Thursday, May 27, 2010

'Two Becoming One-My Adam and Eve Story'

We live in a fallen world-that darn Adam and Eve. The good news is God created Eve (woman) so Adam(man) would not be alone. I'm ready to share about my Marriage and the amazing Man of God I get to call Husband. I'm just now realizing how strong He is, how much 'junk' He DOESN'T allow to affect Him and what a wonderful provider and Authority He is to be given the true title of Head of our HOME! (PLEASE know, this is really hard for me, but I feel God wants me to share in hopes you know we all suffer, but with Christ ALL things are possible!)

In a church Ministry event Tuesday night, a wonderful person had a word for me. 'YOU are a TREE by a river. The Lord wants to affirm you. You have deep roots. The enemy has attacked you BUT, YOU STOOD FIRM. You are in a 'New Season' of Fruitfulness. Do not judge your future on the basis of your past.

I've talked so much about my divorce and today I want to tell you how I feel about it. I don't agree with divorce and will/would do anything to help you if this is something you are considering. It is not good. You MUST step back and surrender ALL to allow God to do the work He intended when He brought you together with the person you are Married too. Had I been in the WORD during my time of need, I would not have divorced, etc. Hence the WORD will keep you from sin and sin will keep you from the Word!

August 1, 2008 I re-married. I met my Husband at church in a 2 day Freedom event called Kairos-'Eternity Steps Into Time.' We were taking a lunch break and he introduced himself to me. Afterwards, I thought 'My heavens how many tears has he witnessed-wow-as this was day 2 of a very deep process of letting go of all your 'junk' from the past and being set free. As you've read, I had lots! After the event, he was waiting for me in the lobby downstairs where He asked me out to go on a hike. My response was, 'I will go on a hike, however I've got a deal with God that I'm not here at church to date, I'm just here to worship Him!'

We sat in the church parking lot and declared if we ever dated again it would be God's way and all of our expectations of what that meant. For me, I honestly didn't think one moment more about the hike-it just felt good to tell someone my 'dating plan!'

Well- we didn't go on a hike, but we did hang out together. It became very apparent we were very compatible-esp. when it comes to our 'belief's. I started sending him the Daily One Year Bible verses for the day and he would look them up on Bible Gateway at work. We were beginning to be on the 'same' page in life reading, receiving and living God's word. His name alone is enough to give you chills and yes he looks like Jesus!

We began dating. Not long after, he wanted a commitment and I wasn't sure. A few days later, these words came to me: 'When I'm with you, I'm at home." The only time I have ever felt at home in the past was when I'm at church. I told him, I didn't understand this. Today, I do as 'Home is where your heart is!'

A few months later, He was Baptised in the Holy Spirit and I knew we would be taking a break. (Jesus going in the wilderness for 40 days to be tempted.) We did. We met to say we weren't a couple any longer and hugged good-bye.

There were really only a few days we didn't talk, text or email. We weren't a couple, but there was still 'something' stirring in our hearts.

We began meeting at volleyball games and hangin out here and there and met for church. Slowly, letting God take us where He wanted us. About a month later, he said I think God wants us to be Married, I'm just not sure how. (We both have 3 kids-6 Blended.)

June 15, after a morning of Ministering to Seniors together, I went my way/ He his with plans to meet back at church and then go to lunch. With my youngest and one of her friends with me we met at church and then went to lunch. I could see him 'fiddling' with something and wasn't sure what it was. He told me he wanted to go outside for a minute and talk. The talk was 'THE PROPOSAL!'

Understand, I am the Mother of 3 Daughter's who did NOT like me dating anyone, they are BIG Daddy's girls! The youngest was glad I was engaged because it would keep the guys from 'hittin' on me. The middle wouldn't speak to me.... and tearfully, the oldest said she just wanted me to be happy!

We Married in a very small setting with just Him and myself as we had tried to put together a ceremony and it seemed everyone schedules would not come together. We spent the weekend together and ended where we began at church giving Praise to God for the Union he brought together.

From there, if you understand Spiritual Warfare, the attacks spoke about in the 'Word' given to me Tuesday night began.

I moved into His home he owned before me with Him and His 3 kids. What I wasn't prepared for were so many 'Spiritual Attacks.' For example~I would be in the kitchen and do something completely stupid. I kept asking God, 'What is in the kitchen doing this to me?' Finally, I heard there was a spirit of His ex-girlfriend and ex-wife(no names pls) in there. It turned out they(the ex's) had lined the kitchen cabinets-duh!

The Master bedroom was next. On the walls next to the bed and the one above the bed, was all of His kid/family memorabilia. The teddy bear his ex gave him announcing they were gonna have a baby sat above me as I slept at night. And then, so many books, family albums of him with his family/ ex-girlfriends sat on the bookshelf on the wall in front of the bed. Oh my. I didn't know what to do. As I began to tell him, it was only natural he felt attacked. On my.

Not long after that, the next BIG attack came. His ex-Wife and her boyfriend decided they would move next door. He also brought his 2 kids as well. Honestly 'they thought' this would be good. They thought this would open up some space to allow room for my girls in our home. My husband describes his ex as: Good idea- wrong execution. And oh so true. They didn't divorce because they were good friends, so why would they become Neighbors?

Okay-so that was Feb. 09. It went from bad to awful. My husband, kept telling me he didn't like it either, but I continued to feel like I was supposed to 'suck it up' and deal with it. I tried. So many things began happening. Our middle son lived with us and He would wake up and go next door and get a 'dose' of his Mom and bring it back into our home.For me, I work out of the home and was 'caving' bad. Next, he and his sister, took my Favorite Howard Miller clock and 'bashed it' because they didn't like the chime. Understand, this was one of the very few things I allowed 'me' to buy after I divorced and would joke and say it would go to my grave with me as it was that special. From there, his ex and boyfriend would take vacations leaving the kids home-no problem with the 17/18 yr old, but, what about the sweet little 13 year old girl that needed someone? And then the pets. They had 4 dogs they would leave out. Remember, we live in the country. Well, you might know, on one of my walks, it was on my watch one of the dogs got stepped on by a horse as they would follow me and I knew this was gonna happen-just didn't think I would be alone. I didn't understand why they didn't put of a fence, so why did I think they would be responsible when one of the pets got hurt? Wow-again. They acted like they could care less when we called to say the puppy got hurt.(me holding it with it's leg hangin off was just too much for me!)

On Mother's Day we moved into an apartment to get away as well as get closer to my girls. I noted the 'new place' God had taken me. I can honestly say, I knew it was time to heal from the attacks, I just didn't think it would be without my Husband. We had decided to rent our house to his boys, and we would keep a room for all reasons. What I didn't think, is we/he would be using it so soon. But, after moving and realizing our Marriage had been under GREAT attack, we decided to have some space to heal.

Dear Lord-let the humiliation began. I began with the 'You need to be home with me...the Marriage is All or nothing talk....why would you want to be next door to your ex... why is this happening to me....the pride thing-what are people going to say... and Finally.....breathe....I Married 'til Death do us part' and whatever He/we need to heal~I must honor what God brought together that 2nd day of 'Eternity stepping into time!' True LOVE bears ALL!

It has been 11 days since my Husband and I have had our space and as I have 'PLUNGED' into the WORD like no other, am happy to say WE ARE HEALING. We've spent some really sweet time together during the days....time as if we were beginning again.....time like it is supposed to be....time spent as it is intended Two becoming One as God intended.

I can't tell you the ending... no one can.....I can tell you God's promises are true and today I stand FIRM on His Word...He brought us together for His Purpose and Plan and most important....Trusting God for ALL!

Monday, May 10, 2010

Happy Mother's Day to Me in My 'New Place'~ Proverbs 31

I am extremely humbled and in complete 'awe' of God today more than ever by the true knowledge HE is in control! I promise. His timing is so more perfect than I could ever imagine~just 'Believe!'

Today, the day after Mother's Day I get to share a couple of the many Blessings I know God has in store for me. His much needed work in me is paying off! I am forever grateful we serve a God of grace and for giving me a 'Second Chance.' Today, I am sitting in a 'new place'~no pun intended with an amazing amount of 'peace that surpasses all understanding!'

It has been a while since I posted a blog as 'life' has been ever so challenging with my character being tested in ways I never could have imagined this past month. Somewhat like a 'fine tuning' to make sure I understood these past 5 years. Oh my-do I ever! It is NOT natural for a Mother to be without her children, home, etc. Today, however it is well with my soul!

I 'have waited' for so long to feel the peace that comes with being a Wife and Mother! So many years have passed ~ 21 to be precise. It's like I had a child, came home from the hospital, started to clean, and get ready for work the next week. It went from there to the next child and then finally the last. I never knew how to sit back and relish in the idea of being a Wife and Mom. I started work at the age of 16 and it was noticed very early on I had wisdom beyond my years. I was quickly promoted to Assistant Manager. Working was what I knew I was really good at, it is what came natural to me so this was what I did. I enjoy cooking and cleaning 'every now and then,' but blah-everyday seems so unimportant!

I've spoken a little before about my divorce(I wrote and handled without attorney's) where I gave my ex custody of my 3 Daughter's. I can not tell you how much persecution I have taken over the last 5 years because of this. It has been awful! I will tell you again, I knew it was what I needed to do and today I know for sure! It was like I have felt God's hand on my shoulder this whole time saying, 'Trust in me!' And~I have-thanks to His word thru the One Year Bible! Many of you know-this is why I have such passion for this Bible as it was/is the ONE and ONLY source that was there/is there EVERY step of the way...a couple good times, soooo many tough times. I could/can open up to THE day and find some sort of peace with what I was going thru which has given me the strength on this amazing journey of reading, receiving, living my life according to the purpose and plan God created in me. Again, it has been the hardest time of my life....today~extremely worth it!

This 'new place' has been extremely prayed for. This 'new place' could not have happened had God not led me to my church in 2006 where I met my Husband. This 'new place' could not have happened had my Husband not mentioned in January it was time for me to get closer to My Daughter's. This 'new place' could not have happened-I promise-if it weren't for God and His WORD I began seeking in 2005.

And so I will close with sobs~not tears...I've come to this 'new place' as a God fearing Wife and Mother with my Daughter's home with me just as they are supposed to be....Trusting God for ALL!

Proverbs 31~A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies."

"Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value." Her husband trusts her management of their resources. Her industriousness adds to the family income.

"She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." This woman does not do right only when it is convenient and profitable. Her actions are not based on how she is treated by others or by what others think. Her character is steady. She is reliable and dependable.

"She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands." This woman enjoys working so much that she plans ahead for what she needs in order to accomplish her responsibilities.

"She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar." The trait not to settle for the mediocre is portrayed by a woman who goes the extra mile for quality items.

"She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls." Though the woman described here has servants to take care of many of the household duties, she sets the pace. She understands that good managers have a responsibility to take care of those under their authority. That is one of her top priorities.

"She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard." Every woman doesn’t have to go into real estate and horticulture — the principle here is that this woman uses her mind. She does not act on a whim, but logically analyzes a situation before making a decision. Her goals are not only short term — she envisions the long-range benefits of her decisions.

"She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks." We get a picture of a woman who vigorously goes about her duties. She keeps herself healthy and strong by proper health practices — good diet, adequate rest and exercise. Many people depend on her.

"She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night." She knows that her merchandise is good and takes pride in doing a good job. Night or day, no one worries that her responsibilities are not taken care of.

"In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers." The example she sets is one of skill and industriousness. Whether this woman would be a computer programmer, a concert pianist, a mother, or all three, she develops her talents and hones her skills through education and diligent application.

"She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy." Although it’s good to donate to needy causes, this means far more than writing a check. This woman shows personal concern. She visits the sick, comforts the lonely and depressed, and delivers food to those in need.

"When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet." Providing clothing for the family is one of her responsibilities. She takes this seriously, and plans ahead. She does not practice crisis management.

"She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple." This woman has high standards and dresses properly for the occasion.

"Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land." This man does not have to spend half his time trying to straighten out problems at home, and his success in the social world comes partly from her support, just as her success comes partly from his support. The original woman of Proverbs 31 couldn’t phone her husband for his opinion on matters. She made many of the day-to-day decisions about their property and goods. He trusted her to manage the estate efficiently.

"She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes." This woman runs a business from her home. Her efforts and industry add to the family income.

"Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come" (NKJV). Not only does this woman benefit each day from her wise and diligent actions, long-term lifetime benefits and rewards lie in store for her.

"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." This woman is well read and has the facts. She knows what she is talking about. Whether about her job, her personal values or her opinion on world events, she is able to express herself intelligently, tactfully and diplomatically. People come to her for good advice.

"She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." She is an organized, energetic person who carries out her responsibilities.

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." This woman is not a doormat, slavishly trying to appease and please her family, no matter how unreasonable their demands. She is honored in her home. Here we gain an insight into the character of her husband as well. He teaches their children to respect here and the virtues she personifies.

"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." High praise for this extraordinary woman — a role model for women of all time.

"Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Here is the key to this woman’s effectiveness. Her priorities are determined by God’s will, not her own. She is concerned about what God thinks, rather than with what other people think. Physical beauty and clever conversation are admirable qualities. But if a woman’s beauty and charm are the extent of her virtues, what happens when time and the trials of life take their toll? This woman does not depend on beauty and charm for her success. She recognizes her need for God.

"Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." This woman is actively doing, not merely talking. She does not boast about her plans for the future or her successes of the past. They are obvious.