Needs In Marriage
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And the Walls Came A-Tumbling Down
Lynn’s post yesterday talked about the walls we erect that keep our guys on the outside. I want to share with you how this translated into my life. I walked into my marriage with the expectations I’d leaned from the pages of romance novels and movies. I’d bought into the fairytale. Everything was fine in…
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Spouse-Based or God-Based?
What is the difference between a spouse-based marriage and a God-based marriage? This is the question my Sunday school leader asked our group this past weekend. We’re currently doing Gary Thomas’ video series, Sacred Marriage, which goes with his book by the same title. It’s a great course, and I have loved hearing different perspectives…
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The Silent Talker
So far, we’ve been talking about our words-how we use them and even when. I have to share with you that early on in my marriage, I didn’t always use my words wisely when I did speak up, but my biggest issue was not speaking up at all. Instead I held things in, choosing my…
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Weekend Devo – Are you listening, dear?
This 1881 engraving appeared in Charles Dickens "Bleak House" and is actually depicting a marriage proposal. What cracks me up is the woman is oblivious to what he's doing. Even the bird on the poor guy's shoulder is more aware of what's going on than she is. Do you do that? Sometimes I do. I'm…
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Weekend Devo- A Facebook Seduction
We've talked here before about extramarital affairs starting on Facebook. One of our readers, John Padilla, ran into such a person try to initiate a relationship with him despite his status as married. John has so graciously agreed to share how he handled this experience and protected his marriage. Here's his account of what happened…
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Reaction Mode
Are you in reaction mode in your marriage? Reaction mode is this highly destructive and very draining place where you and your spouse are walking in your marriage more like adversaries than partners. Every comment is scrutinized under suspicion and communication has completely broken down. Years ago I was in this place in my marriage…
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I’m Not Strong Enough
…..To be the spiritual leader of our home.…..To be a consistent Godly example to my spouse – to my children. …..To bare the physical demands of a career – raising the children – cleaning my home – cooking and the sum total of all the expectations placed on me. I ‘m at the end of…
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Extenuating Circumstances
We've talked about all kinds of issues here at S.U.M. but today I'd like to delicately touch upon extenuating circumstances that can exist in our mismatched marriages. You know that Lynn and I will always be on the side of believing that God can save any marriage, but we want to also be clear that…
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The Schwarzenegger Rant
(Photo: Reuters / Tomas Bravo) Okay, I’m not really sure where this post is going today but I think I’m about to go on a rant. I am utterly and wholly disappointed and sad over the impending divorce of Arnold and Maria Schwarzenegger. I am outright devastated for the children, and the son of the…
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Prince Charming Is…. The Average Joe
Good Morning Everyone. Today’s post is just for the ladies. Sorry guys but if you read on I hope you feel affirmed. Girls, yesterday I was listening to a radio program where the host was interviewing an author of a book titled, Average Joe. This interview brought into sharp focus some facts that we, as…
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One Little Step and Then……
I listen as she wept softly. I spoke to this young wife on the phone recently. She found herself in a place she never imagined could happen to her. Like so many of us, her husband lost his business because of the economy and they are in a financial meltdown. They moved to a new…
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Marriage for Training?
I read an excellent post by Kevin Adams over at Wake Up My Faith, entitled “Marriage-God’s Seat of the Pants Training Ground.” If you have some time, read his post. It’s a little long but worth the read. I love how God spoke to Kevin and flat out said marriage was preparation for intimacy with…
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My Day as a Disc Golf Caddy
This past weekend my sweet hubby and I celebrated 23 years of marriage, and I gave him a different kind of gift this year-something intangible and memorable. And not just for him! I share the whole story and six things I observed and walked away with (literally!) over at Laced with Grace-My Day as a…
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Is Divorce Really the Answer?
“No sooner does a couple say, “I do,” than the Serpent rears his ugly head and sets out to destroy that marriage. He knows every divorce is an attack on the character of God and on the earthly picture of divine redemption. Before the wedding reception is over, Satan is looking for opportunities to plant…
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Hallmark Holiday
I originally posted this last year but I find it needs a re-read by me and I hope you will enjoy it again this year. I pray it helps and encourages many of you who struggle with Valentine's Day. Love and hugs, Lynn Tomorrow is such a strange day. Valentine’s Day! This day could make…
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Why is it always me?
Today, I am thrilled to introduce one of my very dear friends, Marsha Harwood. Many of you know Marsha as she is a profound blogger in our community. I met Marsha face-to-face in October at the blogger's retreat. However, I feel like I have been her sister for many years. She loves Jesus. I just…
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All You Need To Do Is Ask
We have not because we ask not. How many times have we needed God but have been too stubborn to open our mouths and just say so? How many crazy situations have we found ourselves in, only to discover that if we had just spoken up and been honest about our need of help or…
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Attending Chruch Alone
Church or no-Church. What is a Girl to Do?Continued from Monday. I just couldn’t do it any longer. Sacrifice another morning. I survive because of those two little hours where I refuel, gain perspective and fill my soul with spiritual strength in order to face the week ahead and the spiritual battles which are inevitable. His non-confrontational persona leapt forward and he mumbled…
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Let’s Talk, Part 2
Last week we had a great discussion about communication. Lots of great comments and input. Let me see if I can summarize some of what was shared. Talking: The true key to communication, although we do communicate with our body language and tone of voice, but we’ll leave that to another post. Kathleen gave us…
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Attending Church Alone
Church or no-ChurchThings often play out very strange. I am going to share a story with you. I am still trying to process the circumstances of the past two weeks looking for the hand-print of God in this. I would be interested to know if any of you have experienced what I experienced and how you processed…
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Books, Books, and Books
Welcome to the final week of our Open Forum. We've tackled some tough questions the last several weeks. It has been and honor and a pleasure for us to serve our readers this way. Please, feel free at any time to leave a question you may have in the comments or email Lynn and I…