...in Him you have been made complete... Colossians 2:10an the 1996 movie titled Jerry Maguire, Tom Cruise plays a man

(Jerry) who pursues a relationship with a single mom named Dorothy (played by Renee Zellweger). In one of the movies memorable scenes, Jerry passionately tells Dorothy You complete me.

Jerrys romantic line is pure Hollywood gold (as evidenced by the movies financial and critical success). You dont have to watch or read much today to realize that our culture is captivated with the idea that finding your soul mate is an essential part of a full life.

Unfortunately, many Christians are subtly influenced by this view of marriage. I was saddened to recently read the following statement from the leaders of a prominent marriage and family ministry.

They stated, We believe God created a man incomplete, and as a husband, needs his wife as his helper.

It is not the first time that the culture has distorted peoples view of truth. Years ago, Paul encouraged the people living in the ancient city of Colossae to not be deceived through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.1

He goes on to say For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete...2 What great news! All who have been born again into Christs family are complete. We lack nothing! We no

longer have to burden our relationships with unhealthy expectations.

This news is also encouraging for those who are single. If a person is in Christ, that person IS complete. All of his or her needs are met by Christ.3 He or she lacks nothing4 and is free to live fully in spite of our societys focuson romantic love.5

When two people who are complete in Christ get married, they also lack nothing. As two completely full individuals, they are truly free to serve one another by fulfilling their God-given roles in marriage. The result is pure relational gold which honors God and will endure the test of time.6

1 Col. 2:8, 2 Col. 2:9-10, 3 Phil. 4:19, 4 2 Pet. 1:3, 5 Gal. 2:20, 6 1 Cor. 3:11-15

SPR

ING

2015

BY THE NUMBERS

(Numbers from our life and work)

12years of marriage we celebrated recently - We cant wait to see what the next 12 hold for us!

36basketball practices & games we had this winter - We enjoyed seeing the boys improve over the season.

5week break between the end of basketball season & the start of soccer practices (Mom & Dad were grateful!)

95+men who came to a Mens retreat this past January - God was clearly at work as Beau & his Dad taught on loving God, self & others. The feedback was encouraging (the coordinator said it appears to have been the most moving, powerful, & inspiring Mens retreat ever held at their church). PTL!

95+men who came to a Mens retreat this past January - God was clearly at work as Beau & his Dad taught on loving God, self & others. The feedback was encouraging (the coordinator said it appears to have been the most moving, powerful, & inspiring Mens retreat ever held at their church). PTL!

1stpink shopping spree weve had so far - It still seems odd to see tiny pink outfits & think they actually belong in our house.

1stpink shopping spree weve had so far - It still seems odd to see tiny pink outfits & think they actually belong in our house.

546adults, teens, & children our staff counseled/discipled in 2014

I

Christian Families Today 174 Ashley Park Boulevard - Suite 1, Newnan, GA 30263 www.ChristianFamiliesToday.org

#5Last month we learned that our 5th little one is a girl. She is due to make her grand entrance in July. Dad and Mom are thrilled (as are her four older brothers)! Please join us in praying

for a continued healthy pregnancy!

I have a clearer sense of who I am in Christ through

my retreat with CFT.

Thank you so very much for your unwavering and

continued support of Christian Families Today. My marriage was in part

saved and reconciled because of CFT. My life

has been forever changed, and I have finally realized my true freedom in Christ.

Thank you! Your gracious gift of support to CFT has trickled down to the 16 of us in ADT. Through it, we have become known in new ways together as a group, been able to be transparent and vulnerable, learn who we are in Christ, find victory in Christ, shed our masks, encourage each other, trust Jesus and the Holy Spirit with us. Our journeys all vary, but yet are all similar. They lead to Jesus and an intimate relationship with Him. We are grasping onto our Freedom in Him.

This retreat has opened my eyes to the oneness I share with other believers. We all

shared our struggles openly, helping me to

relate better with others and recognize the enemy's

lies that affect our lives.

This seminar is the best thing after salvation!!! Life changing

and much needed. Every minister should be required to

take this. Straight from the Holy Spirit!

Encouraging Comments

(from those we are ministering to)

Many of you have labored with us over the past 10 years as we have ministered to those who are longing to grow in their relationship with God, themselves and others. They will likely never be able to say thank you in person this side of heaven. However, as the comments above indicate, your generosity towards them is deeply impacting their lives. God is the One who is transforming them, but

what a privilege it is to be able to participate with Him in His eternally significant work.

It is a blessing to have you partnering with us in His work. Thanks from the bottom of our hearts!

Beau and Patti

I am a more joyful person because of this seminar.

http://www.ChristianFamiliesToday.orghttp://www.ChristianFamiliesToday.org