Theresa, from Kansas (submitted May, 2003)

Name: Theresa
Home state or country: Kansas

      My Husband Rodney and I were married 3 years ago and we each brought children. I had three boys, He had two girls. Before we were married we went through marriage counseling. This prepared us for our relationship with each other but not with how reality would be with us all together. Since we have been married we have had two children together, a boy and a girl. The children love the babies very much and in a way the babies have even made our family stronger. There has been problems with my husband's ex-spouse but with much prayer, God has given me a peace that all will be fine.

The change from being a single divorced family to a stepfamily has been very challenging. I don't expect a miracle overnight as far as settling issues are concerned, but nothing can really prepare you of what to expect. There might not always be issues between you and your spouse, it may be your in-laws who have a problem with the relationship. It may be other family members that don't agree with your decision to get remarried or to have more children etc...

God is always faithful in every situation and with Him the central part of all your decisions you can make it through. It is a day to day process that only by putting your faith and trust in God will make things better. Having a stepfamily is very rewarding and it is worth working on!