Each of us mourning the loss of our first marriages of 18 years, we agreed to swap stories, strictly as friends. I had decided that there were no good godly men who were single left in the world. Dave had decided that he couldn't bear the chance of having his heart placed in a blender again repeatedly. It was safe. Neither of us looking for any kind of relationship- no expectations, no strings, no games. Just two Christ followers who needed to find their landing place after the big crash.
Needless to say, God had bigger and better plans for us than to just remain friends. It wasn't long before we realized that we spoke the same language when it came to a love and passion for our Lord Jesus. Things that came naturally to us were the ways we both had dreamed marriage love and relationship would be like. We longed to serve our God at all costs. Both knowing & believing full well that there is no life apart from God- for He is the Center of all things and the only place where true life is found. We matched in the most important place- In Christ centered life.
Time brought much needed healing from our previous wounds. Everything was allowed to be brought to the table- nothing was left out. We cried and mourned the loss of our families, our marriages, the rejection, the hurt, the pain for us and our children. As we drew closer, God began to step in and orchestrate an incredible symphony.
We couldn't have foreseen the incredible challenges that would come about with this second marriage, and trying to combine two families. The attacks from an enemy that is fearful of a godly marriage and family staying together have been incredible.
Lessons are ongoing and constant, but...
We cling to this truth as we are continually walking through..
Trials and Temptations
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Loving your enemies has taken on a whole new meaning, especially when it comes to dealing with the ex-spouses.
Forgiveness is continual and sometimes constant from continual blows.
Striving to be Christ like in all circumstances
9 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
THIS IS NOT EASY!!!
Never before has our faith been tested like it is now. Every day presents a new opportunity to grow the fruits of the Spirit and walk as Christ and rely on Him to do so!
This Blog is to offer support and encouragement to those who are struggling on this same road. To support and hold each other up. To help each other to be godly at all costs, while keeping healthy boundaries. Our hearts desire is to offer support when needed, to strengthen and promote godly marriages and healing on this most difficult road.
Blessings!
For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!
2 Corinthians 4:17
