The journey to discovering true marital harmony took an unexpected path through adventure activities for married couples on mountain trails and in forest sanctuaries. For 27 years, our marriage weathered the storms of selfishness until a profound spiritual awakening brought us to our knees. Then, we made the transformative decision to center our lives around Jesus Christ, a choice that would reshape every aspect of our relationship for the next 15 years. The Search for Sacred Rest Throughout our spiritual journey, I was drawn to the wisdom of mentors who spoke passionately about their Sabbath practices. Their testimonies of deep spiritual connection through intentional rest resonated deeply, yet our path to discovering our unique form of Sabbath remained elusive until 2024. A Divine Appointment with
Part 2 – Finding Our Sabbath Deuteronomy 8:3 states, “And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live on bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” This verse encapsulates the essence of spiritual growth in relationships, particularly marriage. My personal journey of spiritual growth began when I met Kath, a “church girl” whose family regularly attended church services. At first, my attraction was largely superficial, based on her appearance and the potential for how she might look in the future, judging by her mother. I saw her church background as a
Proverbs 13:20 states, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm” (ESV). This profound biblical wisdom can be misinterpreted, especially when it comes to understanding the true value of rest in life. My journey has led me to realize that wisdom isn’t just about hard work and success but also about recognizing the essential role of rest in our lives. Early Misconceptions About Rest Growing up, the worldly perspective of success heavily influenced my concept of wisdom. I looked up to older, seemingly successful individuals who embodied the ideals of hard work and material achievement. My circle of friends shared interests that kept us constantly engaged – sports, horses, girls, and partying. In this whirlwind of activity, the
Rebuilding trust in marriage is a challenging but essential journey for couples who have experienced betrayal or prolonged periods of mistrust. In long-term relationships, especially marriages, couples may develop habits that lead to emotional pain and distress. For my wife Kath and me, these patterns resulted in inappropriate relationships and blurred emotional boundaries. Recognizing these destructive cycles is crucial for rebuilding trust in marriage and creating a healthier, more fulfilling bond. Understanding the Root of Mistrust The erosion of trust in marriage frequently stems from poor communication and lack of boundaries. Our friend Ann Wilson once shared a powerful metaphor: walls between couples are built one brick at a time – each small non-disclosure or half-truth adds another brick. This image resonated deeply with our
Reflecting on our over 42 years of marriage, it’s hard to believe how far we’ve come in overcoming marital challenges. Our story began on a tumultuous note, marked by an over-the-top passionate first date that quickly spiraled into a cycle of brokenness. For 27 years, we were handcuffed with many challenges that plagued our relationship. Despite our best efforts, we often felt like we were on the brink of divorce. Yet, through almost three decades, one of us held onto hope and never truly wanted to end our marriage. The Early Years: A Rocky Start Our relationship began with the intensity of youthful love, but on our wedding night, we both felt we’d made a mistake, yet we never talked about those feelings till decades