We just realized that this catalog has been up and running for over 7 years! It is October of 2007, and the last 7 years have flown by. Our goal is to try to work on this site on an on-going basis so we can gradually improve it and keep it up to date. At the present time, though, we have quite a few new items that we have not been able to get online yet.

We want you to know a little bit about us. We are Dave & Joanie, and we were married in September of 1965. We have 2 daughters and 2 grandchildren. We made our Marriage Enounter weekend on February 10-12, 1978, and have been involved in some way ever since.

About 14 years ago we went through a very difficult time and we made a Retrouvaille weekend. After that we heard God calling us to work with hurting couples, and since 1989 we have been involved with that program, which is an outgrowth of M.E. and is a program for troubled marriages. We are still presenting weekends for Retrouvaille.

If you know a couple who is struggling in their marriage, please give them the 800 number for Retrouvaille (800-470-2230), which will connect them with a couple in their local area. Or they can go to the web address, which is www.HelpOurMarriage.com. Either will have information about where the closest Retrouvaille programs are being held and will have information about the program. Retrouvaille is an extremely successful program which consists of a weekend and 12 Post Weekend sessions. It deals with issues and problems that Marriage Encounter doesn't address, and it can be instrumental in healing and forgiveness for couples in trouble.

Our life has never been the same since that weekend in 1978, but it has been much richer. Our journey has taken us to places we had never dreamed of going, and it has been exciting and challenging. In 1998, we moved from California to the great Northwest, and we love it up here.

David & Diana Bruce founded Gifts From Your Heart in 1983 in Northern California. We acquired this ministry 12 years ago, and we have really enjoyed helping all of you. It has been a real challenge for both of us, but, like our decisions to love, it has certainly been worth it. It is the best kind of work in the world, working with couples who are committed to making their marriages better & keeping them healthy.

A question for your dialogue: What is the most challenging thing we have faced in our marriage? HDMAMMF?

We love you all,