Native Texas Weddings

Congratulations to y’all…I heard you’re getting married soon.  Say, there’s a great program called Twogether in Texas that not only helps you save money on your marriage license, but also teaches you how to save your marriage before it even starts.

Twogether in Texas is an organization dedicated to keeping couples together and providing the tools newly weds or long-term marriage partners might need to stay in love, grow together while in love, and fuel the fire when biological passion wanes.

Couples who complete a class will save $60 on their marriage license. The classes are at least 8 hours long and focus on helping couples develop communication and conflict resolution skills and other tools for a strong relationship.

After completing the class, you will get a certificate that you can take to your county clerk to save $60 on a marriage license. And you won’t have to wait 72 hours to be married. The waiting period is waived for couples who complete the course.

For course dates and times, click on the events and deals link.

I offer three marriage education programs, approved by the State of Texas, for you to choose from.  To find out more about these programs click on the link associated with the title:

The 5 Love Languages®

What if you could say or do just the right thing guaranteed to make that special someone feel loved? The secret is learning the right love language! Millions of couples have learned the simple way to express their feelings and bring joy back into marriage: The 5 Love Languages written by Dr. Chapman.

Words of Affirmation

Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important—hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten.

Quality Time

In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, “I love you,” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful.

Receiving Gifts

Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures.

Acts of Service

Can vacuuming the floors really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes. The words he or she most want to hear: “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don’t matter.

Physical Touch

This language isn’t all about the bedroom. A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face—they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive.

Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts (SYMBIT)

Saving your marriage before it starts is a program written by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott.  I offer this program to you as a fun workable 8-hour workshop.  We can divide the class into 8-one hour sessions, or 2-four hour sessions.  For large groups, one-eight hour session can be arranged.

Session One: Have you faced the myths of marriage with honesty?

Myth #1:  We expect the same things from marriage.
Myth #2:  Everything good will get better.
Myth #3:  Everything bad will disappear.
Myth #4:  My spouse will make me whole.

What kind of relationship do you have?

• A-Frame Relationship = overly dependent

• H-Frame Relationship = overly independent

• M-Frame Relationship = interdependent

Session Two: Can you identify your love style?

• Passion is the biological component of love.
• Intimacy is the emotional component of love.
• Commitment is the willful component of love
• How to cultivate passion for women?
• Tender Touches
• How to cultivate passion for men?
• Shared Activities
• How to cultivate passion for both men and women?
• Time together is the cup that allows passion and intimacy to flow back in.

Session Three: Have you developed the habit of happiness?

• The one habit that can make or break your relationship is the capacity to adjust to things beyond your control.
• The 3 toxins that can seep into a marriage relationship:
• Resentment
• Blame
• Self-Pity
• The most important quality of a marriageable person is the habit of happiness.

Session Four: Can you say what you mean and understand what you hear?

Understanding Communication:

• Men report talk.
• Women rapport talk.

Skill #1:  Clarify content.
Skill #2:  Reflect feeling.
Session Five: Have you bridged the gender gap?

• Who wants to fix everything?
• Who wants to explore everything?
• Who needs shared activity?
• Who needs to be cherished?

Session Six: Do you know how to fight a good fight?

• What to avoid in conflict
• Criticism
• Defensiveness
• Contempt
• Stonewalling
• What’s a great way to turn a criticism into a complaint?
• “I” statements not “You” statements.

Session Seven:  Are you and your partner soul mates?

In reality, we are all each other’s soul mate because we are all a unique expression of God.  In a marriage, however, the unity of two people in a committed relationship creates the opportunity for two to acknowledge their soul-connection.

Session Eight and Nine are for couples who are considering remarriage.

Session Eight:  Are you ready to get married again?

Session Nine:  Do you know how to blend a family?

 

TEN GREAT DATES

10 Great Dates is an award winning program designed to magnify your marital relations and unleash the secret to maintaining a healthy, committed relationship full of passion and intimacy.

You will love growing together while going out together.”
John Gray Author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus

Remember back to your dating days—the excitement you felt? Now you can reclaim that same spark, connection, and creativity in your marriage through ten intentional, memory-making dates. This proven approach to relationship growth is low-key, purposeful, effective, easy, and fun , and will help you 

* Communicate better
* Put the sizzle back in sex
* Process anger and resolve conflicts
* Develop spiritual intimacy
* Appreciate your differences
* Balance busy lifestyles
* And much more!