lupo,
This is for you and others, if they are concerned about the LD charges.

http://www.10-10-220.com/rate_domestic.html

By dialing 10-10-220, the area code and the number, a 20 minute call is only $0.99. It is $0.07 per miinute afer that. Therefore if our call lasted 1 hour, it would cost you $3.79. But, you could hang up, after 20 minutes and call back in. Do the same afer the next 20 minutes and the 1 hour call will cost $2.97.

I don't know your situ, and I am hoping that this will help you.

God Bless,
TTSMM

Great call yesterday! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

I'll try to keep this posting brief.

I want to start by saying that it was an insightful, supportive, and pleasureable experience.

I would like that when we share, we speak personally, "I have bad a upbringing..", not "...when you have a bad upbringing...". I don't know if that makes sense but try it. This is where it is "about me".

Every night, I would like for us to post what you experienced from the day's chapter .

Day 1
P2P (Point to Ponder) "It's not about me."
V2R (Verse to Remember) "Everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him."
Q2C (Question to Consider) "Inspite of all the advertising around me, how can I remind myself that life is really about living for God, and not myself?"
=======================
P2P
- It's about my wife, my two kids, my family, my community, the world.
- What kind of legacy does God have intended for me to leave?
V2R
- I don't have anything to comment on this right now.
Q2C
- Some samples of such ads have been: "You deserve this.", "You would look great in this.", "You want this. Right?"
- I wasn't brought up with a "Me" attitude; and defintiely brought that into my life once I was out on my own.
- My parents, Mom especially, always guided me towards great things, that I could do anything. She taught me to treat others respectfully; but, I was never taught "What can I do that would benefit others?"
- I need to keep in mind that there are people in this world who are suffering; how can I help? What words/actions can I say/do that will bring someone comfort? Is my ego more important than this person's feelings?
=======================

You don't need to follow this format. Let the Holy Spirit guide you.

Also, since we are all on the East Coast, excpet for the farm boy <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" /> , I would like to move our weekly call to 7:30 PM EST. My W goes to kick boxing class from 6:30 - 9:30 and this will give me some privacy. She did not go yesterday (don't know why) and that is why I was hesitant on some of my speaking. My apologies; I am strong in my faith, but not in defending it to her. I want to avoid arguing with her because it is a no-win situ.

God's Love to us all,
TTSMM

Day 2
P2P "I am not an accident."
V2R (Verse to Remember) "I am your Creator. You were in My care even before you were born."
Q2C (Question to Consider) "I know that God uniquely created me. What areas of my personality, background and physical appearenceam I struggling to accept?"
=======================
P2P
- On the one hand, there is comfort in knowing God wanted me to exist; and He planned it.
- On the other, this means everything happens for a reason. I absolutley believe that. If God says I am not an accident, where is my free will?
- God knows/planned the beginning of life, as well as the middle and end. Therefore, am I just a puppet?
- Why would God create something and destined that it to not be saved (Judas Iscariot)?
- More than any other theological principal, which I accept, this is the most challengin for me.
- There is also a sense of, "Not that I can't do anything worng", but, "Why be anxious? Whatever I do was meant to be."
V2R
- Same as above.
Q2C
- I cry too much for a man. I am too emotional.
- Poor I can deal with.
- My parents were not playing with a full deck most of my childhood.
- Why the lustful desires were placed upon, more than the average man?
- Why do I have terible teeth?
=======================

Hey, where are my Brother and Sisters on this daily commitment we made? lupo, single, love????

God's Blessings be bestowed upon us,
TTSMM

Hello TTSMM, Single, Lupo!
I am here! Sorry so late, had Co today till late!
Yes Great Call Lastnight! I felt the power and know this is the direction God wants me to Journey!
Day 1 - In this Journey I will find the purpose my life has and also who I am! This is very exciting to have the greatest gift in life and all will be reveled because of my deepest relationship with Jesus!

Confusion? I always believed God gave us our Total Life including Spouses, Friends, Jobs. Chaper says we Choose? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" /> just wanted to put it in here so I did not forget.

Day 2 - I was created by God because of his Love for me! He gave us life through the word of Truth. The Truth to build our life on is: God Is Love!

I have had a hard time for this 53 years because friends, family, spouses have all tried to harden me. I am soft and love to find good in people. If I am told something negative I try to turn it around to that person so they may look at it different - no I am condemned for trying to bring the love of God to many hearts! So I just shut up and let it go. So this is why I wanted to join this group and I am so happy to have this opportunity for a better understanding about my relationship with Jesus. Purpose and Idenity!
When my relationship with my WH failed then I reached out to grab my faith and pull it tighter than it has ever been. I have always been a firm believer of God and his word, but people in my relationships thought I was crazy so I kept silent about religion. I vow never to hide my feelings about God again. I was brought up in the Church without a Dad, but a wonderful strong Mother and 7 brother and sisters.
Thankyou Marriagebuilders for being here when I needed you the most. You all have put me back on track! God Bless you and may God hold you as tight as he holds me. Praise his name, Love him as he does you!

Remember that out on the farm is where they raise the " Stallions "!!!!!
OK Enough of that. We aren't as backward as you might think!!!! I apologize for not posting, it's been 9:30 the last two nights.

We were created by God to worship Him. We were satan's replacement, who at one time was lucifer. He was the most beautiful angel in heaven. Ttsmm, one observation you make is wrong. Everything does not happen for a reason. That is not true!!! Everything happens because of CHOICE. Big difference. A person doesn't shoot someone because God programmed them to. That would make God a murderer. The person shot because they chose to. Maybe because of anger, or greed, or whatever. God does give you a purpose, and a free will. Just like your job. Your employer gives you a job and a job desciption. but if you don't do it quite right, then he may have to interact by getting another employee involved, or another employee may try to sabotage you, and wreck your job. In the meantime, the employer is trying to fulfill the mission statement, and work with all these variables. Make sense. Even tho God knew Cain would Kill Able, He didn't MAKE him do it. It was Cain's CHOICE!!!! The bible is very clear that prayer changes things. Proverbs tells us to seek wise council. Ask, and it shall be given, etc.. It was not " meant to be ". We have the ability to go left or right. God gave us a brain to make a CHOICE, and His word tells us that He already has the consequences in place. We need to know the consequences by reading the bible [ my people suffer for lack of knowledge ], and then make the right CHOICES. IF my people, who are.... THEN I will hear from heaven. Judas had more than enough opportunities to make the right choice. He was trying to make it to the 11th hour. But the bible is very clear that after God has given you so many chances { choices }, he will slam the door, and there are no more chances. A hard heart that will no longer respond. You are making choices, your wife is making choices. We DO have a free will!!!!!
Day 3:
P2P: The ant never strays from his purpose. Proverbs says to learn from the ant. I told the kids to make their life like a car going down the interstate. You just look straight ahead and let God bring what He wants you to have by bringing it up the on ramp, and take away what He doesn't want you to have by taking it down the off ramp.
V2R: Your purpose will cause you to get up every morning and to overcome every adversity you face.Purpose is a powerful force. Even God has one!!!
Q2C: Teacher. I love to teach!!!!

God Bless
singleguy

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by singleguy:
<strong> Everything does not happen for a reason. That is not true!!! Everything happens because of CHOICE. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">SG,
I can't completely agree with this, b/c I believe that Yes, "things happen b/c of our choices, BUT I BELIEVE GOD USES THE CHOICES WE MAKE TO SHAPE AND USE THEM AND THEIR CONSEQUENCES TO MOLD OUR LIVES INTO WHAT HE WANTS THEM TO BE, therefore, by default it happened for the reason that God can use it.
If we didn't believe this, then we would have to believe God is constantly running around behind the scenes RE-writing our lives b/c we CHOSE something other than what He intended! My God is bigger than that! OF course, we don't want to believe that. For instance, we don't want to think Judas intended to betray Jesus all along, but thinking about it, it becomes obvious that Judas was created by God to fulfill this prophesy, and he HAD to betray Jesus!! Maybe HE wasn't aware of God's plan, but Jesus and the Father were.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial"> God gave us a brain to make a CHOICE, and His word tells us that He already has the consequences in place. </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I agree! Nothing we do takes God by surprise. He knew us before we were formed, He certainly knew ALL we would do, the bad choices, and thoughts, and actions.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial"><strong>I told the kids to make their life like a car going down the interstate. You just look straight ahead and let God bring what He wants you to have by bringing it up the on ramp, and take away what He doesn't want you to have by taking it down the off ramp.
</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I LIKE THIS A LOT!!!

If only we could remember to do this all day, every minute of every day..........

Now, back to the book:
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
P2P: "It's Not About Me"
I got such comfort from this knowing I wasn't "on stage" having to "perform." This, ALL OF IT, the world, this existence, my family, friends, where I was born, where I live now, where I will die......IT'S NOT ABOUT ME!! It's about what God can do THROUGH these events, who He can "touch" and use me to do it. Obviously, I know people NONE OF YOU WILL EVER MEET, and vice/versa. This means I have to be the "Light of the world" in my little corner of it! You can't be. I am here as HIS ambassador. NO ONE ELSE CAN BE THAT TO THE PEOPLE I KNOW WHO MAY NEVER KNOW ANOTHER CHRISTIAN. If I don't feel like it, "Oh, well." IT'S NOT ABOUT ME!! It doesn't matter if I feel like it or not!! I am HIS vessel, and need to be available to be used by Him, whenever, however, where ever with whomever HE CHOOSES!!
Q to C: I think the closer we get to God, the more we seek Him, NOT get mired up in the world's "junk" - the easier it is to remind ourselves that we are really living for His purpose and not our own.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Day 2:
P2P: "You are not an accident"
This hit me like a ton of bricks, b/c (by the world's standard, anyway), YES!! I WAS "an accident!" My parents (both of them, I always felt), blamed ME b/c THEY HAD to get M'd. I alwasy felt like the weight of the world was on me, and why did it have to be ME who was the source of their unhappiness? If only I'd never been born, cause I was such an accident, it messed up not just mine, but their lives, and my sister, who came after me! It was a relief (I learned this many years ago, tho), to finally realize that God was in control of this, and He desired me to be born at this particular time in this particular way and in this particular place to these particular people for HIS OWN purpose. It did not matter whether it was considered "an accident" by the world. HE had a higher purpose, and I was "Wonderfully and fearfully made" by Him. Every flaw (lots of physical ones!!), every thought, every action, ALL PLANNED BY HIM for His higher purpose.

Q to C: Pretty much already answered........I have struggled for a lot of years to accept myself as I am.........not a raving beauty by any means, and told so by my parents, not a particularly "feminine" female and derided for remaining a tomboy by my family members, I finally came to accept ME as I am when I learned (realized?) that it didn't matter if no one else liked me, I had to, or else what was the use of living??? It wasn't until very much later that I realized that not only did God "like" me just the way I turned out - HE HAD ORDAINED IT!!! So I have to accept it as His GIFT to me!

PTL \o/

single, lupo, love,
I'll add my Day 3 'stuff' tonight. It has been a hectic day at work, and I have been trying to keep the chapter for today in my head and it is (I am unable to) keep it in my thoughts.

I AM NOT AN ACCIDENT!

One of the most debated doctrines of Christian faith is that of Predestination. Below are links to R.C. Sproul's radio on this subject. He is a great orator (IMHO) and has given me a lot to think about.

Everyone Believes this Doctrine
God's Sovereignty
What is Free Will?
Man's Radical Fallenness
Does God Create Unbelief?
The Divine Initiative

You will need Windows Media Player to play these, although any MP3 should work.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial"> ...we don't want to think Judas intended to betray Jesus all along, but thinking about it, it becomes obvious that Judas was created by God to fulfill this prophesy, and he HAD to betray Jesus!! Maybe HE wasn't aware of God's plan, but Jesus and the Father were.
</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I have not listened to all of these yet. One of the above links goes into this. This does bring up the question then if God is the Sovereign, All-Knowing Creator of All, does create some people for the purposes of never being saved?
Personally, I don't think so, and...........

Btw, the other doctrine I have difficulty with, but not to the extent of this one is "God was, is, and always will be." If I remove myself from the concept of time. This makes sense. How as humans do we remove ourselves from the concept of time?

Lastly, because I have difficulty understanding these doctrines does NOT mean that I don't believe in God the Father; Jesus Christ is my personal Lord and Savior; and that the Holy Spirit guides me. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

God's Peace be bestowed upon us in our jouney ahead of us,
TTSMM

lupo and ttsmm,

May I be the devil's advocate.....
So Jesus DIDN'T die for everyone. So when Jesus said that He wished that none should perish, He wasn't being totally honest, making the bible at least partially false. Some were doomed to hell at birth. And Adam and Eve HAD to be created, because Jesus existed from the beginning, and Jesus was the word, and so on......And since Jesus already existed, what do we do with Him. We need to create a position for Him somewhere, otherwise we don't need the trinity, just the pair.... So let's create the Garden of Eden, and get them to sin, so then we have a use for Jesus.... Now it makes sense.... Please, really think about this!!!!!!

Judas was never created to betray Jesus. But the whole story can show us how someone can be right next to Jesus, and never accept Him as Savior. Judas was so cold hearted. He wanted what was IN Jesus hand, but he neverwanted the hand. And Jesus reaches a point where he will no longer persue a person, because of a hard heart. How many of us are like that, or have been like that? How many sit in church every Sunday, which is not the true Sabbath by the way, and never really want Jesus? Oh, they will tell you they do, and their actions are award winning. But their heart is just like Judas's. Just like the one criminal hanging by Jesus on the cross. He heard Jesus give the other one eternal salvation, but still he was deaf by CHOICE!!!

Day 5:

P2P: Some make it happen, some watch it happen, and some say " what happened ". God is looking for leaders. People who act, and not react. The principle is the shepard, and the sheep. The higher up the mountain you are, the farther you can see!!!!

V2R: It's the little things that really prove your character. If God cares about the sparrow...
One saying says that " character isn't created in crisis, it's only exibited ".

Q2C: God is really putting me thru trials to develop my patience. I have always been a " quick decision " person, and didn't always focus on my impact on others. It takes time to change a person's thinking, just what we are facing here. God wants me to teach absolute truth.

God Bless
singleguy

<small>[ October 31, 2003, 04:31 PM: Message edited by: singleguy ]</small>

Day 6

P2P: If God is truly our Father, then we want to be where He is. Nothing on earth can satisfy us.

V2R: Faith gives us the ability to believe for things that have as yet not happened, and the trust to know they will.

Q2C: It will change our priorities. We will invest our time, money, energy, etc, in the things that will bring rewards in heaven. We should always be looking up.

God Bless
singleguy

single,
I would like to discuss this Predestination topic more. For now, let's keep this topic to the Purpose. This is my fault.


You are too far ahead.
Day 1 - Wed
Day 2 - Thu
Day 3 - Fri
Day 4 - Sat

Day 3
P2P: "Living on purpose is the path to peace."
V2R: "You, LORD, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you."
Q2C: "What would your family and friends say is the driving force of my life? What do I want it to be?"
==========================
P2P: Today, I was very scattered at work. I found it difficult to pray or to remember anything form this chapter. I didn't have a purpose today and when I left work, I got it. I DO have too many "things" I am involved in in my life. (I'm afraid I will miss something!) I can knock off many of them now and the rest as I discover my purpose.

V2R: When I saw how scattered I was and when I the verse again, and surrendered, I felt some peace.

Q2C: Others would say I am driven by wanting to please everyone. When that doesn't work, I am driven by anger and resentment and then by guilt (created by the anger and resentment).
I want o tbe driven by GOd's Love through helping others.

May the Grace of God be a bright beacon in daily journeys,
TTSMM

Everybody,

I wanted to ask this question:

Is it possible we can do this another day of the week, or is Wed. everybody's best day? Reason I ask is, I go to Wed. evening service, starts at 7, sometimes not over till close to 9. I agree 9 pm is too late for our phone call, but for the reasons cited, I'm not fond of Wednesdays at all!

Don't any of the rest of you have this dilemma?

Blessings,

Purpose Driven Life, Ch. 3:

What Drives Your Life?

P2P: "Living on purpose leads to peace."
I will have to admit to NOT having a purpose. I have to admit to just "living" day-to-day without much though to having a purpose. Although I have felt that my spiritual gift is Teaching, and I do this for a living, and love it, I do feel (after reading this chapter) that God has more in mind than just "my vocation." Obviously, His purpose involved fulfilling His purpose for my existence. I can't truly answer that I KNOW what my purpose is! (That's scary to admit, so I'm working on it)

Q to C: "What is my driving force? What do I want it to be?"
I don't know that my family/friends would SEE a "driving force" in my life. In a strange kind of way, this marital nuclear blast that has taken place in my life has re-focused me back to where God wants me to be! In the midst of seeking HIM above all, I think my family/friends can see that (my boss did comment on this awhile back). I suppose if I had to answer in one sentence, I would say that I would want my driving force in life to be to seek to walk in peace as much as lies within me........

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Ch. 4: Made to Last Forever

This chapter affected me most of all! I never really considered what it would be like once we "leave" here. I mean, I had read/heard "We shall all be changed, in the twinkling of an eye....", but I never really thought about how - although we SHALL all be changed...........it's also true that WE WON'T CHANGE THAT MUCH!!! We will still be US. I will still be who I am. MY thoughts, MY emotions, the uniqueness of ME. That's what stuck out most in my mind as I read this chapter. where ever I go, I WILL BE THERE!!! I don't know that I'm stating this clearly.

Whenever I thought about "we will all be changed..." I guess I figured we'd all be changed into little christian robots who would LOVE standing around singing praises, gazing on the Savior's face, etc.....then it suddenly occurred to me that if we didn't like doing it now, how would be be changed enough to endure it for all eternity?!?!?! IOW, I'd better enjoy being IN THE WORD, and giving praise and worshipping God better than all other activities, cause that's all heaven is!!! And the PERSON I am isn't going to suddenly cease to exist and some NEW person in my persona is suddenly going to pop up and enjoy things I've neglected all these years.......or I'd be like a fish out of water, essentially NOT fitting in!

P2P: "There's more to life than just here and now."
This is the point! IF we are constantly living for the HERE AND NOW, then we won't be prepared for the eternal......we just won't be equipped to do it.

"This world is fading away along with everything it craves......" So I shouldn't get too attached to all the things of this world! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

Q to C: Made to last forever......
The one thing I should do more often is getting closer to God (reading His Word and praying), so it isn't such a shocking thing to suddenly be "required" to be in His Presence eternally in heaven. I mean, WHY would I seek to do such a thing in the next life, if I've neglected to do it at all during my time on earth?
To get less distracted by the things that are going to fade away, and to attempt to draw closer to the things that will last forever equips me to enjoy God not only NOW, but forever! \o/

Trying,

I was reading your post at the beginning of this thread. I also come across those reminders of all the sins that lead to the downfall of my marriage, of losing my home, and of losing my children for several months. As time goes on that are not as painful. I have ask God to removed them from my memory. It finally came to me that if He removed them, I would lose the lessons learned and then right back were I was before.
So then I must be thankful for the memories. The mistakes I made and the lessons learned made me who I am today. I am a new creation, and I have to remind myself of this and claim it to defend myself from the enemies flaming arrows.

What I have learn to do when these memories come up is the same thing I had to do at the beginning of my journey with Christ, I had to forgive myself and everyone else involved. I think forgiving myself was the most important part of my healing and changing. So, each time I am reminded of something I did, I ask God to help me forgive myself again. Each time I get angry again at the memory of something someone has done to me in the past, I ask God to help me forgive them again. God forgives our sins as soon as we confess them and ask forgiveness. We are the ones that have trouble with forgiving. It would be nice to forgive as God does, forgive and remember it no more, but I believe we do remember so we stay on the right path toward Jesus. We remember so we can stay on that path of being transform into His image.

This is how I have came to look at those memories. Your post reminded me of myself.
I was also 40 years old when my husband left and I gave my life to Christ. My life took a big turn at 40.

Thanks for all your commitment,

gentle

Friends in Christ,

Day 4
P2P: "There is more to life than just here and now."
V2R: "This world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever."
Q2C: "Since I was made to last forever, what is the one thing I should stop doing and the one thing I should start doing today?"
==========================
P2P: All the pain and sorrow I am going through are nothing compared to the eternity with God. All day I was thinking about the consequences of my actions.
A PC sales rep sold me the wrong peice of equipment today. I called the manufacturer of the equipment and found out I needed two of them. I was very upset and wanted to scream at the rep. I brought my daughter with me back to the store. I thought about my consequences; if I get back at this guy, in the store with my daughter there? I would feel good for about 10 seconds and then I would a damged my daughter for rest of her life.

V2R: See above.

Q2C: Stop breaking ANY of God's commandments. Continue building that "First Love Relationship" with God.
Love others, UNCONDITIONALLY -- Forgive others, UNCONDITIONALLY.


God Love you, always,
TTSMM

Hello TTSMM, Single, Lupo,
Sorry late again! Halloweened with the kids lastnight, a promise could not break! Today just lost with many phone calls. Had a hard time with getting thoughts on paper.

Day 3
P2P: Living on purpose is the path to peace
answer: I have always thought about this and it meant to me that if we love, honor, trust and obey God we will have everlasting life. That has given me peace.

V2R: "You Lord, gave perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you" Isaiah 26:3

Q2C: What would my family and friends say is the driving force of my life? What do I want it to be?
answer: My driving force is well known as giving to everyone that needs me with passion, not judgement, and to follow with God's direction. I believe he has given me this heart and knowledge to help the elderly, animals, family and friends.
I want to continue all above, but with more understanding of my purpose which I believe will be known when we are done within this 40 days!


Day 4
P2P: There is more to life than just here and now.
answer: As a young girl my mom always talked about life and that we are living for God to be sent to Heaven with the wrongs and rights through our 10 Commandments. All 7 of us knew that we had a choice between Hell or Heaven. I am a lucky women to have had my Mom and our faith!

V2R " This world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God , you will live forever." 1 John 2:17

Q2C: Since I was made to last forever, what is the one thing I should stop doing and the one thing I should start doing today?
answer: I worry to much! I should always remember that God will provide if I trust enough to let him do his work! Being out here with no one around to help causes some of my worry. Snow is the biggest problem because of my arms. I did get through it last year but dread this year!

TO SINGLE!
STALLIONS? LOL OH MY! Got a lot of Bulls out here lol!

God Bless all of you!

Hi,
I am reading "The purpose driven life" .. you will enjoy this book. I am on plan B .. living in England three thousand miles away from my husband who has been having an affair for 7 months (since discovered). I picked up this book at my church Orlando Baptist .. the week end that I left .. the entire church was reading it together. I will pray for you, as I do for my husband everyday.
G

Hello Everyone,
I started with last Monday being Day 1. I have adjusted to the right schedule. My answers to Day 5 are on the 2nd page of this post at the end of the post. I can move them up if you would like. There must be a lot of people reading this book. I can see why it is a best seller.

LoveNcare,We had a stallion that was chestnut with white stockings. His name was Gallant Boy. He was a beautiful horse, and it was awesome to watch him run. When he would through back his head and whinee, he would definitely impress you. Jesus said He was coming back on a white horse. That should be an impressive sight!!!!

God Bless
singleguy

All,
Today has been a TERRIBLE day. I need your support and prayers because I want to throw in the towel on this as well as my marriage. A typical way I react in my life. Of course that hasn't worked in the past, so I am trying to hold on. When these things come up, I don't feel worthy to exist, let alone lead.
I will give "what happened" after the Day 5 info.
=========================================

Day 5
P2P: "Life is a test and a trust."
V2R: "Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones."
Q2C: "What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God? What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?"
==========================
P2P: Every single thing I do (or don't do) is a test from God. Everything in this world that I touch is entrusted to me by God. Do I kill things (physically, emotionally, spiritually) or do I handle everything with love and care?

V2R: When I was growing up, I used to have difficulty with this concept (I don't remember hearing this verse when I was younger). I always felt that I would give more attention to something, it it was life threatening, then something that was less important. This is how I measured between between small and large matters.

Q2C: The affair (lying, cheating, attempted suicide, etc.).
My marriage and my family.
============================================
Now my day.
All day, test and trust went through my head. At church if I was upset with my children, "Should I be upset? Is God testing me? Here I go failing again."
After church, we came home and I still pondered that point.
I took my children to play minigolf and for the first few holes I was very upset with them. My kids are 7-1/2 and 3. What a jerk, getting upset with them. I did apologize for my attitude and the rest of the game was OK. I even went back to the proshop to pay for my son's game (I had asked if there was discount for children of a ceratin age? They said 3 and under. He turned 3 in May. I todl them so and they gave me his game free. Even though they gave me the free game, I didn't care how "I" got it. I had to ask and I was sheepish about his age, etc. Slimy in my book). So I wnet back afterwards and paid for his game.

I get home and my wife tells me she wanted to know how much I was paying my spiritual mentor (Bible readings)? I told her I wasn't paying anything. She didn't believe me and said she didn't want the kids near him, because he has a sign on hsi door "Born Again". "That's a cult. Why are you going to a deacon and not your Roman Catholic Church." Again, she is trying to control me. And of course, idiot me, bought into her crap and fought her verbally, toe to toe. Finally, I left for a drive.
While I was out, I had thoughts of everything imagineable to "get back at her" for how she was treating me. Satan was working overtime on my heart. I felt sick to my stomach. I read Philipians and tried to calm down.
When I got home, she apologized and I didn't even hear it. I told her I was taking a nap in "our" bedroom because I haven't slept on a bed in over five months. She didn't care and she tried to lock me out. I forced my way in and I went to sleep (nap) on my bed. She continued to badger, yelling at me, not caring the kids were in earshot. She told me she went to a meeting scheduled by the court to handle arguing in front of the kids, etc. That lasted a day with her, BUT she can't justify it because of my having the affair, etc.
I am so sick of her being able to change her mind, do want she wants etc, and she gets away with it.

I'm sorry, I feel vengeful because all I have tried to do for the last 24 months is repair my marriage. I am envious to the point of disgust at how ther are so many BS here who just want their WS to come out of the fog and repair their marriage. BUT NOT FOR ME!

God help me regain my sanity and ACCEPT Your Will,
Trying


God Love you, always,
TTSMM

Hello,

Day 5: Seeing Life From God's View

A great question on the first page was How do you see your life?
Well my answer to that was like a obstacle course with me running to and from good and bad!

P2P: Life is a test and a trust
answer we need to trust in God more and to know when he is testing us. Sometimes things are beyond our control and that is when we ask God to handle it for us.

V2R: "Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones". Luke 16:10 a

Q2C: What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God? What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?
answer: My husband left our marriage and God is testing my faith. He has tested me also with financial difficulties and how I deal with dissobedient children. My prayers and faith in our Lord have solved many of these tests already! Praise God for being so good to me!
God entrusted my husbands belongings to me for safe keeping when everyone said to sell them because I needed the money. I trust God to help me through these tough times!

PS Singleguy
Thank you for your answer, now I understand. Yes animals are awsome and some day I would love to own a horse! I had a rotten welsh/shetland poney for the kids years ago! It is amazing how some things bring our thoughts many times to the Lord each day!
God Bless you!

Hello TTSMM.
I just got on here and posted my Day 5 and when MB took me back I read your Day 5.
I am so sorry that your Day was so bad. Please do not argue with her as it never solves anything. Just agree - please! The kids get all wound up inside and then are naughty because they do not know how to handle all they hear. They are very young yet and someday will understand. Give them lots of hugs and praise and they will shine and be more willing to be good. My kids are now in their 30's. All three are basically good but have drug problems which they do not want to hear anything I have to say. I did try to make them understand what they are doing now against God, but had to give it to God.
Please don't hold it against us that we want our spouses to be changed by God so that we do not have to go through this anymore. Some of the MBer's have worked very hard to get where they are and had a tough time getting there. I think it is wonderful if it works out for them. None of us really know where we will end up. Thank God I am not fighting anymore as that took the life out of me. I did finally refuse WH being here and I did not argue back. Now he has not come in months. Maybe it will give him time to think things through. I do not understand why they want to be right, but it is not worth the fight. After it is done where did it get either of you? No one wins no one looses it just keeps going on. What does matter most is that we ask God to guide us and KNOW HE WILL! You have to be first though and being agreeable will work! I know how hard it is to live with a spouse who defies God, one that puts religion down and calls it crazy. It hurts, but do not try to defend it, just agree to any insult, then say a prayer.
You are not worthless! You are only a man trying to save your marriage. We all have a battle to fight praying for God to change our spouses! Most of us have spouses who have sinned - we all sin from time to time. God will do his work with our help if we let him. I have learned not to say anything if it will hurt my spouse. I just chit chat saying nothing and let it go that way. I have a problem with guilt also so nothing said is better than something I would not know how to take back and redo.
Please know that you are my brother and I say these things from my heart. Hold on to your Faith, don't look and do not hear!
God Bless you and I ask him to hold you tight!