Have you ever heard the term "The Ol' Ball & Chain" referred to a spouse? It's usually meant to be funny. Think about it a minute though. Do you really want to be considered as a person that ties someone down like an old prison ball & chain? I don't. Do you want to be married to someone who feels like you are tying them down? I don't.
Paul still doesn't know what he wants to be when he grows up. He has few hobbies. I make it a point to be supportive of his interests. It's not always easy. I don't always want to hear about the latest news or the new computer and sound equipment... On the same accord, I'm sure he doesn't always want to hear about the new craft ideas I've seen on pinterest, the latest novel I'm reading, or my plans to rearrange the house again... He does his best though to provide enough for me to buy fabric, a new book, paint... and he listens to my ideas for improving the efficiency of our home.
As long as his interests and my hobbies don't go overboard in expense or space in the house (questionable...) and we work together, things stay fairly smooth and neither of us feel tied down. It helps that he is proud of my creations and I find his interests extremely useful. (ie, the laptop I'm setting at right now...)
Another thing that can make us feel tied down and muddle up a marriage is "the past". Note I didn't put that in caps. We all have some kind of past; things we wish we had or (more often) hadn't done. While we can never completely forget the past. (Oh how I wish!) We must remember God's perspective on it. No, God does NOT say, "Forgive and forget" or "Live and learn." God actually tells us to forgive and learn.
Paul still doesn't know what he wants to be when he grows up. He has few hobbies. I make it a point to be supportive of his interests. It's not always easy. I don't always want to hear about the latest news or the new computer and sound equipment... On the same accord, I'm sure he doesn't always want to hear about the new craft ideas I've seen on pinterest, the latest novel I'm reading, or my plans to rearrange the house again... He does his best though to provide enough for me to buy fabric, a new book, paint... and he listens to my ideas for improving the efficiency of our home.
As long as his interests and my hobbies don't go overboard in expense or space in the house (questionable...) and we work together, things stay fairly smooth and neither of us feel tied down. It helps that he is proud of my creations and I find his interests extremely useful. (ie, the laptop I'm setting at right now...)
Another thing that can make us feel tied down and muddle up a marriage is "the past". Note I didn't put that in caps. We all have some kind of past; things we wish we had or (more often) hadn't done. While we can never completely forget the past. (Oh how I wish!) We must remember God's perspective on it. No, God does NOT say, "Forgive and forget" or "Live and learn." God actually tells us to forgive and learn.
| John 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. |
If you haven't picked up Juana Mikels book yet; (affiliate link) Choosing Him All Over Again: A Story of Romance & Redemption. This is a unique book. Juana Mikels writes in a conversational style. Imagine sitting in your living room visiting with a friend. Your visit will go anywhere from weather and toilet training to dreams of a new kitchen remodel, to sharing the depths of your soul. Best friends will laugh with you to tears over silly little things and cry with you over hardships. The very, very best will admonish and correct you when you need it. This book is Juana’s testimony, a devotional, a warning, and an encouragement. It’s not light reading. You will not be able to rush through and think, “Oh that was a sweet book, I think I’ll suggest it to so-and-so.” This is a quiet time, curl up on the couch with a cup of hot-something with a notebook and stop every-so-often to think, ponder, make notes, and maybe even get caught up in. She includes bits and pieces others have shared with her and wisdom she’s learned through the years, with lots of scripture references. She even has notes for singles.
| After my Coffee! Opens at 11 am CST on Thursdays. I've tried to make the Rules simple:
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