'Nervous Bride-to-be,' from California (submitted July, 2004)

Name: Nervous Bride to Be
Home state or country: California

Thank you to "Still Praying" from my home state of Georgia. 

I am engaged to a man who has three children from a previous relationship.  They were together for more than ten years, but were never married.  Therefore, I am experiencing a backlash of bitterness and jealousy from the childrens' mom. 

The children are wonderful and I adore them.  Yet, I'm frightened.  Anything I do will come under scrutiny from their mother.  Also, what's acceptable in their home is not always acceptable in mine.  Therefore, I'm concerned about how things will be when my fiance' and I are married and start having more children.  It seems there will be a double standard when it comes to child rearing ideals. 

So, thank you again to "Still Praying" for giving me a point of reference and with GOD's Word spreading your peace which surpasses all understanding.  I will continue to put my trust and hope in Christ Jesus Who is the Author and Finisher of my faith.  HE didn't give us a spirit of fear...but of POWER, LOVE and a SOUND MIND.