My husband and I were separated for one year and 8 months, to the day. When he left, I was two months pregnant and I thought that divorce was my only option, until I called my mother in law later that day and she hold me that she would get a hold of God for me. She called back a couple of hours later and said that the Lord told her to tell me that divorce was not for me and that there was hope. He told her to stand for her son and she said 'God, I can't do it alone', and He said 'Carrie will stand with you'. I didn't want to divorce my husband and so I began to believe God for restoration, the same day he left with the other woman. The Lord began to give me scriptures to pray over us and our marriage. The first one He gave me was Jer. 32:39-40. He lead me to pray over a picture of us, so everyday I would pray that scripture over us and the Lord began to give me more scriptures to add to that.
About 5 months later a lady at the church I attend came up to me and gave me the book, First Aid for a Wounded Marriage. I sat in church and began to read Michael Phillipps' letter to the readers, I began to weep uncontrollably. I had no idea that other people, besides my mother and father in law had been through anything like I was facing.
My husband and I... praise be to God (the Only ONE who could do such a miracle) have reconciled... and are being healed and set free more everyday. It was so funny because as I prayed for Michael, my husband, the Lord began to change me and turn my life around.
Now Michael is growing at unbelievable rates in the Lord. He goes deeper everyday and I just can't thank God enough that my husband is no longer on his way to hell, but he is looking to God the Father and I know that he is going to Heaven. Praise God for knowing that He could...
Michael and Carrie K.
Restored trust in marriage - my husband and I had no idea what a healthy marriage was like. Our first years were torture. After attending a Married for Life group, restoration began to take place. Truth regarding what God intends for marriage built us up and strengthened us. Trust was restored and we chose to forgive. We have begun to read the Bible together and come into agreement for our decisions. It is our intent to think the best of ourselves, each other, our children and others!
Bonnie L.
Praying Together - God has used 2=1 to help us come together in prayer, and has helped us to get support and guidance not just from one another but from the Lord Himself. It has given us a good start on not just bonding emotionally and physically but also spiritually which is helping us to keep our marriage in line with God's purpose for us, and that is to be happily married for life.
Sally C.
How Parents For Life Changed Our Lives
To express our gratitude for the new Parents for Life Class in words is not easy. We have ministered in 2=1 for 15 years and have seen the Lord do mighty and awesome miracles in couples through the Married for Life course (our own included). We had no idea all that the Lord had in store as we led our first Parents for Life class in the fall of 2003. Each lesson is filled with powerful truths that can set whole families free. The scripture that keeps coming to mind is Exodus 20:5-6. We have all grown and healed through Married For Life but the Lord showed us that many of us are that "pivotal" generation from curse to blessing. We have known it but weren't quite sure how to get the baby turned.
In many ways lots of us were blessed by our families and in many ways weren't taught the things of God that this course is so anointed to teach and heal. Exodus says we can generate iniquities of the parents to the third and fourth generation when we don't live according to God's principles (people perish for lack of knowledge). BUT He shows mercy to thousands of those who love Him and keep His commandments.
The wisdom of God flows from every page of the course. Watching the transformation in our couples and ourselves as we allowed the Holy Spirit to "go to the roots" was so freeing. God's mercy is awesome. As one of the lessons says "It is never too late to parent God's way." Thank you for your obedience in following the Holy Spirit's guidance for this course that can change families forever for His glory.
Dave & Sherry Carder
From their daughter:
Hey I was sitting in the computer lab and I was typing up some of my portfolio for my business class and I realized how thankful I am to have you as my parents. I am such a well-rounded person and have experienced life to the fullest. I know that I would not be the person that I am today if not for the two of you. It's funny but you don't really sit and think about yourself and the things that you have accomplished on a regular basis and in doing this assignment I realize how incredible you guys are.
From the private school, to helping fund my mission trip and don't forget every sport I did that you supported. I know that you are in the middle of your Parents for Life course and I just wanted you to know from my heart that i really think you are the best parents a child could have and you are the perfect couple to be teaching parenting skills to others.
Maybe until this moment I have not understood the many vast ways you have helped to make my life so incredible but I just want to say thank you and I love you guys more than any words will ever be able to express. I know that I am not directly under your covering now but I know that I always am under your authority and your blanket of love. Thank you for all of the morals you have instilled in me and for all the meaning you've given my life and also for the many ways you have inspired me. I love you both so much.
Shanda
