I married WAY too young and naive. I had never dated, was home-schooled and very isolated. I believed every word my husband told me and found out very early on it was all a lie. Still, I stuck it out, through abuse and negligence- until I was forced to leave to protect my children. I know divorce isn't looked upon well by Christians- I hate it too- but in my case there was no alternative. Although I was married for 11 years, we were separated the last 2 3/4 years and as I said before- he was the only person I have ever dated- which makes me way more inexperienced than most girls a lot younger than me.
I am not the naive little girl I was years ago- going through all of this has made me a much stronger person and getting away from my husband's terrorizing ways has allowed me to discover who I really am. I have recently learned that I am very artistically talented. This is a God-given gift as I have no training. My artistic passions come out mostly in photography, scrapbooking and decorating. I have used these abilities for my church - decorating for events, banquets and holidays, and for friends and family members. My artistic pride and joy would have to be decorating my parents' home to sell this past spring when my father lost his job. We spent 2 weeks getting it ready to sell and it sold in just 2 weeks in a bad housing market- Praise God! I hope to some day use my talents to start my own business, and to help others. My dream is to open a shop and to train and provide job skills and a steady income for other single moms in similar situations.
I am currently taking some time off ministry-wise, but in the past I have been very involved in my church, especially in the youth group. Most people see teenagers as a sub-human species, but I find them to be some of the most spiritually open of all people. It is so fascinating to be a part of a young person's spiritual development and see them off into the world knowing they are well-equipped to face every battle and temptation that may come their way. Throughout the years I have worked with every stage of child- from the nursery on up. I'm not sure what the future holds for me in ministry, but I have high hopes for all that God holds in His plans for my future. I do hope that I can use my musical skills- I love to sing, am currently in the choir at my church and do specials with my family, but my real passion is for worship. I hope that God will someday use me to lead His people into passionate true worship. I also hope that He can use my "story" to touch and encourage other women healing from abusive situations.
I would love to find an amazing man of God who I could marry and have a true (loving, functional) family with, but if that i not God's will, I am ok with it (but I really hope it is His will!) I know that He has held me up throughout this entire process and He will never let me go- and that is enough for me.
Ok, this is really long and I doubt anyone has even read this far, so I'm "signing off" : )
My Ideal Person:
I have a great sense of humor and I'm SMART, so I want someone who is witty and likes to laugh... and can laugh at himself. I need someone I can talk to... who likes to listen, but can carry on his end of the conversation. I don't like being talked AT though- if you know what I mean. I'm kind of outgoing, but not crazy outgoing, so I think my guy would have to be slightly more outgoing than me.. but a little shy would be ok too.
I'm not a crazy outdoorsy person, so if you're looking for someone to go hunting with you in January at 4 am, look elsewhere! I do like walks, the woods, beaches, light hiking (no cliffs, skydiving, etc.- I'm petrified of heights!). My family usually goes camping every summer or two. Animals are ok- I'm a country girl, but not the let's raise 400 head of cattle or I'm going to muck out the barn type. Some animals are ok. Cats, I'm allergic to (as well as rabbits and I think birds), but even then, I can be around them within reason. I like living in the country, just not too much country... if you're looking for a farm girl I have a sister who would be perfect for you- LOL.
I'm also not crazy active.. if you want someone to run marathons, it's not me! But if you like walks, bike rides, bowling... that's all good.
Mainly I want someone I can talk to, laugh with, love, and live out the wonderful life God has planned for us. I want someone who is a Christian every day, not just Sundays, who is active in the ministry, who is understanding and forgiving, who won't wait for me to mess up so he can pounce on me and throw my shortcomings in my face. Mostly, someone whose main desire in life is to be as Christ-like as possible.
Favorite television shows:
House, Psych, Chuck, the office, american idol, jon &
kate plus 8
Favorite films:
Pride & Prejudice, No Reservations, Pirates of the
Carribbean (1), Princess Bride
Favorite musicians or bands:
DCtalk, Third Day, Switchfoot, Faith Hill, Martina McBride,
Carrie Underwood,
View more of try2dwjw's responses
Please describe your faith. How important is your faith to you?
My faith is the foundation for all of my beliefs. It is an integral part of my everyday life. It is also my heritage- my Grandfather is a retired Assemblies of god Minister.
Which Scripture verses are most important to you?
Philippians 4 has been a rock to me these past few years... especially verses 6-7 (Be anxious for nothing, but in everything through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.)
The Psalms are also a favorite... I've lost count how many times I have read through all of the Psalms... probably 4 or 5 times the last few years alone. They are so comforting to me.
Why is a Christian relationship so important to you?
I wouldn't even consider a marriage with someone whose beliefs didn't line up with my own... it would be like buying shoes 2 sizes too small... a bad fit that makes no sense at all. Christ is my Savior, redeemer, my strength, my shield, my rock, my fortress, my hope, my deliverer, my friend and counselor. He is more to me than any man ever could be, so why would I trade that to have someone whose beliefs are different?
Where did you grow up? Where have you traveled? What are some of your favorite places to visit?
Southern CA & Southwest MI (1 mile from Lake Mi)
I now live in rural northeast Ohio
I have traveled to probably about 35 of the 50 states (we did road trips form CA to Ohio when I was a kid- my mom tried to make sure we went a different route so we saw new places). I've also been to Canada a few times and SEEN Mexico, although we didn't cross the border.
A few years ago I got to fulfill a lifelong dream - I went to Europe! My mom and two of my sisters and I spent 3 weeks in England, France, Italy, Ireland and the Netherlands. I loved it so much and I want to go back someday!
What are your favorite activities both at Church and outside?
My church is going through a tough time right now and there aren't a lot of activities going on. I do enjoy attending social activites when the church offers them- dinners, picnics, bonfires, young adults get togethers, etc.
I have been putting together my own girls night out periodically over the past couple of years and that's always a blast. I've finally realized in my 30s that I need time away from the kids just with other girls having fun. I'm making more friends and growing closer to the ones I have. I think God knew what He was talking about when He told us to fellowship with each other.
Outside of church stuff, I do occasional things with other home-schoolers, but mostly I hang out with my big, crazy close-knit family.
What is your day like? Describe your daily routine.
I work usually 3-4 days a week, 8:30 am - ~ 5:30 pm. (babysitting 3 kids and a puppy, cooking, cleaning, picking up one from daycare). After work I go pick up my kids at my Mom's house and either have dinner there or go home and make dinner. After dinner I have some time to wind down and that's pretty much the day. Days I have off I spend cleaning, running errands and doing school with the kids. Weekends are no different- I don't work but I still have to school the kids. Being a single, working, home-school parent is hectic, but I think it is worth the sacrifice.
What are some of your personal and spiritual goals?
I want to be more patient with my kids, be a better example to them, teach them more about spiritual things- I focus so much on their education sometimes I forget about their spiritual growth.
I want to develop my talents- artistic and musical and use them in ministry. I'd also like to further my education through online or distance learning. I would like to open a business and support my family with it.
My goal is to read my Bible and pray every day... it's so hard to do sometimes, but I know I can do it if I make it a priority.
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