My Divorce Part #2
My lifestyle changed when I chose to allow Christ in the center of my life. I set priorities my life according to truth. I was set free to choose. I learned from those choices. My relationship with Christ was defined as I strove - ever transforming into His likeness (Col. 1:10 and I: 28-29). Prayer is the catalyst, which opened my eyes to look for and receive His answers which ever increased my faith in Him. As I lived my life honestly confronting each issue in my life (II Cor. 10:5). Now I take responsibility for my choices, with Christ in the center of my life. I am freer to admit my faults, submit to authority, and in the process continue to seek life by faith.
#. 3 Transform an Apartment - Into Our Home - I hated, the house, where I was living, but Christ revealed to me the importance of the home compared too just a place to live. I lived in another city because this apartment was the only place I could afford and would accept a man with three children. The apartment was a dump. For example, my three children would sleep in the one 6' x 12' bedroom. I would sleep in the hall between the bedroom and the bathroom. Often the other renters would have parties at night while others the police brought home. We could hear them yelling.
My children and I needed a home. They were following my lead, they hated the apartment too, so I changed my focus. We began to focus at the surroundings. We in the middle of two lakes, one across the street out the front door and another out the back door. In addition, the downtown was only a block away and music was played on Wednesday nights. The town's people were friendly too us. I felt like my family was coming together and this apartment was becoming a home. We grew in faith as we spent more time together.
I discovered an A.W.A.N.A. and an adult Bible study. I helped the children memorize their verses on the half hour drive home to their mom. We would pray and share about what each verse meant, and talk how to live better as a family. However, the children complained about going to church. They would tell me that they did not have to go at their moms. We talked about going to church to learn about Jesus and to be with our friends. They continued going to church.
In the summer, we made Wednesday our "family night." After supper we would go to the ice cream or the candy store for dessert. Then we would walk around the lake. On our walk around the block we would go to the park. In the summer we would go swimming. In the evening, different genres of music were played, from polkas to waltzes were played. My kid's referred to the Wednesday's night weekly musicals as "Wiggle your butt night."
#. 4 Living within My Limited Finances - Money was very tight. I could barely afford the rent and the van payment. In addition, had never run the finances before so even buying food was tough, I refused to make my children suffer. I was living on no spending money. In fact, for a deposit on the apartment I had to sell a U.S. Bond my grandfather.
Time to be responsible with my finances and seek other possibilities. I prayed to the Lord. Help! I asked my manager if I could have an occasional sample. He gladly agreed I could received pizzas and T.V. dinners. One night while baking a pizza and jumped rope with the children. Suddenly, smoke bellowed out the front door, so I ran into the house. I laid the charred pizza on the table. I then realized this pizza was a new "Double Top." I took a hold of the burnt top portion of the pizza and it peeled like a banana. The second layer was still edible.
Another lesson, the pastor was preaching about tithing. I gave my time and helped to sweep the floor and set up chairs. I talked to others about my financial situation. A friend helped me set up a budget. I sold the van and bought a car that I could afford. I was now paying my bills. My past house sold. I could begin to give financially. Also, the Lord’s provision of very good insurance my counseling bills were all paid.
Finally, I decided to move and buy a house because our previous house sold. I continued looking for a house to afford. With the money from the sale and the amount I could pay monthly it was hard to find a house. I looked to God and prayed God was always faithful to me. My parents saw my situation and offered me help. This gift opened my options to an affordable home.
#. 5 Trusting while Dealing with My Fears - I felt safe with pastors, church leaders, and a support group. The main cause of my fear was that in the past. Part of my aggression was that I wanted and enjoyed people but I could not relax and be myself. Taking responsibility I learned that I forced issues. I began to define and be my self. I joined a Bible studies. I enjoyed helping others. Learning my fears needed a balanced perspective of discernment before action. I began to co-lead a study.
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