MIK

Thanks for all the help during this time. Currently my dear wife and I are doing better. We have seen our couselor, spoken with our Bishop & Stake President. Many times together and also apart. We have came to the conclusion that we should seek out all the information advailable and take it to the Lord as a couple and as individuals. There are a lot of challenges to overcome. But our chances are greater if we work through them together along with our Savior. Many of the "pros" will say to have a structured seperation contract. We choose to stand together and come up with our marriage contract that has been inspired by the Lord. We are currently in that phase. It is not easy, seems each day we are blind-sided by some new challenge. As far as, medication.... She has turned to me to insure she stays within her prescribe amount. It is something I will do, but am a little reluctant. I don't like to have even the hint of a controlling role in our progress. But, for the short term it seems that it will help. We are truly still deeply in love. We both have to forgive each other and press forward. By praying daily, reading daily, taking time to date, serving others... It all just works. We both have grown stronger over the past few weeks and are hoping that growth continues. One talk we watched together was by " It works wonderfully". In that talk we are taught that programs of men are good. But, if we are not careful they will overshadow the simple and powerful blessings of the atonement. I will say that talk really became a turning point in our choice to turn to the Savior more. Many thanks for the responses. I will post again as this chapter in our life unfolds. Mik

Not a long story here but a serious one. My wife and I have been married 8 years and are very close to entering the doors of the Temple. Due to poor choices I made, this has been put off until now. And as always Satan creeps in and try's to push up apart. We both have our own issues. She is try to control pain medication and the addiction to them. She does not take above her prescribed dosage, however her moods go all over the place. I am not innocent in this, I could be a much better man and father to our kids. I am the guy that seems to focus on the further and our well-being. And many times that has caused us to not have very much fun. The harmony in the home is lax and not getting better. i am scheduled to have my blessing restored in a few weeks. And then this bombs hits.... My wife wants a structured seperation. I had to dig to find what one was! Bascally it where you live apart and pretend your are divorced to see if you want to follow through with the real divorce. My heart - burn is that I cannot any guidance from the Church on this. All prophets teach that (except in cases of abuse) the married couple should humbly come together, knew and seek the healing power of the atonement. This is taught over and over. I feel that a structured seperation or a "time apart" or a "marriage break" are just precursors to divorce. if you have any insight, please share! Thanks, MIK