My wife and I drove to Albany, Georgia Sunday morning to hear, James McDonald, one of her favorite speakers, talk at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany.  The Music was wonderful and James delivered an excellent talk on handling trials in our life.

A bonus for us was that Sherwood Baptist Church is the church that produced the movies “Facing the Giants” and “Fire Proof“.  (click to view video trailer).  Amazingly, many of the actors in the movie are church members.  So it was almost like going to church with movie stars- if movie stars went to church.

Two members of the church staff also wrote “The Love Dare” book, which goes along with the “Fireproof” story line and is a 40 day challenge to improve your marriage.   If you haven’t seen these movies or purchased the book, I highly recommend both.

The book especially gives very practical knowledge about improving your marriage.  For example, on page 133 it reads “Don’t you want married life to be a place where you can enjoy free expression of who you are, growing within a safe environment that encourages you even when you fail?  Your spouse does too-and love gives them that privilege.  If your wife or husband has told you on more than one occasion that you make them feel beat down and defeated, you need to take these words to heart.  Make a commitment to daily let go of unrealistic expectations and become your spouse’s greatest encourager.  And the person they’re created by God to be will begin to emerge with new confidence and love for you.”

Good advice isn’t it?