 By Theresa Mabry Encompass Director of Operations The early years of marriage are about discovering one another. From years fourteen through twenty-one, something beautiful begins to emerge: stability. These are the years when the foundation you have been laying—often quietly, often imperfectly—starts to show its strength.
You begin to realize that your marriage has a story. You have weathered changes, adjusted careers, endured stress, celebrated milestones, and learned how to keep choosing one another. This season is less about survival and more about stewardship. You are building on what you have already established. And that is a gift.
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 Dr. David Marine Mabry Encompass Executive Director The early years of marriage are often marked by discovery and formation. As we discussed in the newlywed season, couples are learning how to build rhythms, navigate differences, and practice love in everyday life. As marriage moves into years seven through fourteen, the focus often shifts—but the work remains just as important.
These are busy years. Full years. Often beautiful and exhausting at the same time. Careers are taking shape. Children may enter the picture. Schedules fill quickly. Energy is divided. And marriage—once front and center—can slowly drift toward the background if couples are not intentional. Yet these years hold enormous promise.  By Dr. David Marine Mabry Encompass Executive Director The newlywed years are often filled with joy, hope, and a deep sense of possibility. You’ve said “I do,” begun building a shared life, and stepped into something sacred. Yet for many couples, these early years also bring unexpected challenges. Marriage doesn’t remove pressure—it often reveals it. And that revelation is not a failure; it’s part of formation.
If dating and engagement are about discernment and preparation, the newlywed years are about practice. This is the season where love begins to take shape in everyday rhythms—how you communicate, handle stress, manage expectations, and choose one another when life feels ordinary or overwhelming.  By Alexi Cherry Administrative Assistant and Client/Donor Coordinator My husband and I have been married for just about 6 months now, and it’s safe to say that we learned a lot during our seasons of dating and engagement. From the beginning, we were aligned in our desire to date well and with a purpose. In a world that treats dating casually, we wanted to be good stewards of the season the Lord had placed us in and approach it as something sacred, not passive. I believe that our personal faith and intentionality laid a strong foundation for our marriage and pray we will continue to benefit from that for years to come.
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HostsDr. David Marine and Theresa Mabry are Co-Directors of Encompass since June 1, 2024. TOPICS
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Program content is the sole responsibility of Encompass Connection Center and does not necessarily represent the views of the funders.
Encompass Connection Center services are provided to all eligible persons on a non-discriminatory basis. Encompass Connection Center complies with all applicable laws and regulations concerning discrimination does not discriminate on the basis of the potential participant's race, gender, gender orientation, age, disability or religion.
Registered 501(c)(3). EIN: 37-1485217