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Please pray for my wife. She has been involved in a A for nearly 3 mts now and showing no sign of letting up. I ordered the book Surviving an Affair today but I really have a burden for her salvation and heart. I pray a hedge of Thorns around her hourly almost. God has given me a forgiving heart right now and My 7 yr old daughter and myself so want to put our family back together. Please pray for her
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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Prayers going up for her. One thing I recommend -- start thanking God for answering your prayer. WHat I found was that God was working even though I physically couldn't see the results yet.
RBW (me) FWH lostboyz Married for 16 years DDay on 10/10/03 Reconciliation on 2/8/04 Son 17, Twin son & daughter 16 4 years of a strong recovery
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Thanks. Already thanking him daily for all he has done and going to do. Its hard sometimes because this hurts soooooo much.
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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How long did it take you to see results?
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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H was home within 4 months. Now, that's not saying it's a magical # that will happen for you. I'm not sure what has to happen in order for God to complete His plan. What helped me get through it was listing what I'm thankful for each day & keeping it posted visibly where I could see it to be reminded. I added a new thing each day.
The prayer of hedgethorns worked wonderfully. I never even saw what the OW looked like. God really protected me. And after he came home, we only had one instance when he tried to contact her. Since then though, 2 years later, the OW has been history.
I took notice on GQ that it's a situation of in-laws going on. My brother had the exact same thing happen to him. My H & I also survived a ONS w/his sister in-law (his brother's wife). That was about 12 years ago. Was not something H was proud of & he doesn't like to talk about it. So I can relate somewhat, but not fully to this type of situation.
Does the OM's W know why OM left? Does she know about the A?
RBW (me) FWH lostboyz Married for 16 years DDay on 10/10/03 Reconciliation on 2/8/04 Son 17, Twin son & daughter 16 4 years of a strong recovery
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Yes she knows but I don't think she cares because she has already filed papers for child support and alimony and is preparing to file for AOA against my wife.
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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How do you know this? Have you talked to her?
RBW (me) FWH lostboyz Married for 16 years DDay on 10/10/03 Reconciliation on 2/8/04 Son 17, Twin son & daughter 16 4 years of a strong recovery
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I talked to her twice and my wife has told me the rest. "You know he doesn't love her". "I didn't break that home up." "he ain't going back to her regardless of us." It is amazing how open she has been with me about this. If she only new how bad it hurts. Maybe she does know but just don't care.
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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HB,
Your W is looking for excuses & things to say to hurt you so you will push her away & walk away so she can be "guilt-free". WS thinking, "See, he hates me anyway...No point in trying to work on this M." It's babble.
I wouldn't trust too much of what your W says at this point. She is getting second-hand information from the OM. The only way to absolutely know the truth is to talk to the OM's W.
What I found was that my H was more truthful during our seperation than he was our entire M. The reason for that being, he knew that he could say anything he wanted to regardless how it hurt me b/c he could just get up & walk out. He didn't have to live w/an argument or a discussion or anything like that.
RBW (me) FWH lostboyz Married for 16 years DDay on 10/10/03 Reconciliation on 2/8/04 Son 17, Twin son & daughter 16 4 years of a strong recovery
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I really don't want to talk to OM's W because I think she pushed him on my W. She found out about his affair 2 yrs ago and was looking for a chance to get rid of him. But I will say that the OM did ask his W a few weeks ago if he could come back and she told him if he was completly rid of my wife and ready to build a marriage and go to consuling. He said he could not promise that. My W found out about this and flipped on him. I think he used that as a trump card against my W to get her to do things she don't normally do.
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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Don't underestimate the power of the OM's W in your journey. She could be an instrumental part of it. I would talk to her again. Tell her that you're trying to save your M. That you would like her help in ending this A. I only say this b/c: But I will say that the OM did ask his W a few weeks ago if he could come back and she told him if he was completly rid of my wife and ready to build a marriage and go to consuling. Maybe she'd be interested in working w/you to end the A. You never know until you ask. Please don't assume. I'm not sure I understand your last comment about the trump card. Could you explain a bit more?
RBW (me) FWH lostboyz Married for 16 years DDay on 10/10/03 Reconciliation on 2/8/04 Son 17, Twin son & daughter 16 4 years of a strong recovery
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Trump card meaning she wasn't giving in to sex with him as of yet. Just a guess
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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My daugther was talking to her last night and my W asked her to spend a night with her Sat. night. My daughter said if you take me to church Sunday I will. She said ok so I am praying that the Holy Spirit will come over her.
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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You never know HB. God plants seeds everywhere. And don't get discouraged if things continue on like this for a little while despite her going to church. God is more than capable of planting a seed in your W's heart in any way He chooses.
RBW (me) FWH lostboyz Married for 16 years DDay on 10/10/03 Reconciliation on 2/8/04 Son 17, Twin son & daughter 16 4 years of a strong recovery
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Thanks for the encouragement Standing. I am reading Surviving An Affair right now and it has shown me a few things I can do. But it seems that the OM is possibly wanting to go back to his W. So right now I think I will just continue what I am doing and trust in the things I can't see. That is true Faith
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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But it seems that the OM is possibly wanting to go back to his W. If this is the case, then you can hurry it along by praying for this couple that they have reconciliation. Have you spoken w/the OM's W yet? So right now I think I will just continue what I am doing What is it that you're doing, HB? What active steps are you taking besides praying? trust in the things I can't see. That is true Faith I agree! Continue to praise & thank Him for accomplishing this deed even though you can't physically see the results right now. {{{HB}}}
RBW (me) FWH lostboyz Married for 16 years DDay on 10/10/03 Reconciliation on 2/8/04 Son 17, Twin son & daughter 16 4 years of a strong recovery
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No I haven't talked with OM W.
The active steps are pretty much nothing. NC clause as much as possible. I do however reaasure her of my love for her and my desire to rebuild a stronger marriage. Other than that I can't do much more because she will not let me in. She shut the door on me and her family.
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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Well she didn't go to church this morning after promising my daughter she would. I am really at a loss.
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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Got bad news a few minutes ago.My WW took my daughter to see OM last night with his daughter(who is my niece). Then went to his dad's house and stayed late last night, drove his vehicle home, then switched cars back today at her shop and let the kids play all day. My life as I know it is ending!
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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{{{HB}}}
Please contact the OM's W. She could be a very big ally in all this. If what was said is true & the OM's W wants to reconcile w/him, she can be a big help in squashing this A.
I'm praying w/you. Do you have a lawyer? If your W does not honor your requests to keep your DD away from the OM, then maybe a seperation agreement w/a visitation schedule needs to be in order. I don't know what the laws in your state say, but this might be an avenue you want to explore.
RBW (me) FWH lostboyz Married for 16 years DDay on 10/10/03 Reconciliation on 2/8/04 Son 17, Twin son & daughter 16 4 years of a strong recovery
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She took a 50B out on me on Monday, so I took one out on her. I talked with my lawyer and now I guess I have to accept the fact she will not come back to me. She totally involved with this loser and doesn't look like she is turning back. Any ideas???
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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I have tried to contact the OM's W but haven't been able to talk to her. I was told she would not let him come back under no circumstances because he has cheated on her numerous times.
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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I'm sorry, HB, I'm not familiar w/the term 50B. What is that? And why did you take one out on her? Did something cause her to do this?
Ok, I'll be quiet about the OM's W. Apparently that is a dead issue. That's ok. I worked on bringing H home w/o the OW's H.
I would like to know more about this 50B though. Could you explain in more detail how it led up to that point? What exactly is it & how will it help her?
RBW (me) FWH lostboyz Married for 16 years DDay on 10/10/03 Reconciliation on 2/8/04 Son 17, Twin son & daughter 16 4 years of a strong recovery
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Might I also add that I read your post over on GQII. I think you're going to find conflicting opinions between me & others over there. For instance, you were last advised that your W is your enemy. I say she is not. She is still your W & your W is NOT your enemy. To "put it in religious terms" as the other poster said, Satan is your enemy, not your W. Yes, this is a spiritual battle & you have to treat it as such. I am going to refer you to a site called Restore Ministries . In this link you will find a booklet that you can print out that will help you stand up for your M in a spiritual way. That, coupled w/the MB principles of Plan A & Plan B, IMO, give you a better chance of gaining back your M & your W returning to normalcy. She is lost right now. She is caught in a web of deceit & is having a lot of trouble untangling herself from it. In the process she has had to try to find new avenues to explore to try to get out of this tangled mess, but she can't b/c the only way that she can get out of it is to go back the way she came. That's where God steps in. He can help w/that, but it will take a lot of strength & patience on your part to wait on HIs timing. Take a look at the pdf file & try to line up things that go along w/the Plan A & Plan B principles. If you have any questions, just ask (as I used it also in conjunction w/MB principles & my H came home a repentant man) & I can try to help as best I can. I'm also going to see if a long-time MBer, who helped me throughout my journey, will come back to check your thread out to see if he can help you too. {{{HB}}} Hang in there. God never abandons us in our time of need. Please try to remember that.
RBW (me) FWH lostboyz Married for 16 years DDay on 10/10/03 Reconciliation on 2/8/04 Son 17, Twin son & daughter 16 4 years of a strong recovery
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Aloha HB,
I have not been on MB for a few months, but Standing asked me to come here and see if I could help out. How are you doing?
Standing was been giving you some good advice. Regarding the other forum you are on, I agree, your W is not the enemy. Another poster on MB, Orchid, likes to separate the W from the WW. Almost treat them as two different people. You will see glimpses for your W and probably a lot of your WW. When your W shows up, remind her of how nice it is. When the WW shows up, make sure the boundries are in place and she is lovingly reminded of your M and as much as possible, practice the MB principles.
One of the first things I did was to purchase some books.
Surviving an Affair (Willard Harley) Torn Asunder (Dave Carder) His Needs Her Needs (Willard Harley) Not Just friends (Shirley Glass) and Power of a Praying Husband (Stormie Omartian)
The first two and the fourth talk about understanding the causes and dynamics of an A.
The first and the third (yes some books are multi-purpose) will help change the environment that contributed to the situation.
And the fifth, a powerful tool that might help in changing the spiritual environment that is the most dangerous. Look at the prayers in the book and if you agree with them pray them for your WW. Part of the key is that you do need to agree with them. Just saying them won't help at all. Prayer has to come from the heart, they don't have to be original.
One other prayer that used was to pray a hedge of thorns around my W and to ask God to have OM reveal his true nature. Basically to have OM shoot himself in the foot and help in destroying the A. Which he ennded up doing. MY W's OM ended up telling my W that it was his dream to go to the Playboy Mansion, and that he would look down women's shirts when he played racquetball with them. He even made a comment about the way my W dressed and told her that she should dress a little "younger". Among other things. After a while my W started to figure it out.
Well I have to go. I hope that helps a little. Just keep in mind that things won't happen over night and to keep the little victories in the front of your mind.
A hui ho.
Steadfast
No man likes to have his intelligence or good faith questioned, especially if he has doubts about it himself. - Henry Brooks Adams
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Thanks for the book suggestions. I have Surviving an Affair & Power of a Praying Husband. I had His Needs Her Needs but W gave it to OM. I do pray the hedge of Thorns everyday and pray almost without ceasing.
Today we had court, both of us dropped the restraining orders we had against each other(long story)and walked out of the courtroom together. I walked her to her car and she hugged me and said she was so sorry. I didn't hug back at first and said "your not sorry until you repent". Then God spoke to me and said hug your wife and pray with her. I did that and we embraced for about 2 minutes while I prayed. I asked God to keep his hand on his marriage and that nothing was unforgiveable. I also said That I love her but God loves her more and wants her to come back to him. After the prayer we looked at each other in the eyes and I embraced her again and gave her a simple kiss on the cheek. It was a great heartfelt moment for me. I don't know if she was looking at it as closure to our marriage or whether she is fighting feelings. Either way I let her know that I have not gave up on her and nither has God. I have thanked God for that moment several times since then and I know he has his hand in this and he already has a plan and knows the outcome. I just have to fully trust him to get it done but that is so hard when i am fighting with the my flesh.
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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HB,
I would get another copy of HNHN and keep it for yourself. Get two if you intend to give one to your WW or at least write your name in it. You may find that you won't have much luck trying to educate your WW about A's. Sometimes good friends can, but when the fog is thick it's hard.
One thing real important is that you need to make sure you are safe for her to talk to. I say that because her interpretation if your response to her apology was "you're not sorry until you repent". She could interpret it as you saying; "you're a liar!". She'll start to get shy about telling you anything. And you don't want that at all. You want to be the one she can tell any too. Even if it's about the OM. I know that's hard but if you chop her off at the knees when she starts to break through the fog, she's going to be afraid to stick her head out of it.
Anytime she lets you hug her or touch her is a bit of a victory. Make sure the touches don't always lead to sex. Has she taken the EN Questionaire yet? Does she know what your needs are?
Have you read about Plan A? Are you doing it? Has the A been exposed to anyone yet (or did I miss that in a previous post?). Sorry I haven't had a lot of time to go through all of your posts.
Before I forget, make sure you read the very first prayer in the POAPH. It's actually the most important one.
Be patient, I doubt that your M got the way it was in one day. Likewise, it will take a while to be restored. You've got God and time on your side.
Oh, last thing for tonight, don't read anything into all of her actions. One, it will drive you nutz and the second, it starts to set expectations based on faulty information. Expectations set without solid inforamtion will discourage you and just like Peter, you'll be looking at the waves instead of keeping your eyes on God.
Later'z.
S&C
No man likes to have his intelligence or good faith questioned, especially if he has doubts about it himself. - Henry Brooks Adams
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No the hug didn't lead to any type of sexual activity. But it was the last thing she has to remember about me since then. I have not contacted her. Nor do I plan to. I only hope the hug she gave me was not her way of closure to this. I know God is able but she has to be willing. Although God can make it tough on her she is pretty thick skinned and stubborn. But with GOd all things are possible Matt 19:26.
As far as plan A I tried that and got no response whatsoever or maybe I just didn't do it right. I don't know my emotions and feelings and my brain run constantly.
I am trying not to read into anything but it is hard not to because I have tried everything and when I see something like this hug and tears, my mind says she is turning around. Fixing my eyes on God is what I am focusing on now with the help of the link from your friend Standing"restore ministries" Thanks for that. Later and keep praying!
Last edited by paranoidHB; 11/14/06 04:15 PM.
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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Aloha, S&C! Thank you so much for coming here as promised. I knew you could help HB in a way that I just can't, you two being the same sex & all. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
HB, Have you read the link in S&C's signature yet? If not, take a look & you'll see the glory of God shine through in his story. His story is what gave me hope in my journey & S&C played a great role in keeping my eyes focused on God & helping me not sink in the water like Peter. Please listen to him. He knows what he's talking about. I know you know that, but just wanted to emphasize it.
Tomorrow I plan on going through your latest posts to see if I can add anything. I saw some things at a glance, but it's late here & LB (my H) needs nursed b/c he had oral surgery today (5 teeth pulled - ugh!). He's not a happy camper this evening. So, I'll take a closer look tomorrow evening & give you my thoughts. Keep your head high, HB, I think you're doing great so far!!
RBW (me) FWH lostboyz Married for 16 years DDay on 10/10/03 Reconciliation on 2/8/04 Son 17, Twin son & daughter 16 4 years of a strong recovery
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I had no contact at all with her or my daughter yesterday. I was hoping that my daughter would call but she didn't. I figure since OM had his kids my W choose to let them all be together since that is her plan right now. But it is not God's plan, she just don't know that yet.
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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Aloha HB, As far as plan A I tried that and got no response whatsoever or maybe I just didn't do it right. I see that d-day was in Aug. Don't know when you found MB, but usually 2-3 months of plan A isn't enough. Six months or so is common. Some are shorter some are longer depends on you and the circumstance. Make sure you understand what plan A is for and how to use it and what plan B is for and how to use it. And keep in mind that you can't plan A very well if you are not in contact. I asked about exposure and the EN Questioniare has any of that been done yet? I don't know my emotions and feelings and my brain run constantly. That's normal. Again all part of the healing process. Although God can make it tough on her she is pretty thick skinned and stubborn. But with God all things are possible Matt 19:26. I whole heartedly agree. I would like to add though, it's important that you figure out what lead to the situation in your M that brought you W to the place she is at. A's should force the BS's to take a good look at themselves and do a reality check. A's are a symptom to a larger problem, Deal with the problem and the symptom tends to go away. Usually, that means the BS making radical changes (part of Plan A) and standing up and fighting for the M. Shows the WS how imortant they are to the BS. Got'z to go. Blessings to you. S&C
No man likes to have his intelligence or good faith questioned, especially if he has doubts about it himself. - Henry Brooks Adams
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[quote]And keep in mind that you can't plan A very well if you are not in contact. I asked about exposure and the EN Questioniare has any of that been done yet?
It is very exposed to ALL. She will not do the questioniare.
[quote]I whole heartedly agree. I would like to add though, it's important that you figure out what lead to the situation in your M that brought you W to the place she is at. A's should force the BS's to take a good look at themselves and do a reality check. A's are a symptom to a larger problem, Deal with the problem and the symptom tends to go away.
Usually, that means the BS making radical changes (part of Plan A) and standing up and fighting for the M. Shows the WS how imortant they are to the BS.
This is where I am right now. Trying to improve myself in God's eyes. I am fixing my eyes on Jesus. And as you can see I am learning how to use this qoute stuff to.
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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HB, Have you read the link in S&C's signature yet? If not, take a look & you'll see the glory of God shine through in his story. His story is what gave me hope in my journey & S&C played a great role in keeping my eyes focused on God & helping me not sink in the water like Peter. Please listen to him. He knows what he's talking about. I know you know that, but just wanted to emphasize it. Just read it and it is inspirational. Thanks S&C and Standing Keep your head high, HB, I think you're doing great so far!! Just keeping my head above water right now. But like Peter I will fix my eyes on Jesus and not sink but believe. I also tried reading through Plan A again but I don't seem to get it. Is there an outline or something a little easier to follow. I am reading the book from Restore Ministries right now and it is helpful in building faith.
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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I walked her to her car and she hugged me and said she was so sorry. I didn't hug back at first and said "your not sorry until you repent". I would be cautious of statements like this, like S&C said. She might interpret them wrong. If you would like to pray w/her, I would suggest getting her permission to do that first or just going home & praying for her by yourself. Remember, the W is sanctified through her H. I am trying not to read into anything but it is hard not to because I have tried everything and when I see something like this hug and tears, my mind says she is turning around. One thing that used to help me was recognizing each little victory. Be prepared though b/c you will probably see what you think is defeat & little victory before your eyes for a while. Just know that God IS working behind the scenes. Just b/c you can’t physically see it sometimes doesn’t mean He’s not working. If I would have a conversation w/H & at the end of the conversation things seemed hopeless, I would say (after H left), “Get thee behind me, Satan!” That usually worked well. I realized that I was fighting a spiritual war & who always wins those in the end? God, of course!! It is very exposed to ALL. She will not do the questioniare. You’re going to have to guess what her EN’s are right now based on things she may have said in the past. Sit down w/the EN questionnaire & do the best you can, thinking of your conversations, any comments that she used to make, that sort of thing. It could be a baseline for you to start. I also tried reading through Plan A again but I don't seem to get it. Is there an outline or something a little easier to follow. Plan A (hope this helps): It is used to separate the OM & your W. You meet your W’s top 5 EN’s & avoid LB’s. What we have to do first is try to get that EN questionnaire filled out. I did it for my H while we were separated. I guessed since he wouldn’t fill it out & I started implementing those things. A big thing that helped was asking God to show me where I had failed in my M. He opened my eyes so wide it hurt, but I needed to see it. So I thanked God for His unveiling & I got to work. You say you’re working on yourself. What exactly are you working on?
RBW (me) FWH lostboyz Married for 16 years DDay on 10/10/03 Reconciliation on 2/8/04 Son 17, Twin son & daughter 16 4 years of a strong recovery
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I would be cautious of statements like this, like S&C said. She might interpret them wrong. If you would like to pray w/her, I would suggest getting her permission to do that first or just going home & praying for her by yourself. Remember, the W is sanctified through her H. God reminded me of that after I said it. He then told me to hug her back and pray with her. I am learning to act 1st in the spirit and not in the flesh. One thing that used to help me was recognizing each little victory. Be prepared though b/c you will probably see what you think is defeat & little victory before your eyes for a while. Just know that God IS working behind the scenes. Just b/c you can’t physically see it sometimes doesn’t mean He’s not working. If I would have a conversation w/H & at the end of the conversation things seemed hopeless, I would say (after H left), “Get thee behind me, Satan!” That usually worked well. I realized that I was fighting a spiritual war & who always wins those in the end? God, of course!! I will start using statement. I have to let God train me to not get caught up in every circumstance because defeat is still near until God is finished workinh her over. I know he is working even though I can't see it, that is what Faith is. A big thing that helped was asking God to show me where I had failed in my M. He opened my eyes so wide it hurt, but I needed to see it. So I thanked God for His unveiling & I got to work. You say you’re working on yourself. What exactly are you working on? With that link you sent me to RestoreMinistries has really helped me with that. Seeing my faults and where God wanted me to be instead of where I was. Now I have my eyes fixed on Jesus and will not look away at the storm. I talked to her on the phone last night for the 1st time since the hug Monday. I told her I was committed to our marriage and working on myself right now. I thanked her for what she is doing because if she hadn't I would not have seen what God is wanting to do with me. She said "what". I said yes God has showed me that I wasn't the spiritual leader I should have been, I wans't the Godly man, Godly Husband, Godly Father that he commanded me to be. I wasn't the head of the house and I didn't love her as I should, caress her as much as I should, listen to her as much as I should ETC.. I told her I have stepped out of the boat like Peter did and trusting Jesus in all things and my life and my marriage. I said God will not quit on our marriage because he wants it to work out for his glory. She said but your family doesn't want me back with you. I told her she shouldn't worry about that because we aren't married to them but to each other and God has showed me how to handle that to by showing them that I am committed to my wife and if they don't accept her then they don't accept me. That I left them to cleave with her. She then said "well at some point you will have to open your eyes" and I said not we both have to open our eyes to the distruction we are causing in each others lives and our family. I just felt as if God was speaking through me to let her know this is my stand that I am taking with God and letting God have full control. What do you think about that conversation. I probably said more than that but that is all i remember right now and like I said God was speaking through me so I was just listening.
Last edited by paranoidHB; 11/17/06 07:47 AM.
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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HB,
Conversation you had w/her wasn't too bad. One thing I'd like you to remember is that any God-talk to her right now will fall on deaf ears -- so try to keep that out of the conversation. You have already planted the seed - let it have time to grow. God can do the rest.
The apologies were good. Did you actually apologize to her for not being the H that you were meant to be? I know you told her that's what you were shown, but did you actually say I'm sorry? That's really all you had to do was apologize for that & tell her you're working on improving yourself. Now, after that, when you see each other again, she will take notice that you meant what you said b/c she'll see the changes herself & start to believe you.
What might help, don't know if you'd agree or if S&C would agree, but what I did was give my H the EN questionnaire & asked him to fill it out for me so I knew what I was lacking & how we got to this point. He obliged for me. As long as I didn't say anything about reconciliation b/c his heart wasn't there right then, he did it for me. I don't know if your W would be willing to do that or not. Only you know her best. If she says no, then there's not much you can do except guess right now.
Reminding her of the "destruction" she's caused would probably be a LB at this point, so if you can, try not to point out her flaws or bring up her behavior to her. She is seeing this from a different set of eyes than you are right now. Right now she probably feels very justified in having this A (even though you & I know differently) but she just can't see that right now. Of course she's going to think YOU'RE the one that's blind, not her. She is, we both know that. But what we're doing is trying to see it from her angle a little bit so we can see her as a lost child of God rather than the woman who's making your life a living he##.
RBW (me) FWH lostboyz Married for 16 years DDay on 10/10/03 Reconciliation on 2/8/04 Son 17, Twin son & daughter 16 4 years of a strong recovery
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Did you actually apologize to her for not being the H that you were meant to be? I know you told her that's what you were shown, but did you actually say I'm sorry? That's really all you had to do was apologize for that & tell her you're working on improving yourself. Yes I apoligized. And I told her I was working on myself right now. Reminding her of the "destruction" she's caused would probably be a LB at this point, so if you can, try not to point out her flaws or bring up her behavior to her. I didn't reminder her of the destruction she is causing. I said the destruction that WE were causing. I have been trying very hard not to be critical with her. Because that does no good. I am trying to show her what she will be missing because of the person I am now. I am totally commited to her. One thing i did find out earlier was that after I told her all of that the OM was over at her house last night. Don't know how long or anything but my mother-in-law called to tell me she seen his car over there when she got off work at 8PM. That was a downer but my head is still high and trusting God.
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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I didn't reminder her of the destruction she is causing. I said the destruction that WE were causing. I have been trying very hard not to be critical with her. Because that does no good. When you say WE, you include HER. This is how she perceives it. We includes her. Meaning you & her. This was critical. It implies, or downright states, that she is causing destruction, no matter if you include yourself in the equation or not. This is what SHE hears. The focus here is on things YOU did or are doing. So let's keep it there. In your conversations w/her, concentrate on *I* statements, not *we* statements. She doesn't want to hear "we" right now. In her mind, she thinks you & she are seperate entities. Her mind isn't where yours is right now. So any mention of "we" just pushes her farther away, I'm afraid. I am trying to show her what she will be missing because of the person I am now. Good! Keep up the good work! One thing i did find out earlier was that after I told her all of that the OM was over at her house last night. Don't know how long or anything but my mother-in-law called to tell me she seen his car over there when she got off work at 8PM. That was a downer but my head is still high and trusting God. Keep that head high HB! Good work! Don't keep your eyes on the circumstances around you. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
RBW (me) FWH lostboyz Married for 16 years DDay on 10/10/03 Reconciliation on 2/8/04 Son 17, Twin son & daughter 16 4 years of a strong recovery
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When you say WE, you include HER. This is how she perceives it. We includes her. Meaning you & her. This was critical. It implies, or downright states, that she is causing destruction, no matter if you include yourself in the equation or not. This is what SHE hears. The focus here is on things YOU did or are doing. So let's keep it there. In your conversations w/her, concentrate on *I* statements, not *we* statements. She doesn't want to hear "we" right now. In her mind, she thinks you & she are seperate entities. Her mind isn't where yours is right now. So any mention of "we" just pushes her farther away, I'm afraid. Thanks for the info I will keep that in mind. I really think I am not doing enough to show her my love for her is unconditional but the guy I have been talking to says staying away and treating her in a Christlike manner when I do see her is the best thing right now. He as been on both sides and has given me some great advice and well and my "new fellow MB's". But the best advice I have been getting is from the Word of Truth. Psalm 27:14
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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HB,
One of Dr. Harley's principles is the principle of time. Shoot for 15 hours per week together. You won't acoomplish this right away, but it's something to shoot for.
While I wouldn't do things that would make you appear needy, I would not avoid time with her I would lean at spending as much time together as possible (again without seeming needy).
When you are together, do things that you used to do for her when you were dating. Do it really quick, in commando type fashion. If she will let you; when you pass by her, give her shoulders a very quick rub. If she likes cards or very simple gifts. Take her to lunch and buy her a single red rose to put in a bud vase on her desk or on a table. look for something she does on a regular basis and do it for her without her knowing it. Let her figure it out that it was you. Do something with her that she enjoys (even if you hate it).
There are lots of quick and simple things you can do to get her to enjoy the time she spends with you. If she starts to enjoy that time she will want to spend more of that time with you.
Blessing to you.
S&C
Last edited by steadfast and committed; 11/17/06 07:12 PM.
No man likes to have his intelligence or good faith questioned, especially if he has doubts about it himself. - Henry Brooks Adams
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S&C I would love to be able to do those things but at this time she doesn't even want me around her. She has a wall up and i can't seem to crack it. She is getting her EN met by this OM and will not let me in on anything. The only thing she wants from me is money.
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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I had a decent conversation with WW on Saturday and even got her thinking about us. Then on Sunday it was like Dr. Jeckell & Mr. Hyde. She was conveinced she was done again. I think everytime she gets around OM she turns into this other person. When she isn't around him for a day or 2 she starts coming back to reality. The whold thing now is he is telling her that my parents hater her and don't want her to come back to me. I told her again that I was committed to her and my marriage and bent on getting it restored. She said she had no desire to get back with my family. I said what does my family have to do with me.
She also told me that I wasn't capable of doing what it took to make her come home. She said I just don't have it in me and I never will. I told her God was preparing me to do just that but I didn't understand what I don't do that he does so well.
This whole thing is about my family and not about us. He is using her to make life miserable on me and my family and she can't see that. He is trying to get back at them for what went on between him and my parents years ago.
The devil has been throwing stones for about 5 yrs and now has thrown and boulder. My God is bigger than Satan and he will take care of him. In the meantime, my WW is getting farther and farther away from me. She looks sick and not happy but her will is so strong she will not back off. God created her and can break her. I will quit rambling now but if anyone has any suggestions let me know. I am out of options and have just turned it over to God and I am getting out of the way.
Last edited by paranoidHB; 11/20/06 02:40 PM.
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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HB, Getting out of the way right now might not be such a good idea. I'll tell you why. SHe's saying that she doesn't believe you will ever change. If you stick to a good Plan A while you're around her, she will see those changes & start to believe that you are changing. If you Plan B at this point, you just might prove her right. Then on Sunday it was like Dr. Jeckell & Mr. Hyde. She was conveinced she was done again. I think everytime she gets around OM she turns into this other person. When she isn't around him for a day or 2 she starts coming back to reality This just reminded me how important NC is after an A. Your W's not there yet, but once there, you can see how it's so important. That's when "reality" sets in.
RBW (me) FWH lostboyz Married for 16 years DDay on 10/10/03 Reconciliation on 2/8/04 Son 17, Twin son & daughter 16 4 years of a strong recovery
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How can I effectively do a plan B while I have children?
Here is a note I wrote and sent to her last Tuesday... "I’ve been through some very tough moments since you decided to leave, as you know. My love for you is so profound that I just couldn’t face the possibility of life without you. To a person like me, who expected to marry only once and to remain committed for life, it is a severe shock to see our relationship begin to unravel. Nevertheless, I have done some intense soul-searching, and I now realize that I have been attempting to hold you against your will. That simply can’t be done. As I reflect on our courtship and early years together, I’m reminded that you married me of your own free choice. I did not blackmail you or twist your arm or offer you a bribe. It was a decision you made without pressure from me. Now you say you want out of the marriage, and obviously, I have to let you go. I’m aware that I can no more force you to stay today than I could have made you marry me in March of 1992. You are free to go. If you never call me again, then I will accept your decision. I admit that this entire experience has been painful, but I’m going to make it. The Lord has been with me thus far and He’ll go with me in the future. You and I had some wonderful times together. You were my first and only real love and I’ll never forget the memories that we shared. I will pray for you and trust that God will guide you in the years ahead."
I have only talked with her about twice since I sent this to her and it was like I had just released her to do whatever she pleases. She is staying with him nightly and it is tearing me up inside. Let me explain that, My wife and I met in high school and we have never been apart since. She has only been "involved" with me and I have only been with her. We saved ourselves for each other and now that bond has been broken and I am torn up inside. I know God can heal all things but this is something that we held with each other and now she has broken that trust and bond and acts like it doesn't bother her one bit. Her daughter was her life. We tried for several years to have a baby on our own and then after 7 years of marriage we adopted my precious daughter at birth(1 hr after she was born). She is now 8. I just don't understand how all this can happen and she not care.
Please advise on what I should do about this. Thanks
Last edited by paranoidHB; 11/27/06 03:33 PM.
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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Thought I would give an update. Basically I am still hoping and praying. God answered a prayer on Wednesday when he allowed us to meet face to face and talk for over an hour. Although I did not get any hope, I feel that God removed a block from the wall she has built. Then she up and left on Thursday for a weekend trip with OM. Back at square one. I did contact the OM W last night and there are a lot of lies going on and he even asked his wife to come home. She told him NC and they needed to date and build trust and he was not willing to NC. My W was not up for that either. He has been lying to her and she has been lying to him but they still seem to want to be together even though there are 5 kids and 2 hurt spouses that have all begged for each of them to come home.
I asked God to reveal to me his plans for me this morning and show me whether my WW was part of the plans. Although he has not completely shown that to me yet, He did show me that I need to put him first in my life and be obediant to him. That is my commitment to him now because I know he has plans for me. Jer. 29:11
Any suggestions from anyone?
Last edited by paranoidHB; 12/08/06 10:51 AM.
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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Alot of things have happened since my last update. Everything that has happened has been bad. But last night she called me and she was broken and fragile. I went over and LISTENED for about a hour. She cried and was visibly in depression. She looked at me and said "I will try to find feelings for you again if you will let me" I Can't describe how that made me feel but I give all the glory to GOD. He did this for me and I will thank him daily for this. Now I need to move to recovery and try to help MY WIFE! See ya at the next thread.
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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Well I thought I would be moving to recovery but I have no idea what is going on in her head. She is now saying that there are no feelings and don't think there ever will be. In the book Surviving an affair Harley speaks of withdrawals. I wonders if this is where she is or if her and the OM decided to lay low through the holidays and then pick back up. I don't know and looking for help because I am so CONFUSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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((((( paranoid HB )))))
I just read through your thread. Sadly to say, I have not been reading the Prayer Request forum for a number of months now, mainly because of frustration from past attempts to have a conversation with people who posted a request and then never even acknowledged that they had read any responses. So please accept my apology for the lateness of responding to your need.
I will respond on the Recovery thread, as I tend to "hang out" there the most. But I do feel as though I need to ask you one question before proceeding too far.
Is your wife a born again Christian? I have read enough about your to know that you are, but nothing about your wife and what her relationship with Christ was prior to the affair.
Lastly, on this thread, let me state categorically, that if your wife IS a believer, she WILL return to your marriage. The details of what you will be facing I'll leave to the Recovery forum thread. All that will remain, and believe me when I say this, will be YOUR ability to truly forgive her and to rebuild a marriage with God's help that brings honor and glory to God. The road is long, but it is worth it, for we live in the "here and now," not the past.
God bless.
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She professes to be born again. But many claim to know him yet continue to walk in darkness. Only God and her know if she is saved
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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She professes to be born again. But many claim to know him yet continue to walk in darkness. Only God and her know if she is saved Okay, forgive me for being "blunt," but you attempted to evade my question. I'm not one for "playing games" much, as others who know me can attest. So let me ask the question again... In YOUR opinion, knowing your wife better than anyone else, her childhood, her family, her previous conduct, her previous testimony, her life with you prior to the adultery.....IS your wife "born again" and now backslidden or was she NEVER truly saved.? If I offend you, I apologize. But no more "equivocating" on the most crucial issue concerning your wife, okay? God bless.
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I beleive she is saved and backslidden. She even made the statement that in a couple years she will ask for forgiveness and everything will be ok. That is why I question her salvation.
Me-34 (BS)
W-33 (WW)
DD-7
Married 3/28/1992
DDay 8/4/06
Seperated 8/18/06
Plan A Start 1/4/07
**A Warrior does not give up on what he Loves, he finds the Love in what he does.**
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Okay, thanks for the information!
I have to take my parents to the airport now, so I'll not be able to respond more until later.
Hang in there, it WILL get better.
God bless.
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