.Like a sequoia tree, a marriage must be able to withstand strong winds and storms, forest fires and even lightning. What is the secret that such trees can weather harsh conditions? Their roots are interlocked with other trees and helps reinforce each other's strength. What can we learn from this? Marriages are able to withstand the times and trials when they have strong foundations and are interlocked to other marriages with strong "roots". Find mentors and other couples--maybe you have those already maybe you don't. The important thing is to find and have a few in your circle. Not just anyone, but friends who love you both genuinely and are sincerely concerned for your marriage's welfare. Experienced mentors in faith are also very helpful as they will serve as your guide. Every marriage must have wise counsels to help them survive the fiercest storms, be the allies you need in battling the enemy, sharing wisdom, discovering myths and truths about marriages and be prayer warriors with and for you. Keep in mind that not all friends are what they seem ..."some come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves." I learned some pretty hard lesson on that, don't make the mistakes I did. Let this be my wise counsel to you :)
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Lord, for a long time, I had this notion that I could withstand everything that life threw at me. I was surrounded with lots of people I call friends, those who supported my hopes, dreams and the desires of my heart. These desires included those that were selfish and wrongful in nature and in Your eyes. For a while, my mojo worked fine and I was a top of all of my games, my marriage included, for I thought mine was finer than those I knew. Although I knew I was making bad, self-serving decisions, I was too headstrong and blinded to think of them for what they were--grave mistakes. I was the goad in the people's judgment of my marriage, I became too trusting, laying the gaff, letting the wrong people into it and driving a huge wedge between me and my loved ones. But You are my Shepherd, my Jehovah Raah. You led me, loved me and placed me in Your flock under Your watchful care. All these times when I was feeling proud, You were working the soil of my life. When I was confused and had questions in my heart, You were tilling the ground. When I was hurt, beat up and mauled, You plucked the weeds. When I felt alone, You planted flowers. Thank You Lord! These flowers are gifts from You, the ones who You sent to replace those I lost, to help and guide me and Paul to walk in faith. I know that when the gifts come from You, it will always, always be the best for me. You handpicked these people whose hearts are for Christ above all else, to counsel us and help put wind in our sails and make us accountable. I am in awe, they are perfect Lord! I humbly ask that You bless these people for they are exactly what they are--blessings! Thank You for this exciting adventure You planned for me and my God's best. I love You, Lord! Amen.
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. -- Proverbs 15:22
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Lord, for a long time, I had this notion that I could withstand everything that life threw at me. I was surrounded with lots of people I call friends, those who supported my hopes, dreams and the desires of my heart. These desires included those that were selfish and wrongful in nature and in Your eyes. For a while, my mojo worked fine and I was a top of all of my games, my marriage included, for I thought mine was finer than those I knew. Although I knew I was making bad, self-serving decisions, I was too headstrong and blinded to think of them for what they were--grave mistakes. I was the goad in the people's judgment of my marriage, I became too trusting, laying the gaff, letting the wrong people into it and driving a huge wedge between me and my loved ones. But You are my Shepherd, my Jehovah Raah. You led me, loved me and placed me in Your flock under Your watchful care. All these times when I was feeling proud, You were working the soil of my life. When I was confused and had questions in my heart, You were tilling the ground. When I was hurt, beat up and mauled, You plucked the weeds. When I felt alone, You planted flowers. Thank You Lord! These flowers are gifts from You, the ones who You sent to replace those I lost, to help and guide me and Paul to walk in faith. I know that when the gifts come from You, it will always, always be the best for me. You handpicked these people whose hearts are for Christ above all else, to counsel us and help put wind in our sails and make us accountable. I am in awe, they are perfect Lord! I humbly ask that You bless these people for they are exactly what they are--blessings! Thank You for this exciting adventure You planned for me and my God's best. I love You, Lord! Amen.
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. -- Proverbs 15:22