One of the biggest lies that abounds when it comes to intimate relationships is that people believe that they are ok if they do not cross the intimate sexual relationship. In the case of Gov. Mark Sanford (R-SC), he has attempted to cast his infidelity as a love story, but this tragedy shows that it wasn’t something that happened once because “I fell in love” but a string of romances that were pointing to what would eventually happen.
Part of the problem with any moral sin is that it rarely starts with the final act. It’s something that takes place over a longer period of time. Hence why Gov. Sanford can say the following:
South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford said Tuesday that he "crossed lines" with a handful of women other than his mistress—but never had sex with them.
The governor said he "never crossed the ultimate line" with anyone but Maria Belen Chapur, the Argentine at the center of a scandal that has derailed his once-promising political career.
"This was a whole lot more than a simple affair, this was a love story," Sanford said. "A forbidden one, a tragic one, but a love story at the end of the day." [Breitbart.com – SC gov ‘crossed lines’ with women]
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July 2nd, 2009, posted by MInTheGap
Husbands, Wives
This morning I will be taking my oldest son to the doctor. Some of you know that he has struggled with allergies and we’re still trying to narrow down one of his symptoms. Today’s test will be three hours of “drink this and wait.”
Parents today can look at their children as a burden—just one more person that they’re responsible for. Parents are trained to look to others to raise their children—be they grandparents, day care or school. The thing is, you, as their parent, have the best ability to influence them for good or ill.
If you spend the time that you have together under the same roof apart from each other, getting what you think is important, you may find that you miss the opportunity to connect with your children, to pass on what truly matters and to be a good example to them.
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June 23rd, 2009, posted by MInTheGap
Encouragment, Parents
The hardest thing for a human to do is to face a problem alone. The fact is, we’re social beings—we thrive on interpersonal contact. We need one another in order to survive, especially when difficulties arrive.
That is one of the reasons that God gave Eve to Adam, and that children are born to a set of parents that love them unconditionally.
If we are to build long lasting relationships, we cannot simply be around when times are good—we also have to be there when times get difficult. We need to support one another when others seem to think that there’s no chance.
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June 22nd, 2009, posted by MInTheGap
Relationship Builder
This week has been full of family for me. Last Sunday, I went to a graduation party for my previous pastor’s oldest son and then travelled back home to celebrate (belatedly) my sister’s birthday.
Tuesday, my sister and her friend travelled to my house and spent the night.
Tomorrow we’re off to spend some time with my in-laws—to visit with my nephew and family.
Spending time with family—unplugged and talking around dinner or a campfire—helps you bond with them, helps you to reconnect and to re-establish roots.
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June 19th, 2009, posted by MInTheGap
Weekend Kindness
Barbara has a great list about marriage—speaking specifically about what a woman looks for in a husband as she passes different age milestones.
This lead me to an obvious set of questions:
- What is it that you looked for when you were out looking for a spouse?
- How does that compare to your current husband/wife?
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June 16th, 2009, posted by MInTheGap
Husbands, Wives
If you’re a girl, or you’ve dated a girl, no doubt you’ve seen a chick flick. All romance, sometimes partly comedy, these films are part of the reason that people believe what they do about marriage and love today.
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June 15th, 2009, posted by MInTheGap
Husbands, Wives
I know it’s been a while since we’ve done an actual “Weekend Kindness” challenge—I mean, I don’t know if the whole “internet grand meme” thing has gone the way of Thursday Thirteens, but as I see many blogs still doing different memes, I thought I’d offer this one.
For anyone that does it, and mentions this post (drop a comment or a trackback) I’ll include a link in the body of this post back to you.
Traditions
What family traditions do you and your family have that make you unique?
My mother is the one in the family that tried to establish different traditions. One of them was always including one of those chocolate orange candies in our Christmas stockings. Another was always making sure to kiss us good night.
As far as things we always did, we always made it to church every Sunday (morning and evening) and Wednesday nights. They always made sure we were at Vacation Bible School—either as workers or as students.
What different traditions do you have? Anything exotic?
June 12th, 2009, posted by MInTheGap
Weekend Kindness
