I will exalt you, Lord, for you rescued me. You refused to let my enemies triumph over me. … You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy…. -Psalm 30:1, 11b, NLT Memories of one’s past life remain. They sometimes stalk one in the strangest of times and places. Such is … Continue reading “And then the sadness fades away…”
Category: Encouragement
Fire Forged Friendship with God
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. -Isaiah 43:2, NLT What makes me so devoted to following Jesus? Like numerous … Continue reading “Fire Forged Friendship with God”
God Uses Broken and Weak People – Ask Paul!
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” -2 Corinthians 12:9a, NIV The blogosphere has been ignited by Joe Carter’s “Beware of Broken Wolves” post at The Gospel Coalition website. I found the article disturbing. In particular, I was troubled when Carter wrote: But … Continue reading “God Uses Broken and Weak People – Ask Paul!”
The Pastoral Affirmation Need
A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. -Isaiah 42:3a, NIV Divorce Minister exists to a great part because it speaks to a need I felt in my darkest days. The need for pastoral affirmation and support while going through infidelity discovery and divorce. When my marriage was … Continue reading “The Pastoral Affirmation Need”
Listen and Pray
So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great. -Job 2:13, NKJV Discovering a spouse has abandoned you and/or cheated upon you is utterly devastating. Sometimes “all” you can do is listen and … Continue reading “Listen and Pray”
Happy Easter–Resurrection Sunday!
He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. -Matthew 28:6, NIV To all those wondering if life exists after discovering infidelity and divorce, I would point to Resurrection Sunday. Hope exists even when it might look hopeless. I remember a particular Easter now five … Continue reading “Happy Easter–Resurrection Sunday!”
Called Good Friday 4 Good Reasons!
“But this is your hour—when darkness reigns.” -Luke 22:53b, NIV Good Friday is good news for all who have experienced times when darkness reigned. What I mean about that is how the Cross speaks to the darkest of evil–namely, the killing of God–and yet also speaks to how that darkness cannot triumph even when it kills … Continue reading “Called Good Friday 4 Good Reasons!”
Divorce Minister: Palm Sunday Reflections
See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. -Zachariah 9:9b, NIV With the kick-off of Holy Week, I was pondering how this season parallels life for faithful spouses and marriages ended via adultery. The wedding day is like Palm Sunday: … Continue reading “Divorce Minister: Palm Sunday Reflections”
A Life Without Intense Family Stress
This past week I had a particularly stressful day. I called my father the day after to talk about various things and mentioned to him that the other day was stressful. He asked if it was work stress or family stress. Family stress? That never even entered my mind. Not that it was an unfair … Continue reading “A Life Without Intense Family Stress”
Beauty for Ashes…Three Years And Counting!
Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours. -Isaiah 61:7, NIV Today marks three years since I stood at my in-laws’ porch and exchanged marriage … Continue reading “Beauty for Ashes…Three Years And Counting!”