Where are the “Adultery Prevention Marriage Seminars?” Sure, there are plenty of “affair-proofing” marriage seminars. But I am talking about the sort of seminars where pastors talk about adultery and taking personal responsibility for one’s own sins. Instead of talking about the horrors of divorce–like pretty much every pre-marital book I read does–why not talk … Continue reading “Where are the “Adultery Preventing” Christian marriage seminars?”
Raging Over Things, Not Relationships
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. -MATHEW 6:21, NIV Things are temporary. Relationships–broken or otherwise–and people exist forever. These basic spiritual truths are often lost on cheaters. They are so consumed with their “rights” and the devaluing of their partners that they fail to see what matters eternally. After all, … Continue reading “Raging Over Things, Not Relationships”
Opposite Gender Friends Possible?
Do I believe heterosexually married people can have opposite gendered friends? Yes and No. Plenty of faithful spouses who come here know the pitfalls of such “friendships.” We know how these relationships are sold as innocent by cheaters–and they may have been at one time–yet they are far from innocent in reality. I do believe such friendships … Continue reading “Opposite Gender Friends Possible?”
Celebrating Mighty Mothers!
But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. -Luke 2:51b, NIV This post is to acknowledge and celebrate all those amazing mothers who come here. The world is a better place because of your dedication and faithfulness–even and especially–in this world broken by treachery and sin. Happy Mother’s Day! I know I am … Continue reading “Celebrating Mighty Mothers!”
Don’t open the door
“If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive.” -Luke 17:3b, NLT This past week I was reminded of some wisdom I heard years ago from a pastor-mentor of mine. It was advice about dealing with destructive people. He told me not to to “open the door” wide to an individual … Continue reading “Don’t open the door”
Encouraging Psalm 31
Today, I am just leaving you with one of my favorite Psalms. Its promises and heart cries to God were especially meaningful to me as I went through deep valleys of my first marriage’s end. Psalm 31 King James Version (KJV) 1 In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: … Continue reading “Encouraging Psalm 31”
On Forgiveness
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. -Ephesians 4:32, NIV Today, I have been working on the concept of forgiveness in my personal and professional life. The discussion I had on this topic included talking about how repentance is part of the equation of healthy, … Continue reading “On Forgiveness”
Reprise: Dealing with friends post-adultery and divorce
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. -Proverbs 18:24, NIV Today, I am writing a post about what I learned concerning friendships following my ex’s adultery and my divorce. These are lessons I learned from my personal experience, and I speak from … Continue reading “Reprise: Dealing with friends post-adultery and divorce”
FACT: CHEATERS ARE MARRIAGE FLUNKIES!
“You shall not commit adultery.” -Exodus 20:14, NIV (from The Ten Commandments) Fact: Cheaters are marriage flunkies. One of the most basic lessons in Christian marriage is adhering to this classic and consistent prohibition regarding sex with marriage outsiders. Cheaters have–spectacularly, in some cases–flunked this most basic of marriage lessons. Yet for some reason, … Continue reading “FACT: CHEATERS ARE MARRIAGE FLUNKIES!”
“Not Sorry” Looks Like a List!
How do you know if your cheater is truly repentant? Well, if he or she responds to being exposed by sharing a list of your “short-comings,” then the cheater is not likely repentant. The cheater might even agree that what he or she did was wrong. However, that acknowledgment is brushed aside so that he … Continue reading ““Not Sorry” Looks Like a List!”