You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. -Psalm 56:8, NLT A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of jumping on a live online event with Fr. Gregory Boyle. He is a priest whose life work is directed … Continue reading “Truly seen… not just watched.”
Category: Encouragement
Frustrating Meet
*Me under 350kg/771lbs on my third attempt This past weekend I competed in another powerlifting meet down in Iowa. I bombed out missing all three of my attempts. It was frustrating. Yet I know I will learn from this experience and get better. Failure is often a better teacher than success. It still sucks, though. … Continue reading “Frustrating Meet”
Reject Divorce Shame!
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away [i.e. divorce her] privily. -Matthew 1:19, KJV If you grew up in a church where divorce was taught as always wrong, you may find it hard to NOT internalize divorce shame and stigma. … Continue reading “Reject Divorce Shame!”
Divorce Minister Blog Persists!
God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. -2 Corinthians 1:3b-4, NLT As long as the church fails to take adultery seriously … Continue reading “Divorce Minister Blog Persists!”
Regarding death of dreams
And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted…. -Genesis 37:35a, KJV Giving up the dreams regarding your marriage are tough. I had a dream of only being married once. My dream included only giving myself to one woman. I grew up in a Christian … Continue reading “Regarding death of dreams”
Soul care?
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. “ -John 10:11, NLT Holding onto to the belief in God’s goodness is a real fete of soul strength during the time of infidelity discovery and divorce. I know it is not easy. It is a real test of one’s … Continue reading “Soul care?”
Good and bad news regarding friends
A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. -Proverbs 17:17, NLT Good news and bad news about friends during times of marital distress: First, I will share the bad news: Some of the most painful betrayals will be friends and even family choosing the cheater over … Continue reading “Good and bad news regarding friends”
Grateful for our animals
My silly cat, Mr. Pickles, got me through my divorce. I will always be thankful for this furry buddy. He would meet me at the door when I got home, and would roll over for a tummy rub, which would end with him attacking my foot as I rubbed his belly. At night, he would … Continue reading “Grateful for our animals”
Growing Hope
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. -Hebrews 11:1, NIV Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. -I Corinthians 13:13, NLT When going through the darkness, faith in God’s goodness is important. This faith is an act of … Continue reading “Growing Hope”
Made me
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” -Genesis 50:20, NLT I work in a prison. It is my day job–i.e. the job that pays the bills. To be honest, I did not see myself working … Continue reading “Made me”