Relationship
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Discouragement
This past Sunday I went with my daughter to her church for the first time. When we walked in, I felt comfortable right away. I enjoyed the worship immensely, but it was the sermon that truly had me near tears. The pastor* spoke about being discouraged, especially if you’re a perfectionist and disappointed because things…
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The Meaning of Love
After looking at John, I’m finding my interest sparked now by Peter. We know Peter denied Christ three times, then in John 21, Jesus asks if Peter loves him three times. I love the symbolism here, and again, God brings more than one purpose to light. Just as Peter denied Christ three time, Jesus gives…
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A Day for Love
The History of Valentines Day: Valentine’s Day is a holiday celebrated on February 14. It is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other; sending Valentine’s cards, or offering candy. It is very common to present flowers on Valentine’s Day. The holiday is named after two among the numerous Early Christian…
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A Christmas Speculation, Part Three
And now part three. Thank you for staying the journey with me. Praying and believing, Dineen Simeon’s words slid over her heart and settled to a deep ache in her chest. Her son lay content in the old priest’s arms, seemingly oblivious to his true identity. Though the old man had just professed his readiness…
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A Christmas Speculation, Part Two
A pondering of what happened behind the scenes 2,000 years ago continues… Praying and believing, Dineen Joseph crouched next to Mary’s prone form. The babe lay nestled in the crook of her arm, either content in her warmth or unaware of his meager surroundings. Joseph knew not which, only that such circumstances were unbefitting a…
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A Christmas Speculation, Part One
Dear Friends, I wrote this story last Christmas-a kind of pondering of what happened behind the scenes 2,000 years ago, the preparation of events mightier than we will ever completely understand. I pray it blesses you this Christmas season. Parts two and three will follow the next two Tuesdays. Praying and believing, Dineen “You can…
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Does Hair Matter in Marriage?
One thing I love about our 1Peter3Living group is our willingness to tackle sensitive issues in marriage. Today we are discussing a touchy subject to be sure. I thought I would share it here at Spiritually Unequal Marriage. Does the length of a woman’s hair matter in marriage? Believe it or not, like it or…
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A Hubby Brag Fest
Let me tell you about my husband. He’s around six foot, salt and pepper hair, wears rectangular, black-rimmed glasses, and has a near genious IQ. (Yes, we are talking Mensa here.) He’s the kindest, most loving man I have ever met. I’ve always felt cherished in our marriage. He’s a great dad, provider, and all…
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A Final Word on Thankfulness
I know, I know. You’re most likely tired of the subject by now. Thanksgiving is over. We’ve seen plenty of posts about it, but I want to bring one more dish to the table before it’s cleared. Thankfulness for our unbelieving spouses. Sometimes this is incredibly difficult, or nearly impossible, but I do believe it…
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What’s God Up to Now?
You’re not going to believe this. Or maybe you will. Saturday evening I heard a still soft voice. “Invite him to church.” I paused. Or should I say, I froze. “Huh? Lord, is that you?” “Invite him to church.” “But why? He’ll just say no. Or laugh at me.” “Invite him to church.” “Well, okay.…
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A Letter to my Daughters
Several months ago I received the following letter. It is beautiful, heartfelt and eloquent. I asked Kathleen Marie to share it with everyone here at Spiritually Unequal Marriage. _____ I have had much concern of late regarding spouses for my children, especially my two daughters, as they are the oldest of the four, so I…
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A Fine Linen Belt
In Jeremiah 13, God tells Jeremiah to purchase a linen belt and tie it around his waist. Jeremiah does as God instructs him. Then God speaks a second time, telling Jeremiah to bury the belt in a crevice. Many days later, Jeremiah unearths the belt at God’s direction and finds it ruined and completely useless.…
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Submission to Your Husband is a Beautiful Thing
The following article was originally published at 1Peter3Living on October 1, 2007 by Heather Young: My husband and I have taken up swing dancing. I am finding his interest in learning very exciting because I have a background in dance. I studied dance all through school and learned various kinds from my mom as well…
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How Did We Get Here?
It’s the question we all dance around. The one we sometimes want to ask but don’t. The one we dread being asked. The one we know the person’s dying to ask us when we tell them why our spouse doesn’t share our faith. “Did you know he wasn’t a Christian when you married him?” (I…
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The Devil and the Angel
I screwed up again. And amazingly, I felt entitled to. (Insert yucky “ew” sound here, please.) So here’s how it played out. Months ago I agreed to let go of our cleaning service, because we had to cut costs. Now if you’re a busy mom (If? Yeah, I heard that snicker.), sometimes that can be…
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The Marks of Marriage
Time again, I run across some interesting patterns in marriage. Just recently I spoke to a woman whose marriage suddenly ended after 14 years to her surprise. My heart broke for her and my alert bells went off as I found another piece to the pattern. I’m not an expert, but I put my observations…
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So Be It
I stood in a circle of anticipation. All week long I’d secretly hoped to hear another word from God. I’d asked him to speak to me, if that was his will. Now the last day of the Christian writer’s conference I’d attended all week had come, and my anticipation had peeked to bursting. Would God…
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Piece by Piece
Usually when I write a post, I find a picture after the fact to suit what I’ve written. But this time the picture came first. I love this image because it speaks of how we give away pieces of our heart, how we can walk around with gaps and holes (sometimes literally!) in our hearts,…
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The Big Day
My husband and I will celebrate 20 years of marriage tomorrow. To be honest, I’m amazed. Coming from a family that made divorce an art form, I approached the altar that day scared and unsure. And I have to say, honestly again, that my husband deserves more credit than I for our marital success. His…