GPS to a Joyful Marriage

We as Christians are called to fulfill the plan that God has designed for our lives.  To know that plan and dream that dream brings great joy and excitement yet also comes with its share of frustration and heartache.     You may know the end result of God’s path for you, but the trails leading there sometimes seem non-existent.       Marriage often times feels the same way.  We know the end result we want, but it feels like we’re fighting through a pathless jungle to get there.  I sometimes wrestle with trying to take control of my destiny.  I want to be in charge of everything, especially when God doesn’t move as fast as I’d like (and my husband).  I find that my biggest struggles appear when I get ahead of what God desires for me, whether it is in my ministry or in my marriage. Although I see the goal line, the place God planned for me, I have had to learn (the hard way) to allow God to illuminate the paths for me.  I have tried too many times to forge the way on my own

At one time, truth in our society consisted of integrity, honesty, and moral priorities. As a Christian nation, we understood the meaning of truth and accepted all it stood for. Times have changed. There now seems to be a gray area people quickly turn to when they are uncomfortable with the real truth. Truth has become a matter of what works for you and what works for me, an individual choice. T he world tells us to deny biblical truths, yet encourages no restraints from voicing our own opinions of truth, especially to those we love.  Many people feel obligated to point out every flaw and every wrongdoing of their spouses, children, and family members, no matter how hurtful the words are. For some reason, society tells us we have the right to do this. “Speak out! Tell them what you are feeling! Tell them the truth!” I suppose this falls in that gray area where we determine what truth works for us. Where lies the fine line between constructive truth and hurtful truth? Luke 17:3

Romans 12:2-3  “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.  For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” The second part of verse two says, “ Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Although I grew up going to church, I wasn’t concerned about God’s plan for my life.    After my parent’s divorced, I stopped going to church and grounded my feet in the world.    Most of you know my story so let me cut to the chase.    I lived a life that catered to the desires of my flesh. I often look back at those days and still see God’s hand in my life, although I didn’t ask for His help.    He certain

Romans 12:2-3  “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.  For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” Romans 12 verse 2 was one of the first verses I memorized as a child.  I had no idea what it truly meant.  It wasn’t until after I went through my “desert experience” in my marriage that I understood the meaning. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the world.”   Conform means to imitate, follow, adapt.  There was a time in our society, not so long ago, where Christians stood out from the people “of the world”.  That is not the case anymore.   Many churches have relaxed their teachings, delivering a “feel good” message so as to expand the