(From 2006) What would I do if my husband were unrepentant? I was looking for an old email this morning and I came across this letter that I had written in response to a dear, precious, godly, wise woman who was struggling in an unhappy Christian marriage. Since I’ve already posted some blogs on ‘Miserable Christian Marriages’, I thought it might be helpful to share this letter with you. Hope so! (Please note that OF COURSE, all identifying information has been changed to protect her confidentiality. I’ve also deleted some of the letter because it was not directly relevant to this topic and I’ve also taken the editorial liberty of…

(From 2006) What would I do if my husband were unrepentant? I was looking for an old email this morning and I came across this letter that I had written in response to a dear, precious, godly, wise woman who was struggling in an unhappy Christian marriage. Since I’ve already posted some blogs on ‘Miserable Christian Marriages’, I thought it might be helpful to share this letter with you. Hope so! (Please note that OF COURSE, all identifying information has been changed to protect her confidentiality. I’ve also deleted some of the letter because it was not directly relevant to this topic and I’ve also taken the editorial liberty of…

I had a strange but sweet dream last night … I dreamt that Fred and I had been together (courting?) for 17 years–but that we were not yet married. And I was longing to be married to him–and he to me. And we were just about to get engaged or married or something and I woke up. It was strange because, of course, we’re happily married. (Twelve years this August.) But sweet because the dream reminded me of just how much I love Fred and long to be married to him. (So what a gift that I am!) And then I went into our bathroom to start my day and…

If you’ve been reading my blog this week you know that I’ve been really struggling. I’ve felt tired. Overwhelmed. STRESSED OUT. There’s a lot that can (and probably SHOULD) be said about this … some of it is a result of my oft-prayerless life (and my failure to practice other disciplines of grace). Some of it is physical–I haven’t been to the gym since we lost the baby. No excuses! I was cleared to exercise after just over two weeks–so, you know, I just have to get back into the groove and “do it.” Some of it is just life in a fallen world; faith’s fight against sin; the battle…

Since we had pretty much this exact question at our Q&A today, I thought that I’d post the link to this PeaceGals post: Peace After Losing an Unbelieving Husband Hope it is an encouragement and blessing to you all!   Yours, Tara B.  

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about my single friends. Some truly believe they are called to singleness and they serve with great joy in their position. Most long for a mate and pray accordingly (even as they strive to be content in all things). I continue to whole-heartedly recommend Solo Femininity as the best (most gospel-infused, cross-centered, wise, winsome) blog out there for Christian singles (and for those of us who love them and long for them to experience all of the joys and blessings and responsibilities of the covenant family!). And I pray that my single friends will avoid pitfalls and temptations like: 1. Making an idol out…

Another must read from Carolyn McCulley. Don’t miss this amazing article on modesty! Oh–and Happy Thursday to you all–   Love, Tara B.  

Carolyn McCulley has hit it out of the park again! (And I’m not just saying this because she quotes our book. Honestly? The phrase “expectation-experience gap” is ALL JUDY D. and totally not from me! 🙂 ) Check out her article: “The Hindrance of a Hint” and let me know what you think. (And please consider visiting her blog Solo Femininity too! She is a VERY wise and godly woman.) Blessed Sabbath to you all!   Yours, Tara B.  

I woke up this morning SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited! I’ve been planning a BIG SURPRISE for the Fredster for MONTHS now and today was a “big day” with my scheming and planning and totally seeking to bless his socks off. It reminds me of our wedding rehearsal night … Yes, I was THRILLED to be marrying Fred the next day. (How GOOD it was to finally get to be together and not have to say goodbye at the end of the day.) But I also remember being EXTRAORDINARILY excited to give Fred his wedding gift (a solid-top, beautiful, hand crafted guitar that was WAY beyond our means in grad school … but…

For years, Fred and I prayed for a friend of ours. He was single, content in Christ, but longing to be married and have a family. We just KNEW that he would be the TREASURE of a husband and daddy that so many women pray for–godly, funny, smart, athletic, musical, sweet, thoughtful, faithful, kind–and so we prayed. Last year (when he was over the age of 40), he was happily, blissfully married to a wonderful woman. And last NIGHT, we heard the news that this precious couple welcomed their son, Samuel, into the world. I know that a lot of you are single. I know that you pray for spouses…