Waltzing through marriage retreat brings intimacy, understanding

By Jennifer Scales, Managing EditorMay 25, 2012

Marriage Retreat
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT STEWART, Ga. -- Romance and other key factors to a healthy marriage, were part of the teachings of Mark Gungor's "Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage" discussed at the Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield's Strong Bonds Marriage Retreat, May 18-20. More than 20 Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield couples participated in the retreat which was held at the Savannah Westin Harbor Golf Resort and Spa.

Led by Chaplain (Maj.) Dan Hardin, the Installation Family Life Chaplain at Victory Chapel, the weekend was flavored with the presentations of Gungor which included sessions which were titled "A Tale of Two Brains," "The Number One key to Incredible Sex," "How to Stay Married and Not Kill Anybody," and "The Flag Page."

Couples learned or were reawaked to several points on the retreat. They realized it was okay to hold onto their individual perks; it is not necessary to change your partner to be yourself. What is most important is to emotionally connect with your spouse.

"Our differences can be our greatest strength," said Chap. Hardin. "Opposites do attract. Anything else would be like blindness."

Chaplain Hardin also reflected upon forgiveness, which is something persons deal with in all aspects of their life. "Forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling," Chap. Hardin said.

"You choose to forgive something and we are not going to talk about it anymore."

Teaching the basics of Rumba and Waltz was another point of the weekend activities. Couples were taught the basic dance steps in three sessions. Ballroom dance reinforces key principles in a good marriage: loving leadership, loving followership, communication, and intimacy building.

When both follow the rules and have fun, something beautiful happens!

Highlighting the weekend events was the marriage vows renewal ceremony held the second evening. With a single red rose between them, both husbands and wives repeated vows read by Chap. Hardin, which were then sealed with a kiss.

Couples then graced the dance floor with their newfound grace in Latin and Ballroom dance, along with a few other line dance requests.

Such retreats are paid for by Army funds and are official Army Training. The religious staff's desire is for couples to enjoy themselves, learn new skills to help strengthen their marriage, and take a much-need break to rest.

Lieutenant Steve and Jeanne Schlesinger, Coast Guard Air Station-Hunter thought the retreat was "Awesome."

Sergeant First Class Charles and (retired Army) Judith Ivory, 188th Infantry Brigade were appreciative of the class and the time to bond even more.

Fred and Army Civilian Rosie Verrette, Directorate of Emergency Services, gave their perspective also. "Even though we are tad bit older than the median group here, we are always open to ways to enhance our marriage," said Rosie.

Stay in touch with your Chapel for more couple, Family, and single retreats. Call 912-767-8549 for more information.

Related Links:

U.S. Army Chaplaincy

Army.mil: Army Families

Army Strong Bonds program