CMEC CURRICULUM
Over the course of our 7-day cruise, we will
have four, three-hour classes. But don’t worry. You
won’t miss anything. The classes will take place in
the morning when we’re at sea … rather than in port.
You’ll still have plenty of time to eat, play, swim,
shop, relax, explore, exercise, and then eat some
more … and do a hundred other things.
During our classes, you will learn to identify the 12
marriage busters and which ones may be affecting your marriage.
You’ll learn the skills to overcome those busters and focus your
energies on the 12 marriage builders. Of course, you’re
wondering … what are the busters and the builders?
Here’s a quick peek.
- Expectations
Are you realistic about the demands and difficulties of
marriage? Or are you suffering from some mythical
distortions as to what a marriage “should” be like?
- Personality Traits and Attitudes
How much do you like your partner’s personality and personal
habits? Do you and your spouse display a consistently
positive attitude… no matter what your situation might be?
- Roles And Responsibilities
Do the two of you agree on how decisions should be made …
and who should do what?
- Communication
Do you and your spouse communicate as well as you should? Do
you feel understood by your partner? Are you able to share
your feelings?
- Conflict Resolution
Are you able to discuss and resolve differences with your
partner? Do you and your spouse know how to fight fairly and
resolve conflicts once and for all?
- Finances
Do you agree on financial matters, have a realistic budget,
and have your spending under control? Do you adhere to God’s
principles when it comes to money management?
- Leisure Activities
Do you share several common interests? Do you spend
significant amounts of fun time together … as well as some
time apart?
- Sexuality
Do you feel comfortable discussing your sexual issues and
preferences? Does your marriage have all the romantic spark
you’d like it to have?
- Children
Do you agree on such things as the number of children you’d
like to have, how to raise, educate, and discipline your
children?
- Family and Friends
Do you have a good relationship you’re your parents, in-laws
and friends? Do you spend enough time with happily married
couples that you both enjoy and respect?
- Spirituality
Do you share similar Christian beliefs and values? Do the
two of you have a program for growing closer together in
your walk with the Lord?
- Need Fulfillment
Does your spouse give you all the love and respect you want
and need? Do you know your spouse’s specific love language
and how to speak his/her love language? Could you list your
spouse’s top five needs, and would you know how to meet each
one of them?
To be honest, those 12 marriage busters and builders
could take 12 days of classes to cover and cover well. We’ve
only got 12 hours scheduled on the CMEC. So rather than skim
over every one of those points, we’ll focus on about six of
the most important issues. That way we can go into some
depth on the topic. But you should know this. Every one of
the talks will have two things in common. First,
each talk will give you simple, practical, hands-on
tips and tools that you can use in your marriage
immediately.
And second, each talk will finish with a suggested
homework activity so you can practice what you learned. But
once again, don’t worry. The homework will not be “too
heavy” or “too difficult.” You can do the homework while
you’re on the cruise or when you’re back at home, and you’ll
probably find the homework to be rather fun. Of course,
some of you want to know more about the seminar
content … right now. What will be covered? Well
here’s a look at a few of the talks you’re going to
hear. Spirituality
The world says: “It doesn’t matter what you
believe just as long as you’re sincere.” God says:
“You need to be one in the Spirit.”
- What is God’s plan/purpose for your marriage?
- What gets in the way of God’s plan for your
marriage?
- What is the husband’s role in marriage? The wife’s
role? God’s role?
- How can you grow together … as a couple …
spiritually speaking?
- What works and doesn’t work? Prayer, devotions,
Bible studies, etc.?
Sexuality
The world says: “If it feels good, just do it.
After all, you’ve got to look out for #1.”
God says: “Sex was my idea. I created it. So I
know how to make it really good and good for you.”
- What does God have to say about sex in marriage?
- How are men and women different when it comes to
sex?
- What’s the relationship between a happy marriage
and a good sex life?
- How can you talk about your sex life … openly,
honestly, and respectfully?
Finances
The world says: “If you want it, get it …
no matter how much it costs you … financially or
emotionally.”
God says: “I will bless you. I will meet
your needs. I will satisfy the desires of your heart
… if you’ll just follow a few guidelines I laid
down.”
- Why is money such a critical issue in the
success of your marriage?
- What does God have to say about your
finances?
- How do you and your spouse’s financial
expectations clash or reinforce one another?
- What financial pitfalls do you have to
avoid? Or if you’re already in the pits, how do
you get out?
Conflict Resolution
The world says: “Fight it out or get
out.”
God says: “Work it out.”
- What’s at the bottom of almost every
conflict you’ll ever have?
- How does your attitude make things
better or worse?
- Which dirty-fighting behaviors simply
have to go?
- How can we come to agreement without
feeling unloved or disrespected?
- Which skills have the best chance of
resolving a conflict once and for all?
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