We wanted to thank you all for our time at NIM. It was a life changing event for my wife and I, as well as us together. We discuss what we learned everyday. We can't tell you enough of how things have changed for us, personally and with our marriage. Next to our kids being born, it was the greatest 3 days of our lives.

We have told many people about NIM since we have returned; the approach, some ideas of what we learned and the impact on our marriage and family. At some point we would love to discuss bringing you to our town to hold a conference. With our friends we are confident that the issue would not be having enough people, but rather having more demand than supply. There is already much interest in with those that we have spoken.

If you get the chance, let us know a couple of dates of availability and we could start looking down the road. We could advertise at 3 large local churches, which account for around 20,000 attendees in our community, if that was needed. We think we could fill it with our connections.

Again, there is no way we can thank you enough for your help and the huge impact on our marriage. If there is anything we can ever do to help NIM please let us know.

• I am excited and hopeful for the future. Understanding that I don’t have to be responsible for my spouses issues was big for me.
• My expectations were not very high coming in, but exciting going out! I feel we are leaving able to have a fresh start in our marriage.
• I was praying for a miracle from God and He has provided it.
• Our therapist was very calm and encouraging and was very patient. He kept us on track towards our goals.
• I loved learning about myself and how to communicate better.
• The fear buttons were very valuable. The last thing I want to do is hurt my husband. I walked away with something in all areas!
• The Fear Cycle and realizing the importance of feelings was big for me, and understanding the impacts on my and our lives.
• The Intensive provided a path to our journey to help achieve our mutual outcome.
• I learned the need for Personal Care and how important that is to my well being.
• I believe the Intensive was so worth my time in allowing me to focus on issues I have within myself and my marriage expectations.
• The teachings on self-care and learning that I need to be okay with myself before a marriage/partner – so valuable to me!!
• There was never a moment where I felt I couldn’t share something deep and personal.
• The concept of first focusing internally to understand ME better and to recognize the root of my issues was eye opening for me.
• I have several couples that I know could benefit from this program.
• The days spent at NIM have been life changing for me!
• I loved learning Heart Talk and reviewing of the Fear Cycle and how to attend to my own feelings was priceless.
• I found most valuable learning how to express myself and how to communicate with my spouse. The group setting was awesome!
• Our therapist was awesome!!! She poured herself into our life and our situation and gave 100% of herself during these 3 days.
• Everything was so valuable. I loved the safe environment that was created to share our hearts.
• I loved learning about communication and about protecting and valuing your own heart.
• Learning the Fear Cycle was so eye opening for me.
• Learning about my heart and that my heart matters was huge!
• The group dynamic was so valuable!! I was able to experience my relationship through the other couples’ experiences.

When your life is in turmoil, such as a crisis marriage, it is hard to see that God does work all things for the good of those who Love Him (Romans 8:28) even when we have no earthy idea as to why. When we attended our Marriage Intensive in June 2003 our children were only 7, 5, & 3 and had no idea that their parents marriage was crumbling and at the door step of divorce. At our Intensive God showed us that we must first have a healthy Love relationship with Him before we could ever Love each other as a Godly husband and wife. Over the past eight years we have learned that a firm foundation for our family has been the direct result of a strong and healthy marriage rooted first in the Love of Jesus Christ.

Only God could have performed the miracle of restoration in our marriage and as a step of obedience and for His Glory we relocated from Indiana to Georgia three years ago to serve Him in marriage ministry at WinShape Retreat. On June 17, 2010 God provided a real life experience as to one reason He provided our reconciliation and a firm foundation for our family.

It was a beautiful Thursday afternoon when our oldest daughter Macey was tragically kicked in the face by her horse Rayha. She was air lifted to Atlanta where we were able to see firsthand the miracle of God’s protection over her life. Macey suffered no brain damage or broken bones but after three optical specialists did everything they could to save her left eye it had to be removed 11 days after the accident. As a result, our children now fully understand our marriage story of restoration and the miracle that God performed. They see that they have two parents that made a decision of obedience to First Love God; stay married, and build a firm family foundation.

As we prayed over her the night before her eye was removed she said, "I know God can perform a miracle and allow me to see again but He has spoken to me that He is not going to do that but rather use this in my life". Today with a prosthetic eye and only a small scar on her forehead she is an A student, learning to drive, and openly shares her own miracle story.

While Macey was in the hospital a few days after the accident God placed on our hearts that the same week, seven years earlier was when we attended our Marriage Intensive. He gave us clear vision that our marriage was restored and a firm family foundation laid for just a time as this. The type of foundation that would make it possible for a 14 year old to hear her heavenly father say "its ok daughter, I am going to use this in your life for my glory."

We openly wondered how a child could go through the tragedy of losing an eye with parents that were no longer married and a family that was not obedient to following God’s plan for their lives.

May God receive the Glory for all that He has done for our family!

• Learning how to best communicate your ‘feelings and wants’ was so effective. I would not change a thing in this Intensive. I can’t think of anything that was not of value. (11/14-17)
• Seeing my actions for what they are and how they affected my wife and others was eye opening for me, so valuable!! (11/14-17)
• Learning the Fear Cycle was so valuable…..we CAN do this!!!! The “Win/Win” team perspective took the fear out of conflict. (11/14-17)
• Being totally honest the cost of the program delayed us coming to the Intensive sooner, but made our commitment stronger. This program far outweighed the cost, totally worth it! (11/14-17)
• Every single session had something for me-it was All so valuable!!! (11/14-17)
• I believe this program will make a profound difference in my life as an individual and in our life as a married couple. (11/14-17)
• We have been equipped with the tools to walk the journey. The rest is up to us! (11/14-17)
• I found the Fear Cycle the most valuable part of the Intensive for me. It helped me identify the holes in my heart and how they needed mending. (11/14-17)
• The group format was great! The love for the leaders and group was great! The information was life changing!!!!! (11/14-17)
• This program exceeded ALL of my expectations, AMAZING!!! (11/14-17)
• I had hoped for a good experience, but when God shows up miracles occur! It was an answer to prayer and then some! (11/14-17)
• This program helped me to understand the root cause of conflict and how to deal with them together. (11/14-17)
• This program has done its job, it is now up to us!!!! (11/14-17)
• Thank you NIM, this experience has given me hope in my marriage. (11/14-17)
• I had high expectations coming here being I had experienced NIM before. The progress my wife and I made was outstanding. (11/14-19)

• I found most valuable the ability of both leaders to see the underlying issues and provide the atmosphere to explore them. I felt that the 6-day length gave time to really address the problems we came with in a deep level. (11/14-19)
• This program has done its job; it’s up to us now! This was well worth the cost. (11/14-19)
• I loved learning and understanding our “buttons” and HIS feelings. I WAS CLUELESS! (11/14-19)
• I had high expectations and they were met fully! (11/14-19)
• Our therapists had an outstanding style of working through the sessions. They were able to be flexible yet stay focused on our most important issues, feelings, and reactions. (11/14-19)
• We were able to get to the root of deeper problems within our marriage, not just the superficial, and helping us not only recognize these, but fully understand, accept and work towards solutions. (11/14-19)
• This program was so effective!! (11/14-19)
• The cost was never an issue with me when dealing with relationships which are invaluable. The program far outweighed the cost. (11/14-19)
• What I found most valuable was having someone help me to find my “voice” and help me to confront some difficult and painful issues. (11/14-19)
• The group dynamic made a significant difference for me, loved it! (11/7-10)
• Heart talk is going to be an invaluable tool. (11/7-10)
• This Intensive was an incredible, transformative experience for me. (11/7-10)
• I am leaving with a full heart, confirmed in how to stay healthy and hopeful for healing. (11/7-10)
• This stuff is absolutely life changing! (11/7-10)
• My expectations were exceeded even though I really did believe that God was going to do a miracle. (11/7-10)
• I loved learning Heart Talk, practicing many of the principles and Fear Cycle. I liked the input by facilitators during the check-in daily. This will be life changing! (11/7-10)
• I really appreciated the additional insight and balance that come from working with two different counselors at the same time. I think it helped draw both of us out. (11/7-9)
• This was an amazing experience!! It was a very safe environment! (11/1-4)
• Oh so much valuable information learned!!! I loved how it was custom to our needs. (11/1-4)
• The setting, the staff, the caring staff, and the design of the program all astounded me! (11/1-5)
• The experience was nothing like I expected. The atmosphere was conducive to being open, and I was very impressed at the caring of the staff. (11/1-5)

• My wife and I attended the intensive in 07 and absolutely loved
  it. We came home with the workbook and have referenced it many times
  in the past few years. I was wondering if I could get another copy
  of that workbook. Mine is pretty beat up and missing a few pages. I
  am willing to purchase it if necessary. I value the information and
  would love to continue using it as a reference. (Rec’d on 10/27/11)
• This program was insanely effective!!!! I loved learning the Heart
  Talk. (10/24-27)
• To what was gained attending this Intensive, it was an excellent
  value! (10/24-27)
• I appreciated feeling understood/validated by the others in the
  group. I wish this incredible program was more well known, as in so
  many people could benefit from this. (10/24-27)
• I found that we could forgive eachother and myself and I learned
  tools on how to move forward from this program. (10/24-27)
• I am a big “money” person and the cost scared me, but it was so
  worth what we had to pay. You can’t put a price on marriage! (10-24-
  27)
• A miracle was performed in my marriage! (10/24-27)
• The group dynamic was awesome, and after experiencing the Intensive
  I now know I would have paid more. (10/24-27)
• For me the experience, the act of going through and participating
  was more powerful than the tools. (10/24-27)
• I wasn’t sure that a group format would provide enough attention
  to our own personal issues. It ended up being a remarkable tool in
  facilitating the healing process. There is great power behind others
  stories! (10/24-27)
• I have already recommended this program to my sister and brother-
  in-law. (10/24-27)
• The accommodations, food, service, compassion, and programming were
  obviously planned to the very last detail. Nothing could have been
  done better. (10/17-20)
• I loved the “safety” and the permission to “feel” and be real! (10/
  17-20)
• Nothing was done half way! No band-aids here! Clean out the wounds
  and be real! (10/17-20)
• We loved the “Work Talk” vs “Heart Talk”. (10/17-20)
• I came in with no hope, but out of obligation. The Intensive dealt
  with issues that I had no idea I had. (10/17-20)
• This Intensive has brought hope back to my life and marriage. (10/
  17-20)
• I came with no expectations for my marriage and I am leaving with
  the possibility that hope remains. (10/17-20)
• All I can say is that God worked a miracle! (10/17-20)
• This program taught me how to communicate better and properly. (10/
  17-20)
• Miracles really do happen!!!! (10/17-20)
• I had a fair amount of apprehension thinking about how the week
  was going to play out, but those fears were quickly forgotten. Our
  therapists were exactly what we needed as leaders of the group.
  It became obvious very quickly that they had great insights into
  relationships and spoke from their experiences mixed with a great
  emphasis on relying upon God's word for strength and comfort. This
  note could be long and detailed, but I will just say that we have a
  new level of understanding and insight into one another's fear cycle
  and how to deal with it differently. The host couple was great in
  their role, their light hearted personalities and loving spirits
  set the tone for the week. This note falls short of telling you how
  helpful the week was, nor does it reflect our true appreciation and
  gratitude. Long story to tell made short by the reality of "I have to
  go to work". Thanks again...Thank you Jesus (10/17-20)
• I had no idea that sharing in a group such personal struggles would be so helpful! (10/
  10-15)
• I didn’t know what to expect. I thought it would only or mainly be targeted towards the marriage. It was a great experience and great to know that our individual well being was first and to learn how to care for ourselves first so we can take care of the marriage was of great inspiration! (10/10-15)
• Our therapist did an excellent job navigating our issues and directing us towards the root causes. (10/10-15)
• What I found most valuable was a focus on what the root causes were for our problems and providing direction for how to approach those. (10/10-15)
• We each felt so validated while becoming more aware of the negative contributions we
  bring to the table. (10/10-15)
• No amount of money in the world is worth more than my wife and family. Thank you
  NIM! (10/10-15)
• This was AWESOME! I’m leaving with great hope! (10/10-15)
• I would love to have everyone experience what we just did. (10/10-15)
• I felt the intensive was most valuable in honoring each of us as people. I never felt
  judgment or harshness in any comment or question. (10/10-15)
• We came with our marriage on the rocks. We’re leaving with new tools, a plan and great hope!! (10/10-15)
• I was resistant to coming as I didn’t understand how this was going to help or what was going to be taught. I was very surprised! (10/10-15)
• I loved the daily check-ins and the emotional check-ins. Even if you were not the
  teacher in the moment they saw when I had a reaction to what was going on. (10/10-15)
• I came with high expectations and that was the right thing to do. Wow, was it ever! Way to go!! Well done!! (10/10-15)
• Our therapist’s transparency created authenticity loaded with 100% effort and laser
  focus. (10/10-15)
• Simplicity and clarity of principles repeatedly demonstrated as each couple/person was in the spot light. Drove it home, got it! (10/10-15)
• There were no dead spots, idle time or diversions; all of it was of high value! (10/10-15)
• This was very successful in meeting me where I was and lifting me above the water line
  so I could get air again and swim the rest of the way with a strong pace. The group format was most encouraging as I connected with others on a significant level. (10/10-15)
• Our therapists own vulnerability and transparency created an encouragement for us to
  go there and explore our own struggles. (10/10-15)
• VALIDATION! I discovered a new and freeing way to look at marriage. I love the 4
  circles and 2 stick figures! The couples’s format was very effective for me to receive
  through the others. (10/10-15)
• If I would have known how comfortable this setting was I might have agreed to do the
  4-day group Intensive.
• You really can’t put a value on what has happened in our time here. This program
  outweighs the cost.
• Great insight gained on how to be whole as a person and how important it is to guard
  your heart.
• I didn’t know what to expect, but am very satisfied with the program.
• I loved the Heart Talk and learning about our “fear” buttons.
• Learning the Fear Cycle, Heart Talk vs Work Talk and 7 Steps to Win/Win will be so
  effective for us.
• I found that learning the ability to sense what triggers my reactions and how to process things BEFORE those reactions was so valuable for me.

• Our therapist cared about me as an individual first, not as a couple first. We were
  offered a SAFE place to speak our heart and feelings. (9/19-22/11)
• This program went beyond my expectations! (9/19-22/11)
• This helped me connect with my neglected heart and to remember it’s a journey not a
  destination. (9/19-22/11)
• Exceeded my expectations!!! I loved the care and concern for me and my heart!!! (9/19- 22/11)
• The therapists totally “got me” and understood me in ways I haven’t felt understood
  before! (9/19-22/11)
• The therapist took time to get me to “slow down” and just cared for me. (9/19-22/11)
• I have some friends I will be recommending this program to. I loved it all, I NEEDED it
  all! (9/19-22/11)
• Amazing insight, it worked!!!! (9/19-22/11)
• I loved the discovery of my heart and the Fear Cycle! (9/19-22/11)
• I was already very confident in the program, but this by far exceeded what I expected.
  (9/19-22/11)
• I felt safe as soon as I met our therapist. (9/19-22/11)
• I loved learning about finding my heart and the Fear Cycle and Care Cycle. It all made
  sense! (9/19-22/11)
• This was better than I could have ever expected! (9/19-22/11)
• God was definitely in this place, everything surpassed every expectation I came in here
  with. (9/19-22/11
• We have hope where there seemed to be very little of before the program. (9/19-22/11)
• This has been an amazing experience. We have been well cared for. (9/19-22/11)
• We were blessed by our church to come, and it was so worth it! (9/19-22/11)
• I had reservations about what would be presented or what my participation would be.
  The entire experience was comfortable and relevant. (9/19-22/11)
• We gained the knowledge that we both have work to do, that is our sole responsibility, ex: healing of the heart. (9/19-22/11)
• The Marriage Intensive was excellent! I see the need to saturate the single/unmarried
  individuals with every bit of this program. (9/19-22/11)
• I leave hopeful, reassured and more determined that ever! (9/19-22/11)
• We loved the introduction to Heart Talk and being able to put the tools into practice in
  front of our therapist so that he could guide us. (9/19-22/11)
• I never thought 4-days could bring such a huge change to my relationship and my
  understanding of its dynamic. (9/12-15/11)
• We loved getting to the root of the problems. The group setting helped trigger issues
  that came up with our direct work. (9/12-15/11)
• The time allowed through this program (4-day or 3-day intensive) moved us forward in
  ways as a couple that weekly therapy just didn’t seem to do. (9/12-15/11)
• I recommend this program to everybody!!!!! (9/12-15/11)
• We loved learning about the Fear Cycle and how it affects our relationships. I would
  highly recommend this program!!!! (9/12-15/11)
• Our therapists immediately made us feel welcome. Their compassionate responses and
  non-judgmental attitudes put us at ease. Their insights were always surprising, but right
  on the money! (9/12-15/11)
• Thank you so much for the scholarship. We hope to sponsor other couples when our
  financial situation improves. This program far outweighs the cost! (9/12-15/11)
• I already plan to recommend this program to a friend who asked me about it last week.
  (9/12-15/11)
• This was an incredible experience that has given our relationship such new life and hope for achieving the marriage we both want. (9/12-15/11)
• The program was a little intimidating at first, but what we gained from the experience is priceless!!!! (9/12-15/11)
• I would absolutely recommend this program without hesitation. (9/12-15/11)
• I found the most valuable part of this program is understanding the Fear Cycle, and that the issue is not really the issue. Also, seeing the need for personal care in my own life and gaining crucial communication tools to express feelings and find solutions to issues. (9/12-15/11)
• The principles and tools explained were valuable in helping to systematically identify
  and process our emotions. (9/12-15/11)
• Every aspect of this intensive applied to me! (9/12-15/11)
• Learning where the real source of my pain came from and how it continued to affect me was eye opening. (9/12-15/11)
• I love the new problem solving tools we have gained, and hearing the other couples
  problems helped put ours into perspective. (9/5-9/11)
• Hearing so many different stories allowed me to receive insight into areas I didn’t even
  realize were issues for me! (9/5-9/11)
• I appreciated the group format, all the individual work and couple work in front of the
  others allowed for so much insight! (9/5-9/11)
• I never could have imagined the miracle that occurred and I loved the group approach.
  (9/5-9/11)
• This program saved my marriage! (9/5-9/11)
• Observing all the individual work with each person was so beneficial for me. (9/5-9/11)
• I found the most valuable thing about this program was my “self evaluation”. Learning
  more about myself so that I can bring that “whole” person to my relationship with my
  spouse is invaluable. (9/5-9/11)

• I came to NIM feeling hopeless and that it would be a waste of time, and I am leaving
  with hope. (8/22-25/11)
• This was absolutely amazing to see God’s work truly live in two great therapists. (8/22-
  25/11)
• The care and love that everyone expressed to us. I found all of it to be too much to put into words. (8/22-25/11)
• Amazing to see God work in each couple, especially us!!! (8/22-25/11)
• I loved the safe environment which created such a place to be vulnerable. The ability to learn from the other couples in the group was so valuable. (8/22-25/11)
• How clueless I have been! This has been life changing!
• The thing I found most valuable was learning to care for myself and learning about our
  fear cycle and how to adequately try to communicate. (8/22-25/11)
• This program was worth every penny! I look forward to follow-up intensives. (8/22-25/
  11)
• Wow, what a miracle!!!! (8/22-25/11)
• Thank you for helping us give each other a second chance. (8/22-25/11)
• This was by far the safest, most caring; to the point counseling we have ever
  received!!!! (8/8-12/11)
• I thought the recognition of our core fears, wounds, and reactions coupled with
  understanding the care cycle was most significant for me. (8/8-12/11)
• The focus on personal responsibility for my problems and freedom from fixing my
  husband’s problems was so valuable! (8/8-12/11)
• I cannot thank you enough for the caring and informed manner that you approached us with. Thank you for the space and ability to be open. (8/8-12/11)
• I loved the safe environment that allowed for maximum benefit. I was accepted without judgment. I was encouraged when needed and also challenged to answer the hard and ugly questions. The ability to include the Lord in all of this was major. (8/8-12/11)
• This was such a valuable use of our time and counseling dollars. (8/8-12/11)
• The therapists were outstanding! I never felt judged. They had the right balance between listening and moving us to where we needed to go. (8/8-12/11)
• Having two counselors who agreed gave me a sense of security that nothing was missed. (8/8-12/11)
• I was very satisfied with every element of the intensive. Thank you! (8/8-12/11)
• The structure of the information helped me realize my issues in a manner that allowed
  me to address them. (8/8-12/11)
• The facility and the program was better than I expected. Our therapist read us perfectly and tailored the program to best help us. Excellent counseling!!!! (8/8-12/11
• I loved learning about the fear cycle and how I can better communicate to have a
  positive impact on our relationship. (8/8-12/11)
• Everything from lodging, food, counseling was fabulous! The people were generous,
  thoughtful and kind. (8/8-12/11)
• All the information and tools to help improve relationships were so valuable to me. (8/8-
  12/11)
• It’s hard to envision someone that could have been any better than our therapists. (8/8-12/11)
• I loved learning the communication tools and using Heart Talk! I loved everything
  about this intensive! (8/8-12/11)
• This intensive was excellent; it opened my eyes and heart!!!!! (8/8-12/11)
• The therapists made it so easy to open up and the insight and sharing was so down to
  earth and easily understood. (8/8-12/11)
• It was so valuable learning how easy it can be to communicate using Heart Talk, it was
  awesome!!! (8/8-12/11)

• I am shocked at what I learned? (7/25-29/11)
• I came into this experience with an open mind, wasn’t sure what to expect but am
  leaving very hopeful and encouraged. (7/25-29/11)
• Learning about the Fear Cycle (buttons), communication (Heart Talk) will be very
  effective to the growth of our marriage. (7/25-29/11)
• This exceeded my expectations, it was a great experience. Thanks so much!!!
  (7/25-29/11)
• We loved learning about the Fear Cycle and having the confidence to be able to utilize it after we leave. (7/25-29/11)
• Everything about this program was so beneficial! (7/25-29/11)
• The safety we experienced created the space and freedom to finally (after 29 yrs) hear and be heard on a deeply personal level. I feel like we have made a break through in understanding and connecting. (7/18-22/11)
• The Intensive met and exceeded all of my hopes – it’s almost hard to believe! (7/18-22/11)
• Our therapist had a gift for affirming and encouraging while still challenging and coaxing us to take steps that are hard and even frightening. Most important: our big steps came from us – they are ours, not his. (7/18-22/11)
• We had attended the Group Intensive a year ago so I had high expectations coming in and they were exceeded. (7/18-22/11)
• I was able to develop trust in my spouse that I hadn’t been able to do previously. Practicing Heart Talk with the counselor was so effective. This program is less expensive than long term outpatient therapy and is FAR LESS costly than a divorce. (7/18-22/11)
• Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to my wife and I on the phone a few weeks ago. We’d truly be in a much different place right now without your care and concern, I cannot thank you enough. We were given a lot of hope during our time at NIM last week. We see our relationship and how we were reacting to each other much differently now. (7/18-22/11)
• Calculated out, the cost is well worth the time of just the therapists. This program far
  outweighs the cost! (7/18-22/11)
• The Heart Talk was so valuable, and also the skills presented and the time devoted to
  discussion. (7/18-22/11)
• Words cannot express the surprise and gratitude I have for NIM and its leaders after this intensive. It quite possibly is the BEST experience of my entire life. (7/11-15/11)
• I was very skeptical and negative about the idea of a Couples Intensive in the beginning. The counselors helped us SO much, we feel ready to fight for our marriage! (7/11-15/11)
• Surprisingly the group setting was so valuable to me. After the initial awkwardness, it
  turned out to be hugely vital and encouraging. (7/11-15/11)
• I would pay double had I known! (7/11-15/11)
• The psychological aspect of the therapy and not focusing blame or focusing on detail
  was so valuable to me. (7/11-15/11)
• The experience of the Fear Cycle was amazing to me and life changing. It will not only
  be an incredibly invaluable tool in my marriage, but in life in general. (7/11-15/11)
• The group environment turned out to be very comforting! (7/11-15/11)
• I would recommend this intensive with every fiber of my being! (7/11-15/11)
• This experience was unbelievable! Very gifted Christian counselors. (7/11-15/11)
• Top quality program that out weighs the cost. (7/11-15/11)
• Being able to watch the other couples allowed for constant reinforcement. (7/11-15/11)
• I had concerns about the group format, but see it works great! (7/11-15/11)
• I was in awe of the Intensive program. (7/11-15/11)
• I would pay 5 times more than I did, there’s no doubt in my mind. I hope to sponsor as
  many couples as I can. It has meant that much to me. (7/11-15/11)
• I had absolutely no expectations and you blew my mind! (7/11-15/11)
• At first I thought the price was outrageous, but the value is priceless!!! (7/11-15/11)
• I didn’t know what to expect coming in. I had hope but couldn’t visualize having
  a healthy, loving relationship with my husband. I am leaving with amazing hope
  and anticipation of what our relationship can and will be. (7/4-7/11)
• I loved the safe environment, it was very important to me. The tools to build
  intimacy, especially heart talk, were so valuable to me. I found the most effective
  thing was the method of teaching and then giving practical steps and actually
  practicing them. (7/4-7/11)
• Learning about the fear cycle gave us tools that we desperately needed to
  manage conflict, and most importantly to understand ourselves and each other.
  (7/4-7/11)
• I truly feel we’ve experienced and are on the verge of a marriage miracle. (7/4-7/
  11)
• I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was a great experience. (7/4-7/11)

• Safe environment, first and foremost! Counseling staff was outstanding!
  Hospitality staff was exceptional! (6/27-7/1/11)
• It couldn’t have been better, amazing on all levels! Hospitality staff is
  exceptional! Many thanks! (6/27-7/1/11)
• I had heard wonderful comments, but comments cannot capture the truth. (6/27-
  7/1/11)
• Thank you NIM. It has been a little over a month since my ex-husband and I
  attended the 2 day intensive and we are going strong...I learned so much from
  your program about my spouse and myself...Our therapists were wonderful as
  well as the rest of the NIM staff...Thank you so much for helping put my family
  back together…..I pray the Lord continues to bless your ministry, it is a GREAT
  one! (Facebook comment June/11)
• Coming from a “high expectation” personality, I was very, extremely satisfied
  with the service of program. (6/20-23/11)
• The intensive was eye opening and personally challenging! I felt the therapist
  cared deeply for our issues, validated them, and even brought to the surface
  issues and ideas that I wasn’t able to. (6/20-23/11)
• I’m leaving with such incredible discovery of self! (6/13-16/11)
• I didn’t know what to expect coming in and this experience blew my socks off! I
  now have to tools to communicate to my wife that I love her. (6/13-16/11)
• Although it seemed costly, you can’t put a price on your relationship. With
  housing and meals and two leaders it was very fair. (6/13-16/11)
• This was such a POWERFUL EXPERIENCE! I was very apprehensive about
  the group format at first, but it turned out to completely surprise me with its
  success! (6/13-16/11)
• We plan to recommend the intensive to two couples at this point and will surely
  encounter others in the future who will benefit as well.
• The Fear Cycle exercise was a major discovery for me. It has impacted me in a
  very deep, life-changing way.
• The group setting provided great perspective.
• Having 5 couples – totally opposite what I thought coming in. The learning from
  each couples role play and interaction was so valuable!
• The Fear Cycle was eye opening for me. I was able to put into words the
  patterns of the last 15 years that had me stuck!
• We’ve experienced several counselors over the years…NIM is blessed with
  some of the best!!!!!
• This program far outweighed the cost, there is no price you can put on the
  therapy, love and support we received.
• The whole experience was scary walking in, but once I went through it, it may be
  one of the most rewarding and best experiences I’ve ever gone through.
• I had very high expectations and they were met 100%!
• I loved how we were able to look from the outside in at our marriage.

• I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was hoping for a miracle. The miracle was performed in the transformation of MY thinking.
• I wish I would have known about the “personal responsibility and the care cycle” tools years ago. I could have used these concepts in many other life lessons. 
• I appreciated the non-judgmental environment that the leaders and NIM provided.
• Also, the group environment seemed like a weird concept, but after experiencing it, felt very grateful to hear and see “myself” in similar situations that the other couples shared.
• I was very apprehensive about the group therapy format but I see how beneficial it was. I appreciate how comfortable we were in sharing our hearts. This exceeded my expectations and I thank you for that!
• The Leaders were fantastic, the food was wonderful! I was pre-destined to be here.

• I have been going to therapy for years and have never had anyone go as deep as the therapists did. 
• What I found so valuable in our intensive was an outside perspective looking in and being able to see through the crap and lies and get to the root.
• I am leaving this intensive recommending this program to at least 4 couples. 

• Group was terrifying at first but offered me more than I could imagine!! I fear people may be scared away from it but it’s totally worth it!
• More than what I expected.
• No matter what . . . this is a vision of God’s design for marriage that has radically altered my understanding. God Bless You for your faithfulness.

Hi Friends at NIM,

Please read this letter to your staff and share with Verlette and Bob Paul. I wanted to say thank you for the amazing experience we had last week in Branson. Angie Pyatt told me before my spouse and I arrived that the Intensive had been a life changing experience for her and Mark. Angie, I agree.My greatest fear in coming was having to share in front of a group just how messed up our marital life has been over 21 years.  Sure enough, we were the last couple to share our story, and I felt like crawling under a rock as I had to openly admit to our marriage being born out of an affair, early emotional abuse, infidelity, porn addiction, and finally additional emotional affairs.  Honestly, my greatest fear was coming true....that our story would be the biggest horror story in the group. But to my shock and amazement, I felt neither judgment nor condemnation, but rather understanding, compassion and safety from Bob, Verlette and the group.

Truly, I felt in the presence of Christ in that little basement conference room. Bob captured my attention right from the start. I could tell that I was listening to a man who had walked my tormented walk. Like me, I could tell he hit a point in his life where he struggled to find what must be a different model for a Godly marriage.  I sat amazed as he unpacked ideas that were so fresh to me, made such perfect sense and so full of truth, that I knew it had to be of God.  He was literally answering my prayers right before my eyes......(I came on a prayerful quest to find what Shawn Stover and I had discussed a few weeks back.....a new creation. I was seeking a new paradigm for marriage that could be used to build a new creation for my spouse and I.)  What amazed me even more was Bob and Verlette's ability to teach these complex ideas in a way that could be used in practical everyday application.  As a fellow professional who often finds himself trying to distill complex ideas down for general consumption, I know just how challenging that can be.  Bob and Verlette did this with the skill of true artisans. Wow is all I can say!One final thank you to the hospitality team at both NIM and the Bradford House. In my mind, you are the real hero's of the week. The grace based hospitality you showed simply made the entire experience awesome.  

My spouse and I have been involved in Walk to Emmaus weekends for almost a decade. We know the importance of silent servants to an experience like an Intensive. It is your work that free's the couples to focus on all that they are experiencing. I cannot thank you enough for the love and compassion you showed us over those 5 days. My spouse and I didn't come back "cured." We have no illusions that we are fixed or that the road ahead is easy. It took us 21 years to get this relationship this jacked up. We know it will take time and work to implement these new ideas into our marriage. But there is a hope and excitement in our relationship for a bright "2nd half" that I don't think either of us have felt in a very long time. We completely owe that peace to God for the work He did on us through you. May God Bless you and we look forward to working with you in the future as supporters for all you do.

• The program was great! The accommodations and the meals were awesome, but more importantly the intensive sessions were meaningful and on target for what we needed for moving forward in our relationship.
• Bob B. showed great knowledge and expertise in being a facilitator. He also showed great heart saying. Cynthia has a big heart for others.
• Knowing what each other’s buttons are and how it turns into our fear cycle helps me understandmy spouse. Having these tools to stop our fear cycle and gain understanding of our spouse’s feelings will greatly affect our marriage.

• Our marriage will no longer be a roommate status but one of coming together.
• I had great expectation but unsure exactly how they might be met and I am pleased to say theywere and exceedingly so.
• Knowledgeable and experienced as a facilitator. Very observant. Provided legitimate tools for present and future use. Used by God to impact our lives and marriage.
• Also knowledgeable and experienced. Very caring and “in-tune” with our hearts. A true
  servant of God used in a tremendous way to lead us into His presence of safety and love.
• Brett approaches the session in a manner that provides clear understanding. He has a great patience and compassion! He loves the Lord and seeks to serve His will in his marriage and career. I felt understood and safe to share. A great guy.
• Chris is a wonderful lady. She seems to have a very intuitive nature that provides good insight to topic being dealt with. She helped make the environment safe and secure. She provided a true expression of compassion and understanding to both of us.
• My experience was incredible! The only reason it didn’t significantly exceed my expectations is because I’ve heard so many miraculous stories!
• So thankful for Bob! His insight, patience, grace and sincerity were greatly received and
  appreciated.
• Every single word Brett used was valuable to my heart. He did not waste a single word!
• More than I ever expected. I thought it would be so hard to be completely honest w/myself and the group – but I felt safe in the environment.
• Your ministry is a magnificent testimony to your love for God and His children!
• This was excellent! I will highly recommend this program to others!

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Recommendation isn’t a strong enough word.  And, at the risk of sounding overly dramatic, I just know I feel like a new man.
 
We came to the Intensive last week after 18 years of frustration, hurt and pain.  The truth is that both of us were at our wit’s end.  We loved each other… but, we couldn’t stand each other.  I know that sounds bizarre.  Unfortunately, it was true.
 
I could give you details about what happened last week.  But, I would rather tell you about our 12 hour drive home because to me, it was shocking.  We talked for practically the entire way home.  I didn’t know how much fun talking and connecting could be.  Without a doubt, we talked more than we had in over a decade.  If that is an exaggeration, it is not much of one.  The amazing part of the story is that we both really enjoyed it and felt safe with each other.  It was nothing short of wonderful.
 
If you are on the fence about committing to doing an Intensive, I feel the need to tell you that for me the four days were some of the most difficult of my life.  At one point in the week, I felt like I got hit by a ton of bricks as I made discoveries about myself.  However, by the end of the week, I felt more like a ton of bricks being lifted off my chest.  My anger and bitterness just evaporated.  I could breathe because things made sense.  Again, it is nothing short of wonderful.
 
I don’t speak for my wife or the other couples.  But, I know I am on safe ground saying we were ALL impacted in a way that was wonderful.  Knowing what I know now… the price is irrelevant.  And, even though I am finding myself using an old cliché, I can’t help it.  For me it was priceless.

My wife and I attended the week long intensive in August  of this year in Branson.  I want to let you know what a blessing you and the all the NIM's faculty were in such a terrible time in our lives.

We arrived at your facility on August 30th very skeptical that anything could help us out of our situation. We had been separated since July 23rd and divorce papers had already been served. My wife felt like nothing could keep us together and this was her last effort. What you didn't know is I had made a deal with her that if she went with me to the intensive and participated that I would not fight her anymore on the divorce.

We attended the class everyday excited but very nervous of what you where going to ask of us. After each day we would sit and talk about what you had presented  that day and then pray that the Lord would give us guidance. 

We left the seminar on Friday and went to the Branson Landing and sat down and talked for hours about what we had learned and what we both wanted in a marriage and a relationship.  At the end of the discussion my wife said abruptly I don't feel like we are through here and that she wanted to stay another night to talk some more.  We booked another nights stay at the Bradford  and just talked all night.

We left Branson on September 5th and have not been apart since. The divorce was dropped and we are about to celebrate our 26th Christmas together!!

I just wanted to let you and your team know what a blessing you have been in our lives!!  I continue to pray for your team daily and I am so thankful that  you are truly doing the Lord's work.

I DO BELIEVE IN MIRACLES!! 

God bless and Merry Christmas

Dear Cheryl,
I am confident that this email message will not surprise you. Praises to God who is so faithfull, and for the men and women of NIM with such a vision. I do not believe I have ever been in a room with people so sensitive to the Holy Spirit!  Nathan and Monique deserve huge bonuses. To watch the 2 of them constantly shift between 5 different couples with such deep involvement was past description.  Their obediance to God and intense sensitivity to the Holy Spirit allowed God to speak through them in so many ways with such perfect timing that can ONLY come from our heavenly Father. They guided other couples through challenges that were so very similar to ours but we did not have the backbone to address. Through that we were able to obtain material/info to learn to deal with our own. When you are very afraid of the water it's much easier to try to learn how to swim when you watch someone else being walked through the instructions of the doggy paddle. We are so encouraged and cannot thank God, NIM and Chick-fila enough for investing in our marriage when we couldn't.

Cheryl, you deserve a bonus as well. Your did not know me, I was another broken marriage on the line. You made me feel so important, that my hurts mattered which I have not felt in a very long time. You were so very patient with me through some very painful times and just always seemed to be so understanding. My praises to my Jesus for putting you in my path. When you are where I was the voice on the other line could have made me or broke me. I was extremely fragile. You were the voice of constant encouragement but such a patient listener. Yes, God gets the praises and gratitude to chick-fila, NIM/ Nathan & Monique team. BUT! You Cheryl are the reason we got there, your kind words kept me going when I wanted to quit. Thank you in every language!

We are so very encouraged to see what God has already done in our marraige and optimistically look to the future of what he will be continueing to do. We are also very excited as God has weighed on our hearts to share in the future what God has bringing/brought us through and to share those tools from NIM with others. We have been to 6-7 marriage conferences and 7 different bible studies all containing excellent material on marriage. But the information we received and so lovingly delivered this past week was the foundational tools that we were missing. The foundational tools that almost lead a marriage to permanent seperation, and distruction of a family. Because of NIM  & Chick-fila you have not only been the vessels in saving our marriage but the future marriages of our children because we are the example.

As I am typing this email our 12 year old just came in and said she has notice a huge change in daddy and she wants me to stay with him. For the past 2 1/2 years she has told me she doesnt care how hard things would be she wants to be away from him (my husband). On many occasions has said she hated him and wanted me to divorce him because he was so mean. We have been home under 48 hours and there is already a change in her as well. They say the woman of the home sets the tempature, we can only do that if we can touch the thermostat. I havent seen the thrmostat in almost 8 years, but with my husband our home is already changing in a very positive direction. I am looking forward to the changes God will be making in me as well. I praise God for my new husband!

• My wife and I went to NIM in Branson in 2008 and we had quite of few issues going in. I myself went with the
  expectation that if this didn't work I was going back to New York and putting in divorce papers. Well we just
  made 20 years in November and I'm not going to say we don't have struggles now and then, but at least we know
  how to deal with them and get to the root cause of the problem. We were taught how to use the God given
  tools within each of us to work our issues right out and continue to work at it. Marriage is a full time job, and
  just like a full time job you have to learn how to do it in order to be good at it. If you learned it the wrong
  way to begin with, it becomes a hard job. Now on the other hand, if you learn to do the job the right way, you
  develop a routine, and the job becomes real easy. We love each other more than ever and can't wait to grow
  old together!
• God can and does do amazing things through this organization. I've seen it and felt it for myself. I will never
  be the same person since the NIM Intensive. I am so thankful for NIM's guidance and encouragement that I
  received.
• My husband and I attended an intensive, and believe me when I tell you that I went kicking and screaming the
  entire way. Today, I am a changed woman and my husband is a changed man. Words simply cannot express the
  difference NIM made in our lives. This is a special, special organization.
• WOW! Where do I start! My wife and I recently attended at Intensive at NIM. This has been a life changing
  experience for us. "Thank you" to EVERYONE at NIM for your unconditional love, support and prayers. You have
  no idea what you mean to us. You are a very special group of people. When everyone else wanted to throw me
  away for my mistakes, you all portrayed the “true love” of God by loving me regardless of my past. In the past
  I always thought counseling was ridiculous, but after attending NIM, it's a life saver. Thank you from the bottom
  of my heart for everything!
• The National Institute of Marriage has changed my life forever! I am forever grateful for Bob and the entire
  staff. You have shown me how to love myself, my savior and my wife in ways that I could never imagine. The
  tools you use are life changing. Thank you for all that you have done in my life.
• NIM is sooooo NOT like traditional counseling.....when they say "intensive" that is very true in every meaning of
  the word....but does it work???? ABSOLUTELY!! Thanks NIM for all you all do......you guys are the best. We are
  still working on US which will be for the rest of our lives, but because of you all at NIM and allowing God to work
  through you, we are at a much better place.
• The National Institute of Marriage ministry is awesome. We went to the Marriage Intensive in Branson several
  years ago and gained so much from that experience. It was life-changing.
• I was expecting tools to separate/divorce my husband in a “safe”/healthy manner. I left knowing and
  experiencing Christ, not ever considering returning the amazing gift that God has given to me.
• The intensive saved our marriage, which up to that point had been 13 years of primarily disconnection,
  loneliness, arguments, and sadness. The intensive was exactly what we needed--Godly counsel, love, support
  and communication skills. It took some time to work through the hurt and pain that had built up over the years,
  but I can honestly say that we are happier now than when we were newlyweds. By God's grace, we recently
  celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary and are eagerly anticipating many, many more years together. God
  bless you both as you make this journey together. May you be surrounded by His love, grace and the peace that
  passes all understanding.
• My husband and I attended an intensive last summer and I came back a changed person! When I returned home,
  I told everyone that whether or not my marriage is saved, I was changed forever. However, almost a year later
  and our marriage is better than it had been for years and is still improving! Learning how to deal with problems
  in a healthy way.... who couldn't use that? Thank you NIM for showing me how changing my reaction to issues is
  the one thing I can control to help improve our relationship, whether or not my husband changes at all! Funny
  thing is... the way I respond to my husband changes how he responds to me! Bob and Cindy... thank you and
  you're awesome!
• The focus on safety and self-care was SO valuable for me. You guys provided an environment to fall in love with
  myself and with my husband again. Thank you!
• This was the safest experience my wife and I have ever been in at the same place and time. We finally got to
  the heart of our conflict.
• My husband and I attended an intensive 2 summers ago in Branson and are still going strong. The facilitators
  were compassionate and full of concern for each couple there. The accommodations were wonderful and the
  food was awesome. Thanks, NIM.
• I've been to an intensive and I would say it's really the gift which gave me some hope to hang onto my marriage,
  but also to myself and to God. The real work begins once you leave, but the way these tools are expressed is
  beyond anything I've ever experienced.
• My husband & I completed a week, just a couple of weeks ago. It was life changing & awesome. My husband
  & I also had some communication struggles & NIM gave us the unbelievable tools to work on that. I highly
  recommend it!
• My husband and I just attended an intensive in early Jan (2009) and it has been a real blessing to us so far. We
  are still working on putting everything we learned into practice. Chris and Brett (counselors) were great! We
  recommend the intensive to everybody!
• I had heard from many how great the success rate was, but so glad that I was able to experience this first hand.
• I came to the intensive so fatigued by what I perceived as the "problems" we were having, and I'm leaving
  refreshed, having come to understand how off base I was and it's revolutionized my thinking.
• I still cannot believe what was accomplished in just 4 days. I am so amazed how God is using this program.
• This experience was well beyond my own expectations.
• I learned a lot from the intensive, where I tried and failed from just regular counseling sessions.
• I learned tools that I never new existed.
• I have been to a great number of different types of marriage encounters; this is the best program by far in
  substance to go home with.
• The chance to have long periods of time and the days to stay focused.
• I found the step by step process of showing us how to find what is in our/my heart, heart listening/speaking
  exercise so impacted me during the intensive.
• My expectations were high and they still were exceeded!
• I learned more about myself these last 4 days than during any other period of my life. Learning from seeing
  others grow was extremely effective in helping me.
• I went in expecting to be bullied, but instead I was taught with love.
• I was against counseling to begin with but I'm glad that counseling was received. It will not only benefit my
  relationship, but the future of our children.  
• COMMENTS ABOUT THE GROUP DYNAMIC
• The most valuable part of the intensive was the openness and honesty of each participant.
• Other couples made this week happen!!
• Input of other couples' and counselors' personal stories exponentially increased vibe of safety and often
  cemented into reality
• Awed watching the miracles unfold as a result of the heart talk in others and ourselves. I can't imagine to what
  generation of our children's children this will reach!
• I had fear and anxiety about the group setting and the experience blew away my expectations.
• At first I was really questioning whether choosing the couples intensive was the best, but now I am so glad we
  did it this way. We learned so much from observing too.
• Learning from the other couples here was so valuable. I was pretty reserved about that before coming but it was
  an amazing experience. It surprised me how I was able to draw on the advice offered to the other couples and
  apply it to my own life.
• The group setting allowed us to have time between examples to absorb what we were learning. The group
  setting answered questions for me that I didn't bring up.
• I found the group format the most valuable, as I found safety and acceptance in this group. I found the reality of
  my own personal responsibility to myself invaluable, and the emotional connection I made with my husband.
• The group format serves for a unique opportunity to experience much more than one would do alone.
• The group interaction was awesome-I cannot imagine being blessed this much without this group of people to
  listen to, learn from, and share with.
• I found the constant redirecting during couples practicing with their own experiences.
• I thought all the techniques were valuable and I really learned a lot even when it was another couples turn.
• We attended a 4 day intensive skeptical of a group session till we realized we had similarities with everybody.
  ANYONE can save their marriage.  NIM gave us the foundation, tools and safe environment to realize we could
  be happy again. I can't thank you enough for offering this service to people to save the most precious thing for a
  couple, their marriage. It showed me how to be a better husband for her and how to love her as GOD wants me
  to. Again I can't thank you enough. May GOD bless NIM with every couple. Bottom line we were looking for hope
  that it could work and we left knowing that it would work, thank you.
• The group format was great. I was able to learn a lot more from the other couples. This was very effective.
• I was very apprehensive as this is way out of my comfort zone but quickly felt safe and able to open up and

How did your experience compare to your expectations. Comments:

• From the second we pulled into the parking lot we sensed the unconditional, non-judgmental,
  love of God! Thank you!
• I can truly say that I have been taken care of in every aspect of my life. For the first time in a
  long time I have been able to rest and put at ease in the care of gentle and loving people.
• I was blessed more than I can write.
• Monique gave from her heart without reservation.
• I heard the words from my heavenly Father through him.
• Safe environment and a female facilitator were two of my prayers prior to coming. M onique’s
  authenticity and sharing from her life also indicated her genuine care towards everyone – which also felt safe!

If a friend were in need of similar help, would you recommend our program?
Comments:

• All believers need to know this information.
• I will definitely offer this to others.