Blain's Notes in Preparation for the Fall Festival of Marriage

Next weekend, we embark on our journey to the Fall Festival of Marriage at the Lifeway Ridgecrest Conference Center.  This is the 4th time for Lori and me, so we're excited to be "tour guides" for several of our close friends who are first-timers joining us this year.  I am documenting some important points in this blog to help make your first FFoM a great one!

Here's a link to the schedule... http://www.lifeway.com/ev/ev_occ_details/0,2223,O%3D2311,00.html

Here's more about the Lifeway Ridgecrest Conference Center... http://ridgecrestconferencecenter.org/

Here's the address: LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center, 1 Ridgecrest Drive, Ridgecrest, NC 28770

... and phone: 828-669-8022

Here are some points from us based on our prior years' experiences...

# Before you leave, pray for safe travels as well as protection from the enemy who will most certainly want to come along and get between you and your spouse on this sacred weekend away. Lori and I have had some of our biggest arguments on the way to Ridgecrest. In the name of Jesus, banish Satan and all spiritual warfare from this vacation. I'm very serious.

# On a more positive note... Invite Jesus along with you to bless this time together and your marriage. Pray for harmony and growth in your relationship with one another and with God.

# In summary, there are 14 workshop topics spread out among 6 workshop sessions over the weekend (2 Friday, 3 Saturday, 1 Sunday). (The topics are described in the schedule at the link above).

# When you arrive and check-in you will get a room assignment and a detailed schedule that tells what is offered when and where.

# The rooms there are OK, but don't be expecting a 5 star Marriott or Hilton (or 4 star).  It's unlikely we will all be in the same building - but that's OK - each couple will be in their own room - ALONE.

# The more popular workshop topics are offered several times, but you will want to plan out your time so you can get into the topics you want. Sometimes there is standing room only. I suggest you print out the topic list, and discuss those on the ride up to Ridgecrest. (Again, don't forget to pray!!!)

# It is OK to split up and go to different topics, but certainly there are some you want to attend together.

# Registration starts at noon, but you can register whenever you arrive. We typically have left home in the afternoon and have skipped the Friday sessions. Since this is the first time for all of you, you may want to try to catch at least one Friday session.

# You definitely want to arrive in time for the evening's General Session (7pm-9pm) which is when you will hear from the keynote speaker - Gary Chapman.

# On Saturday, there are 3 sessions and then the afternoon is free. During the free time, they offer a hay ride, which costs some money, but is fun. Space is limited, so decide before Saturday afternoon if you're going to do that. Another option during free time, is to go to Black Mountain (3-5 miles away) which is a quaint little town featuring some shopping and ice cream.

# Another Saturday option is to go into Asheville (10-12 miles) for dinner... We used to go to Don Pablo's but they are now closed. There are several restaurants along Tunnel Rd such as Outback, Olive Garden, Carrabba's, and of course, McDonald's.

# We need to make sure to get back Saturday for the 7-9pm General Session.

# On Sunday, there is another workshop session, and General Session, with the conference concluding at noon. We usually try to get a group picture right before or after that Sunday General Session.

# There is a Lifeway bookstore on campus that has some books, shirts, and other stuff you would find at Lifeway.
# One other thing you might want to make time for is a walk up to the cross. It's a really great way to have some quiet time on the mountain.
# Also suggest you bring your Bible, journal, pen, and appropriate mountain clothes.

# As far as hanging out... This is a marriage conference, so priority #1 is spending time with your spouse and God. However, we can hang out as a group some as well... in the General Sessions, if you want to hang out, let's meet on the right side of the sound booth in the auditorium. There is also some time in the evenings after the sessions when we can enjoy some coffee, desserts, or board games. Or, go back to your rooms for... whatever. (There are no TVs)

Well that's about all I can think of...

Blain and Lori (your cruise directors)