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Dear Ministry Friends,
It’s June!!
Time to jump in the pool, don those flip flops, and sip some ice tea.
It’s also time for Father’s Day. I’ve included insights this month for those who may struggle with the holiday.
Whether you are staying home this summer or venturing to a new destination, it’s my prayer you are safe and enjoying the sunshine (with sunscreen of course!!).
Blessings,
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Father’s Day hasn’t always been an enjoyable experience for me. My parents divorced when I was 8 years old. Before they separated I was, “Daddy’s Little Girl,” but after the divorce the time with my father was limited. That, plus the addition of a new stepmother and stepsiblings changed everything.
Late into my 30’s an excellent Christian counselor helped me discover that I blamed myself for my parents divorce. Those wounds to my young soul formed a self hatred and a distorted view of God. For more than ten years after I gave my heart to Christ I didn’t really believe God loved me. This lie manifested into a continuous state of attempting to perform for Him. I’d take three steps forward and two back. In my heart I felt He saved my soul because that’s what God does for a living. It’s His job description. But does he like me? No way. Why would he? What is there to like? [read more] |
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My wife left one year ago and has filed for a divorce. Now she is living with another man in front of our son. I’m a pastor and I’m having a hard time grasping that my marriage is truly over. I don’t know what to do. |
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For those of us in full time ministry a divorce can be even more devastating than normal. That’s because we know people are watching how we live and our example can influence their view of Christ.
The reality is you cannot control the actions and decisions of another person. And contrary to popular belief it only takes one person to destroy the marriage vows. There is nothing wrong with holding out hope and praying for a marital reconciliation. However, if she doesn’t return you must begin to live out the truth that she has chosen to break her vow. How long to wait for restoration is unique for each individual. I’m a firm believer that when a person sincerely asks God for truth, He will reveal when it’s time to bury the dream of restoration.
In the meantime do not let divorce become your identity. And rebuke the lie that God cannot use you anymore because you are divorced. Your ministry may look different than it did before, but God doesn’t love you any less because you are divorced. Keep your eyes on Him and He will reveal a fruitful, productive plan for your future. It’s a promise. |
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When "I Do"
Becomes "I Don't"
by Laura Petherbridge
Now Available in Spanish!
When Laura Petherbridge realized her marriage was ending, she asked the gut-wrenching question, "What do I do now?"
Now Laura offers practical answers about divorce that she has found through her own experience and through two decades of caring for those grieving the loss of a marriage. |
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Did you know?
Multigenerational living is on the rise.
- 6.6 million US households have at least 3 generations of family members, a 30% increase from 2000 to 2009.
- 70% of Coldwell Banker real estate agents expect an increase in demand for homes to accommodate multigenerational living
- In the US more than 30 million people live alone
- 6 million US homeowners are 60 days or more past due on their mortgage
Resource: Parade Magazine, May 2, 2010 |
Memorable Quotes:
"If you want your kids to keep their feet on the ground,
place some responsibility on their shoulders."
— Abigal Van Buren
“God loves us the way we are
but He loves us too much to leave us that way.”
—Leighton Ford |
Contact Laura Today! |
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In this Issue:
Resource
Give-Away Contest:
Last month's winner was Cindy from Duluth, GA. Congratulations, Cindy!
This month's resource give-away contest winner will receive When a Man You Love was Abused by Cecil Murphy. For more information, visit Cecil Murphy's website. To view more information on this subject, visit Cecil's Shattering the Silence blog.
Be the 8th person to contact me. To enter this month's Resource Give-Away Contest, enter simply by contacting me.
Please Note: Winner must have a US address. International shipping not available. |
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Upcoming Events
Click here for more details about these upcoming events.
- Smart Marriages Conference,
Orlando, FL
- Burlington, Ontario, Canada
- Darien Lake, NY
- MOPS International Conference,
Kissimmee, FL (moved from Nashville due to flooding)
- Atlanta, GA
- South Africa is now 2011. |
PLEASE NOTE:
If you e-mail Laura please add her address to your address book or her reply might get stuck in a spam folder. Thanks!
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