Welcome

Greetings,
I invite you to join discussions, it enhances the reading experience for everyone. Please share your thoughts, opinions and knowledge in a respectful manner. May we all learn something in our endeavor to educate our hearts and minds. I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
TC AVEY

Friday, September 30, 2011

When God Speaks


October 1, 2008 was the day my life changed forever.  It was the day my father died.  Weeks lead up to that moment, but one memory in particular stands out among all the others.   It’s a memory that has carried me through many a long sorrowful night. 

August 18th, I was driving to the hospital, my dad was going to be admitted and I planned on staying with him.  While driving, I was almost in a trance like state when I heard God speak.  

In the past, I prayed to hear God speak, I poured over scripture longing for a word, but that day I only wanted to drive.  I wanted to be numb because I knew if I wasn’t, I would start crying and possibly never stop.  So I wasn’t trying to hear God, I wasn’t even speaking to Him, but that day He spoke to me.  

“Your father is going to die and you must help your mom through it.”  

You would think such a declaration would send me into hysterics…my worst fears confirmed, but it didn’t.  That was because with that word also came the most humbling and fulfilling peace I have ever known.  

That peace steadied my racing pulse, quieted my confusion and calmed my aching heart.  It comforted me as I drove down that long stretch of Highway and as I parked my car, it enabled me to take a deep breath and walk into that hospital.  

Since then, I have tried not to question God about why He took my father.  It hasn’t been easy, but I do accept His will and I accept the fact that it is not for me to know the why.  One thing that helps me with this acceptance is having confidence that it WAS Gods will and that confidence gives me a different kind of peace.  It is a peace that helps me to enjoy life, to not lose hope.  

Gods’ peace has carried me through the toughest situation I had ever encountered and it carries me still. 
I have never before or after that day heard God speak so directly and with such power, but I know He still speaks, sometimes through a song, sometimes through the Bible or a book and other times through people.  No matter the manner, He speaks.  

He speaks to me and He speaks to you.

I pray that as you face challenges in your life, that you too can experience the power of God speaking to you.  He is there.  He may not speak the same as He did me on that fateful day, but He will speak if you will take the time to listen.   

1 Kings 19:11-12 NIV, The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake.  After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.

How has God spoke to you in the past?  Please share.  

In loving memory of my father.  I love you, daddy. 

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Taboo...Politics & Religion: Should Christians Remain Silent in Politics?

I have been struggling on how to post something God has laid on my heart.  It is something that shouldn’t be controversial, but it is.  However, I must obey God and not worry about offending someone or about taking heat for taking a stand. 

I pray you will not think me judgmental or self-righteous, neither is my intent.  I hope my tone conveys that, however I know some will be offended and perhaps that is God’s intent... 

I only know I am being lead to post this, I know too that I am guilty of what I am about to post…that is probably why God has been forcing my attention on this topic for so long. 

So here goes, a posting on religion and politics combined!  


As much as we like to try and separate the two, there are some “topics” that cannot be separated, some things that are fundamental in Christianity and must be dealt with in the political arena and for far too long many Christians have remained silent, whether from ignorance or in the name of tolerance I do not know.  

What I do know as I scan the headlines of the news is there are distortions of the truth and contradictory information on every media outlet, exaggerations on the left and the right.

So how do we know who to believe and where to turn? 
 
The Bible is always a good place to start.  

Man can and will distort facts, some purposely and some by accident.  But God cannot lie: 

 “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” Numbers 23:19 NIV 

So how do Christians speak out about the lies put before us?  

It seems we are continually being told to “shut up” in one form or another.


If you don’t believe this, then why are there so few Christians willing to speak up regarding the dreadful political state of our government?  

It seems we have bought into the lie of separation of church and state.  

In my opinion, ministers do not like to preach on politics because it is not popular; it might offend part of the congregation or they are not comfortable in that role.  I have heard some say they do not know enough or that it is not their job.  I have even heard one pastor say that watching the news upsets them…they know how it all ends (meaning Revelations- end of times)  so they don’t need to watch the news.   

My counter is:  Will those excuses fly with God?  

Ministers are held to a higher standard, they are to shepherd God’s flock.  They may know how it all ends, but do their congregations?  The news may disturb them; it probably disturbs their flock as well.  The flock needs someone to help interpret fact from fiction.  

Politics can be overwhelming and many do not seem to care what transpires as long as it doesn’t personally affect them.  But the time is coming when it will affect everyone and when it does, many will be wondering how come no one warned them.  


 “Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.” Hebrews 13:17 NLT (bold is my emphasis)  

Isn’t part of watching over someone’s soul speaking out against evil?  Helping to clarify what Satan tries so hard to mask as truth?  Warning the flock of deceptions meant to lead them astray?  

“…From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”  Luke 12:48

Spiritual leaders have been entrusted with our care and they will have to give an account.  But so will we.  

We will not be held blameless; we have the ability to be informed, to speak out against the wrongs.  Staying neutral is not an option.  God says if you are not with him, you are against him.  There is no excuse for remaining silent or ignorant!

 
 In today’s modern world, we can all be enlightened.  We do not have to love politics or follow all the current events, but we do have to get our heads out of the sand and stand up for Christ!    That means being aware of at least some things transpiring in our world (I don’t mean what celebrity did what, I mean what our government is doing or not doing).  

I don’t mean to sound judgmental, please forgive me if I do.  I am just as guilty as the next person.  There are issues I would rather not focus on, issues I feel uncomfortable discussing, area’s I feel inadequate to speak up about… but none of that can excuse me from ignoring Gods law.  I may not know how to react to everything, or know what to believe on the news, but I do know God’s word and by that I will be judged.  And so will you. 

I encourage you to get involved, to know God’s word and to speak up!


What are your thoughts on this sensitive topic? 



Monday, September 26, 2011

From the Big Screen to our World, Are Conspiracies Real?

“Enemy of the State”, “The Bourne Identity” and “The Manchurian Candidate” are all movies based on conspiracy theories.   We watch movies like this for enjoyment while entertaining the idea it could actually be true.  Some do believe they are possibilities; many of these people are labeled “conspirists”, “crazy” or a million other names for their general distrust of governments and large corporations possibly in bed with the government.  

Recent events give credibility to these people and their “hair brained conspiracies”.  
 
The Blaze released a news article on Sept 21, 2011 related to OnStar’s “new” Privacy Policies (Wired also recently released a similar story).  Briefly put, it allows OnStar to track customers even after they have cancelled their service UNLESS they specifically opt out.  I don’t know about you, but when I cancel a service I usually assume that means I have Opted Out.  

They also retain the right to “share” your information with law enforcements, public safety officials, credit card lenders or others they have contracts with.  

On a related note, Wall Street Journal has released a few articles related to the use of “Stingrays” and our Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable search/seizures.    

From what I gather a Stingray is a device similar to how a cell phone tower operates and can even track cells when they are not being used.  The FBI reports they obtain court approval before using these devices; however court approval is not the same as a “search warrant”.  (A search warrant has to meet stricter requirements).  Many state/local police agencies and the military use these devices to various extents and with various degrees of court approval.  

In the recent past Google, Apple, Nokia and Microsoft have all been before congressional hearings related to their data collection practices.  

All this combined makes me wonder how much more is taking place that we, the public, are not aware of.  Maybe the movies are onto something???

What are your thoughts?   

For more information please follow these links.  





Thursday, September 22, 2011

Coffee Shop Chatter


As I sit in a coffee shop taking in the sights and sounds around me, I can’t help but overhear conversations.  Many I wish I didn’t…it’s not because they're none of my business (which they aren't), but because all around I hear people gossiping.   

Sitting here, I wonder how many of these people are Christians? 
   
It saddens me to think that I cannot pick the Christians out of the crowd, we have blended in with the world so much that our habits and speech do not always clearly identify us as belonging to the King of Kings.  

I’m not saying we have to look funny, dress strangely or talk in psalms, but I think there should be something different about us that permits the lost souls in the world to identify us as different.  Perhaps one way would be by not  spreading rumors, especially wrapped the form of “prayers”.  

“I’m only telling you this so you can pray,”

 “So and so desperately needs our prayers, did you know…”

“I’m not gossiping, but I need to share this with you so can pray for so and so”. 

I’m not saying occasionally these types of statements aren’t necessary, but for the most part isn’t it just a nicer way of spreading gossip?   Don’t they just make us feel better about ourselves while we are entertained by conversing on topics that do not bring edification?  

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8 NASB

Worse (in my opinion) are the mean spirited words disguised in “jokes”.  I wonder how many of us have had our own feelings hurt by others “joking” about some of our flaws?  

 I know I have.  And while I will laugh along with the others, pretending it doesn’t bother me, sometimes it does and sometimes it hurts.  I can’t help but think it must hurt others too.

So why do we do these things?  Why can’t we control our tongues?  Haven’t we all been the recipient of gossip, whether well meaning or otherwise?  Haven’t we all read about the Untamable Tongue in the Book of James and felt ashamed of ourselves?  

“Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.” James 3:10 NIV

Even when we believe we are telling a matter to a close friend or confidant, it can spread. 
 
Ecclesiastes 10:20 NIV warns us:  “Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.” 

Sitting here, I realize how guilty I am of doing these things.  We all are and it saddens me.  I am going to endeavor to tame my tongue, to think before I speak and to only provide necessary information if asking for prayer requests.  I know I will fail because the Bible warns we all will,

 “[B]ut no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison” James 3:8 NIV

Knowing this does not give me an excuse to continue hurting others with my careless words, it means I have to ask God for his help so that I can be a light in the world, so that if anyone ever overhears me in a coffee shop they will not have to work so hard to distinguish if I am a Christian.  

We are called to be different…but are we acting it?  What are some other ways Christians are conforming to the world instead of transforming it? 


Wednesday, September 21, 2011

The Attacks on Attack Watch


Obama’s 2012 campaign website Attackwatch.com  isn’t living up to his 2008 online campaign site titled “Fight the Smears”.  While many campaigns on both the right and the left utilize online resources to help combat miscommunication and smears, this new site is generating negative attention the president doesn’t need (have you seen the polls lately?).

From assaults on the black and red background, to its Attack Type drop box that gives the informer the choices of reporting anything from TV Interviews, to blogs, to rumors, it’s no wonder it is getting ridiculed by both parties. 

Some on the right are laughing, not taking this site serious and are even using it to slam the President.  Others, however, are taking a more somber tone and voice concerns that Obama is creating a private sector army of informers spying on their neighbors and reporting things as asinine as rumors, however some do not go to this extreme, but they are concerned at where this is leading…taking away our freedom of speech and thought.  

While some on the left share the rights views, others are happy to have a resource available to help them.  
support their candidate with facts (those on the right refute many of these “facts”).  They laugh at those on the right concerned their First Amendment Right is being infringed upon.  Some ridicule the GOP as not being as computer savvy or as being old fashioned and states those as the reasons underlying the concern about this site.     

What are your thoughts?  Is this an ominous site, a feeble effort by the Presidents base to support him or will it be useful to you?     

Monday, September 19, 2011

Have You Heard the Rooster Crow?


I have read the passages of Peter’s denial of Jesus many times.   Jesus forewarned that Peter would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed twice.   Peter was furious that Jesus would “question” his dedication. 

In Mark 14:29, “Peter said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be.””  NKJV

 Further on, he passionately declares, “If I have to die with You, I will not deny you!”  Mark 14:31b NKJV

And yet, he did. We all do, we are human.  The real question isn’t if we are going to mess up, but how we respond afterwards.  

Mark records that when Peter heard the rooster crowing “he thought about it, and he wept.” Mark 14:72b NKJV

I can picture Peter easily in my mind before the rooster crowed.  Boasting of his devotion, arrogantly secure in his faithful loyalty to his God, after all, he had already walked many miles with Him.  He had already forsaken so much, gone through so much, witnessed the power of Jesus and partaken of miracles too incredible to comprehend, how could he doubt his faithfulness?  
  
How could he have known his dedication would falter, that there would come a time when the testing of his faith would be beyond what he could withstand?  He had so much to build his claims upon, and yet his commitment wavered. 

But how could it not, when he took his eyes off Christ and placed them on the situation?  He was surrounded by the enemy.  He was a foreigner among a hostile crowd, he was alone and he was scared.  His Savior had been taken captive and he couldn’t comprehend what was taking place.  If only he remembered to keep his gaze on Christ, like when he walked on water, but Peter was human and he forgot.  He forgot to keep his eyes on Jesus and his faith was shaken.  (Matt 14:22-33)  

When Peter realized his mistake he was remorseful, he wept.  I can relate.  It’s horrible to know my sin causes Jesus pain, it’s awful to realize Christ knew I would falter and it is humbling to acknowledge how much I need a Savior, that I will never be good enough… thankfully He loves me regardless.  

I wonder, how do you react when your devotion is tested and you, like Peter, find your commitment falling short?  How do you feel?  Do you learn from it?  Do you realize your need for Christ, accept His forgiveness and move on?  Or does Satan beat you up, make you feel worthless and keep you down?  

I know I have felt all those things.  There are times I am on fire for God.  When I can witness to anyone, can overcome any adversity, and can tackle any obstacle Satan throws my way.  I feel like I can walk on water, battle Goliath and withstand the fiery furnaces all for my God.  I feel my faith can keep me safe in the lion’s den, part the red sea and heal the multitudes because I know my God is with me!  

I’ve also had times where my pride came before my fall.  Looking back, I see I transferred my faith in Gods abilities to faith in my ability.  I had gotten confused on who had the power to accomplish all things. I feel pretty crummy when I think about that, but thankfully, through Christ, I can look back and learn.  What Satan wants to use to defeat me only brings me closer to the realization of how much I need a Savior!  

Like Peter, Jesus will forgive us and will use us.  When we remember our need of Him, He will be there to wipe our tears.  We can rest assured that we have always been secure in Him; we are never in danger of completely falling.  It’s just that sometimes we need to hear the rooster crow to remind us of where to keep our gaze.  

We all have things we are not proud of, times we wish we would have been stronger for Christ, times our faith has wavered.  Isn’t it good to know Christ loves us anyway, that His love for us isn’t based on our limited capabilities?  

Are there any passages of scripture that comfort you when your faith is being tested?   

Friday, September 16, 2011

Soros: Childhood

Let’s start with some background on George Soros:

George Soros was born in Hungary August of 1930 to non -practicing Jewish parents, Tivadar and Elizabeth (I have seen various spellings of their names).  His father, a doctor, lawyer and author, was a prisoner of war during WWI.  He was also the founder of the Esperanto magazine Literatura Mondo in 1922.  

The family name was originally Schartz, but his father changed it in 1936 due to an increase in anti-Semitism and because Hitler voiced a distrust of Esperanto in his book Mein Kampf.  Both Jews and Esperantists were killed in the holocaust during Hitler’s reign of terror.  These motivating factors lead Tivadar to not only change the family name, but also to secure their safety the only way he knew how.  

To escape persecution from Hitler, Tivadar had fake identity papers made for his two children, both of whom were placed in the care of Christian families.  George was placed in the care of a man responsible for confiscating Jews property and assisted this man in his tasks.  

While a child of fourteen cannot be held responsible for what they are forced to do/witness, one would think the adult Soros would lament witnessing such atrocious acts on fellow Jews.  

Here is an excerpt from an interview in 1998 on “60 Minutes” with Steve Kroft:  

Kroft: "You're a Hungarian Jew ..."
Soros: "Mm-hmm."
Kroft: "... who escaped the Holocaust ..."
Soros: "Mm-hmm."
Kroft: "... by posing as a Christian."
Soros: "Right."
Kroft: "And you watched lots of people get shipped off to the death camps."
Soros: "Right. I was 14 years old. And I would say that that's when my character was made."
Kroft: "In what way?"
Soros: "That one should think ahead. One should understand that -- and anticipate events and when, when one is threatened. It was a tremendous threat of evil. I mean, it was a -- a very personal threat of evil."
KROFT: My understanding is that you went out with this protector of yours who swore that you were his adopted godson.
SOROS: Yes. Yes.
KROFT: Went out, in fact, and helped in the confiscation of property from the Jews.
SOROS: Yes. That's right. Yes.
Kroft: "I mean, that's -- that sounds like an experience that would send lots of people to the psychiatric couch for many, many years. Was it difficult?"
Soros: "Not, not at all. Not at all. Maybe as a child you don't ... you don't see the connection. But it was -- it created no -- no problem at all."
Kroft: "No feeling of guilt?"
Soros: "No."
Kroft: "For example, that, 'I'm Jewish, and here I am, watching these people go. I could just as easily be these, I should be there.' None of that?"
Soros: "Well, of course, ... I could be on the other side or I could be the one from whom the thing is being taken away. But there was no sense that I shouldn't be there, because that was -- well, actually, in a funny way, it's just like in the markets -- that is I weren't there -- of course, I wasn't doing it, but somebody else would - would -- would be taking it away anyhow. And it was the -- whether I was there or not, I was only a spectator, the property was being taken away. So the -- I had no role in taking away that property. So I had no sense of guilt."

(Please read the last few lines again) then make what you will from these statements, but please keep in mind we should not judge others… walking in his shoes would be difficult and we do not know how we would have reacted, it is easy to be on this side of the equation and pass judgment and much harder when faced with the reality of living through a “personal threat of evil”.  Also we should not judge his character off of one or two quotes.

 Here are two possible rationales supporting or refuting Soros’ statements:

1)  He was young and didn’t assimilate what was being done to others as what could have been done to him.  That the property was going to be taken regardless of who was there or who took it so he felt no personal guilt.  What he learned was self preservation and it is that which has helped him to be the success he is today.  Many who have suffered abuse or traumatic experiences have similar self preservation outlooks.  

2) That at fourteen he should have  more sense of right and wrong and at least have felt bad for what was being done to fellow humans even if he wasn’t brought up practicing the Jewish faith.  That he is expressing a lack of empathy and compassion for others.  I have even heard him called a sociopath due to comments like this, but I will let you make your own decision after more information is provided.  

Side Note: 
Soros means “next in line” in Hungarian and “to soar” (in the future tense) in Esperanto. Esperanto is a made-up trans-European language used as a universal second language by those who speak it.  It is a language meant to be free of any one national identity, seeking to unify people of the world.  It has never been made an official language of any country but has had much popularity and controversy over the years.  Soros was taught to speak Esperanto from birth along with its key principles. 

What do you think about Soros' interview?  

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Satan's Working Overtime...Praise God!


Recently, a handful of Christian married couples of mine have asked for prayers for their marriage.  After the first two requests, I came to this conclusion:  Satan is working overtime!  

Satan does not like anything that is holy and marriage was established to be a holy union.  In my opinion, that is not the only reason Satan is working so hard on Christian marriages.  

I fully believe America is at a tipping point.  I believe God’s Spirit is pouring out abundantly and a revival may soon sweep across this nation and Satan does not want that to happen.  I see many Christians moving into a closer relationship with God (my husband and I included), many trying to live out their faith and Satan is not happy about that.  

In my experience, Satan tends to leave Christians alone when they are not really affecting his evil schemes.  It is when we start waking up, start living our faith out loud that he takes notice and starts working overtime to destroy us!  

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

When we are living as mediocre witnesses for Christ, he doesn’t waste much effort on us.  

Why should he? When we are living like the rest of the world, we do not put a dent in his plans.  But when we start to come into a deeper relationship with the Creator of the universe, he takes notice and steps up his game plan.  He can’t be having a bunch of Christians living a joyful life… that would cause the lost to take notice and inquire about the joy we have.  It could lead to a revival!  

So while I am saddened by the difficulties my friends are experiences, I am joyful because it means Satan is not happy!  His displeasure makes me hopeful that America will soon come to her senses and embrace a God who so longs to embrace her!  

Are you seeing other area’s Satan is working overtime to destroy? 

Monday, September 12, 2011

Marriage for Dummies (Me) 101


I remember growing up not liking certain passages in the Bible; in particular I did not like any scripture related to marriage and the roles of husbands and wives, therefore I tried to ignore them.  

You see I grew up with my dad telling me to never depend on a man, to be self reliant, to not settle and that I could do anything a man could do.  He wanted me to find a man who respected me and wasn’t intimidated by a smart woman.  He wanted me to choose a spouse who valued my opinion and cherished my input, but that was not the message I got.  

I was too young to understand that while my father wanted me to be able to take care of myself in case something happened to my future husband, he did not mean that I WAS a man or should act like one.  He did not mean I should try to be dominating in a relationship… oops!    

Not only did I not get the full message, I also ignored many things.  I ignored the shared respect my parents had, I ignored their bond, I ignored the way they shared in each other’s struggles and successes, the way they took care of each other and I ignored the godly example my mom provided.

I only focused on being independent.  I didn’t NEED anyone and that caused problems in the first few years of my marriage.  After a while, I realized that mentality wasn’t working (duh) and I started to pray.  

Then, I started to read the verses I had ignored for so many years.  Finally, God provided clarity that is bringing my husband and me closer together every day!  

Here are some things about marriage I have learned:

1)       God did not devalue woman by placing man at the head of the family.  Both are of equal importance, but we are created differently.  We have different needs and we think differently.  We were created to complement each other’s weaknesses and strengths.

2)      Man is to cherish his wife and provide for her as God does the church…that is a huge responsibility!  And because of that responsibility, man needs a woman who supports him, who prays for him, who praises him and who acknowledges his hard work.  This too is a huge responsibility. 

3)      When we allow ourselves to need each other, when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable we actually find ourselves.  Marriage was created to complete us; man and woman are two halves of a whole.  Though some people are capable of being alone or called to be single (Paul is an example) God said it was not good for man to be alone.   
The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Genesis 2:18.  

4)      A true leader knows they must be a servant, putting the needs of the follower above their own.  Good leaders seek others inputs, they value others opinions.  “But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant,” Matt 20:26. 
 “ The greatest among you must be a servant”  Matt 23:11  

5)      Men need women just as much as women need men.  We are equal in God’s eyes.  It is the world who tries to distort the scriptures.  God did not mean for marriage to become a feminist issue.  He wants man and woman to respect each other, to love each other unconditionally. That’s Satan- he wants to break up marriages, he wants to cause distension, and he wants to pervert what was created to be good.  

Basic stuff, uh?  But it has taken awhile to sink into my thick skull.  Daily I am learning how to be a helper to my husband.  And as I am learning I am finding peace and joy.

What God is showing me about men:

1)       Men need to be appreciated, for small things as well as large.  It is not just women who like compliments; they make men feel good, important and relevant.  

2)      Men feel pressure to provide for their families and their egos take a hit if and when they are unable to give them all they need/want.  Women can take some of that pressure off by letting them know they are doing a good job, by praying for them when they struggle and by not criticizing/complaining.  

3)      Men need to feel like we stand beside them, no matter what comes.

4)      Some men need to know it is okay to relax and enjoy life (speaking to workaholic husbands like mine).   

5)      Other’s need to be encouraged to work harder by praising their efforts and not pressuring them or comparing them to others.  

6)      Men need to feel attractive and sexy.  They like to feel needed.  

7)      Men worry they are not good enough.

8)      Men need to know they are allowed to make mistakes. That we won’t hold it over their heads if they mess up.  They need freedom to be imperfect, trusting we love them regardless.

9)      Men need us to praise their efforts and focus on their good qualities instead of pointing out areas of improvement.  No one likes to constantly be told they need to work on this or that.  

10)   Men will disappoint us, just like we will disappoint them.  Therefore, we must keep our focus/hope in God. 

Daily I have to submit my will to God, to ask Him to help me be a better wife and mother.  And daily He answers my prayers.  I am not perfect, I mess up in these areas, but thankfully not only does God forgive me, but my husband does too.  

We are partners for better or for worse.  

It’s taking a while, but I'm learning. 

What are some things you have learned about men, women and/or marriage?