P.S. We were just talking about pictures today! I’ve put Bria to the task of another photo shoot

“What if we are already married and didn’t have a totally “pure” marriage such as these young people did? Does this make our marriages less “pure” or insignificant because we pursued recreational dating (due to parents maybe not knowing another way)?”

I mentioned briefly in the link, “A Personal Note..”, how I felt about this. No, I don’t think our marriages are less at all in God’s eyes. I think, however, that just like any other “breaking of God’s laws/natural laws” that there are consequences that can remain, even after we’ve been spiritually redeemed. Much the same as someone who is unfaithful in marriage and then repents and get forgiveness. Forgiveness doesn’t necessarily wipe away the repercussions. (That may be a bad example????)

Most all of us participated in recreational dating. Some probably have worse “baggage” than others. I’ve shared about how I was involved in several serious relationships, gave my heart away multiple times, was intimately involved, had a child out of wedlock, etc. I know without a doubt that my past has had negative effects on my marriage. It doesn’t mean I’m not forgiven. I still think God honors my marriage, I’m just aware that even issues within my heart probably stem from “sinning against my own body”–my own betrayal of what was sacred.

By the same token, I think everyone is affected differently, and everyone has unique circumstances from his/her past. Some may “feel” like dating wasn’t harmful at all. I think more often than not, people don’t even realize how it affected them.

Sorry to answer in a book

Even though I will probably never have children (I’m 40), I was deeply moved by the courtship stories that you shared. I had not read them before (even though I come to your blog often), so it was a pleasant treat (smiles).

I just had some questions though. What if we are already married and didn’t have a totally “pure” marriage such as these young people did? Does this make our marriages less “pure” or insignificant because we pursued recreational dating (due to parents maybe not knowing another way)? How do you think God views marriages that were pursued via recreational dating even though the couple is currently pursing God’s way of life? These are sincere questions, and I was just curious as to your thoughts.

BTW, when you come across more courtship stories such as these two, PLEASE share them! I enjoy reading them (smiles).

P.S. Also, when are you going to share with us new pictures of Ellia (I hope I spelled her name correctly.)?

Two thoughts come to mind…first, it’s doubtful, having raised sons to seek wives who place a priority on purity, that he would even be interested in someone who was involved in recreational dating. That’s not supposed to imply “snobbiness” or say that our sons might not marry a girl who has dated, just that from where we are right now, it would see most logical that he would want to pursue a girl more like-minded…not there yet, so hard to say.

Secondly, if the situation were such, I’m thinking the process (whatever that is for us) could still be followed.