By Theresa Mabry Encompass Director of Operations Couples need to have the Freedom to have fun! Who would you rather hang out with someone who laughs easily or someone who spends more time complaining? A person who turns any situation into an adventure, or a person who leaves no room in their routine for spontaneity? A partner who plans fun for the two of you, or a partner who sees everything on the calendar as an obligation?
The choice should be easy - most of us prefer to spend time having fun! And who better to have fun with than the person you’ve chosen to spend your life with? Research shows that couples who have fun together and laugh together have healthier, more vitalized relationships. That sounds like a pretty good reason to give yourself the freedom to have fun as a couple!
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By: Cindee Johnson Relationship Champion and Encompass Partner free·dom
/ˈfrēdəm/ noun: freedom Is that how you define freedom? Freedom can mean something different to each of us. It can mean being able to vote for specific ideals or for people who best represent your views. Freedom can mean the ability to voice your opinion freely. It may mean the opportunity to travel where you want, read what you want, look how you want. Maybe, for you, freedom is no financial debt. Or being free from all oppression. What does freedom mean to you? By Abby Glaser Encompass Community Advocate Our theme this month is freedom! Something I’ve been focused on the past few years is disconnecting from the American culture of constant hustle. What do I mean when I say Hustle culture? This societal attitude promotes working long hours at the expense of meeting personal needs. It’s rooted in capitalism, materialism and the belief that success is defined by professional accomplishment. Before I jump in, let me clarify I have no problem working hard to meet my family’s needs. Nor do I have an issue with ambition. But what I am constantly evaluating in my own life is at what cost?
By Dr. David Marine Mabry Encompass Executive Director Are you and your partner compatible? We define compatibility as two people sharing like-mindedness and a friendship with one another through all challenges and all the blessings of your relationship while maximizing who each of you may be. “Free to be you and free to me” while working as one. It’s important to be compatible with your spouse so you can work together as a team in all areas of life. With greater compatibility, you will have a greater impact on the world around you. You will experience greater happiness and satisfaction. You will be strengthened in your relationship to push through together when inevitable conflicts and challenges arise.
Our blog posts in June will focus on reflections surrounding fathers, fatherhood, and their influence in our lives.
By Theresa Mabry Encompass Director of Operations My dad’s 82nd birthday is this Friday, June 28th. Normally, I would celebrate with him, eating some peach pie or cobbler, hanging out with the family, laughing, and enjoying his stories. But that celebration won’t happen with him because he is no longer living on earth with me. My dad passed away way too young. He was 54 years old, and I was only 26. Our time together was way too short-lived and I would give anything to have him here in person; especially in June to celebrate Father’s Day and his birthday. Our blog posts in June will focus on reflections surrounding fathers, fatherhood, and their influence in our lives.
By Dr. David Marine Mabry Encompass Executive Director Times were not always good with my father, and I wanted things to be different for my children. Before I met my wife, Theresa, I was determined to be the best father I could be. I knew I wouldn't be perfect, but I knew I could be intentional. This intentionality made all the difference. Here are the actions and attitudes I worked on to be the best father I could be. Our blog posts in June will focus on reflections surrounding fathers, fatherhood, and their influence in our lives.
By Lavern Nissley Relationship facilitator My Dad died November 12, 2021. His birthday is coming up the end of this week, June 8. And Father's Day is about a week later. Although Dad was one of the most challenging relationships in my life given his patterns of anger, agitation, and anxiety, I also have more positive memories. Here is a heartfelt letter to my Dad, David Nissley. By: Theresa Mabry
Encompass Director of Operations In 1990, the band Extreme hit the charts with the timeless classic, More Than Words. Beyond being a catchy hair band song, the lyrics convey that the spoken “I love you” needs to be backed up with actions. That is often easier said than done. This blog post will share five actions to strengthen and maintain good communication in your relationship. Lavern and Ronda Nissley passing Springfield relationship center's leadership to David and Theresa Mabry. Springfield News-Sun article, May 20, 2024
By Darci Jordan, contributing author In 1990, Lavern and Ronda Nissley attended a marriage conference; their lives were changed, and a spark was ignited. With a desire to share what they had learned with other couples, the Nissleys founded the Marriage Resource Center (MRC) in 2004. Now known as the Encompass Connection Center (ECC), the Nissleys have coached upwards of 20,000 couples, but the time has come for change: beginning in June, David Mabry will serve as executive director of ECC, while Theresa Mabry will serve as co-director. “Ronda and I have had incredible fulfillment,” said Lavern Nissley. “When we put the gifts that God has given us together, there is a synergy there that is incredibly fulfilling. We love to work together.” Lavern Nissley said it is time to hand the baton to a younger couple to be able to bring new and fresh ideas from their background and experience. “We will continue to stay involved in this realm until we die,” he said. “We want to keep doing this the rest of our lives in terms of making a difference in relationships, but that can take a variety of forms.” Theresa Mabry has been shadowing the Nissleys throughout this month, and her husband will come on board June 3. The Nissleys will continue in a supporting role through June before stepping away at the end of the month. “We will continue with everything as is, though there may be some development that takes place within each program,” said Theresa Mabry. “If we can add to it, we will, but mostly we are going to continue the same set of services.” ECC strives to inspire and equip relationships to thrive using timeless values and skills. The organization offers training, support and classes to couples and families. The Nissleys — who have been married 45 years — said what has been most valuable is watching transformation “right in front of our eyes.” “You see what can happen when couples go from being prickly, to walking side-by-side, connected. We want to see that continue,” said Lavern Nissley. At the start, ECC offered in-person classes known as The RINGS Experience. However, at the start of the COVID pandemic in 2020, RINGS was “forced” to change format. “We quickly put together a virtual course with all videos and teachings,” said Lavern Nissley. The virtual format became a permanent part of the RINGS experience, allowing the ECC to reach couples and families around the world. “It’s quite different but has given us a lot more traction,” said Lavern Nissley. “COVID really was a blessing because it forced us to learn technology like Zoom.” ECC is currently coaching a pastor couple in Kenya who wants to bring the training to pastors in their network of churches. Founders of One Another Marriage, a non-profit in Columbus, the Mabrys have worked with couples, families and organizations to achieve healthy and vitalized relationships using proven tools and skills. David Mabry also worked with ECC from 2006 to 2008 before the couple moved to Columbus. “We are grateful for the opportunity to return to Encompass Connection Center to continue this work in such a strong and vibrant organization,” said David Mabry. Theresa Mabry said she is excited to be back in the Springfield area and community, and she is looking forward to reconnecting with people and getting to know the partners that Lavern and Ronda have within ECC. “This is a lot, but they have done a great job being organized and helping us get our arms wrapped around what we can before they step away,” she said. “We look forward to being able to call them up and continuing the mentoring relationship.” David Mabry said healthy marriages and families are particularly important for a healthy community and society at large. The Mabrys will celebrate 31 years of marriage in June. “Having an organization in the community that is focused upon healthy and vibrant relationships is critical for solid societal foundations,” he said. Lavern Nissley said this transition is not about “Lavern and Ronda” but it is about a cause. “It’s a metaphor — like a book — it is time to turn the page,” he said. “The Lavern and Ronda chapter has passed, but the David and Theresa chapter is starting. Ultimately, it is about healthy relationships; that’s the thing that ties this all together. This cause can continue. Keep reading the book.” By Kermit Rowe
Encompass Relationship Facilitator This month’s blog theme is “more than words.” So let’s take those three words and put them at the end of the following sentence to “explore the more” of a time-tested relational truth: Communication is more than words. How do we communicate besides talking? Well, we should know because we certainly do it a lot. A Psychology Today article famously reported that only seven percent of our communication happens through words. That means 93 percent of your intended message is left up to tone and non-verbal cues. Other estimated percentages may vary a bit, but one thing is clear: When it comes to communicating in relationships, it’s more than words can say. |
HostsDr. David Marine and Theresa Mabry are Co-Directors of Encompass since June 1, 2024. TOPICS
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