We have received a few emails over the last year that have asked if we are still here, still posting, still maintaining this blog. YES! We are still doing the work that God has placed in front of us. One of the biggest reasons that we post or don’t post is because of the Holy Spirit. If you have done any reading of our blog, you know that we ALWAYS point back to the Heavenly Father. For everything! This includes our inspiration to write. If we were to begin to post our own thoughts and ideas, this would not be a marital restoration blog. It would simply be a self-help resource. Our desire is to impact lives and marriages for His glory, not for our own recognition.
Currently, we reside in New Mexico. We would have never guessed that we would be living here but God knows. We live in the reality that He has brought us here for a reason and we love knowing that He is control of our destiny.
Many times it seems like marriage restoration is a losing battle and that there is no victory in sight. However, that is simply the enemy trying to discourage us from continuing in this fight. Let us tell you that there are victories being won out there. We have the emails and first-hand testimonies of the heavenly Father at work on behalf of those willing to stand for the marriage covenant.
Some of our dear friends faced a marital catastrophe about 5 years ago. They were on the brink of divorce. In the middle of the crisis, they called us. So ,in the middle of the night ,we went to their home. When walked in their wedding photo was smashed on the ground. Glass was everywhere. Both of them were in tears. We share this not to boast in our counseling skills but in the power of the Holy One to do what He does best. Long story cut really short...after a few hours of prayer and talking they were back from the edge. They both wanted the marriage to work but didn't know how. Now, 5 years later, they are stronger than ever. They have 2 additional children past the time of the offense. They are fervently pursuing God in every aspect of their lives.
Another family that we know was also at that moment where divorce seemed eminent a few years ago. Serena spent numerous hours talking to the wife during this time. There were a lot of hurts that both of them needed to work through. And they did! We are happy to report that this family is standing strong today!
Over a year and a half ago, we received an email from a reader. When they initially made contact with us they were separated and going through the all-too-familiar routine of marital destruction. One of them says terrible and hurtful words. The other stands and prays, even though it seems like it will do no good. We prayed for them. We encouraged them as best we could via email. It took some time before we heard back from them. However, last month we received another email praising God and giving us the good news. They have been reunited! Yea, they have a lot of work to do still but they are up for the challenge. Keep our friends in your prayers that they would experience the full restoration of their marriage.
It is so great to hear testimonies from friends and readers that have chosen to follow the direction of the Holy Spirit and stand for their marriage. It encourages us to continue this blog and keep doing what He has given to us.
As for us, well...today is the anniversary that this prodigal came home. 7 years ago, Josh woke up feeling something very strange inside of him. The only way that he can explain it is when you put on clothes that aren't yours and they don't fit right. A few hours later, he sent out a text to numerous friends and family asking for prayer. It was the first time that he acknowledged God in any area of his life. About 2 hours later, he called to ask if he could come home. He was ready to be done with living as a single man and wanted to be back with his family. It would be some time later that his heart would be home but we take whatever victories we can get! We knew that if his body was home his heart and mind would come around. His heart and mind were eventually restored by the grace of loving Heavenly Father.
Just because we are completely restored now does not mean that we don't have hard days. Like any serious wound that produces scars in our natural bodies, we still feel the effects of the past. Some days Josh feels the shame of his actions and the weight can be extremely heavy to bear. But, knows that he is forgiven by The Father and by me. Other days, Serena becomes very emotional. But, she knows that I am home and that The Father holds us in His hands. Both of us know that we are only here by the grace of God and that He has a very special plan for us. If He didn't, He wouldn't have given Josh a godly woman that has a firm foundation in Him and He wouldn't have given Serena a man that would continue to get back up even though he was severely cut down. Thank You, Father, for Your unending faithfulness!
In closing, let us say it again...we are still here. We are still standing strong for our marriage, believing that yours will experience a breakthrough, and that the devil is a liar. We still have a target on our lives because our stand for our marriage and our stand for yours. The enemy has not stopped pursuing us and we will not stop pursuing the Father. One of the reasons that the enemy has not stopped going after us and why this blog has gone so far is our willingness to be real. Marital restoration is not a walk in the park. It's a daily battle for the one that we love. We will always share with extreme transparency the ups and the downs of our life. We still believe that God is the biggest and that when we trust in Him and allow His Holy Spirit to guide us through this difficult path that He will bring total and complete restoration.We love you all and will continue to keep you in our prayers! Keep standing!
Josh and Serena
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