Scotland Diaries

Jun. 10, 2006 - Return From Absence

Wow, it is hard to believe it has been over two months since my last post! Granted, I said I was taking a leave of absence, but I know a lot of you have been concerned on account of the subject matter. I shared, openly, that my husband and I were going through a very rough patch in our marriage and asked you all to pray for me. I have been overwhelmed at your responses and continued prayers on our behalf. Thanks to every one of you who has been lifting us up and into the capable arms of our Lord.

I am glad to say that my husband and I are still together, and have no desire to separate. We continue to undergo spiritual warfare in our marriage, but as before, I will be vague with the details. The important thing is that we're committed to each other and to our family, and will continue to pray against Satan's efforts to tear us apart. Not gonna happen.

We can't make our marriage work without God's help, however. We have been under too much stress (not just in our marriage) to do it in our own strength. Two verses come to mind as I write this:

1) "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26).

and...

2) "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:29 & 30).

Some people say I am honest to a fault, and no doubt they would be right. All too often I say too much for my own good. Should I have posted on my blog for the world to see that my husband and I were (and still are) undergoing some of the worst kind of marital stress imaginable? That I can't say, but it's already out there, so my prayer is that God would use it to minister to other couples who find themselves in a tough situation in their marriage, whether it be trivial or truly serious. You don't have to blog about it like I did, but whatever you do, PRAY. Satan doesn't just want our marriage to fail, he wants them all to fail. Especially if it's a Christian marriage, and I do mean especially.

For friends and family in particular, I apologize for taking so long to update this. I have tried to multiple times, but somehow keep getting interrupted. Gee, do you think Satan is trying to prevent me from letting you all know we're still married and in love? God only knows (it's true!) how many of you out there imagined the worst. So again, sorry for the suspense. Hope you're all having a great weekend, and may you see God's blessings around you today.

With many thanks for your prayers and support (which are obviously working!),

Betsy :-)

• Post A Comment!

Jun. 11, 2006 - hey girl

Posted by Juliestew

glad you are back and still married. i'm so thankful that you and your husband are committed to staying married. i think that is the biggest hurdle. the next is open and honest communication. you are such a breath of fresh air and i think you are wonderful for sharing (but not too much as you said) what you are struggling with. there is no need to hide. that truly is what satan wants us to do. no one can operate in a vaccum. we need one another.
"Lord, wrap your hands of protection around this couple and keep them safe. Build or rebuild within them all they need to live a life that glorifies you. You know their hearts. We do not. Heal them. Keep them safe as they withstand the arrows of the enemy. We know that nothing we go through doesn't first pass through your hands. Provide for them a place of rest to heal and to build upon what they already have together."
IN JESUS Holy and Mighty Name!!!
julie

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Jun. 13, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Debismumto4

Hi Betsy
It is so good to have you back blogging again. There are so many of us aren't there whose marriages are under attack from the devil. He knows where to strike at us and make us the most vunerable. Thankyou for sharing honestly with us all that you are going through. I am sure there are many people lifting you up in prayer at this time. You are not on your own. God Bless you and your family
Love Deb

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Jun. 14, 2006 - Glad you're back!

Posted by AuntieLyssie

Hey chica;

We miss you guys. We love you both! Glad that you are back on your blog. May God continue to bless your marriage every day. God bless,
Lyssie

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Jun. 15, 2006 - hey stranger

Posted by Anonymous

Hi, I am glad to hear you guys are doing better. I am sorry I have not been keeping better in touch with you. We moved into our own place two weeks ago and have been getting settled in. We are also in the process of going into seminary. It's finally starting to happen. I cant believce it. I will have to e mail you soon and let you know everything in detail. All I can say is that God is blessing us beyond belief and I pray he blesses you and your wonderful family too. We miss you guys soooo much and wish you could come over for dinner and a game of Risk. We love you and hope to hear from you soon.
Zach, Mishelle, and Miles

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Jun. 16, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by abidinglove

Hi Elizabeth, I was so glad to see that you are back, and to see your faith and commitment to God and to your marriage shining through your post. I will continue to hold you in prayer. God bless you today. In Him, Colleen

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Jun. 16, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by abidinglove

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Jun. 21, 2006 - Praise the Lord...

Posted by FaithfulGrace

and may He continue to bless you and your husband.

I know that you are continually seeking Him, and that you are
using the full armor of God. The word of God will never fail you.

Some of the most difficult times in my marriage, have harvested the best fruit.

I wish I could come over to Scotland and give you a huge HUG.
You remain in my thoughts and prayers,
In His loving grace,
Linda

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Jun. 23, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by OreoSouza

From one who knows...there is an end to the hard times, and it is really, really lovely over here.

My hope is that you will be on this side very very soon.

(And yes, isn't honesty a queer thing...one moment everyone loves it, the next moment everyone hates it. I wish they'd make up their minds. LOL)

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Jun. 27, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by bookwormbethy5

I found you by random blogger, I love your template!

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Jun. 28, 2006 - congrats

Posted by insanity

you got the random blogger oh and cool backer

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Jun. 29, 2006 - marriage

Posted by BeckyJoie

I'm glad to hear you are willing to share your struggle for an example to others of God's grace pulling you through. I've been praying for you. (I'm Lyssie's friend.) Blessings to you as you seek the Lord in your marriage.

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Jun. 30, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by takingthechallenge

It's so good to "hear" your voice again! I'm thankful that you and your honey are committed to your marriage. God, His Word, His strength and love will keep you. They have certainly been the glue in our marriage. The enemy will always try to attack anything good from God. Keep up the fight...it is so very worth it! (((HUGS))) by the bunches sent to you!

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