[Seahorse]

SS -
Thank you for this discussion thread.
It's so nice to have a place to come,, before other Christian LBSs and discuss our faith, our prayers and answers to those prayer.
God doesn't speak to me, except maybe once or twice, but I know that he is with me each and every minute of the day.
I get through the rough times, by leaning on His word and knowing that, because I have let go of my control in this MLC, the outcome will be what He wants -- not what I want.
I pray for the restoration of my marriage, if it is HIS will, not just because it's mine.
That may sound crazy as a Christian, to not absolutely pray for restoration, but I'm not sure that is what God wants for me and my H. --  He may have BETTER things out there for me, or may want me to live alone for the rest of my life.
IDK, but I DO know that whatever happens will be His will, because I trust in Him.

BTW - I do also love Rejoice Marriage Ministries.  Charlene cares has been a big help.  There are a few things that I don't necessarily hold to, but that's for each of us to decide on our own.

Love and prayers to all of you.

Sea

[Standing Strong]

I just love pray answered.... even the small ones.

Today I was talking to my mom about what I have learned thru God during W's MLC..... it was an awesome conversation. It really is special learning so much about a parent, and their trials and tribulations that you never knew as a child.
Anyways..... I was talking about God, and I could feel him..... he always loves it when we encourage one another, and talk about the wonderful things he does...... so I felt him and a few moments later, my phone buzzes... it's W!!! She hasn't contacted since she left the states on her vacation. She says hi and hopes I had a good day. How nice is that. Coincidence? Nope.
So great and kind and generous. I believe he pulled on her strings and made her think about me for a moment...... and he let me know he was there before she did it, just to make sure I know that he's at work. He always is.

Minor? Sure..... except that God is in the middle of it. That's huge... and nothing is beyond his reach.

-SS 

[Slow Fade]

The word I heard over and over and over again and which I railed against constantly during my stand was "Wait"........(I also learned you can't win an argument with God!  )

I learned that I was stronger with God than I ever thought I could be.
I learned that I cannot do this alone, I need God.
I learned that I have a wonderful church family who comforted me and came around me when I was a sobbing mess in the pew each Sunday.
I learned that life is not about me, but about glorifying God.
God taught me that life is in the moment; the past is the past and the future is not guaranteed....live now.
What an awesome God we serve!

Merry Christmas wonderful people! Trust God . God is good, All the time.

[FearNot]

Great thread!!

For me it's hard to describe. Not really a voice per se, but like a thought that just won't go away or a real strong gut instinct. I am getting better at listening to it. That's something that I am learning on this walk. And to leave it to Him, when I intervene do it my way (and I do still try) it can become a mess. When I let it go, leave it in His hands, it works out. It really truly does!!

SS -
I pray for the restoration of my marriage, if it is HIS will, not just because it's mine.

This is my prayer too Sea. I agree with you. It's not up to us. We don't know His plan. I pray for my H's salvation, I feel that is more important than our restoration.

I have had so many prayers answered during this time and in the past, I just didn't always recognize it. One thing that has changed for me, is that when things happen or don't happen, I know who the Glory goes to! Unanswered prayers are sometimes His answer.

I have been blessed beyond belief because it has led me to be stronger in my faith. It led me to Him and that's what matters.

Fear was and still is an issue that I struggle with  along the way. When I chose my name on here I hadn't read it, but this verse has shown up in my life so many times I can't dismiss it. It was and still is a really great God-incidence!!
Isaiah 43:1-2
But now, thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.

One little tidbit on prayers. I remember when our house had to be put up for sale.  Every time someone would come for a showing I would pray before I left that I know it's up to you God, but please don't let them buy it. After 8 months on the market, I said to my cousin, I don't know why this dang house won't sell, this is getting to be too much. Her response... Well you have been praying that it wouldn't go, perhaps you might need to rethink that! Lol. Sold in the 9 month.

Merry Christmas!

Hugs N Prayers,
FN

[Seahorse]

Fear Not:

The last bit is so funny because our house has been on the market for 1 year and it's a BEAUTIFUL house in a great town.  Nobody can understand why it hasn't sold.  Unlike you - I haven't prayed for it NOT to sell, but truly believe that God is taking care of us (me and S18) as it's where we are living until the building of our new home is completed.  So, given that - the house should sell in the next month or so (if that's truly God's plan).  i think He was protecting us from needing to move twice during this tumultuous time in our lives.

We will see - time (and God) will tell.

Sea

[FearNot]

Sea- I look forward to seeing how it pans out! Blessings in disguise sometimes!

[trusting]

I too have heard the word "wait" many, many times throughout my husband's crisis, often when I said I just can't do it anymore.  But somehow, the right "sign" came at the right time, a word, a verse (often I would see the same verse over and over in a short span of time, sometimes in very unlikely places), etc.  So many things have happened to encourage me that were too uncanny and too specific to be coincidental. 

One specific story from very early on in the crisis when my H was still at home but not - always, always out and about - one Saturday, I remember asking God if my H even thought about me ever.  When he came home that evening, he gave me something he had bought for me, a decorative thing, and he said, "I saw this and thought of you."  Every time I see it in the living room, I am reminded of that.  I feel like I got my answer.

There are so many stories, so many answers to prayer, big and small.  Still waiting for the "big one" to be answered, but meanwhile, my H is here to spend the holidays with us, where he belongs. 

I can be thankful for what I have.  Life has been otherwise good.

[Finding Joy]

I have learned to be much more present, to be more independent, have more grace.  Find love in the face of hatred.  Have peace(often) in the midst of a full blown Spiritual war.

Realize that there is enough grace for today, but thinking too far ahead often brings undue stress and anxiety.  I have learned to trust God regardless of outcome and to believe He has good things for me and my children regardless of my h’s choices.

[beyondblessed]

To trust that His plan and will is far greater than anything I could ever imagine for myself and that He removes objects from our path that will harm us or hinder us from living our potential.   I trust His path implicitly and for that reason alone leaving the MLC 'er to live his own path was so much easier.

God knows and sees it all....we have no idea what is really ever happening at any given time, but God surely does.

[Yellowroseoftexas]

Off topic but asking anyway. 

Since husband walked out on 2014 I have had men show little interest in me.  I'm not seeking a relationship but it would be a boost to my self esteem to be seen as an attractive WOMAN.

Do you think God keep us 'hidden/invisible' for His greater purpose?