Trials and Temptations

Remember my posting about how God walks with us through the events in our life? I had to read that one over again myself this past three weeks. Then I had to really think about that. I also had to review my advice about Joseph and Rule J. I sure didn't realize when I wrote this stuff that "I" would be the person that may be helped by my writings. I'll bet God knew, though. And He let me start this post, feeling that there was someone who would be reached by it. But now it's me, reading my own words back to myself, giving me renewal, remembering that he is close. Ironically?! also is the fact that my kids chose the animated movie about Joseph at Walmart the other day. So I have not only read my own advice about life's trials, I have watched a cartoon about Joseph that helped me to know that even though Joseph spent day after day, month after month with one trial and betrayal after another, God had a very cool plan for Joseph. But he also did his part- he remained faithful and did the right thing.

My recent trials? We had been awaiting the time when we could see our new baby grandchild, but now that time will have to wait until we see that baby in heaven. This is not what we wanted, not what the plan was, not fair. Our daughter and son-in-law had a miscarriage, very painful emotionally and physically. We have no answers as to why this happened. We do have an abundance of questions, which are and will remain unanswered at least until we pass on. They have an early ultrasound photo, the only proof of the baby's life, which I know they treasure. Life is so precious, and the miracle of pregnancy and birth is a wonder in itself. It is awesome to know that that little life in not just gone, but is in another place where someday we'll have that long awaited meeting. People have been wonderful in supporting them and even in sharing their own stories of loss, which must be difficult, now matter how much time has passed. Sharing your own tragedy to help someone cope with theirs is nothing less than grabbing a handful of love from your heart (even tho it hurts) and offering it to that person in words. I know it's hard to know what to say to someone with such a loss, but even just a hug helps. And time. Lots of time.
In the same 24 hours, I became aware that my husband had fallen off the wagon into a stinking pile of pornography. Unfortunately, this is the secret sin in our society, with the flames being fueled by the media and women walking around with the desire to be desired. We really need to teach our kids about keeping their minds pure. The school will not do that for you. Many churches will not do that for you. We allow our kids to see so much that is inappropriate, and we don't talk to them about it because it's just on tv, in a movie, or at the beach. And what does our silence say? Do we fool ourselves into thinking that they are kids and don't really notice? Is it so all over that we just hope they get used to it? Do we not want to be old fuddy duddies? Do we not want to talk about it, or draw their attention to it? We need to wake up and smell the smut!! Protect your kids from your tv. Don't pay $ for the movie. Don't dress or let your daughter dress in a way that is going to make a man look at you like a piece of meat- do not provide eye candy for someone who does not love you or care what your name is.
Adding to my dh's temptation are the hormonal issues and an Rx for testosterone. Recall that I said, "Adding to the temptation", and not "Excusing the actions". So, dh is in the process of standing up, facing the issue, peeling off the layer of slime, and crawling back into the wagon.
Next post will be about getting back on the wagon and staying on, and more.

As I said, not all paths in life are clear or safe. And we all have issues in our lives that show that we and our families are not perfect. I feel the need to be honest and open with these issues. Pretending that my life is perfect is useless. Only in admitting and thinking about my problems can I hope to alleviate or accept them. If just one person reads this and makes a committment to block some of their tv and teach their kids about purity I have succeeded.

I recommend:
The Christian children's song, "Oh be careful..."
Read your bible. Read it like you're searching for answers. You may find some.
A computer blocking program such as K9. It is free, easy to use, free, programmable, free.....