Please give us an update as you are able. We have learned so much from following your saga so far! Is the "Matthew 18 process" at any stage? Or did it already take place but I missed it? Whatever happens, I know you are doing a heroic effort to stay in the Lord and follow His will.<P>God Bless. We love you.<p>[This message has been edited by Karenna (edited October 13, 2000).]

Hi girlfriends from Sunny CA! Finally settled in the motel after spending the past couple of days with my parents. I am not sure what you are learning from my saga Karenna.<P>I guess I am learning that when I make direct statements such as " We both really need to think and pray this week about how we want our marriage to be and what we are willing to do differently so that we can discuss it when I get back" is not heard, totally ignored, not mentioned or even acknowledged that I have spoken. <P>The awesome sense of tranquility I feel being released from the immediate chains of control is wonderful. I really have had to pray about that much too, for Satan certainly can use that to distort things. My parent's had many needs that I helped them with and so I am going to write my letter tonight, so I would appreciate prayers for that. It is so amazing to me that I so carefully focus on "I" messages only to be told that I am being self-centered. I continually have to ask myself what the truth is about it. I am grateful that God knows my heart.<P>Everyone is wonderful out here. It has been so fun to laugh again and not feel as though I should feel guilty about it. Received a gift of coupons to go to fabulous resort for lunch so that will be a treat. <P>The important thing about taking time away is the need for refreshment that renews the spirit to continue the battle, so please pray about that. If I only use this time to breath and do not receive the invigoration to continue the battle, then the time was not well spent. Pray that God uses this time alone with my husband for His purpose and glory, that my husband's heart will be softened to the spirit, and that the return will be a new beginning.<P>I must admit my immediate tendency for resentment occurs when my H wants to chat with me all the time online, to play a game, etc. when he sees no need to "talk" when I am there. God is so cool though for my H wanted to play an online game tonight and I could not get the url to load on my system, so my H finally went to bed...the 3 hour time difference is a big one from this side of the states. Smile.<P>Anyway, I had brought aol to use and found out once here that there isn't any local number, but the man at the motel allowed me to sign in under his account since I am doing some work for him. God is so good! So will check back to see the Tuesday prayer request list. Hugs to all of you, Thanks for praying.

I am still dying to know what the Matt. 18 process looks like in three-D. I am by no means convinced that it was biblically necessary in your case, but what happened? Did H have to face anybody besides yourself?<P>I am so relieved that you are unburdening yourself from the torment. The Lord and His Holy Spirit are working miracles in your life even now. We just can't even guess how it may unfold. Your children and even the grandchildren will be better off in the long run. Do you think he will file for divorce sooner, or later?<P>And thank you so much for praying for me. There is so much strength and peace within me and in my home that I know for a surety that the Lord is answering the heartfelt prayers of others. I am given only just enough light for each next step. The hard part is in not trying to look too far ahead and getting discouraged. The future and upcoming decisions that Might need to be made can just freak me out. The peace that has come is a tremendous blessing. My health has been outstanding as well. Every major threat has been resolved positively. So I am just trying to rest in the Lord and serve others as much as I can.