Loss is hard. We are currently considering putting down one of our birds. He got attacked by one of our larger birds in a moment when we did not notice the larger bird had made his way towards him. It all happened so suddenly. The injuries apparently are very bad according to the veterinarian that … Continue reading “Anticipating Loss”
Restitution reveals real sorry
Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!” -Luke 19:8, NLT Sorry is a beginning. A true, real sorry is one backed by actions demonstrating an effort … Continue reading “Restitution reveals real sorry”
Thanksgiving! Have a wonderful one!!
Happy Thanksgiving to my faithful spouses in the USA! I know this day may be a tough day for some of you. However, I would encourage both acknowledging those feelings exist AND thinking about what gives you gratitude as part of developing the spiritual discipline of thanksgiving. So, in the spirit of the holiday and … Continue reading “Thanksgiving! Have a wonderful one!!”
Key Repentance
4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” -Luke 13:4-5, NIV Repentance is clearly assumed as necessary before forgiveness and salvation according to Jesus’ own words … Continue reading “Key Repentance”
Marshalling Against You
Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. -I Peter 4:8, NLT Marshalling Against You Some Cheaters plan out their exit with great forethought. They take advantage of extended family time–like over Thanksgiving holiday–to prepare family to be sympathetic to them during the discard. … Continue reading “Marshalling Against You”
Effort Involved
She hides and waits like a robber, eager to make more men unfaithful. -Proverbs 23:28, NLT For those inclined to believe a cheater is a victim of his or her circumstances, it is worth noting the effort necessary to cover up the infidelity. In fact, I think the aftermath of the cheating is actually the … Continue reading “Effort Involved”
Spiritual Discipline of Thanksgiving
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. -I Thessalonians 5:18, NLT Why would the author of I Thessalonians command us to be thankful unless this was something we have to choose to do? The temptation is to allow life’s circumstances to dictate the spiritual climate of our … Continue reading “Spiritual Discipline of Thanksgiving”
Cheater labels you “the problem”
When a cheater is done with their spouse, they will treat the spouse as “The Problem.” This is a dangerous time for the faithful spouse because this is when they experience the full contempt of the cheater. Sadly, many pastors and other counselors egg the cheater to say more contemptuous things about the faithful spouse … Continue reading “Cheater labels you “the problem””
Strong Medicine Needed
“Nice” does not work with someone who has doubled down on destruction. If someone is about to run off a cliff, we don’t worry about saying a “harsh” word but rather–those who care–shout to get them to stop running. That is loving. Quietly objecting is not. The one running to their own destruction needs to … Continue reading “Strong Medicine Needed”
World Blown Apart
World Blown Apart Discovering marital infidelity is a discovery that blows apart one’s world. It upends the assumptions of safety one oriented life around. No longer can you trust your most intimate partner for anything. They have harmed you in deep ways that only they could. Such a betrayal! It is disorienting. What is my … Continue reading “World Blown Apart”