{"id":45,"date":"2013-04-13T17:30:14","date_gmt":"2013-04-13T17:30:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cindiferrini.com\/?page_id=45"},"modified":"2025-04-12T04:10:44","modified_gmt":"2025-04-12T08:10:44","slug":"what-conferees-are-saying","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cindiferrini.com\/index.php\/what-conferees-are-saying\/","title":{"rendered":"What Conferees are Saying"},"content":{"rendered":"

Testimonies, thoughts and comments you would like to share with\u00a0Joe and\/or Cindi<\/span><\/h1>\n
<\/div>\n
2025<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/u><\/b><\/div>\n

Not from a conferee, but\u2026..SOMEONE who is reading UNEXPECTED JOURNEY<\/u><\/i><\/b>\u00a0 said this,<\/div>\n
“So I just started this book on special needs that you gave me (a friend) and it’s excellent. I’m only a fourth of the way through but it’s probably one of the best I’ve seen so far that explains the emotions and process of dealing with the emotions of finding out your child has special needs.<\/i>\u201d<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

2024
\nChurch retreat in Beulah Beach, OH:
\n<\/strong>What a blessing it was to have time to connect with other women and get to know them along with great teaching. THANK YOU!<\/p>\n

Thank you, Cindi, for sharing with us about relationships and how important it is to be willing to help others reach their best potential as we mentor, disciple, and help them find a firm foundation to do so!<\/p>\n

Easter Sunday, Fort Myers, FL
\n<\/strong>“I appreciated what you both shared that made what happened on Easter so clear. My questions are answered!”<\/p>\n

Partial quote from a note from a \u201creader\u201d of Love ALLWays<\/u><\/em>,\u00a0\u201c You so generously gave me a copy of Love ALLWays <\/u><\/em>back (at the end of) 2019, bur for some reason I set it aside and\u00a0didn\u2019t pic it up until this week. I read it and thought you did a wonderful job providing insights, inspirations, and stories that were very helpful to me as a parent of a special needs individual, a wife, and a Christian. Thank you. \u00a0Perhaps the reason I did not read the book until now was that God knew I needed it more now. (The writer then shares the many things happening in her life that includes much caregiving and responsibility.) Life is full of challenges! I\u2019m thankful our children and families are all close by, supportive and helpful, so we are blessed. God is good, and even though many of life\u2019s circumstances are hard, He give me exactly what we need to follow His plan.<\/p>\n

2023
\n<\/strong>Marriage retreat in Ohio:<\/strong>
\nThank you for your transparency and presenting things that were serious yet fun!<\/p>\n

2021-2022
\nWELL…we didn’t keep track!<\/strong><\/p>\n

2020
\nWell…We all know what happened to THIS year!<\/strong><\/p>\n

2019 <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Broadview Heights, OH<\/span><\/u><\/b><\/p>\n

(Women\u2019s Retreat Setting)<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cCindi was so easy to listen to.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCindi was even better than I expected and I loved her relaxed, interactive style.\u00a0 I felt she went in depth and kept it all very relatable and personal.\u00a0I hope we can have her back again soon.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Des Moines, Iowa (special needs venue)<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Thank you for helping us to realize what our marriage truly means in this world. We were on the verge of divorce due to anger, lack of time together, illness, and special needs. You both made us realize the additional work we need to put in.<\/p>\n

Des Moines, Iowa<\/span><\/u><\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Joe and Cindi were relatable, kind, charming, dynamic as they shared the story of their lives.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pocono, PA<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Cindi\u2019s personal stories connected me to real life!<\/p>\n

Thanks to you both for your candor and ministry!<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s humor allowed our defenses to be laid down so my husband and I could hear the truth of God\u2019s word.<\/p>\n

Since we have 2 disabled children, it was helpful to hear stories from Joe and Cindi about their challenges and creative ideas for making couple time with disabled children at home.<\/p>\n

Nashville, TN<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe told us the hard truths.<\/p>\n

Loved how Joe and Cindi presented \u201cblueprints\u201d on marriage for me.<\/p>\n

Loved the way serious topics were covered but we were able to laugh through it.<\/p>\n

Asheville, NC<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Great tools you gave me on conflict resolution, sexual intimacy and how to listen\u2026.as we prepare for a 2nd<\/sup> marriage for both of us.<\/p>\n

I love \u201cmy marriage is my ministry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Their genuineness was easy to connect to appreciate that he has a child with special needs \u2013 makes his presentation more believable since he doesn\u2019t\u2019 have the stereotypical perfect AMERICAN FAMILY.<\/p>\n

2018<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Chattanooga, TN<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

We are senior citizens and missed out on a great marriage in our young and middle age\u2026.but the rest will be awesome! THANK YOU!<\/p>\n

We came \u201cready to split.\u201d Thank you for being real, honest, and showing God\u2019s principles with love. We are going to try again. ALL IN!<\/p>\n

Joe wasn\u2019t afraid to show his emotions or weakness.<\/p>\n

I see changes I can make in my own marriage to thrive in this season instead of just surviving.<\/p>\n

Bellingham, WA<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe, Thank you for being so candid about your struggles and successes of being a father.<\/p>\n

Sometimes hearing others failures helps us not feel like we are alone.<\/p>\n

Cindi\u2019s laughter, joy and sorrow all shaped in truth was enjoyable!<\/p>\n

LOVED the props!<\/p>\n

Anchorage, Alaska<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

They have allowed me to see the value in my marriage.<\/p>\n

I greatly appreciated Joes\u2019 transparency in the Dad talk.<\/p>\n

Thank you for coming to Alaska and speaking at the Weekend to Remember! I am inspired by your brave openness, gracious honesty and clear integrity. Thanks for your invitation to stay connected!<\/p>\n

AKRON, OH<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe and Cindi Ferrini do a super job working together.<\/p>\n

Joe was very real and transparent. He mixed humor with real life challenges.<\/p>\n

They were both relatable, eloquent and humble.<\/p>\n

Minneapolis, MN (2\/23-25 and 3\/2-4)<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

We loved Joe\u2019s presentation style and wisdom. He was very funny, relatable and makes things easy to remember and connect to.<\/p>\n

Cindi was relatable, approachable, God-fearing and a blessing. She was an inspiration to this young mom and wife; validated God\u2019s design for women vs. \u201cpopular\u201d worldly influences.<\/p>\n

All the talks inspired us and gave us much needed discussion time in our marriage.<\/p>\n

2017<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Sioux Falls, SD<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

I appreciated Cindi\u2019s examples to verify that everyone has struggles and has thoughts that aren\u2019t right or respond incorrectly at times. No one is perfect.<\/p>\n

I have a lot of regret for how I\u2019ve treated my husband and family over the last 20 years. How I wasted those years. BUT I have hope for a better future and the next 20. Thank you to the speakers!<\/p>\n

Sugarland, TX<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Being a younger couple with small kids it\u2019s hard to see the forest through the trees. It was refreshing to hear a wife and mom from the other end of life.<\/p>\n

We learned that we need to notice what is influencing us and to not let that just happen.<\/p>\n

Joe and Cindi did a great job. Their attitude and energy are inspiring.<\/p>\n

Joe and Cindi are relaxed natural speaker: funny and disarming (especially about sensitive subjects.)<\/p>\n

I love that Cindi\u2019s humor is a part of the presentation! She is real<\/u> \u2013 not everything is perfect, and that\u2019s normal (and Okay!)<\/p>\n

Houston, TX<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

They were very informative and made me feel like a friend!<\/p>\n

Joe opened my eyes to who I REALLY am as a person and how I treated my wife. It was so emotionally draining (for me) that I packed my bags twice; but I stayed. Each speaker kept me there.<\/p>\n

Cindi encouraged me to prioritize my husband over my children. We are expecting our 1st<\/sup> (this was not modeled in my family growing up) so I know the outcome of not having right and biblical priorities.<\/p>\n

Cincinnati, OH<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe brought humor and deep passion in what he spoke and how he spoke to us.<\/p>\n

Joe and Cindi make such a great team. They address issues that we all experience in a way that you wan to hear more! THANK YOU!<\/p>\n

Cindi made it personal for me. She didn\u2019t say it this way but \u201cI AM A CONTROL FREAK!\u201d<\/p>\n

Cindi did a great job of sharing tons of great information but she was \u201creal\u201d and candid.<\/p>\n

Cindi was uplifting even talking about hard things for me to hear.<\/p>\n

2016<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Estes Park, CO<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

I loved their sense of humor and fun stories which made it easy to listen to and stay focused.<\/p>\n

I enjoyed how they worked together on stage\u2026a great inspiration.<\/p>\n

I liked their talk on \u201cintimacy\u201d, some of the \u201csex tips\u201d that were shared with great discretion.<\/p>\n

I appreciated that Cindi addressed those of us without children using a verses from Isaiah.<\/p>\n

Orlando, FL<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s talk on being a godly father was incredible. He challenged me in a compassionate but no-nonsense way to \u201cstep up\u201d! He was very engaging g and professional.<\/p>\n

Seeing a mature marriage (in Joe and Cindi) that has walked with God and according to God\u2019s perfect plan has helped me!<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s quiet, direct matter of fact approach to sharing both about the material and sharing about his struggles was truly a blessing.<\/p>\n

The combination of Joe and his wife was great! It was a well-rounded presentation!<\/p>\n

2015<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n

Coeur d\u2019 Alene<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

The \u201cno shame\u201d approach to the topic of sex (by Joe and Cindi) was refreshing.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s transparency in the men\u2019s time was incredible and a challenge was thrown down!<\/p>\n

Just hearing about another couples struggle was helpful. I think too many of us want to look \u201cjust so\u201d and it keeps us from connecting with one another and with God.<\/p>\n

Cindi\u2019s ideas and practical application connected the dots for me.<\/p>\n

Charlotte\/Concord<\/u><\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0I appreciated Joe\u2019s transparency and honesty about difficult \u2018stepping stones\u201d in his life. I enjoyed his mixture of humor and tear jerking testimonials.<\/p>\n

\u00a0It helped me in my marriage watching Cindi\u2019s ability to work well with her husband\u2026and seeing the love and admiration she has for him and the joy she has in sharing her personal experiences.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Reston (Washington DC)<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

This WTR helped to open my eyes to see that my actions toward my wife needed to improve. Even thought I thought I was doing things right, I wasn\u2019t. THANKS for saving my marriage.<\/p>\n

I enjoyed their encouraging examples, especially personal ones of the family. We also liked having both the husband and wife speaking together.<\/p>\n

LOVED their transparency and now we need to \u201ckeep it real!\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite the challenges in their life, the both demonstrated their commitment to marriage.<\/p>\n

Sunriver, OR<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

I appreciated Joe and Cindi\u2019s total transparency regarding their marriage. Joe\u2019s talk to the pre-married men opened transparency between my fianc\u00e9 and I\u2026setting him greed from a sin with total confession.<\/p>\n

I believe Cindi handled the situation of childless women very carefully and biblically. So many \u201cChristians\u201d don\u2019t\u2019 value or understand the calling of women like (those who help the Ferrini\u2019s with their son with special needs and who\u2019ve helped guide their daughters). When God calls us to serve other children instead of \u201cour own\u201d we are greatly serving Him and still His children\u2026.<\/p>\n

Joes talk on fatherhood was really heartfelt. I see the need to be spending more time with my children.<\/p>\n

Having a fellow female who gravitates toward being a leader speak about the part of submission was very helpful.<\/p>\n

2014<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Branson, MO<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

I don\u2019t have children, but I appreciated (during the \u201cmom\u201d talk) that Cindi added examples of what we also contribute (helpers, guides, contributors to others\u2019 children and to spiritual children of our own.)<\/p>\n

Joe had some excellent illustrations and I especially love the gospel presentation talk!<\/p>\n

We thought it was great to have the husband and wife together. It\u2019s a great example.<\/p>\n

Chicago (Oak Brook), IL<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Joe and Cindi make a great team. I thought they balanced each other and allowed my wife and I to learn and laugh a lot.<\/p>\n

Loved the humor Joe offered. The sex talk (with Joe and Cindi) was very candid and helpful.<\/p>\n

I am soon to be married and thank the Ferrini\u2019s for not wasting a moment! EVERY story, illustration not only entertained us but contributed to illustration a point. They put flesh on the bones of truth.<\/p>\n

Cincinnati, OH<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

I appreciated Joe\u2019s message about the legacy I\u2019m going to leave \u2013 very powerful.<\/p>\n

I appreciated his humor but he was also very good at presenting the material in a way that I was able to understand it.<\/p>\n

We appreciated that the older couple (Joe and Cindi) gave the sex talk \u2013 and were open!<\/p>\n

2013<\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

King of Prussia, PA<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Joe and Cindi shared genuinely in their presentations and we appreciated how they encourage us through their enthusiasm.<\/p>\n

I appreciated the personal touch (and honestly) that makes us know \u201cwe can do it\u201d!<\/p>\n

Chattanooga, TN<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Joe was so open and frank in conversation. Cindi was a joy and an inspiration! Their happiness resounds from the stage. I was moved and challenged!<\/p>\n

Joe and Cindi communicated the intricate balance needed to romance my wife!<\/p>\n

The Ferrini\u2019s we relatable, very humorous and entertaining enough to keep my focused. They spoke from their heart. It was well presented they were well spoken!<\/p>\n

Jacksonville, FL<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Joe and Cindi gave us encouragement in our \u201cblended\u201d family situation.<\/p>\n

Cindi encouraged us to be followers and completers in marriage rather than taking over the leadership. I enjoyed her personal stories! She was warm, personal, and truthful!<\/p>\n

I feel like I always have my (3) kids character growth in mind as we raise them \u2013 but focusing on their identity was an \u201ca-ha\u201d moment!<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s \u201cDAD\u201d presentation was awesome! He encouraged me to be active in my child\u2019s life!<\/p>\n

Poconos – PA<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

The Ferrinis talk on sex was funny AND open!<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s talks (Dad talk especially): Dagger to the heart.<\/p>\n

Cindi shared the importance of respecting my husband in front of the kids. If I\u2019m nasty to him it reinforces how NOT to treat a husband and I now see their disrespect for him ultimately came from my disrespect. I contributed to that.<\/p>\n

Excellent props \u2013 they were not afraid to be real and personal!<\/p>\n

It was thoughtful of Cindi to urge us to be a mentor if we are in the stage where we ca help others.<\/p>\n

I heard Joe speak 10 years ago\u2026and he\u2019s still GOT IT!<\/p>\n

They helped me to know that everyone and every marriage will have its trials and challenges. The most important thing for your marriage is to find your way through it with God. <\/b><\/p>\n


\nBoise, Idaho<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe was very insightful, caring and genuine. He helped me\u00a0 recognize it\u2019s time to be more active in my legacy!<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve been married for 41 years and I was encouraged to know\u00a0 that I should \u201cnever give up\u201d!<\/p>\n

2012<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Saratoga Springs, NY<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

All the topics with Joe and Cindi were excellent. I loved\u00a0 the humor and personal stories which were helpful.<\/p>\n

I loved the \u201crealness\u201d of the Ferrinis.<\/p>\n

The issue of sexual intimacy was handled delicately, truth\u00a0 fully, and biblically by Joe and Cindi. Thank you.<\/p>\n

Fort Myers, FL<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe and Cindi work well as a great team \u2013 purposeful,\u00a0 heartfelt, and fun to listen to! We had lots of \u201caha!\u201d moments!<\/p>\n

I appreciated that Joe and Cindi demonstrate that they don\u2019t\u00a0 have al the answers and are real people.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s sharing of personal stories and experiences were\u00a0 impactful.<\/p>\n

Cindi shared great word pictures that I\u2019ll remember long\u00a0 after the conference. I appreciated her candidness.<\/p>\n

Anchorage, AK<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Thank you, Joe, for your vulnerability and transparency you\u00a0 displayed.<\/p>\n

Thank you both for being \u201creal\u201d!<\/p>\n

This weekend made me see where we are falling short and why.<\/p>\n

Dayton, OH<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Appreciated Joe\u2019s reminder to not take for granted the\u00a0 simple and daily interactions with our kids.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s humor was well applied to\u00a0 make points memorable<\/p>\n

Cindi\u2019s stories of success and\u00a0 obedience were great to hear, but so were the stories of struggle, \u201cdoor\u00a0 slamming\u201d, etc. which humanized her and made it easier to relate to her.<\/p>\n

My husband and I have been\u00a0 married for 27 years and we still are challenged with respect and submission at\u00a0 times. Her message hit my heart and marriage.<\/p>\n

I enjoyed the pre-married\u00a0 sessions for the tips and advice!<\/p>\n

Newport, RI<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe and Cindi\u2019s sense of humor during the \u201csex\u201d talk was\u00a0 just wonderful.
\nTheir insights during tough times in their marriage helped me identify the\u00a0 tough issues in my life.<\/p>\n

2011<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Monterey, CA<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe gave excellent examples and shared his own personal\u00a0 experiences. I enjoyed his kind demeanor\u2026very motivating \u201cfather-son\u201d talk.<\/p>\n

My husband appreciated knowing and being confirmed the right\u00a0 way the toilet paper goes on the roll!<\/p>\n

It was encouraging to learn from his wisdom and to see an\u00a0 example of what it means to be a godly leader.<\/p>\n

Chattanooga, TX<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s fatherhood presentation was great. I am moved to make\u00a0 changes.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s fatherhood talk for the men was quite impactful and I\u00a0 don\u2019t even have children!<\/p>\n

Cindi\u2019s stories are engaging and well delivered. The extra\u00a0 encouragement to \u201cread between the lines\u201d and see how the lessons learned in\u00a0 her life could be applied to mine was pivotal, too. (The more she spoke, the\u00a0 more I wanted to hear.)<\/p>\n

I appreciated Cindi\u2019s example to make the information\u00a0 applicable to our lives despite the many different places each woman in the\u00a0 audience is in our lives.<\/p>\n

Joe motivated me to be a better man in general \u2013 this\u00a0 includes not only as a husband, but as a father for my daughters. Man to man\u00a0 was my favorite session!<\/p>\n

Cindi\u2019s analogies, similes, and metaphors helped us get the\u00a0 point and created a visual image to make the topic more understandable. Her\u00a0 presentation was well prepared and organized\u2026amazing visual to promote messages\u00a0 and keep audience\u2019s attention<\/p>\n

Roger, Arkansas<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

This conference gave us hope-my husband and I are currently\u00a0 living separately but after this weekend we will be slowly moving back in\u00a0 together. You\u2019ve made a huge impact on my life.<\/p>\n

Cindi was encouraging, refreshing, and honest about the\u00a0 challenges of motherhood and marriage. The material pointed to the Word and\u00a0 God\u2019s plan for wives, which we don\u2019t hear enough of!<\/p>\n

Joe encouraged me to NEVER QUIT being a hand of God, a\u00a0 husband, and a leader.<\/p>\n

I have been challenged to be more verbally appreciative of\u00a0 my husband and what he does for our family.<\/p>\n

I appreciated the humor used to break up the more serious\u00a0 topics.<\/p>\n

Joe made me, \u201cwant to go play catch with my son!\u201d<\/p>\n

I loved that you have a team of\u00a0 people praying for us!<\/p>\n

Nashville, TN<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

I\u00a0 loved sensing that Joe truly cares about our marriages.<\/p>\n

Joe\u00a0 was honest and realistic.<\/p>\n

I\u00a0 was encouraged to \u201cnever give up\u201d! I, too have a special needs child with\u00a0 cerbral palsy, MR, and seizures. It is an encouragement to know I am not alone.<\/p>\n

CLEVELAND, OH \u2013 20 th\u00a0 anniversary of Familylife in our home city!<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

We just want to thank you for the incredible opportunity to\u00a0 reinforce our minds that we are making the correct decision to get married. We\u00a0 spent a lot of time talking, praying, crying, and setting goals for our\u00a0 marriage. Some of the tools we learned this weekend will truly help us start\u00a0 our marriage out correctly. (Remarried\/Premarried)<\/p>\n

(We didn\u2019t stay in the hotel) but coming home each evening\u00a0 and doing our assignments made us communicate in a way that was so overdue. We\u00a0 actually listened to each other. It was wonderful. As we renewed our vows I\u00a0 couldn\u2019t continue to speak. The tears ran down my face. The words had a deeper\u00a0 definition this time around. They touched our hearts.<\/p>\n

Joe was awesome because he made facts be facts! He was\u00a0 funny! I loved it! He was clear and direct!<\/p>\n

Cindi is very easy to listen to. Very sincere.<\/p>\n

Joe has motivated me to become a better father through his\u00a0 testimony of his family. His stories inspired me.<\/p>\n

Thanks, Joe for being vulnerable and transparent with the\u00a0 men and for sharing from your heart.<\/p>\n

I loved Cindi\u2019s use of visual aids and humor. Her honesty\u00a0 made what she was sharing real and I was able to connect with her. Dynamic\u00a0 speaker \u2013 her words impacted my heart.<\/p>\n

Nashville, TN <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

One\u00a0 couple at the end said, “We are going home today and telling our kids we\u00a0 are not getting a divorce” it was powerful.\u201d<\/p>\n

We\u00a0 are headed home – Renewed, encouraged, enlightened!!<\/p>\n

2010<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

St. Louis, MO<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

His use of personal stories really touched me. As Larry the\u00a0 cucumber once said, \u201cI laughed, I cried, it moved me, Bob.\u201d J<\/p>\n

Joe has a great sense of humor – kept me awake!<\/p>\n

This was my 3rd WTR and the section regarding\u00a0 fatherhood will\/has changed my attitude and place what Gods priorities are for\u00a0 me back in to their proper order. Thank you, Joe for that message!<\/p>\n

Joe is a great model of loving and honoring his wife.\u00a0 Reinforcing the need to surrender our control to the Holy Spirit and pursue\u00a0 oneness with my spouse are two key \u201ctake-away\u201d points for me. (He was more than\u00a0 appealing\u2026he was a blessing!J)<\/p>\n

Hartford, CT<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

I appreciated hearing from Cindi that our marriage is our\u00a0 ministry.<\/p>\n

Joe was easy to follow and now I can apply the messages to\u00a0 my own life. His own examples helped me\u00a0 (including the pre-married\u00a0 sessions)!<\/p>\n

Their testimonies helped us, having gone through many trails\u00a0 ourselves (deaths ofparents, loss of job, ministry losses, changes, illness\u00a0 with chemotherapy, waiting for transplant\u2026.all affecting the family.) Joe\u2019s\u00a0 humble manner of sharing reflected the true character of Christ. After many\u00a0 retreats, conferences, etc. in the past, this conference and speakers have\u00a0 truly impacted!<\/p>\n

Was good to see that Cindi, as she explained that she has a\u00a0 \u201cleader\u201d personality, has made it a choice to follow her husband\u2026.and how she\u00a0 does that.<\/p>\n

Thanks for letting us see that marriage is not a 50\/50\u00a0 relationship.<\/p>\n

I wish I could have Cindi on \u201cspeed dial\u201d!<\/p>\n

We heard that no marriage is perfect \u2013 it\u2019s work. I think\u00a0 many people believe if you have troubles in marriage, you should just divorce.\u00a0 It was a great message to give women hope to fight for their family. (And for\u00a0 men, too!)<\/p>\n

Orlando, FL<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Thank you for the Familylife Weekend to Remember! On our way\u00a0 home Sunday, my husband stopped the car to hug and kiss me, saying, \u201cWOW, I\u00a0 have a lot of changing to do!\u201d Thanks for allowing God to use you!<\/p>\n

Hearing the Ferrini\u2019s share examples from real life helped\u00a0 take a concept and turn it into something that looked possible.<\/p>\n

They both realistically present the dilemmas and trials of\u00a0 marriage with God as a focus!<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s presentations were always funny, yet the most moving.<\/p>\n

Cleveland, OH\u00a0 \u2013 speaking to group of special needs families<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Thank you again for your ministry, your words of\u00a0 encouragement, and all you offered to our families. I was delighted to see the response\u00a0 to your offer to keep in contact with the parents (via newsletter). God bless\u00a0 you!<\/p>\n

Atlanta,\u00a0 GA<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

We attended our very first conference this past weekend in Atlanta,\u00a0 and I can honestly say that it was the best weekend in our nearly 25 years of\u00a0 marriage.\u00a0 I was so moved by your (Joe) openness to discuss your personal\u00a0 stories…I have never been in the presence of people so willing to share their\u00a0 joys and pain with complete strangers in order to further the Gospel.\u00a0 I\u00a0 am yet so moved by your fondest desire to play catch with your son after Jesus\u00a0 returns that my eyes are tearing up with thought of you being able to see that\u00a0 dream fulfilled in glory with our Lord. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 You have been a blessing to us….thank you for all you (and your wife) have\u00a0 done and continue to do…<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s presentation on parenting was great\u2026I left ready and\u00a0 equipped to live without regrets.<\/p>\n

Loved the humor and admission of mistakes made in your own\u00a0 marriage \u2013 very helpful!<\/p>\n

We attended our very first conference this past weekend in Atlanta,\u00a0 and I can honestly say that it was the best weekend in our nearly 25 years of\u00a0 marriage.\u00a0 I was so moved by your (Joe) openness to discuss your personal\u00a0 stories…I have never been in the presence of people so willing to share their\u00a0 joys and pain with complete strangers in order to further the Gospel.\u00a0 I\u00a0 am yet so moved by your fondest desire to play catch with your son after Jesus\u00a0 returns that my eyes are tearing up with thought of you being able to see that\u00a0 dream fulfilled in glory with our Lord. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 You have been a blessing to us….thank you for all you (and your wife) have\u00a0 done and continue to do…<\/p>\n

Kansas City (Overland\u00a0 Park)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe is a good and powerful\u00a0 speaker \u2013 uses wonderful word pictures and practical real-to-life situations\u00a0 and examples.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s talk on being a husband\u00a0 was very encouraging and helped me move toward oneness even though I really\u00a0 didn\u2019t feel like it.<\/p>\n

Omaha,\u00a0 NE<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Wow! Wow! Wow! God has used\u00a0 you in a mighty way – the dad talk – WOW! What a blessing. Myself included,\u00a0 many of those big, strong men were having to wipe away the tears.<\/p>\n

The most important part of\u00a0 the weekend was Joe\u2019s dad talk. I am a father who holds a grudge against my\u00a0 father, and I have, without realizing it, begun to exhibit those qualities with\u00a0 my children. This will be influential in changing my relationship with my\u00a0 children.<\/p>\n

My husband and I were ready\u00a0 to throw in the towel after 11 years of marriage. My parents gave this\u00a0 conference as a gift to us. I held out on sending in the divorce papers,\u00a0 praying this would turn our marriage around\u2026.WE ARE RENEWED and doing better\u00a0 already. THANK YOU BOTH!<\/p>\n

Loved Cindi\u2019s personal\u00a0 stories\u2026the poem\u2026.and the laughter!<\/p>\n

I have a \u201cdifficult and\u00a0 special\u201d child. I was encouraged to nurture him and appreciate the special way\u00a0 God made him by her example.<\/p>\n

2<\/strong><\/span>009<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Sacramento<\/span><\/strong>, CA<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Thank\u00a0 you for speaking at the conference! You are both very gifted speakers. My\u00a0 husband and I have been married five months now, and our beautiful daughter is\u00a0 three months old…needless to say, we haven’t had the easiest start to our\u00a0 marriage. The conference was just what we’ve needed. We truly enjoyed every\u00a0 minute, and are making a conscious effort to apply all that we learned. Thank\u00a0 you again for blessing us!<\/p>\n

We\u00a0 want to thank you and your family for sharing your time and lives with us this\u00a0 weekend! This conference came at the perfect time for our marriage and allowed\u00a0 us to take the “D word” off the table.<\/p>\n

I enjoy\u00a0 that Joe seems to be an average person\u2026so I feel a sense of connection because\u00a0 of his fatherly advice. It\u2019s proven in his marriage and I\u2019m willing to try what\u00a0 he says a lot more.<\/p>\n

I\u00a0 appreciated Cindi\u2019s transparency and openness. She related to all in the\u00a0 audience whether mom\u2019s or not.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m\u00a0 logical and like fact and information, so Joe\u2019s style was perfect for me.<\/p>\n

Cindi presented the material\u00a0 in combination with personal stories and anecdotes that gave real life example\u00a0 to the material making it easy to understand and digest. She was toughing and\u00a0 relatable!<\/p>\n

Cedar Rapid, Iowa<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s talk on fatherhood blew\u00a0 me out of the water. Very powerful. Best part of the weekend for me.<\/p>\n

Joe is a great speaker and\u00a0 made me feel that my husband and I aren\u2019t the only ones with problems and it\u2019s\u00a0 never too later to turn things around for the better. There is always hope.<\/p>\n

I was dumbstruck by the\u00a0 teaching that we are isolated from God without Jesus\/the Holy Spirit indwelling\u00a0 our bodies. Before we receive Christ, the isolation means no relationship with\u00a0 God. Prior to this I was aware that God had not manifested Himself in front of\u00a0 me in a burning bush, but the explanation of the isolation from the fall was\u00a0 profound for me. THANK YOU!<\/p>\n

Prior to this weekend my\u00a0 husband and I had already talked with an attorney. The only reason I came to\u00a0 this conference was because our church paid our way and I didn\u2019t feel right\u00a0 bailing on them. Saturday my husband received Christ and I recommitted my life\u00a0 to Christ. I am excited to feel like we are starting this marriage over on\u00a0 solid footing!<\/p>\n

Peoria, IL<\/strong><\/span>
\nJoe challenged me to \u201cstep\u00a0 up\u201d and reclaim what God will complete in me as a father.<\/p>\n

In all the years I have\u00a0 attended these \u201ctype\u201d of programs, I always feel the speaker is \u201cabove\u201d me and\u00a0 has it \u201call together\u201d. Cindi, however, is so transparent she immediately makes\u00a0 one feel she\u2019s \u201cone of us\u201d \u2013 absolutely wonderful!<\/p>\n

You could tell Joe\u2019s heart\u00a0 was in everything he said. I was convinced these principles worked for he and\u00a0 his wife.<\/p>\n

Cindi used examples in her\u00a0 own life and let us know that she is human and has struggles just like us. She\u00a0 was \u201creal\u201d \u2013 not perfect.<\/p>\n

The \u201csex\u201d talk given by Joe\u00a0 and Cindi gave us valuable information from a Christain perspective.<\/p>\n

The sex talk helped us to\u00a0 have a sex talk!<\/p>\n

Washington,\u00a0 DC<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s sharing his personal\u00a0 hardships were excellent tools of encouragement and examples of love. His wife\u00a0 is superb and they are wonderful people.<\/p>\n

Joe was very vulnerable in\u00a0 his sharing about his personal life\/walk with God, his wife, and his family. It\u00a0 was easy for me to connect with him.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s presentations were\u00a0 awesome. I laughed, cried, and learned all at the same time!<\/p>\n

2008<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0St. Louis<\/span><\/strong>,\u00a0\u00a0 MO<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

I thank Joe for being real and open; for sharing wonderful stories and how to\u00a0\u00a0 be a man in marriage. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cindi was so real with her words. She did not talk down\u00a0\u00a0 to us as if she was perfect, but with<\/em> us as if we were all<\/em> the\u00a0\u00a0 same. I enjoyed her personal stories about her daily struggles and her family\u00a0\u00a0 because it made me know that my family as well can be more Christlike. During\u00a0\u00a0 the high energy session we laughed, shared, cried, and I left the session\u00a0\u00a0 changed!<\/p>\n

Joe’s\u00a0speaking was powerful\u2014his words kept building and making more and more\u00a0\u00a0 impact as he spoke. His personal life story had a huge impact on both husbands\u00a0\u00a0 and wives.<\/p>\n

I was reminded through Cindi\u2019s presentation, that I have a choice<\/em> to\u00a0\u00a0 respect and honor my husband and that I need to always be looking for something\u00a0\u00a0 to respect him for. I appreciate that she provided Bible verses that support and\u00a0\u00a0 encourage this.<\/p>\n

Baton Rouge<\/span><\/strong>,\u00a0\u00a0 LA<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe spoke on a personal level and related real-life situations well.\u00a0 He was\u00a0\u00a0 extremely encouraging, humble, and motivating. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If more families came to\u00a0\u00a0 Familylife conferences the divorce rate would decrease significantly.\u00a0 I hope\u00a0\u00a0 they continue to influence and change families by doing such a great job! \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 My\u00a0\u00a0 husband said the \u201cMAN TO MAN\u201d session was \u201cvery powerful\u201d!<\/p>\n

Palm Beach<\/span><\/strong>,\u00a0\u00a0 FL<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s \u201cDAD\u201d talk was heart-wrenching, and very touching.\u00a0 It almost made me\u00a0\u00a0 cry (but the room is full of guys \u2013 c\u2019monJ)! \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cindi encouraged me to honor and\u00a0\u00a0 respect my husband even when I don\u2019t want to or thinks he deserves it. She was\u00a0\u00a0 sincere, down to earth, spiritual, approachable and teachable. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cindi was\u00a0\u00a0 funny, relevant, poignant and real. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I appreciated the way Joe and Cindi\u00a0\u00a0 presented the \u201cintimacy\u201d talk.\u00a0 I was glad to have my wife there to hear that\u00a0\u00a0 it\u2019s not just \u201cme\u201d who feels the way I do. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Joe and Cindi did a fabulous job\u00a0\u00a0 in the main sessions and with us in the pre-married sessions.\u00a0 Thank you for\u00a0\u00a0 sharing your life with us.<\/p>\n

Kansas City (Overland Park),\u00a0\u00a0 KS<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s honesty, sincerity and willingness to show real, spontaneous,\u00a0\u00a0 unhindered emotion about his son is wonderful to see!<\/p>\n

I like Joe\u2019s humor and liked watching him interact with the conferees after\u00a0\u00a0 each session.<\/p>\n

My sister has a 12 year old with special needs. Your stories opened my eyes\u00a0\u00a0 to what she might struggle with as a parent of a child with special needs.<\/p>\n

Cindi motivated me to begin asking my husband each morning what he has going\u00a0\u00a0 on that day that I could pray about for him\u2026then support him with prayer\u00a0\u00a0 throughout each day.<\/p>\n

I appreciated Cindi showing how she turned to the bible to lead her when\u00a0\u00a0 dealing with her children.<\/p>\n

Often we don\u2019t hear or see the struggles that others have in parenting, so\u00a0\u00a0 our \u201cperfect\u201d \u201cplastic\u201d Christianity makes us feel like we are alone at times.\u00a0\u00a0 Joe and Cindi showed us that we are not alone and there is hope.<\/p>\n

Vicky Kelly \u00a0of Kansas City wrote: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (Familylife Weekend to Remember\u00a0\u00a0 Conference)<\/strong><\/p>\n

We dropped off our youngest, Jonah, special needs, just 3 years old.\u00a0 We had\u00a0\u00a0 never left him overnight.\u00a0 The longest we\u2019d ever been away together was the\u00a0\u00a0 night we were married & we stayed one night at the Holliday Inn Holidome.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Only had one child at the time.\u00a0 I was apprehensive leaving him, even though the\u00a0\u00a0 friends we left him with are very gifted caring for little ones, especially\u00a0\u00a0 special needs.
\nSoon as we got there, he climbed off of my lap &\u00a0\u00a0 roamed their small home.\u00a0 And, was as happy as he could be!\u00a0\u00a0 I had a weight\u00a0\u00a0 lifted off of my shoulders!\u00a0 We got back into the car having reassured him that\u00a0\u00a0 we\u2019d come back on Sunday (we are not 100% sure of how much he understands but I\u00a0\u00a0 believe it\u2019s far more then we can know at this point with him being\u00a0\u00a0 nonverbal). \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 One of my favorite God moments involved the testimony we got from\u00a0\u00a0 the speaker (Cindi Ferrini).\u00a0 She & her husband Joe have a 26 year old son\u00a0\u00a0 with cerebral palsy & a lot of mental \u201cdisabilities\u201d.\u00a0 He requires a lot of\u00a0\u00a0 care & does live at home.\u00a0 All of their children had received Christ as\u00a0\u00a0 Savior at the age of 3.\u00a0 When this little guy was just 3 years old, and\u00a0\u00a0 nonverbal I might add, one day he was pounding his chest over his heart.\u00a0 He\u2019d\u00a0\u00a0 been witness to the way his family lived in their home putting Jesus as #1.\u00a0 She\u00a0\u00a0 was baffled but figured out that he might be asking about asking Jesus into his\u00a0\u00a0 own heart.\u00a0 She asked him if that is what he meant.\u00a0 He nodded yes!\u00a0 Oh boy I\u00a0\u00a0 might say at this point I started dripping from the eyes.\u00a0 And, the gasps around\u00a0\u00a0 the room! Wow!\u00a0 She helped lead him in prayer & he accepted the Lord.\u00a0 Then\u00a0\u00a0 she asked him where Jesus was.\u00a0 He pointed to his heart.\u00a0 Oh my!\u00a0 By now I was\u00a0\u00a0 literally almost sobbing.\u00a0 This gave me so much hope.\u00a0 And, a stronger desire to\u00a0\u00a0 really start living all of this out in front of my own little 3 year old,\u00a0\u00a0 Jonah.\u00a0 All of our children are saved at this point except Jonah.\u00a0 It gave me a\u00a0\u00a0 hope that he will be able to understand!\u00a0 Jonah is less disabled then their\u00a0\u00a0 little boy.
\nWe had a time of prayer where the salvation message was\u00a0\u00a0 presented.\u00a0 I did battle with a plugged right ear (more on that later in the\u00a0\u00a0 post) so could not hear 100% but I knew others were praying along.\u00a0 Then the\u00a0\u00a0 idea of praying every day to be filled with the Holy Spirit was presented.\u00a0 This\u00a0\u00a0 was something new to us.\u00a0 And, SO helpful!\u00a0 Rephrase that, VITAL.\u00a0 Both Tom\u00a0\u00a0 & I prayed along.\u00a0 On Sunday morning as I exhaustedly took a quick bath, I\u00a0\u00a0 prayed again.\u00a0 And, I prayed that a team of angels be around me & my\u00a0\u00a0 marriage.\u00a0 And, an army of angels around the entire group.\u00a0 Well this was funny\u00a0\u00a0 in that Cindi herself made mention to praying like that over the years\u00a0\u00a0 especially over her son!\u00a0 I thought to myself, whoa, I AM on track!\u00a0 I had not\u00a0\u00a0 had that idea really presented to me.\u00a0 I\u2019ve prayed for guardian angels at times\u00a0\u00a0 when I knew there was\u00a0 a trip or someone was taking a trip or having surgery.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 But, I\u2019d never had thought to pray like this in a big way.\u00a0 Folks, there is\u00a0\u00a0 power in the Holy Spirit & God will send angels to protect you!\u00a0 Ask &\u00a0\u00a0 you shall receive!
\nBy Sunday I was totally info overloaded.\u00a0 But, the\u00a0\u00a0 woman-to-woman talk was great!\u00a0 It was my favorite.\u00a0 So later I asked Tom what\u00a0\u00a0 his favorite session was.\u00a0 His was the man-to-man talk & it was not focussed\u00a0\u00a0 at all on physical things!\u00a0 As I sat there & listened I was convicted on\u00a0\u00a0 several things & also learned a lot\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

Chicago<\/span><\/strong> (<\/span><\/strong>Merrillville<\/span><\/strong>, <\/span><\/strong>IN<\/span><\/strong> )<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

I appreciated Joe\u2019s genuineness, authenticity, and sincerity.\u00a0 He\u2019s real \u2013 no\u00a0\u00a0 fluff!<\/p>\n

Cindi showed and demonstrated that she is human and makes mistakes, too, yet\u00a0\u00a0 it\u2019s evident that she lives her life how she tells (recommends) us to \u2013 God\u00a0\u00a0 first, husband second, children third.
\nThey have a good perspective on\u00a0\u00a0 the \u201clong haul\u201d of marriage.<\/p>\n

Fairhaven (Dayton) CMA – Valentines Banquet<\/span> <\/strong>
\nThe speakers had a great message. I felt they strengthened\u00a0\u00a0 every marriage or relationship in the room. The speakers were very good and\u00a0\u00a0 transparent. Speakers were genuine and spoke from their heart, not a book.<\/p>\n

Estes Park<\/span><\/strong>,\u00a0\u00a0 Colorado<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Two weeks prior to this conference, I told my husband I could no longer stay\u00a0\u00a0 in our marriage.\u00a0 I felt there was no hope for us.\u00a0 This conference gave us hope\u00a0\u00a0 again!\u00a0 We are taking with us some incredible insights about ourselves, each\u00a0\u00a0 other, and most of all a renewed commitment to each other.\u00a0 WTR has truly saved\u00a0\u00a0 our marriage!\u00a0 Thank you! Human Services\/Business<\/em> Married 12\u00a0\u00a0 years.<\/em><\/p>\n

We came to the conference with a brick wall between us.\u00a0 Emotions, grudges,\u00a0\u00a0 communication breakdown with a 23 month old son in the center.\u00a0 I am truly\u00a0\u00a0 grateful to Family Life because I believe with the help of God in our lives we\u00a0\u00a0 are truly back on the right track.\u00a0 Daphne has never meant so much to me as she\u00a0\u00a0 does now.\u00a0 She is my gift from God. Business Owner (Window\u00a0\u00a0 Washing)<\/em> Engaged<\/em><\/p>\n

A blessing beyond my expectations or even hopes.\u00a0 Even after 38 years\u00a0\u00a0 together, we found more benefits, tools and examples that helped us than I could\u00a0\u00a0 have imagined. Manufacturing Engineer<\/em> Married 38\u00a0\u00a0 years.<\/em><\/p>\n

It has changed our life.\u00a0 I am so excited to go home to live it.\u00a0 You brought\u00a0\u00a0 the romance back and the feelings I get when I see him across the\u00a0\u00a0 room. Homemaker\/mother<\/em> Married 16 \u00bd years.<\/em><\/p>\n

It is the first time that everything in my life and marriage makes sense.\u00a0 It\u00a0\u00a0 was the giant puzzle piece that was missing.\u00a0 My role and responsibility in my\u00a0\u00a0 marriage is so clear now.\u00a0 The problems we were having make sense and how we fix\u00a0\u00a0 them is clear. Telecommunications Engineer<\/em> Married 1 \u00bd\u00a0\u00a0 years.<\/em><\/p>\n

The material presented was clearly biblical and there were several \u201clight\u00a0\u00a0 bulb\u201d moments that helped clarify areas where our marriage was \u201cclogged\u201d.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Encouraging and hopeful and fun! Homemaker\/Business\u00a0\u00a0 Owner<\/em> Married 7 years.<\/em><\/p>\n

When my husband and I came here this weekend we were at a real low point.\u00a0 I\u00a0\u00a0 had even mentioned the \u201cD\u201d word to my own shame.\u00a0 I had bought into Satan\u2019s lies\u00a0\u00a0 and instead of turning to God I was giving up on my marriage and my spouse.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 This weekend has changed that.\u00a0 I see my sin and have repented of it.\u00a0 My heart\u00a0\u00a0 has been renewed and I thank Family Life and it\u2019s awesome speakers and\u00a0\u00a0 God. Bookkeeper in Home Office<\/em> Married 18 years.<\/em><\/p>\n

The weight of the world has been lifted off of my heart.\u00a0 It is the beginning\u00a0\u00a0 of a new life and relationship with my husband and I.\u00a0 I am so excited to get\u00a0\u00a0 back to life and use all the practical\u00a0\u00a0 applications. Firefighter<\/em> Married 5 \u00bd years<\/em><\/p>\n

This ministry is glorifying God.\u00a0 What you do honors the Lord, saves\u00a0\u00a0 marriages, and saves families for generations to come.\u00a0 This saved my marriage\u00a0\u00a0 in 2005. Oil Field<\/em> Married 12 years.<\/em><\/p>\n

Being married 52 years, it was still a great help.\u00a0 Even with a strong\u00a0\u00a0 marriage there are always conflicts.\u00a0 At this age there will be a lot of change\u00a0\u00a0 in the next 5 years so listening and communication will be so\u00a0\u00a0 important<\/span>. Occupation not given<\/em> Married 52\u00a0\u00a0 years.<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe made dynamic use of personal experiences to share with us. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 His quiet\u00a0\u00a0 demeanor, deep dedication to his family, and his love for Joey helped me in my\u00a0\u00a0 own marriage. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I loved that he was transparent and sincere which establishes\u00a0\u00a0 an atmosphere of trust.<\/p>\n

2007 <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Fort Myers<\/span><\/strong>,\u00a0\u00a0 Florida<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe motivated me in several ways with the use of the word HOPE in relation to\u00a0\u00a0 starting new habits, managing our marriages and recognizing that sexual intimacy\u00a0\u00a0 is a total person form of communication.\u00a0 I personally appreciated his\u00a0\u00a0 whole-hearted devotion to God and His word, and was touched by his personal\u00a0\u00a0 story and how powerful it is in reflecting God\u2019s glory showing that Christians do<\/span> suffer, sometimes greatly, yet by God\u2019s grace, they can<\/span> survive\u00a0\u00a0 and so can<\/span> their marriages.\u00a0 I appreciated hearing that it was never fun\u00a0\u00a0 or easy, but that God was always there.
\nCindi helped me to realize that\u00a0\u00a0 motherhood and marriage are not one-sided, and that you can ask for help \u2013 even\u00a0\u00a0 when your husband isn\u2019t listening, God is.
\nCindi encouraged me to \u201cstay\u00a0\u00a0 plugged\u201d in to the Holy Spirit, and I was challenged by the question, \u201cAre you\u00a0\u00a0 willing to discover who your husband is rather than decide who he is?\u201d
\nI\u00a0\u00a0 loved the \u201cDad\u201d talk.\u00a0 Joe made me even more excited about my\u00a0\u00a0 children!
\nJoe and Cindi spoke from the heart and we really felt like they\u00a0\u00a0 cared about each marriage and person there.<\/p>\n

Woodland Hill (LA) California<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Cindi was real and helped me to know I\u2019m we all deal with conflicts.<\/p>\n

Joe and Cindi were excellent in the hope they have given all of us in how\u00a0\u00a0 faithful God is to carry us through the most difficult times of our lives and\u00a0\u00a0 how He uses those times to strengthen us, change our character, and make us more\u00a0\u00a0 like Him.<\/p>\n

The men\u2019s session was fantastic.\u00a0 It refocused me!<\/p>\n

I was single for 38 years \u2013 thank you, Cindi for the encouragement about the\u00a0\u00a0 role of adult singles \u2013 they need to be acknowledged.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s testimony is so powerful, and his own brand of humor drew me in.\u00a0 My\u00a0\u00a0 fianc\u00e9 and I tremendously enjoyed the interactions between him and his wife.<\/p>\n

I loved Cindi\u2019s props, poise and poem, expressions and pregnant pauses at key\u00a0\u00a0 moments!<\/p>\n

2006 <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Blaine<\/span><\/strong>, Washington<\/span><\/strong>
\nI just want to thank you, Joe and Cindi, for the time you\u00a0\u00a0 spend speaking with Familylife.\u00a0 My husband and I attended the conference and\u00a0\u00a0 you don\u2019t know how relieved I was to hear your background and to find out you\u00a0\u00a0 (Cindi) were the speaker for the woman.\u00a0 I am a mother of a 6 year old girl with\u00a0\u00a0 mental and physical disabilities and I was so worried I was going to be told to\u00a0\u00a0 \u201csuck it up and be a super-mom and wife\u201d by someone that had not been down my\u00a0\u00a0 road.\u00a0 The fact that you\u2019ve been down that road and back, was so great!\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work.<\/p>\n

I appreciated Joe\u2019s practical and rational presentations that made sense to\u00a0\u00a0 me on a very personal level.<\/p>\n

Joe is easy to understand and believable, sharing with frankness, honesty and\u00a0\u00a0 courage in relating his own difficulties in being a father.<\/p>\n

Cindi\u2019s presentations were simple, bite-sized concepts in a story telling\u00a0\u00a0 manner that I will actually remember!!\u00a0 I really enjoyed her time with us\u2026it was\u00a0\u00a0 my favorite part of the weekend.<\/p>\n

Cindi had practical ideas about supporting and respecting my husband in a\u00a0\u00a0 powerful testimony in a welcoming manner.<\/p>\n

Miami<\/span><\/strong>, Florida<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe helped me to appreciate my wife\u2019s differences and to not see them as\u00a0\u00a0 faults.<\/p>\n

I appreciated Joe\u2019s sincere approach to issues like his father, son,\u00a0\u00a0 daughters, and wife. The fact that he\u2019s praying for us and his church is praying\u00a0\u00a0 for us (the conferees), along with his openness, helped me to be open to asking\u00a0\u00a0 him questions.<\/p>\n

Joe showed me that I need to deliberately set aside time for my wife.<\/p>\n

Tuscon<\/span><\/strong>,\u00a0\u00a0 Arizona<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Thank you, Cindi, so much for your transparency and example of life in the\u00a0\u00a0 \u201creal\u201d world.\u00a0 Thank you for being careful to follow a biblical example in all\u00a0\u00a0 of your topics.\u00a0 (C.K.)<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s \u201cDad\u201d session on spending time with our children was exceptionally\u00a0\u00a0 powerful and emotional.\u00a0 I appreciated his reminder that everything we do must\u00a0\u00a0 be \u201cGod\u201d centered!\u00a0 (unsigned)<\/p>\n

Knowing Joe and Cindi\u2019s experiences and trials makes their presentation all\u00a0\u00a0 the more powerful.\u00a0\u00a0 Thanks you both being honest about your true feelings and\u00a0\u00a0 frustrations.\u00a0 Your candid comments helped propel our personal conversations and\u00a0\u00a0 plan for action.\u00a0 (unsigned)<\/p>\n

Appreciated your honesty and transparency as you shared together in the\u00a0\u00a0 INTIMACY talk!<\/p>\n

Shreveport<\/span><\/strong>,\u00a0\u00a0 Louisiana<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

God really used you, Cindi, when you spoke to the women.\u00a0 I felt as though\u00a0\u00a0 you were speaking just to me.\u00a0 You gave me the pep talk I needed to continue\u00a0\u00a0 on.\u00a0 (A.F.)<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve heard before, a lot of the things that Cindi shared, but I was not very\u00a0\u00a0 receptive in the past.\u00a0 Cindi put things into a language I could accept and\u00a0\u00a0 understand.\u00a0 (S.S.)<\/p>\n

Cindi is well-spoken, open, approachable, and sensitive to a wide variety of\u00a0\u00a0 personalities and issues.\u00a0 (P.A.)<\/p>\n

Joe and Cindi are a blessing to the Familylife Ministry\u2026 so real, warm,\u00a0\u00a0 caring and encouraging.\u00a0 I loved Joe\u2019s illustrations.<\/p>\n

I appreciated Joe\u2019s comment that we are sending our children as messengers to\u00a0\u00a0 a time we\u2019ll never see.\u00a0 I also was very touched when he shared that he has a\u00a0\u00a0 team of people praying for us at home in Ohio.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s passion for marriages is refreshing and it\u2019s obvious that he truly\u00a0\u00a0 wants to reach and help others become Godly people in their marriages.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (K&J W.)<\/p>\n

E. Springfield<\/span><\/strong>,\u00a0\u00a0 Pennsylvania<\/span><\/strong> (The Federated Church)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Thanks again for giving of yourselves on our behalf.\u00a0 Your presentation was\u00a0\u00a0 well done \u2013 filled with good information, lots of humor, and challenging to all\u00a0\u00a0 of us! (Pastor Rick P.)<\/p>\n

2005<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Boston<\/span><\/strong>,\u00a0\u00a0 Massachusetts<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Cindi is an honest speaker, not afraid of the truth, and pleasant to listen\u00a0\u00a0 to.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m excited to use her time management book!<\/p>\n

Joe has a great sense of humor and impeccable timing.\u00a0 He is very sincere and\u00a0\u00a0 an excellent speaker.<\/p>\n

Austin<\/span><\/strong>,\u00a0\u00a0 Texas<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Her gentle yet motivating session on the roles of woman as wives and mothers\u00a0\u00a0 has helped me want<\/span> what God wants to bless each of us with.<\/p>\n

Thank you, Joe, for changing my life.\u00a0 I will never forget your message of\u00a0\u00a0 faith and hope!<\/p>\n

Her words are wise and straight from the heart.\u00a0 It is easy to see her\u00a0\u00a0 passion for Christ through her life.<\/p>\n

2004<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Omaha<\/span><\/strong>,\u00a0\u00a0 Nebraska<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The intimacy talk with both Joe and Cindi was excellent!\u00a0 It really helped\u00a0\u00a0 hearing a woman\u2019s perspective.<\/p>\n

Thank you, Cindi, for the reminder to do things God\u2019s way, not the culture\u2019s\u00a0\u00a0 way.<\/p>\n

Hearing how Joe and Cindi have handled the challenges of their son\u2019s handicap\u00a0\u00a0 was very motivating in my role as a mom.<\/p>\n

Columbia<\/span><\/strong>, South\u00a0\u00a0 Carolina<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

I liked that she said she doesn\u2019t have all the answers and that she has areas\u00a0\u00a0 of struggle.<\/p>\n

Sacramento<\/span><\/strong>,\u00a0\u00a0 California<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

God has truly blessed Familylife with an awesome husband\/wife team (in Joe\u00a0\u00a0 and Cindi).\u00a0 They inspired my wife and I to become a couple that reflects the\u00a0\u00a0 image of God.<\/p>\n

Joe was an awesome speaker. I enjoyed listening to him tremendously.\u00a0 He was\u00a0\u00a0 straightforward sometimes, and humorous at other times which kept my interest\u00a0\u00a0 while informing me and entertaining me.<\/p>\n

Joe is a powerful, transparent, and intelligent speaker.<\/p>\n

2003<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Allentown<\/span><\/strong>,\u00a0\u00a0 Pennsylvania<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

I was able to recognize that my husband cannot be the leader if I am. If he\u00a0\u00a0 doesn\u2019t choose to lead \u2013 I must wait, support and help him, even if he fails,\u00a0\u00a0 and move on.<\/p>\n

I enjoyed seeing Cindi interact with Joe, especially as they did the intimacy\u00a0\u00a0 talk. Thank you for sharing on that challenging topic.<\/p>\n

Tampa<\/span><\/strong>,\u00a0\u00a0 Florida<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe is very real, kind, and has a loving attitude.\u00a0 He is a true reflection\u00a0\u00a0 of God.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Stockton<\/span><\/strong>,\u00a0\u00a0 California<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

I am grateful for Cindi\u2019s gentle spirit and transparency as she taught us to\u00a0\u00a0 keep on \u201ckeeping on\u201d! As we watch our young adult son struggle with serious\u00a0\u00a0 consequences of bad and sinful choices, we pray to wait on Him for the \u201crest of\u00a0\u00a0 the story.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh<\/span><\/strong>,\u00a0\u00a0 Pennsylvania<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Her presentation really opened my eyes to the fact that I have put so many\u00a0\u00a0 other things before my husband. I plan to ask my husband to forgive me and I\u00a0\u00a0 commit to put him first in my family relationships.<\/p>\n

Joe and Cindi are an inspiration to all marriages.<\/p>\n

2002<\/span><\/strong> Cedar\u00a0\u00a0 Rapids<\/span><\/strong>, Iowa<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve been married 32 years and still learned a lot!<\/p>\n

I appreciated that Cindi was real with us by sharing the victories and\u00a0\u00a0 challenges of being a wife and mom.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Colorado Springs<\/span><\/strong>,\u00a0\u00a0 Colorado<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0 <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

If a speaker can make me laugh and cry while holding my attention and\u00a0\u00a0 teaching me something, she\u2019s done an outstanding job. Way to go, Cindi!<\/p>\n

Syracuse<\/span><\/strong>, New\u00a0\u00a0 York<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

You communicated the role of a Christian wife in a humorous, yet heartfelt\u00a0\u00a0 way.<\/p>\n

Cindi covered the tough subject of submissiveness in a non-threatening,\u00a0\u00a0 example-filled manner.<\/p>\n

You have inspired me to organize and prioritize to meet my family\u2019s daily\u00a0\u00a0 needs.<\/p>\n

2001<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Fort\u00a0\u00a0 Wayne<\/span><\/strong>, IN<\/span><\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Thank\u00a0\u00a0 you for the biblical clarification on submission as it gets taken to opposite\u00a0\u00a0 extremes at times.<\/p>\n

Thank you, Joe and Cindi for speaking about intimacy. \u00a0Great job on a\u00a0\u00a0 difficult topic.<\/p>\n

Thank you for helping me realize that how I have treated my husband will be\u00a0\u00a0 the example for my daughters about how to treat their future husbands.<\/p>\n

I realize, now, the importance of taking the time to STOP-LOOK-LISTEN in my\u00a0\u00a0 family relationships. I also better understand the need to go to God first and\u00a0\u00a0 not other people when challenges arise in my marriage and family.<\/p>\n

Estes Park<\/span><\/strong>,\u00a0\u00a0 Colorado<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Cindi really made me take a hard look at the question of whether I am meeting\u00a0\u00a0 the needs of my husband and children because of an overloaded schedule. I have\u00a0\u00a0 some tough decisions to make. My role has been very cloudy by a former marriage\u00a0\u00a0 and period of time as a single mother. I have held a lot of resentment towards\u00a0\u00a0 my past spouse and it\u2019s spilling over into my relationship with my present\u00a0\u00a0 husband and children. The Lord is doing a work in me.<\/p>\n

It was nice to hear a biblical reference about parenting as that is often an\u00a0\u00a0 area I feel I\u2019m not doing the job I would like to.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Testimonies, thoughts and comments you would like to share with\u00a0Joe and\/or Cindi 2025 Not from a conferee, but\u2026..SOMEONE who is reading UNEXPECTED JOURNEY\u00a0 said this, “So I just started this book on special needs that you gave me (a friend) and it’s excellent. I’m only a fourth of the way through but it’s probably one […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-45","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cindiferrini.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/45","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cindiferrini.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cindiferrini.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cindiferrini.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cindiferrini.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=45"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/cindiferrini.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/45\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3687,"href":"https:\/\/cindiferrini.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/45\/revisions\/3687"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cindiferrini.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}