By Dr David Marine Mabry Encompass Executive Director Life is filled with seasons—some are joyful and easy, while others are filled with challenges that test our strength and resilience. For many couples and families, these difficulties can take a toll on relationships, creating distance, misunderstandings, or even broken trust. However, the beauty of life is that new beginnings are always possible. With intentional steps and support, relationships can flourish again. This year’s Encompass Sweetheart Gala, themed “The Gift of New Beginnings” celebrates that hopeful truth.
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By Kermit Rowe Encompass Relationship Facilitator To get the full measure of the impact that 20 years of Encompass Connection Center’s relationship ministry has made, one must look beyond some very impressive statistics like:
- 11,458 adults served with 5,542 hours of coaching provided. - 11,341 free online assessments. - 95.65% of adults served said our relationship coaching helped them improve their conflict resolution. - 97.39% of adults served said their communication has improved through our coaching. - 100% of them said their relationship has improved after receiving our coaching. These numbers illustrate the incredible objective impact God has used our ministry to make the past two decades, both locally and beyond (thanks to our online services). So when you are trying to come up with a meaningful last-minute gift for your special partner that will keep on giving in priceless ways, consider signing you two up for our RINGS Experience programs. By Dr David Marine Mabry Encompass Executive Director Devotionals to Deepen Your Love and Faith This Christmas
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the many gifts we’ve received—both tangible and intangible. One of the most meaningful gifts we can nurture and give in return is the gift of healthy relationships. Whether you’re dating, engaged, or married, cultivating a relationship rooted in love, faith, and connection is truly one of life’s greatest blessings. By Cindee Johnson Relationship Champion and Encompass Partner It’s that time of year when our thoughts turn to roast turkey and baked ham, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, green beans, stuffing, deviled eggs, sweet potato casserole, macaroni and cheese, pecan pie, fresh dinner rolls, and…family. Ahhhh, the family. We gather together with family giving thanks with grateful hearts. Or do we?
Do we give thanks with grateful hearts? And, does it really matter? Turns out, it does. In fact, it matters a lot. By Dr David Marine Mabry Encompass Executive Director Many of us grew up with sayings like, “Forgive and forget,” or assumed that forgiving someone meant excusing their actions. But these are myths about forgiveness that can make the journey to healing feel impossible. So today, let’s explore what forgiveness is—and isn’t—to help you find a path forward that feels right for both you and your relationship.
By Dr David Marine Mabry Encompass Executive Director Have you ever looked at a couple and thought, “Wow, how did they get so lucky? They make marriage look effortless!” Here’s the secret: it’s not luck. Every strong relationship you see takes effort, patience, and intentional communication. Behind that sense of ease lies a shared commitment to building and nurturing the relationship—something every couple can cultivate.
By Cindee Johnson Relationship Champion and Encompass Partner Coming alongside another person to show the way has long proven to be of value. Coaches. Trainers. Mentors. Disciplers. No matter the title, Jesus modeled this better than anyone. He led by example. He lived what he taught. He was intentional. He was relational. He made a difference. So can we.
How do I know? I’ve witnessed it at Encompass Connection Center, again and again. I’ve even been blessed to be a part of it. As we celebrate Encompass’s 20 years of impact this month, let’s look at how mentoring and coaching are utilized to make a difference. By Theresa Mabry Encompass Director of Operations We’ve all seen those annoying clickbait ads that pop up when you’re browsing online: “Improve your marriage in just 6 hours a week!“ “Lose 40 pounds by Friday!” “Florida Man Finds 20-Foot Crocodile in his Basement!” But don’t dismiss us too fast. Encompass Connection Center really can help you with one of those things. We’ll let you guess which one...
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! 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? |
HostsDr. David Marine and Theresa Mabry are Co-Directors of Encompass since June 1, 2024. TOPICS
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