Pre-Marital Counseling- Session 1

Jose and I had our first marriage counseling sesh yesterday! Our pastor PJ and his wife- a great sister to me- Frances will be counseling us through 6 sessions. They both are truly a gift from the Lord. We are VERY thankful for these two and we hope and pray our relationship with them will last throughout our marriage! PJ has been my pastor for around 2 years and has been Jose's pastor a little longer than that. We have built a community of trust, transparency, love, and most of all GRACE with one another so we are absolutely comfortable and willing to share :D

This first conversation was an introduction- a little background for each of us. We covered a multitude of things. The ones that stuck out to me included...

1. Family history, relationship with our moms and dads and also with each other's parents. Expectations of one another because of our parents. 

2. Strenths and weakness of our relationship- we were edified when we heard the strengths and laughed when we heard the weaknesses. We dont laugh so much when we fight but we want to grow!!! We love practicing gospel centered reconciliation.

3. Sexual relationships- this one is hard. This included pornography, sex before marriage, etc...

4. Finances. This one can be tricky and were taking the time to see our hearts that we do not hold on too tightly to the ""American dream"" or both of us working to be comfortable. We want Jose to be able to provide. I, although willing to work, want to be a stay at home mama! 

5. Defining love. Putting the other's preferences above your own IN CHRIST! 

 I knew we would tackle more into these topics in our meetings to come. A really encouraging part of the night was picking out possible scriptures that would be preached at our ceremony. We are so excited for our family and friends to hear the gospel. We are more excited about this than anything else at the wedding! What was really humbling was being reminded that this wedding isnt about being unique or better, or about it being "our day" or "all about jose and myself". It really is about Jesus and also about us becoming one and us joining many many others who are married. It is about celebrating what is common. This good gift of marriage is a wonderful gift from God and we ought to rejoice that we like many others are in a convenant. If Lord willing we get there, we ought to help one another press on in the marriage through joys and trials.