RE: Surviving our Spiritual Mismatch Encouragement Thread (Full Version)

All Forums >> [People] >> Women Only



Message

daughter_of_faith -> RE: Surviving our Spiritual Mismatch Encouragement Thread (3/30/2008 8:12:47 PM)

Thanks, y'all. It's definitely a challenge!!! We've talked through various issues time and again. Basically, we've decided it's best to disagree (to promote unity). BUT....our son is getting older & will beginning to question things...so...that's when things are going to get really tough.



Eliana -> RE: Surviving our Spiritual Mismatch Encouragement Thread (3/31/2008 5:45:06 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: MamaMilty

I'm not sure if it's on Crosswalk or not...it's an old daily devotional by Oswald Chambers...my copy has been edited to "today's language" by James Reimann. I start my day with it.

Nicole, hallelujah and praise the Lord! God is so good!


I'm not part of this thread but I do pray for you, and wanted to post a link to a site that has some great devotionals, including My Utmost for His Highest: Click here. On the top of the page, click on the "Devotionals" link and a menu drops down with a list you can choose from, including "Utmost".

Also, I don't know whether you listen to Focus on the Family, but last week there were two programmes for women who are in spiritually mismatched marriages. The title was "Thriving in a spiritually divided home", parts 1 and 2, and their guest was a woman who married a pastor who later became (and still is) agnostic.

You can find the recording here. If it's already disappeared from the "Recent broadcasts" box, on the right of the page is a link that says "More recent broadcasts" and you should find a list there.



MamaMilty -> RE: Surviving our Spiritual Mismatch Encouragement Thread (3/31/2008 7:09:43 AM)

Eliana,

Thank-you! I look forward to listening. [:)]



KatMack -> RE: Surviving our Spiritual Mismatch Encouragement Thread (3/31/2008 9:07:21 AM)

I haven't had a chance to read the whole thread, but just wanted to add my name to the "roll."

DH and I were both raised in Christian homes and accepted Christ and were baptized as children. When we met, we were both declared agnostics and had completed slipped away from our faith. After the birth of our first son, I was left broken. He was born with special medical needs that left me realizing that I could not handle this life on my own. Praise the Lord, he'd placed a group of wonderful ladies in my life at the preschool I had worked at while expecting Marshall. Because of them I turned to church to find the answers and help that I so desperately needed. I gave my heart fully over to the Lord Christmas of 2001.

Fast-forward six years, Marshall is an amazing young man at almost seven whose already asked Jesus into his heart. I'm blessed beyond measure to see the great faith that the Lord is growing in his young life. DH is still a declared agnostic, but I believe the Lord has promised me that he will one day develop a relationship with God and see the Truth (I just hope I'm still around to see it [&:]). I'm blessed that DH respects my faith, even if he doesn't share it and allows me to raise our now three children in it.

--Kat



BrowneyedAL -> RE: Surviving our Spiritual Mismatch Encouragement Thread (3/31/2008 10:38:35 AM)

Kat ~ I will certainly include you and your DH in my spiritual mismatch thread prayer. I look forward to the day when God will work a miracle in your husbands heart.



MamaMilty -> RE: Surviving our Spiritual Mismatch Encouragement Thread (3/31/2008 10:39:24 AM)

Welcome, Kat, thanks for sharing! We will all being praying for you and your husband, if you want to give us his name, we will pray for him by name. [:)] (no worries if you don't)



Mrs.X -> RE: Surviving our Spiritual Mismatch Encouragement Thread (3/31/2008 12:28:35 PM)

Eliana, thanks so much for those links. I love Focus on the Family. I used to listen everynight at work.

I found the two broadcast you were talking about HERE and HERE.



KatMack -> RE: Surviving our Spiritual Mismatch Encouragement Thread (3/31/2008 12:30:13 PM)

His name is Will. Thank you for the prayers. I can tell that the Lord is working on him, it's just a matter of his surrendering... something very difficult for a man to do.

--Kat



BrowneyedAL -> RE: Surviving our Spiritual Mismatch Encouragement Thread (3/31/2008 1:23:34 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: KatMack

His name is Will. Thank you for the prayers. I can tell that the Lord is working on him, it's just a matter of his surrendering... something very difficult for a man to do.--Kat


I might add that can be something hard for a woman to do also...but I know what you mean.



lilyofthefield -> RE: Surviving our Spiritual Mismatch Encouragement Thread (3/31/2008 3:40:24 PM)

I'm in this group too. How in the world did I miss this thread for so long?

Question: How do you deal with the spiritual mismatch when it comes to teaching your kids? We have our first on the way. While hubby calls himself a Christian, that is all there is to it. No church, no Bible, no prayer, and a view that all "good" people are okay with God sort of thing. He has no relationship with God at all. I've given that completely over to God and just keep my mouth shut. [;)]

I'm doing my very best to trust God when it comes to our children and their relationship with Him, but want to make sure I do my part to the best of my ability. Of course, I plan on teaching and showing them about the importance of relationship with God, but I have to leave whatever influence dh has on them up to God. That's hard - I so want God to jump in and reach dh in time to be a Godly father.



BrowneyedAL -> RE: Surviving our Spiritual Mismatch Encouragement Thread (3/31/2008 5:25:48 PM)

Welcome lilyofthefield...mind if I just call you lily? As to your question about handling child rearing...if you go to page 2 of the thread in the bottom half of that page several of us discussed that...personally, I'm just flat lazy at this point of a very busy day or I'd just answer again...lol. I'm sure some others may kick in some new answers...but you might get a start on your answer there.

I will add you and your hubby to my prayers for the participants of this thread.



lilyofthefield -> RE: Surviving our Spiritual Mismatch Encouragement Thread (3/31/2008 6:16:19 PM)

Thank you, Lisa. That's what I get for being in a hurry and reading the first and last page only. [8|]

As far as our kids, dh won't have a problem with me bringing them to church, but one day they will be old enough to wonder why they have to go and dad doesn't, etc. As I said, he believes just being a "good person" is good enough.

He did go to church with me for a short time, but then we had a sermon on stewardship. He does not like anyone telling him anything about "his money" (one of the reasons he did go to this church with me for awhile is they don't even take up an offering during service). He tends to have a very cynical view of everyone (especially preachers), so I am praying that God will help him with that too.

He does like the violent video games, movies, etc., but he has agreed not to play them around our kids (at least while they are small). The other thing I worry about is just a bad habit of his of remarking on people's appearances A LOT. Not nice things, you know? I don't want our kids thinking that is okay.

I don't want to be bashing dh. He has done much better than how he was raised, and I'm grateful for that! I am just waiting on God to touch his heart. It's good to hear how all of you cope with this. [:)]



MamaMilty -> RE: Surviving our Spiritual Mismatch Encouragement Thread (3/31/2008 7:19:22 PM)

Hey Lily! Glad you found us. As you can see, we all share the same kinds of concerns, but I am believing God will take care of it! [:)],

We want this to be a place to come for support encouragement and edification. Please feel free to share anything you are feeling or questions you might have...we love to hear praise reports, of course!

Congratulations on your new baby coming, there are so many blessings in store for your family!

Praying,



nicole6598 -> RE: Surviving our Spiritual Mismatch Encouragement Thread (3/31/2008 11:16:11 PM)

I totally agree with whoever said my Pastor saw something I didn't. It's often the way isn't it? We can get all negative about people who are close to us and see their "sins" etc but it takes someone else to see something in them to make us realise it too and to not be so judgmental. Well that's what I have learnt this week anyway :)
Hubby sent me a lovely text message yesterday saying he hoped I was having a good day and the kids were good, and last night Nath was up all night and he rolled over and said "thank you for taking care of our kids" and went back to sleep [:)]
He is really trying to do the right thing by God at the moment, so its sooooo wonderful! God is good!



KatMack -> RE: Surviving our Spiritual Mismatch Encouragement Thread (4/1/2008 10:30:03 AM)

I need to ask for some extra prayers over Will and I right now. Marshall (our oldest) asked Jesus into his heart about six months ago. Our church (Southern Baptist) does believer's baptism and I'm looking foward to the day that I can see my little boy follow Jesus in this beautiful ordinance. Will doesn't want Marshman to be baptized yet. I truly feel that Marsh is ready for this and has made a sincere decision to follow Christ. Will feels threatened by this and is digging his heels in on the baptism issue. I totally understand his feelings and wish to respect him in this. I know that Marshall is going to heaven, regardless of whether he's baptized now, but I don't want to squelch him in this. I also know that I must respect Will's feelings on this.

Please pray for the Lord to soften Will's heart on this. Also, pray that I will be respectful of Will's wishes, whether I like them or not.

The good news is that while discussing this last night, I had an opportunity to really talk to Will about why I want him to be a believer. He seemed to understand that I want this for him out of great love not out of a simple desire to be the same. I can see this hunger in him and I'm hoping that it will lead to him seek Christ.

--Kat



MamaMilty -> RE: Surviving our Spiritual Mismatch Encouragement Thread (4/1/2008 10:46:16 AM)

Oh Kat, praying that God will use this situation to draw Will back into His will. How wonderful your little man has accepted Jesus, PTL! Do you and Marshall pray for Daddy? Do you think he is able to understand that God will work in Daddy's heart on this and then, after that, is the time God wants him to make his public profession with the believer's baptism?

Wouldn't it be so totally awesome if Will and Marhsall were baptised together? (I know Will's would be a symbol of rededitcating his life..and perhaps for membership into your Fellowship?)

Nicole, what a blessing! Our God is faithful, thanks for your testimony!



lilyofthefield -> RE: Surviving our Spiritual Mismatch Encouragement Thread (4/1/2008 10:50:40 AM)

Thank you, Jen. [:)]

Nicole, those are good words of advice to remember.

Kat, I am praying for Will and your family. It's wonderful that you definitely have the right motives. I often pray about that because as much as I want dh to have a relationship with God for God, for him, and for our child, I know I also have that selfish part of me that thinks that things will be better for me if it happens too.



KatMack -> RE: Surviving our Spiritual Mismatch Encouragement Thread (4/1/2008 11:38:12 AM)

quote:

Kat, I am praying for Will and your family. It's wonderful that you definitely have the right motives. I often pray about that because as much as I want dh to have a relationship with God for God, for him, and for our child, I know I also have that selfish part of me that thinks that things will be better for me if it happens too.


Don't get me wrong... I want it for myself too! I can't tell you how much I'd love to hand over the mantle of "Spiritual Head of the Household" to the one that it REALLY belongs to. I struggle so much with envy as I watch my friends in church worshipping with thier husbands- the flames of jealousy that I have to douse when couples in my Sunday School class share about their prayer lives together. It's all there! I just have to continualy pray that I also want it for the right reasons. I see this hunger for more in him and I know it won't be satisfied until he's found the Lord.

--Kat



justjennhere -> RE: Surviving our Spiritual Mismatch Encouragement Thread (4/1/2008 11:40:53 AM)

I've been lurking and praying for you ladies and your husbands. I'm so excited to hear about what God is doing, is going to continue to do in your families!

I hope it's okay if I post here just this once to suggest something to KatMack. Regarding your son's baptism, would Will be willing to go with you and Marshall to speak to the pastor of your church? Maybe part of his hesitation is not wanting Marshall to make a committment that he's not ready for. I think meetings with children who have made professions of faith and want to be baptized are pretty standard for pastors, and being part of this meeting will allow your husband to hear that Marshall knows what he's doing.

And if your pastor knows the situation, I'm sure he would be sensitive to your husband's misgivings, feelings, etc. I understand your desire for Marshall to be baptized, sooner rather than later at his age so that he will be better able to understand that his committment and baptism are connected. A meeting with your pastor would help that process along, would help your husband to see where your son is spiritually, and might even help your husband to be more comfortable with the whole concept of church. I can't imagine a father, even one who doesn't believe, NOT being touched and moved by the testimony of his child. I'm praying that Lord will use Marshall's faith to soften his heart.

Praying for you all!



Mrs.X -> RE: Surviving our Spiritual Mismatch Encouragement Thread (4/1/2008 11:56:00 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: KatMack

quote:

Kat, I am praying for Will and your family. It's wonderful that you definitely have the right motives. I often pray about that because as much as I want dh to have a relationship with God for God, for him, and for our child, I know I also have that selfish part of me that thinks that things will be better for me if it happens too.


Don't get me wrong... I want it for myself too! I can't tell you how much I'd love to hand over the mantle of "Spiritual Head of the Household" to the one that it REALLY belongs to. I struggle so much with envy as I watch my friends in church worshipping with thier husbands- the flames of jealousy that I have to douse when couples in my Sunday School class share about their prayer lives together. It's all there! I just have to continualy pray that I also want it for the right reasons. I see this hunger for more in him and I know it won't be satisfied until he's found the Lord.

--Kat

I'm totally with you there!



lilyofthefield -> RE: Surviving our Spiritual Mismatch Encouragement Thread (4/1/2008 12:07:18 PM)

Boy, do I know that feeling, Kat! When I see a man with his hands raised in worship or my grandfather faithfully reading his Bible I am struck by the beauty of it. There is nothing like it - seeing a man so unashamedly in love with the Lord - it just brings tears to my eyes. I want that so much for dh and our son.

I know dh has that longing in him, but doesn't recognize it for what it is. He fills every moment with distractions and his moods are completely dependent on circumstances. My heart does hurt for him when I see that. I want him to know the amazing comfort that comes from completely trusting in God despite circumstances.



MamaMilty -> RE: Surviving our Spiritual Mismatch Encouragement Thread (4/1/2008 12:41:48 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: lilyofthefield

Boy, do I know that feeling, Kat! When I see a man with his hands raised in worship or my grandfather faithfully reading his Bible I am struck by the beauty of it. There is nothing like it - seeing a man so unashamedly in love with the Lord - it just brings tears to my eyes. I want that so much for dh and our son.


So true! One of my best friends came to Christ years before her dh, but boy, when he finally submitted, he grasped on tight and flew! I dearly loved to see him worship so joyfully and openly. Once, my friend and I locked eyes and both started crying tears of joy and thanksgiving, so amazing.

I have seen it happen, my friends, God WILL move in our beloved's lives!

Heavenly Father, Almight God, I give you all honor and praise! Thank-you, Father God, for your Son, Jesus. Thank-you for your Word, Father. For in it You say, so is the word that goes out of my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Thank-you, for that promise, Father God! I lift up every family represented here, let each and everyone grow into the mighty Christian family you would have them be. Let each husband and father hear your voice today, Father. I pray a special blessing on each of these. May every women feel your embrace today, Father. I ask for a refreshing, an infilling of Your Holy Spirit for every woman here, Lord God. In Jesus' precious name I pray, Amen.



nicole6598 -> RE: Surviving our Spiritual Mismatch Encouragement Thread (4/1/2008 5:55:34 PM)

Yes Kat, I am one who has had jealousy about my SIL's whose hubby's (my dh's brothers) praise God and read their bible etc. But then I was told or maybe God showed me that what is on the outside and what we say is not always right. Like they could be praising God but be a brute at home to their wife etc. I am just thankful my hubby has started on the path to being all God made him to be. I pray that for you too Kat, and everyone else!



lilyofthefield -> RE: Surviving our Spiritual Mismatch Encouragement Thread (4/1/2008 7:31:48 PM)

That's true. It would be even harder to be married to a man who by all outward appearance was wonderful, but was totally different at home. I'm glad your hubby is opening his heart to God - how wonderful! I know God will do amazing things in all of our husbands' hearts - I can't wait to see how He does it!

(PS - thanks for the sweet compliment in the appreciation thread - I didn't want to post it there and force someone else to compliment me again! LOL!) [;)]



nicole6598 -> RE: Surviving our Spiritual Mismatch Encouragement Thread (4/1/2008 9:13:56 PM)

LOL that's ok lily (nicole) I meant every word of it :)
wow i just saw your update, you haven't got long til bubs comes!!!



Page: <<   < prev  2 3 [4] 5 6   next >   >>



Forum Software © ASPPlayground.NET Advanced Edition 2.5 ANSI