, Author at Joyful Marriage Ministries

About Donna Reidland

Donna is a wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, writer, and Biblical counselor. She is certified through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. She, also, leads retreats and marriage conferences with her husband Mike.

Marriage Made in Heaven Part 6 – “More on Weaving”

Aug 4, 2023

We all want intimacy in our marriages, what the Bible calls a one-flesh relationship. We want our spouses to spend time with us, consult us about decisions, share our hopes and dreams, encourage us when we’re struggling, treat us kindly, and for there to be openness and humility. But are there things we should do or not do if we’re to achieve that kind of one-flesh marriage? And, if so, what are they?

We’ve been discussing the three components of marriage God laid out in Genesis 2.24 and other places in Scripture: leaving, cleaving, and what we’re calling “weaving,” growing in a one-flesh relationship. In the last post, we started talking about “weaving” and today we’re going to go a little deeper on the subject.

Marriage Made in Heaven? Part 5 – “Weaving”

Jun 30, 2023

Previously, we have looked at an overview of marriage and have been discussing the three components of marriage that God laid out in Genesis 2.24 and other places in Scripture: leaving, cleaving, and what we’re calling “weaving,” growing in a one-flesh relationship. Today we’ll focus on that third component, “weaving.”

Marriage Retreat – Sign Up Before Price Increases

Apr 20, 2023

I don’t have to tell you that prices are going up everywhere. And, unfortunately, that includes the price of lodging in Ruidoso coming into the summer months. Beginning in June we will have to increase the price of our retreats. But you can still book a room at our May Marriage Retreat at the original price of $500 including meals (with the exception of a date night meal), snacks, materials, and lodging.

May Marriage Retreat – Ruidoso, New Mexico

Apr 12, 2023

It’s time for our next marriage retreat. We’re so excited about seeing marriages like yours grow and get stronger.

Wherever you are in your marriage, you can take it to the next level and have fun in the process.

Couples will get away and work on some of the most common marriage issues like communication, conflict resolution, growth in intimacy, and help understanding why you or your spouse responds as you do at times.

You’ll also enjoy beautiful accommodations and time spent with each other.

Marriage Made in Heaven? Part 4 “Cleaving”

Mar 18, 2023

Often, when a couple is struggling in their marriage, it can be traced back to a failure to follow God’s blueprint in one or more areas. So, what are the components of God’s divine plan for marriage? The keywords are “leave,” “joined,” and “one flesh.” In this lesson we’ll look at the second one, also translated “to cleave.” So, what exactly does cleaving mean and what are some of the ways we fail to cleave, sometimes without even realizing it?

Marriage Made in Heaven? 3 “Leaving, Cleaving & Weaving”

Mar 13, 2023

Today we’ll zero in on, arguably, God’s clearest and most definitive statement on marriage. It’s the one statement about marriage that God makes four times (Gen. 2.24; Matt. 19.5; Mk. 10.7-8; Eph. 5.31) in the Bible. He said it once in the Old Testament, three times in the New, once before the fall, and three times after. It was and is God’s plan and purpose for marriage in a nutshell. As a counselor, I can tell you, more often than not, when a couple is struggling in their marriage, it can be traced back to a failure to follow this blueprint in one or more areas. So, what are the components of God’s divine plan for marriage in this verse?

When Marriage Isn’t What You Expected

Mar 12, 2023

Marriage can be one of the greatest human relationships there is. It can offer companionship, friendship, intimacy, and someone to rely on through the ups and downs of life. But sometimes marriage isn’t what you expected. Often marriage will test you in ways you weren’t prepared for.

It’s Time for Our Next Marriage Retreat!

Mar 6, 2023

It’s time for our next marriage retreat. We’re so excited about seeing marriages like yours grow and get stronger. Wherever you are in your marriage, you can take it to the next level with a Bible-based marriage retreat. Couples...

Marriage Made in Heaven

Jan 30, 2023

We’ve all heard the phrase “a marriage made in heaven.” But depending on your life situation, the word marriage may bring to mind different thoughts and images. Perhaps it’s of your parents’ marriage and whether it was a good one or a contentious one. Or maybe it’s your own marriage and the thoughts, dreams, commitments, and even preconceptions, you had when you married. Or perhaps, marriage is something you are still looking forward to.

Wherever you are … married, divorced, widowed, or single, I pray you’ll take away truths from this series that will help you in your own or any future marriage or help you minister to others who are married.

Marriage Made in Heaven? Part 2 “Our Story”

Jan 30, 2023

We’ve all heard the phrase “a marriage made in heaven,” but it may bring to mind different thoughts and images. Perhaps, in your case, it’s of your parents’ marriage and whether it was a good one or a contentious one. Perhaps, it’s your own marriage and the thoughts, dreams, commitments, and preconceptions, you had when you married. Perhaps, marriage is something you look forward to or something that has turned out to be challenging or even heartbreaking.

Wherever you are in your marriage, I believe you will find some truths here that can help you grow and become more the husband or wife God has called you to be and to have the kind of marriage that brings glory to Him. And if you’re single, I pray you’ll take away some things that will help you in any future marriage or help you minister to others who are married.

Posts by Donna Reidland