Originally posted by isshinwhat
Nahhh...we're being good
Oh, no no, lol. I know you are. I was just poking fun.
Well, here's the fun part... She originally had no problem with oral contraceptives, but after reading about their abortive effects, she agrees they are better left in the package. However... she has a pretty bad case of endometriosis which causes her terrible pain. Outside of a few herbal remedies that may or may not work, the standard fix is either A: Get pregnant- which will either inflame the situation or alleviate it pretty much all together- or B: be put on Birth Control. I friend from another board was a pharmacist, so he has helped out a lot and we are looking into a few new methods, but we're still reading on them as of now.
Thank God that she realized about the pill. May God heal her through the coming of future little ones, this I pray, Amen.
As for barrier methods, she doesn't really see the big deal. It is hard to explain the ends and outs of why it is wrong in the eyes of the Church when she's not familiar with some of the theology, but I think she understands the Catholic position better now than she did. Now its up to the Holy Spirit to convict her.
I know. I used to not understand either, but now I know that barrier methods are not natural, unitive, or pleasing to God. I drew that conclusion, in fact, from some Church pamphlets on the subject. But I was also pleased to learn that founding Reformed fathers such as Calvin and Spurgeon also agreed with me.
For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be
joined to his wife; and they shall become
one flesh. - Genesis 2:24, NASB, bolding mine
I take that passage quite literally. Sometimes peers snicker because I use that scripture for justification, and it really breaks my heart.
But I stand firm in my conviction with God as my witness, even though they scorn my belief. I just don't understand why a married couple would purposely
punish each other like that, denying God's whole and natural gift of complete physical intimacy. It's just
beyond me.
You know, I didn't know just how much I did need it until I met Carole. It is such a source of strength for us. It makes it much easier to let go of those selfish little things we all do and replace it with selflessness for the sake of becoming more and more one person. I believe that's only fully possible with Christ firmly in the relationship. When things get hectic and we leave Him out, even just a little, we can both tell in our dynamic. Things just go so much smoother when He's around.
I pray that my future gf and I keep Christ at the center of our relationship. Not only would He keep us both in check, but having Him there would also continuously encourage and drive us toward a closer relationship with God, instead of us thinking we could make it on our own. We could never make it without Him, and that's the honest truth.
As for the praying on dates. We hold hands and pray before meals, whether we're at home or at McDonald's. We get some funny looks every now and then, but you'd be surprised how many people will stop a conversation or bow their heads as well when you say grace, no matter where you are. I guess it's like being a human Rosary-in-the-pocket Sometimes it makes you realize how big our family really is God bless, Joe. I'm headed out of town until the weekend to go do some flying. Must keep current or I'll never get a good job. College was so much more convenient!
Sometimes I wish I had a gf,
just because we could jointly present our faith to others in public in such a gentle and humble way as through prayer. I used to think prayer was so small, just a formality for sunday worship. Now, I don't think I could live without it. Talking with God is such a precious thing, and I can't think of any greater thing than to share it with my special girl, whoever she will be. *sniffles*
BTW, have you ever tried Marian prayers around Carole? If so, how did she react? Anyhoo...
God bless and take care Neal. I look forward to talking with you again.
Third, I love how much family is emphasized in your Church. I always hear about y'all having family prayer time and how good you teach your children about God and how much you love them. Well, that's all I can think of right now. I'll add some more as we go along. I would really love it if as any Catholics as possible could respond, even if it's just a little post. I would really like that. 
