tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2432734053115127369.post6420595921652731384..comments2023-07-05T03:28:27.772-07:00Comments on Shalom, Dena: Very Personal Update ...Denahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05100904350829701234noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2432734053115127369.post-16656243077327165912010-05-17T20:33:16.735-07:002010-05-17T20:33:16.735-07:00(((Diana)))
You've deeply touched my heart! ...(((Diana)))<br /><br />You've deeply touched my heart! Thank you for this kindness! I'm currently on a soul-searching private retreat ... but I was about to use the blog to post some thoughts that struck me in my reading this morning. Your loving comment is so very appreciated!<br /><br />May we all learn more and more about love ... <br /><br />And yes, it'll be wonderful to see you both in August!!!Denanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2432734053115127369.post-60779324129835122262010-05-17T20:28:40.623-07:002010-05-17T20:28:40.623-07:00Also, thanks for sharing your heart. It has helpe...Also, thanks for sharing your heart. It has helped me and I hope it will help others.dianaluvsunoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2432734053115127369.post-69055867072386873392010-05-17T20:26:00.638-07:002010-05-17T20:26:00.638-07:00Dena, I have not been on here since you came to Ba...Dena, I have not been on here since you came to Baytown. My sweet friend, my heart breaks for your pain during this growing season. I have read all these post and all I can say is, " I just love you". <br /><br />My comment to the judging.....This is an imperfect world with imperfect people.., but we have a perfect Father. Thank goodness God has equipped some of us to do what He said, "encourage and lift up one another". We ALL have different struggles and one is not worse than the other. Jesus said to "love one another". That is the simplicity of this whole situation. Our job is to love, love, love, and sometimes we get it right and sometimes we don't. Thank goodness for GRACE. I like to say," we are called as lovers, not judgers".<br /><br />I so miss you and look forward to seeing you when we come up in August. I will be praying for His wisdom and strength in your situation. <br /><br />My peace and joy abound, <br />Dianadianaluvsunoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2432734053115127369.post-12833169014681394402010-05-13T04:19:32.029-07:002010-05-13T04:19:32.029-07:00Sandy - it took great courage to say what you said...Sandy - it took great courage to say what you said. I admire you greatly for it. Peace enfold you.<br /><br />HarryHarry Rileyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14341037712756284832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2432734053115127369.post-68121765770226268942010-05-11T01:06:12.887-07:002010-05-11T01:06:12.887-07:00No one involved here is in the realm of Christiani...No one involved here is in the realm of Christianity ... so certain positions and suggestions do not apply.<br /><br />It would be good for people not living in this household, who are not experiencing nor witnessing what's actually occurring here, to perhaps withhold judgment. Projecting one's own perspective and past experience onto another's life is ineffective at best, and intrusive. Questions, rather than assumptions, would be most helpful at this point in time. <br /><br />We who are directly involved, are working this out, together. Advice is only welcomed when asked for. And even then, what we most need, is found within, rather than from outside.<br /><br />Just be love. <br /><br />That's all.Denanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2432734053115127369.post-79759526861826474572010-05-10T21:46:24.936-07:002010-05-10T21:46:24.936-07:00Sandy, for my part, I apologise unreservedly. I...Sandy, for my part, I apologise unreservedly. I'm in regular touch with Mark and, very occasionally, Dena, so that's all I can say just now.Harry Rileyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14341037712756284832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2432734053115127369.post-77313426897219011372010-05-10T13:44:51.136-07:002010-05-10T13:44:51.136-07:00Initially I started writing this as an anonymous u...Initially I started writing this as an anonymous user. I decided what's the point? It saddens me greatly to see someone pulled into the dredge of adultery. Into a fog so thick there is only gray. Only able to see yourself and your needs.<br />I was there, four years ago. I wanted my cake and eat it too. For a while I justified to myself and to those who would support me, that I was happier this way. Living in a fog has it's perks. I gave my heart to another man, at the same time believing that my heart still belonged to the man I'm married to. Dena you know what happened. You and Mark both prayed for us. Only through the amazing love of Jesus did Mike and I come through it. I've read all of the comments on here and Facebook. Some of them amaze me. I agree with Anonymous. Especially this statement, "This is the kind of love Jesus displayed? NOT! Jesus told the woman taken in adultery to go and sin no more. That means He identified what she did as sin, and He told her to knock it off. Do I see that example followed here? I do not." This isn't casting stones, as some have said, it's stating a true fact. Black and white. He didn't say go and continue to do this because it gives you a higher spiritual fulfillment, it's more love and you will live happily ever after. Jesus said go and sin no more. <br />I guess what I don't understand is how all of this hurt is so justifiable? Well being in a position of hurting those I love, I guess I get it to a point. The pain I feel from what I put my husband through is still very fresh after even four years. <br /><br />These are not the actions from someone who I came to respect and look up to. Do I think there is a simple solution? Yes I do. Is it easy? Absolutely not. Who wants to confront themselves for being selfish and expecting others to try and be happy with their selfish decisions? No one. Not me, I didn't. <br />Please don't take this as condemnation but receive this for what it is. Truth. I have been the cause of extreme pain to satisfy a selfish need/desire. I can call it out, because I've been there. I can't just say "I love you, you're amazing, and I'm praying", because that wouldn't be honest, which is what I did in an email originally. That's sugar coating it. <br />I'm not writing because I worry about your salvation or your relationship with God, that's between you and Him. I just get to pray. I'm here because I recognize the empty spot in your heart and the open wounds in Marks. I do love you guys and pray that this will be resolved quickly, the damage that has been done will be completely healed, and that only through Jesus will you find that higher spiritual fulfillment and amazing love you're searching for.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2432734053115127369.post-27937812323703702502010-04-22T09:13:47.902-07:002010-04-22T09:13:47.902-07:00Anonymous - I know you are. We all are. Do you thi...Anonymous - I know you are. We all are. Do you think we're all callous and unfeeling? Again, why don't you identify yourself? It seems very childish to hide, to say the least.<br /><br />Again, you simply don't know what is really going on in this family, so your comments carry no weight.Harry Rileyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14341037712756284832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2432734053115127369.post-52512625634598386932010-04-22T08:59:55.208-07:002010-04-22T08:59:55.208-07:00MysticBrit said...
"What is more, you are go...MysticBrit said...<br /><br />"What is more, you are going against Mark's wishes in this. You are intruding."<br /><br />I'm just sticking up for the kids. Funny how that makes me a bad person. Meh.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2432734053115127369.post-70665622321762463782010-04-20T22:09:36.229-07:002010-04-20T22:09:36.229-07:00Praying... as a child who has experienced this sor...Praying... as a child who has experienced this sort of thing from a child's perspective... I'm praying.Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08130237473683334680noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2432734053115127369.post-7380642082727034842010-04-18T23:22:44.596-07:002010-04-18T23:22:44.596-07:00Dena, we're all connected. Nothing ever stays...Dena, we're all connected. Nothing ever stays the same. If you do the tough thing now, you will end up well. Now is the time to hunker down and batten down the hatches. I have no advice for how to do that, but I don't want you to be left dangling somewhere, with America falling apart. <br /><br />Love never stands alone. In scripture it is always accompanied by faith and hope (faith, hope and charity); charity being the pure love of Christ, both expressed and received. <br /><br />Just remember, Connie says true love never stands alone. True love is god's love, and god's love is inseparably connected to faith and hope. <br /><br />May we all be more <b>fervent</b> in our prayers for one another.<br /><br />James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.<br /><br />James 5: 16<br /> 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual <b>fervent</b> prayer of a righteous man availeth much.<br /><br />1 Pet. 1: 22<br /> 22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart <b>fervently</b>:<br /><br />1 Pet. 4: 8<br /> 8 And above all things have <b>fervent</b> charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.cwtpmomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16954806563347252913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2432734053115127369.post-9023861278953283812010-04-18T21:33:44.213-07:002010-04-18T21:33:44.213-07:00Dena - you certainly won't be the same. I guar...Dena - you certainly won't be the same. I guarantee it.Harry Rileyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14341037712756284832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2432734053115127369.post-83765196713727307602010-04-18T21:29:25.354-07:002010-04-18T21:29:25.354-07:00Anonymous - my statement still stands. I am not at...Anonymous - my statement still stands. I am not attacking you, but simply asking you to identify yourself. I won't debate with anyone who hides. What have you to lose by identifying yourself?<br /><br />What is going on here is far more than you seem to be aware of, and nothing you say is helping the situation. What is more, you are going against Mark's wishes in this. You are intruding.Harry Rileyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14341037712756284832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2432734053115127369.post-87760134110873659392010-04-18T17:05:29.527-07:002010-04-18T17:05:29.527-07:00Yes, Paige ... that was a wonderful comment! So f...Yes, Paige ... that was a wonderful comment! So full of love! It's been all-consuming here, on every level ... and I've not been able to keep up, but I do read, notice and appreciate..!<br /><br />I do know this ... like keeps working, no matter what we think.Denanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2432734053115127369.post-15873468022708947022010-04-18T15:22:04.316-07:002010-04-18T15:22:04.316-07:00Actually, my first post was in response to Anonymo...Actually, my first post was in response to Anonymous #1. Did you read it?Paigenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2432734053115127369.post-518342644251560052010-04-18T13:10:21.418-07:002010-04-18T13:10:21.418-07:00MysticBrit - Funny how you use my anonymity to rej...MysticBrit - Funny how you use my anonymity to reject what I say. Seems like a case of if you can not discredit the message then discredit the messenger. Meh.<br /><br />The truth of God does not rest on the one who says it. Reject His truth or accept it. There is a lot of cheep talk about love here. I do not see love in what Dena is doing to her children. I do not see godly love in those who support her unloving ways.<br /><br />By the way, I have not posted most of the "anonymous" comments here. Funny how no one had a problem with an anonymous +1.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2432734053115127369.post-28404407548642382002010-04-18T12:32:00.136-07:002010-04-18T12:32:00.136-07:00Though I've not been able to post, or even to ...Though I've not been able to post, or even to commment ... I've been reading. I'm so astonished at what's unfolding here ...<br /><br />I'll be posting an update soon ... much is happening. The love shown here is breathtaking ... I'm in awe.<br /><br />MUCH love to you all ... thank you Paige, Harry, and Connie. Yes, Connie, you nailed it. That's the message I'm giving with my life ... the message my children are hearing. <br /><br />Today, and this week, are pivotal. I ask for support ... my prayer is for the most benevolent outcome, for ALL...!<br /><br />It's an honor to know you all. I'll never be the same again ...!Denanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2432734053115127369.post-37145551864051058622010-04-18T12:13:36.566-07:002010-04-18T12:13:36.566-07:00Anonymous said, "How would I know?"
Tha...Anonymous said, "How would I know?"<br /><br />That's a good place to start. Question your assumptions. You've assumed much about those of us posting comments here too. Question those assumptions, too.Paigenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2432734053115127369.post-10963565873337520092010-04-18T11:27:18.558-07:002010-04-18T11:27:18.558-07:00Dena wouldn't want anyone to pattern their lif...Dena wouldn't want anyone to pattern their life after her. Her message is for everyone to learn to think for themselves.cwtpmomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16954806563347252913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2432734053115127369.post-27061969293668179352010-04-17T22:06:55.508-07:002010-04-17T22:06:55.508-07:00Anonymous - until you come out from your cloak of ...Anonymous - until you come out from your cloak of anonymity, why should anyone take you seriously? No other commenter is hiding. Have you been through anything like what this family is going through? If not, then cease and desist.<br /><br />I notice Jesus also said something about those who are sinless casting the first stone.<br /><br />And do you think everyone who comments here, or just reads, is unable to form their own ideas, but needs someone else to tell them what to think? That we are so susceptible and gullible that we believe every word Dena writes, and take it as absolute truth? That we take her life as a pattern for ours? If you do, you are badly mistaken.Harry Rileyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14341037712756284832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2432734053115127369.post-9729002470995424942010-04-17T17:02:01.118-07:002010-04-17T17:02:01.118-07:00This is the kind of love Jesus displayed? NOT! Jes...This is the kind of love Jesus displayed? NOT! Jesus told the woman taken in adultery to go and sin no more. That means He identified what she did as sin, and He told her to knock it off. Do I see that example followed here? I do not.<br /><br />But wait! Jesus was much harder on those who were teachers or leaders. Regardless of what Dena says, she is clearly a leader and a teacher. Her examples, good or bad, carry more influence. Why can’t the people here do what Jesus did when leaders sinned?<br /><br />As for Mark ... is he showing love or is he doing the only thing he thinks he can do? How would I know? How would anyone know? I do not think Mark or Dena are be thinking of their children. Can we guess as the anguish that those precious ones are feeling as they wait to learn if mommy is going to dump daddy for some young buck?<br /><br />My suggestion to all is to stop enabling this travesty and start praying for the children.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2432734053115127369.post-76580541280642366352010-04-16T21:47:15.209-07:002010-04-16T21:47:15.209-07:00Cheryl, what you said.
You say, sometimes the ac...Cheryl, what you said. <br /><br />You say, sometimes the act of loving changes us... I say, <i>every time</i>.<br /><br />Mark, Dena, you are an inspiration.Harry Rileyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14341037712756284832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2432734053115127369.post-55123303405290685632010-04-16T13:30:12.469-07:002010-04-16T13:30:12.469-07:00http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWqtwzEfRKYhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWqtwzEfRKYCheryl Ensomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15828481157841502221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2432734053115127369.post-49131230109644028032010-04-16T13:25:39.040-07:002010-04-16T13:25:39.040-07:00how ironic that "anonymous" and I were l...how ironic that "anonymous" and I were leaving comments at exactly the same time! <br /><br />I hope you experience this sort of love at some point in your life, anonymous. This is the kind of radical, illogical, unreasonable love that Jesus displayed. This is the same love that caused him to say, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do," WHILE he was being tortured. This kind of love sees the humanity in another and recognizes it as the humanity inside of him or herself and then extends the kind of love he/she wants to receive to the other person. <br /><br />Ridiculous love....that's what I want to give and receive, even in the most painful of circumstances. I'm am so inspired by Dena and Mark. Thank you both. <br /><br />Anonymous, can you just sit for a minute and think about how you would feel if the "other" in your life responded to you as Mark is responding? Can you imagine the way "ridiculous love" would change the inside of you? This sort of love changes people...moves things around inside them...heals old wounds. Safe love, fair love and reasonable/"normal" love keeps us panting for more. We always are wondering deep, deep down inside if we will be loved at the very end of ourselves, when we have nothing left to give, when we're at our worst, when we can't even lift our head off the pillow. We always wonder, "If I break, will someone love the pieces that are left of me?" Not everyone gets to find out that they will be or that they are loved that way. Not everyone gets to LOVE that way. <br /><br />A line from the Velveteen Rabbit comes to mind...I just watched it with my kids...the skin horse says, "We got it wrong! it's not being loved that makes us real, it's lovING!" Sometimes the act of loving changes us. Think about how loving your newborn changes you, brings out the best in you, the strength you never could have called forth but somehow is called forth by this helpless, screaming infant. Loving changes us.<br /><br />I just want to extend my support, respect and gratefulness to Dena and mark. I was just at my mom's and was telling her your story (what i know of it) and I told her that the only way to explain this kind of love is to compare it to Jesus. I've never encountered another human being displaying love like this. Mark, I am flabbergasted. Dena, your honesty and courage and determination to follow the truth inside of you, WHEREVER that takes you is astounding. I am in awe of and thinking about you both, as well as your kids.Cheryl Ensomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15828481157841502221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2432734053115127369.post-13001858265683467402010-04-15T22:55:05.183-07:002010-04-15T22:55:05.183-07:00speechless....dena and mark, you are amazing peopl...speechless....dena and mark, you are amazing people. I am in tears. thank you for your honesty. for modeling love. I don't know what else to say...i emailed you, dena. but I hope you will call me. I really want to talk to you.Cheryl Ensomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15828481157841502221noreply@blogger.com