1. Male or female? Your age?

Female, 47

2. Married, filed but not divorced, or divorced?

Married previously 20 years, divorced for 2.5 years -met and married for second time just over a year and a half ago. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

3. Kids? ages?

2 - two sons not at home anymore. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="images/icons/cool.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="images/icons/cool.gif" />

4. Your job or what you do?

At the moment I am not working. I have FM so I am limited now at what I can physically do.
I was taking University courses toward becoming a Social Worker and had completed a lot of them
when my dear husband intercepted me on the highway of life and we took a detour together.
I am also an interior decorator and have an office administration course. You would think with all THIS schooling I would not be wasting my time on the net but be out there making money right? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

5. Any pets?

We JUST rescued a sweet little Sheltie.

6. Your favorite bible verse?

For I know the plans I have for you ..... plans to give you hope and a future .. Jeremiah 29

I have held tightly to that scripture for over 20 years!!!


7. One good thing that happened to you today?

Hubby and I got an exciting e-mail from his oldest daughter!

8. Your last mistake?

I met a lady today that I thought was a real snotty woman. Later the Lord convicted
me that perhaps she was a hurtin unit and that is why she acted so badly.

9. Your favorite color and why?

Purple. I dunno, I have loved it forever.

Blessings,
Diamonzzz

Faithful Wife:

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">God is thinking about bringing his prodigal son back to him...whilst I was thinking like the son who stayed with his dad!</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">That is pretty insightful and self-reflective. It is not easy to pray for our spouses who have hurt us, but they are beloved by God just as we are. Just like that prodigal son and the "good" son.

God does work in "mysterious" hard-to-explain ways and sometimes He does use something "bad" (death, divorce) to bring about a greater purpose-- like Jesus' death.

I know that with my divorce, while it was very painful, I just had to accept it and trust the Lord that for whatever reason, He did not answer my prayers in the way I'd hoped. But, I have accepted it and chosen to beliefve and praise Him no matter! I once had a time in life years ago where I turned my back on God for a bit because I was bitter about circumstances in my life. It was the worst time of my life and I learned a big lesson. Since then, I have never allowed myself to become angry or bitter at God. I do struggle sometimes with bitter thoughts and express them to Him, but I always try to quickly repent and not act upon them or let the "sun go down" on my anger.

It kind of sounds like that is where you are at now. Able to trust the Lord... even though your marriage ended. It's really a sign of maturity (both spiritual and emotional) when we can accept the disappointments in our lives and even be able to see God bring good in the midst. And when we can see the bigger picture and not be bitter or miserable. It's not easy. Growth is a process. We learn from our mistakes and failures (hopefully!).

Satan has deceived your husband and taken him "captive." As a result, his heart is hardened and what is good seems bad and what is bad seems good. I do pray that his eyes will be opened and heart softened while there is still time!

<small>[ February 25, 2004, 12:28 AM: Message edited by: LoveMyEx ]</small>

Singleguy,

Wow... you are on a roll! That was very, very well said and so true... so very, very true (unfortunately). Are you Bob Steinkamp in disguise? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> heehee

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">The difference is that spirituality is where we create our own definitions of what we are going to believe, and then try to shove it under the label of christianity.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Yes, this is true. There are alot of "Christians" today who in reality are moral people or religious people but not truly followers and believers in Christ. There is a big difference, and while many people do claim to believe in God, they do not believe in Jesus. So they reject some of God's teachings... the teachings that salvation hinges upon.

And if we don't guard our hearts and if we are easily swayed by all the teachings of the world (and there are MANY!), then even we Christians will "compromise" our faith and be deceived. And then, yes, like you said... it becomes the "norm." Teachings such as this one-- it's okay to divorce if you are not happy-- or this one--- your spouse will "never" change; there is "no" hope--- those are the "norm" teachings/beleifs... but are they Biblical? Are they God's teachings? No, they are not, but if we as Christians listen hard enough and listen long enough to the beliefs of the world, even we will begin to believe these things.

And, yes, often we believe these things simply because our hearts are "evil" and we want to justify our actions and do so by rejecting Gods' teachings. Almost every person who divorces feels that their situation is "different" and that God willl "understand" and make some type of allowance to their special sitation. But God does not work that way. "I am the same today, tomorrow, and always." His teachings don't change.

In my marriage, I was a blessing and an answer to prayer in the beginning. But once my husband wanted a divorce, then I was a "mistake." Was I really, or was this his way of justifying the divorce? I've been amazed at how many peopel divorcing a spouse use that justification. "My spouse was a mistake."

A friend showed me a verse in the Old Test that says that we are not to make a decision and then call it a "mistake" and if we do so, we will anger God because we're placing the blame on Him! It's like saying, "I'm not responsible for the state of my marriage nor am I held accountable to fix it or stick with it... it was a mistake so God will understand why it must end."


</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">A real Christian has a HUNGER to please God, and not themselves. That's why Jesus said " by their fruits shall you know them!". He never said " well, if they say they're a Christian, they must be!". A preacher once said that if you had to tell people you were a Christian, you probably weren't!</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Yes! We can discern a person by their "fruit." And we should discern.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">That's why all of us need to have the faith that God CAN and WILL hear our prayers, and He WILL take action. Otherwise faith in God makes no sense, and we are simply gambling on the future! If when a battle presents itself in our marriage, we start to murmur, and talk negatively, how will we ever win any battle?</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Yep. I have recently made some comments about this on another post... how sometimes we grumble to others and share our pain, but the end result is them joining in with us and our anger, discontent, lack of faith only grows and worsens. Faith is not an easy thing to come by. And it is not something that everyone has. And if we take our marriage problems to faithless people, we are not going to be strengthend but rather will probably be filled with more doubt, fear, anger. But if we take our problems to God, the "author and perfector of our faith," then we are strengthend, and rather than fear, doubt, and anger, we received hope, strength, courage, joy.... EVEN IF our circumstances don't change.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">HE has an investment too!</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Yes, He does! When we Christians are divorcing... well, what does that say about God and our faith? Obviously it says that God isn't truly great enough to heal marriages. That His Word is not true.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Today everyone needs to make a decision to either stand, or move on. But then stick with it. Jesus said someone who swayed back and forth was like the waves of the sea, and would never get an answer. No mumbling, just unwavering faith that God will prevail!!!</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">It's like the verse about how we ask God for something but then we doubt and we are unstable... just like a boat being tossed about on the waves. We must believe and not doubt... even if we don't see the "answers" here in this lifetime!

Very well said Singleguy. Thanks for that mini-sermon! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

WOW!!!

Thank you LMX for the nice compliments. I scrolled down and read what you posted and had to go do something else for 10 minutes and come back. You really blessed me with your comments. I have "NO" idea how your ex could not respond to that kind of praise. What you said and the way you said it is what so many men are starved for. You made me feel like a million bucks!!! Thank you!!! If there was some special way that I could honor you back, I would do it in a second. And do it gladly. May I buy you flowers? May I take you to dinner? You bet, I will open the door for you. May I hold your hand? Here, let me help you with your chair. I just want you all to myself tonite, call me selfish! If you praise a man even a little, he has a hunger to please his wife. So thank you for what you said and did. May God reward you so richly for your words of wisdom and sharing your heart. I do know that God will make "ALL" things work together for good for those that seek Him and His righteousness! There is no way that a woman of your integrity can lose!

God Bless
sg

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by FaithfulWife:
<strong> Hey folks,

I know we are all ultra-serious theological types here (heehee) but I thought it might be fun to get to know each other instead of always discussing biblical topics.

So, for roll call, let's tell each other:

1. Male or female? Your age?
2. Married, filed but not divorced, or divorced?
3. Kids? ages?
4. Your job or what you do?
5. Any pets?
6. Your favorite bible verse?
7. One good thing that happened to you today?
8. Your last mistake?
9. Your favorite color and why?

CJ </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">1. Male -- 38
2. Married -- She Filed
3. Two one SD 14 one D 5
4. Systems Support Engineer -- Major Unix Vendor
5. One German Shepherd, One Orange Tabby
6. No favorites
7. The day is still early, at least I have some peace
8. Mistakes, probably spending too much time on MB today
9. I'm colorblind, but I can see some shades of blue, so blue

Tony

<small>[ February 25, 2004, 10:03 AM: Message edited by: javaSansContour ]</small>

Singleguy, I'm glad that my words were a blessing and edifying to you! They were said with sincerity and not really meant to compliment, but to tell you that what you said was really Biblical and good. Your response is a good reminder, that yes, people respond well to sincere praise, don't they? We do need to be giving it to our loved ones. We get pretty beat up and beat down in the world out there and so to hear something positive and uplifting can go a long way!

Don't worry about buying me flowers or dinner. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> If you'd like to do something, you can say a prayer for me and that'd be an awesome "gift"! Although you also blessed/edified me with your words as well... so thank you!

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

Heavenly Father, I thank You for my precious sister LMX. I ask that You would continue to do Your good work in her. Lord, You know the desires of her heart. You also know the hurt and pain she has been thru. I ask that You would pour out Your unconditional love, Your blessings, and Your favor upon her. Father, I ask that You make her the head and not the tail of every situation she faces. Cause evn her enemies to respect and honor her. Open new doors of opportunity and help her to acomplish all that You have purposed her for. I ask that You would give her wisdom Lord. Help her to see things thru her spiritual eyes, and not thru her flesh. I ask that You would put Your covering over her, that You will protect her spiritually, emotionally, sexually, financially, and physically. I bind the works of the devil off of every area of her life. I lift her up to You Lord, in Your precious mercy and grace, as Your child Lord. Love her and keep her. In Jesus name. Amen

LMX,
My previous post was meant to let you know that I appreciated what you said and did. The fact is that you DIDN"T have to say it, but you did! I think you know my response back was to show anyone who has been reading this thread how critically important honor and respect is and that we need to speak it to those we love. Love and respect have absolutely no value until we give them away!!! So I am going to sow a little seed of love and respect on everyone here at Prayer Requests. When You sow good things, you can't help but spill a little on yourself!

May God Bless You Richly Today

sg

PS: I'll still buy lunch!!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

<small>[ February 27, 2004, 08:57 AM: Message edited by: singleguy ]</small>

1. female, age 37
2. married almost 17 yrs.and intend on staying that way!
3.3 beautiful daughters 16, 14 and almost 8
4. stay at home with numerous part time jobs
5. parrot, 3 cats, 3 gerbils and 4 baby ones
6. I do not have one favorite, since our troubles all the ones that I have read that give me faith for healing in my marriage and trust in God to heal my marriage are special.
7. My husband said " I'll be home tomorrow to spend time with you all before I go to the pool tournament." I know this really doesn't sound so great, but at least he didn't say, "to spend time with the kids".
8. I accused, husband didn't overreact though <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" /> he even made a joke about it. I really felt bad. I keep remembering, live by faith, not by sight. I can do this!
9.this constantly changes, but for now it is PINK!

I really am thankful for this prayer board, I know this is where everyone should be. I have seen so many answered prayers in my life since I have given God my worries. I will pray for everyone here. God is good!

Yvette,
Your story about the birth of your twins is heart grabbing. I don't know how I missed it before, but I just read it, and it was very touching. The gift of life is a miracle that should make every person a believer. We never know just how valuable something is until we lose, or as in your case, almost lose it, or them! Life is so precious. We can't take it for granted!

God Bless
sg

SG,

Thanks. Yes, birth is a glorious experience whether you're watching or doing it! And I would never have changed the way my twins came to life. They are a true miracle, all of my children are, and I thank God daily for their existence! </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial"> We never know just how valuable something is until we lose, or as in your case, almost lose it, or them!</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">This is so very true. I think all of us on this board can appreciate this statement all too well! <img border="0" alt="[Teary]" title="" src="graemlins/teary.gif" />

Singleguy, Thank you for the prayer. It was very beautiful.

Singleguy,

H wants to know, since you're a proctologist, if you have license plates that read, a**man? (If you've ever seen Seinfeld, you'll appreciate the humor!) <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

Yvette,

Yes, I have seeen Seinfeld, and I "do" appreciate the humor!!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> I wonder what would happen if I really did have that license plate!!! You've heard of the movie Jason versus Freddie haven't you? What if it was the "Reamer" versus them both!!! I would love to see the expression on their face! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" />

You two have a wonderful marriage! By the way, That's an order! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" />

sg

<small>[ March 02, 2004, 02:33 PM: Message edited by: singleguy ]</small>

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial"> I wonder what would happen if I really did have that license plate!!! </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I think you'd REALLY get some attention! TEE-HEE
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial"> I would love to see the expression on their face!
</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I think that face <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" /> says it all!!!!! And I'm pretty darn sure that we'd finally hear Jason SPEAK! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

<small>[ March 02, 2004, 08:43 PM: Message edited by: StandingTogether ]</small>

1. Male or female? Your age? Male -- almost 36
2. Married, filed but not divorced, or divorced?
WW filed Sept. 03 -- looks like a month or two before she gets it
3. Kids? ages?
Daughers 3 and almost 6
4. Your job or what you do?
Disabled - LTD stopped Monday - so I am not sure whether I am to try and work again - Computers
5. Any pets? No
6. Your favorite bible verse? -- the whole work of God --- if I have to pick --- Jesus Wept; Father forgive them for they know not what they do.
7. One good thing that happened to you today? Someone bought me lunch
8. Your last mistake? Told my wife to stop being mad and angry at me
9. Your favorite color and why?
blue - no reason

I read the comment on Faith in God hearing and answering and I really felt that the need to share something that I thought about. Please have patience and forbearance in my answer for I do not want to offend.

Faith in God caring about us and desiring the best for us is Awesome! It is something that can astound the close minded when they realize that the God who created everything still wants to create a life for you in Him.

Yet, in the picture of salvation - the cross and the ressurection - the death (sacrifice) and the risen (accepted atonement)we find all we ever really need to know to have faith complete. That is the core and the reality of His Love. That alone is worth all the faith that I have. If He never again answers my prayers - I rest assured that my end is in the life to come. Not in anything I feel that I need - that is my love response back. It is awesome though to know that Our Father in Heaven did not just stop at that but He sent us His helper to do what? Help! HS can utter prayers in a language we do not understand. God loves to bring us into alignment with Him by the Word and Prayer!

Please don't take this the wrong way - it is late - I am tired - and just felt that I might be stepping on toes that I did not attend. I just kept thinking that if all we had is the Cross and the Ressurection and nothing else our faith is justified......sorry....

By the way -- it is devastating to see all the divorce that is going on in the Church today! It is a shame because of the selfishness that has come into the church by making everything what is in it for me oriented. I did want to point out something that I have prayed about when I am so weak and cannot stand it anymore.....

The Jews in the OT had God living in there midst. He was an ever present GLORY! He was performing miracles second by second (HE is still doing this) and yet they still strayed from Him. He still had to punish them. I am not perfect - I do not have all wisdom and I do make mistakes. If I do then does not my WW also make the same. This is very hard for me to remember that I am being sanctified - that I am not perfect and that when I sin He is faithful and just to forgive me and cleanse me from it as long as I come to Him seeking it. If you feel that you cannot go on or that you want to know why you don't feel like a very spiritual person because you make mistakes then realize now that you are not alone. We are not perfect - we still live in the bodies of flesh - pick yourself up and move on. IF we were perfect now - we would not need God's Word or the Holy Spirit. Keep on Keepin On! Fight the good Fight - Finish the race that lied before you! God get all Glory and Praise - for He is the author and finisher of our Faith! This is hard to remember and sometimes the joy only lasts for a moment in light of emotions but at least you know that it is there!

Thank you to all for what you have shared. Right now I am at the lowest of lows - Job in the flesh - and I do not have anything to boast in. No matter how bad it gets and how confused I am - He is on the throne - someday I pray I will look solely to Him in all things and not on the pains of my life or my WW. My desires and love keep me from fully subsiding in Him - my joy is dependent on whether she comes back or not - ok everyone say it --- That is wrong - Joy is dependent on Him - Jesus. That is what He wants me to learn!

Thank you for your prayers...I pray for all of you that as your faith is tested you will find the joy and strength and Glory of the Lord. For He is and will always be ALL in all things that you face! He will never leave you or forsake you - He knows your thoughts and the thoughts He thinks towards you - As I walked into the house of the Lord - I knew there end.....

Joe, I wrote a reply on your other thread but deleted it. Sometimes I am not sure that what I am saying is really God-inspired or just "hot air." <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> And sometimes I know that words are just simply insufficient, and that's how I felt about your situation. Not that it is a hopeless situation by any means, but just that... well, I think that the Lord is with you and you are seeking Him, and I think right now, that yes, you are like Job, and I would be more like Job's friends, even giving you good encouragement that still would be just words right now. I don't know if that makes sense, but my heart truly goes out to you.

I am sorry that you are facing this and I do pray that the Lord will give your wife a "heart of flesh" and will open her eyes, convict her, and turn her heart back to her marriage. I pray that He gives you strength to face this and to bear with her sins right now... and to forgive. Be in the Word and know it because it will give you the wisdom, strength, comfort, and understanding that you need. And peace.

There was really no easy answers for Job. He just had to wait upon the Lord. Really He did. He did not know though if his life, joy, or peace would ever be restored. He simply chose to believe and ulimately say, "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."

Ultimately, we have to come to the point of saying, "Though he slay me, I will trust Him" and we walk by faith, not by sight... pressing on each day, waiting upon the Lord to deliver us, heal us, and show us His will. And, yes, it all comes down to the Cross and the Resurection. Death and life. Christ died so that we might live... but not just life on earth, but that so we might live with Him someday forever. Christ's death and resurection reconciled us to God. It is all about love and reconciliation and the Lord healing broken relationships (Adam and Eve's sin broke their relationship with him, and ours was all broken as a result... until Jesus served as the mediator who reconciled us to God).

The Bible says that Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for them. I don't know what that all means for you and your situation, but the "death" of your self may mean the life of your marriage and wife. Your wife is deceived right now and is on a path of destruction. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="images/icons/frown.gif" /> Love her as Christ would love her. Study and know Him so that you will know how to love as He loves.

I agree in prayer with you for the restoration of your marriage and ask the Lord with much earnestness that He restores your marriage and causes both your wife and the OM to view each other as "bitter as wormwood" and that He opens their eyes and brings true repentance.

I agree, it is truly so sad and tragic to see these marriages between Believers that are ending in divorce or with adultery. It truly breaks my heart beyond words. God never intended for it to be this way.

<small>[ March 10, 2004, 01:15 AM: Message edited by: LoveMyEx ]</small>