United Church of Christ Decision

LONG ago, in dating days, I knew a couple of people who were not Catholic, but not really that many. I did not really date those who weren't, as it was important in those days to be of the same Faith, and not just to Catholics.

I did, however, have a very close friend who attended the United Church of Christ. We seldom talked about our religions, other than for him to point out where he'd been confirmed, but the pastor there was the father of a younger sister's friend. Several years later, he was also the pastor of a cousin. And it was then that I learned a little more about her Church.

Over the years that I knew my friend, I sometimes wondered what it would be like to have a family in a 'mixed marriage'. I had the opportunity to really entertain that thought for a short time when a letter came five weeks before my wedding asking me to wait til the end of summer when he came home (after not having heard from him for a long time).

I did spend time thinking about what to do. Asked my mother, etc. Don't think I ever told her he was not Catholic. No longer can remember, as it was soooo long ago.

For several reasons, I did not 'wait', and one of them was the religion issue, but that WAS a real factor back then for me. I still think it helps to both have the same Faith in marriage, but am wiser now.

One cannot simply call themselves "Catholic", "Lutheran", non-denom, etc. One must live it, and it is often best if both are living the same faith. If not, even though both may say that they are the same religion, it can be just as difficult, or even more difficult than a 'blended' faith family.

I don't think that there is a human being alive that does not have a fond memory of someone in the distant past. I was reminded about this today, when I heard the news on the way home from work about the decision made by the United Church of Christ about same sex marriage. I wonder how Pastor feels about this decision...and I remembered my friend from back then, and wondered the same thing, if he is still in United Church of Christ.

So many that I know have left the Episcopalian Church recently, and I wonder if the same will happen now in United Church of Christ? (read the comments bottom up) Looks like already there are objections.

Love Acts the Part by Tom McMahon

I have been finding new blogs (new to me) lately, and am really impressed by a few pages on this one! You really have to read "Love Acts the Part", because ... it is so very very true!

In addition to several articles on Irish topics, which I love, he also has a few other special pieces on special people that are excellent. One of them is his own son.

Tom Mc Mahon, I am sorry, I do not know how to trackback, nor do I know how to put that little column of favorite blogs in the side column here. I have tried, but it does not show up. But YOURS is one I will visit again!

God bless you, your son, and Jessie...and I also loved hearing about Corned Beef and Cabbage! lol

LYRICS - I'M STILL STANDING

My theme song (with just a FEW word changes, minimal) since the first time I ever heard it.

I AM STILL STANDING!

I'm Still Standing

Music by Elton John
Lyrics by Bernie Taupin
Available on the album Too Low For Zero


You could never know what it's like
Your blood like winter freezes just like ice
And there's a cold lonely light that shines from you
You'll wind up like the wreck you hide behind that mask you use

And did you think this fool could never win
Well look at me, I'm coming back again
I got a taste of love in a simple way
And if you need to know while I'm still standing you just fade away


Don't you know I'm still standing better than I ever did
Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid
I'm still standing after all this time
Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind


I'm still standing yeah yeah yeah
I'm still standing yeah yeah yeah


Once I never could hope to win
You starting down the road leaving me again
The threats you made were meant to cut me down
And if our love was just a circus you'd be a clown by now

Copyright © 1983 Big Pig Music Limited

WHEN IN "DOUBT, THROW IT OUT" A Poem

Long ago, I 'met' this couple, and had this poem. Today, someone emailed it to me, and said 'this sounds like things you have said!

That could be because at the time that their marriage was being healed, ours was having problems. I had said to someone that I felt like a broken radio tossed out, or a disposable towel, used and thrown away. Others began to use very similar analogies, and depending on when the Phillipps' wrote this, I may have seen or heard it at one of the Stander's kinds of Conferences I had attended in those days. For sure, since the copyright date is 1987, it was the time that we were attending. It may have been in some of their information I picked up, or they may have read it. I had the privilege of meeting them, though I am but one of MANY that they have met over the years, and there would be no rememberance of it for them, I am sure.

I also had/have (if still have it, it is packed yet) their book, which I see now has been revised.
"First Aid for a Wounded Marriage" by Marilyn Phillipps is available now online.

God bless you, Mike and Marilyn, as I am thrilled to find that you are still together, still helping to heal marriages! I am hoping that they will not mind it being posted here in my blog.

WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT

By Mike & Marilyn Phillipps

Disposable curtains, disposable sheets
Disposable covers for your seats.
Use it once, use it twice.
Throw it out when no longer nice.

Disposable forks, disposable plates,
Disposable memories, forgettable dates.
Throw away cartons, discardable pens,
Disposable trash bags, where will it end?

Nothing's for certain, nothing lasts.
Today is important, forget the past.
Keep it if it's important to you,
Toss it if it's lost it's hue.

Once she loved, but now it's died.
He said he cared, but you're sure he lied.
Forget the vows, toss the rings,
Throw them out as disposable things.

Discard the old and find a new,
A better one, a one that's true.
Vow new vows, keep them for a season,
Then toss them out if you've got good reason.

Discard the home and the family, too,
Pursue those things important to you.
God wants you happy, not enduring a cross,
Too bad your happiness is your children's loss.

Children crying late at night,
Hearts broken by parental strife.
One good parent is better than two.
Another lie the devil's got through.

Disposable parents, conditional love,
Teach your children of the Father above.
God says His love is eternal too,
How do they know His Word is true?

Maybe He'll leave when the going gets tough,
Maybe His love isn't strong enough.
Maybe He loves conditionally too,
And throws you out when He's done with you.

How can a child know that God's love is strong?
When the earthly example of parent is wrong?
You vowed a vow. Is your word true?
Those children's eyes are watching you.

Do we who contain the Hope of Glory,
Have no answers for this ugly story?
How can we be overcomers in the street,
When in our own homes we're being beat?

The world has no answers for marital strife,
All they can tell you is "Get on with life."
The devil rejoices in a chance to revile,
John 13:35 is really on trial.

Don't let Satan take your marriage and home,
Tell him to back off and leave them alone.
The name of Jesus is still above divorce,
The thing does not simply have to run it's course.

If nothing is impossible to the God we serve,
Get out your Sword and throw the devil a curve.
God is faithful and His Word is true,
What He's done for others, He'll do for you.

Covenant love is covenant love,
Between man and wife or with our Father above.
It's strong and stable, unconditional, too,
And it's never discarded for something new.

Mike and Marilyn Phillipps are the founders and international directors of Marriage Ministries Intl, a ministry that develops and nurtures marriages through principles found in God's scripture. Check out their web site at www.marriage.org. © 1987 Marriage Ministries International.