By Martha Bush

"Whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thou God my God." (Ruth 1:16 KJV)

With that final scripture spoken over us, my groom and I kissed and ran down the aisle to start our new life together.

• From a peanut farm in Georgia to Tripoli, Libya, and on to Maine, Louisiana, and Texas-I lodged with him.
• His family became my people, and along the way, we had two kids of our own.
• And then it happened. Seven years into the marriage, I fell in love with someone else. His name was Jesus, and at that point, the god of this world we had served together, was no longer my God.

Fast forward to another season of this high school sweetheart romance and marriage-I wanted out!

I had grown tired of waiting on God's promises to be fulfilled in my marriage. Waiting is always hard, but to live in the same house with someone who is in opposition to your faith is even harder. (Can you relate?)

And so it was, I began praying for God to give me permission to vacate the premises-not divorce, just separate. After a couple of weeks of praying, I began hearing the words, "who is to say that you have not been brought into the kingdom for such a time as this?"

"Where had I heard those words before? Oh yes, the book of Esther. No Lord; I don't want to be an Esther; just let me out of here!"

But, then He began to show me others in The Bible He had pre-positioned in a position for a special purpose. What was that purpose? TO BRING FORTH A GREAT DELIVERANCE!

Not only was the deliverance for their families, but for others as well. In the midst of their designated position, they had to experience discomfort, risk, ridicule, condemnation, and rejection.

I raced to my computer and composed a poem, recalling people and, yes, even animals who were pre-positioned for an important role in the history of all mankind.

_____ 

Who is to Say?

Esther, a Jewish slave, became the wife of a pagan king in the land,
Discovered that Haman wanted all the Jews destroyed by the king's command.
But, Esther had favor with the king and Haman's plot went amiss,
Who is to say that a slave girl wasn't brought into the Kingdom for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14)

Think of Rahab, who was called a harlot by name,
Heard about God drying up the Red Sea and bringing the Egyptians to shame.
So, she hid the Israelite spies and every wall of Jericho fell without a miss,
Who is to say that a harlot wasn't brought into the Kingdom for such a time as this? (Joshua 2)

And then there is the donkey that stopped Balaam in his tracks,
From going the wrong way less the Israelites be cursed and attacked.
Now, we might scoff at the thought of God using a donkey and say, "That idea I will dismiss,"
Who is to say that a donkey wasn't brought into the Kingdom for such a time as this? (Number 22:21-35)

What can we say about Jehaziel whose name was mentioned only once in the good book,
Heard a word from God saying, "Stand still," before the battle Jehoshaphat undertook.
The enemy killed themselves as the Israelites sang praises to God with joyful bliss,"
Who is to say that a prophet wasn't brought into the Kingdom for such a time as this? (11 Chronicles 20:17)

Let's never forget Mary, a young virgin in her day,
Received a visit from an angel who had powerful words to say.
"You shall bring forth a son to save the world by shedding blood of His,"
Indeed, a virgin was brought into the Kingdom for such a time as this! (Luke 1:31)

But, wait, there were others involved in the nativity scene,
Shepherds, wise men, angels, all around the stable they leaned.
Quite unnoticed was Anna who proclaimed the redemption message in their midst,
Who is to say that an unknown woman wasn't brought into the kingdom for such a time as this? (Luke 2:36-37)

Now, each of these people probably questioned their position from the start,
Why, even Mary pondered these things in her heart.
No doubt they even found discomfort in doing what they had been pre-positioned to do,
For example the donkey: "I'm sure he didn't like being kicked by Balaam, would you?"

But, the Bible shows how God uses slaves, harlots, prophets, virgins, and even donkeys, too,
In order to fulfill the purpose they were created to do.
And so if I should be pre-positioned by God in a position that I would rather dismiss,
Who is to say that I, an ordinary housewife, wasn't brought into the kingdom for such a time as this?

_____

Yes, I stayed and as Lynn says in Winning Him Without Words, I have a front row seat watching God pursue my husband to be his God. So, go ahead, Lynn, and pencil Glen and I into your schedule for Facebook Live.

Note: To my Sumite Friends: I wrote this blog from my own experience. Every marriage is different, and guidance from the Lord is needed when deciding to leave the marriage or not. 

For a while now some of us have thought it might be useful to have a chat about blokes and some things that perhaps are not well understood or create confusion. As you can see I’ve added a “Part 1” to this post hoping that this may be the first in a series of occasional posts and not necessarily all written by me.

I hope this first post may perhaps create some conversation. I’d prefer to respond to specific questions that may be on a few of our minds rather than run off on a tangent that may not be very relevant. So this post will be a little general in nature to get us started.

Perhaps to start let me introduce myself for some of you who may be newish to SUM and don’t really know me so that you have a good picture in your mind of who is writing this post. I’m in my early fifties, lived all my life in Sydney, Australia. I’m married to Fiona and have twenty-something sons, the eldest of whom is married with a nine-month old son.

I spent 25 years in the Corporate world working for big companies and now work for myself as a strategy consultant and author. I’ve been an active member of SUM since 2012 and have been writing regular posts for over two years.

Significance

We all desire to be significant. For men how we go about satisfying our need for significance will differ. There are the usual suspects: job, power/status/fame, material trinkets, recognition amongst peers (could be at the golf club), standing within the home, knowledge, etc.

For many of us in our 20s, 30s, 40s we are driven to succeed. I was. So we feel significant. And/or to prove something to someone, for example, our parents, our spouses, our siblings, friends.

I haven’t found many men contemplating the questions of “who am I” or “Why do I exist” before they turn 40. It’s like we’re on auto-pilot and our drivenness keeps us motoring on. Unfortunately, it’s often the bumps in the road (eg, retrenchment, sickness) where we suddenly discover the yearning inside us that simply never gets satisfied by anything. Yes, nothing will satisfy this yearning. But God.

That’s how He made us. With a hole in our heart that only He can fill. (that is someone else’s statement I just can’t remember whose)

If you’re finding your husband has become especially irritable or grumpy and this lasts for a period of time, you may find it’s because he’s struggling with something to do with his significance. Perhaps something’s happened at work where he’s been looked over or his annual review didn’t go as well as he expected. Often these things all come back to this. And he may not realise it.

Be gentle and encourage him to share his feelings. Yes, I know we’re often not good at doing this at first. But teach him. And it’s likely to take time. That is why Date night is so important. Not just to have fun together but to talk. And not just about the kids. I know it’s hard because there’s always so much going on but isolating time for the two of you is really important to a healthy relationship.

Relationships

Generally, men’s drivenness comes from their desire to fulfil their mission, their purpose. His marriage and its intimacy (and I’m not just talking about sex) is one aspect of life for a man. If, and I’m sure many of you have experienced this, your bloke is fully absorbed in his purpose, he may well be a little absent in your relationship. I was often in my corporate life.

Generally, for women relationships are more important because they fill their core. Love, intimacy, conversation, are very important.

Many of you will have heard me say a few times that for many men their wife is their best friend and sometimes only real friend of any substance. And that’s why spending lots of time elsewhere, eg, church activities, can be challenging for your man. Simply because it’s a part of your life that he has no part in (and often doesn’t have an interest in) Strangely, I’m going through the same thing with Fi. I’m doing some work at church and going back to study (part-time) and Fi has commented that a larger part of my life will be taken up with something that she doesn’t have an interest in.

I’m going to stop there. Much of what I’ve written may be old hat for many of you but I hope at the very least it may serve to prompt a discussion between all of us (I’m no expert here). If there are any other matters, eg, being dad, etc, let me know and I can feature them in a future post.

Grace and peace, dear friends.

Staying connected with your spouse can be a challenge. I'm finding this to be harder to do as we get older. I shared recently that we'd become empty nesters, but our status is now back to three. Here we are again, adjusting to new and old dynamics.

Here I thought my greatest challenge would be keeping myself from falling into old patterns so that the new ones my husband and I had created would remain established. I didn't stop and think what his reaction might be—that he might be the one to fall back into old patterns. So, I'm facing the challenge of reconnecting with my hubby.

Inertia
I find inertia to be one of my greatest enemies in life. I know, I know. We're human and we like our comfortable areas. But that doesn't serve me well. The "easy" thing to do right now would be to just let it be and let it happen. I liken that to the wind and reeds analogy in Ephesians 4. I don't want my marriage and other areas of my life to be "blown about" by old habits.

Awareness
I will stop here and give myself a very short and brief pat on the back. I'm aware of the situation but I can't stop there (thus the very short and brief pat :-). But I do think that awareness is a huge part of the challenge. Once we can see and identify the problem or challenge, we can seek wisdom and guidance.

Intentionality
We've talked a lot here about being intentional in our marriages. This is truly where the "rubber meets the road." James spoke of not just being readers of God's Word but doers as well. If God gives us a direction to help us in our marriage, we're foolish to not follow that leading. Being intentional in our marriages means constantly being aware of what's working and what's not in our relationships and then doing something about it. And prayer counts as doing something! Just be sure to listen for God's answer and follow through.

What I am doing to reconnect with my husband? Small things right now since I'm still in that awareness zone. I'm praying for God to show me ways to stay connected to my husband now that we're a party of three again.

My daughter's actually been great about getting us together to play games in the evenings, so we're connecting as a family.

How about you? What have you found works for you to reconnect and stay connected to your spouse?

Praying and believing,
Dineen

Are you ready to be intentional about changing your marriage? Do you want to see God moving in your life, your heart, and that of your husband?

I know you do and so do I. So let me share this. You do your part and God will do His part.

We are setting out this month to "Out-Love" our spouse. We are going to love, serve and surprise our husband/wife. We are going to discover that when we are intentional and make an effort to change, really change, through the power of Christ, our lives, our hearts and that of our spouse can truly change as well.

I want to introduce you to my friend Shelly Weaver. I met Shelly when I visited her small group this summer. The Warrior Wives (her group) had just finished the study of Winning Him Without Words and I was invited to wrap up their study of the book.

During that evening Shelly,  by chance, happened to share a snippet of a journey the Lord set her on to "out-love" her husband. 

It's remarkable.

It's real.

It's possible because Shelly loves and serves Jesus. So, today, I'm introducing you to my friend. She will share a portion of her story and we have a challenge for you for this month. Listen in as she describes what God is doing  and then decide if you are willing to commit to honestly change your thoughts, actions and your heart.

I promise if you do, YOU WILL SEE GOD AT WORK IN YOUR LIFE.

Through the month, Dineen, Shelly and I will be sharing different aspects of how to out-loving our spouse. By the end of the month, it is our sincere and heart-felt prayer that you will also step out on your own journey and join us to out-love our spouse.

Now, please take 15 minutes to listen in. These few minutes can change everything. Hugs, Lynn

Shelly Weaver. 

Okay, start today. Pray right now. Lord, help me to see how I need to respect my husband with my words. Help me to refrain from words that harm or hurt and then Lord to begin to speak words of love, healing, and holiness into his life. Transform me Lord to be a woman who reflects Jesus to my spouse. In the powerful and life-changing name of Jesus. Amen

Today in the comments, let Shelly, Dineen and I know you also want to reflect Jesus to your spouse. Start with your words. Let me know where you struggle and how you can be specific and intentional to start to change those old patterns of speech. 

We love all of you. Just imagine what can happen in the next month with Jesus alive and working in our lives. I wonder who might be touched. Who might find Christ. Who will discover peace, love and fulfillment in their marriage. 

I promise if you begin to put theses hints into practice, things start to change. We have so much more to share with you. Looking forward to your comments, Hugs, Lynn

My Friends,

As I write this today (Thursday), it's actually Rosh Hashanah, the marking of the first day of  the New Year on the Jewish Calender. It strikes me as it's interesting that we are embarking on a potentially life-changing journey today. 

It's been a long time since we have worked through a series and also a challenge here at Spiritually Unequal Marriage. This October, could be the beginning of a profound and deepening relationship with our Jesus and also, do I dare say, a paradigm shift in our marriage. It's timing as it relates to God's marking of time, a new year, is perfect.

So, what is this adventure you ask?

It's the revealing of a new look on love. A way to view married love from the eyes of the eternal. And yet to bring it to life in our everyday living here on earth. 

It's about change.

If we are breathing. God is all about changing. He is consistently working out our lives to reflect Christ-likeness.

It's about changing....

Me. You. And do I also dare say, our spouse.

I will dare to say it because over the summer God has introduced me to some people who are living it out and proving it possible. I have been living this new adventure as well and can say this; It took my relationship with God to a greater depth of love, happiness and peace. 

This series will run through the entire month of October. Dineen and I have many practical examples and then challenges to propel you on this journey.

Meet with me here on Monday. Plan to spend 15 minutes with me. I have a special guest who I am so excited to introduce to you. We will share the plan, thoughts and some practical ideas to get us launched on this adventure.

It's going to be a hoot.

Excited, thrilled, hopeful, and filled with the joy of Jesus. Hugs, Lynn

Ahem, well, some of you know that through a series of circumstances, distraction and stupid moves, *blush,* I blew away all the files on my laptop hard drive two weeks ago. 

Grrrrrr. 

The video file of the September broadcast of The Intentional Marriage, with both Dineen and me, was a casualty. 

Double grrrrrrr. 

With that said, I still think the question we addressed is a common issue in an unequally yoked marriage. Today I’m going to share with you my thoughts. Here is the question from Sue Tipler. She posted this question on August 2^nd on our Facebook Page. If you aren’t part of this fantastic support community, you are missing out. The conversation is more casual and personal. Post a question, add content you think would encourage others and become friends with others on this path of the “uniquely yoked" marriage. Join us at Spiritually Unequal Marriage –Facebook. 

Sue Tipler

I have a question for you: how much do you talk about God in front of your spouse? I feel like I'm supposed to, but I don't want to offend. Thoughts? Comments?

Like ·  · August 2 at 5:14am 

Spiritually Unequal Marriage: Sue, we are going to use your question and one other one from a reader for an upcoming Intentional Marriage program. August or September. We'll post details on the blog to let people know when. It's a great question. I hope you don't mind if we use it. Hugs! ~Dineen

August 9 at 1:04pm · Like ·  1 person 

Sue Tipler I don't mind at all! Please go ahead & use it! Hugs back :)

August 9 at 1:09pm · Like

 

Great question Sue. In my own marriage, this single area has been an enormous point of contention between us. In the early years, ANY discussion of faith was met with hostility. Those were painful years and I would retreat, almost stunned, at the venom that came from the mention of something I believed was good and was a very real part of me. 

I can understand if speaking about faith, especially using the name Jesus, can cause conflict in your home. And there is a time to speak up and a time to remain silent. The confusion is discerning these two. 

I will share with you a couple of thoughts. First, I pray daily during my prayer time for wisdom and discernment. GOD’S wisdom and discernment. I can attest the Lord has helped me see past the surface of things to allow me to know when to speak up and when to shut up. This applies not only to my spouse, but my kids and living life in general. 

I can walk into a situation and something in me (the Holy Spirit) puts my hackles up. Something just isn’t right. Or, I get the impression there is more going on than what is apparent. Then I pray harder to see it. This kind of discernment also gives me some insight into people, hmmmm, how do I describe this. People who appear “dark” to me. They have an evil in them or about them. (That’s a post for another day.) 

Onward. 

Second, there is a time to stand your ground. You are an equal partner in your marriage. You can make choices for yourself and your spouse doesn’t agree. However, because he doesn’t agree does not give him license to silent you. I say this with caution because preaching and hounding our man, backfires. Only the consistent love and gentleness of a spirit surrendered to God is going to impact our stubborn spouses. This plays out differently with different personality types. I’m confrontational and would often have a pointed discussion with my spouse. There are times we can and need to coach our spouse to better behavior and the same for us. 

There are also personality types who avoid conflict at all costs. They need to pray for courage and the right words to speak and then talk with their spouse. Remember we are partners in this marriage. 

What does increasing my faith and faith-talk look like in real life. Well for me, I slowly, slowly found myself playing praise music whenever I could. Sometimes he turned it off. Sometimes he didn’t. I slowly began to hang a few faith-based decorations around. I would pray for God to give me opportunities to say something about faith in a passing and non-threatening manner.  Sometimes while in the car, watching television, with the kids. (read those posts here and here) 

I was consistent, relentless, patient and the more I loved Jesus, the more “out loud” I became. 

Today, I’m a Jesus freak. I can’t stay quiet, even in front of my man. 

Yep, and he is well aware I won’t be silenced. In fact, in an unexpected twist, he is proud of me and how I have lived out my faith over the years. Go figure. I hope that one day he will tell me what it was like to watch my faith grow in our challenging mismatch. Perhaps a conversation we will have in heaven. 

Sue, it simply takes time. It takes God given courage to speak out and it takes a ton of prayer, seeking discernment when to stand up or shut up. Mostly but simply, just love Jesus. Love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. 

Let me encourage you Sue, and everyone who struggles in the “speaking up” part of your faith journey. God LOVES your desire to want to share. He sees your heart and He will continue to work in you to give you Godly courage, strength and a heart for this lost and broken world. 

Then you know what???? 

You can be a Jesus freak like me *grin.* Love you Sue and all of you who are traveling this journey with me. Have a great weekend, Hugs, Lynn 

PS. Hang your flag. 

Mark 12:30Love the Lord your God with all your heart and

with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

Join Dineen and I for this months broadcast of the Intentional Marriage.

This is a shorter program today. We answer a question from one of our guy readers. Also, we talk about a powerful scripture. 

What words of wisdom or thoughts would you share with John and what scriptures speak to you?

Be blessed, Lynn

And now... The Intentional Marriage.

 

It's the second Friday of June and welcome to our show, The Intentional Marriage.

Once again Dineen and I are together and we are answering your questions.

*Raising Kid's Christian
*Children and church attendance
*The changes that come with an empty nest when you are spiritually mismatched 

Please spend a few minutes with us and then add your thoughts in the comments. We are especially wanting your suggestions on how you navigated these GIANT issues with the grace of Christ and with love for your spouse.

Thank you now join the show. Hugs, Lynn

 

The Intentional Marriage ~ June 2011 from Lynn Donovan on Vimeo.

Good Day Everyone:

It's the second Friday of May and welcome to our newest show, The Intentional Marriage. Today Dineen and I are together and we are fielding questions.

*Holding out hope for our Spouse's Salvation
*Kid's and respect for their unbelieving Dad
*Handling media choices in a spiritually mismatched home 

Please spend a few minutes with us and then add your thoughts in the comments. We are especially wanting your suggestions on how you navigated these GIANT issues with the grace of Christ and with love for your spouse.

Thank you now join the show. Hugs, Lynn

 

The Intentional Marriage May 2011 from Lynn Donovan on Vimeo.

Hi Everyone,

My friends I hope you can help me out with two things.

1) Next week Dineen and her daughter will be visiting the Donovan Clan home once more. Lord have mercy on poor Dineen. She has to put up with my zaniness. Anyhoo, we will be taping our show, The Intentional Marriage, while she is here. 

We LOVE to answer questions from all of you. So, please today, ask us anything. Write your questions in the comments and we will answer them next Friday on our show. The last time we did this you all provided some fantastic questions. I'm wondering if you have questions about raising children, how to defend your faith, how you deal with other Christians who are well meaning yet don't understand what you are really dealing with. Okay, now it's your turn. Ask away and make them hard. *grin*

2) Dineen and I will have a book signing in the Temecula area next Saturday. Oh please, if you are anywhere near us, please stop in. We have prizes and treats and would love to hug your neck and get a photo.

Also, Dineen and I have been discussing a few topics which we are feeling led to write about beginning in May. Who wants to really understand "The Genesis Woman?" Also, I'm toying with some thoughts on how you can turn a bad day into a good day and uplift your soul. All kinds of stuff ahead.

Finally, I have been deeply touched by the emails and comments that arrived this past week from our single readers who are trying to live out their faith in the wild world of dating. Wow, do I ever esteem them and praise their efforts to submit to the Lord's teaching. I am thinking of writing more on that subject. Doing some research on it now.

LOTS ahead. So join the community. Leave a comment and let's really work out somethings in our lives. To bring us peace and joy. To bring salvation to unsaved spouses and mostly TO HONOR THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Hugs, Lynn

Welcome to our video broadcast of The Intentional Marriage. We are looking at how to sift our marriage conflicts, failures and questions through a small but powerful passage in the Bible.

18 minutes of power. Take a listen. Lynn

 

 

The Intentional Marriage Show March 2011 from Lynn Donovan on Vimeo.

Also, find Dineen today over at Laced With Grace where she shares: Parenting Struggling Teens.

Tune in for our LIVE streaming television show, The Intentional Marriage. 

This morning 11:30 ET/ 8:30 PT. Dineen has a great message for us.

Click here to see the screen.

Today, I'm feeling compelled to say TWO words to our community...

Just pray.

Why is it that so many of us turn to prayer as our last resort. We have run out of every option. Tried to fix our spouse. Tried everything under the sun to change our circumstances. So, finally, well, we think to ourselves, "I guess I should pray about it."

The power of God isn't a mystery. Discovering a life filled with happiness and fulfillment isn't a secret for only a select few. No, it's for all God's children. And I promise He really, really wants us to live in joy.

It starts with praying. Everything that God brought into my life that is good, pleasing and in the perfect will of God came because I prayed.  Romans 12:1-2

My prayers in the early years were selfish and shallow but God in His great grace has moved me to pray now not for my self-centered wants but to truly pray for my spouse. I want to share a prayer from our book, Winning Him Without Words. Today, I pray more like this and these kind of  prayers move heaven and earth. 

Oh, Father, today let me just love him. Pour Your love into me in such a powerful and complete way that I am just bursting with You. Teach me how to pour Your love out over my husband and everyone I meet. Make every encounter I have an opportunity for others to see You and not me.

Father, I beg You to place Yourself before my man today. Be in front of him at the office. Be at his side at lunchtime. Be behind him as he talks on the phone and writes a letter. Lord, place Christian men in his path, at the store today, on the phone and at the office. Let him see reminders that You are in relentless pursuit of him and that Your passion for him will never fade. Lord, I ask You to surround him with You. Fill his morning, noon and night with Your presence and protect him from the enemy.

Lord, I ask Your will in his life, not my will. I love You, Jesus. I love You. Your humble servant, Lynn.

What are you waiting for? Be Intentional and start praying and then watch what God will do. Hugs, Lynn

Thankful Thursday is at Laurie's of Women Taking A Stand and then over to Grace Alone for March and back here in April.

After spending a week in bed with the worst cold ever, I'm starting to feel like a human again. The enemy tossed every obstacle possible at me two weeks prior to our book launch but I would have none of it.

I told the devil yesterday that in the name of Jesus, I would make it to Bible study today.

And I did.

I am behind schedule and set back but not defeated. 

I serve the Lord Almighty and the devil is hereby put on notice. No weapon formed against me will prosper. Is 54:17

So, my challenge to everyone on this Thankful Thursday is to speak these words of power into your life. Put the enemy on notice that your home and everyone in it belongs to Jesus. 

Can I get an amen?

I will praise the name of the Lord. Be blessed, Lynn

Tomorrow on The Intentional Marriage Show Dineen will be answering questions from our Facebook page and she has a really, really great story to share. Tune in on Friday at 11:30 ET 8:30 PT for our live streaming tv show. Check out our page here.

Also Dineen has a story to share at Laced With Grace today: The Promised Land

 

My long time friend Lori who I met through our amazingonline community, posted a review of Winning Him Without Words on her book review site, Lori's Book Reviews. Take a peek. Hugs. Lynn

Okay, Stickam may have a commercial before our video. Bummer. We are working diligently to have it removed.

We sure would love to hear from you. Share with us your thoughts and suggestions in the comments. Hugs, Lynn and Dineen

This morning Dineen and I will be together LIVE on, The Intentional Marriage, online streaming television.

We would be thrilled if you have 30 minutes to sit with us in the kitchen, have a cup of coffee and talk about Jesus.

We will give you some updates about things that are happening around here. We will answer some of your questions. And the questions you have given us already are really, really good.

And we have a message from a familiar passage that I think you will read today with a newness that leaves you with a WILD HOPE.. for you, your marriage, your family.

Join us at 11:30 a. m. Eastern / 8:30 a.m. Pacific. Click on the link in our sidebar: The Intentional Marriage.

If you have questions: click over to our Facebook Page and leave your question on our wall.

Can't wait to see you. Hugs, Lynn

The video of this mornings show is processing. We will upload it tomorrow morning for our weekend devotion. Thank you everyone who tuned in this morning. BIG hugs, Lynn

Well quite a few things have happened around the Donovan house over the past several weeks. And I have gathered a few stories up to share with all of you. I have felt the spirit moving around me and wow does the Lord have some big plans for our family here at Spiritually Unequal Marriage.

Today I want to confess something. I have some anxiety. Actually I’m FREAKING OUT!

It’s unusual for me to get this pent up feeling of fretfulness for a prolonged period of time. But, I have felt it building until just a few days ago. My anxiety stems from the fact that our book will release in six weeks. SIX weeks.

I’m freaking again.

Thoughts in my head roll around something like this:

Will people like it?

Will it help people in their marriages?

Will my husband be mad over some of the content? (I have practically begged the man to read it but he insists he won’t read it until an actual hard copy is put in his hands…. Sheesh) *note: I am blessed that my man really and truly trusts me to share about our lives.

Okay, more thoughts…. Will my publisher be glad they believed in our idea?

Good Grief.

So, a week ago, I realized that this angst was rising at a constant pressure and was not going away and so I finally asked God about it. Duh!

“Lord, why am I so nervous about this upcoming event? Why am I so fearful????”

God is alway blunt with me....

“Lynn, why ARE you fearful. Don’t you remember that this is MY book and not yours? Don’t you remember you begged me for every single word on your knees and I gave you each syllable? Lynn, didn’t I place a burning passion in your to write down what I have taught you and now that it’s written you feel released?”

“Oh Lord, my Lord. I remember. This IS Your book. It’s not mine. You have its future, it’s message and you already know each and every women who will ever read it. You hand-picked each one already. Oh forgive me.”

This is an ordinary day in the life of an ordinary woman. Yet it is a day of realizing a dream that is utterly beyond my imagination. This book is a humble love offering to our King.

Join Dineen and I next week, January 21st 11:30 Eastern/ 8:30 a.m. Pacific as we broadcast, TOGETHER, live on The Intentional Marriage. We plan to share with you some of the behind the scenes things we are planning. We will talk about the book and share some of the reviews that are coming in, we will tell you about some of the opportunites we will have to grow together in our marriages and in our relationship with Jesus.

Mark your calender. I promise you will be encouraged and filled up with the love of Jesus. Watch then as your overflowing cup spills into the lives of your kids, your spouse and your world around you. Love all of you so much, Be blessed, Lynn

 

Hi Everyone! In case you missed the Christmas edition of The Intentional Marriage, here's the recording. I loved sharing the story about my girls when they were little and how they showed me they really did understand Jesus was the heart of it all. I also shared some cute ideas for activities for your little ones (and older ones) to help focus on Jesus, the meaning of Christmas and to bring that home in the hearts of our kids. I pray they inspire and encourage you. And we want to hear your stories! Share your traditions with us! Don't forget about the meme too. Share your tidbits of wisdom on yesterday's post and you'll be entered in the drawing for those two beautiful journals. Merry Christmas! We love you! Dineen

Today I will share a cute little story with you about my daughters when they were itty bitty, just around 3 and 7. I (Dineen) hope you'll tune in to our Christmas edition of The Intentional Marriage broadcast over at CWATV.com for some great ideas to keep Jesus alive all year long in our children's minds and hearts, and I have two special gifts for two special commenters.

Find us at Christian Women Affiliate at:

The Intentional Marriage - You can view the show from this page.

Eastern Daylight Time 11:30 a.m.

Central Daylight Time 10:30 a.m.

Mountain Daylight Time 9:30 a.m.

Pacific Daylight Time 8:30 a.m.

GMT for all of you outside of the US 15:30 (and, thanks for joining us at odd hours.)

And don't forget our meme! We're still planning to gather your stories and put them in a book, so be sure to share and link up below. 

The Meme:

This month, think of what piece of advice you would give yourself as either an about to be new mom or a mother of little ones. Share some tid bit of wisdom or insight based upon one of these categories:

• See the Humor – humorous anecdotes and funny advice about the hilarity and fun in marriage and how to relax and not take ourselves too seriously.
• Powerfully Positive – wisdom and perspective that comes with living with our spouse over time. What wisdom or perspective would you share with your young self that would make married life more fun, fulfilling, and joyful for you and your spouse. How has the power of God worked in your marriage through forgiveness, commitment, and unconditional love.
• Practically Practical – Everyday things that show love to your spouse, yourself, your family. This can be anything. A favorite recipe or a story about letting the laundry go so you can watch a movie together. Anything practical that is edifying and helpful.

I also have two very special journals (these are the "special special gifts") for two people. One is the Embracing God journal by Anne Graham Lotz and the other is Praying the Names Of God journal by Ann Spangler. So if you post the meme on your blog, be sure to leave a comment here so we can draw names.

So, LINK UP and visit us today at The Intentional Marriage.

Discovering the joy and beauty of marriage....

as God intended it.

Adoring 

Enduring 

Intentional

Reflecting Jesus... The Intentional Marriage

If you missed our broadcast and it's likely you did... technical difficulties. I recorded a shortened version. See it below. 

Leave me a comment and let me know if your family will start your own tablecloth.

 

Welcome to our Monthly Broadcast, The Intentional Marriage.

Friday, November 12th 11:30 a.m. Eastern 10:30a.m. Central, 9:30 Mountain, and 8:30 Pacific.

Please tune in and join me as I’m going to share one of my most precious holiday traditions. A Tablecloth of Thanks

It’s never too late to start a new tradition in your home, especially one which brings honor to the Lord. I have a story to share and some photos. I also want to give you a chance to share some of your holiday traditions or giggles.

Join our meme today and share a Thanksgiving holiday tradition from your home or share a funny holiday hiccup.

I will share with you that like many newly married young women, I didn’t realize the turkey was stuffed with bagged giblets. Yep, I cook the turkey with the plastic bag and the giblets still inside. We ate it anyway.

Also, three years ago, I set the oven on fire when I moved the giant bird around. I freaked out. My husband came running. The house was crazy, people were yelling, crying and freaking… Perhaps it was only me doing the yelling, crying and freaking. My calm man put the flames out and to this day, I don’t know how he did it because we didn’t own a fire extinguisher.

The next morning I rose before dawn and went shopping at The Home Depot. NO NOT FOR CHRISTMAS… For a fire extinguisher. And now, every year BEFORE I bake the turkey, I check to make sure the extinguisher is charged and ready.

Sheesh!

 

What’s your fun story or tradition? I can’t wait to read your post.

Link up and I will be over to share some of your fond memories from your home.

To join the program live: Click here.

To join chat, please come early and join Stickam. Friend me, Intentional Marriage. (click here)

I would love to hear your thoughts and have you share in our morning program. Okay, I am really excited to talk about all the Lord has given me to share with you. He loves us so much. Giving Him thanks can change everything.

Tune in, Lynn

 

 

Today our second broadcast of The Intentional Marriage airs over at CWATV.com. I (Dineen) hope you'll come and meet my guest, Mr. Wonderful. He has some things to say that will surely make you laugh, I can promise you that! And I'm going to tell you my sock story, so I hope you'll "tune" in.

Find us at Christian Women Affiliate at:

The Intentional Marriage - You can view the show from this page.

Eastern Daylight Time 11:30 a.m.

Central Daylight Time 10:30 a.m.

Mountain Daylight Time 9:30 a.m.

Pacific Daylight Time 8:30 a.m.

GMT for all of you outside of the US 15:30 (and, thanks for joining us at odd hours.)

And don't forget our meme! We're still planning to gather your stories and put them in a book, so be sure to share and link up below. 

The Meme:

Think of one habit or quirk that is uniquely your husband’s and has been since the day you got married. If you could go back to your younger self and give some words of advice in regards to this quirk, what would you say to any or all of the following:

• See the Humor – humorous anecdotes and funny advice about the hilarity and fun in marriage and how to relax and not take ourselves too seriously.
• Powerfully Positive – wisdom and perspective that comes with living with our spouse over time. What wisdom or perspective would you share with your young self that would make married life more fun, fulfilling, and joyful for you and your spouse. How has the power of God worked in your marriage through forgiveness, commitment, and unconditional love.
• Practically Practical – Everyday things that show love to your spouse, yourself, your family. This can be anything. A favorite recipe or a story about letting the laundry go so you can watch a movie together. Anything practical that is edifying and helpful.

I also have two copies each of the books, The Husband Project and The Marriage Project, both by the fabulous Kathi Lipp, to give away to four participants in the meme. So if you post on your blog, be sure to leave a comment on Friday's Meme Post so we can draw names. Plus I have a small surprise for everyone who wants one, but you have to tune in to find out what it is. So many surprises, I know! :-)

So, LINK UP and visit us today at The Intentional Marriage.

Discovering the joy and beauty of marriage....

as God intended it.

Adoring 

Enduring 

Intentional

Reflecting Jesus... The Intentional Marriage

Get Ready for Our Next Meme and TV Show!

Last month we launched our first edition of The Intentional Marriage on CWATV.com. Along with that, we did a marriage meme about words from your present self to your past self. This will be part of a book we’re planning to put together with all your wonderful stories! Something you can treasure and pass on to your daughters and granddaughters!

Next Friday October 8th, the next edition of The Intentional Marriage will air at 11:30 a.m. Eastern time (10:30 a.m. Central, 8:30 a.m. Pacific). I will be hosting the show this time along with a guest, Mr. Wonderful. Who is Mr. Wonderful? Weeeell, you’ll have to tune in and find out!

I promise you, we are going to have some fun on this one. We will talk about those starry-eyed expectations we entered into our marriages with and what we thought our husbands should be like way back then.

Next week will be the next part of our “meme theme” of what advice would you give from our now more mature married self to the young married girl you were in the first year of marriage. This month’s meme is this:

Think of one habit or quirk that is uniquely your husband’s and has been since the day you got married. If you could go back to your younger self and give some words of advice in regards to this quirk, what would you say to any or all of the following:

• See the Humor – humorous anecdotes and funny advice about the hilarity and fun in marriage and how to relax and not take ourselves too seriously.
• Powerfully Positive – wisdom and perspective that comes with living with our spouse over time. What wisdom or perspective would you share with your young self that would make married life more fun, fulfilling, and joyful for you and your spouse. How has the power of God worked in your marriage through forgiveness, commitment, and unconditional love.
• Practically Practical – Everyday things that show love to your spouse, yourself, your family. This can be anything. A favorite recipe or a story about letting the laundry go so you can watch a movie together. Anything practical that is edifying and helpful.

Be ready to share your stories next Friday! We can’t wait to read them. I have one I will share with you during The Intentional Marriage show that I think you will find quite humorous. Thank goodness God and my husband are so patient with me! 

I also have two copies each of the books, The Husband Project and The Marriage Project, both by the fabulous Kathi Lipp, to give away to four participants in the meme. So if you post on your blog, be sure to leave a comment on Friday's Meme Post so we can draw names. Plus I have a small surprise for everyone who wants one, but you have to tune in to find out what it is. So many surprises, I know! :-)

If you want to participate in the chat during the program, don’t forget to create your own page on Stickam.com and then “friend” The Intentional Marriage page. That way we can approve you for the chat and protect that area as well. Here are some links to help in case you missed the show last month.

How to watch and participate in Christian Women Affiliate TV, tutorial.

Join in Chat and participate in The Intentional Marriage, tutorial.

Can't wait! See you there!
Praying and believing,
Dineen

Last month we launched our first edition of The Intentional Marriage on CWATV.com. Along with that, we did a marriage meme about words from your present self to your past self. This will be part of a book we’re planning to put together with all your wonderful stories! Something you can treasure and pass on to your daughters and granddaughters!

Next Friday October 8th, the next edition of The Intentional Marriage will air at 11:30 a.m. Eastern time (10:30 a.m. Central, 8:30 a.m. Pacific). I will be hosting the show this time along with a guest, Mr. Wonderful. Who is Mr. Wonderful? Weeeell, you’ll have to tune in and find out!

I promise you, we are going to have some fun on this one. We will talk about those starry-eyed expectations we entered into our marriages with and what we thought our husbands should be like way back then.

Next week will be the next part of our “meme theme” of what advice would you give from our now more mature married self to the young married girl you were in the first year of marriage. This month’s meme is this:

Think of one habit or quirk that is uniquely your husband’s and has been since the day you got married. If you could go back to your younger self and give some words of advice in regards to this quirk, what would you say to any or all of the following:

• See the Humor – humorous anecdotes and funny advice about the hilarity and fun in marriage and how to relax and not take ourselves too seriously.
• Powerfully Positive – wisdom and perspective that comes with living with our spouse over time. What wisdom or perspective would you share with your young self that would make married life more fun, fulfilling, and joyful for you and your spouse. How has the power of God worked in your marriage through forgiveness, commitment, and unconditional love.
• Practically Practical – Everyday things that show love to your spouse, yourself, your family. This can be anything. A favorite recipe or a story about letting the laundry go so you can watch a movie together. Anything practical that is edifying and helpful.

Be ready to share your stories next Friday! We can’t wait to read them. I have one I will share with you during The Intentional Marriage show that I think you will find quite humorous. Thank goodness God and my husband are so patient with me! 

I also have two copies each of the books, The Husband Project and The Marriage Project, both by the fabulous Kathi Lipp, to give away to four participants in the meme. So if you post on your blog, be sure to leave a comment on Friday's Meme Post so we can draw names. Plus I have a small surprise for everyone who wants one, but you have to tune in to find out what it is. So many surprises, I know! :-)

If you want to participate in the chat during the program, don’t forget to create your own page on Stickam.com and then “friend” The Intentional Marriage page. That way we can approve you for the chat and protect that area as well. Here are some links to help in case you missed the show last month.

How to watch and participate in Christian Women Affiliate TV, tutorial.

Join in Chat and participate in The Intentional Marriage, tutorial.

Can't wait! See you there!
Praying and believing,
Dineen

Video of yesterday's The Intentional Marriage CWA TV Show:

http://cwatv.com/shows/the-intentional-marriage/

They say.... Love is blind. But, marriage is a real eye-opener! 

*grin*

Well that is true. However, isn't that what God's ideal of marriage is all about? 

Walk with us as we explore the mystery and brilliance of marriage under the sovereign hand of God. 

Today on our first broadcast, The Intentional Marriage, we will chat about the mysteries of how God works through our married life to bring about His plans for us. It is the highest calling on a life and the Lord's most favored tool to teach us how to overcome, to discover joy, live in peace, figure out our struggles and to live in authentic relationship.

Find us at Christian Women Affiliate at:

The Intentional Marriage - You can view the show from this page.

Eastern Daylight Time 11:30 a.m.

Central Daylight Time 10:30 a.m.

Mountain Daylight Time 9:30 a.m.

Pacific Daylight Time 8:30 a.m.

GMT for all of you outside of the US 15:30 (and, thanks for joining us at odd hours)

Then join us for our new monthly meme as we share some giggles, insight, wisdom and practicality we each other.

(Link up below)

This month let's share words of advice from our now mature married self to the young married girl we were in the first year of marriage. (post a photo from your wedding.... please, please, please) Here are photos of Dineen and I as new brides.   

We will be writing words of advice from our now more mature married self to the young married girl we were in the first year of marriage. You can write about any or all of the following three things. 

• See the Humor – humorous anecdotes and funny advice about the hilarity and fun in marriage and how to relax and not take ourselves too seriously. 
• Powerfully Positive - wisdom and perspective that comes with living with our spouse over time. What wisdom or perspective would you share with your young self that would make married life more fun, fulfilling, and joyful for you and your spouse. How has the power of God worked in your marriage through forgiveness, commitment, and unconditional love. 
• Practically Practical – Everyday things that show love to your spouse, yourself, your family. This can be anything. A favorite recipe or a story about letting the laundry go so you can watch a movie together. Anything practical that is edifying and helpful. 

Then over the next several our months the meme will focus a single issues such as respect, communication, the bedroom and apply these three themes to that specific area of marriage.

Remember we will be compiling your words of advice for a book. there is so much wisdom, grace and humor in our online community. We want to share it as well as pass it on to our daughters. So write well and let me know you have an entry. Also, you can contribute through the comments.

Finally, I will be giving away to five of you who join our meme or add to our book through comments a copy of The Dream Giver. This book will inspire you to follow your God given dreams.

Thank you for loving us all these years. Thank you to all who can join our LIVE SHOW. Thank you to all who are joining our meme. Dineen and I will be by to read and chat with you. 

So, grab the code, LINK UP and visit us today at The Intentional Marriage.

Discovering the joy and beauty of marriage....

as God intended it.

Adoring 

Enduring 

Intentional

Reflecting Jesus... The Intentional Marriage

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How to watch and participate in Christian Women Affiliate TV, tutorial.

Join in Chat and participate in The Intentional Marriage, tutorial.

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