Isaac and Kaylene’s Love Story
Real couples really do use NFP, and we asked them to tell us their NFP story. We will be sharing them here on the blog — the good parts and the struggles. Each of these couples is writing their own love story, and have chosen to do so by following God’s plan for marriage.
Here is Isaac and Kaylene’s story.
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Were you initially skeptical about NFP?
Isaac was at first skeptical of the effectiveness of NFP, because I came from a large family, and my parents were open about practicing NFP. He felt a little better after he learned that his parents also practiced NFP. After learning the science behind it, he felt confident in its effectiveness.
How was your class experience and teaching couple?
Since we both had hectic schedules, we were happy that we were still able to learn NFP through the Homestudy course. We appreciated that even though we learned on our own that we were able to receive chart consultations. [Editor’s Note: The Home Study course has been replaced by the Self-paced Online Class.]
Was NFP difficult to learn?
No. CCL does a great job of breaking the method up into the three classes so that the material is not overwhelming to learn. The practice exercises in the classes, as well as the homework, gave us confidence in our ability to apply the method.
Has anything surprised you about NFP?
Yes, we were surprised by how NFP has improved our communication, and mutual responsibility has deepened our respect for each other. We were also surprised that our times of abstinence, while difficult in the moment, have strengthened our marriage since we focus on loving each other in non-physical ways, and it makes our marital embrace even more special. NFP has also alerted us of health issues (PCOS).
Who participates in observations, charting and interpreting?
Isaac is charge of the charting since I make the observations. We interpret the chart together, even though Isaac is better at it.
What changes have you seen in the dynamics of your relationship since starting natural family planning?
NFP has strengthened our communication and increased our respect for one another. It has helped us to love each other completely because the times of abstinence focus us on loving each other in non-physical ways.
Has using NFP affected your relationship with God?
I had irregular cycles before I was diagnosed with PCOS, and this strengthened our trust in God’s plan for our family, rather than depending on our practice of NFP. We have grown to see God as a partner in our family planning.
Does practicing NFP give you a better understanding of the Church’s teaching on contraception?
Seeing how much NFP has benefited our marriage, we have a better understanding for why the Church condemns contraception.
New from CCL! Your Love Story: A Guide to Engagement and Marriage by William Turrentine. Learn more at www.ccli.org/yls.