Family Matters & Priorities

My family w the grandkids in 2013

Most of my readers are probably aware of the fact that I grew up in a large family... I grew up in a close knit independent family.  Probably  a lot of families have this tendency, but if someone isn't well instead of picking up the phone to call a doctor we call our parents or our family naturopath.  Yes, my oldest sister studied naturopathy and continues to research and study in that field.  We were raised with strong values and often enough strong opinions on our family world view.  The Family World View often impacted the individuals who had wholeheartedly embraced it and were carrying it on.

In 2011 I got married to my Darling. I had been one of the family members who had picked up and carried my family of origin's Family World View.  This FWV included the belief that soy sauce, yeast flakes etc were not to be consumed.  My dearly beloved didn't have the FWV that I carried.  He had an entirely different family world view that he had embraced. Needless to say there were things I did and believed that his family world view didn't agree with.  There is really no need to go into the nitty gritty of the family rule books and the clashes that naturally occurred when Ben and I married.

Ben's immediate family with his new SIL

Ben quickly realized that marriage signified huge changes.  He was wise enough to realize that for marriage to work he and I both needed to let go of our individual family world views/rule books/cultures and forge our own together.  Ben led the way in showing me the importance of ignoring criticism from our families of each other.  It has always amazed me to see him unequivocally back me to his family & friends even when I may or may not have deserved either his support or loyalty. I have never anticipated, expected or asked for his backing.

Today I am thankful for Ben leading the way in showing me the need to keep my focus and my heart where it really mattered... Together we've worked and will continue to work together to work out what matters for us.  Finding our world view together without losing our individuality in our marriage.  I've chosen to let go and embrace us and our life together. It's wonderful.  So wonderful to let go and embrace the reality of what life is and what potential we share as the household of 'Ben and Cherith'.


I'm learning ever so slowly to prioritize my man and my daughter over anyone else. To listen to his advice before I listen to someone else.  To always have his back and defend him as a wife ought to do rather then listen to anyone put him down or criticize his decisions.  Life is a journey and it's ok if my husband is imperfect.  It's ok if he puts soy sauce on his food, it really is no one elses business.

This man and this little girl are and should always be my priority.  What they think of me is more important then what anyone else things.  In our spouse & God alone should we find emotional fulfillment.  I am so thankful for the man that God brought into my life and daughter He has given us.

Our beloved daughter