THREE STRANDS I Have Found the One BY CINDY SOUTHWORTH I have found the one my soul loves. (Song of Solomon 3:4 EHV)
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his beautiful scripture, though paraphrased, was displayed in Ted and Carolyn’s bedroom as a reminder of their love for each other. However, after twenty-five years of marriage, it was difficult for them to remember a time when that verse sparked romantic feelings in their heart. How had their hearts grown so cold? Ted and Carolyn are not unique. Many couples are reaching out for help because unmet expectations have caused conflict, and like Ted and Carolyn, the result is that the individuals end up on divergent paths. Their check-up with a marriage coach reveals they both have been feeling emotionally distant; a lot of tension exists in the relationship; stress has taken its toll; each has been emotionally unavailable; small issues have recently escalated; and they don’t really know what their partner is thinking. Their joy has been fading away. Even though they know they need to talk, they really don’t know where to begin, and the result is invading loneliness. A weekend marriage intensive reveals several issues. Ted and Carolyn learn they need to become more emotionally safe with each other so they can return to being vulnerable with each other. They identify how early childhood experiences are fueling their limiting beliefs about themselves. They identify their own personal needs and start
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