experience between them Laurie has years of bookstore industry experience working in management customer service training and buying and selling Scott has served in various ministry roles for more than 35 years and has worked in sales marketing management and non-profit development The Vaughns have five children

A PLACEOF RENEWAL

Scott and Laurie Vaughn

A Breath of HeavenScott and Laurie Vaughn

8153839999breathofheavenbnbgmailcom

wwwbreathofheavenbnbcom

Lisa Gassin PhD

Marriage brings some of the happiest moments in life It can also bring some of the deepest hurts

What is one to do when a spouse uses unkind words commits an infidelity habitually lies or somehow breaks trust For good reason our inclination is usually to be angry accuse defend ourselves and perhaps ultimately walk out of the relationship In most cases however traversing the difficult path of forgiveness can pay dividends for us as individuals and for our relationships

10 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 11

Psychologists have differing views on what forgiveness is and is not A good place to start is the definition by Dr Robert Enright a pioneer of research on the topic ldquoForgiving involves rooting out negative thoughts feelings and behaviors vis-agrave-vis a person who has hurt you and striving to develop positive thoughts feelings and behaviors towards herrdquo Note that for most of us forgiveness is a process rather than an instantaneous occurrence

Dr Enright like many other thinkers distinguishes forgiveness from reconciliation While forgiveness refers more to our internal disposition toward an offender reconciliation refers to re-entering a relationship with that person This is a particularly sticky distinction when the offender is your spouse because by definition the two of you are already in a multi-dimensional relationship that cannot and should not be easily ended

While psychologists often differentiate between forgiveness and reconciliation these processes are not completely separate Reconciliation involves input from two different people Forgiveness may be offered from the one who is hurt but in most situations should be offered with a clear statement about how the injury has affected the one hurt

In some cases the injured party may need to establish a boundary in the relationship mdash both for hisher own protection and also to help the other person avoid hurtful behavior For example if the husband has been secretly irresponsible with money the wife may wish to take temporary control of the finances as a part of the reconciliation process

Of course the one who has committed an offense also must make contributions to the relationship for reconciliation to take place Heshe must offer understanding of how hisher actions affected the other as well as sincere repentance and a commitment to stop the hurtful behavior in the future In some cases a personrsquos abstaining from the hurtful action must be effective immediately (such as never engaging in another affair) In others it may be a process (such as seeking counseling to learn to cope with anger)

Of course in some circumstances both husband and wife have hurt each other Each party must listen respectfully to the other and weigh hisher own role in the conflict Sometimes the involvement of a third party such as a counselor or pastor can help a couple identify how each person played a role in a hurtful situation and what each can do to help re-establish trust

Now letrsquos look at this from a faith-based perspective Scripture especially the New Testament frequently emphasizes the importance of forgiving others There are many ways to understand what this means and why such a command is given

In forgiving as Christians we allow Godrsquos redeeming mercy to flow from us to the one who hurt us We mirror His identity as the One who always draws each person to Himself in love Of course we offer Godrsquos love in the context of truth

Speaking clearly about how an offense has affected you can be an important part of forgiveness and reconciliation especially in the context of a relationship as intimate as marriage If we see speaking such truth as a chance to hammer the offender with our anger we must keep in mind the purpose of Godrsquos truth to lovingly call the other to repentance and reconciliation not to drag the other into an abyss of sorrow that leads to death (2 Corinthians 710)

It is in practicing forgiveness that we perhaps most closely emulate the Lord Interestingly enough much evidence suggests that being merciful is good for us not only spiritually but also psychologically Research and data consistently demonstrate that those who forgive reap the benefits of better mental health and improved social relationships From a faith-based perspective we donrsquot forgive just to benefit ourselves The ldquoside effectsrdquo of the process serve to keep us happier and healthier

The road to a fulfilling long-lasting marriage is paved with the grace of forgiveness and reconciliation

Lisa Gassin is a licensed professional counselor and a professor teaching Developmental and Cross-cultural Psychology at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais Illinois Dr Gassinrsquos research focus includes the psychology of forgiveness attachment and bereavement Her counseling methods of interest are play and other expressive therapies

12 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 13

How to Create theMarriage You Desire

Michelle Klavohn

The vision looks something like this People get so inspired longing for the potential of their marriage and family that 90 percent of married couples are working with a family coach to find their best life together

Imagine the clarity that would come in worklife balance parenting choices healthy communication managing in-law relationships etc if couples would take that kind of action to make their marriages thrive

Did you know that 90 percent of businesses use coaching in some form Businesses have found that they have a greater likelihood for reaching their potential when they partner with a skilled coach

While I love hearing about that kind of success I find myself dreaming about reaching that potential in a very different realm

14 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Great marriage and family life is not reserved for a select few people who get very very lucky It is a vision and a goal to pursue wholeheartedly

Irsquove had this dream in my own life for a very long time Some days the vision is loud confident and victorious Other days it is much shyer shaken by my own shortcomings

True confessions My husband and I have our own times that take their toll on the dreams we have for a dynamic marriage and family The past three years have brought some of the most painful losses and circumstances that wersquove had to navigate in our 24 years together I refer to it as the ldquoperfect stormrdquo The loss of numerous friendships that were like family to us the end of a ministry role that was extremely meaningful for me a painful change in our church community unfulfilled career goals and to top it off the mayhem of finding out I am in full-blown menopause What (I hear that by itself is enough to make a couple think life as they know it may be over)

This long season in our family of what we refer to as ldquosurvival moderdquo has taken its toll Tempers may be short words may be said selfishness may rear its ugly head and weekends may drain more life than they give

You may have had times like these too

Not that I will give up on our marriage altogether but perhaps I will give in to the idea that my marriage will just have to get by Life takes over I lose my vision The dream slips low on the priority list In the middle of the night I wrestle with thoughts like ldquoThis is too hardrdquo

Yes everyone needs outside support for their marriage In fact this step for us has been exactly what propels our relationship to the level we desire

Take a look at some common misconceptions that keep people from getting that support

ldquoWe donrsquot really need to talk with someonerdquo

Letrsquos be honest The root of this is pride The ldquowe can do it on our ownrdquo mentality at its best robs so many of the thriving marriage they want and

at its worst can lead to the end of a marriage We all stand at the wedding altar with dreams of a beautiful relationship Why not give yourselves a gift by taking action to fulfill those dreams It is not a sign of weakness but a spirit of wisdom that shows maturity commitment and strength

ldquoWe donrsquot have the money or timerdquo

This is almost always a priority issue What in your budget or schedule is more important than your marriage Will your kids think itrsquos worth it for you to work on your marriage Five years down the road will you regret investing in your marriage

ldquoWhat if people knewrdquo

Why not be a part of a growing movement of people who say ldquoThe best thing wersquove done for our marriage is work with a marriage coachrdquo You can be part of normalizing this healthy habit so that someday itrsquos as routine for couples as having a physical seeing the dentist etc We pay attention to the healthiness of other areas of life Why not do the same for the most important relationship we have

Yes I sometimes blow it in my marriage When I do Irsquom left with a decision Will I allow discouragement to steal my commitment to this relationship Or will I choose to give myself and my spouse grace and have a fresh dedication to building our dream one day at a time So I choose to live the philosophy that I espouse for my coaching clients A thriving marriage can happen today

Todayrsquos agenda for my husband and me reflects that Connect with our family coach (yes we value an outside perspective for our relationship too) A coffee date with my lover (okay a coffee mocha for him and a green iced tea with no sweetener for me ldquoCoffee daterdquo just sounds so much cooler than a ldquotea daterdquo) Time with our kids this evening

Of all the things that could demand our attention nothing is more important than building this dream we share

How to Create the Marriage You Desire

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 15

Michelle Klavohn is a family coach with more than 20 years experience in the field of Human Development She has a masterrsquos degree in communication and has been a communication educator for 10 years She and her husband Jon have been married for 23 years and have two children Kate and Carson

16 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 17

MARRIAGE INC IMPACT AWARD - 2015

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

Steve and LindaSweeney

18 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

In 38 years of marriage wersquove learned this timeless truth The quality of our marriage does not depend on the monumental events or big decisions of life mdash how much money we earn whether we take an anniversary cruise the size of our house or even how we respond to an unexpected family crisis We have discovered over time that the little things matter most in determining the health and level of satisfaction in our marriage How we talk our priorities how we treat the other (both in private and public) and our ability to laugh are all better reflections of our marriagersquos well-being than are securing tickets to a favorite Broadway production or the value of our 401(k)

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 19

Lessons from a Wedding Psalm

Dr Kent and Beth Olney

We are not sure why it has taken us so long to learn this truth Perhaps it is because we are prone to invest so much time and energy pulling off what we hope will be viewed as impressive accomplishments After achieving a goal we naturally want to sit back and congratulate ourselves for being such exemplary spouses

The reality is however that simple daily habits and responses contribute more to our marriage than the occasional spectacular events In her 2013 book The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages author Shaunti Feldhahn confirms this truth (see pages 6-7 of this magazine) So does a much older writing Psalm 45 which carries the interesting title of ldquoA Wedding Songrdquo (or ldquoA Song of Lovesrdquo in the classic King James version) We encourage you to read it for yourself and discover its enduring marriage message

The psalm begins by referring to marriage as a ldquonoble themerdquo (v 1) one that is worth considering In other words we do ourselves a favor when we pause to think about marriage and how we might get the most out of it When a couple dares to do that the results may be surprising

Suggested in this psalm are several profound and yet unexpected principles for making an attractive husband and a magnificent wife ndash descriptions that by the way are both implied in the psalm

The first half of Psalm 45 speaks to the husband who is referred to as ldquothe most excellent of menrdquo (v 2) What would it take today for a husband to earn that title from his wife How might he become so attractive to his spouse that he is thought of in this way Hints are given as the psalm unfolds Here are five defining characteristics

Graceful talk which means not just what is said but also how one says it Splendid character including an emphasis on truth humility and making wise choices Commendable priorities that are plain for all to see applaud and imitate Cheerful disposition wherein others are encouraged and find their spirits lifted Respectful interactions such that others are consistently and genuinely honored

Not one of these has a price tag Yet their value to any marriage is enormous At first glance each trait may seem relatively small but each has vast potential to transform a relationship Men take note

Not one of these has a price tagYet their value to any marriage is enormous

20 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The second part of the psalm addresses the bride Practical tips if observed would make any man feel he had a magnificent or ldquoroyalrdquo (v 9) bride How might a wife enhance the possibility of being considered magnificent by her husband What are some qualities she might develop to elevate her in the eyes of her husband Psalm 45 points to several possibilities including

Listening well so that genuine communication takes place Forgetting the past and adopting new loyalties and patterns Cultivating beauty for the purpose of pleasing and honoring her husband Contributing socially by winning othersrsquo favor and thus becoming a public asset Developing friendships that are healthy pleasant and mutually enriching

Again what is noteworthy is that this list contains ideas that are far from extraordinary Ladies minor adjustments often have a profound impact

Psalm 45 contains three overarching truths One despite what scoffers might say a good marriage is possible Two Godrsquos Word can help us attain such a marriage Those who dare to live by biblical principles will uncover helpful instruction and insight to enhance their relationships Three little things really do matter most when it comes to creating a successful and happy marriage No one needs to wait 38 years to discover that

Dr Kent and Beth Olney serve as co-directors of Marriage Inc Both are employed at Olivet Nazarene University where Kent is professor of Sociology and chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences Beth directs the Center for Student Success They are parents to Luke and Kyle and grandparents to Autumn and Kamden the children of Kyle and his wife Amber

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 21

22 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

the good news

aboutmarriage

BOOK RESOURCE

Did You KnowThe actual divorce rate has never come close to 50 Church attendance makes a HUGEdifference Most marriages are strong and happy for a lifetime

What does this mean for youIf you are a marriage champion mdash a pastor counselor or simply someone who cares aboutmarriages mdash you need to know this new information As one marriage leader put it ldquoIf thisis true the implications are enormousrdquo

Next steps Read the book Discuss findings with fellow leaders ldquoHow does this change how we talk about marriagerdquo ldquoHow does this change how we counsel couplesrdquo Visit wwwGoodNewsMarriagecom for leaders to find

Brief videos Interviews with national leaders discussing the implications and potential changes A slide share presentation with key info and research Bulk discount information

ldquoThis book will change how all of us think and talk about marriage and divorcerdquo mdashLysa Terkeurst president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

ldquoIn 32 years of marriage ministry I have been demoralized at times by the negative statistics quoted And now I am ecstatic as I read the truth in this incredible bookrdquo mdashJimmy Evans Founder of MarriageToday and Senior Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church

ldquoShauntirsquos thoroughly researched book will inject life and hope not only into our national consciousness about marriage but also into every individual marriage in the countryrdquo mdashDr Tim Clinton President of American Association of Christian Counselors

ldquoBelievers who put their faith into practice mdash who worship together and pray together mdash are muchmore likely to enjoy stable and happy marriages This is good news indeedrdquo mdashW Bradford Wilcox National Marriage Project Director Associate Professor of Sociology University of Virginia

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 23

24 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Kenneth and Marlene Carr are pastors at Total Restoration Christian Center in Kankakee Illinois Married for 26 years the Carrs have six children a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 25

BLESSINGSampLaura Wasson Warfel

ldquoMarriage has a lot of seasonsrdquo says Marlene Carr as she looks toward her husband Kenneth ldquoWe got married on Christmas Day It was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s The next morning there was a blizzard and 10 inches of snowrdquo

Weathering those seasons and growing closer than ever is one of the secrets to a successful marriage God uses those testing times to bring strength and a closer walk with Him

A TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGEA TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGE

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

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PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

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THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

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40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

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CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

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Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

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By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 4: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

Stories of HopeAs I (Beth) was growing up a copy of The Ladiesrsquo Home Journal was delivered faithfully to our mailbox every month In each edition there was a feature called ldquoCan This Marriage Be Savedrdquo For some reason I made a point to read the stories of marital crises I was curious about why couples were fighting and why they were considering divorce I wanted each relationship to experience joy because I believed as a young girl and still do that marriages were meant to be enjoyed

Our culture urges couples to take the easy way out ndash to throw away a marriage and start again We are here to tell you that divorce isnrsquot the answer We unapologetically ask couples to consider investing the same amount of energy and money they would spend on getting a divorce back into the relationship The truth is whether you are lsquomarried torsquo or lsquodivorced fromrsquo your spouse that person will somehow be present in your life for the ldquorest of your daysrdquo Why not make those days the best by committing to share them together

In this edition of Marriage Inc Magazine we want to tell you a few stories of couples experiencing happy marriages in our own community We trust that the stories of their journeys in the articles found on the following pages will offer a ray of hope to the disheartened and encouragement to all

We believe so strongly there is hope for every marriage that we have given away 1000 copies of the book Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages This book is filled with insights and tips that will help any marriage begin to make changes that can lead to a positive difference If you did not receive a copy we encourage you to find a copy and read it Your spouse children and friends will all thank you

Finally persistence and longevity have their reward A happy marriage is the goal We can help you and your spouse reach that goal

Kent and Beth OlneyCo-Directors Marriage Inc

A Celebration of Marriage

2015 2015

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 3

WELCOME TO

February 20 20157-945 pm

Welcome

Marriage ldquoEdu-tainersrdquoJay and Laura Laffoon

15-minute intermission

ComedianMichael Jr

Closing

Guest speakers will have resources for sale in the lobby before the show during intermission and immediately following the conclusion of the eveningrsquos programming

ON STAGE EVENT PROGRAM

Spencer CookMaster of Ceremonies

Joel DeckardDrums

Jesse DillmanBass

Amber LeffelVocalist

Luke OlneyPianist

Wesley TaylorVocalist

4 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The Laffoons fearlessly share their own experiences as they unravel what theyrsquove learned about the mysteries of intimate relationships believing that all married couples share the same struggles and joys along the journey Their humorous and entertaining transparency offers couples permission to laugh with each other and courage to continue growing a future together

After meeting on a blind date in 1984 their brief courtship has since transformed into a daily marital celebration Having ministered together in Youth for Christ for 15 years along with interviewing thousands of couples theyrsquove gained tremendous insight into marriage and family issues Now theyrsquove been presenting comedy- infused marriage events for more than 17 years

Jay grew up in Petoskey Mich and holds degrees in Biblical Literature and Music Laura grew up in Atlanta Ga (site of their famous blind date) and holds a degree in Social Ministries

Both Jay and Laura previously served on staff at Youth for Christ and currently serve on staff at Mt Pleasant Community Church coordinating their Marriage and Family Care Ministry They are part of an exclusive group of certified instructors for Dynamic Communications International

Together Jay and Laura have written numerous books They currently live in Michigan They have two children A teenage daughter Grace and son Torrey who is married to Shana a wonderful addition to the family Jay amp Laura founded Celebrate Ministries Inc in 1995

SPECIALGUESTS

Jay and Laura Laffoon

Hailed as one of todayrsquos most gifted comedians Michaelrsquos entry into comedy was almost preordained Years ago in a crowded Grand Rapids Mich movie theater the projector malfunctioned The film snapped the house lights came on and acting on a dare young Michael jumped in front of the restless crowd and took center stage When the theater manager tried to usher him out the audience demanded he stay Michael Jr had discovered his gift

Comedian George Wallace offered Michael his first break when he took him to the legendary Comedy amp Magic Club in Hermosa Beach home of Jay Leno and The Tonight Show staff The clubrsquos owner slipped Michael onstage A week later Michael was performing at the Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal where he became the first comedian to ever appear live via satellite on The Tonight Show

Since then he has appeared on The Tonight Show Comedy Central BETrsquos ComicView Jimmy Kimmel Live CNN Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen and ComedyTV Yoursquoll also find him at the most prestigious comedy clubs across the nation including The Improv The Laugh Factory The Comedy Store The Punchline The Comic Strip and Zanies Comedy Club If thatrsquos

not enough Michaelrsquos versatility takes him from major universities such as Notre Dame the University of Massachusetts and the University of Alabama to church events ranging from the 60000-member Willow Creek Church in Chicago the 17000-member West Angeles Church in LA and the 10000-member New Life Church in Colorado Springs

How can one man be equally at home in the heartland and the inner city churches and prisons corporate events and youth rallies Michael calls it comedy accountability

ldquoIf Irsquom in a club my material has to be clean enough to work in a church If Irsquom in a pulpit it has to be funny enough to work in a clubrdquo he says

This versatility has enabled Michael to author a childrenrsquos book The Parts We Play to be featured in the wildly successful comedy DVD ldquoThou Shalt Laughrdquo and to have made his directorial debut with the documentary ldquoComedy The Road Less Traveledrdquo (available in stores at amazoncom and michaeljrcom)

On the home front Michael is happily married He and his wife are the proud parents of five beautiful children

2015 2015

Michael Jr

ldquoWhere does lsquohighly happyrsquo come from mdash and can we have some toordquo

Have you ever looked at a blissfully married couple and thought I wish I could know their secret Now you can After years of investigative research Shaunti Feldhahn reveals 12 powerful habits that the happiest marriages have in common

Best news of all Anyone can learn the secrets of a highly happy marriage

In The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages Feldhahn shares her findings about little very unexpected often overlooked actions that make a huge difference Yoursquore about to discover that highly happy couples

Go to bed mad Keep score (just not in the way you think) Boss their feelings around Have factual fantasies Get in over their heads Donrsquot tell it like it is Donrsquot look to marriage to make them happy

Packed with eye-opening research and practical helps this book delivers relationship insights that will take your marriage from ldquojust finerdquo to ldquojust the marriage wersquove always wantedrdquo

surprising secrets of

highly happy

marriages

BOOK RESOURCE

ldquoI am thrilled with the findings clear reporting and explanations Shaunti is tireless at tracking down the truths that matter to relationships mdash and countless men and women have benefitted as a result I have already started using some of this new data at my conferencesrdquo mdash Emerson Eggerichs Best-selling author of Love and Respect

ldquoThe entire time I was reading this book I kept stopping and saying to my wife lsquoOh wow Listen to thisrsquo The great truth within these pages is that little things do indeed mean a lotrdquo

mdashJeff amp Pamela Foxworthy

ldquoShaunti has done the research dissected the results and delivered to us the proven recipes for successEven after 30 years of marriage I learned so much This is a book every married person should readrdquo mdash Jill Savage CEO of Hearts at Home and author of No More Perfect Moms

8 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

God is great and doing great things in the lives of those who seek Him At A Breath of Heaven Ministries the staff has the blessing of watching as our Savior moves in the lives of married couples who are seeking rest and renewal By providing a relaxing setting mdash away from daily distractions and responsibilities mdash this ministry is helping couples find renewed hope spiritual refreshment and restoration for their marriages

As relationships are rekindled couples find a deeper relationship with each other and with their God This personal testimony from a husband and wife who made their relationship a priority speaks volumes about the renewal experience that A Breath of Heaven seeks to offer

One year ago at age 57 I retired After 35-plus years of marriage and raising two children my wife and I felt as if we really didnrsquot know each other anymore We knew that we still loved each other But somehow somewhere we felt that we had grown apart We heard of A Breath of Heaven through some friends on Facebook and thought why not

While there we spent time hiking at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park sitting and talking at an amazingly beautiful beach and just enjoying Godrsquos creation Together But as much as we enjoyed the

sights and sounds of Godrsquos incredible handiwork we sensed that God was allowing us to use the time away to re-experience each other in ways that we hadnrsquot for many years And we did

From the minute we walked through the door we were welcomed with loving open arms Your warm Christian hospitality gave us the opportunity to rediscover each other as you prayed for the Lord to renew our life together as a married couple

If you remember it was difficult for us to leave Since wersquove returned home wersquove joined a couplesrsquo small group and are serving together as volunteers in our churchrsquos food pantry

We are so thankful for our time at A Breath of Heaven and canrsquot wait to return Thank you for being there

This ministry is offering relationship renewal opportunities to couples who are connected with Marriage Inc To learn more and to book your renewal getaway contact A Breath of Heaven Ministries

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 9

Scott and Laurie Vaughn have owned A Breath of Heaven Bed amp Breakfast since April 2014 They have decades of customer service and business experience between them Laurie has years of bookstore industry experience working in management customer service training and buying and selling Scott has served in various ministry roles for more than 35 years and has worked in sales marketing management and non-profit development The Vaughns have five children

A PLACEOF RENEWAL

Scott and Laurie Vaughn

A Breath of HeavenScott and Laurie Vaughn

8153839999breathofheavenbnbgmailcom

wwwbreathofheavenbnbcom

Lisa Gassin PhD

Marriage brings some of the happiest moments in life It can also bring some of the deepest hurts

What is one to do when a spouse uses unkind words commits an infidelity habitually lies or somehow breaks trust For good reason our inclination is usually to be angry accuse defend ourselves and perhaps ultimately walk out of the relationship In most cases however traversing the difficult path of forgiveness can pay dividends for us as individuals and for our relationships

10 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 11

Psychologists have differing views on what forgiveness is and is not A good place to start is the definition by Dr Robert Enright a pioneer of research on the topic ldquoForgiving involves rooting out negative thoughts feelings and behaviors vis-agrave-vis a person who has hurt you and striving to develop positive thoughts feelings and behaviors towards herrdquo Note that for most of us forgiveness is a process rather than an instantaneous occurrence

Dr Enright like many other thinkers distinguishes forgiveness from reconciliation While forgiveness refers more to our internal disposition toward an offender reconciliation refers to re-entering a relationship with that person This is a particularly sticky distinction when the offender is your spouse because by definition the two of you are already in a multi-dimensional relationship that cannot and should not be easily ended

While psychologists often differentiate between forgiveness and reconciliation these processes are not completely separate Reconciliation involves input from two different people Forgiveness may be offered from the one who is hurt but in most situations should be offered with a clear statement about how the injury has affected the one hurt

In some cases the injured party may need to establish a boundary in the relationship mdash both for hisher own protection and also to help the other person avoid hurtful behavior For example if the husband has been secretly irresponsible with money the wife may wish to take temporary control of the finances as a part of the reconciliation process

Of course the one who has committed an offense also must make contributions to the relationship for reconciliation to take place Heshe must offer understanding of how hisher actions affected the other as well as sincere repentance and a commitment to stop the hurtful behavior in the future In some cases a personrsquos abstaining from the hurtful action must be effective immediately (such as never engaging in another affair) In others it may be a process (such as seeking counseling to learn to cope with anger)

Of course in some circumstances both husband and wife have hurt each other Each party must listen respectfully to the other and weigh hisher own role in the conflict Sometimes the involvement of a third party such as a counselor or pastor can help a couple identify how each person played a role in a hurtful situation and what each can do to help re-establish trust

Now letrsquos look at this from a faith-based perspective Scripture especially the New Testament frequently emphasizes the importance of forgiving others There are many ways to understand what this means and why such a command is given

In forgiving as Christians we allow Godrsquos redeeming mercy to flow from us to the one who hurt us We mirror His identity as the One who always draws each person to Himself in love Of course we offer Godrsquos love in the context of truth

Speaking clearly about how an offense has affected you can be an important part of forgiveness and reconciliation especially in the context of a relationship as intimate as marriage If we see speaking such truth as a chance to hammer the offender with our anger we must keep in mind the purpose of Godrsquos truth to lovingly call the other to repentance and reconciliation not to drag the other into an abyss of sorrow that leads to death (2 Corinthians 710)

It is in practicing forgiveness that we perhaps most closely emulate the Lord Interestingly enough much evidence suggests that being merciful is good for us not only spiritually but also psychologically Research and data consistently demonstrate that those who forgive reap the benefits of better mental health and improved social relationships From a faith-based perspective we donrsquot forgive just to benefit ourselves The ldquoside effectsrdquo of the process serve to keep us happier and healthier

The road to a fulfilling long-lasting marriage is paved with the grace of forgiveness and reconciliation

Lisa Gassin is a licensed professional counselor and a professor teaching Developmental and Cross-cultural Psychology at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais Illinois Dr Gassinrsquos research focus includes the psychology of forgiveness attachment and bereavement Her counseling methods of interest are play and other expressive therapies

12 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 13

How to Create theMarriage You Desire

Michelle Klavohn

The vision looks something like this People get so inspired longing for the potential of their marriage and family that 90 percent of married couples are working with a family coach to find their best life together

Imagine the clarity that would come in worklife balance parenting choices healthy communication managing in-law relationships etc if couples would take that kind of action to make their marriages thrive

Did you know that 90 percent of businesses use coaching in some form Businesses have found that they have a greater likelihood for reaching their potential when they partner with a skilled coach

While I love hearing about that kind of success I find myself dreaming about reaching that potential in a very different realm

14 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Great marriage and family life is not reserved for a select few people who get very very lucky It is a vision and a goal to pursue wholeheartedly

Irsquove had this dream in my own life for a very long time Some days the vision is loud confident and victorious Other days it is much shyer shaken by my own shortcomings

True confessions My husband and I have our own times that take their toll on the dreams we have for a dynamic marriage and family The past three years have brought some of the most painful losses and circumstances that wersquove had to navigate in our 24 years together I refer to it as the ldquoperfect stormrdquo The loss of numerous friendships that were like family to us the end of a ministry role that was extremely meaningful for me a painful change in our church community unfulfilled career goals and to top it off the mayhem of finding out I am in full-blown menopause What (I hear that by itself is enough to make a couple think life as they know it may be over)

This long season in our family of what we refer to as ldquosurvival moderdquo has taken its toll Tempers may be short words may be said selfishness may rear its ugly head and weekends may drain more life than they give

You may have had times like these too

Not that I will give up on our marriage altogether but perhaps I will give in to the idea that my marriage will just have to get by Life takes over I lose my vision The dream slips low on the priority list In the middle of the night I wrestle with thoughts like ldquoThis is too hardrdquo

Yes everyone needs outside support for their marriage In fact this step for us has been exactly what propels our relationship to the level we desire

Take a look at some common misconceptions that keep people from getting that support

ldquoWe donrsquot really need to talk with someonerdquo

Letrsquos be honest The root of this is pride The ldquowe can do it on our ownrdquo mentality at its best robs so many of the thriving marriage they want and

at its worst can lead to the end of a marriage We all stand at the wedding altar with dreams of a beautiful relationship Why not give yourselves a gift by taking action to fulfill those dreams It is not a sign of weakness but a spirit of wisdom that shows maturity commitment and strength

ldquoWe donrsquot have the money or timerdquo

This is almost always a priority issue What in your budget or schedule is more important than your marriage Will your kids think itrsquos worth it for you to work on your marriage Five years down the road will you regret investing in your marriage

ldquoWhat if people knewrdquo

Why not be a part of a growing movement of people who say ldquoThe best thing wersquove done for our marriage is work with a marriage coachrdquo You can be part of normalizing this healthy habit so that someday itrsquos as routine for couples as having a physical seeing the dentist etc We pay attention to the healthiness of other areas of life Why not do the same for the most important relationship we have

Yes I sometimes blow it in my marriage When I do Irsquom left with a decision Will I allow discouragement to steal my commitment to this relationship Or will I choose to give myself and my spouse grace and have a fresh dedication to building our dream one day at a time So I choose to live the philosophy that I espouse for my coaching clients A thriving marriage can happen today

Todayrsquos agenda for my husband and me reflects that Connect with our family coach (yes we value an outside perspective for our relationship too) A coffee date with my lover (okay a coffee mocha for him and a green iced tea with no sweetener for me ldquoCoffee daterdquo just sounds so much cooler than a ldquotea daterdquo) Time with our kids this evening

Of all the things that could demand our attention nothing is more important than building this dream we share

How to Create the Marriage You Desire

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 15

Michelle Klavohn is a family coach with more than 20 years experience in the field of Human Development She has a masterrsquos degree in communication and has been a communication educator for 10 years She and her husband Jon have been married for 23 years and have two children Kate and Carson

16 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 17

MARRIAGE INC IMPACT AWARD - 2015

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

Steve and LindaSweeney

18 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

In 38 years of marriage wersquove learned this timeless truth The quality of our marriage does not depend on the monumental events or big decisions of life mdash how much money we earn whether we take an anniversary cruise the size of our house or even how we respond to an unexpected family crisis We have discovered over time that the little things matter most in determining the health and level of satisfaction in our marriage How we talk our priorities how we treat the other (both in private and public) and our ability to laugh are all better reflections of our marriagersquos well-being than are securing tickets to a favorite Broadway production or the value of our 401(k)

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 19

Lessons from a Wedding Psalm

Dr Kent and Beth Olney

We are not sure why it has taken us so long to learn this truth Perhaps it is because we are prone to invest so much time and energy pulling off what we hope will be viewed as impressive accomplishments After achieving a goal we naturally want to sit back and congratulate ourselves for being such exemplary spouses

The reality is however that simple daily habits and responses contribute more to our marriage than the occasional spectacular events In her 2013 book The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages author Shaunti Feldhahn confirms this truth (see pages 6-7 of this magazine) So does a much older writing Psalm 45 which carries the interesting title of ldquoA Wedding Songrdquo (or ldquoA Song of Lovesrdquo in the classic King James version) We encourage you to read it for yourself and discover its enduring marriage message

The psalm begins by referring to marriage as a ldquonoble themerdquo (v 1) one that is worth considering In other words we do ourselves a favor when we pause to think about marriage and how we might get the most out of it When a couple dares to do that the results may be surprising

Suggested in this psalm are several profound and yet unexpected principles for making an attractive husband and a magnificent wife ndash descriptions that by the way are both implied in the psalm

The first half of Psalm 45 speaks to the husband who is referred to as ldquothe most excellent of menrdquo (v 2) What would it take today for a husband to earn that title from his wife How might he become so attractive to his spouse that he is thought of in this way Hints are given as the psalm unfolds Here are five defining characteristics

Graceful talk which means not just what is said but also how one says it Splendid character including an emphasis on truth humility and making wise choices Commendable priorities that are plain for all to see applaud and imitate Cheerful disposition wherein others are encouraged and find their spirits lifted Respectful interactions such that others are consistently and genuinely honored

Not one of these has a price tag Yet their value to any marriage is enormous At first glance each trait may seem relatively small but each has vast potential to transform a relationship Men take note

Not one of these has a price tagYet their value to any marriage is enormous

20 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The second part of the psalm addresses the bride Practical tips if observed would make any man feel he had a magnificent or ldquoroyalrdquo (v 9) bride How might a wife enhance the possibility of being considered magnificent by her husband What are some qualities she might develop to elevate her in the eyes of her husband Psalm 45 points to several possibilities including

Listening well so that genuine communication takes place Forgetting the past and adopting new loyalties and patterns Cultivating beauty for the purpose of pleasing and honoring her husband Contributing socially by winning othersrsquo favor and thus becoming a public asset Developing friendships that are healthy pleasant and mutually enriching

Again what is noteworthy is that this list contains ideas that are far from extraordinary Ladies minor adjustments often have a profound impact

Psalm 45 contains three overarching truths One despite what scoffers might say a good marriage is possible Two Godrsquos Word can help us attain such a marriage Those who dare to live by biblical principles will uncover helpful instruction and insight to enhance their relationships Three little things really do matter most when it comes to creating a successful and happy marriage No one needs to wait 38 years to discover that

Dr Kent and Beth Olney serve as co-directors of Marriage Inc Both are employed at Olivet Nazarene University where Kent is professor of Sociology and chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences Beth directs the Center for Student Success They are parents to Luke and Kyle and grandparents to Autumn and Kamden the children of Kyle and his wife Amber

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 21

22 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

the good news

aboutmarriage

BOOK RESOURCE

Did You KnowThe actual divorce rate has never come close to 50 Church attendance makes a HUGEdifference Most marriages are strong and happy for a lifetime

What does this mean for youIf you are a marriage champion mdash a pastor counselor or simply someone who cares aboutmarriages mdash you need to know this new information As one marriage leader put it ldquoIf thisis true the implications are enormousrdquo

Next steps Read the book Discuss findings with fellow leaders ldquoHow does this change how we talk about marriagerdquo ldquoHow does this change how we counsel couplesrdquo Visit wwwGoodNewsMarriagecom for leaders to find

Brief videos Interviews with national leaders discussing the implications and potential changes A slide share presentation with key info and research Bulk discount information

ldquoThis book will change how all of us think and talk about marriage and divorcerdquo mdashLysa Terkeurst president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

ldquoIn 32 years of marriage ministry I have been demoralized at times by the negative statistics quoted And now I am ecstatic as I read the truth in this incredible bookrdquo mdashJimmy Evans Founder of MarriageToday and Senior Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church

ldquoShauntirsquos thoroughly researched book will inject life and hope not only into our national consciousness about marriage but also into every individual marriage in the countryrdquo mdashDr Tim Clinton President of American Association of Christian Counselors

ldquoBelievers who put their faith into practice mdash who worship together and pray together mdash are muchmore likely to enjoy stable and happy marriages This is good news indeedrdquo mdashW Bradford Wilcox National Marriage Project Director Associate Professor of Sociology University of Virginia

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 23

24 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Kenneth and Marlene Carr are pastors at Total Restoration Christian Center in Kankakee Illinois Married for 26 years the Carrs have six children a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 25

BLESSINGSampLaura Wasson Warfel

ldquoMarriage has a lot of seasonsrdquo says Marlene Carr as she looks toward her husband Kenneth ldquoWe got married on Christmas Day It was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s The next morning there was a blizzard and 10 inches of snowrdquo

Weathering those seasons and growing closer than ever is one of the secrets to a successful marriage God uses those testing times to bring strength and a closer walk with Him

A TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGEA TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGE

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

midlandsbcom1-855-MY-MIDLAND Member FDIC

BourbonnaisGrant ParkBeecher

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228 N Dixie HwyMomence IL

110 Marquette Pl SManteno IL

or visit us online atmunicipalbankcom

CUSTOMER GRUMISH CHIRO-PRACTIC OFF PROOF TIME 9152014 32039 PM

REP ID KKK130 FIRST RUN 092514KK-202140

PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

bull SMALL NEWSPAPER GROUP bull

THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

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By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 5: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

A Celebration of Marriage

2015 2015

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 3

WELCOME TO

February 20 20157-945 pm

Welcome

Marriage ldquoEdu-tainersrdquoJay and Laura Laffoon

15-minute intermission

ComedianMichael Jr

Closing

Guest speakers will have resources for sale in the lobby before the show during intermission and immediately following the conclusion of the eveningrsquos programming

ON STAGE EVENT PROGRAM

Spencer CookMaster of Ceremonies

Joel DeckardDrums

Jesse DillmanBass

Amber LeffelVocalist

Luke OlneyPianist

Wesley TaylorVocalist

4 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The Laffoons fearlessly share their own experiences as they unravel what theyrsquove learned about the mysteries of intimate relationships believing that all married couples share the same struggles and joys along the journey Their humorous and entertaining transparency offers couples permission to laugh with each other and courage to continue growing a future together

After meeting on a blind date in 1984 their brief courtship has since transformed into a daily marital celebration Having ministered together in Youth for Christ for 15 years along with interviewing thousands of couples theyrsquove gained tremendous insight into marriage and family issues Now theyrsquove been presenting comedy- infused marriage events for more than 17 years

Jay grew up in Petoskey Mich and holds degrees in Biblical Literature and Music Laura grew up in Atlanta Ga (site of their famous blind date) and holds a degree in Social Ministries

Both Jay and Laura previously served on staff at Youth for Christ and currently serve on staff at Mt Pleasant Community Church coordinating their Marriage and Family Care Ministry They are part of an exclusive group of certified instructors for Dynamic Communications International

Together Jay and Laura have written numerous books They currently live in Michigan They have two children A teenage daughter Grace and son Torrey who is married to Shana a wonderful addition to the family Jay amp Laura founded Celebrate Ministries Inc in 1995

SPECIALGUESTS

Jay and Laura Laffoon

Hailed as one of todayrsquos most gifted comedians Michaelrsquos entry into comedy was almost preordained Years ago in a crowded Grand Rapids Mich movie theater the projector malfunctioned The film snapped the house lights came on and acting on a dare young Michael jumped in front of the restless crowd and took center stage When the theater manager tried to usher him out the audience demanded he stay Michael Jr had discovered his gift

Comedian George Wallace offered Michael his first break when he took him to the legendary Comedy amp Magic Club in Hermosa Beach home of Jay Leno and The Tonight Show staff The clubrsquos owner slipped Michael onstage A week later Michael was performing at the Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal where he became the first comedian to ever appear live via satellite on The Tonight Show

Since then he has appeared on The Tonight Show Comedy Central BETrsquos ComicView Jimmy Kimmel Live CNN Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen and ComedyTV Yoursquoll also find him at the most prestigious comedy clubs across the nation including The Improv The Laugh Factory The Comedy Store The Punchline The Comic Strip and Zanies Comedy Club If thatrsquos

not enough Michaelrsquos versatility takes him from major universities such as Notre Dame the University of Massachusetts and the University of Alabama to church events ranging from the 60000-member Willow Creek Church in Chicago the 17000-member West Angeles Church in LA and the 10000-member New Life Church in Colorado Springs

How can one man be equally at home in the heartland and the inner city churches and prisons corporate events and youth rallies Michael calls it comedy accountability

ldquoIf Irsquom in a club my material has to be clean enough to work in a church If Irsquom in a pulpit it has to be funny enough to work in a clubrdquo he says

This versatility has enabled Michael to author a childrenrsquos book The Parts We Play to be featured in the wildly successful comedy DVD ldquoThou Shalt Laughrdquo and to have made his directorial debut with the documentary ldquoComedy The Road Less Traveledrdquo (available in stores at amazoncom and michaeljrcom)

On the home front Michael is happily married He and his wife are the proud parents of five beautiful children

2015 2015

Michael Jr

ldquoWhere does lsquohighly happyrsquo come from mdash and can we have some toordquo

Have you ever looked at a blissfully married couple and thought I wish I could know their secret Now you can After years of investigative research Shaunti Feldhahn reveals 12 powerful habits that the happiest marriages have in common

Best news of all Anyone can learn the secrets of a highly happy marriage

In The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages Feldhahn shares her findings about little very unexpected often overlooked actions that make a huge difference Yoursquore about to discover that highly happy couples

Go to bed mad Keep score (just not in the way you think) Boss their feelings around Have factual fantasies Get in over their heads Donrsquot tell it like it is Donrsquot look to marriage to make them happy

Packed with eye-opening research and practical helps this book delivers relationship insights that will take your marriage from ldquojust finerdquo to ldquojust the marriage wersquove always wantedrdquo

surprising secrets of

highly happy

marriages

BOOK RESOURCE

ldquoI am thrilled with the findings clear reporting and explanations Shaunti is tireless at tracking down the truths that matter to relationships mdash and countless men and women have benefitted as a result I have already started using some of this new data at my conferencesrdquo mdash Emerson Eggerichs Best-selling author of Love and Respect

ldquoThe entire time I was reading this book I kept stopping and saying to my wife lsquoOh wow Listen to thisrsquo The great truth within these pages is that little things do indeed mean a lotrdquo

mdashJeff amp Pamela Foxworthy

ldquoShaunti has done the research dissected the results and delivered to us the proven recipes for successEven after 30 years of marriage I learned so much This is a book every married person should readrdquo mdash Jill Savage CEO of Hearts at Home and author of No More Perfect Moms

8 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

God is great and doing great things in the lives of those who seek Him At A Breath of Heaven Ministries the staff has the blessing of watching as our Savior moves in the lives of married couples who are seeking rest and renewal By providing a relaxing setting mdash away from daily distractions and responsibilities mdash this ministry is helping couples find renewed hope spiritual refreshment and restoration for their marriages

As relationships are rekindled couples find a deeper relationship with each other and with their God This personal testimony from a husband and wife who made their relationship a priority speaks volumes about the renewal experience that A Breath of Heaven seeks to offer

One year ago at age 57 I retired After 35-plus years of marriage and raising two children my wife and I felt as if we really didnrsquot know each other anymore We knew that we still loved each other But somehow somewhere we felt that we had grown apart We heard of A Breath of Heaven through some friends on Facebook and thought why not

While there we spent time hiking at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park sitting and talking at an amazingly beautiful beach and just enjoying Godrsquos creation Together But as much as we enjoyed the

sights and sounds of Godrsquos incredible handiwork we sensed that God was allowing us to use the time away to re-experience each other in ways that we hadnrsquot for many years And we did

From the minute we walked through the door we were welcomed with loving open arms Your warm Christian hospitality gave us the opportunity to rediscover each other as you prayed for the Lord to renew our life together as a married couple

If you remember it was difficult for us to leave Since wersquove returned home wersquove joined a couplesrsquo small group and are serving together as volunteers in our churchrsquos food pantry

We are so thankful for our time at A Breath of Heaven and canrsquot wait to return Thank you for being there

This ministry is offering relationship renewal opportunities to couples who are connected with Marriage Inc To learn more and to book your renewal getaway contact A Breath of Heaven Ministries

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 9

Scott and Laurie Vaughn have owned A Breath of Heaven Bed amp Breakfast since April 2014 They have decades of customer service and business experience between them Laurie has years of bookstore industry experience working in management customer service training and buying and selling Scott has served in various ministry roles for more than 35 years and has worked in sales marketing management and non-profit development The Vaughns have five children

A PLACEOF RENEWAL

Scott and Laurie Vaughn

A Breath of HeavenScott and Laurie Vaughn

8153839999breathofheavenbnbgmailcom

wwwbreathofheavenbnbcom

Lisa Gassin PhD

Marriage brings some of the happiest moments in life It can also bring some of the deepest hurts

What is one to do when a spouse uses unkind words commits an infidelity habitually lies or somehow breaks trust For good reason our inclination is usually to be angry accuse defend ourselves and perhaps ultimately walk out of the relationship In most cases however traversing the difficult path of forgiveness can pay dividends for us as individuals and for our relationships

10 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 11

Psychologists have differing views on what forgiveness is and is not A good place to start is the definition by Dr Robert Enright a pioneer of research on the topic ldquoForgiving involves rooting out negative thoughts feelings and behaviors vis-agrave-vis a person who has hurt you and striving to develop positive thoughts feelings and behaviors towards herrdquo Note that for most of us forgiveness is a process rather than an instantaneous occurrence

Dr Enright like many other thinkers distinguishes forgiveness from reconciliation While forgiveness refers more to our internal disposition toward an offender reconciliation refers to re-entering a relationship with that person This is a particularly sticky distinction when the offender is your spouse because by definition the two of you are already in a multi-dimensional relationship that cannot and should not be easily ended

While psychologists often differentiate between forgiveness and reconciliation these processes are not completely separate Reconciliation involves input from two different people Forgiveness may be offered from the one who is hurt but in most situations should be offered with a clear statement about how the injury has affected the one hurt

In some cases the injured party may need to establish a boundary in the relationship mdash both for hisher own protection and also to help the other person avoid hurtful behavior For example if the husband has been secretly irresponsible with money the wife may wish to take temporary control of the finances as a part of the reconciliation process

Of course the one who has committed an offense also must make contributions to the relationship for reconciliation to take place Heshe must offer understanding of how hisher actions affected the other as well as sincere repentance and a commitment to stop the hurtful behavior in the future In some cases a personrsquos abstaining from the hurtful action must be effective immediately (such as never engaging in another affair) In others it may be a process (such as seeking counseling to learn to cope with anger)

Of course in some circumstances both husband and wife have hurt each other Each party must listen respectfully to the other and weigh hisher own role in the conflict Sometimes the involvement of a third party such as a counselor or pastor can help a couple identify how each person played a role in a hurtful situation and what each can do to help re-establish trust

Now letrsquos look at this from a faith-based perspective Scripture especially the New Testament frequently emphasizes the importance of forgiving others There are many ways to understand what this means and why such a command is given

In forgiving as Christians we allow Godrsquos redeeming mercy to flow from us to the one who hurt us We mirror His identity as the One who always draws each person to Himself in love Of course we offer Godrsquos love in the context of truth

Speaking clearly about how an offense has affected you can be an important part of forgiveness and reconciliation especially in the context of a relationship as intimate as marriage If we see speaking such truth as a chance to hammer the offender with our anger we must keep in mind the purpose of Godrsquos truth to lovingly call the other to repentance and reconciliation not to drag the other into an abyss of sorrow that leads to death (2 Corinthians 710)

It is in practicing forgiveness that we perhaps most closely emulate the Lord Interestingly enough much evidence suggests that being merciful is good for us not only spiritually but also psychologically Research and data consistently demonstrate that those who forgive reap the benefits of better mental health and improved social relationships From a faith-based perspective we donrsquot forgive just to benefit ourselves The ldquoside effectsrdquo of the process serve to keep us happier and healthier

The road to a fulfilling long-lasting marriage is paved with the grace of forgiveness and reconciliation

Lisa Gassin is a licensed professional counselor and a professor teaching Developmental and Cross-cultural Psychology at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais Illinois Dr Gassinrsquos research focus includes the psychology of forgiveness attachment and bereavement Her counseling methods of interest are play and other expressive therapies

12 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 13

How to Create theMarriage You Desire

Michelle Klavohn

The vision looks something like this People get so inspired longing for the potential of their marriage and family that 90 percent of married couples are working with a family coach to find their best life together

Imagine the clarity that would come in worklife balance parenting choices healthy communication managing in-law relationships etc if couples would take that kind of action to make their marriages thrive

Did you know that 90 percent of businesses use coaching in some form Businesses have found that they have a greater likelihood for reaching their potential when they partner with a skilled coach

While I love hearing about that kind of success I find myself dreaming about reaching that potential in a very different realm

14 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Great marriage and family life is not reserved for a select few people who get very very lucky It is a vision and a goal to pursue wholeheartedly

Irsquove had this dream in my own life for a very long time Some days the vision is loud confident and victorious Other days it is much shyer shaken by my own shortcomings

True confessions My husband and I have our own times that take their toll on the dreams we have for a dynamic marriage and family The past three years have brought some of the most painful losses and circumstances that wersquove had to navigate in our 24 years together I refer to it as the ldquoperfect stormrdquo The loss of numerous friendships that were like family to us the end of a ministry role that was extremely meaningful for me a painful change in our church community unfulfilled career goals and to top it off the mayhem of finding out I am in full-blown menopause What (I hear that by itself is enough to make a couple think life as they know it may be over)

This long season in our family of what we refer to as ldquosurvival moderdquo has taken its toll Tempers may be short words may be said selfishness may rear its ugly head and weekends may drain more life than they give

You may have had times like these too

Not that I will give up on our marriage altogether but perhaps I will give in to the idea that my marriage will just have to get by Life takes over I lose my vision The dream slips low on the priority list In the middle of the night I wrestle with thoughts like ldquoThis is too hardrdquo

Yes everyone needs outside support for their marriage In fact this step for us has been exactly what propels our relationship to the level we desire

Take a look at some common misconceptions that keep people from getting that support

ldquoWe donrsquot really need to talk with someonerdquo

Letrsquos be honest The root of this is pride The ldquowe can do it on our ownrdquo mentality at its best robs so many of the thriving marriage they want and

at its worst can lead to the end of a marriage We all stand at the wedding altar with dreams of a beautiful relationship Why not give yourselves a gift by taking action to fulfill those dreams It is not a sign of weakness but a spirit of wisdom that shows maturity commitment and strength

ldquoWe donrsquot have the money or timerdquo

This is almost always a priority issue What in your budget or schedule is more important than your marriage Will your kids think itrsquos worth it for you to work on your marriage Five years down the road will you regret investing in your marriage

ldquoWhat if people knewrdquo

Why not be a part of a growing movement of people who say ldquoThe best thing wersquove done for our marriage is work with a marriage coachrdquo You can be part of normalizing this healthy habit so that someday itrsquos as routine for couples as having a physical seeing the dentist etc We pay attention to the healthiness of other areas of life Why not do the same for the most important relationship we have

Yes I sometimes blow it in my marriage When I do Irsquom left with a decision Will I allow discouragement to steal my commitment to this relationship Or will I choose to give myself and my spouse grace and have a fresh dedication to building our dream one day at a time So I choose to live the philosophy that I espouse for my coaching clients A thriving marriage can happen today

Todayrsquos agenda for my husband and me reflects that Connect with our family coach (yes we value an outside perspective for our relationship too) A coffee date with my lover (okay a coffee mocha for him and a green iced tea with no sweetener for me ldquoCoffee daterdquo just sounds so much cooler than a ldquotea daterdquo) Time with our kids this evening

Of all the things that could demand our attention nothing is more important than building this dream we share

How to Create the Marriage You Desire

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 15

Michelle Klavohn is a family coach with more than 20 years experience in the field of Human Development She has a masterrsquos degree in communication and has been a communication educator for 10 years She and her husband Jon have been married for 23 years and have two children Kate and Carson

16 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 17

MARRIAGE INC IMPACT AWARD - 2015

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

Steve and LindaSweeney

18 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

In 38 years of marriage wersquove learned this timeless truth The quality of our marriage does not depend on the monumental events or big decisions of life mdash how much money we earn whether we take an anniversary cruise the size of our house or even how we respond to an unexpected family crisis We have discovered over time that the little things matter most in determining the health and level of satisfaction in our marriage How we talk our priorities how we treat the other (both in private and public) and our ability to laugh are all better reflections of our marriagersquos well-being than are securing tickets to a favorite Broadway production or the value of our 401(k)

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 19

Lessons from a Wedding Psalm

Dr Kent and Beth Olney

We are not sure why it has taken us so long to learn this truth Perhaps it is because we are prone to invest so much time and energy pulling off what we hope will be viewed as impressive accomplishments After achieving a goal we naturally want to sit back and congratulate ourselves for being such exemplary spouses

The reality is however that simple daily habits and responses contribute more to our marriage than the occasional spectacular events In her 2013 book The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages author Shaunti Feldhahn confirms this truth (see pages 6-7 of this magazine) So does a much older writing Psalm 45 which carries the interesting title of ldquoA Wedding Songrdquo (or ldquoA Song of Lovesrdquo in the classic King James version) We encourage you to read it for yourself and discover its enduring marriage message

The psalm begins by referring to marriage as a ldquonoble themerdquo (v 1) one that is worth considering In other words we do ourselves a favor when we pause to think about marriage and how we might get the most out of it When a couple dares to do that the results may be surprising

Suggested in this psalm are several profound and yet unexpected principles for making an attractive husband and a magnificent wife ndash descriptions that by the way are both implied in the psalm

The first half of Psalm 45 speaks to the husband who is referred to as ldquothe most excellent of menrdquo (v 2) What would it take today for a husband to earn that title from his wife How might he become so attractive to his spouse that he is thought of in this way Hints are given as the psalm unfolds Here are five defining characteristics

Graceful talk which means not just what is said but also how one says it Splendid character including an emphasis on truth humility and making wise choices Commendable priorities that are plain for all to see applaud and imitate Cheerful disposition wherein others are encouraged and find their spirits lifted Respectful interactions such that others are consistently and genuinely honored

Not one of these has a price tag Yet their value to any marriage is enormous At first glance each trait may seem relatively small but each has vast potential to transform a relationship Men take note

Not one of these has a price tagYet their value to any marriage is enormous

20 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The second part of the psalm addresses the bride Practical tips if observed would make any man feel he had a magnificent or ldquoroyalrdquo (v 9) bride How might a wife enhance the possibility of being considered magnificent by her husband What are some qualities she might develop to elevate her in the eyes of her husband Psalm 45 points to several possibilities including

Listening well so that genuine communication takes place Forgetting the past and adopting new loyalties and patterns Cultivating beauty for the purpose of pleasing and honoring her husband Contributing socially by winning othersrsquo favor and thus becoming a public asset Developing friendships that are healthy pleasant and mutually enriching

Again what is noteworthy is that this list contains ideas that are far from extraordinary Ladies minor adjustments often have a profound impact

Psalm 45 contains three overarching truths One despite what scoffers might say a good marriage is possible Two Godrsquos Word can help us attain such a marriage Those who dare to live by biblical principles will uncover helpful instruction and insight to enhance their relationships Three little things really do matter most when it comes to creating a successful and happy marriage No one needs to wait 38 years to discover that

Dr Kent and Beth Olney serve as co-directors of Marriage Inc Both are employed at Olivet Nazarene University where Kent is professor of Sociology and chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences Beth directs the Center for Student Success They are parents to Luke and Kyle and grandparents to Autumn and Kamden the children of Kyle and his wife Amber

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 21

22 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

the good news

aboutmarriage

BOOK RESOURCE

Did You KnowThe actual divorce rate has never come close to 50 Church attendance makes a HUGEdifference Most marriages are strong and happy for a lifetime

What does this mean for youIf you are a marriage champion mdash a pastor counselor or simply someone who cares aboutmarriages mdash you need to know this new information As one marriage leader put it ldquoIf thisis true the implications are enormousrdquo

Next steps Read the book Discuss findings with fellow leaders ldquoHow does this change how we talk about marriagerdquo ldquoHow does this change how we counsel couplesrdquo Visit wwwGoodNewsMarriagecom for leaders to find

Brief videos Interviews with national leaders discussing the implications and potential changes A slide share presentation with key info and research Bulk discount information

ldquoThis book will change how all of us think and talk about marriage and divorcerdquo mdashLysa Terkeurst president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

ldquoIn 32 years of marriage ministry I have been demoralized at times by the negative statistics quoted And now I am ecstatic as I read the truth in this incredible bookrdquo mdashJimmy Evans Founder of MarriageToday and Senior Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church

ldquoShauntirsquos thoroughly researched book will inject life and hope not only into our national consciousness about marriage but also into every individual marriage in the countryrdquo mdashDr Tim Clinton President of American Association of Christian Counselors

ldquoBelievers who put their faith into practice mdash who worship together and pray together mdash are muchmore likely to enjoy stable and happy marriages This is good news indeedrdquo mdashW Bradford Wilcox National Marriage Project Director Associate Professor of Sociology University of Virginia

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 23

24 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Kenneth and Marlene Carr are pastors at Total Restoration Christian Center in Kankakee Illinois Married for 26 years the Carrs have six children a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 25

BLESSINGSampLaura Wasson Warfel

ldquoMarriage has a lot of seasonsrdquo says Marlene Carr as she looks toward her husband Kenneth ldquoWe got married on Christmas Day It was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s The next morning there was a blizzard and 10 inches of snowrdquo

Weathering those seasons and growing closer than ever is one of the secrets to a successful marriage God uses those testing times to bring strength and a closer walk with Him

A TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGEA TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGE

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

midlandsbcom1-855-MY-MIDLAND Member FDIC

BourbonnaisGrant ParkBeecher

SPO

NSO

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ISEM

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228 N Dixie HwyMomence IL

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or visit us online atmunicipalbankcom

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REP ID KKK130 FIRST RUN 092514KK-202140

PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

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THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

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ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

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By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 6: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

4 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The Laffoons fearlessly share their own experiences as they unravel what theyrsquove learned about the mysteries of intimate relationships believing that all married couples share the same struggles and joys along the journey Their humorous and entertaining transparency offers couples permission to laugh with each other and courage to continue growing a future together

After meeting on a blind date in 1984 their brief courtship has since transformed into a daily marital celebration Having ministered together in Youth for Christ for 15 years along with interviewing thousands of couples theyrsquove gained tremendous insight into marriage and family issues Now theyrsquove been presenting comedy- infused marriage events for more than 17 years

Jay grew up in Petoskey Mich and holds degrees in Biblical Literature and Music Laura grew up in Atlanta Ga (site of their famous blind date) and holds a degree in Social Ministries

Both Jay and Laura previously served on staff at Youth for Christ and currently serve on staff at Mt Pleasant Community Church coordinating their Marriage and Family Care Ministry They are part of an exclusive group of certified instructors for Dynamic Communications International

Together Jay and Laura have written numerous books They currently live in Michigan They have two children A teenage daughter Grace and son Torrey who is married to Shana a wonderful addition to the family Jay amp Laura founded Celebrate Ministries Inc in 1995

SPECIALGUESTS

Jay and Laura Laffoon

Hailed as one of todayrsquos most gifted comedians Michaelrsquos entry into comedy was almost preordained Years ago in a crowded Grand Rapids Mich movie theater the projector malfunctioned The film snapped the house lights came on and acting on a dare young Michael jumped in front of the restless crowd and took center stage When the theater manager tried to usher him out the audience demanded he stay Michael Jr had discovered his gift

Comedian George Wallace offered Michael his first break when he took him to the legendary Comedy amp Magic Club in Hermosa Beach home of Jay Leno and The Tonight Show staff The clubrsquos owner slipped Michael onstage A week later Michael was performing at the Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal where he became the first comedian to ever appear live via satellite on The Tonight Show

Since then he has appeared on The Tonight Show Comedy Central BETrsquos ComicView Jimmy Kimmel Live CNN Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen and ComedyTV Yoursquoll also find him at the most prestigious comedy clubs across the nation including The Improv The Laugh Factory The Comedy Store The Punchline The Comic Strip and Zanies Comedy Club If thatrsquos

not enough Michaelrsquos versatility takes him from major universities such as Notre Dame the University of Massachusetts and the University of Alabama to church events ranging from the 60000-member Willow Creek Church in Chicago the 17000-member West Angeles Church in LA and the 10000-member New Life Church in Colorado Springs

How can one man be equally at home in the heartland and the inner city churches and prisons corporate events and youth rallies Michael calls it comedy accountability

ldquoIf Irsquom in a club my material has to be clean enough to work in a church If Irsquom in a pulpit it has to be funny enough to work in a clubrdquo he says

This versatility has enabled Michael to author a childrenrsquos book The Parts We Play to be featured in the wildly successful comedy DVD ldquoThou Shalt Laughrdquo and to have made his directorial debut with the documentary ldquoComedy The Road Less Traveledrdquo (available in stores at amazoncom and michaeljrcom)

On the home front Michael is happily married He and his wife are the proud parents of five beautiful children

2015 2015

Michael Jr

ldquoWhere does lsquohighly happyrsquo come from mdash and can we have some toordquo

Have you ever looked at a blissfully married couple and thought I wish I could know their secret Now you can After years of investigative research Shaunti Feldhahn reveals 12 powerful habits that the happiest marriages have in common

Best news of all Anyone can learn the secrets of a highly happy marriage

In The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages Feldhahn shares her findings about little very unexpected often overlooked actions that make a huge difference Yoursquore about to discover that highly happy couples

Go to bed mad Keep score (just not in the way you think) Boss their feelings around Have factual fantasies Get in over their heads Donrsquot tell it like it is Donrsquot look to marriage to make them happy

Packed with eye-opening research and practical helps this book delivers relationship insights that will take your marriage from ldquojust finerdquo to ldquojust the marriage wersquove always wantedrdquo

surprising secrets of

highly happy

marriages

BOOK RESOURCE

ldquoI am thrilled with the findings clear reporting and explanations Shaunti is tireless at tracking down the truths that matter to relationships mdash and countless men and women have benefitted as a result I have already started using some of this new data at my conferencesrdquo mdash Emerson Eggerichs Best-selling author of Love and Respect

ldquoThe entire time I was reading this book I kept stopping and saying to my wife lsquoOh wow Listen to thisrsquo The great truth within these pages is that little things do indeed mean a lotrdquo

mdashJeff amp Pamela Foxworthy

ldquoShaunti has done the research dissected the results and delivered to us the proven recipes for successEven after 30 years of marriage I learned so much This is a book every married person should readrdquo mdash Jill Savage CEO of Hearts at Home and author of No More Perfect Moms

8 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

God is great and doing great things in the lives of those who seek Him At A Breath of Heaven Ministries the staff has the blessing of watching as our Savior moves in the lives of married couples who are seeking rest and renewal By providing a relaxing setting mdash away from daily distractions and responsibilities mdash this ministry is helping couples find renewed hope spiritual refreshment and restoration for their marriages

As relationships are rekindled couples find a deeper relationship with each other and with their God This personal testimony from a husband and wife who made their relationship a priority speaks volumes about the renewal experience that A Breath of Heaven seeks to offer

One year ago at age 57 I retired After 35-plus years of marriage and raising two children my wife and I felt as if we really didnrsquot know each other anymore We knew that we still loved each other But somehow somewhere we felt that we had grown apart We heard of A Breath of Heaven through some friends on Facebook and thought why not

While there we spent time hiking at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park sitting and talking at an amazingly beautiful beach and just enjoying Godrsquos creation Together But as much as we enjoyed the

sights and sounds of Godrsquos incredible handiwork we sensed that God was allowing us to use the time away to re-experience each other in ways that we hadnrsquot for many years And we did

From the minute we walked through the door we were welcomed with loving open arms Your warm Christian hospitality gave us the opportunity to rediscover each other as you prayed for the Lord to renew our life together as a married couple

If you remember it was difficult for us to leave Since wersquove returned home wersquove joined a couplesrsquo small group and are serving together as volunteers in our churchrsquos food pantry

We are so thankful for our time at A Breath of Heaven and canrsquot wait to return Thank you for being there

This ministry is offering relationship renewal opportunities to couples who are connected with Marriage Inc To learn more and to book your renewal getaway contact A Breath of Heaven Ministries

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 9

Scott and Laurie Vaughn have owned A Breath of Heaven Bed amp Breakfast since April 2014 They have decades of customer service and business experience between them Laurie has years of bookstore industry experience working in management customer service training and buying and selling Scott has served in various ministry roles for more than 35 years and has worked in sales marketing management and non-profit development The Vaughns have five children

A PLACEOF RENEWAL

Scott and Laurie Vaughn

A Breath of HeavenScott and Laurie Vaughn

8153839999breathofheavenbnbgmailcom

wwwbreathofheavenbnbcom

Lisa Gassin PhD

Marriage brings some of the happiest moments in life It can also bring some of the deepest hurts

What is one to do when a spouse uses unkind words commits an infidelity habitually lies or somehow breaks trust For good reason our inclination is usually to be angry accuse defend ourselves and perhaps ultimately walk out of the relationship In most cases however traversing the difficult path of forgiveness can pay dividends for us as individuals and for our relationships

10 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 11

Psychologists have differing views on what forgiveness is and is not A good place to start is the definition by Dr Robert Enright a pioneer of research on the topic ldquoForgiving involves rooting out negative thoughts feelings and behaviors vis-agrave-vis a person who has hurt you and striving to develop positive thoughts feelings and behaviors towards herrdquo Note that for most of us forgiveness is a process rather than an instantaneous occurrence

Dr Enright like many other thinkers distinguishes forgiveness from reconciliation While forgiveness refers more to our internal disposition toward an offender reconciliation refers to re-entering a relationship with that person This is a particularly sticky distinction when the offender is your spouse because by definition the two of you are already in a multi-dimensional relationship that cannot and should not be easily ended

While psychologists often differentiate between forgiveness and reconciliation these processes are not completely separate Reconciliation involves input from two different people Forgiveness may be offered from the one who is hurt but in most situations should be offered with a clear statement about how the injury has affected the one hurt

In some cases the injured party may need to establish a boundary in the relationship mdash both for hisher own protection and also to help the other person avoid hurtful behavior For example if the husband has been secretly irresponsible with money the wife may wish to take temporary control of the finances as a part of the reconciliation process

Of course the one who has committed an offense also must make contributions to the relationship for reconciliation to take place Heshe must offer understanding of how hisher actions affected the other as well as sincere repentance and a commitment to stop the hurtful behavior in the future In some cases a personrsquos abstaining from the hurtful action must be effective immediately (such as never engaging in another affair) In others it may be a process (such as seeking counseling to learn to cope with anger)

Of course in some circumstances both husband and wife have hurt each other Each party must listen respectfully to the other and weigh hisher own role in the conflict Sometimes the involvement of a third party such as a counselor or pastor can help a couple identify how each person played a role in a hurtful situation and what each can do to help re-establish trust

Now letrsquos look at this from a faith-based perspective Scripture especially the New Testament frequently emphasizes the importance of forgiving others There are many ways to understand what this means and why such a command is given

In forgiving as Christians we allow Godrsquos redeeming mercy to flow from us to the one who hurt us We mirror His identity as the One who always draws each person to Himself in love Of course we offer Godrsquos love in the context of truth

Speaking clearly about how an offense has affected you can be an important part of forgiveness and reconciliation especially in the context of a relationship as intimate as marriage If we see speaking such truth as a chance to hammer the offender with our anger we must keep in mind the purpose of Godrsquos truth to lovingly call the other to repentance and reconciliation not to drag the other into an abyss of sorrow that leads to death (2 Corinthians 710)

It is in practicing forgiveness that we perhaps most closely emulate the Lord Interestingly enough much evidence suggests that being merciful is good for us not only spiritually but also psychologically Research and data consistently demonstrate that those who forgive reap the benefits of better mental health and improved social relationships From a faith-based perspective we donrsquot forgive just to benefit ourselves The ldquoside effectsrdquo of the process serve to keep us happier and healthier

The road to a fulfilling long-lasting marriage is paved with the grace of forgiveness and reconciliation

Lisa Gassin is a licensed professional counselor and a professor teaching Developmental and Cross-cultural Psychology at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais Illinois Dr Gassinrsquos research focus includes the psychology of forgiveness attachment and bereavement Her counseling methods of interest are play and other expressive therapies

12 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 13

How to Create theMarriage You Desire

Michelle Klavohn

The vision looks something like this People get so inspired longing for the potential of their marriage and family that 90 percent of married couples are working with a family coach to find their best life together

Imagine the clarity that would come in worklife balance parenting choices healthy communication managing in-law relationships etc if couples would take that kind of action to make their marriages thrive

Did you know that 90 percent of businesses use coaching in some form Businesses have found that they have a greater likelihood for reaching their potential when they partner with a skilled coach

While I love hearing about that kind of success I find myself dreaming about reaching that potential in a very different realm

14 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Great marriage and family life is not reserved for a select few people who get very very lucky It is a vision and a goal to pursue wholeheartedly

Irsquove had this dream in my own life for a very long time Some days the vision is loud confident and victorious Other days it is much shyer shaken by my own shortcomings

True confessions My husband and I have our own times that take their toll on the dreams we have for a dynamic marriage and family The past three years have brought some of the most painful losses and circumstances that wersquove had to navigate in our 24 years together I refer to it as the ldquoperfect stormrdquo The loss of numerous friendships that were like family to us the end of a ministry role that was extremely meaningful for me a painful change in our church community unfulfilled career goals and to top it off the mayhem of finding out I am in full-blown menopause What (I hear that by itself is enough to make a couple think life as they know it may be over)

This long season in our family of what we refer to as ldquosurvival moderdquo has taken its toll Tempers may be short words may be said selfishness may rear its ugly head and weekends may drain more life than they give

You may have had times like these too

Not that I will give up on our marriage altogether but perhaps I will give in to the idea that my marriage will just have to get by Life takes over I lose my vision The dream slips low on the priority list In the middle of the night I wrestle with thoughts like ldquoThis is too hardrdquo

Yes everyone needs outside support for their marriage In fact this step for us has been exactly what propels our relationship to the level we desire

Take a look at some common misconceptions that keep people from getting that support

ldquoWe donrsquot really need to talk with someonerdquo

Letrsquos be honest The root of this is pride The ldquowe can do it on our ownrdquo mentality at its best robs so many of the thriving marriage they want and

at its worst can lead to the end of a marriage We all stand at the wedding altar with dreams of a beautiful relationship Why not give yourselves a gift by taking action to fulfill those dreams It is not a sign of weakness but a spirit of wisdom that shows maturity commitment and strength

ldquoWe donrsquot have the money or timerdquo

This is almost always a priority issue What in your budget or schedule is more important than your marriage Will your kids think itrsquos worth it for you to work on your marriage Five years down the road will you regret investing in your marriage

ldquoWhat if people knewrdquo

Why not be a part of a growing movement of people who say ldquoThe best thing wersquove done for our marriage is work with a marriage coachrdquo You can be part of normalizing this healthy habit so that someday itrsquos as routine for couples as having a physical seeing the dentist etc We pay attention to the healthiness of other areas of life Why not do the same for the most important relationship we have

Yes I sometimes blow it in my marriage When I do Irsquom left with a decision Will I allow discouragement to steal my commitment to this relationship Or will I choose to give myself and my spouse grace and have a fresh dedication to building our dream one day at a time So I choose to live the philosophy that I espouse for my coaching clients A thriving marriage can happen today

Todayrsquos agenda for my husband and me reflects that Connect with our family coach (yes we value an outside perspective for our relationship too) A coffee date with my lover (okay a coffee mocha for him and a green iced tea with no sweetener for me ldquoCoffee daterdquo just sounds so much cooler than a ldquotea daterdquo) Time with our kids this evening

Of all the things that could demand our attention nothing is more important than building this dream we share

How to Create the Marriage You Desire

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 15

Michelle Klavohn is a family coach with more than 20 years experience in the field of Human Development She has a masterrsquos degree in communication and has been a communication educator for 10 years She and her husband Jon have been married for 23 years and have two children Kate and Carson

16 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 17

MARRIAGE INC IMPACT AWARD - 2015

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

Steve and LindaSweeney

18 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

In 38 years of marriage wersquove learned this timeless truth The quality of our marriage does not depend on the monumental events or big decisions of life mdash how much money we earn whether we take an anniversary cruise the size of our house or even how we respond to an unexpected family crisis We have discovered over time that the little things matter most in determining the health and level of satisfaction in our marriage How we talk our priorities how we treat the other (both in private and public) and our ability to laugh are all better reflections of our marriagersquos well-being than are securing tickets to a favorite Broadway production or the value of our 401(k)

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 19

Lessons from a Wedding Psalm

Dr Kent and Beth Olney

We are not sure why it has taken us so long to learn this truth Perhaps it is because we are prone to invest so much time and energy pulling off what we hope will be viewed as impressive accomplishments After achieving a goal we naturally want to sit back and congratulate ourselves for being such exemplary spouses

The reality is however that simple daily habits and responses contribute more to our marriage than the occasional spectacular events In her 2013 book The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages author Shaunti Feldhahn confirms this truth (see pages 6-7 of this magazine) So does a much older writing Psalm 45 which carries the interesting title of ldquoA Wedding Songrdquo (or ldquoA Song of Lovesrdquo in the classic King James version) We encourage you to read it for yourself and discover its enduring marriage message

The psalm begins by referring to marriage as a ldquonoble themerdquo (v 1) one that is worth considering In other words we do ourselves a favor when we pause to think about marriage and how we might get the most out of it When a couple dares to do that the results may be surprising

Suggested in this psalm are several profound and yet unexpected principles for making an attractive husband and a magnificent wife ndash descriptions that by the way are both implied in the psalm

The first half of Psalm 45 speaks to the husband who is referred to as ldquothe most excellent of menrdquo (v 2) What would it take today for a husband to earn that title from his wife How might he become so attractive to his spouse that he is thought of in this way Hints are given as the psalm unfolds Here are five defining characteristics

Graceful talk which means not just what is said but also how one says it Splendid character including an emphasis on truth humility and making wise choices Commendable priorities that are plain for all to see applaud and imitate Cheerful disposition wherein others are encouraged and find their spirits lifted Respectful interactions such that others are consistently and genuinely honored

Not one of these has a price tag Yet their value to any marriage is enormous At first glance each trait may seem relatively small but each has vast potential to transform a relationship Men take note

Not one of these has a price tagYet their value to any marriage is enormous

20 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The second part of the psalm addresses the bride Practical tips if observed would make any man feel he had a magnificent or ldquoroyalrdquo (v 9) bride How might a wife enhance the possibility of being considered magnificent by her husband What are some qualities she might develop to elevate her in the eyes of her husband Psalm 45 points to several possibilities including

Listening well so that genuine communication takes place Forgetting the past and adopting new loyalties and patterns Cultivating beauty for the purpose of pleasing and honoring her husband Contributing socially by winning othersrsquo favor and thus becoming a public asset Developing friendships that are healthy pleasant and mutually enriching

Again what is noteworthy is that this list contains ideas that are far from extraordinary Ladies minor adjustments often have a profound impact

Psalm 45 contains three overarching truths One despite what scoffers might say a good marriage is possible Two Godrsquos Word can help us attain such a marriage Those who dare to live by biblical principles will uncover helpful instruction and insight to enhance their relationships Three little things really do matter most when it comes to creating a successful and happy marriage No one needs to wait 38 years to discover that

Dr Kent and Beth Olney serve as co-directors of Marriage Inc Both are employed at Olivet Nazarene University where Kent is professor of Sociology and chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences Beth directs the Center for Student Success They are parents to Luke and Kyle and grandparents to Autumn and Kamden the children of Kyle and his wife Amber

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 21

22 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

the good news

aboutmarriage

BOOK RESOURCE

Did You KnowThe actual divorce rate has never come close to 50 Church attendance makes a HUGEdifference Most marriages are strong and happy for a lifetime

What does this mean for youIf you are a marriage champion mdash a pastor counselor or simply someone who cares aboutmarriages mdash you need to know this new information As one marriage leader put it ldquoIf thisis true the implications are enormousrdquo

Next steps Read the book Discuss findings with fellow leaders ldquoHow does this change how we talk about marriagerdquo ldquoHow does this change how we counsel couplesrdquo Visit wwwGoodNewsMarriagecom for leaders to find

Brief videos Interviews with national leaders discussing the implications and potential changes A slide share presentation with key info and research Bulk discount information

ldquoThis book will change how all of us think and talk about marriage and divorcerdquo mdashLysa Terkeurst president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

ldquoIn 32 years of marriage ministry I have been demoralized at times by the negative statistics quoted And now I am ecstatic as I read the truth in this incredible bookrdquo mdashJimmy Evans Founder of MarriageToday and Senior Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church

ldquoShauntirsquos thoroughly researched book will inject life and hope not only into our national consciousness about marriage but also into every individual marriage in the countryrdquo mdashDr Tim Clinton President of American Association of Christian Counselors

ldquoBelievers who put their faith into practice mdash who worship together and pray together mdash are muchmore likely to enjoy stable and happy marriages This is good news indeedrdquo mdashW Bradford Wilcox National Marriage Project Director Associate Professor of Sociology University of Virginia

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 23

24 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Kenneth and Marlene Carr are pastors at Total Restoration Christian Center in Kankakee Illinois Married for 26 years the Carrs have six children a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 25

BLESSINGSampLaura Wasson Warfel

ldquoMarriage has a lot of seasonsrdquo says Marlene Carr as she looks toward her husband Kenneth ldquoWe got married on Christmas Day It was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s The next morning there was a blizzard and 10 inches of snowrdquo

Weathering those seasons and growing closer than ever is one of the secrets to a successful marriage God uses those testing times to bring strength and a closer walk with Him

A TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGEA TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGE

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

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BourbonnaisGrant ParkBeecher

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PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

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THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

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Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

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By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 7: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

Hailed as one of todayrsquos most gifted comedians Michaelrsquos entry into comedy was almost preordained Years ago in a crowded Grand Rapids Mich movie theater the projector malfunctioned The film snapped the house lights came on and acting on a dare young Michael jumped in front of the restless crowd and took center stage When the theater manager tried to usher him out the audience demanded he stay Michael Jr had discovered his gift

Comedian George Wallace offered Michael his first break when he took him to the legendary Comedy amp Magic Club in Hermosa Beach home of Jay Leno and The Tonight Show staff The clubrsquos owner slipped Michael onstage A week later Michael was performing at the Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal where he became the first comedian to ever appear live via satellite on The Tonight Show

Since then he has appeared on The Tonight Show Comedy Central BETrsquos ComicView Jimmy Kimmel Live CNN Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen and ComedyTV Yoursquoll also find him at the most prestigious comedy clubs across the nation including The Improv The Laugh Factory The Comedy Store The Punchline The Comic Strip and Zanies Comedy Club If thatrsquos

not enough Michaelrsquos versatility takes him from major universities such as Notre Dame the University of Massachusetts and the University of Alabama to church events ranging from the 60000-member Willow Creek Church in Chicago the 17000-member West Angeles Church in LA and the 10000-member New Life Church in Colorado Springs

How can one man be equally at home in the heartland and the inner city churches and prisons corporate events and youth rallies Michael calls it comedy accountability

ldquoIf Irsquom in a club my material has to be clean enough to work in a church If Irsquom in a pulpit it has to be funny enough to work in a clubrdquo he says

This versatility has enabled Michael to author a childrenrsquos book The Parts We Play to be featured in the wildly successful comedy DVD ldquoThou Shalt Laughrdquo and to have made his directorial debut with the documentary ldquoComedy The Road Less Traveledrdquo (available in stores at amazoncom and michaeljrcom)

On the home front Michael is happily married He and his wife are the proud parents of five beautiful children

2015 2015

Michael Jr

ldquoWhere does lsquohighly happyrsquo come from mdash and can we have some toordquo

Have you ever looked at a blissfully married couple and thought I wish I could know their secret Now you can After years of investigative research Shaunti Feldhahn reveals 12 powerful habits that the happiest marriages have in common

Best news of all Anyone can learn the secrets of a highly happy marriage

In The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages Feldhahn shares her findings about little very unexpected often overlooked actions that make a huge difference Yoursquore about to discover that highly happy couples

Go to bed mad Keep score (just not in the way you think) Boss their feelings around Have factual fantasies Get in over their heads Donrsquot tell it like it is Donrsquot look to marriage to make them happy

Packed with eye-opening research and practical helps this book delivers relationship insights that will take your marriage from ldquojust finerdquo to ldquojust the marriage wersquove always wantedrdquo

surprising secrets of

highly happy

marriages

BOOK RESOURCE

ldquoI am thrilled with the findings clear reporting and explanations Shaunti is tireless at tracking down the truths that matter to relationships mdash and countless men and women have benefitted as a result I have already started using some of this new data at my conferencesrdquo mdash Emerson Eggerichs Best-selling author of Love and Respect

ldquoThe entire time I was reading this book I kept stopping and saying to my wife lsquoOh wow Listen to thisrsquo The great truth within these pages is that little things do indeed mean a lotrdquo

mdashJeff amp Pamela Foxworthy

ldquoShaunti has done the research dissected the results and delivered to us the proven recipes for successEven after 30 years of marriage I learned so much This is a book every married person should readrdquo mdash Jill Savage CEO of Hearts at Home and author of No More Perfect Moms

8 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

God is great and doing great things in the lives of those who seek Him At A Breath of Heaven Ministries the staff has the blessing of watching as our Savior moves in the lives of married couples who are seeking rest and renewal By providing a relaxing setting mdash away from daily distractions and responsibilities mdash this ministry is helping couples find renewed hope spiritual refreshment and restoration for their marriages

As relationships are rekindled couples find a deeper relationship with each other and with their God This personal testimony from a husband and wife who made their relationship a priority speaks volumes about the renewal experience that A Breath of Heaven seeks to offer

One year ago at age 57 I retired After 35-plus years of marriage and raising two children my wife and I felt as if we really didnrsquot know each other anymore We knew that we still loved each other But somehow somewhere we felt that we had grown apart We heard of A Breath of Heaven through some friends on Facebook and thought why not

While there we spent time hiking at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park sitting and talking at an amazingly beautiful beach and just enjoying Godrsquos creation Together But as much as we enjoyed the

sights and sounds of Godrsquos incredible handiwork we sensed that God was allowing us to use the time away to re-experience each other in ways that we hadnrsquot for many years And we did

From the minute we walked through the door we were welcomed with loving open arms Your warm Christian hospitality gave us the opportunity to rediscover each other as you prayed for the Lord to renew our life together as a married couple

If you remember it was difficult for us to leave Since wersquove returned home wersquove joined a couplesrsquo small group and are serving together as volunteers in our churchrsquos food pantry

We are so thankful for our time at A Breath of Heaven and canrsquot wait to return Thank you for being there

This ministry is offering relationship renewal opportunities to couples who are connected with Marriage Inc To learn more and to book your renewal getaway contact A Breath of Heaven Ministries

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 9

Scott and Laurie Vaughn have owned A Breath of Heaven Bed amp Breakfast since April 2014 They have decades of customer service and business experience between them Laurie has years of bookstore industry experience working in management customer service training and buying and selling Scott has served in various ministry roles for more than 35 years and has worked in sales marketing management and non-profit development The Vaughns have five children

A PLACEOF RENEWAL

Scott and Laurie Vaughn

A Breath of HeavenScott and Laurie Vaughn

8153839999breathofheavenbnbgmailcom

wwwbreathofheavenbnbcom

Lisa Gassin PhD

Marriage brings some of the happiest moments in life It can also bring some of the deepest hurts

What is one to do when a spouse uses unkind words commits an infidelity habitually lies or somehow breaks trust For good reason our inclination is usually to be angry accuse defend ourselves and perhaps ultimately walk out of the relationship In most cases however traversing the difficult path of forgiveness can pay dividends for us as individuals and for our relationships

10 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 11

Psychologists have differing views on what forgiveness is and is not A good place to start is the definition by Dr Robert Enright a pioneer of research on the topic ldquoForgiving involves rooting out negative thoughts feelings and behaviors vis-agrave-vis a person who has hurt you and striving to develop positive thoughts feelings and behaviors towards herrdquo Note that for most of us forgiveness is a process rather than an instantaneous occurrence

Dr Enright like many other thinkers distinguishes forgiveness from reconciliation While forgiveness refers more to our internal disposition toward an offender reconciliation refers to re-entering a relationship with that person This is a particularly sticky distinction when the offender is your spouse because by definition the two of you are already in a multi-dimensional relationship that cannot and should not be easily ended

While psychologists often differentiate between forgiveness and reconciliation these processes are not completely separate Reconciliation involves input from two different people Forgiveness may be offered from the one who is hurt but in most situations should be offered with a clear statement about how the injury has affected the one hurt

In some cases the injured party may need to establish a boundary in the relationship mdash both for hisher own protection and also to help the other person avoid hurtful behavior For example if the husband has been secretly irresponsible with money the wife may wish to take temporary control of the finances as a part of the reconciliation process

Of course the one who has committed an offense also must make contributions to the relationship for reconciliation to take place Heshe must offer understanding of how hisher actions affected the other as well as sincere repentance and a commitment to stop the hurtful behavior in the future In some cases a personrsquos abstaining from the hurtful action must be effective immediately (such as never engaging in another affair) In others it may be a process (such as seeking counseling to learn to cope with anger)

Of course in some circumstances both husband and wife have hurt each other Each party must listen respectfully to the other and weigh hisher own role in the conflict Sometimes the involvement of a third party such as a counselor or pastor can help a couple identify how each person played a role in a hurtful situation and what each can do to help re-establish trust

Now letrsquos look at this from a faith-based perspective Scripture especially the New Testament frequently emphasizes the importance of forgiving others There are many ways to understand what this means and why such a command is given

In forgiving as Christians we allow Godrsquos redeeming mercy to flow from us to the one who hurt us We mirror His identity as the One who always draws each person to Himself in love Of course we offer Godrsquos love in the context of truth

Speaking clearly about how an offense has affected you can be an important part of forgiveness and reconciliation especially in the context of a relationship as intimate as marriage If we see speaking such truth as a chance to hammer the offender with our anger we must keep in mind the purpose of Godrsquos truth to lovingly call the other to repentance and reconciliation not to drag the other into an abyss of sorrow that leads to death (2 Corinthians 710)

It is in practicing forgiveness that we perhaps most closely emulate the Lord Interestingly enough much evidence suggests that being merciful is good for us not only spiritually but also psychologically Research and data consistently demonstrate that those who forgive reap the benefits of better mental health and improved social relationships From a faith-based perspective we donrsquot forgive just to benefit ourselves The ldquoside effectsrdquo of the process serve to keep us happier and healthier

The road to a fulfilling long-lasting marriage is paved with the grace of forgiveness and reconciliation

Lisa Gassin is a licensed professional counselor and a professor teaching Developmental and Cross-cultural Psychology at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais Illinois Dr Gassinrsquos research focus includes the psychology of forgiveness attachment and bereavement Her counseling methods of interest are play and other expressive therapies

12 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 13

How to Create theMarriage You Desire

Michelle Klavohn

The vision looks something like this People get so inspired longing for the potential of their marriage and family that 90 percent of married couples are working with a family coach to find their best life together

Imagine the clarity that would come in worklife balance parenting choices healthy communication managing in-law relationships etc if couples would take that kind of action to make their marriages thrive

Did you know that 90 percent of businesses use coaching in some form Businesses have found that they have a greater likelihood for reaching their potential when they partner with a skilled coach

While I love hearing about that kind of success I find myself dreaming about reaching that potential in a very different realm

14 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Great marriage and family life is not reserved for a select few people who get very very lucky It is a vision and a goal to pursue wholeheartedly

Irsquove had this dream in my own life for a very long time Some days the vision is loud confident and victorious Other days it is much shyer shaken by my own shortcomings

True confessions My husband and I have our own times that take their toll on the dreams we have for a dynamic marriage and family The past three years have brought some of the most painful losses and circumstances that wersquove had to navigate in our 24 years together I refer to it as the ldquoperfect stormrdquo The loss of numerous friendships that were like family to us the end of a ministry role that was extremely meaningful for me a painful change in our church community unfulfilled career goals and to top it off the mayhem of finding out I am in full-blown menopause What (I hear that by itself is enough to make a couple think life as they know it may be over)

This long season in our family of what we refer to as ldquosurvival moderdquo has taken its toll Tempers may be short words may be said selfishness may rear its ugly head and weekends may drain more life than they give

You may have had times like these too

Not that I will give up on our marriage altogether but perhaps I will give in to the idea that my marriage will just have to get by Life takes over I lose my vision The dream slips low on the priority list In the middle of the night I wrestle with thoughts like ldquoThis is too hardrdquo

Yes everyone needs outside support for their marriage In fact this step for us has been exactly what propels our relationship to the level we desire

Take a look at some common misconceptions that keep people from getting that support

ldquoWe donrsquot really need to talk with someonerdquo

Letrsquos be honest The root of this is pride The ldquowe can do it on our ownrdquo mentality at its best robs so many of the thriving marriage they want and

at its worst can lead to the end of a marriage We all stand at the wedding altar with dreams of a beautiful relationship Why not give yourselves a gift by taking action to fulfill those dreams It is not a sign of weakness but a spirit of wisdom that shows maturity commitment and strength

ldquoWe donrsquot have the money or timerdquo

This is almost always a priority issue What in your budget or schedule is more important than your marriage Will your kids think itrsquos worth it for you to work on your marriage Five years down the road will you regret investing in your marriage

ldquoWhat if people knewrdquo

Why not be a part of a growing movement of people who say ldquoThe best thing wersquove done for our marriage is work with a marriage coachrdquo You can be part of normalizing this healthy habit so that someday itrsquos as routine for couples as having a physical seeing the dentist etc We pay attention to the healthiness of other areas of life Why not do the same for the most important relationship we have

Yes I sometimes blow it in my marriage When I do Irsquom left with a decision Will I allow discouragement to steal my commitment to this relationship Or will I choose to give myself and my spouse grace and have a fresh dedication to building our dream one day at a time So I choose to live the philosophy that I espouse for my coaching clients A thriving marriage can happen today

Todayrsquos agenda for my husband and me reflects that Connect with our family coach (yes we value an outside perspective for our relationship too) A coffee date with my lover (okay a coffee mocha for him and a green iced tea with no sweetener for me ldquoCoffee daterdquo just sounds so much cooler than a ldquotea daterdquo) Time with our kids this evening

Of all the things that could demand our attention nothing is more important than building this dream we share

How to Create the Marriage You Desire

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 15

Michelle Klavohn is a family coach with more than 20 years experience in the field of Human Development She has a masterrsquos degree in communication and has been a communication educator for 10 years She and her husband Jon have been married for 23 years and have two children Kate and Carson

16 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 17

MARRIAGE INC IMPACT AWARD - 2015

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

Steve and LindaSweeney

18 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

In 38 years of marriage wersquove learned this timeless truth The quality of our marriage does not depend on the monumental events or big decisions of life mdash how much money we earn whether we take an anniversary cruise the size of our house or even how we respond to an unexpected family crisis We have discovered over time that the little things matter most in determining the health and level of satisfaction in our marriage How we talk our priorities how we treat the other (both in private and public) and our ability to laugh are all better reflections of our marriagersquos well-being than are securing tickets to a favorite Broadway production or the value of our 401(k)

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 19

Lessons from a Wedding Psalm

Dr Kent and Beth Olney

We are not sure why it has taken us so long to learn this truth Perhaps it is because we are prone to invest so much time and energy pulling off what we hope will be viewed as impressive accomplishments After achieving a goal we naturally want to sit back and congratulate ourselves for being such exemplary spouses

The reality is however that simple daily habits and responses contribute more to our marriage than the occasional spectacular events In her 2013 book The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages author Shaunti Feldhahn confirms this truth (see pages 6-7 of this magazine) So does a much older writing Psalm 45 which carries the interesting title of ldquoA Wedding Songrdquo (or ldquoA Song of Lovesrdquo in the classic King James version) We encourage you to read it for yourself and discover its enduring marriage message

The psalm begins by referring to marriage as a ldquonoble themerdquo (v 1) one that is worth considering In other words we do ourselves a favor when we pause to think about marriage and how we might get the most out of it When a couple dares to do that the results may be surprising

Suggested in this psalm are several profound and yet unexpected principles for making an attractive husband and a magnificent wife ndash descriptions that by the way are both implied in the psalm

The first half of Psalm 45 speaks to the husband who is referred to as ldquothe most excellent of menrdquo (v 2) What would it take today for a husband to earn that title from his wife How might he become so attractive to his spouse that he is thought of in this way Hints are given as the psalm unfolds Here are five defining characteristics

Graceful talk which means not just what is said but also how one says it Splendid character including an emphasis on truth humility and making wise choices Commendable priorities that are plain for all to see applaud and imitate Cheerful disposition wherein others are encouraged and find their spirits lifted Respectful interactions such that others are consistently and genuinely honored

Not one of these has a price tag Yet their value to any marriage is enormous At first glance each trait may seem relatively small but each has vast potential to transform a relationship Men take note

Not one of these has a price tagYet their value to any marriage is enormous

20 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The second part of the psalm addresses the bride Practical tips if observed would make any man feel he had a magnificent or ldquoroyalrdquo (v 9) bride How might a wife enhance the possibility of being considered magnificent by her husband What are some qualities she might develop to elevate her in the eyes of her husband Psalm 45 points to several possibilities including

Listening well so that genuine communication takes place Forgetting the past and adopting new loyalties and patterns Cultivating beauty for the purpose of pleasing and honoring her husband Contributing socially by winning othersrsquo favor and thus becoming a public asset Developing friendships that are healthy pleasant and mutually enriching

Again what is noteworthy is that this list contains ideas that are far from extraordinary Ladies minor adjustments often have a profound impact

Psalm 45 contains three overarching truths One despite what scoffers might say a good marriage is possible Two Godrsquos Word can help us attain such a marriage Those who dare to live by biblical principles will uncover helpful instruction and insight to enhance their relationships Three little things really do matter most when it comes to creating a successful and happy marriage No one needs to wait 38 years to discover that

Dr Kent and Beth Olney serve as co-directors of Marriage Inc Both are employed at Olivet Nazarene University where Kent is professor of Sociology and chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences Beth directs the Center for Student Success They are parents to Luke and Kyle and grandparents to Autumn and Kamden the children of Kyle and his wife Amber

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 21

22 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

the good news

aboutmarriage

BOOK RESOURCE

Did You KnowThe actual divorce rate has never come close to 50 Church attendance makes a HUGEdifference Most marriages are strong and happy for a lifetime

What does this mean for youIf you are a marriage champion mdash a pastor counselor or simply someone who cares aboutmarriages mdash you need to know this new information As one marriage leader put it ldquoIf thisis true the implications are enormousrdquo

Next steps Read the book Discuss findings with fellow leaders ldquoHow does this change how we talk about marriagerdquo ldquoHow does this change how we counsel couplesrdquo Visit wwwGoodNewsMarriagecom for leaders to find

Brief videos Interviews with national leaders discussing the implications and potential changes A slide share presentation with key info and research Bulk discount information

ldquoThis book will change how all of us think and talk about marriage and divorcerdquo mdashLysa Terkeurst president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

ldquoIn 32 years of marriage ministry I have been demoralized at times by the negative statistics quoted And now I am ecstatic as I read the truth in this incredible bookrdquo mdashJimmy Evans Founder of MarriageToday and Senior Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church

ldquoShauntirsquos thoroughly researched book will inject life and hope not only into our national consciousness about marriage but also into every individual marriage in the countryrdquo mdashDr Tim Clinton President of American Association of Christian Counselors

ldquoBelievers who put their faith into practice mdash who worship together and pray together mdash are muchmore likely to enjoy stable and happy marriages This is good news indeedrdquo mdashW Bradford Wilcox National Marriage Project Director Associate Professor of Sociology University of Virginia

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 23

24 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Kenneth and Marlene Carr are pastors at Total Restoration Christian Center in Kankakee Illinois Married for 26 years the Carrs have six children a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 25

BLESSINGSampLaura Wasson Warfel

ldquoMarriage has a lot of seasonsrdquo says Marlene Carr as she looks toward her husband Kenneth ldquoWe got married on Christmas Day It was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s The next morning there was a blizzard and 10 inches of snowrdquo

Weathering those seasons and growing closer than ever is one of the secrets to a successful marriage God uses those testing times to bring strength and a closer walk with Him

A TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGEA TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGE

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

midlandsbcom1-855-MY-MIDLAND Member FDIC

BourbonnaisGrant ParkBeecher

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CUSTOMER GRUMISH CHIRO-PRACTIC OFF PROOF TIME 9152014 32039 PM

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PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

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THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

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By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 8: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

ldquoWhere does lsquohighly happyrsquo come from mdash and can we have some toordquo

Have you ever looked at a blissfully married couple and thought I wish I could know their secret Now you can After years of investigative research Shaunti Feldhahn reveals 12 powerful habits that the happiest marriages have in common

Best news of all Anyone can learn the secrets of a highly happy marriage

In The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages Feldhahn shares her findings about little very unexpected often overlooked actions that make a huge difference Yoursquore about to discover that highly happy couples

Go to bed mad Keep score (just not in the way you think) Boss their feelings around Have factual fantasies Get in over their heads Donrsquot tell it like it is Donrsquot look to marriage to make them happy

Packed with eye-opening research and practical helps this book delivers relationship insights that will take your marriage from ldquojust finerdquo to ldquojust the marriage wersquove always wantedrdquo

surprising secrets of

highly happy

marriages

BOOK RESOURCE

ldquoI am thrilled with the findings clear reporting and explanations Shaunti is tireless at tracking down the truths that matter to relationships mdash and countless men and women have benefitted as a result I have already started using some of this new data at my conferencesrdquo mdash Emerson Eggerichs Best-selling author of Love and Respect

ldquoThe entire time I was reading this book I kept stopping and saying to my wife lsquoOh wow Listen to thisrsquo The great truth within these pages is that little things do indeed mean a lotrdquo

mdashJeff amp Pamela Foxworthy

ldquoShaunti has done the research dissected the results and delivered to us the proven recipes for successEven after 30 years of marriage I learned so much This is a book every married person should readrdquo mdash Jill Savage CEO of Hearts at Home and author of No More Perfect Moms

8 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

God is great and doing great things in the lives of those who seek Him At A Breath of Heaven Ministries the staff has the blessing of watching as our Savior moves in the lives of married couples who are seeking rest and renewal By providing a relaxing setting mdash away from daily distractions and responsibilities mdash this ministry is helping couples find renewed hope spiritual refreshment and restoration for their marriages

As relationships are rekindled couples find a deeper relationship with each other and with their God This personal testimony from a husband and wife who made their relationship a priority speaks volumes about the renewal experience that A Breath of Heaven seeks to offer

One year ago at age 57 I retired After 35-plus years of marriage and raising two children my wife and I felt as if we really didnrsquot know each other anymore We knew that we still loved each other But somehow somewhere we felt that we had grown apart We heard of A Breath of Heaven through some friends on Facebook and thought why not

While there we spent time hiking at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park sitting and talking at an amazingly beautiful beach and just enjoying Godrsquos creation Together But as much as we enjoyed the

sights and sounds of Godrsquos incredible handiwork we sensed that God was allowing us to use the time away to re-experience each other in ways that we hadnrsquot for many years And we did

From the minute we walked through the door we were welcomed with loving open arms Your warm Christian hospitality gave us the opportunity to rediscover each other as you prayed for the Lord to renew our life together as a married couple

If you remember it was difficult for us to leave Since wersquove returned home wersquove joined a couplesrsquo small group and are serving together as volunteers in our churchrsquos food pantry

We are so thankful for our time at A Breath of Heaven and canrsquot wait to return Thank you for being there

This ministry is offering relationship renewal opportunities to couples who are connected with Marriage Inc To learn more and to book your renewal getaway contact A Breath of Heaven Ministries

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 9

Scott and Laurie Vaughn have owned A Breath of Heaven Bed amp Breakfast since April 2014 They have decades of customer service and business experience between them Laurie has years of bookstore industry experience working in management customer service training and buying and selling Scott has served in various ministry roles for more than 35 years and has worked in sales marketing management and non-profit development The Vaughns have five children

A PLACEOF RENEWAL

Scott and Laurie Vaughn

A Breath of HeavenScott and Laurie Vaughn

8153839999breathofheavenbnbgmailcom

wwwbreathofheavenbnbcom

Lisa Gassin PhD

Marriage brings some of the happiest moments in life It can also bring some of the deepest hurts

What is one to do when a spouse uses unkind words commits an infidelity habitually lies or somehow breaks trust For good reason our inclination is usually to be angry accuse defend ourselves and perhaps ultimately walk out of the relationship In most cases however traversing the difficult path of forgiveness can pay dividends for us as individuals and for our relationships

10 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 11

Psychologists have differing views on what forgiveness is and is not A good place to start is the definition by Dr Robert Enright a pioneer of research on the topic ldquoForgiving involves rooting out negative thoughts feelings and behaviors vis-agrave-vis a person who has hurt you and striving to develop positive thoughts feelings and behaviors towards herrdquo Note that for most of us forgiveness is a process rather than an instantaneous occurrence

Dr Enright like many other thinkers distinguishes forgiveness from reconciliation While forgiveness refers more to our internal disposition toward an offender reconciliation refers to re-entering a relationship with that person This is a particularly sticky distinction when the offender is your spouse because by definition the two of you are already in a multi-dimensional relationship that cannot and should not be easily ended

While psychologists often differentiate between forgiveness and reconciliation these processes are not completely separate Reconciliation involves input from two different people Forgiveness may be offered from the one who is hurt but in most situations should be offered with a clear statement about how the injury has affected the one hurt

In some cases the injured party may need to establish a boundary in the relationship mdash both for hisher own protection and also to help the other person avoid hurtful behavior For example if the husband has been secretly irresponsible with money the wife may wish to take temporary control of the finances as a part of the reconciliation process

Of course the one who has committed an offense also must make contributions to the relationship for reconciliation to take place Heshe must offer understanding of how hisher actions affected the other as well as sincere repentance and a commitment to stop the hurtful behavior in the future In some cases a personrsquos abstaining from the hurtful action must be effective immediately (such as never engaging in another affair) In others it may be a process (such as seeking counseling to learn to cope with anger)

Of course in some circumstances both husband and wife have hurt each other Each party must listen respectfully to the other and weigh hisher own role in the conflict Sometimes the involvement of a third party such as a counselor or pastor can help a couple identify how each person played a role in a hurtful situation and what each can do to help re-establish trust

Now letrsquos look at this from a faith-based perspective Scripture especially the New Testament frequently emphasizes the importance of forgiving others There are many ways to understand what this means and why such a command is given

In forgiving as Christians we allow Godrsquos redeeming mercy to flow from us to the one who hurt us We mirror His identity as the One who always draws each person to Himself in love Of course we offer Godrsquos love in the context of truth

Speaking clearly about how an offense has affected you can be an important part of forgiveness and reconciliation especially in the context of a relationship as intimate as marriage If we see speaking such truth as a chance to hammer the offender with our anger we must keep in mind the purpose of Godrsquos truth to lovingly call the other to repentance and reconciliation not to drag the other into an abyss of sorrow that leads to death (2 Corinthians 710)

It is in practicing forgiveness that we perhaps most closely emulate the Lord Interestingly enough much evidence suggests that being merciful is good for us not only spiritually but also psychologically Research and data consistently demonstrate that those who forgive reap the benefits of better mental health and improved social relationships From a faith-based perspective we donrsquot forgive just to benefit ourselves The ldquoside effectsrdquo of the process serve to keep us happier and healthier

The road to a fulfilling long-lasting marriage is paved with the grace of forgiveness and reconciliation

Lisa Gassin is a licensed professional counselor and a professor teaching Developmental and Cross-cultural Psychology at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais Illinois Dr Gassinrsquos research focus includes the psychology of forgiveness attachment and bereavement Her counseling methods of interest are play and other expressive therapies

12 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 13

How to Create theMarriage You Desire

Michelle Klavohn

The vision looks something like this People get so inspired longing for the potential of their marriage and family that 90 percent of married couples are working with a family coach to find their best life together

Imagine the clarity that would come in worklife balance parenting choices healthy communication managing in-law relationships etc if couples would take that kind of action to make their marriages thrive

Did you know that 90 percent of businesses use coaching in some form Businesses have found that they have a greater likelihood for reaching their potential when they partner with a skilled coach

While I love hearing about that kind of success I find myself dreaming about reaching that potential in a very different realm

14 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Great marriage and family life is not reserved for a select few people who get very very lucky It is a vision and a goal to pursue wholeheartedly

Irsquove had this dream in my own life for a very long time Some days the vision is loud confident and victorious Other days it is much shyer shaken by my own shortcomings

True confessions My husband and I have our own times that take their toll on the dreams we have for a dynamic marriage and family The past three years have brought some of the most painful losses and circumstances that wersquove had to navigate in our 24 years together I refer to it as the ldquoperfect stormrdquo The loss of numerous friendships that were like family to us the end of a ministry role that was extremely meaningful for me a painful change in our church community unfulfilled career goals and to top it off the mayhem of finding out I am in full-blown menopause What (I hear that by itself is enough to make a couple think life as they know it may be over)

This long season in our family of what we refer to as ldquosurvival moderdquo has taken its toll Tempers may be short words may be said selfishness may rear its ugly head and weekends may drain more life than they give

You may have had times like these too

Not that I will give up on our marriage altogether but perhaps I will give in to the idea that my marriage will just have to get by Life takes over I lose my vision The dream slips low on the priority list In the middle of the night I wrestle with thoughts like ldquoThis is too hardrdquo

Yes everyone needs outside support for their marriage In fact this step for us has been exactly what propels our relationship to the level we desire

Take a look at some common misconceptions that keep people from getting that support

ldquoWe donrsquot really need to talk with someonerdquo

Letrsquos be honest The root of this is pride The ldquowe can do it on our ownrdquo mentality at its best robs so many of the thriving marriage they want and

at its worst can lead to the end of a marriage We all stand at the wedding altar with dreams of a beautiful relationship Why not give yourselves a gift by taking action to fulfill those dreams It is not a sign of weakness but a spirit of wisdom that shows maturity commitment and strength

ldquoWe donrsquot have the money or timerdquo

This is almost always a priority issue What in your budget or schedule is more important than your marriage Will your kids think itrsquos worth it for you to work on your marriage Five years down the road will you regret investing in your marriage

ldquoWhat if people knewrdquo

Why not be a part of a growing movement of people who say ldquoThe best thing wersquove done for our marriage is work with a marriage coachrdquo You can be part of normalizing this healthy habit so that someday itrsquos as routine for couples as having a physical seeing the dentist etc We pay attention to the healthiness of other areas of life Why not do the same for the most important relationship we have

Yes I sometimes blow it in my marriage When I do Irsquom left with a decision Will I allow discouragement to steal my commitment to this relationship Or will I choose to give myself and my spouse grace and have a fresh dedication to building our dream one day at a time So I choose to live the philosophy that I espouse for my coaching clients A thriving marriage can happen today

Todayrsquos agenda for my husband and me reflects that Connect with our family coach (yes we value an outside perspective for our relationship too) A coffee date with my lover (okay a coffee mocha for him and a green iced tea with no sweetener for me ldquoCoffee daterdquo just sounds so much cooler than a ldquotea daterdquo) Time with our kids this evening

Of all the things that could demand our attention nothing is more important than building this dream we share

How to Create the Marriage You Desire

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 15

Michelle Klavohn is a family coach with more than 20 years experience in the field of Human Development She has a masterrsquos degree in communication and has been a communication educator for 10 years She and her husband Jon have been married for 23 years and have two children Kate and Carson

16 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 17

MARRIAGE INC IMPACT AWARD - 2015

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

Steve and LindaSweeney

18 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

In 38 years of marriage wersquove learned this timeless truth The quality of our marriage does not depend on the monumental events or big decisions of life mdash how much money we earn whether we take an anniversary cruise the size of our house or even how we respond to an unexpected family crisis We have discovered over time that the little things matter most in determining the health and level of satisfaction in our marriage How we talk our priorities how we treat the other (both in private and public) and our ability to laugh are all better reflections of our marriagersquos well-being than are securing tickets to a favorite Broadway production or the value of our 401(k)

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 19

Lessons from a Wedding Psalm

Dr Kent and Beth Olney

We are not sure why it has taken us so long to learn this truth Perhaps it is because we are prone to invest so much time and energy pulling off what we hope will be viewed as impressive accomplishments After achieving a goal we naturally want to sit back and congratulate ourselves for being such exemplary spouses

The reality is however that simple daily habits and responses contribute more to our marriage than the occasional spectacular events In her 2013 book The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages author Shaunti Feldhahn confirms this truth (see pages 6-7 of this magazine) So does a much older writing Psalm 45 which carries the interesting title of ldquoA Wedding Songrdquo (or ldquoA Song of Lovesrdquo in the classic King James version) We encourage you to read it for yourself and discover its enduring marriage message

The psalm begins by referring to marriage as a ldquonoble themerdquo (v 1) one that is worth considering In other words we do ourselves a favor when we pause to think about marriage and how we might get the most out of it When a couple dares to do that the results may be surprising

Suggested in this psalm are several profound and yet unexpected principles for making an attractive husband and a magnificent wife ndash descriptions that by the way are both implied in the psalm

The first half of Psalm 45 speaks to the husband who is referred to as ldquothe most excellent of menrdquo (v 2) What would it take today for a husband to earn that title from his wife How might he become so attractive to his spouse that he is thought of in this way Hints are given as the psalm unfolds Here are five defining characteristics

Graceful talk which means not just what is said but also how one says it Splendid character including an emphasis on truth humility and making wise choices Commendable priorities that are plain for all to see applaud and imitate Cheerful disposition wherein others are encouraged and find their spirits lifted Respectful interactions such that others are consistently and genuinely honored

Not one of these has a price tag Yet their value to any marriage is enormous At first glance each trait may seem relatively small but each has vast potential to transform a relationship Men take note

Not one of these has a price tagYet their value to any marriage is enormous

20 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The second part of the psalm addresses the bride Practical tips if observed would make any man feel he had a magnificent or ldquoroyalrdquo (v 9) bride How might a wife enhance the possibility of being considered magnificent by her husband What are some qualities she might develop to elevate her in the eyes of her husband Psalm 45 points to several possibilities including

Listening well so that genuine communication takes place Forgetting the past and adopting new loyalties and patterns Cultivating beauty for the purpose of pleasing and honoring her husband Contributing socially by winning othersrsquo favor and thus becoming a public asset Developing friendships that are healthy pleasant and mutually enriching

Again what is noteworthy is that this list contains ideas that are far from extraordinary Ladies minor adjustments often have a profound impact

Psalm 45 contains three overarching truths One despite what scoffers might say a good marriage is possible Two Godrsquos Word can help us attain such a marriage Those who dare to live by biblical principles will uncover helpful instruction and insight to enhance their relationships Three little things really do matter most when it comes to creating a successful and happy marriage No one needs to wait 38 years to discover that

Dr Kent and Beth Olney serve as co-directors of Marriage Inc Both are employed at Olivet Nazarene University where Kent is professor of Sociology and chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences Beth directs the Center for Student Success They are parents to Luke and Kyle and grandparents to Autumn and Kamden the children of Kyle and his wife Amber

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 21

22 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

the good news

aboutmarriage

BOOK RESOURCE

Did You KnowThe actual divorce rate has never come close to 50 Church attendance makes a HUGEdifference Most marriages are strong and happy for a lifetime

What does this mean for youIf you are a marriage champion mdash a pastor counselor or simply someone who cares aboutmarriages mdash you need to know this new information As one marriage leader put it ldquoIf thisis true the implications are enormousrdquo

Next steps Read the book Discuss findings with fellow leaders ldquoHow does this change how we talk about marriagerdquo ldquoHow does this change how we counsel couplesrdquo Visit wwwGoodNewsMarriagecom for leaders to find

Brief videos Interviews with national leaders discussing the implications and potential changes A slide share presentation with key info and research Bulk discount information

ldquoThis book will change how all of us think and talk about marriage and divorcerdquo mdashLysa Terkeurst president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

ldquoIn 32 years of marriage ministry I have been demoralized at times by the negative statistics quoted And now I am ecstatic as I read the truth in this incredible bookrdquo mdashJimmy Evans Founder of MarriageToday and Senior Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church

ldquoShauntirsquos thoroughly researched book will inject life and hope not only into our national consciousness about marriage but also into every individual marriage in the countryrdquo mdashDr Tim Clinton President of American Association of Christian Counselors

ldquoBelievers who put their faith into practice mdash who worship together and pray together mdash are muchmore likely to enjoy stable and happy marriages This is good news indeedrdquo mdashW Bradford Wilcox National Marriage Project Director Associate Professor of Sociology University of Virginia

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 23

24 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Kenneth and Marlene Carr are pastors at Total Restoration Christian Center in Kankakee Illinois Married for 26 years the Carrs have six children a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 25

BLESSINGSampLaura Wasson Warfel

ldquoMarriage has a lot of seasonsrdquo says Marlene Carr as she looks toward her husband Kenneth ldquoWe got married on Christmas Day It was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s The next morning there was a blizzard and 10 inches of snowrdquo

Weathering those seasons and growing closer than ever is one of the secrets to a successful marriage God uses those testing times to bring strength and a closer walk with Him

A TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGEA TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGE

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

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BourbonnaisGrant ParkBeecher

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Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

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THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

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CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

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By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 9: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

BOOK RESOURCE

ldquoI am thrilled with the findings clear reporting and explanations Shaunti is tireless at tracking down the truths that matter to relationships mdash and countless men and women have benefitted as a result I have already started using some of this new data at my conferencesrdquo mdash Emerson Eggerichs Best-selling author of Love and Respect

ldquoThe entire time I was reading this book I kept stopping and saying to my wife lsquoOh wow Listen to thisrsquo The great truth within these pages is that little things do indeed mean a lotrdquo

mdashJeff amp Pamela Foxworthy

ldquoShaunti has done the research dissected the results and delivered to us the proven recipes for successEven after 30 years of marriage I learned so much This is a book every married person should readrdquo mdash Jill Savage CEO of Hearts at Home and author of No More Perfect Moms

8 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

God is great and doing great things in the lives of those who seek Him At A Breath of Heaven Ministries the staff has the blessing of watching as our Savior moves in the lives of married couples who are seeking rest and renewal By providing a relaxing setting mdash away from daily distractions and responsibilities mdash this ministry is helping couples find renewed hope spiritual refreshment and restoration for their marriages

As relationships are rekindled couples find a deeper relationship with each other and with their God This personal testimony from a husband and wife who made their relationship a priority speaks volumes about the renewal experience that A Breath of Heaven seeks to offer

One year ago at age 57 I retired After 35-plus years of marriage and raising two children my wife and I felt as if we really didnrsquot know each other anymore We knew that we still loved each other But somehow somewhere we felt that we had grown apart We heard of A Breath of Heaven through some friends on Facebook and thought why not

While there we spent time hiking at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park sitting and talking at an amazingly beautiful beach and just enjoying Godrsquos creation Together But as much as we enjoyed the

sights and sounds of Godrsquos incredible handiwork we sensed that God was allowing us to use the time away to re-experience each other in ways that we hadnrsquot for many years And we did

From the minute we walked through the door we were welcomed with loving open arms Your warm Christian hospitality gave us the opportunity to rediscover each other as you prayed for the Lord to renew our life together as a married couple

If you remember it was difficult for us to leave Since wersquove returned home wersquove joined a couplesrsquo small group and are serving together as volunteers in our churchrsquos food pantry

We are so thankful for our time at A Breath of Heaven and canrsquot wait to return Thank you for being there

This ministry is offering relationship renewal opportunities to couples who are connected with Marriage Inc To learn more and to book your renewal getaway contact A Breath of Heaven Ministries

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 9

Scott and Laurie Vaughn have owned A Breath of Heaven Bed amp Breakfast since April 2014 They have decades of customer service and business experience between them Laurie has years of bookstore industry experience working in management customer service training and buying and selling Scott has served in various ministry roles for more than 35 years and has worked in sales marketing management and non-profit development The Vaughns have five children

A PLACEOF RENEWAL

Scott and Laurie Vaughn

A Breath of HeavenScott and Laurie Vaughn

8153839999breathofheavenbnbgmailcom

wwwbreathofheavenbnbcom

Lisa Gassin PhD

Marriage brings some of the happiest moments in life It can also bring some of the deepest hurts

What is one to do when a spouse uses unkind words commits an infidelity habitually lies or somehow breaks trust For good reason our inclination is usually to be angry accuse defend ourselves and perhaps ultimately walk out of the relationship In most cases however traversing the difficult path of forgiveness can pay dividends for us as individuals and for our relationships

10 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 11

Psychologists have differing views on what forgiveness is and is not A good place to start is the definition by Dr Robert Enright a pioneer of research on the topic ldquoForgiving involves rooting out negative thoughts feelings and behaviors vis-agrave-vis a person who has hurt you and striving to develop positive thoughts feelings and behaviors towards herrdquo Note that for most of us forgiveness is a process rather than an instantaneous occurrence

Dr Enright like many other thinkers distinguishes forgiveness from reconciliation While forgiveness refers more to our internal disposition toward an offender reconciliation refers to re-entering a relationship with that person This is a particularly sticky distinction when the offender is your spouse because by definition the two of you are already in a multi-dimensional relationship that cannot and should not be easily ended

While psychologists often differentiate between forgiveness and reconciliation these processes are not completely separate Reconciliation involves input from two different people Forgiveness may be offered from the one who is hurt but in most situations should be offered with a clear statement about how the injury has affected the one hurt

In some cases the injured party may need to establish a boundary in the relationship mdash both for hisher own protection and also to help the other person avoid hurtful behavior For example if the husband has been secretly irresponsible with money the wife may wish to take temporary control of the finances as a part of the reconciliation process

Of course the one who has committed an offense also must make contributions to the relationship for reconciliation to take place Heshe must offer understanding of how hisher actions affected the other as well as sincere repentance and a commitment to stop the hurtful behavior in the future In some cases a personrsquos abstaining from the hurtful action must be effective immediately (such as never engaging in another affair) In others it may be a process (such as seeking counseling to learn to cope with anger)

Of course in some circumstances both husband and wife have hurt each other Each party must listen respectfully to the other and weigh hisher own role in the conflict Sometimes the involvement of a third party such as a counselor or pastor can help a couple identify how each person played a role in a hurtful situation and what each can do to help re-establish trust

Now letrsquos look at this from a faith-based perspective Scripture especially the New Testament frequently emphasizes the importance of forgiving others There are many ways to understand what this means and why such a command is given

In forgiving as Christians we allow Godrsquos redeeming mercy to flow from us to the one who hurt us We mirror His identity as the One who always draws each person to Himself in love Of course we offer Godrsquos love in the context of truth

Speaking clearly about how an offense has affected you can be an important part of forgiveness and reconciliation especially in the context of a relationship as intimate as marriage If we see speaking such truth as a chance to hammer the offender with our anger we must keep in mind the purpose of Godrsquos truth to lovingly call the other to repentance and reconciliation not to drag the other into an abyss of sorrow that leads to death (2 Corinthians 710)

It is in practicing forgiveness that we perhaps most closely emulate the Lord Interestingly enough much evidence suggests that being merciful is good for us not only spiritually but also psychologically Research and data consistently demonstrate that those who forgive reap the benefits of better mental health and improved social relationships From a faith-based perspective we donrsquot forgive just to benefit ourselves The ldquoside effectsrdquo of the process serve to keep us happier and healthier

The road to a fulfilling long-lasting marriage is paved with the grace of forgiveness and reconciliation

Lisa Gassin is a licensed professional counselor and a professor teaching Developmental and Cross-cultural Psychology at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais Illinois Dr Gassinrsquos research focus includes the psychology of forgiveness attachment and bereavement Her counseling methods of interest are play and other expressive therapies

12 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 13

How to Create theMarriage You Desire

Michelle Klavohn

The vision looks something like this People get so inspired longing for the potential of their marriage and family that 90 percent of married couples are working with a family coach to find their best life together

Imagine the clarity that would come in worklife balance parenting choices healthy communication managing in-law relationships etc if couples would take that kind of action to make their marriages thrive

Did you know that 90 percent of businesses use coaching in some form Businesses have found that they have a greater likelihood for reaching their potential when they partner with a skilled coach

While I love hearing about that kind of success I find myself dreaming about reaching that potential in a very different realm

14 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Great marriage and family life is not reserved for a select few people who get very very lucky It is a vision and a goal to pursue wholeheartedly

Irsquove had this dream in my own life for a very long time Some days the vision is loud confident and victorious Other days it is much shyer shaken by my own shortcomings

True confessions My husband and I have our own times that take their toll on the dreams we have for a dynamic marriage and family The past three years have brought some of the most painful losses and circumstances that wersquove had to navigate in our 24 years together I refer to it as the ldquoperfect stormrdquo The loss of numerous friendships that were like family to us the end of a ministry role that was extremely meaningful for me a painful change in our church community unfulfilled career goals and to top it off the mayhem of finding out I am in full-blown menopause What (I hear that by itself is enough to make a couple think life as they know it may be over)

This long season in our family of what we refer to as ldquosurvival moderdquo has taken its toll Tempers may be short words may be said selfishness may rear its ugly head and weekends may drain more life than they give

You may have had times like these too

Not that I will give up on our marriage altogether but perhaps I will give in to the idea that my marriage will just have to get by Life takes over I lose my vision The dream slips low on the priority list In the middle of the night I wrestle with thoughts like ldquoThis is too hardrdquo

Yes everyone needs outside support for their marriage In fact this step for us has been exactly what propels our relationship to the level we desire

Take a look at some common misconceptions that keep people from getting that support

ldquoWe donrsquot really need to talk with someonerdquo

Letrsquos be honest The root of this is pride The ldquowe can do it on our ownrdquo mentality at its best robs so many of the thriving marriage they want and

at its worst can lead to the end of a marriage We all stand at the wedding altar with dreams of a beautiful relationship Why not give yourselves a gift by taking action to fulfill those dreams It is not a sign of weakness but a spirit of wisdom that shows maturity commitment and strength

ldquoWe donrsquot have the money or timerdquo

This is almost always a priority issue What in your budget or schedule is more important than your marriage Will your kids think itrsquos worth it for you to work on your marriage Five years down the road will you regret investing in your marriage

ldquoWhat if people knewrdquo

Why not be a part of a growing movement of people who say ldquoThe best thing wersquove done for our marriage is work with a marriage coachrdquo You can be part of normalizing this healthy habit so that someday itrsquos as routine for couples as having a physical seeing the dentist etc We pay attention to the healthiness of other areas of life Why not do the same for the most important relationship we have

Yes I sometimes blow it in my marriage When I do Irsquom left with a decision Will I allow discouragement to steal my commitment to this relationship Or will I choose to give myself and my spouse grace and have a fresh dedication to building our dream one day at a time So I choose to live the philosophy that I espouse for my coaching clients A thriving marriage can happen today

Todayrsquos agenda for my husband and me reflects that Connect with our family coach (yes we value an outside perspective for our relationship too) A coffee date with my lover (okay a coffee mocha for him and a green iced tea with no sweetener for me ldquoCoffee daterdquo just sounds so much cooler than a ldquotea daterdquo) Time with our kids this evening

Of all the things that could demand our attention nothing is more important than building this dream we share

How to Create the Marriage You Desire

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 15

Michelle Klavohn is a family coach with more than 20 years experience in the field of Human Development She has a masterrsquos degree in communication and has been a communication educator for 10 years She and her husband Jon have been married for 23 years and have two children Kate and Carson

16 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 17

MARRIAGE INC IMPACT AWARD - 2015

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

Steve and LindaSweeney

18 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

In 38 years of marriage wersquove learned this timeless truth The quality of our marriage does not depend on the monumental events or big decisions of life mdash how much money we earn whether we take an anniversary cruise the size of our house or even how we respond to an unexpected family crisis We have discovered over time that the little things matter most in determining the health and level of satisfaction in our marriage How we talk our priorities how we treat the other (both in private and public) and our ability to laugh are all better reflections of our marriagersquos well-being than are securing tickets to a favorite Broadway production or the value of our 401(k)

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 19

Lessons from a Wedding Psalm

Dr Kent and Beth Olney

We are not sure why it has taken us so long to learn this truth Perhaps it is because we are prone to invest so much time and energy pulling off what we hope will be viewed as impressive accomplishments After achieving a goal we naturally want to sit back and congratulate ourselves for being such exemplary spouses

The reality is however that simple daily habits and responses contribute more to our marriage than the occasional spectacular events In her 2013 book The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages author Shaunti Feldhahn confirms this truth (see pages 6-7 of this magazine) So does a much older writing Psalm 45 which carries the interesting title of ldquoA Wedding Songrdquo (or ldquoA Song of Lovesrdquo in the classic King James version) We encourage you to read it for yourself and discover its enduring marriage message

The psalm begins by referring to marriage as a ldquonoble themerdquo (v 1) one that is worth considering In other words we do ourselves a favor when we pause to think about marriage and how we might get the most out of it When a couple dares to do that the results may be surprising

Suggested in this psalm are several profound and yet unexpected principles for making an attractive husband and a magnificent wife ndash descriptions that by the way are both implied in the psalm

The first half of Psalm 45 speaks to the husband who is referred to as ldquothe most excellent of menrdquo (v 2) What would it take today for a husband to earn that title from his wife How might he become so attractive to his spouse that he is thought of in this way Hints are given as the psalm unfolds Here are five defining characteristics

Graceful talk which means not just what is said but also how one says it Splendid character including an emphasis on truth humility and making wise choices Commendable priorities that are plain for all to see applaud and imitate Cheerful disposition wherein others are encouraged and find their spirits lifted Respectful interactions such that others are consistently and genuinely honored

Not one of these has a price tag Yet their value to any marriage is enormous At first glance each trait may seem relatively small but each has vast potential to transform a relationship Men take note

Not one of these has a price tagYet their value to any marriage is enormous

20 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The second part of the psalm addresses the bride Practical tips if observed would make any man feel he had a magnificent or ldquoroyalrdquo (v 9) bride How might a wife enhance the possibility of being considered magnificent by her husband What are some qualities she might develop to elevate her in the eyes of her husband Psalm 45 points to several possibilities including

Listening well so that genuine communication takes place Forgetting the past and adopting new loyalties and patterns Cultivating beauty for the purpose of pleasing and honoring her husband Contributing socially by winning othersrsquo favor and thus becoming a public asset Developing friendships that are healthy pleasant and mutually enriching

Again what is noteworthy is that this list contains ideas that are far from extraordinary Ladies minor adjustments often have a profound impact

Psalm 45 contains three overarching truths One despite what scoffers might say a good marriage is possible Two Godrsquos Word can help us attain such a marriage Those who dare to live by biblical principles will uncover helpful instruction and insight to enhance their relationships Three little things really do matter most when it comes to creating a successful and happy marriage No one needs to wait 38 years to discover that

Dr Kent and Beth Olney serve as co-directors of Marriage Inc Both are employed at Olivet Nazarene University where Kent is professor of Sociology and chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences Beth directs the Center for Student Success They are parents to Luke and Kyle and grandparents to Autumn and Kamden the children of Kyle and his wife Amber

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 21

22 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

the good news

aboutmarriage

BOOK RESOURCE

Did You KnowThe actual divorce rate has never come close to 50 Church attendance makes a HUGEdifference Most marriages are strong and happy for a lifetime

What does this mean for youIf you are a marriage champion mdash a pastor counselor or simply someone who cares aboutmarriages mdash you need to know this new information As one marriage leader put it ldquoIf thisis true the implications are enormousrdquo

Next steps Read the book Discuss findings with fellow leaders ldquoHow does this change how we talk about marriagerdquo ldquoHow does this change how we counsel couplesrdquo Visit wwwGoodNewsMarriagecom for leaders to find

Brief videos Interviews with national leaders discussing the implications and potential changes A slide share presentation with key info and research Bulk discount information

ldquoThis book will change how all of us think and talk about marriage and divorcerdquo mdashLysa Terkeurst president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

ldquoIn 32 years of marriage ministry I have been demoralized at times by the negative statistics quoted And now I am ecstatic as I read the truth in this incredible bookrdquo mdashJimmy Evans Founder of MarriageToday and Senior Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church

ldquoShauntirsquos thoroughly researched book will inject life and hope not only into our national consciousness about marriage but also into every individual marriage in the countryrdquo mdashDr Tim Clinton President of American Association of Christian Counselors

ldquoBelievers who put their faith into practice mdash who worship together and pray together mdash are muchmore likely to enjoy stable and happy marriages This is good news indeedrdquo mdashW Bradford Wilcox National Marriage Project Director Associate Professor of Sociology University of Virginia

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 23

24 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Kenneth and Marlene Carr are pastors at Total Restoration Christian Center in Kankakee Illinois Married for 26 years the Carrs have six children a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 25

BLESSINGSampLaura Wasson Warfel

ldquoMarriage has a lot of seasonsrdquo says Marlene Carr as she looks toward her husband Kenneth ldquoWe got married on Christmas Day It was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s The next morning there was a blizzard and 10 inches of snowrdquo

Weathering those seasons and growing closer than ever is one of the secrets to a successful marriage God uses those testing times to bring strength and a closer walk with Him

A TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGEA TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGE

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

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Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

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THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

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By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 10: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

8 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

God is great and doing great things in the lives of those who seek Him At A Breath of Heaven Ministries the staff has the blessing of watching as our Savior moves in the lives of married couples who are seeking rest and renewal By providing a relaxing setting mdash away from daily distractions and responsibilities mdash this ministry is helping couples find renewed hope spiritual refreshment and restoration for their marriages

As relationships are rekindled couples find a deeper relationship with each other and with their God This personal testimony from a husband and wife who made their relationship a priority speaks volumes about the renewal experience that A Breath of Heaven seeks to offer

One year ago at age 57 I retired After 35-plus years of marriage and raising two children my wife and I felt as if we really didnrsquot know each other anymore We knew that we still loved each other But somehow somewhere we felt that we had grown apart We heard of A Breath of Heaven through some friends on Facebook and thought why not

While there we spent time hiking at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park sitting and talking at an amazingly beautiful beach and just enjoying Godrsquos creation Together But as much as we enjoyed the

sights and sounds of Godrsquos incredible handiwork we sensed that God was allowing us to use the time away to re-experience each other in ways that we hadnrsquot for many years And we did

From the minute we walked through the door we were welcomed with loving open arms Your warm Christian hospitality gave us the opportunity to rediscover each other as you prayed for the Lord to renew our life together as a married couple

If you remember it was difficult for us to leave Since wersquove returned home wersquove joined a couplesrsquo small group and are serving together as volunteers in our churchrsquos food pantry

We are so thankful for our time at A Breath of Heaven and canrsquot wait to return Thank you for being there

This ministry is offering relationship renewal opportunities to couples who are connected with Marriage Inc To learn more and to book your renewal getaway contact A Breath of Heaven Ministries

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 9

Scott and Laurie Vaughn have owned A Breath of Heaven Bed amp Breakfast since April 2014 They have decades of customer service and business experience between them Laurie has years of bookstore industry experience working in management customer service training and buying and selling Scott has served in various ministry roles for more than 35 years and has worked in sales marketing management and non-profit development The Vaughns have five children

A PLACEOF RENEWAL

Scott and Laurie Vaughn

A Breath of HeavenScott and Laurie Vaughn

8153839999breathofheavenbnbgmailcom

wwwbreathofheavenbnbcom

Lisa Gassin PhD

Marriage brings some of the happiest moments in life It can also bring some of the deepest hurts

What is one to do when a spouse uses unkind words commits an infidelity habitually lies or somehow breaks trust For good reason our inclination is usually to be angry accuse defend ourselves and perhaps ultimately walk out of the relationship In most cases however traversing the difficult path of forgiveness can pay dividends for us as individuals and for our relationships

10 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 11

Psychologists have differing views on what forgiveness is and is not A good place to start is the definition by Dr Robert Enright a pioneer of research on the topic ldquoForgiving involves rooting out negative thoughts feelings and behaviors vis-agrave-vis a person who has hurt you and striving to develop positive thoughts feelings and behaviors towards herrdquo Note that for most of us forgiveness is a process rather than an instantaneous occurrence

Dr Enright like many other thinkers distinguishes forgiveness from reconciliation While forgiveness refers more to our internal disposition toward an offender reconciliation refers to re-entering a relationship with that person This is a particularly sticky distinction when the offender is your spouse because by definition the two of you are already in a multi-dimensional relationship that cannot and should not be easily ended

While psychologists often differentiate between forgiveness and reconciliation these processes are not completely separate Reconciliation involves input from two different people Forgiveness may be offered from the one who is hurt but in most situations should be offered with a clear statement about how the injury has affected the one hurt

In some cases the injured party may need to establish a boundary in the relationship mdash both for hisher own protection and also to help the other person avoid hurtful behavior For example if the husband has been secretly irresponsible with money the wife may wish to take temporary control of the finances as a part of the reconciliation process

Of course the one who has committed an offense also must make contributions to the relationship for reconciliation to take place Heshe must offer understanding of how hisher actions affected the other as well as sincere repentance and a commitment to stop the hurtful behavior in the future In some cases a personrsquos abstaining from the hurtful action must be effective immediately (such as never engaging in another affair) In others it may be a process (such as seeking counseling to learn to cope with anger)

Of course in some circumstances both husband and wife have hurt each other Each party must listen respectfully to the other and weigh hisher own role in the conflict Sometimes the involvement of a third party such as a counselor or pastor can help a couple identify how each person played a role in a hurtful situation and what each can do to help re-establish trust

Now letrsquos look at this from a faith-based perspective Scripture especially the New Testament frequently emphasizes the importance of forgiving others There are many ways to understand what this means and why such a command is given

In forgiving as Christians we allow Godrsquos redeeming mercy to flow from us to the one who hurt us We mirror His identity as the One who always draws each person to Himself in love Of course we offer Godrsquos love in the context of truth

Speaking clearly about how an offense has affected you can be an important part of forgiveness and reconciliation especially in the context of a relationship as intimate as marriage If we see speaking such truth as a chance to hammer the offender with our anger we must keep in mind the purpose of Godrsquos truth to lovingly call the other to repentance and reconciliation not to drag the other into an abyss of sorrow that leads to death (2 Corinthians 710)

It is in practicing forgiveness that we perhaps most closely emulate the Lord Interestingly enough much evidence suggests that being merciful is good for us not only spiritually but also psychologically Research and data consistently demonstrate that those who forgive reap the benefits of better mental health and improved social relationships From a faith-based perspective we donrsquot forgive just to benefit ourselves The ldquoside effectsrdquo of the process serve to keep us happier and healthier

The road to a fulfilling long-lasting marriage is paved with the grace of forgiveness and reconciliation

Lisa Gassin is a licensed professional counselor and a professor teaching Developmental and Cross-cultural Psychology at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais Illinois Dr Gassinrsquos research focus includes the psychology of forgiveness attachment and bereavement Her counseling methods of interest are play and other expressive therapies

12 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 13

How to Create theMarriage You Desire

Michelle Klavohn

The vision looks something like this People get so inspired longing for the potential of their marriage and family that 90 percent of married couples are working with a family coach to find their best life together

Imagine the clarity that would come in worklife balance parenting choices healthy communication managing in-law relationships etc if couples would take that kind of action to make their marriages thrive

Did you know that 90 percent of businesses use coaching in some form Businesses have found that they have a greater likelihood for reaching their potential when they partner with a skilled coach

While I love hearing about that kind of success I find myself dreaming about reaching that potential in a very different realm

14 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Great marriage and family life is not reserved for a select few people who get very very lucky It is a vision and a goal to pursue wholeheartedly

Irsquove had this dream in my own life for a very long time Some days the vision is loud confident and victorious Other days it is much shyer shaken by my own shortcomings

True confessions My husband and I have our own times that take their toll on the dreams we have for a dynamic marriage and family The past three years have brought some of the most painful losses and circumstances that wersquove had to navigate in our 24 years together I refer to it as the ldquoperfect stormrdquo The loss of numerous friendships that were like family to us the end of a ministry role that was extremely meaningful for me a painful change in our church community unfulfilled career goals and to top it off the mayhem of finding out I am in full-blown menopause What (I hear that by itself is enough to make a couple think life as they know it may be over)

This long season in our family of what we refer to as ldquosurvival moderdquo has taken its toll Tempers may be short words may be said selfishness may rear its ugly head and weekends may drain more life than they give

You may have had times like these too

Not that I will give up on our marriage altogether but perhaps I will give in to the idea that my marriage will just have to get by Life takes over I lose my vision The dream slips low on the priority list In the middle of the night I wrestle with thoughts like ldquoThis is too hardrdquo

Yes everyone needs outside support for their marriage In fact this step for us has been exactly what propels our relationship to the level we desire

Take a look at some common misconceptions that keep people from getting that support

ldquoWe donrsquot really need to talk with someonerdquo

Letrsquos be honest The root of this is pride The ldquowe can do it on our ownrdquo mentality at its best robs so many of the thriving marriage they want and

at its worst can lead to the end of a marriage We all stand at the wedding altar with dreams of a beautiful relationship Why not give yourselves a gift by taking action to fulfill those dreams It is not a sign of weakness but a spirit of wisdom that shows maturity commitment and strength

ldquoWe donrsquot have the money or timerdquo

This is almost always a priority issue What in your budget or schedule is more important than your marriage Will your kids think itrsquos worth it for you to work on your marriage Five years down the road will you regret investing in your marriage

ldquoWhat if people knewrdquo

Why not be a part of a growing movement of people who say ldquoThe best thing wersquove done for our marriage is work with a marriage coachrdquo You can be part of normalizing this healthy habit so that someday itrsquos as routine for couples as having a physical seeing the dentist etc We pay attention to the healthiness of other areas of life Why not do the same for the most important relationship we have

Yes I sometimes blow it in my marriage When I do Irsquom left with a decision Will I allow discouragement to steal my commitment to this relationship Or will I choose to give myself and my spouse grace and have a fresh dedication to building our dream one day at a time So I choose to live the philosophy that I espouse for my coaching clients A thriving marriage can happen today

Todayrsquos agenda for my husband and me reflects that Connect with our family coach (yes we value an outside perspective for our relationship too) A coffee date with my lover (okay a coffee mocha for him and a green iced tea with no sweetener for me ldquoCoffee daterdquo just sounds so much cooler than a ldquotea daterdquo) Time with our kids this evening

Of all the things that could demand our attention nothing is more important than building this dream we share

How to Create the Marriage You Desire

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 15

Michelle Klavohn is a family coach with more than 20 years experience in the field of Human Development She has a masterrsquos degree in communication and has been a communication educator for 10 years She and her husband Jon have been married for 23 years and have two children Kate and Carson

16 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 17

MARRIAGE INC IMPACT AWARD - 2015

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

Steve and LindaSweeney

18 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

In 38 years of marriage wersquove learned this timeless truth The quality of our marriage does not depend on the monumental events or big decisions of life mdash how much money we earn whether we take an anniversary cruise the size of our house or even how we respond to an unexpected family crisis We have discovered over time that the little things matter most in determining the health and level of satisfaction in our marriage How we talk our priorities how we treat the other (both in private and public) and our ability to laugh are all better reflections of our marriagersquos well-being than are securing tickets to a favorite Broadway production or the value of our 401(k)

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 19

Lessons from a Wedding Psalm

Dr Kent and Beth Olney

We are not sure why it has taken us so long to learn this truth Perhaps it is because we are prone to invest so much time and energy pulling off what we hope will be viewed as impressive accomplishments After achieving a goal we naturally want to sit back and congratulate ourselves for being such exemplary spouses

The reality is however that simple daily habits and responses contribute more to our marriage than the occasional spectacular events In her 2013 book The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages author Shaunti Feldhahn confirms this truth (see pages 6-7 of this magazine) So does a much older writing Psalm 45 which carries the interesting title of ldquoA Wedding Songrdquo (or ldquoA Song of Lovesrdquo in the classic King James version) We encourage you to read it for yourself and discover its enduring marriage message

The psalm begins by referring to marriage as a ldquonoble themerdquo (v 1) one that is worth considering In other words we do ourselves a favor when we pause to think about marriage and how we might get the most out of it When a couple dares to do that the results may be surprising

Suggested in this psalm are several profound and yet unexpected principles for making an attractive husband and a magnificent wife ndash descriptions that by the way are both implied in the psalm

The first half of Psalm 45 speaks to the husband who is referred to as ldquothe most excellent of menrdquo (v 2) What would it take today for a husband to earn that title from his wife How might he become so attractive to his spouse that he is thought of in this way Hints are given as the psalm unfolds Here are five defining characteristics

Graceful talk which means not just what is said but also how one says it Splendid character including an emphasis on truth humility and making wise choices Commendable priorities that are plain for all to see applaud and imitate Cheerful disposition wherein others are encouraged and find their spirits lifted Respectful interactions such that others are consistently and genuinely honored

Not one of these has a price tag Yet their value to any marriage is enormous At first glance each trait may seem relatively small but each has vast potential to transform a relationship Men take note

Not one of these has a price tagYet their value to any marriage is enormous

20 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The second part of the psalm addresses the bride Practical tips if observed would make any man feel he had a magnificent or ldquoroyalrdquo (v 9) bride How might a wife enhance the possibility of being considered magnificent by her husband What are some qualities she might develop to elevate her in the eyes of her husband Psalm 45 points to several possibilities including

Listening well so that genuine communication takes place Forgetting the past and adopting new loyalties and patterns Cultivating beauty for the purpose of pleasing and honoring her husband Contributing socially by winning othersrsquo favor and thus becoming a public asset Developing friendships that are healthy pleasant and mutually enriching

Again what is noteworthy is that this list contains ideas that are far from extraordinary Ladies minor adjustments often have a profound impact

Psalm 45 contains three overarching truths One despite what scoffers might say a good marriage is possible Two Godrsquos Word can help us attain such a marriage Those who dare to live by biblical principles will uncover helpful instruction and insight to enhance their relationships Three little things really do matter most when it comes to creating a successful and happy marriage No one needs to wait 38 years to discover that

Dr Kent and Beth Olney serve as co-directors of Marriage Inc Both are employed at Olivet Nazarene University where Kent is professor of Sociology and chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences Beth directs the Center for Student Success They are parents to Luke and Kyle and grandparents to Autumn and Kamden the children of Kyle and his wife Amber

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 21

22 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

the good news

aboutmarriage

BOOK RESOURCE

Did You KnowThe actual divorce rate has never come close to 50 Church attendance makes a HUGEdifference Most marriages are strong and happy for a lifetime

What does this mean for youIf you are a marriage champion mdash a pastor counselor or simply someone who cares aboutmarriages mdash you need to know this new information As one marriage leader put it ldquoIf thisis true the implications are enormousrdquo

Next steps Read the book Discuss findings with fellow leaders ldquoHow does this change how we talk about marriagerdquo ldquoHow does this change how we counsel couplesrdquo Visit wwwGoodNewsMarriagecom for leaders to find

Brief videos Interviews with national leaders discussing the implications and potential changes A slide share presentation with key info and research Bulk discount information

ldquoThis book will change how all of us think and talk about marriage and divorcerdquo mdashLysa Terkeurst president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

ldquoIn 32 years of marriage ministry I have been demoralized at times by the negative statistics quoted And now I am ecstatic as I read the truth in this incredible bookrdquo mdashJimmy Evans Founder of MarriageToday and Senior Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church

ldquoShauntirsquos thoroughly researched book will inject life and hope not only into our national consciousness about marriage but also into every individual marriage in the countryrdquo mdashDr Tim Clinton President of American Association of Christian Counselors

ldquoBelievers who put their faith into practice mdash who worship together and pray together mdash are muchmore likely to enjoy stable and happy marriages This is good news indeedrdquo mdashW Bradford Wilcox National Marriage Project Director Associate Professor of Sociology University of Virginia

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 23

24 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Kenneth and Marlene Carr are pastors at Total Restoration Christian Center in Kankakee Illinois Married for 26 years the Carrs have six children a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 25

BLESSINGSampLaura Wasson Warfel

ldquoMarriage has a lot of seasonsrdquo says Marlene Carr as she looks toward her husband Kenneth ldquoWe got married on Christmas Day It was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s The next morning there was a blizzard and 10 inches of snowrdquo

Weathering those seasons and growing closer than ever is one of the secrets to a successful marriage God uses those testing times to bring strength and a closer walk with Him

A TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGEA TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGE

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

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Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

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THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

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40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

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CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

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By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 11: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 9

Scott and Laurie Vaughn have owned A Breath of Heaven Bed amp Breakfast since April 2014 They have decades of customer service and business experience between them Laurie has years of bookstore industry experience working in management customer service training and buying and selling Scott has served in various ministry roles for more than 35 years and has worked in sales marketing management and non-profit development The Vaughns have five children

A PLACEOF RENEWAL

Scott and Laurie Vaughn

A Breath of HeavenScott and Laurie Vaughn

8153839999breathofheavenbnbgmailcom

wwwbreathofheavenbnbcom

Lisa Gassin PhD

Marriage brings some of the happiest moments in life It can also bring some of the deepest hurts

What is one to do when a spouse uses unkind words commits an infidelity habitually lies or somehow breaks trust For good reason our inclination is usually to be angry accuse defend ourselves and perhaps ultimately walk out of the relationship In most cases however traversing the difficult path of forgiveness can pay dividends for us as individuals and for our relationships

10 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 11

Psychologists have differing views on what forgiveness is and is not A good place to start is the definition by Dr Robert Enright a pioneer of research on the topic ldquoForgiving involves rooting out negative thoughts feelings and behaviors vis-agrave-vis a person who has hurt you and striving to develop positive thoughts feelings and behaviors towards herrdquo Note that for most of us forgiveness is a process rather than an instantaneous occurrence

Dr Enright like many other thinkers distinguishes forgiveness from reconciliation While forgiveness refers more to our internal disposition toward an offender reconciliation refers to re-entering a relationship with that person This is a particularly sticky distinction when the offender is your spouse because by definition the two of you are already in a multi-dimensional relationship that cannot and should not be easily ended

While psychologists often differentiate between forgiveness and reconciliation these processes are not completely separate Reconciliation involves input from two different people Forgiveness may be offered from the one who is hurt but in most situations should be offered with a clear statement about how the injury has affected the one hurt

In some cases the injured party may need to establish a boundary in the relationship mdash both for hisher own protection and also to help the other person avoid hurtful behavior For example if the husband has been secretly irresponsible with money the wife may wish to take temporary control of the finances as a part of the reconciliation process

Of course the one who has committed an offense also must make contributions to the relationship for reconciliation to take place Heshe must offer understanding of how hisher actions affected the other as well as sincere repentance and a commitment to stop the hurtful behavior in the future In some cases a personrsquos abstaining from the hurtful action must be effective immediately (such as never engaging in another affair) In others it may be a process (such as seeking counseling to learn to cope with anger)

Of course in some circumstances both husband and wife have hurt each other Each party must listen respectfully to the other and weigh hisher own role in the conflict Sometimes the involvement of a third party such as a counselor or pastor can help a couple identify how each person played a role in a hurtful situation and what each can do to help re-establish trust

Now letrsquos look at this from a faith-based perspective Scripture especially the New Testament frequently emphasizes the importance of forgiving others There are many ways to understand what this means and why such a command is given

In forgiving as Christians we allow Godrsquos redeeming mercy to flow from us to the one who hurt us We mirror His identity as the One who always draws each person to Himself in love Of course we offer Godrsquos love in the context of truth

Speaking clearly about how an offense has affected you can be an important part of forgiveness and reconciliation especially in the context of a relationship as intimate as marriage If we see speaking such truth as a chance to hammer the offender with our anger we must keep in mind the purpose of Godrsquos truth to lovingly call the other to repentance and reconciliation not to drag the other into an abyss of sorrow that leads to death (2 Corinthians 710)

It is in practicing forgiveness that we perhaps most closely emulate the Lord Interestingly enough much evidence suggests that being merciful is good for us not only spiritually but also psychologically Research and data consistently demonstrate that those who forgive reap the benefits of better mental health and improved social relationships From a faith-based perspective we donrsquot forgive just to benefit ourselves The ldquoside effectsrdquo of the process serve to keep us happier and healthier

The road to a fulfilling long-lasting marriage is paved with the grace of forgiveness and reconciliation

Lisa Gassin is a licensed professional counselor and a professor teaching Developmental and Cross-cultural Psychology at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais Illinois Dr Gassinrsquos research focus includes the psychology of forgiveness attachment and bereavement Her counseling methods of interest are play and other expressive therapies

12 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 13

How to Create theMarriage You Desire

Michelle Klavohn

The vision looks something like this People get so inspired longing for the potential of their marriage and family that 90 percent of married couples are working with a family coach to find their best life together

Imagine the clarity that would come in worklife balance parenting choices healthy communication managing in-law relationships etc if couples would take that kind of action to make their marriages thrive

Did you know that 90 percent of businesses use coaching in some form Businesses have found that they have a greater likelihood for reaching their potential when they partner with a skilled coach

While I love hearing about that kind of success I find myself dreaming about reaching that potential in a very different realm

14 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Great marriage and family life is not reserved for a select few people who get very very lucky It is a vision and a goal to pursue wholeheartedly

Irsquove had this dream in my own life for a very long time Some days the vision is loud confident and victorious Other days it is much shyer shaken by my own shortcomings

True confessions My husband and I have our own times that take their toll on the dreams we have for a dynamic marriage and family The past three years have brought some of the most painful losses and circumstances that wersquove had to navigate in our 24 years together I refer to it as the ldquoperfect stormrdquo The loss of numerous friendships that were like family to us the end of a ministry role that was extremely meaningful for me a painful change in our church community unfulfilled career goals and to top it off the mayhem of finding out I am in full-blown menopause What (I hear that by itself is enough to make a couple think life as they know it may be over)

This long season in our family of what we refer to as ldquosurvival moderdquo has taken its toll Tempers may be short words may be said selfishness may rear its ugly head and weekends may drain more life than they give

You may have had times like these too

Not that I will give up on our marriage altogether but perhaps I will give in to the idea that my marriage will just have to get by Life takes over I lose my vision The dream slips low on the priority list In the middle of the night I wrestle with thoughts like ldquoThis is too hardrdquo

Yes everyone needs outside support for their marriage In fact this step for us has been exactly what propels our relationship to the level we desire

Take a look at some common misconceptions that keep people from getting that support

ldquoWe donrsquot really need to talk with someonerdquo

Letrsquos be honest The root of this is pride The ldquowe can do it on our ownrdquo mentality at its best robs so many of the thriving marriage they want and

at its worst can lead to the end of a marriage We all stand at the wedding altar with dreams of a beautiful relationship Why not give yourselves a gift by taking action to fulfill those dreams It is not a sign of weakness but a spirit of wisdom that shows maturity commitment and strength

ldquoWe donrsquot have the money or timerdquo

This is almost always a priority issue What in your budget or schedule is more important than your marriage Will your kids think itrsquos worth it for you to work on your marriage Five years down the road will you regret investing in your marriage

ldquoWhat if people knewrdquo

Why not be a part of a growing movement of people who say ldquoThe best thing wersquove done for our marriage is work with a marriage coachrdquo You can be part of normalizing this healthy habit so that someday itrsquos as routine for couples as having a physical seeing the dentist etc We pay attention to the healthiness of other areas of life Why not do the same for the most important relationship we have

Yes I sometimes blow it in my marriage When I do Irsquom left with a decision Will I allow discouragement to steal my commitment to this relationship Or will I choose to give myself and my spouse grace and have a fresh dedication to building our dream one day at a time So I choose to live the philosophy that I espouse for my coaching clients A thriving marriage can happen today

Todayrsquos agenda for my husband and me reflects that Connect with our family coach (yes we value an outside perspective for our relationship too) A coffee date with my lover (okay a coffee mocha for him and a green iced tea with no sweetener for me ldquoCoffee daterdquo just sounds so much cooler than a ldquotea daterdquo) Time with our kids this evening

Of all the things that could demand our attention nothing is more important than building this dream we share

How to Create the Marriage You Desire

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 15

Michelle Klavohn is a family coach with more than 20 years experience in the field of Human Development She has a masterrsquos degree in communication and has been a communication educator for 10 years She and her husband Jon have been married for 23 years and have two children Kate and Carson

16 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 17

MARRIAGE INC IMPACT AWARD - 2015

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

Steve and LindaSweeney

18 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

In 38 years of marriage wersquove learned this timeless truth The quality of our marriage does not depend on the monumental events or big decisions of life mdash how much money we earn whether we take an anniversary cruise the size of our house or even how we respond to an unexpected family crisis We have discovered over time that the little things matter most in determining the health and level of satisfaction in our marriage How we talk our priorities how we treat the other (both in private and public) and our ability to laugh are all better reflections of our marriagersquos well-being than are securing tickets to a favorite Broadway production or the value of our 401(k)

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 19

Lessons from a Wedding Psalm

Dr Kent and Beth Olney

We are not sure why it has taken us so long to learn this truth Perhaps it is because we are prone to invest so much time and energy pulling off what we hope will be viewed as impressive accomplishments After achieving a goal we naturally want to sit back and congratulate ourselves for being such exemplary spouses

The reality is however that simple daily habits and responses contribute more to our marriage than the occasional spectacular events In her 2013 book The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages author Shaunti Feldhahn confirms this truth (see pages 6-7 of this magazine) So does a much older writing Psalm 45 which carries the interesting title of ldquoA Wedding Songrdquo (or ldquoA Song of Lovesrdquo in the classic King James version) We encourage you to read it for yourself and discover its enduring marriage message

The psalm begins by referring to marriage as a ldquonoble themerdquo (v 1) one that is worth considering In other words we do ourselves a favor when we pause to think about marriage and how we might get the most out of it When a couple dares to do that the results may be surprising

Suggested in this psalm are several profound and yet unexpected principles for making an attractive husband and a magnificent wife ndash descriptions that by the way are both implied in the psalm

The first half of Psalm 45 speaks to the husband who is referred to as ldquothe most excellent of menrdquo (v 2) What would it take today for a husband to earn that title from his wife How might he become so attractive to his spouse that he is thought of in this way Hints are given as the psalm unfolds Here are five defining characteristics

Graceful talk which means not just what is said but also how one says it Splendid character including an emphasis on truth humility and making wise choices Commendable priorities that are plain for all to see applaud and imitate Cheerful disposition wherein others are encouraged and find their spirits lifted Respectful interactions such that others are consistently and genuinely honored

Not one of these has a price tag Yet their value to any marriage is enormous At first glance each trait may seem relatively small but each has vast potential to transform a relationship Men take note

Not one of these has a price tagYet their value to any marriage is enormous

20 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The second part of the psalm addresses the bride Practical tips if observed would make any man feel he had a magnificent or ldquoroyalrdquo (v 9) bride How might a wife enhance the possibility of being considered magnificent by her husband What are some qualities she might develop to elevate her in the eyes of her husband Psalm 45 points to several possibilities including

Listening well so that genuine communication takes place Forgetting the past and adopting new loyalties and patterns Cultivating beauty for the purpose of pleasing and honoring her husband Contributing socially by winning othersrsquo favor and thus becoming a public asset Developing friendships that are healthy pleasant and mutually enriching

Again what is noteworthy is that this list contains ideas that are far from extraordinary Ladies minor adjustments often have a profound impact

Psalm 45 contains three overarching truths One despite what scoffers might say a good marriage is possible Two Godrsquos Word can help us attain such a marriage Those who dare to live by biblical principles will uncover helpful instruction and insight to enhance their relationships Three little things really do matter most when it comes to creating a successful and happy marriage No one needs to wait 38 years to discover that

Dr Kent and Beth Olney serve as co-directors of Marriage Inc Both are employed at Olivet Nazarene University where Kent is professor of Sociology and chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences Beth directs the Center for Student Success They are parents to Luke and Kyle and grandparents to Autumn and Kamden the children of Kyle and his wife Amber

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 21

22 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

the good news

aboutmarriage

BOOK RESOURCE

Did You KnowThe actual divorce rate has never come close to 50 Church attendance makes a HUGEdifference Most marriages are strong and happy for a lifetime

What does this mean for youIf you are a marriage champion mdash a pastor counselor or simply someone who cares aboutmarriages mdash you need to know this new information As one marriage leader put it ldquoIf thisis true the implications are enormousrdquo

Next steps Read the book Discuss findings with fellow leaders ldquoHow does this change how we talk about marriagerdquo ldquoHow does this change how we counsel couplesrdquo Visit wwwGoodNewsMarriagecom for leaders to find

Brief videos Interviews with national leaders discussing the implications and potential changes A slide share presentation with key info and research Bulk discount information

ldquoThis book will change how all of us think and talk about marriage and divorcerdquo mdashLysa Terkeurst president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

ldquoIn 32 years of marriage ministry I have been demoralized at times by the negative statistics quoted And now I am ecstatic as I read the truth in this incredible bookrdquo mdashJimmy Evans Founder of MarriageToday and Senior Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church

ldquoShauntirsquos thoroughly researched book will inject life and hope not only into our national consciousness about marriage but also into every individual marriage in the countryrdquo mdashDr Tim Clinton President of American Association of Christian Counselors

ldquoBelievers who put their faith into practice mdash who worship together and pray together mdash are muchmore likely to enjoy stable and happy marriages This is good news indeedrdquo mdashW Bradford Wilcox National Marriage Project Director Associate Professor of Sociology University of Virginia

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 23

24 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Kenneth and Marlene Carr are pastors at Total Restoration Christian Center in Kankakee Illinois Married for 26 years the Carrs have six children a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 25

BLESSINGSampLaura Wasson Warfel

ldquoMarriage has a lot of seasonsrdquo says Marlene Carr as she looks toward her husband Kenneth ldquoWe got married on Christmas Day It was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s The next morning there was a blizzard and 10 inches of snowrdquo

Weathering those seasons and growing closer than ever is one of the secrets to a successful marriage God uses those testing times to bring strength and a closer walk with Him

A TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGEA TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGE

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

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By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 12: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

Lisa Gassin PhD

Marriage brings some of the happiest moments in life It can also bring some of the deepest hurts

What is one to do when a spouse uses unkind words commits an infidelity habitually lies or somehow breaks trust For good reason our inclination is usually to be angry accuse defend ourselves and perhaps ultimately walk out of the relationship In most cases however traversing the difficult path of forgiveness can pay dividends for us as individuals and for our relationships

10 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 11

Psychologists have differing views on what forgiveness is and is not A good place to start is the definition by Dr Robert Enright a pioneer of research on the topic ldquoForgiving involves rooting out negative thoughts feelings and behaviors vis-agrave-vis a person who has hurt you and striving to develop positive thoughts feelings and behaviors towards herrdquo Note that for most of us forgiveness is a process rather than an instantaneous occurrence

Dr Enright like many other thinkers distinguishes forgiveness from reconciliation While forgiveness refers more to our internal disposition toward an offender reconciliation refers to re-entering a relationship with that person This is a particularly sticky distinction when the offender is your spouse because by definition the two of you are already in a multi-dimensional relationship that cannot and should not be easily ended

While psychologists often differentiate between forgiveness and reconciliation these processes are not completely separate Reconciliation involves input from two different people Forgiveness may be offered from the one who is hurt but in most situations should be offered with a clear statement about how the injury has affected the one hurt

In some cases the injured party may need to establish a boundary in the relationship mdash both for hisher own protection and also to help the other person avoid hurtful behavior For example if the husband has been secretly irresponsible with money the wife may wish to take temporary control of the finances as a part of the reconciliation process

Of course the one who has committed an offense also must make contributions to the relationship for reconciliation to take place Heshe must offer understanding of how hisher actions affected the other as well as sincere repentance and a commitment to stop the hurtful behavior in the future In some cases a personrsquos abstaining from the hurtful action must be effective immediately (such as never engaging in another affair) In others it may be a process (such as seeking counseling to learn to cope with anger)

Of course in some circumstances both husband and wife have hurt each other Each party must listen respectfully to the other and weigh hisher own role in the conflict Sometimes the involvement of a third party such as a counselor or pastor can help a couple identify how each person played a role in a hurtful situation and what each can do to help re-establish trust

Now letrsquos look at this from a faith-based perspective Scripture especially the New Testament frequently emphasizes the importance of forgiving others There are many ways to understand what this means and why such a command is given

In forgiving as Christians we allow Godrsquos redeeming mercy to flow from us to the one who hurt us We mirror His identity as the One who always draws each person to Himself in love Of course we offer Godrsquos love in the context of truth

Speaking clearly about how an offense has affected you can be an important part of forgiveness and reconciliation especially in the context of a relationship as intimate as marriage If we see speaking such truth as a chance to hammer the offender with our anger we must keep in mind the purpose of Godrsquos truth to lovingly call the other to repentance and reconciliation not to drag the other into an abyss of sorrow that leads to death (2 Corinthians 710)

It is in practicing forgiveness that we perhaps most closely emulate the Lord Interestingly enough much evidence suggests that being merciful is good for us not only spiritually but also psychologically Research and data consistently demonstrate that those who forgive reap the benefits of better mental health and improved social relationships From a faith-based perspective we donrsquot forgive just to benefit ourselves The ldquoside effectsrdquo of the process serve to keep us happier and healthier

The road to a fulfilling long-lasting marriage is paved with the grace of forgiveness and reconciliation

Lisa Gassin is a licensed professional counselor and a professor teaching Developmental and Cross-cultural Psychology at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais Illinois Dr Gassinrsquos research focus includes the psychology of forgiveness attachment and bereavement Her counseling methods of interest are play and other expressive therapies

12 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 13

How to Create theMarriage You Desire

Michelle Klavohn

The vision looks something like this People get so inspired longing for the potential of their marriage and family that 90 percent of married couples are working with a family coach to find their best life together

Imagine the clarity that would come in worklife balance parenting choices healthy communication managing in-law relationships etc if couples would take that kind of action to make their marriages thrive

Did you know that 90 percent of businesses use coaching in some form Businesses have found that they have a greater likelihood for reaching their potential when they partner with a skilled coach

While I love hearing about that kind of success I find myself dreaming about reaching that potential in a very different realm

14 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Great marriage and family life is not reserved for a select few people who get very very lucky It is a vision and a goal to pursue wholeheartedly

Irsquove had this dream in my own life for a very long time Some days the vision is loud confident and victorious Other days it is much shyer shaken by my own shortcomings

True confessions My husband and I have our own times that take their toll on the dreams we have for a dynamic marriage and family The past three years have brought some of the most painful losses and circumstances that wersquove had to navigate in our 24 years together I refer to it as the ldquoperfect stormrdquo The loss of numerous friendships that were like family to us the end of a ministry role that was extremely meaningful for me a painful change in our church community unfulfilled career goals and to top it off the mayhem of finding out I am in full-blown menopause What (I hear that by itself is enough to make a couple think life as they know it may be over)

This long season in our family of what we refer to as ldquosurvival moderdquo has taken its toll Tempers may be short words may be said selfishness may rear its ugly head and weekends may drain more life than they give

You may have had times like these too

Not that I will give up on our marriage altogether but perhaps I will give in to the idea that my marriage will just have to get by Life takes over I lose my vision The dream slips low on the priority list In the middle of the night I wrestle with thoughts like ldquoThis is too hardrdquo

Yes everyone needs outside support for their marriage In fact this step for us has been exactly what propels our relationship to the level we desire

Take a look at some common misconceptions that keep people from getting that support

ldquoWe donrsquot really need to talk with someonerdquo

Letrsquos be honest The root of this is pride The ldquowe can do it on our ownrdquo mentality at its best robs so many of the thriving marriage they want and

at its worst can lead to the end of a marriage We all stand at the wedding altar with dreams of a beautiful relationship Why not give yourselves a gift by taking action to fulfill those dreams It is not a sign of weakness but a spirit of wisdom that shows maturity commitment and strength

ldquoWe donrsquot have the money or timerdquo

This is almost always a priority issue What in your budget or schedule is more important than your marriage Will your kids think itrsquos worth it for you to work on your marriage Five years down the road will you regret investing in your marriage

ldquoWhat if people knewrdquo

Why not be a part of a growing movement of people who say ldquoThe best thing wersquove done for our marriage is work with a marriage coachrdquo You can be part of normalizing this healthy habit so that someday itrsquos as routine for couples as having a physical seeing the dentist etc We pay attention to the healthiness of other areas of life Why not do the same for the most important relationship we have

Yes I sometimes blow it in my marriage When I do Irsquom left with a decision Will I allow discouragement to steal my commitment to this relationship Or will I choose to give myself and my spouse grace and have a fresh dedication to building our dream one day at a time So I choose to live the philosophy that I espouse for my coaching clients A thriving marriage can happen today

Todayrsquos agenda for my husband and me reflects that Connect with our family coach (yes we value an outside perspective for our relationship too) A coffee date with my lover (okay a coffee mocha for him and a green iced tea with no sweetener for me ldquoCoffee daterdquo just sounds so much cooler than a ldquotea daterdquo) Time with our kids this evening

Of all the things that could demand our attention nothing is more important than building this dream we share

How to Create the Marriage You Desire

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 15

Michelle Klavohn is a family coach with more than 20 years experience in the field of Human Development She has a masterrsquos degree in communication and has been a communication educator for 10 years She and her husband Jon have been married for 23 years and have two children Kate and Carson

16 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 17

MARRIAGE INC IMPACT AWARD - 2015

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

Steve and LindaSweeney

18 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

In 38 years of marriage wersquove learned this timeless truth The quality of our marriage does not depend on the monumental events or big decisions of life mdash how much money we earn whether we take an anniversary cruise the size of our house or even how we respond to an unexpected family crisis We have discovered over time that the little things matter most in determining the health and level of satisfaction in our marriage How we talk our priorities how we treat the other (both in private and public) and our ability to laugh are all better reflections of our marriagersquos well-being than are securing tickets to a favorite Broadway production or the value of our 401(k)

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 19

Lessons from a Wedding Psalm

Dr Kent and Beth Olney

We are not sure why it has taken us so long to learn this truth Perhaps it is because we are prone to invest so much time and energy pulling off what we hope will be viewed as impressive accomplishments After achieving a goal we naturally want to sit back and congratulate ourselves for being such exemplary spouses

The reality is however that simple daily habits and responses contribute more to our marriage than the occasional spectacular events In her 2013 book The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages author Shaunti Feldhahn confirms this truth (see pages 6-7 of this magazine) So does a much older writing Psalm 45 which carries the interesting title of ldquoA Wedding Songrdquo (or ldquoA Song of Lovesrdquo in the classic King James version) We encourage you to read it for yourself and discover its enduring marriage message

The psalm begins by referring to marriage as a ldquonoble themerdquo (v 1) one that is worth considering In other words we do ourselves a favor when we pause to think about marriage and how we might get the most out of it When a couple dares to do that the results may be surprising

Suggested in this psalm are several profound and yet unexpected principles for making an attractive husband and a magnificent wife ndash descriptions that by the way are both implied in the psalm

The first half of Psalm 45 speaks to the husband who is referred to as ldquothe most excellent of menrdquo (v 2) What would it take today for a husband to earn that title from his wife How might he become so attractive to his spouse that he is thought of in this way Hints are given as the psalm unfolds Here are five defining characteristics

Graceful talk which means not just what is said but also how one says it Splendid character including an emphasis on truth humility and making wise choices Commendable priorities that are plain for all to see applaud and imitate Cheerful disposition wherein others are encouraged and find their spirits lifted Respectful interactions such that others are consistently and genuinely honored

Not one of these has a price tag Yet their value to any marriage is enormous At first glance each trait may seem relatively small but each has vast potential to transform a relationship Men take note

Not one of these has a price tagYet their value to any marriage is enormous

20 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The second part of the psalm addresses the bride Practical tips if observed would make any man feel he had a magnificent or ldquoroyalrdquo (v 9) bride How might a wife enhance the possibility of being considered magnificent by her husband What are some qualities she might develop to elevate her in the eyes of her husband Psalm 45 points to several possibilities including

Listening well so that genuine communication takes place Forgetting the past and adopting new loyalties and patterns Cultivating beauty for the purpose of pleasing and honoring her husband Contributing socially by winning othersrsquo favor and thus becoming a public asset Developing friendships that are healthy pleasant and mutually enriching

Again what is noteworthy is that this list contains ideas that are far from extraordinary Ladies minor adjustments often have a profound impact

Psalm 45 contains three overarching truths One despite what scoffers might say a good marriage is possible Two Godrsquos Word can help us attain such a marriage Those who dare to live by biblical principles will uncover helpful instruction and insight to enhance their relationships Three little things really do matter most when it comes to creating a successful and happy marriage No one needs to wait 38 years to discover that

Dr Kent and Beth Olney serve as co-directors of Marriage Inc Both are employed at Olivet Nazarene University where Kent is professor of Sociology and chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences Beth directs the Center for Student Success They are parents to Luke and Kyle and grandparents to Autumn and Kamden the children of Kyle and his wife Amber

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 21

22 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

the good news

aboutmarriage

BOOK RESOURCE

Did You KnowThe actual divorce rate has never come close to 50 Church attendance makes a HUGEdifference Most marriages are strong and happy for a lifetime

What does this mean for youIf you are a marriage champion mdash a pastor counselor or simply someone who cares aboutmarriages mdash you need to know this new information As one marriage leader put it ldquoIf thisis true the implications are enormousrdquo

Next steps Read the book Discuss findings with fellow leaders ldquoHow does this change how we talk about marriagerdquo ldquoHow does this change how we counsel couplesrdquo Visit wwwGoodNewsMarriagecom for leaders to find

Brief videos Interviews with national leaders discussing the implications and potential changes A slide share presentation with key info and research Bulk discount information

ldquoThis book will change how all of us think and talk about marriage and divorcerdquo mdashLysa Terkeurst president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

ldquoIn 32 years of marriage ministry I have been demoralized at times by the negative statistics quoted And now I am ecstatic as I read the truth in this incredible bookrdquo mdashJimmy Evans Founder of MarriageToday and Senior Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church

ldquoShauntirsquos thoroughly researched book will inject life and hope not only into our national consciousness about marriage but also into every individual marriage in the countryrdquo mdashDr Tim Clinton President of American Association of Christian Counselors

ldquoBelievers who put their faith into practice mdash who worship together and pray together mdash are muchmore likely to enjoy stable and happy marriages This is good news indeedrdquo mdashW Bradford Wilcox National Marriage Project Director Associate Professor of Sociology University of Virginia

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 23

24 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Kenneth and Marlene Carr are pastors at Total Restoration Christian Center in Kankakee Illinois Married for 26 years the Carrs have six children a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 25

BLESSINGSampLaura Wasson Warfel

ldquoMarriage has a lot of seasonsrdquo says Marlene Carr as she looks toward her husband Kenneth ldquoWe got married on Christmas Day It was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s The next morning there was a blizzard and 10 inches of snowrdquo

Weathering those seasons and growing closer than ever is one of the secrets to a successful marriage God uses those testing times to bring strength and a closer walk with Him

A TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGEA TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGE

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

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By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 13: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 11

Psychologists have differing views on what forgiveness is and is not A good place to start is the definition by Dr Robert Enright a pioneer of research on the topic ldquoForgiving involves rooting out negative thoughts feelings and behaviors vis-agrave-vis a person who has hurt you and striving to develop positive thoughts feelings and behaviors towards herrdquo Note that for most of us forgiveness is a process rather than an instantaneous occurrence

Dr Enright like many other thinkers distinguishes forgiveness from reconciliation While forgiveness refers more to our internal disposition toward an offender reconciliation refers to re-entering a relationship with that person This is a particularly sticky distinction when the offender is your spouse because by definition the two of you are already in a multi-dimensional relationship that cannot and should not be easily ended

While psychologists often differentiate between forgiveness and reconciliation these processes are not completely separate Reconciliation involves input from two different people Forgiveness may be offered from the one who is hurt but in most situations should be offered with a clear statement about how the injury has affected the one hurt

In some cases the injured party may need to establish a boundary in the relationship mdash both for hisher own protection and also to help the other person avoid hurtful behavior For example if the husband has been secretly irresponsible with money the wife may wish to take temporary control of the finances as a part of the reconciliation process

Of course the one who has committed an offense also must make contributions to the relationship for reconciliation to take place Heshe must offer understanding of how hisher actions affected the other as well as sincere repentance and a commitment to stop the hurtful behavior in the future In some cases a personrsquos abstaining from the hurtful action must be effective immediately (such as never engaging in another affair) In others it may be a process (such as seeking counseling to learn to cope with anger)

Of course in some circumstances both husband and wife have hurt each other Each party must listen respectfully to the other and weigh hisher own role in the conflict Sometimes the involvement of a third party such as a counselor or pastor can help a couple identify how each person played a role in a hurtful situation and what each can do to help re-establish trust

Now letrsquos look at this from a faith-based perspective Scripture especially the New Testament frequently emphasizes the importance of forgiving others There are many ways to understand what this means and why such a command is given

In forgiving as Christians we allow Godrsquos redeeming mercy to flow from us to the one who hurt us We mirror His identity as the One who always draws each person to Himself in love Of course we offer Godrsquos love in the context of truth

Speaking clearly about how an offense has affected you can be an important part of forgiveness and reconciliation especially in the context of a relationship as intimate as marriage If we see speaking such truth as a chance to hammer the offender with our anger we must keep in mind the purpose of Godrsquos truth to lovingly call the other to repentance and reconciliation not to drag the other into an abyss of sorrow that leads to death (2 Corinthians 710)

It is in practicing forgiveness that we perhaps most closely emulate the Lord Interestingly enough much evidence suggests that being merciful is good for us not only spiritually but also psychologically Research and data consistently demonstrate that those who forgive reap the benefits of better mental health and improved social relationships From a faith-based perspective we donrsquot forgive just to benefit ourselves The ldquoside effectsrdquo of the process serve to keep us happier and healthier

The road to a fulfilling long-lasting marriage is paved with the grace of forgiveness and reconciliation

Lisa Gassin is a licensed professional counselor and a professor teaching Developmental and Cross-cultural Psychology at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais Illinois Dr Gassinrsquos research focus includes the psychology of forgiveness attachment and bereavement Her counseling methods of interest are play and other expressive therapies

12 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 13

How to Create theMarriage You Desire

Michelle Klavohn

The vision looks something like this People get so inspired longing for the potential of their marriage and family that 90 percent of married couples are working with a family coach to find their best life together

Imagine the clarity that would come in worklife balance parenting choices healthy communication managing in-law relationships etc if couples would take that kind of action to make their marriages thrive

Did you know that 90 percent of businesses use coaching in some form Businesses have found that they have a greater likelihood for reaching their potential when they partner with a skilled coach

While I love hearing about that kind of success I find myself dreaming about reaching that potential in a very different realm

14 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Great marriage and family life is not reserved for a select few people who get very very lucky It is a vision and a goal to pursue wholeheartedly

Irsquove had this dream in my own life for a very long time Some days the vision is loud confident and victorious Other days it is much shyer shaken by my own shortcomings

True confessions My husband and I have our own times that take their toll on the dreams we have for a dynamic marriage and family The past three years have brought some of the most painful losses and circumstances that wersquove had to navigate in our 24 years together I refer to it as the ldquoperfect stormrdquo The loss of numerous friendships that were like family to us the end of a ministry role that was extremely meaningful for me a painful change in our church community unfulfilled career goals and to top it off the mayhem of finding out I am in full-blown menopause What (I hear that by itself is enough to make a couple think life as they know it may be over)

This long season in our family of what we refer to as ldquosurvival moderdquo has taken its toll Tempers may be short words may be said selfishness may rear its ugly head and weekends may drain more life than they give

You may have had times like these too

Not that I will give up on our marriage altogether but perhaps I will give in to the idea that my marriage will just have to get by Life takes over I lose my vision The dream slips low on the priority list In the middle of the night I wrestle with thoughts like ldquoThis is too hardrdquo

Yes everyone needs outside support for their marriage In fact this step for us has been exactly what propels our relationship to the level we desire

Take a look at some common misconceptions that keep people from getting that support

ldquoWe donrsquot really need to talk with someonerdquo

Letrsquos be honest The root of this is pride The ldquowe can do it on our ownrdquo mentality at its best robs so many of the thriving marriage they want and

at its worst can lead to the end of a marriage We all stand at the wedding altar with dreams of a beautiful relationship Why not give yourselves a gift by taking action to fulfill those dreams It is not a sign of weakness but a spirit of wisdom that shows maturity commitment and strength

ldquoWe donrsquot have the money or timerdquo

This is almost always a priority issue What in your budget or schedule is more important than your marriage Will your kids think itrsquos worth it for you to work on your marriage Five years down the road will you regret investing in your marriage

ldquoWhat if people knewrdquo

Why not be a part of a growing movement of people who say ldquoThe best thing wersquove done for our marriage is work with a marriage coachrdquo You can be part of normalizing this healthy habit so that someday itrsquos as routine for couples as having a physical seeing the dentist etc We pay attention to the healthiness of other areas of life Why not do the same for the most important relationship we have

Yes I sometimes blow it in my marriage When I do Irsquom left with a decision Will I allow discouragement to steal my commitment to this relationship Or will I choose to give myself and my spouse grace and have a fresh dedication to building our dream one day at a time So I choose to live the philosophy that I espouse for my coaching clients A thriving marriage can happen today

Todayrsquos agenda for my husband and me reflects that Connect with our family coach (yes we value an outside perspective for our relationship too) A coffee date with my lover (okay a coffee mocha for him and a green iced tea with no sweetener for me ldquoCoffee daterdquo just sounds so much cooler than a ldquotea daterdquo) Time with our kids this evening

Of all the things that could demand our attention nothing is more important than building this dream we share

How to Create the Marriage You Desire

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 15

Michelle Klavohn is a family coach with more than 20 years experience in the field of Human Development She has a masterrsquos degree in communication and has been a communication educator for 10 years She and her husband Jon have been married for 23 years and have two children Kate and Carson

16 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 17

MARRIAGE INC IMPACT AWARD - 2015

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

Steve and LindaSweeney

18 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

In 38 years of marriage wersquove learned this timeless truth The quality of our marriage does not depend on the monumental events or big decisions of life mdash how much money we earn whether we take an anniversary cruise the size of our house or even how we respond to an unexpected family crisis We have discovered over time that the little things matter most in determining the health and level of satisfaction in our marriage How we talk our priorities how we treat the other (both in private and public) and our ability to laugh are all better reflections of our marriagersquos well-being than are securing tickets to a favorite Broadway production or the value of our 401(k)

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 19

Lessons from a Wedding Psalm

Dr Kent and Beth Olney

We are not sure why it has taken us so long to learn this truth Perhaps it is because we are prone to invest so much time and energy pulling off what we hope will be viewed as impressive accomplishments After achieving a goal we naturally want to sit back and congratulate ourselves for being such exemplary spouses

The reality is however that simple daily habits and responses contribute more to our marriage than the occasional spectacular events In her 2013 book The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages author Shaunti Feldhahn confirms this truth (see pages 6-7 of this magazine) So does a much older writing Psalm 45 which carries the interesting title of ldquoA Wedding Songrdquo (or ldquoA Song of Lovesrdquo in the classic King James version) We encourage you to read it for yourself and discover its enduring marriage message

The psalm begins by referring to marriage as a ldquonoble themerdquo (v 1) one that is worth considering In other words we do ourselves a favor when we pause to think about marriage and how we might get the most out of it When a couple dares to do that the results may be surprising

Suggested in this psalm are several profound and yet unexpected principles for making an attractive husband and a magnificent wife ndash descriptions that by the way are both implied in the psalm

The first half of Psalm 45 speaks to the husband who is referred to as ldquothe most excellent of menrdquo (v 2) What would it take today for a husband to earn that title from his wife How might he become so attractive to his spouse that he is thought of in this way Hints are given as the psalm unfolds Here are five defining characteristics

Graceful talk which means not just what is said but also how one says it Splendid character including an emphasis on truth humility and making wise choices Commendable priorities that are plain for all to see applaud and imitate Cheerful disposition wherein others are encouraged and find their spirits lifted Respectful interactions such that others are consistently and genuinely honored

Not one of these has a price tag Yet their value to any marriage is enormous At first glance each trait may seem relatively small but each has vast potential to transform a relationship Men take note

Not one of these has a price tagYet their value to any marriage is enormous

20 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The second part of the psalm addresses the bride Practical tips if observed would make any man feel he had a magnificent or ldquoroyalrdquo (v 9) bride How might a wife enhance the possibility of being considered magnificent by her husband What are some qualities she might develop to elevate her in the eyes of her husband Psalm 45 points to several possibilities including

Listening well so that genuine communication takes place Forgetting the past and adopting new loyalties and patterns Cultivating beauty for the purpose of pleasing and honoring her husband Contributing socially by winning othersrsquo favor and thus becoming a public asset Developing friendships that are healthy pleasant and mutually enriching

Again what is noteworthy is that this list contains ideas that are far from extraordinary Ladies minor adjustments often have a profound impact

Psalm 45 contains three overarching truths One despite what scoffers might say a good marriage is possible Two Godrsquos Word can help us attain such a marriage Those who dare to live by biblical principles will uncover helpful instruction and insight to enhance their relationships Three little things really do matter most when it comes to creating a successful and happy marriage No one needs to wait 38 years to discover that

Dr Kent and Beth Olney serve as co-directors of Marriage Inc Both are employed at Olivet Nazarene University where Kent is professor of Sociology and chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences Beth directs the Center for Student Success They are parents to Luke and Kyle and grandparents to Autumn and Kamden the children of Kyle and his wife Amber

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 21

22 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

the good news

aboutmarriage

BOOK RESOURCE

Did You KnowThe actual divorce rate has never come close to 50 Church attendance makes a HUGEdifference Most marriages are strong and happy for a lifetime

What does this mean for youIf you are a marriage champion mdash a pastor counselor or simply someone who cares aboutmarriages mdash you need to know this new information As one marriage leader put it ldquoIf thisis true the implications are enormousrdquo

Next steps Read the book Discuss findings with fellow leaders ldquoHow does this change how we talk about marriagerdquo ldquoHow does this change how we counsel couplesrdquo Visit wwwGoodNewsMarriagecom for leaders to find

Brief videos Interviews with national leaders discussing the implications and potential changes A slide share presentation with key info and research Bulk discount information

ldquoThis book will change how all of us think and talk about marriage and divorcerdquo mdashLysa Terkeurst president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

ldquoIn 32 years of marriage ministry I have been demoralized at times by the negative statistics quoted And now I am ecstatic as I read the truth in this incredible bookrdquo mdashJimmy Evans Founder of MarriageToday and Senior Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church

ldquoShauntirsquos thoroughly researched book will inject life and hope not only into our national consciousness about marriage but also into every individual marriage in the countryrdquo mdashDr Tim Clinton President of American Association of Christian Counselors

ldquoBelievers who put their faith into practice mdash who worship together and pray together mdash are muchmore likely to enjoy stable and happy marriages This is good news indeedrdquo mdashW Bradford Wilcox National Marriage Project Director Associate Professor of Sociology University of Virginia

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 23

24 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Kenneth and Marlene Carr are pastors at Total Restoration Christian Center in Kankakee Illinois Married for 26 years the Carrs have six children a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 25

BLESSINGSampLaura Wasson Warfel

ldquoMarriage has a lot of seasonsrdquo says Marlene Carr as she looks toward her husband Kenneth ldquoWe got married on Christmas Day It was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s The next morning there was a blizzard and 10 inches of snowrdquo

Weathering those seasons and growing closer than ever is one of the secrets to a successful marriage God uses those testing times to bring strength and a closer walk with Him

A TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGEA TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGE

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

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THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

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40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

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CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

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Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

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By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 14: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

Now letrsquos look at this from a faith-based perspective Scripture especially the New Testament frequently emphasizes the importance of forgiving others There are many ways to understand what this means and why such a command is given

In forgiving as Christians we allow Godrsquos redeeming mercy to flow from us to the one who hurt us We mirror His identity as the One who always draws each person to Himself in love Of course we offer Godrsquos love in the context of truth

Speaking clearly about how an offense has affected you can be an important part of forgiveness and reconciliation especially in the context of a relationship as intimate as marriage If we see speaking such truth as a chance to hammer the offender with our anger we must keep in mind the purpose of Godrsquos truth to lovingly call the other to repentance and reconciliation not to drag the other into an abyss of sorrow that leads to death (2 Corinthians 710)

It is in practicing forgiveness that we perhaps most closely emulate the Lord Interestingly enough much evidence suggests that being merciful is good for us not only spiritually but also psychologically Research and data consistently demonstrate that those who forgive reap the benefits of better mental health and improved social relationships From a faith-based perspective we donrsquot forgive just to benefit ourselves The ldquoside effectsrdquo of the process serve to keep us happier and healthier

The road to a fulfilling long-lasting marriage is paved with the grace of forgiveness and reconciliation

Lisa Gassin is a licensed professional counselor and a professor teaching Developmental and Cross-cultural Psychology at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais Illinois Dr Gassinrsquos research focus includes the psychology of forgiveness attachment and bereavement Her counseling methods of interest are play and other expressive therapies

12 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 13

How to Create theMarriage You Desire

Michelle Klavohn

The vision looks something like this People get so inspired longing for the potential of their marriage and family that 90 percent of married couples are working with a family coach to find their best life together

Imagine the clarity that would come in worklife balance parenting choices healthy communication managing in-law relationships etc if couples would take that kind of action to make their marriages thrive

Did you know that 90 percent of businesses use coaching in some form Businesses have found that they have a greater likelihood for reaching their potential when they partner with a skilled coach

While I love hearing about that kind of success I find myself dreaming about reaching that potential in a very different realm

14 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Great marriage and family life is not reserved for a select few people who get very very lucky It is a vision and a goal to pursue wholeheartedly

Irsquove had this dream in my own life for a very long time Some days the vision is loud confident and victorious Other days it is much shyer shaken by my own shortcomings

True confessions My husband and I have our own times that take their toll on the dreams we have for a dynamic marriage and family The past three years have brought some of the most painful losses and circumstances that wersquove had to navigate in our 24 years together I refer to it as the ldquoperfect stormrdquo The loss of numerous friendships that were like family to us the end of a ministry role that was extremely meaningful for me a painful change in our church community unfulfilled career goals and to top it off the mayhem of finding out I am in full-blown menopause What (I hear that by itself is enough to make a couple think life as they know it may be over)

This long season in our family of what we refer to as ldquosurvival moderdquo has taken its toll Tempers may be short words may be said selfishness may rear its ugly head and weekends may drain more life than they give

You may have had times like these too

Not that I will give up on our marriage altogether but perhaps I will give in to the idea that my marriage will just have to get by Life takes over I lose my vision The dream slips low on the priority list In the middle of the night I wrestle with thoughts like ldquoThis is too hardrdquo

Yes everyone needs outside support for their marriage In fact this step for us has been exactly what propels our relationship to the level we desire

Take a look at some common misconceptions that keep people from getting that support

ldquoWe donrsquot really need to talk with someonerdquo

Letrsquos be honest The root of this is pride The ldquowe can do it on our ownrdquo mentality at its best robs so many of the thriving marriage they want and

at its worst can lead to the end of a marriage We all stand at the wedding altar with dreams of a beautiful relationship Why not give yourselves a gift by taking action to fulfill those dreams It is not a sign of weakness but a spirit of wisdom that shows maturity commitment and strength

ldquoWe donrsquot have the money or timerdquo

This is almost always a priority issue What in your budget or schedule is more important than your marriage Will your kids think itrsquos worth it for you to work on your marriage Five years down the road will you regret investing in your marriage

ldquoWhat if people knewrdquo

Why not be a part of a growing movement of people who say ldquoThe best thing wersquove done for our marriage is work with a marriage coachrdquo You can be part of normalizing this healthy habit so that someday itrsquos as routine for couples as having a physical seeing the dentist etc We pay attention to the healthiness of other areas of life Why not do the same for the most important relationship we have

Yes I sometimes blow it in my marriage When I do Irsquom left with a decision Will I allow discouragement to steal my commitment to this relationship Or will I choose to give myself and my spouse grace and have a fresh dedication to building our dream one day at a time So I choose to live the philosophy that I espouse for my coaching clients A thriving marriage can happen today

Todayrsquos agenda for my husband and me reflects that Connect with our family coach (yes we value an outside perspective for our relationship too) A coffee date with my lover (okay a coffee mocha for him and a green iced tea with no sweetener for me ldquoCoffee daterdquo just sounds so much cooler than a ldquotea daterdquo) Time with our kids this evening

Of all the things that could demand our attention nothing is more important than building this dream we share

How to Create the Marriage You Desire

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 15

Michelle Klavohn is a family coach with more than 20 years experience in the field of Human Development She has a masterrsquos degree in communication and has been a communication educator for 10 years She and her husband Jon have been married for 23 years and have two children Kate and Carson

16 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 17

MARRIAGE INC IMPACT AWARD - 2015

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

Steve and LindaSweeney

18 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

In 38 years of marriage wersquove learned this timeless truth The quality of our marriage does not depend on the monumental events or big decisions of life mdash how much money we earn whether we take an anniversary cruise the size of our house or even how we respond to an unexpected family crisis We have discovered over time that the little things matter most in determining the health and level of satisfaction in our marriage How we talk our priorities how we treat the other (both in private and public) and our ability to laugh are all better reflections of our marriagersquos well-being than are securing tickets to a favorite Broadway production or the value of our 401(k)

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 19

Lessons from a Wedding Psalm

Dr Kent and Beth Olney

We are not sure why it has taken us so long to learn this truth Perhaps it is because we are prone to invest so much time and energy pulling off what we hope will be viewed as impressive accomplishments After achieving a goal we naturally want to sit back and congratulate ourselves for being such exemplary spouses

The reality is however that simple daily habits and responses contribute more to our marriage than the occasional spectacular events In her 2013 book The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages author Shaunti Feldhahn confirms this truth (see pages 6-7 of this magazine) So does a much older writing Psalm 45 which carries the interesting title of ldquoA Wedding Songrdquo (or ldquoA Song of Lovesrdquo in the classic King James version) We encourage you to read it for yourself and discover its enduring marriage message

The psalm begins by referring to marriage as a ldquonoble themerdquo (v 1) one that is worth considering In other words we do ourselves a favor when we pause to think about marriage and how we might get the most out of it When a couple dares to do that the results may be surprising

Suggested in this psalm are several profound and yet unexpected principles for making an attractive husband and a magnificent wife ndash descriptions that by the way are both implied in the psalm

The first half of Psalm 45 speaks to the husband who is referred to as ldquothe most excellent of menrdquo (v 2) What would it take today for a husband to earn that title from his wife How might he become so attractive to his spouse that he is thought of in this way Hints are given as the psalm unfolds Here are five defining characteristics

Graceful talk which means not just what is said but also how one says it Splendid character including an emphasis on truth humility and making wise choices Commendable priorities that are plain for all to see applaud and imitate Cheerful disposition wherein others are encouraged and find their spirits lifted Respectful interactions such that others are consistently and genuinely honored

Not one of these has a price tag Yet their value to any marriage is enormous At first glance each trait may seem relatively small but each has vast potential to transform a relationship Men take note

Not one of these has a price tagYet their value to any marriage is enormous

20 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The second part of the psalm addresses the bride Practical tips if observed would make any man feel he had a magnificent or ldquoroyalrdquo (v 9) bride How might a wife enhance the possibility of being considered magnificent by her husband What are some qualities she might develop to elevate her in the eyes of her husband Psalm 45 points to several possibilities including

Listening well so that genuine communication takes place Forgetting the past and adopting new loyalties and patterns Cultivating beauty for the purpose of pleasing and honoring her husband Contributing socially by winning othersrsquo favor and thus becoming a public asset Developing friendships that are healthy pleasant and mutually enriching

Again what is noteworthy is that this list contains ideas that are far from extraordinary Ladies minor adjustments often have a profound impact

Psalm 45 contains three overarching truths One despite what scoffers might say a good marriage is possible Two Godrsquos Word can help us attain such a marriage Those who dare to live by biblical principles will uncover helpful instruction and insight to enhance their relationships Three little things really do matter most when it comes to creating a successful and happy marriage No one needs to wait 38 years to discover that

Dr Kent and Beth Olney serve as co-directors of Marriage Inc Both are employed at Olivet Nazarene University where Kent is professor of Sociology and chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences Beth directs the Center for Student Success They are parents to Luke and Kyle and grandparents to Autumn and Kamden the children of Kyle and his wife Amber

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 21

22 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

the good news

aboutmarriage

BOOK RESOURCE

Did You KnowThe actual divorce rate has never come close to 50 Church attendance makes a HUGEdifference Most marriages are strong and happy for a lifetime

What does this mean for youIf you are a marriage champion mdash a pastor counselor or simply someone who cares aboutmarriages mdash you need to know this new information As one marriage leader put it ldquoIf thisis true the implications are enormousrdquo

Next steps Read the book Discuss findings with fellow leaders ldquoHow does this change how we talk about marriagerdquo ldquoHow does this change how we counsel couplesrdquo Visit wwwGoodNewsMarriagecom for leaders to find

Brief videos Interviews with national leaders discussing the implications and potential changes A slide share presentation with key info and research Bulk discount information

ldquoThis book will change how all of us think and talk about marriage and divorcerdquo mdashLysa Terkeurst president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

ldquoIn 32 years of marriage ministry I have been demoralized at times by the negative statistics quoted And now I am ecstatic as I read the truth in this incredible bookrdquo mdashJimmy Evans Founder of MarriageToday and Senior Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church

ldquoShauntirsquos thoroughly researched book will inject life and hope not only into our national consciousness about marriage but also into every individual marriage in the countryrdquo mdashDr Tim Clinton President of American Association of Christian Counselors

ldquoBelievers who put their faith into practice mdash who worship together and pray together mdash are muchmore likely to enjoy stable and happy marriages This is good news indeedrdquo mdashW Bradford Wilcox National Marriage Project Director Associate Professor of Sociology University of Virginia

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 23

24 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Kenneth and Marlene Carr are pastors at Total Restoration Christian Center in Kankakee Illinois Married for 26 years the Carrs have six children a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 25

BLESSINGSampLaura Wasson Warfel

ldquoMarriage has a lot of seasonsrdquo says Marlene Carr as she looks toward her husband Kenneth ldquoWe got married on Christmas Day It was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s The next morning there was a blizzard and 10 inches of snowrdquo

Weathering those seasons and growing closer than ever is one of the secrets to a successful marriage God uses those testing times to bring strength and a closer walk with Him

A TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGEA TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGE

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

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BourbonnaisGrant ParkBeecher

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or visit us online atmunicipalbankcom

CUSTOMER GRUMISH CHIRO-PRACTIC OFF PROOF TIME 9152014 32039 PM

REP ID KKK130 FIRST RUN 092514KK-202140

PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

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THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

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By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 15: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 13

How to Create theMarriage You Desire

Michelle Klavohn

The vision looks something like this People get so inspired longing for the potential of their marriage and family that 90 percent of married couples are working with a family coach to find their best life together

Imagine the clarity that would come in worklife balance parenting choices healthy communication managing in-law relationships etc if couples would take that kind of action to make their marriages thrive

Did you know that 90 percent of businesses use coaching in some form Businesses have found that they have a greater likelihood for reaching their potential when they partner with a skilled coach

While I love hearing about that kind of success I find myself dreaming about reaching that potential in a very different realm

14 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Great marriage and family life is not reserved for a select few people who get very very lucky It is a vision and a goal to pursue wholeheartedly

Irsquove had this dream in my own life for a very long time Some days the vision is loud confident and victorious Other days it is much shyer shaken by my own shortcomings

True confessions My husband and I have our own times that take their toll on the dreams we have for a dynamic marriage and family The past three years have brought some of the most painful losses and circumstances that wersquove had to navigate in our 24 years together I refer to it as the ldquoperfect stormrdquo The loss of numerous friendships that were like family to us the end of a ministry role that was extremely meaningful for me a painful change in our church community unfulfilled career goals and to top it off the mayhem of finding out I am in full-blown menopause What (I hear that by itself is enough to make a couple think life as they know it may be over)

This long season in our family of what we refer to as ldquosurvival moderdquo has taken its toll Tempers may be short words may be said selfishness may rear its ugly head and weekends may drain more life than they give

You may have had times like these too

Not that I will give up on our marriage altogether but perhaps I will give in to the idea that my marriage will just have to get by Life takes over I lose my vision The dream slips low on the priority list In the middle of the night I wrestle with thoughts like ldquoThis is too hardrdquo

Yes everyone needs outside support for their marriage In fact this step for us has been exactly what propels our relationship to the level we desire

Take a look at some common misconceptions that keep people from getting that support

ldquoWe donrsquot really need to talk with someonerdquo

Letrsquos be honest The root of this is pride The ldquowe can do it on our ownrdquo mentality at its best robs so many of the thriving marriage they want and

at its worst can lead to the end of a marriage We all stand at the wedding altar with dreams of a beautiful relationship Why not give yourselves a gift by taking action to fulfill those dreams It is not a sign of weakness but a spirit of wisdom that shows maturity commitment and strength

ldquoWe donrsquot have the money or timerdquo

This is almost always a priority issue What in your budget or schedule is more important than your marriage Will your kids think itrsquos worth it for you to work on your marriage Five years down the road will you regret investing in your marriage

ldquoWhat if people knewrdquo

Why not be a part of a growing movement of people who say ldquoThe best thing wersquove done for our marriage is work with a marriage coachrdquo You can be part of normalizing this healthy habit so that someday itrsquos as routine for couples as having a physical seeing the dentist etc We pay attention to the healthiness of other areas of life Why not do the same for the most important relationship we have

Yes I sometimes blow it in my marriage When I do Irsquom left with a decision Will I allow discouragement to steal my commitment to this relationship Or will I choose to give myself and my spouse grace and have a fresh dedication to building our dream one day at a time So I choose to live the philosophy that I espouse for my coaching clients A thriving marriage can happen today

Todayrsquos agenda for my husband and me reflects that Connect with our family coach (yes we value an outside perspective for our relationship too) A coffee date with my lover (okay a coffee mocha for him and a green iced tea with no sweetener for me ldquoCoffee daterdquo just sounds so much cooler than a ldquotea daterdquo) Time with our kids this evening

Of all the things that could demand our attention nothing is more important than building this dream we share

How to Create the Marriage You Desire

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 15

Michelle Klavohn is a family coach with more than 20 years experience in the field of Human Development She has a masterrsquos degree in communication and has been a communication educator for 10 years She and her husband Jon have been married for 23 years and have two children Kate and Carson

16 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 17

MARRIAGE INC IMPACT AWARD - 2015

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

Steve and LindaSweeney

18 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

In 38 years of marriage wersquove learned this timeless truth The quality of our marriage does not depend on the monumental events or big decisions of life mdash how much money we earn whether we take an anniversary cruise the size of our house or even how we respond to an unexpected family crisis We have discovered over time that the little things matter most in determining the health and level of satisfaction in our marriage How we talk our priorities how we treat the other (both in private and public) and our ability to laugh are all better reflections of our marriagersquos well-being than are securing tickets to a favorite Broadway production or the value of our 401(k)

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 19

Lessons from a Wedding Psalm

Dr Kent and Beth Olney

We are not sure why it has taken us so long to learn this truth Perhaps it is because we are prone to invest so much time and energy pulling off what we hope will be viewed as impressive accomplishments After achieving a goal we naturally want to sit back and congratulate ourselves for being such exemplary spouses

The reality is however that simple daily habits and responses contribute more to our marriage than the occasional spectacular events In her 2013 book The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages author Shaunti Feldhahn confirms this truth (see pages 6-7 of this magazine) So does a much older writing Psalm 45 which carries the interesting title of ldquoA Wedding Songrdquo (or ldquoA Song of Lovesrdquo in the classic King James version) We encourage you to read it for yourself and discover its enduring marriage message

The psalm begins by referring to marriage as a ldquonoble themerdquo (v 1) one that is worth considering In other words we do ourselves a favor when we pause to think about marriage and how we might get the most out of it When a couple dares to do that the results may be surprising

Suggested in this psalm are several profound and yet unexpected principles for making an attractive husband and a magnificent wife ndash descriptions that by the way are both implied in the psalm

The first half of Psalm 45 speaks to the husband who is referred to as ldquothe most excellent of menrdquo (v 2) What would it take today for a husband to earn that title from his wife How might he become so attractive to his spouse that he is thought of in this way Hints are given as the psalm unfolds Here are five defining characteristics

Graceful talk which means not just what is said but also how one says it Splendid character including an emphasis on truth humility and making wise choices Commendable priorities that are plain for all to see applaud and imitate Cheerful disposition wherein others are encouraged and find their spirits lifted Respectful interactions such that others are consistently and genuinely honored

Not one of these has a price tag Yet their value to any marriage is enormous At first glance each trait may seem relatively small but each has vast potential to transform a relationship Men take note

Not one of these has a price tagYet their value to any marriage is enormous

20 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The second part of the psalm addresses the bride Practical tips if observed would make any man feel he had a magnificent or ldquoroyalrdquo (v 9) bride How might a wife enhance the possibility of being considered magnificent by her husband What are some qualities she might develop to elevate her in the eyes of her husband Psalm 45 points to several possibilities including

Listening well so that genuine communication takes place Forgetting the past and adopting new loyalties and patterns Cultivating beauty for the purpose of pleasing and honoring her husband Contributing socially by winning othersrsquo favor and thus becoming a public asset Developing friendships that are healthy pleasant and mutually enriching

Again what is noteworthy is that this list contains ideas that are far from extraordinary Ladies minor adjustments often have a profound impact

Psalm 45 contains three overarching truths One despite what scoffers might say a good marriage is possible Two Godrsquos Word can help us attain such a marriage Those who dare to live by biblical principles will uncover helpful instruction and insight to enhance their relationships Three little things really do matter most when it comes to creating a successful and happy marriage No one needs to wait 38 years to discover that

Dr Kent and Beth Olney serve as co-directors of Marriage Inc Both are employed at Olivet Nazarene University where Kent is professor of Sociology and chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences Beth directs the Center for Student Success They are parents to Luke and Kyle and grandparents to Autumn and Kamden the children of Kyle and his wife Amber

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 21

22 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

the good news

aboutmarriage

BOOK RESOURCE

Did You KnowThe actual divorce rate has never come close to 50 Church attendance makes a HUGEdifference Most marriages are strong and happy for a lifetime

What does this mean for youIf you are a marriage champion mdash a pastor counselor or simply someone who cares aboutmarriages mdash you need to know this new information As one marriage leader put it ldquoIf thisis true the implications are enormousrdquo

Next steps Read the book Discuss findings with fellow leaders ldquoHow does this change how we talk about marriagerdquo ldquoHow does this change how we counsel couplesrdquo Visit wwwGoodNewsMarriagecom for leaders to find

Brief videos Interviews with national leaders discussing the implications and potential changes A slide share presentation with key info and research Bulk discount information

ldquoThis book will change how all of us think and talk about marriage and divorcerdquo mdashLysa Terkeurst president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

ldquoIn 32 years of marriage ministry I have been demoralized at times by the negative statistics quoted And now I am ecstatic as I read the truth in this incredible bookrdquo mdashJimmy Evans Founder of MarriageToday and Senior Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church

ldquoShauntirsquos thoroughly researched book will inject life and hope not only into our national consciousness about marriage but also into every individual marriage in the countryrdquo mdashDr Tim Clinton President of American Association of Christian Counselors

ldquoBelievers who put their faith into practice mdash who worship together and pray together mdash are muchmore likely to enjoy stable and happy marriages This is good news indeedrdquo mdashW Bradford Wilcox National Marriage Project Director Associate Professor of Sociology University of Virginia

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 23

24 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Kenneth and Marlene Carr are pastors at Total Restoration Christian Center in Kankakee Illinois Married for 26 years the Carrs have six children a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 25

BLESSINGSampLaura Wasson Warfel

ldquoMarriage has a lot of seasonsrdquo says Marlene Carr as she looks toward her husband Kenneth ldquoWe got married on Christmas Day It was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s The next morning there was a blizzard and 10 inches of snowrdquo

Weathering those seasons and growing closer than ever is one of the secrets to a successful marriage God uses those testing times to bring strength and a closer walk with Him

A TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGEA TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGE

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

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or visit us online atmunicipalbankcom

CUSTOMER GRUMISH CHIRO-PRACTIC OFF PROOF TIME 9152014 32039 PM

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PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

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THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

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By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 16: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

14 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Great marriage and family life is not reserved for a select few people who get very very lucky It is a vision and a goal to pursue wholeheartedly

Irsquove had this dream in my own life for a very long time Some days the vision is loud confident and victorious Other days it is much shyer shaken by my own shortcomings

True confessions My husband and I have our own times that take their toll on the dreams we have for a dynamic marriage and family The past three years have brought some of the most painful losses and circumstances that wersquove had to navigate in our 24 years together I refer to it as the ldquoperfect stormrdquo The loss of numerous friendships that were like family to us the end of a ministry role that was extremely meaningful for me a painful change in our church community unfulfilled career goals and to top it off the mayhem of finding out I am in full-blown menopause What (I hear that by itself is enough to make a couple think life as they know it may be over)

This long season in our family of what we refer to as ldquosurvival moderdquo has taken its toll Tempers may be short words may be said selfishness may rear its ugly head and weekends may drain more life than they give

You may have had times like these too

Not that I will give up on our marriage altogether but perhaps I will give in to the idea that my marriage will just have to get by Life takes over I lose my vision The dream slips low on the priority list In the middle of the night I wrestle with thoughts like ldquoThis is too hardrdquo

Yes everyone needs outside support for their marriage In fact this step for us has been exactly what propels our relationship to the level we desire

Take a look at some common misconceptions that keep people from getting that support

ldquoWe donrsquot really need to talk with someonerdquo

Letrsquos be honest The root of this is pride The ldquowe can do it on our ownrdquo mentality at its best robs so many of the thriving marriage they want and

at its worst can lead to the end of a marriage We all stand at the wedding altar with dreams of a beautiful relationship Why not give yourselves a gift by taking action to fulfill those dreams It is not a sign of weakness but a spirit of wisdom that shows maturity commitment and strength

ldquoWe donrsquot have the money or timerdquo

This is almost always a priority issue What in your budget or schedule is more important than your marriage Will your kids think itrsquos worth it for you to work on your marriage Five years down the road will you regret investing in your marriage

ldquoWhat if people knewrdquo

Why not be a part of a growing movement of people who say ldquoThe best thing wersquove done for our marriage is work with a marriage coachrdquo You can be part of normalizing this healthy habit so that someday itrsquos as routine for couples as having a physical seeing the dentist etc We pay attention to the healthiness of other areas of life Why not do the same for the most important relationship we have

Yes I sometimes blow it in my marriage When I do Irsquom left with a decision Will I allow discouragement to steal my commitment to this relationship Or will I choose to give myself and my spouse grace and have a fresh dedication to building our dream one day at a time So I choose to live the philosophy that I espouse for my coaching clients A thriving marriage can happen today

Todayrsquos agenda for my husband and me reflects that Connect with our family coach (yes we value an outside perspective for our relationship too) A coffee date with my lover (okay a coffee mocha for him and a green iced tea with no sweetener for me ldquoCoffee daterdquo just sounds so much cooler than a ldquotea daterdquo) Time with our kids this evening

Of all the things that could demand our attention nothing is more important than building this dream we share

How to Create the Marriage You Desire

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 15

Michelle Klavohn is a family coach with more than 20 years experience in the field of Human Development She has a masterrsquos degree in communication and has been a communication educator for 10 years She and her husband Jon have been married for 23 years and have two children Kate and Carson

16 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 17

MARRIAGE INC IMPACT AWARD - 2015

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

Steve and LindaSweeney

18 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

In 38 years of marriage wersquove learned this timeless truth The quality of our marriage does not depend on the monumental events or big decisions of life mdash how much money we earn whether we take an anniversary cruise the size of our house or even how we respond to an unexpected family crisis We have discovered over time that the little things matter most in determining the health and level of satisfaction in our marriage How we talk our priorities how we treat the other (both in private and public) and our ability to laugh are all better reflections of our marriagersquos well-being than are securing tickets to a favorite Broadway production or the value of our 401(k)

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 19

Lessons from a Wedding Psalm

Dr Kent and Beth Olney

We are not sure why it has taken us so long to learn this truth Perhaps it is because we are prone to invest so much time and energy pulling off what we hope will be viewed as impressive accomplishments After achieving a goal we naturally want to sit back and congratulate ourselves for being such exemplary spouses

The reality is however that simple daily habits and responses contribute more to our marriage than the occasional spectacular events In her 2013 book The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages author Shaunti Feldhahn confirms this truth (see pages 6-7 of this magazine) So does a much older writing Psalm 45 which carries the interesting title of ldquoA Wedding Songrdquo (or ldquoA Song of Lovesrdquo in the classic King James version) We encourage you to read it for yourself and discover its enduring marriage message

The psalm begins by referring to marriage as a ldquonoble themerdquo (v 1) one that is worth considering In other words we do ourselves a favor when we pause to think about marriage and how we might get the most out of it When a couple dares to do that the results may be surprising

Suggested in this psalm are several profound and yet unexpected principles for making an attractive husband and a magnificent wife ndash descriptions that by the way are both implied in the psalm

The first half of Psalm 45 speaks to the husband who is referred to as ldquothe most excellent of menrdquo (v 2) What would it take today for a husband to earn that title from his wife How might he become so attractive to his spouse that he is thought of in this way Hints are given as the psalm unfolds Here are five defining characteristics

Graceful talk which means not just what is said but also how one says it Splendid character including an emphasis on truth humility and making wise choices Commendable priorities that are plain for all to see applaud and imitate Cheerful disposition wherein others are encouraged and find their spirits lifted Respectful interactions such that others are consistently and genuinely honored

Not one of these has a price tag Yet their value to any marriage is enormous At first glance each trait may seem relatively small but each has vast potential to transform a relationship Men take note

Not one of these has a price tagYet their value to any marriage is enormous

20 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The second part of the psalm addresses the bride Practical tips if observed would make any man feel he had a magnificent or ldquoroyalrdquo (v 9) bride How might a wife enhance the possibility of being considered magnificent by her husband What are some qualities she might develop to elevate her in the eyes of her husband Psalm 45 points to several possibilities including

Listening well so that genuine communication takes place Forgetting the past and adopting new loyalties and patterns Cultivating beauty for the purpose of pleasing and honoring her husband Contributing socially by winning othersrsquo favor and thus becoming a public asset Developing friendships that are healthy pleasant and mutually enriching

Again what is noteworthy is that this list contains ideas that are far from extraordinary Ladies minor adjustments often have a profound impact

Psalm 45 contains three overarching truths One despite what scoffers might say a good marriage is possible Two Godrsquos Word can help us attain such a marriage Those who dare to live by biblical principles will uncover helpful instruction and insight to enhance their relationships Three little things really do matter most when it comes to creating a successful and happy marriage No one needs to wait 38 years to discover that

Dr Kent and Beth Olney serve as co-directors of Marriage Inc Both are employed at Olivet Nazarene University where Kent is professor of Sociology and chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences Beth directs the Center for Student Success They are parents to Luke and Kyle and grandparents to Autumn and Kamden the children of Kyle and his wife Amber

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 21

22 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

the good news

aboutmarriage

BOOK RESOURCE

Did You KnowThe actual divorce rate has never come close to 50 Church attendance makes a HUGEdifference Most marriages are strong and happy for a lifetime

What does this mean for youIf you are a marriage champion mdash a pastor counselor or simply someone who cares aboutmarriages mdash you need to know this new information As one marriage leader put it ldquoIf thisis true the implications are enormousrdquo

Next steps Read the book Discuss findings with fellow leaders ldquoHow does this change how we talk about marriagerdquo ldquoHow does this change how we counsel couplesrdquo Visit wwwGoodNewsMarriagecom for leaders to find

Brief videos Interviews with national leaders discussing the implications and potential changes A slide share presentation with key info and research Bulk discount information

ldquoThis book will change how all of us think and talk about marriage and divorcerdquo mdashLysa Terkeurst president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

ldquoIn 32 years of marriage ministry I have been demoralized at times by the negative statistics quoted And now I am ecstatic as I read the truth in this incredible bookrdquo mdashJimmy Evans Founder of MarriageToday and Senior Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church

ldquoShauntirsquos thoroughly researched book will inject life and hope not only into our national consciousness about marriage but also into every individual marriage in the countryrdquo mdashDr Tim Clinton President of American Association of Christian Counselors

ldquoBelievers who put their faith into practice mdash who worship together and pray together mdash are muchmore likely to enjoy stable and happy marriages This is good news indeedrdquo mdashW Bradford Wilcox National Marriage Project Director Associate Professor of Sociology University of Virginia

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 23

24 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Kenneth and Marlene Carr are pastors at Total Restoration Christian Center in Kankakee Illinois Married for 26 years the Carrs have six children a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 25

BLESSINGSampLaura Wasson Warfel

ldquoMarriage has a lot of seasonsrdquo says Marlene Carr as she looks toward her husband Kenneth ldquoWe got married on Christmas Day It was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s The next morning there was a blizzard and 10 inches of snowrdquo

Weathering those seasons and growing closer than ever is one of the secrets to a successful marriage God uses those testing times to bring strength and a closer walk with Him

A TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGEA TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGE

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

midlandsbcom1-855-MY-MIDLAND Member FDIC

BourbonnaisGrant ParkBeecher

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS Three Locations

720 Main St NWBourbonnais IL

228 N Dixie HwyMomence IL

110 Marquette Pl SManteno IL

or visit us online atmunicipalbankcom

CUSTOMER GRUMISH CHIRO-PRACTIC OFF PROOF TIME 9152014 32039 PM

REP ID KKK130 FIRST RUN 092514KK-202140

PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

bull SMALL NEWSPAPER GROUP bull

THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

DATE NIGHT NOTES

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 17: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 15

Michelle Klavohn is a family coach with more than 20 years experience in the field of Human Development She has a masterrsquos degree in communication and has been a communication educator for 10 years She and her husband Jon have been married for 23 years and have two children Kate and Carson

16 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 17

MARRIAGE INC IMPACT AWARD - 2015

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

Steve and LindaSweeney

18 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

In 38 years of marriage wersquove learned this timeless truth The quality of our marriage does not depend on the monumental events or big decisions of life mdash how much money we earn whether we take an anniversary cruise the size of our house or even how we respond to an unexpected family crisis We have discovered over time that the little things matter most in determining the health and level of satisfaction in our marriage How we talk our priorities how we treat the other (both in private and public) and our ability to laugh are all better reflections of our marriagersquos well-being than are securing tickets to a favorite Broadway production or the value of our 401(k)

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 19

Lessons from a Wedding Psalm

Dr Kent and Beth Olney

We are not sure why it has taken us so long to learn this truth Perhaps it is because we are prone to invest so much time and energy pulling off what we hope will be viewed as impressive accomplishments After achieving a goal we naturally want to sit back and congratulate ourselves for being such exemplary spouses

The reality is however that simple daily habits and responses contribute more to our marriage than the occasional spectacular events In her 2013 book The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages author Shaunti Feldhahn confirms this truth (see pages 6-7 of this magazine) So does a much older writing Psalm 45 which carries the interesting title of ldquoA Wedding Songrdquo (or ldquoA Song of Lovesrdquo in the classic King James version) We encourage you to read it for yourself and discover its enduring marriage message

The psalm begins by referring to marriage as a ldquonoble themerdquo (v 1) one that is worth considering In other words we do ourselves a favor when we pause to think about marriage and how we might get the most out of it When a couple dares to do that the results may be surprising

Suggested in this psalm are several profound and yet unexpected principles for making an attractive husband and a magnificent wife ndash descriptions that by the way are both implied in the psalm

The first half of Psalm 45 speaks to the husband who is referred to as ldquothe most excellent of menrdquo (v 2) What would it take today for a husband to earn that title from his wife How might he become so attractive to his spouse that he is thought of in this way Hints are given as the psalm unfolds Here are five defining characteristics

Graceful talk which means not just what is said but also how one says it Splendid character including an emphasis on truth humility and making wise choices Commendable priorities that are plain for all to see applaud and imitate Cheerful disposition wherein others are encouraged and find their spirits lifted Respectful interactions such that others are consistently and genuinely honored

Not one of these has a price tag Yet their value to any marriage is enormous At first glance each trait may seem relatively small but each has vast potential to transform a relationship Men take note

Not one of these has a price tagYet their value to any marriage is enormous

20 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The second part of the psalm addresses the bride Practical tips if observed would make any man feel he had a magnificent or ldquoroyalrdquo (v 9) bride How might a wife enhance the possibility of being considered magnificent by her husband What are some qualities she might develop to elevate her in the eyes of her husband Psalm 45 points to several possibilities including

Listening well so that genuine communication takes place Forgetting the past and adopting new loyalties and patterns Cultivating beauty for the purpose of pleasing and honoring her husband Contributing socially by winning othersrsquo favor and thus becoming a public asset Developing friendships that are healthy pleasant and mutually enriching

Again what is noteworthy is that this list contains ideas that are far from extraordinary Ladies minor adjustments often have a profound impact

Psalm 45 contains three overarching truths One despite what scoffers might say a good marriage is possible Two Godrsquos Word can help us attain such a marriage Those who dare to live by biblical principles will uncover helpful instruction and insight to enhance their relationships Three little things really do matter most when it comes to creating a successful and happy marriage No one needs to wait 38 years to discover that

Dr Kent and Beth Olney serve as co-directors of Marriage Inc Both are employed at Olivet Nazarene University where Kent is professor of Sociology and chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences Beth directs the Center for Student Success They are parents to Luke and Kyle and grandparents to Autumn and Kamden the children of Kyle and his wife Amber

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 21

22 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

the good news

aboutmarriage

BOOK RESOURCE

Did You KnowThe actual divorce rate has never come close to 50 Church attendance makes a HUGEdifference Most marriages are strong and happy for a lifetime

What does this mean for youIf you are a marriage champion mdash a pastor counselor or simply someone who cares aboutmarriages mdash you need to know this new information As one marriage leader put it ldquoIf thisis true the implications are enormousrdquo

Next steps Read the book Discuss findings with fellow leaders ldquoHow does this change how we talk about marriagerdquo ldquoHow does this change how we counsel couplesrdquo Visit wwwGoodNewsMarriagecom for leaders to find

Brief videos Interviews with national leaders discussing the implications and potential changes A slide share presentation with key info and research Bulk discount information

ldquoThis book will change how all of us think and talk about marriage and divorcerdquo mdashLysa Terkeurst president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

ldquoIn 32 years of marriage ministry I have been demoralized at times by the negative statistics quoted And now I am ecstatic as I read the truth in this incredible bookrdquo mdashJimmy Evans Founder of MarriageToday and Senior Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church

ldquoShauntirsquos thoroughly researched book will inject life and hope not only into our national consciousness about marriage but also into every individual marriage in the countryrdquo mdashDr Tim Clinton President of American Association of Christian Counselors

ldquoBelievers who put their faith into practice mdash who worship together and pray together mdash are muchmore likely to enjoy stable and happy marriages This is good news indeedrdquo mdashW Bradford Wilcox National Marriage Project Director Associate Professor of Sociology University of Virginia

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 23

24 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Kenneth and Marlene Carr are pastors at Total Restoration Christian Center in Kankakee Illinois Married for 26 years the Carrs have six children a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 25

BLESSINGSampLaura Wasson Warfel

ldquoMarriage has a lot of seasonsrdquo says Marlene Carr as she looks toward her husband Kenneth ldquoWe got married on Christmas Day It was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s The next morning there was a blizzard and 10 inches of snowrdquo

Weathering those seasons and growing closer than ever is one of the secrets to a successful marriage God uses those testing times to bring strength and a closer walk with Him

A TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGEA TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGE

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

midlandsbcom1-855-MY-MIDLAND Member FDIC

BourbonnaisGrant ParkBeecher

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS Three Locations

720 Main St NWBourbonnais IL

228 N Dixie HwyMomence IL

110 Marquette Pl SManteno IL

or visit us online atmunicipalbankcom

CUSTOMER GRUMISH CHIRO-PRACTIC OFF PROOF TIME 9152014 32039 PM

REP ID KKK130 FIRST RUN 092514KK-202140

PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

bull SMALL NEWSPAPER GROUP bull

THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

DATE NIGHT NOTES

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 18: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

16 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 17

MARRIAGE INC IMPACT AWARD - 2015

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

Steve and LindaSweeney

18 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

In 38 years of marriage wersquove learned this timeless truth The quality of our marriage does not depend on the monumental events or big decisions of life mdash how much money we earn whether we take an anniversary cruise the size of our house or even how we respond to an unexpected family crisis We have discovered over time that the little things matter most in determining the health and level of satisfaction in our marriage How we talk our priorities how we treat the other (both in private and public) and our ability to laugh are all better reflections of our marriagersquos well-being than are securing tickets to a favorite Broadway production or the value of our 401(k)

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 19

Lessons from a Wedding Psalm

Dr Kent and Beth Olney

We are not sure why it has taken us so long to learn this truth Perhaps it is because we are prone to invest so much time and energy pulling off what we hope will be viewed as impressive accomplishments After achieving a goal we naturally want to sit back and congratulate ourselves for being such exemplary spouses

The reality is however that simple daily habits and responses contribute more to our marriage than the occasional spectacular events In her 2013 book The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages author Shaunti Feldhahn confirms this truth (see pages 6-7 of this magazine) So does a much older writing Psalm 45 which carries the interesting title of ldquoA Wedding Songrdquo (or ldquoA Song of Lovesrdquo in the classic King James version) We encourage you to read it for yourself and discover its enduring marriage message

The psalm begins by referring to marriage as a ldquonoble themerdquo (v 1) one that is worth considering In other words we do ourselves a favor when we pause to think about marriage and how we might get the most out of it When a couple dares to do that the results may be surprising

Suggested in this psalm are several profound and yet unexpected principles for making an attractive husband and a magnificent wife ndash descriptions that by the way are both implied in the psalm

The first half of Psalm 45 speaks to the husband who is referred to as ldquothe most excellent of menrdquo (v 2) What would it take today for a husband to earn that title from his wife How might he become so attractive to his spouse that he is thought of in this way Hints are given as the psalm unfolds Here are five defining characteristics

Graceful talk which means not just what is said but also how one says it Splendid character including an emphasis on truth humility and making wise choices Commendable priorities that are plain for all to see applaud and imitate Cheerful disposition wherein others are encouraged and find their spirits lifted Respectful interactions such that others are consistently and genuinely honored

Not one of these has a price tag Yet their value to any marriage is enormous At first glance each trait may seem relatively small but each has vast potential to transform a relationship Men take note

Not one of these has a price tagYet their value to any marriage is enormous

20 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The second part of the psalm addresses the bride Practical tips if observed would make any man feel he had a magnificent or ldquoroyalrdquo (v 9) bride How might a wife enhance the possibility of being considered magnificent by her husband What are some qualities she might develop to elevate her in the eyes of her husband Psalm 45 points to several possibilities including

Listening well so that genuine communication takes place Forgetting the past and adopting new loyalties and patterns Cultivating beauty for the purpose of pleasing and honoring her husband Contributing socially by winning othersrsquo favor and thus becoming a public asset Developing friendships that are healthy pleasant and mutually enriching

Again what is noteworthy is that this list contains ideas that are far from extraordinary Ladies minor adjustments often have a profound impact

Psalm 45 contains three overarching truths One despite what scoffers might say a good marriage is possible Two Godrsquos Word can help us attain such a marriage Those who dare to live by biblical principles will uncover helpful instruction and insight to enhance their relationships Three little things really do matter most when it comes to creating a successful and happy marriage No one needs to wait 38 years to discover that

Dr Kent and Beth Olney serve as co-directors of Marriage Inc Both are employed at Olivet Nazarene University where Kent is professor of Sociology and chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences Beth directs the Center for Student Success They are parents to Luke and Kyle and grandparents to Autumn and Kamden the children of Kyle and his wife Amber

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 21

22 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

the good news

aboutmarriage

BOOK RESOURCE

Did You KnowThe actual divorce rate has never come close to 50 Church attendance makes a HUGEdifference Most marriages are strong and happy for a lifetime

What does this mean for youIf you are a marriage champion mdash a pastor counselor or simply someone who cares aboutmarriages mdash you need to know this new information As one marriage leader put it ldquoIf thisis true the implications are enormousrdquo

Next steps Read the book Discuss findings with fellow leaders ldquoHow does this change how we talk about marriagerdquo ldquoHow does this change how we counsel couplesrdquo Visit wwwGoodNewsMarriagecom for leaders to find

Brief videos Interviews with national leaders discussing the implications and potential changes A slide share presentation with key info and research Bulk discount information

ldquoThis book will change how all of us think and talk about marriage and divorcerdquo mdashLysa Terkeurst president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

ldquoIn 32 years of marriage ministry I have been demoralized at times by the negative statistics quoted And now I am ecstatic as I read the truth in this incredible bookrdquo mdashJimmy Evans Founder of MarriageToday and Senior Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church

ldquoShauntirsquos thoroughly researched book will inject life and hope not only into our national consciousness about marriage but also into every individual marriage in the countryrdquo mdashDr Tim Clinton President of American Association of Christian Counselors

ldquoBelievers who put their faith into practice mdash who worship together and pray together mdash are muchmore likely to enjoy stable and happy marriages This is good news indeedrdquo mdashW Bradford Wilcox National Marriage Project Director Associate Professor of Sociology University of Virginia

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 23

24 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Kenneth and Marlene Carr are pastors at Total Restoration Christian Center in Kankakee Illinois Married for 26 years the Carrs have six children a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 25

BLESSINGSampLaura Wasson Warfel

ldquoMarriage has a lot of seasonsrdquo says Marlene Carr as she looks toward her husband Kenneth ldquoWe got married on Christmas Day It was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s The next morning there was a blizzard and 10 inches of snowrdquo

Weathering those seasons and growing closer than ever is one of the secrets to a successful marriage God uses those testing times to bring strength and a closer walk with Him

A TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGEA TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGE

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

midlandsbcom1-855-MY-MIDLAND Member FDIC

BourbonnaisGrant ParkBeecher

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

SPO

NSO

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VERT

ISEM

ENTS Three Locations

720 Main St NWBourbonnais IL

228 N Dixie HwyMomence IL

110 Marquette Pl SManteno IL

or visit us online atmunicipalbankcom

CUSTOMER GRUMISH CHIRO-PRACTIC OFF PROOF TIME 9152014 32039 PM

REP ID KKK130 FIRST RUN 092514KK-202140

PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

bull SMALL NEWSPAPER GROUP bull

THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

DATE NIGHT NOTES

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 19: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 17

MARRIAGE INC IMPACT AWARD - 2015

The Marriage

Inc Impact Award is given annually to an individual or a couple who has made significant investments in the marriages of couples in the greater Kankakee County area This yearrsquos recipients are Steve and Linda Sweeney They

have left their mark not only on Marriage Inc as an organization but also on the good people of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais where they both attend

When Marriage Inc asked Cornerstone Associate Pastor Rod Franklin for his comments on Steve and Linda he replied ldquoI donrsquot know any couple in or out of our church

who has more of a gentle servantrsquos heartrdquo

Marriage Inc agrees The Sweeneys have demonstrated tireless work on behalf of marriages in Kankakee County For years they have taught classes in their home on how to be a godly wife and husband At Cornerstone Church they

have led and continue to lead two different small groups one of which was specifically for married couples They have led mission trips to Red Bird

mission and their contact with couples on the mission field has impacted many lives They demonstrate the gift of hospitality in remarkable ways

Steve and Linda have been trained through Marriage Inc as marriage mentors and have mentored numerous couples who are preparing

for marriage They have served on the Marriage Inc committee since its founding making vital contributions to this ministry

The Sweeneys are great role models for marriage in our community

We are pleased to present the 2015 Marriage Inc Impact Award to Steve and Linda Sweeney of

Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais

Steve and LindaSweeney

18 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

In 38 years of marriage wersquove learned this timeless truth The quality of our marriage does not depend on the monumental events or big decisions of life mdash how much money we earn whether we take an anniversary cruise the size of our house or even how we respond to an unexpected family crisis We have discovered over time that the little things matter most in determining the health and level of satisfaction in our marriage How we talk our priorities how we treat the other (both in private and public) and our ability to laugh are all better reflections of our marriagersquos well-being than are securing tickets to a favorite Broadway production or the value of our 401(k)

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 19

Lessons from a Wedding Psalm

Dr Kent and Beth Olney

We are not sure why it has taken us so long to learn this truth Perhaps it is because we are prone to invest so much time and energy pulling off what we hope will be viewed as impressive accomplishments After achieving a goal we naturally want to sit back and congratulate ourselves for being such exemplary spouses

The reality is however that simple daily habits and responses contribute more to our marriage than the occasional spectacular events In her 2013 book The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages author Shaunti Feldhahn confirms this truth (see pages 6-7 of this magazine) So does a much older writing Psalm 45 which carries the interesting title of ldquoA Wedding Songrdquo (or ldquoA Song of Lovesrdquo in the classic King James version) We encourage you to read it for yourself and discover its enduring marriage message

The psalm begins by referring to marriage as a ldquonoble themerdquo (v 1) one that is worth considering In other words we do ourselves a favor when we pause to think about marriage and how we might get the most out of it When a couple dares to do that the results may be surprising

Suggested in this psalm are several profound and yet unexpected principles for making an attractive husband and a magnificent wife ndash descriptions that by the way are both implied in the psalm

The first half of Psalm 45 speaks to the husband who is referred to as ldquothe most excellent of menrdquo (v 2) What would it take today for a husband to earn that title from his wife How might he become so attractive to his spouse that he is thought of in this way Hints are given as the psalm unfolds Here are five defining characteristics

Graceful talk which means not just what is said but also how one says it Splendid character including an emphasis on truth humility and making wise choices Commendable priorities that are plain for all to see applaud and imitate Cheerful disposition wherein others are encouraged and find their spirits lifted Respectful interactions such that others are consistently and genuinely honored

Not one of these has a price tag Yet their value to any marriage is enormous At first glance each trait may seem relatively small but each has vast potential to transform a relationship Men take note

Not one of these has a price tagYet their value to any marriage is enormous

20 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The second part of the psalm addresses the bride Practical tips if observed would make any man feel he had a magnificent or ldquoroyalrdquo (v 9) bride How might a wife enhance the possibility of being considered magnificent by her husband What are some qualities she might develop to elevate her in the eyes of her husband Psalm 45 points to several possibilities including

Listening well so that genuine communication takes place Forgetting the past and adopting new loyalties and patterns Cultivating beauty for the purpose of pleasing and honoring her husband Contributing socially by winning othersrsquo favor and thus becoming a public asset Developing friendships that are healthy pleasant and mutually enriching

Again what is noteworthy is that this list contains ideas that are far from extraordinary Ladies minor adjustments often have a profound impact

Psalm 45 contains three overarching truths One despite what scoffers might say a good marriage is possible Two Godrsquos Word can help us attain such a marriage Those who dare to live by biblical principles will uncover helpful instruction and insight to enhance their relationships Three little things really do matter most when it comes to creating a successful and happy marriage No one needs to wait 38 years to discover that

Dr Kent and Beth Olney serve as co-directors of Marriage Inc Both are employed at Olivet Nazarene University where Kent is professor of Sociology and chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences Beth directs the Center for Student Success They are parents to Luke and Kyle and grandparents to Autumn and Kamden the children of Kyle and his wife Amber

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 21

22 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

the good news

aboutmarriage

BOOK RESOURCE

Did You KnowThe actual divorce rate has never come close to 50 Church attendance makes a HUGEdifference Most marriages are strong and happy for a lifetime

What does this mean for youIf you are a marriage champion mdash a pastor counselor or simply someone who cares aboutmarriages mdash you need to know this new information As one marriage leader put it ldquoIf thisis true the implications are enormousrdquo

Next steps Read the book Discuss findings with fellow leaders ldquoHow does this change how we talk about marriagerdquo ldquoHow does this change how we counsel couplesrdquo Visit wwwGoodNewsMarriagecom for leaders to find

Brief videos Interviews with national leaders discussing the implications and potential changes A slide share presentation with key info and research Bulk discount information

ldquoThis book will change how all of us think and talk about marriage and divorcerdquo mdashLysa Terkeurst president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

ldquoIn 32 years of marriage ministry I have been demoralized at times by the negative statistics quoted And now I am ecstatic as I read the truth in this incredible bookrdquo mdashJimmy Evans Founder of MarriageToday and Senior Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church

ldquoShauntirsquos thoroughly researched book will inject life and hope not only into our national consciousness about marriage but also into every individual marriage in the countryrdquo mdashDr Tim Clinton President of American Association of Christian Counselors

ldquoBelievers who put their faith into practice mdash who worship together and pray together mdash are muchmore likely to enjoy stable and happy marriages This is good news indeedrdquo mdashW Bradford Wilcox National Marriage Project Director Associate Professor of Sociology University of Virginia

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 23

24 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Kenneth and Marlene Carr are pastors at Total Restoration Christian Center in Kankakee Illinois Married for 26 years the Carrs have six children a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 25

BLESSINGSampLaura Wasson Warfel

ldquoMarriage has a lot of seasonsrdquo says Marlene Carr as she looks toward her husband Kenneth ldquoWe got married on Christmas Day It was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s The next morning there was a blizzard and 10 inches of snowrdquo

Weathering those seasons and growing closer than ever is one of the secrets to a successful marriage God uses those testing times to bring strength and a closer walk with Him

A TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGEA TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGE

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

midlandsbcom1-855-MY-MIDLAND Member FDIC

BourbonnaisGrant ParkBeecher

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS Three Locations

720 Main St NWBourbonnais IL

228 N Dixie HwyMomence IL

110 Marquette Pl SManteno IL

or visit us online atmunicipalbankcom

CUSTOMER GRUMISH CHIRO-PRACTIC OFF PROOF TIME 9152014 32039 PM

REP ID KKK130 FIRST RUN 092514KK-202140

PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

bull SMALL NEWSPAPER GROUP bull

THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

DATE NIGHT NOTES

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 20: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

18 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

In 38 years of marriage wersquove learned this timeless truth The quality of our marriage does not depend on the monumental events or big decisions of life mdash how much money we earn whether we take an anniversary cruise the size of our house or even how we respond to an unexpected family crisis We have discovered over time that the little things matter most in determining the health and level of satisfaction in our marriage How we talk our priorities how we treat the other (both in private and public) and our ability to laugh are all better reflections of our marriagersquos well-being than are securing tickets to a favorite Broadway production or the value of our 401(k)

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 19

Lessons from a Wedding Psalm

Dr Kent and Beth Olney

We are not sure why it has taken us so long to learn this truth Perhaps it is because we are prone to invest so much time and energy pulling off what we hope will be viewed as impressive accomplishments After achieving a goal we naturally want to sit back and congratulate ourselves for being such exemplary spouses

The reality is however that simple daily habits and responses contribute more to our marriage than the occasional spectacular events In her 2013 book The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages author Shaunti Feldhahn confirms this truth (see pages 6-7 of this magazine) So does a much older writing Psalm 45 which carries the interesting title of ldquoA Wedding Songrdquo (or ldquoA Song of Lovesrdquo in the classic King James version) We encourage you to read it for yourself and discover its enduring marriage message

The psalm begins by referring to marriage as a ldquonoble themerdquo (v 1) one that is worth considering In other words we do ourselves a favor when we pause to think about marriage and how we might get the most out of it When a couple dares to do that the results may be surprising

Suggested in this psalm are several profound and yet unexpected principles for making an attractive husband and a magnificent wife ndash descriptions that by the way are both implied in the psalm

The first half of Psalm 45 speaks to the husband who is referred to as ldquothe most excellent of menrdquo (v 2) What would it take today for a husband to earn that title from his wife How might he become so attractive to his spouse that he is thought of in this way Hints are given as the psalm unfolds Here are five defining characteristics

Graceful talk which means not just what is said but also how one says it Splendid character including an emphasis on truth humility and making wise choices Commendable priorities that are plain for all to see applaud and imitate Cheerful disposition wherein others are encouraged and find their spirits lifted Respectful interactions such that others are consistently and genuinely honored

Not one of these has a price tag Yet their value to any marriage is enormous At first glance each trait may seem relatively small but each has vast potential to transform a relationship Men take note

Not one of these has a price tagYet their value to any marriage is enormous

20 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The second part of the psalm addresses the bride Practical tips if observed would make any man feel he had a magnificent or ldquoroyalrdquo (v 9) bride How might a wife enhance the possibility of being considered magnificent by her husband What are some qualities she might develop to elevate her in the eyes of her husband Psalm 45 points to several possibilities including

Listening well so that genuine communication takes place Forgetting the past and adopting new loyalties and patterns Cultivating beauty for the purpose of pleasing and honoring her husband Contributing socially by winning othersrsquo favor and thus becoming a public asset Developing friendships that are healthy pleasant and mutually enriching

Again what is noteworthy is that this list contains ideas that are far from extraordinary Ladies minor adjustments often have a profound impact

Psalm 45 contains three overarching truths One despite what scoffers might say a good marriage is possible Two Godrsquos Word can help us attain such a marriage Those who dare to live by biblical principles will uncover helpful instruction and insight to enhance their relationships Three little things really do matter most when it comes to creating a successful and happy marriage No one needs to wait 38 years to discover that

Dr Kent and Beth Olney serve as co-directors of Marriage Inc Both are employed at Olivet Nazarene University where Kent is professor of Sociology and chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences Beth directs the Center for Student Success They are parents to Luke and Kyle and grandparents to Autumn and Kamden the children of Kyle and his wife Amber

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 21

22 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

the good news

aboutmarriage

BOOK RESOURCE

Did You KnowThe actual divorce rate has never come close to 50 Church attendance makes a HUGEdifference Most marriages are strong and happy for a lifetime

What does this mean for youIf you are a marriage champion mdash a pastor counselor or simply someone who cares aboutmarriages mdash you need to know this new information As one marriage leader put it ldquoIf thisis true the implications are enormousrdquo

Next steps Read the book Discuss findings with fellow leaders ldquoHow does this change how we talk about marriagerdquo ldquoHow does this change how we counsel couplesrdquo Visit wwwGoodNewsMarriagecom for leaders to find

Brief videos Interviews with national leaders discussing the implications and potential changes A slide share presentation with key info and research Bulk discount information

ldquoThis book will change how all of us think and talk about marriage and divorcerdquo mdashLysa Terkeurst president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

ldquoIn 32 years of marriage ministry I have been demoralized at times by the negative statistics quoted And now I am ecstatic as I read the truth in this incredible bookrdquo mdashJimmy Evans Founder of MarriageToday and Senior Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church

ldquoShauntirsquos thoroughly researched book will inject life and hope not only into our national consciousness about marriage but also into every individual marriage in the countryrdquo mdashDr Tim Clinton President of American Association of Christian Counselors

ldquoBelievers who put their faith into practice mdash who worship together and pray together mdash are muchmore likely to enjoy stable and happy marriages This is good news indeedrdquo mdashW Bradford Wilcox National Marriage Project Director Associate Professor of Sociology University of Virginia

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 23

24 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Kenneth and Marlene Carr are pastors at Total Restoration Christian Center in Kankakee Illinois Married for 26 years the Carrs have six children a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 25

BLESSINGSampLaura Wasson Warfel

ldquoMarriage has a lot of seasonsrdquo says Marlene Carr as she looks toward her husband Kenneth ldquoWe got married on Christmas Day It was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s The next morning there was a blizzard and 10 inches of snowrdquo

Weathering those seasons and growing closer than ever is one of the secrets to a successful marriage God uses those testing times to bring strength and a closer walk with Him

A TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGEA TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGE

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

midlandsbcom1-855-MY-MIDLAND Member FDIC

BourbonnaisGrant ParkBeecher

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS Three Locations

720 Main St NWBourbonnais IL

228 N Dixie HwyMomence IL

110 Marquette Pl SManteno IL

or visit us online atmunicipalbankcom

CUSTOMER GRUMISH CHIRO-PRACTIC OFF PROOF TIME 9152014 32039 PM

REP ID KKK130 FIRST RUN 092514KK-202140

PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

bull SMALL NEWSPAPER GROUP bull

THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

DATE NIGHT NOTES

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 21: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

In 38 years of marriage wersquove learned this timeless truth The quality of our marriage does not depend on the monumental events or big decisions of life mdash how much money we earn whether we take an anniversary cruise the size of our house or even how we respond to an unexpected family crisis We have discovered over time that the little things matter most in determining the health and level of satisfaction in our marriage How we talk our priorities how we treat the other (both in private and public) and our ability to laugh are all better reflections of our marriagersquos well-being than are securing tickets to a favorite Broadway production or the value of our 401(k)

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 19

Lessons from a Wedding Psalm

Dr Kent and Beth Olney

We are not sure why it has taken us so long to learn this truth Perhaps it is because we are prone to invest so much time and energy pulling off what we hope will be viewed as impressive accomplishments After achieving a goal we naturally want to sit back and congratulate ourselves for being such exemplary spouses

The reality is however that simple daily habits and responses contribute more to our marriage than the occasional spectacular events In her 2013 book The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages author Shaunti Feldhahn confirms this truth (see pages 6-7 of this magazine) So does a much older writing Psalm 45 which carries the interesting title of ldquoA Wedding Songrdquo (or ldquoA Song of Lovesrdquo in the classic King James version) We encourage you to read it for yourself and discover its enduring marriage message

The psalm begins by referring to marriage as a ldquonoble themerdquo (v 1) one that is worth considering In other words we do ourselves a favor when we pause to think about marriage and how we might get the most out of it When a couple dares to do that the results may be surprising

Suggested in this psalm are several profound and yet unexpected principles for making an attractive husband and a magnificent wife ndash descriptions that by the way are both implied in the psalm

The first half of Psalm 45 speaks to the husband who is referred to as ldquothe most excellent of menrdquo (v 2) What would it take today for a husband to earn that title from his wife How might he become so attractive to his spouse that he is thought of in this way Hints are given as the psalm unfolds Here are five defining characteristics

Graceful talk which means not just what is said but also how one says it Splendid character including an emphasis on truth humility and making wise choices Commendable priorities that are plain for all to see applaud and imitate Cheerful disposition wherein others are encouraged and find their spirits lifted Respectful interactions such that others are consistently and genuinely honored

Not one of these has a price tag Yet their value to any marriage is enormous At first glance each trait may seem relatively small but each has vast potential to transform a relationship Men take note

Not one of these has a price tagYet their value to any marriage is enormous

20 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The second part of the psalm addresses the bride Practical tips if observed would make any man feel he had a magnificent or ldquoroyalrdquo (v 9) bride How might a wife enhance the possibility of being considered magnificent by her husband What are some qualities she might develop to elevate her in the eyes of her husband Psalm 45 points to several possibilities including

Listening well so that genuine communication takes place Forgetting the past and adopting new loyalties and patterns Cultivating beauty for the purpose of pleasing and honoring her husband Contributing socially by winning othersrsquo favor and thus becoming a public asset Developing friendships that are healthy pleasant and mutually enriching

Again what is noteworthy is that this list contains ideas that are far from extraordinary Ladies minor adjustments often have a profound impact

Psalm 45 contains three overarching truths One despite what scoffers might say a good marriage is possible Two Godrsquos Word can help us attain such a marriage Those who dare to live by biblical principles will uncover helpful instruction and insight to enhance their relationships Three little things really do matter most when it comes to creating a successful and happy marriage No one needs to wait 38 years to discover that

Dr Kent and Beth Olney serve as co-directors of Marriage Inc Both are employed at Olivet Nazarene University where Kent is professor of Sociology and chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences Beth directs the Center for Student Success They are parents to Luke and Kyle and grandparents to Autumn and Kamden the children of Kyle and his wife Amber

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 21

22 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

the good news

aboutmarriage

BOOK RESOURCE

Did You KnowThe actual divorce rate has never come close to 50 Church attendance makes a HUGEdifference Most marriages are strong and happy for a lifetime

What does this mean for youIf you are a marriage champion mdash a pastor counselor or simply someone who cares aboutmarriages mdash you need to know this new information As one marriage leader put it ldquoIf thisis true the implications are enormousrdquo

Next steps Read the book Discuss findings with fellow leaders ldquoHow does this change how we talk about marriagerdquo ldquoHow does this change how we counsel couplesrdquo Visit wwwGoodNewsMarriagecom for leaders to find

Brief videos Interviews with national leaders discussing the implications and potential changes A slide share presentation with key info and research Bulk discount information

ldquoThis book will change how all of us think and talk about marriage and divorcerdquo mdashLysa Terkeurst president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

ldquoIn 32 years of marriage ministry I have been demoralized at times by the negative statistics quoted And now I am ecstatic as I read the truth in this incredible bookrdquo mdashJimmy Evans Founder of MarriageToday and Senior Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church

ldquoShauntirsquos thoroughly researched book will inject life and hope not only into our national consciousness about marriage but also into every individual marriage in the countryrdquo mdashDr Tim Clinton President of American Association of Christian Counselors

ldquoBelievers who put their faith into practice mdash who worship together and pray together mdash are muchmore likely to enjoy stable and happy marriages This is good news indeedrdquo mdashW Bradford Wilcox National Marriage Project Director Associate Professor of Sociology University of Virginia

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 23

24 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Kenneth and Marlene Carr are pastors at Total Restoration Christian Center in Kankakee Illinois Married for 26 years the Carrs have six children a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 25

BLESSINGSampLaura Wasson Warfel

ldquoMarriage has a lot of seasonsrdquo says Marlene Carr as she looks toward her husband Kenneth ldquoWe got married on Christmas Day It was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s The next morning there was a blizzard and 10 inches of snowrdquo

Weathering those seasons and growing closer than ever is one of the secrets to a successful marriage God uses those testing times to bring strength and a closer walk with Him

A TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGEA TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGE

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

midlandsbcom1-855-MY-MIDLAND Member FDIC

BourbonnaisGrant ParkBeecher

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NSO

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VERT

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720 Main St NWBourbonnais IL

228 N Dixie HwyMomence IL

110 Marquette Pl SManteno IL

or visit us online atmunicipalbankcom

CUSTOMER GRUMISH CHIRO-PRACTIC OFF PROOF TIME 9152014 32039 PM

REP ID KKK130 FIRST RUN 092514KK-202140

PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

bull SMALL NEWSPAPER GROUP bull

THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

SPO

NSO

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VERT

ISEM

ENTS

DATE NIGHT NOTES

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 22: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

We are not sure why it has taken us so long to learn this truth Perhaps it is because we are prone to invest so much time and energy pulling off what we hope will be viewed as impressive accomplishments After achieving a goal we naturally want to sit back and congratulate ourselves for being such exemplary spouses

The reality is however that simple daily habits and responses contribute more to our marriage than the occasional spectacular events In her 2013 book The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages author Shaunti Feldhahn confirms this truth (see pages 6-7 of this magazine) So does a much older writing Psalm 45 which carries the interesting title of ldquoA Wedding Songrdquo (or ldquoA Song of Lovesrdquo in the classic King James version) We encourage you to read it for yourself and discover its enduring marriage message

The psalm begins by referring to marriage as a ldquonoble themerdquo (v 1) one that is worth considering In other words we do ourselves a favor when we pause to think about marriage and how we might get the most out of it When a couple dares to do that the results may be surprising

Suggested in this psalm are several profound and yet unexpected principles for making an attractive husband and a magnificent wife ndash descriptions that by the way are both implied in the psalm

The first half of Psalm 45 speaks to the husband who is referred to as ldquothe most excellent of menrdquo (v 2) What would it take today for a husband to earn that title from his wife How might he become so attractive to his spouse that he is thought of in this way Hints are given as the psalm unfolds Here are five defining characteristics

Graceful talk which means not just what is said but also how one says it Splendid character including an emphasis on truth humility and making wise choices Commendable priorities that are plain for all to see applaud and imitate Cheerful disposition wherein others are encouraged and find their spirits lifted Respectful interactions such that others are consistently and genuinely honored

Not one of these has a price tag Yet their value to any marriage is enormous At first glance each trait may seem relatively small but each has vast potential to transform a relationship Men take note

Not one of these has a price tagYet their value to any marriage is enormous

20 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

The second part of the psalm addresses the bride Practical tips if observed would make any man feel he had a magnificent or ldquoroyalrdquo (v 9) bride How might a wife enhance the possibility of being considered magnificent by her husband What are some qualities she might develop to elevate her in the eyes of her husband Psalm 45 points to several possibilities including

Listening well so that genuine communication takes place Forgetting the past and adopting new loyalties and patterns Cultivating beauty for the purpose of pleasing and honoring her husband Contributing socially by winning othersrsquo favor and thus becoming a public asset Developing friendships that are healthy pleasant and mutually enriching

Again what is noteworthy is that this list contains ideas that are far from extraordinary Ladies minor adjustments often have a profound impact

Psalm 45 contains three overarching truths One despite what scoffers might say a good marriage is possible Two Godrsquos Word can help us attain such a marriage Those who dare to live by biblical principles will uncover helpful instruction and insight to enhance their relationships Three little things really do matter most when it comes to creating a successful and happy marriage No one needs to wait 38 years to discover that

Dr Kent and Beth Olney serve as co-directors of Marriage Inc Both are employed at Olivet Nazarene University where Kent is professor of Sociology and chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences Beth directs the Center for Student Success They are parents to Luke and Kyle and grandparents to Autumn and Kamden the children of Kyle and his wife Amber

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 21

22 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

the good news

aboutmarriage

BOOK RESOURCE

Did You KnowThe actual divorce rate has never come close to 50 Church attendance makes a HUGEdifference Most marriages are strong and happy for a lifetime

What does this mean for youIf you are a marriage champion mdash a pastor counselor or simply someone who cares aboutmarriages mdash you need to know this new information As one marriage leader put it ldquoIf thisis true the implications are enormousrdquo

Next steps Read the book Discuss findings with fellow leaders ldquoHow does this change how we talk about marriagerdquo ldquoHow does this change how we counsel couplesrdquo Visit wwwGoodNewsMarriagecom for leaders to find

Brief videos Interviews with national leaders discussing the implications and potential changes A slide share presentation with key info and research Bulk discount information

ldquoThis book will change how all of us think and talk about marriage and divorcerdquo mdashLysa Terkeurst president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

ldquoIn 32 years of marriage ministry I have been demoralized at times by the negative statistics quoted And now I am ecstatic as I read the truth in this incredible bookrdquo mdashJimmy Evans Founder of MarriageToday and Senior Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church

ldquoShauntirsquos thoroughly researched book will inject life and hope not only into our national consciousness about marriage but also into every individual marriage in the countryrdquo mdashDr Tim Clinton President of American Association of Christian Counselors

ldquoBelievers who put their faith into practice mdash who worship together and pray together mdash are muchmore likely to enjoy stable and happy marriages This is good news indeedrdquo mdashW Bradford Wilcox National Marriage Project Director Associate Professor of Sociology University of Virginia

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 23

24 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Kenneth and Marlene Carr are pastors at Total Restoration Christian Center in Kankakee Illinois Married for 26 years the Carrs have six children a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 25

BLESSINGSampLaura Wasson Warfel

ldquoMarriage has a lot of seasonsrdquo says Marlene Carr as she looks toward her husband Kenneth ldquoWe got married on Christmas Day It was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s The next morning there was a blizzard and 10 inches of snowrdquo

Weathering those seasons and growing closer than ever is one of the secrets to a successful marriage God uses those testing times to bring strength and a closer walk with Him

A TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGEA TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGE

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

midlandsbcom1-855-MY-MIDLAND Member FDIC

BourbonnaisGrant ParkBeecher

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS Three Locations

720 Main St NWBourbonnais IL

228 N Dixie HwyMomence IL

110 Marquette Pl SManteno IL

or visit us online atmunicipalbankcom

CUSTOMER GRUMISH CHIRO-PRACTIC OFF PROOF TIME 9152014 32039 PM

REP ID KKK130 FIRST RUN 092514KK-202140

PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

bull SMALL NEWSPAPER GROUP bull

THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

DATE NIGHT NOTES

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 23: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

The second part of the psalm addresses the bride Practical tips if observed would make any man feel he had a magnificent or ldquoroyalrdquo (v 9) bride How might a wife enhance the possibility of being considered magnificent by her husband What are some qualities she might develop to elevate her in the eyes of her husband Psalm 45 points to several possibilities including

Listening well so that genuine communication takes place Forgetting the past and adopting new loyalties and patterns Cultivating beauty for the purpose of pleasing and honoring her husband Contributing socially by winning othersrsquo favor and thus becoming a public asset Developing friendships that are healthy pleasant and mutually enriching

Again what is noteworthy is that this list contains ideas that are far from extraordinary Ladies minor adjustments often have a profound impact

Psalm 45 contains three overarching truths One despite what scoffers might say a good marriage is possible Two Godrsquos Word can help us attain such a marriage Those who dare to live by biblical principles will uncover helpful instruction and insight to enhance their relationships Three little things really do matter most when it comes to creating a successful and happy marriage No one needs to wait 38 years to discover that

Dr Kent and Beth Olney serve as co-directors of Marriage Inc Both are employed at Olivet Nazarene University where Kent is professor of Sociology and chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences Beth directs the Center for Student Success They are parents to Luke and Kyle and grandparents to Autumn and Kamden the children of Kyle and his wife Amber

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 21

22 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

the good news

aboutmarriage

BOOK RESOURCE

Did You KnowThe actual divorce rate has never come close to 50 Church attendance makes a HUGEdifference Most marriages are strong and happy for a lifetime

What does this mean for youIf you are a marriage champion mdash a pastor counselor or simply someone who cares aboutmarriages mdash you need to know this new information As one marriage leader put it ldquoIf thisis true the implications are enormousrdquo

Next steps Read the book Discuss findings with fellow leaders ldquoHow does this change how we talk about marriagerdquo ldquoHow does this change how we counsel couplesrdquo Visit wwwGoodNewsMarriagecom for leaders to find

Brief videos Interviews with national leaders discussing the implications and potential changes A slide share presentation with key info and research Bulk discount information

ldquoThis book will change how all of us think and talk about marriage and divorcerdquo mdashLysa Terkeurst president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

ldquoIn 32 years of marriage ministry I have been demoralized at times by the negative statistics quoted And now I am ecstatic as I read the truth in this incredible bookrdquo mdashJimmy Evans Founder of MarriageToday and Senior Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church

ldquoShauntirsquos thoroughly researched book will inject life and hope not only into our national consciousness about marriage but also into every individual marriage in the countryrdquo mdashDr Tim Clinton President of American Association of Christian Counselors

ldquoBelievers who put their faith into practice mdash who worship together and pray together mdash are muchmore likely to enjoy stable and happy marriages This is good news indeedrdquo mdashW Bradford Wilcox National Marriage Project Director Associate Professor of Sociology University of Virginia

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 23

24 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Kenneth and Marlene Carr are pastors at Total Restoration Christian Center in Kankakee Illinois Married for 26 years the Carrs have six children a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 25

BLESSINGSampLaura Wasson Warfel

ldquoMarriage has a lot of seasonsrdquo says Marlene Carr as she looks toward her husband Kenneth ldquoWe got married on Christmas Day It was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s The next morning there was a blizzard and 10 inches of snowrdquo

Weathering those seasons and growing closer than ever is one of the secrets to a successful marriage God uses those testing times to bring strength and a closer walk with Him

A TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGEA TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGE

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

midlandsbcom1-855-MY-MIDLAND Member FDIC

BourbonnaisGrant ParkBeecher

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS Three Locations

720 Main St NWBourbonnais IL

228 N Dixie HwyMomence IL

110 Marquette Pl SManteno IL

or visit us online atmunicipalbankcom

CUSTOMER GRUMISH CHIRO-PRACTIC OFF PROOF TIME 9152014 32039 PM

REP ID KKK130 FIRST RUN 092514KK-202140

PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

bull SMALL NEWSPAPER GROUP bull

THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

DATE NIGHT NOTES

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 24: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

22 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

the good news

aboutmarriage

BOOK RESOURCE

Did You KnowThe actual divorce rate has never come close to 50 Church attendance makes a HUGEdifference Most marriages are strong and happy for a lifetime

What does this mean for youIf you are a marriage champion mdash a pastor counselor or simply someone who cares aboutmarriages mdash you need to know this new information As one marriage leader put it ldquoIf thisis true the implications are enormousrdquo

Next steps Read the book Discuss findings with fellow leaders ldquoHow does this change how we talk about marriagerdquo ldquoHow does this change how we counsel couplesrdquo Visit wwwGoodNewsMarriagecom for leaders to find

Brief videos Interviews with national leaders discussing the implications and potential changes A slide share presentation with key info and research Bulk discount information

ldquoThis book will change how all of us think and talk about marriage and divorcerdquo mdashLysa Terkeurst president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

ldquoIn 32 years of marriage ministry I have been demoralized at times by the negative statistics quoted And now I am ecstatic as I read the truth in this incredible bookrdquo mdashJimmy Evans Founder of MarriageToday and Senior Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church

ldquoShauntirsquos thoroughly researched book will inject life and hope not only into our national consciousness about marriage but also into every individual marriage in the countryrdquo mdashDr Tim Clinton President of American Association of Christian Counselors

ldquoBelievers who put their faith into practice mdash who worship together and pray together mdash are muchmore likely to enjoy stable and happy marriages This is good news indeedrdquo mdashW Bradford Wilcox National Marriage Project Director Associate Professor of Sociology University of Virginia

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 23

24 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Kenneth and Marlene Carr are pastors at Total Restoration Christian Center in Kankakee Illinois Married for 26 years the Carrs have six children a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 25

BLESSINGSampLaura Wasson Warfel

ldquoMarriage has a lot of seasonsrdquo says Marlene Carr as she looks toward her husband Kenneth ldquoWe got married on Christmas Day It was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s The next morning there was a blizzard and 10 inches of snowrdquo

Weathering those seasons and growing closer than ever is one of the secrets to a successful marriage God uses those testing times to bring strength and a closer walk with Him

A TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGEA TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGE

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

midlandsbcom1-855-MY-MIDLAND Member FDIC

BourbonnaisGrant ParkBeecher

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS Three Locations

720 Main St NWBourbonnais IL

228 N Dixie HwyMomence IL

110 Marquette Pl SManteno IL

or visit us online atmunicipalbankcom

CUSTOMER GRUMISH CHIRO-PRACTIC OFF PROOF TIME 9152014 32039 PM

REP ID KKK130 FIRST RUN 092514KK-202140

PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

bull SMALL NEWSPAPER GROUP bull

THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

DATE NIGHT NOTES

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 25: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

BOOK RESOURCE

Did You KnowThe actual divorce rate has never come close to 50 Church attendance makes a HUGEdifference Most marriages are strong and happy for a lifetime

What does this mean for youIf you are a marriage champion mdash a pastor counselor or simply someone who cares aboutmarriages mdash you need to know this new information As one marriage leader put it ldquoIf thisis true the implications are enormousrdquo

Next steps Read the book Discuss findings with fellow leaders ldquoHow does this change how we talk about marriagerdquo ldquoHow does this change how we counsel couplesrdquo Visit wwwGoodNewsMarriagecom for leaders to find

Brief videos Interviews with national leaders discussing the implications and potential changes A slide share presentation with key info and research Bulk discount information

ldquoThis book will change how all of us think and talk about marriage and divorcerdquo mdashLysa Terkeurst president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

ldquoIn 32 years of marriage ministry I have been demoralized at times by the negative statistics quoted And now I am ecstatic as I read the truth in this incredible bookrdquo mdashJimmy Evans Founder of MarriageToday and Senior Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church

ldquoShauntirsquos thoroughly researched book will inject life and hope not only into our national consciousness about marriage but also into every individual marriage in the countryrdquo mdashDr Tim Clinton President of American Association of Christian Counselors

ldquoBelievers who put their faith into practice mdash who worship together and pray together mdash are muchmore likely to enjoy stable and happy marriages This is good news indeedrdquo mdashW Bradford Wilcox National Marriage Project Director Associate Professor of Sociology University of Virginia

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 23

24 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Kenneth and Marlene Carr are pastors at Total Restoration Christian Center in Kankakee Illinois Married for 26 years the Carrs have six children a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 25

BLESSINGSampLaura Wasson Warfel

ldquoMarriage has a lot of seasonsrdquo says Marlene Carr as she looks toward her husband Kenneth ldquoWe got married on Christmas Day It was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s The next morning there was a blizzard and 10 inches of snowrdquo

Weathering those seasons and growing closer than ever is one of the secrets to a successful marriage God uses those testing times to bring strength and a closer walk with Him

A TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGEA TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGE

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

midlandsbcom1-855-MY-MIDLAND Member FDIC

BourbonnaisGrant ParkBeecher

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS Three Locations

720 Main St NWBourbonnais IL

228 N Dixie HwyMomence IL

110 Marquette Pl SManteno IL

or visit us online atmunicipalbankcom

CUSTOMER GRUMISH CHIRO-PRACTIC OFF PROOF TIME 9152014 32039 PM

REP ID KKK130 FIRST RUN 092514KK-202140

PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

bull SMALL NEWSPAPER GROUP bull

THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

DATE NIGHT NOTES

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 26: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

24 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Kenneth and Marlene Carr are pastors at Total Restoration Christian Center in Kankakee Illinois Married for 26 years the Carrs have six children a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 25

BLESSINGSampLaura Wasson Warfel

ldquoMarriage has a lot of seasonsrdquo says Marlene Carr as she looks toward her husband Kenneth ldquoWe got married on Christmas Day It was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s The next morning there was a blizzard and 10 inches of snowrdquo

Weathering those seasons and growing closer than ever is one of the secrets to a successful marriage God uses those testing times to bring strength and a closer walk with Him

A TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGEA TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGE

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

midlandsbcom1-855-MY-MIDLAND Member FDIC

BourbonnaisGrant ParkBeecher

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS Three Locations

720 Main St NWBourbonnais IL

228 N Dixie HwyMomence IL

110 Marquette Pl SManteno IL

or visit us online atmunicipalbankcom

CUSTOMER GRUMISH CHIRO-PRACTIC OFF PROOF TIME 9152014 32039 PM

REP ID KKK130 FIRST RUN 092514KK-202140

PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

bull SMALL NEWSPAPER GROUP bull

THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

DATE NIGHT NOTES

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 27: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 25

BLESSINGSampLaura Wasson Warfel

ldquoMarriage has a lot of seasonsrdquo says Marlene Carr as she looks toward her husband Kenneth ldquoWe got married on Christmas Day It was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s The next morning there was a blizzard and 10 inches of snowrdquo

Weathering those seasons and growing closer than ever is one of the secrets to a successful marriage God uses those testing times to bring strength and a closer walk with Him

A TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGEA TESTIMONY TO MARRIAGE

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

midlandsbcom1-855-MY-MIDLAND Member FDIC

BourbonnaisGrant ParkBeecher

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS Three Locations

720 Main St NWBourbonnais IL

228 N Dixie HwyMomence IL

110 Marquette Pl SManteno IL

or visit us online atmunicipalbankcom

CUSTOMER GRUMISH CHIRO-PRACTIC OFF PROOF TIME 9152014 32039 PM

REP ID KKK130 FIRST RUN 092514KK-202140

PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

bull SMALL NEWSPAPER GROUP bull

THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

DATE NIGHT NOTES

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 28: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

26 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Marriage Made in MusicWhen Kenneth was 16 years old and playing saxophone in a community gospel choir he met 15-year-old Marlene ndash a singer in the choir ndash after a rehearsal Her sister introduced them

In 1988 their lives merged They married and with a lot of support from their families they began their own family Today they are the parents of six children ndash three still at home and two married ndash and have two grandchildren ldquoWe are grateful for our beautiful familyrdquo Marlene says ldquoThey work with us in ministry We couldnrsquot ask for better kidsrdquo

Kenneth is a pastor and Marlene ministers alongside him She is also an independent consultant for beauty brand Mary Kayreg For many years they enjoyed a happy productive busy life together

But then the unthinkable happened

Lost in the BlizzardAfter 20 years together the couple endured a long season of struggle They owned a business that went bankrupt Marlenersquos mother passed away and Kennethrsquos father was diagnosed with terminal cancer Kennethrsquos ministry demands increased and he was often away from their home And they found themselves dealing with infidelity

Either one of them could have made the decision to walk away

In 2009 Marriage Inc mdash unaware of the marital struggles the Carrs were facing mdash invited them to become marriage mentors for couples in the greater Kankakee area ldquoAfter ministering to others and praying for them you feel like yoursquove arrived and yoursquore strongrdquo Kenneth says ldquoBut we were in a very difficult place in our own marriage Thanks be to God that he spoke to merdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

midlandsbcom1-855-MY-MIDLAND Member FDIC

BourbonnaisGrant ParkBeecher

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS Three Locations

720 Main St NWBourbonnais IL

228 N Dixie HwyMomence IL

110 Marquette Pl SManteno IL

or visit us online atmunicipalbankcom

CUSTOMER GRUMISH CHIRO-PRACTIC OFF PROOF TIME 9152014 32039 PM

REP ID KKK130 FIRST RUN 092514KK-202140

PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

bull SMALL NEWSPAPER GROUP bull

THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

DATE NIGHT NOTES

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 29: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 27

When the Carrs accepted the invitation they began mentor training They soon realized that their own marriage needed repair ldquoAt the first training session I was so brokenrdquo Kenneth says ldquoI said to God lsquoIf You donrsquot do something for us I will not make itrsquo Irsquoll never forget that night I was feeling so helpless and hopeless I felt like no one understood what we were facingrdquo

As Kenneth listened to the presenters he wondered why he hadnrsquot heard all this before their marriage was tested During those sessions he learned about the responsibilities of husband and father ldquoI recognized my position of being the coveringrdquo he says ldquoI had to decide and confess that everything fell back on my leadership as the husbandrdquo

ldquoMarriage Incrsquos training in that time gave us the lsquoto dorsquosrsquo and the lsquonot to dorsquosrsquordquo Marlene says ldquoThe community we found through Marriage Inc gave us the support we neededrdquo

Walking on SunshineKenneth and Marlene have weathered those storms Now they make it a point to have fun every day ndash laughing teasing finding pleasure in the smallest things of life One of their greatest joys is helping other couples define and navigate their marriages

ldquoLove the Lord and have a relationship with Christ Thatrsquos number onerdquo Kenneth advises ldquoListen to wisdom and realize that you donrsquot know everything about marriage Make your spouse the most important person in your liferdquo

Marlene adds ldquoBe serious but donrsquot be so serious Start new every day Love the Lord and allow Godrsquos purposes to be fulfilled in your life togetherrdquo

Laura Wasson Warfel is a full-time employee of the Olivet Nazarene University Office of Marketing and Engagement and a long-time author and writer who enjoys sharing glimpses of Godrsquos healing power in relationships She and her best friend of 25 years shared seven years of marriage before he passed away 12 years ago She has three children who are married and raising families in Oklahoma and Texas where she loves vacationing and spending time with her grandkids

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

midlandsbcom1-855-MY-MIDLAND Member FDIC

BourbonnaisGrant ParkBeecher

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS Three Locations

720 Main St NWBourbonnais IL

228 N Dixie HwyMomence IL

110 Marquette Pl SManteno IL

or visit us online atmunicipalbankcom

CUSTOMER GRUMISH CHIRO-PRACTIC OFF PROOF TIME 9152014 32039 PM

REP ID KKK130 FIRST RUN 092514KK-202140

PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

bull SMALL NEWSPAPER GROUP bull

THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

DATE NIGHT NOTES

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 30: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

28 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

Michelle Klavohn

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

midlandsbcom1-855-MY-MIDLAND Member FDIC

BourbonnaisGrant ParkBeecher

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS Three Locations

720 Main St NWBourbonnais IL

228 N Dixie HwyMomence IL

110 Marquette Pl SManteno IL

or visit us online atmunicipalbankcom

CUSTOMER GRUMISH CHIRO-PRACTIC OFF PROOF TIME 9152014 32039 PM

REP ID KKK130 FIRST RUN 092514KK-202140

PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

bull SMALL NEWSPAPER GROUP bull

THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

DATE NIGHT NOTES

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 31: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

John and Steph Reynolds started out like many young couples in love Came from Christian homes Met at a Christian college Dated a year Engaged a year Beautiful wedding filled with big dreams

The honeymoon lasted several years and in Stephrsquos mind felt ldquotoo good to be truerdquo During the first few years they focused on each other Then new priorities began piling up Three babies in three years Johnrsquos growing career in software development in Chicago Long commutes

Stephrsquos attention went toward the kids John became more and more engaged with his growing responsibilities at work

In Stephrsquos words ldquoOur marriage should have been over many times There were deep deep hurts Most people would say I shouldrsquove walked awayrdquo

Hit by the Enemyrsquos Bag of Tricks

When the first crash came John and Steph reached out for help Counseling was a crucial piece that held them together Their counselor urged them to surround themselves with a circle of people who would be real and authentic with them and with whom they could be completely honest

Both acknowledge that their spiritual lives at that point were more about image and tradition than a transformational faith Steph admits ldquoI feel that we were tricked by the enemy that we were lsquosavedrsquo when really our spiritual lives were very superficialrdquo ldquoI had John on a pedestal where God needed to berdquo she adds ldquoJohn is not the one who can truly meet my needs That is a place only God can fill Jesus was the only one I could cling tordquo

John recognizes now that he was living a very compartmentalized life with a high value on his image ldquoI was one person at work one person at home and another person when I was by myselfrdquo he says

Help at the Bottom

Sadly that disconnect led to another crisis for the Reynoldsrsquo marriage This time they were surrounded by authentic grace-giving truth-telling people who believed that God could bring them through ldquoI was extremely careful about who I listened to for inputrdquo Steph expresses ldquoEven people with very good intentions can give input that is damagingrdquo Steph determined that the Holy Spirit was guiding her to stay with John and that godly wisdom was the only way their marriage would stay intact She resolved to live in the truth of Philippians 48 which says ldquohellip whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure hellip think about such thingsrdquo

This was also a time of spiritual rebirth for John As he says ldquoI had to admit that whatever Irsquod been doing was not working Irsquod hit rock bottom I couldnrsquot do it on my own I needed the grace and strength of Christrdquo

To other couples in similar situations John and Steph say ldquoIf you believe that Godrsquos ideal plan for life is for you to have one spouse then please believe it is possible for Him to facilitate that You can get through it He is capable of healing the hurt and the brokennessrdquo

MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE | 29

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

midlandsbcom1-855-MY-MIDLAND Member FDIC

BourbonnaisGrant ParkBeecher

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS Three Locations

720 Main St NWBourbonnais IL

228 N Dixie HwyMomence IL

110 Marquette Pl SManteno IL

or visit us online atmunicipalbankcom

CUSTOMER GRUMISH CHIRO-PRACTIC OFF PROOF TIME 9152014 32039 PM

REP ID KKK130 FIRST RUN 092514KK-202140

PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

bull SMALL NEWSPAPER GROUP bull

THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

DATE NIGHT NOTES

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 32: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

30 | MARRIAGE INC MAGAZINE

ldquoI have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo ndash John 1010

The Reynoldsesrsquo daily reminder to trust God in their lives and in their marriage to each other

Happy with Godrsquos Blessings

Now at the 14-year mark the Reynoldsesrsquo spiritual growth is evident Their family is intact As he reflects on their journey John says ldquoThe bond you feel after making it through such places is phenomenalrdquo John 1010 is a verse that has become a transformational anchor for their relationship ldquoThe thief comes to steal kill and destroy But I (Christ) have come that they might have life abundantlyrdquo This verse bonded John and Steph as a team to conquer issues together to not be shackled by past guilt or fear of the future

John and Steph urge other couples to make their relationship a priority and not wait until a crisis hits to invest in building a strong marriage ldquoSatan might have won some battles along the way but He isnrsquot going to win the war for our marriage Donrsquot give uprdquo

The Reynolds Family John and Steph have been married 14 years and attend Parkview Christian Church They have three energetic and joyful children mdash Ella (9) Ethan (7) and Gracie (6)

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

midlandsbcom1-855-MY-MIDLAND Member FDIC

BourbonnaisGrant ParkBeecher

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS Three Locations

720 Main St NWBourbonnais IL

228 N Dixie HwyMomence IL

110 Marquette Pl SManteno IL

or visit us online atmunicipalbankcom

CUSTOMER GRUMISH CHIRO-PRACTIC OFF PROOF TIME 9152014 32039 PM

REP ID KKK130 FIRST RUN 092514KK-202140

PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

bull SMALL NEWSPAPER GROUP bull

THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

DATE NIGHT NOTES

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 33: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

Diana Bartling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a masterrsquos degree in Counseling from Governors State University She has more than 13 years of experience in helping families find creative solutions to their problems Diana is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors She is certified in stress management critical incident stress management and divorce mediationconflict resolution

815-928-8573

Jorge Bonilla has learned a few things about marriage during his lifetime As a marriage coach his desire is to share what he has learned and bring couples from the brink of divorce to a renewed and healthy relationship As he comes alongside couples who are looking for a better way ndash and a way to stay together for life ndash Jorge helps them focus on how to find fun and enjoyment with each other

815-351-1476

Ben Kunzrsquos clinical interests include relational problems in marriage and family parent coaching assistance with life transitions low self-esteem abuse recovery addiction recovery mood and anxiety disorders and integration of faith and psychology Engaging and compassionate Dr Kunz utilizes a holistic practical and collaborative approach that is strength-based and integrates many theoretical orientations He challenges and encourages his patients toward healthy balance in the psychological physical social and spiritual realms

wwwlegacyclinicalcom 815-214-9872 benklegacyclinicalcom

Michelle Klavohn holds a masterrsquos degree in communication and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Human Development and 10 years as a communication educator She works to help families close the gap between the realtionships they dream of and those they experience each day She regularly writes for Marriage Inc and Family magazine and for the website wwwezinearticlescom as an expert in family and parenting She passionately pursues her vision to partner with families who want to thrive

michelleklavohncom 815-592-5223 mklavohnmaccom

Hank Zwirkoski is an acclaimed experienced board-certified licensed clinician Hank provides professional mental health counseling marital assessment and therapy and life skills training with great care compassion and competence During weekends he also provides 15 hour Couple Counseling Intensives at The Ravines Retreat Center Hankrsquos complete profile and endorsements can be viewed on LinkedInwwwtheravinesorg 1-888-545-5707 ext29 hzwirkoskicounseling-apccom

COUNSELORS amp COACHES

Great Strength More Heart

midlandsbcom1-855-MY-MIDLAND Member FDIC

BourbonnaisGrant ParkBeecher

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS Three Locations

720 Main St NWBourbonnais IL

228 N Dixie HwyMomence IL

110 Marquette Pl SManteno IL

or visit us online atmunicipalbankcom

CUSTOMER GRUMISH CHIRO-PRACTIC OFF PROOF TIME 9152014 32039 PM

REP ID KKK130 FIRST RUN 092514KK-202140

PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

bull SMALL NEWSPAPER GROUP bull

THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

DATE NIGHT NOTES

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 34: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

Great Strength More Heart

midlandsbcom1-855-MY-MIDLAND Member FDIC

BourbonnaisGrant ParkBeecher

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS Three Locations

720 Main St NWBourbonnais IL

228 N Dixie HwyMomence IL

110 Marquette Pl SManteno IL

or visit us online atmunicipalbankcom

CUSTOMER GRUMISH CHIRO-PRACTIC OFF PROOF TIME 9152014 32039 PM

REP ID KKK130 FIRST RUN 092514KK-202140

PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

bull SMALL NEWSPAPER GROUP bull

THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

DATE NIGHT NOTES

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 35: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS Three Locations

720 Main St NWBourbonnais IL

228 N Dixie HwyMomence IL

110 Marquette Pl SManteno IL

or visit us online atmunicipalbankcom

CUSTOMER GRUMISH CHIRO-PRACTIC OFF PROOF TIME 9152014 32039 PM

REP ID KKK130 FIRST RUN 092514KK-202140

PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

bull SMALL NEWSPAPER GROUP bull

THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

DATE NIGHT NOTES

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 36: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

CUSTOMER GRUMISH CHIRO-PRACTIC OFF PROOF TIME 9152014 32039 PM

REP ID KKK130 FIRST RUN 092514KK-202140

PLEASE READ ALL COPY CAREFULLY CHECK SPELLING AND PHONE NUMBERS Once proof is approved SNG Ad Factory and its affiliates will not be responsible for incorrect copy or layout

Please submit any changes through adtrackerqconlinecom

bull SMALL NEWSPAPER GROUP bull

THE DAILY JOURNAL - Kankakee IL POST-BULLETIN - Rochester MNTHE DISPATCHbullARGUS - Moline IL THE TIMES - Ottawa IL

Relief from headache pain can bea simple adjustment

40 Briarcliff Professional Center Bourbonnais ILwwwgrumishchiropracticcom

ldquo I was suffering from headaches for 20 years They were so bad all I would do was sleep Since starting here I have not taken any Aspirin or Tylenolrdquo Tonie

ldquo Irsquove been seeing them now for over 25 years and I havenrsquot had a migraine sincerdquo Lenore

ldquo I can function now in my everyday life I donrsquot go to bed with a headache or wake up with one the next day anymorerdquo Doree

ldquoItrsquos never too late to feel betterrdquo Pauline

ldquo Grumish Chiropractic has really helped with my chronic headaches and sinus problemsrdquo Joyce

CALL 815-939-0990TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

557 William Latham Dr Bourbonnais IL

Bring in your ticket stub from Date Night lsquo15and receive a free dessert with purchase of an entreacutee

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

DATE NIGHT NOTES

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 37: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

SPO

NSO

R AD

VERT

ISEM

ENTS

DATE NIGHT NOTES

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 38: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

By Dr Edward H Heck Senior PastorKankakee First Church of the Nazarene

Our gracious Father we humbly and passionately come before Your throne to cry out on behalf of our marriages We come to acknowledge our great need for Your Voice to speak to our hearts We ask You to clear away all of the dissonant influences that distract distort and diminish our ability to hear Your gentle whisper We commit ourselves to first hear and then respond in obedience to Your Spirit at work within us

As a declaration of our faith we seek You as our first priority not our last resort We rise to the challenge together as husbands and wives to love You to seek You and to honor You in our marriage and family life You alone are the source of our hope healing and help Guide us teach us and protect us from the icy cold blast of our culturersquos insistent tendency to drift farther and farther from You Help us to see our great need for You in every part of our lives but especially our marriages We really do need You We desperately need You Without You at the very center of our marriages we

will cave in to the pressure of this world and join the ranks of those who have no hope So gracious God ldquobring to a flourishing finishrdquo the good work You have started in us Be exalted and enthroned as Lord in our marriages

Now for all those who today are hurting or who are wavering in their commitments to You and to one another we offer a prayer that boldly asks You to restore their hope Tear down any wall that has been built between them Fill in all of the empty places that have created a distance between them Show them where they need confession clarity and correction Quiet all of the voices that fight against them Fine-tune their ears to hear only Your Voice We triumphantly stand on the truth of Your Word We hold fast to the hope that with You ldquoall things are possiblerdquo even in a world that stands in opposition to You and Your desires for us

Be glorified in our marriages I pray in Jesusrsquo name Amen

PRAYER

wwwolivetedu

Page 39: Marriage Inc.,  Magazine '15

wwwolivetedu