How is Marriage defined?

I don't mean how does the government define marriage, but how does scripture define marriage. I have been in a battle of late that has left me with many questions on how and what God views as a marriage relationship. I am asking this question here and may post it on my Facebook because I am wanting to get alot of feedback, and since I haven't blogged in a while, I'm not sure many people come by anymore (just you little ole' faithful ones, whom I adore!)

This morning I began my Bible study in Matthew 5. I stopped at Matthew 5:23-25, because this is the section where Christ is talking about divorce. I have been writing down scripture that pertains to marriage, so after I read that passage I went back to Malachi. In Malachi God is talking about "the wife of your youth". Here is the scripture, taken from the Amplified Bible:

Yet you ask, Why does He reject it? Because the Lord was witness [to the covenant made at your marriage] between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously and to whom you were faithless. Yet she is your companion and the wife of your covenant [made by your marriage vows].

And did not God make [you and your wife] one [flesh]? Did not One make you and preserve your spirit alive? And why [did God make you two] one? Because He sought a godly offspring [from your union]. Therefore take heed to yourselves, and let no one deal treacherously and be faithless to the wife of his youth.

Notice the word "covenant". In marriage God is a witness to a covenant you are making to each other. He is there (at some type of ceremony, right) as a witness, and when God witnesses or is part of a covenant it is lasting.

So my question is (leaving the state you live in out of it), what in God's eyes is he a witness too? What is taking place that God would say "I am a witness"? Can two people in their hearts without representation covenant with God to be man and wife, or does more need to take place?

O.K. ladies and gentlemen (if men still read this blog), what say ye? If you have anyone that doesn't come to my blog that can give insight, please pass this on!!!

Random Dozen

I would like to thank Linda for keeping me blogging at least once a week!

1. Tell me something about your favorite teacher.

My favorite teacher was Mr. Clark, my accounting teacher. He was my favorite because he was COOL, and by the 3rd year of accounting we were pretty much left to ourselves. Teeangers!

2. Tell me about one pivotal moment in your life.

The death of my father almost 20 years ago. I say that and I still can't believe it has been that long! I still wish I could see him and talk to him. Especially right now when I need some really good, firm, biblical guidance. He never met my husband, or saw my children, and they never got to meet him. It still and will always bring tears to my eyes!

3. About favorite colors--a lot of people will ask you what it is, but I want to know why it is. What feeling or memory does it evoke?

Yellow is my favorite. Not loud yellow, but a soft yellow. It is a calming color to me, and it is the color of my favorite flower - the daffodil. I love seeing fields of pretty yellow daffodils. Someday I also want a house by a lake that is pale yellow with white shutters.

4. What's a sure sign that you're getting older?

The hairs growing out of my chin, and the one nasty black hair out the side of my neck!!! I have blonde hair for pete's sake, where did that black one come from???!!!!

5. Please don't sermonize, but Halloween--is it a yes or no for you?

We were not allowed to do Halloween when I was growing up. We have allowed our kids to trick or treat, but no scary costumes or evil costumes. My son has gone as Psalty the singing song book, and Methusalah, amongst other things. This year his scary costume is Hillary Clinton. Bekah has been mostly dogs. This year she will be a pink poodle.

6. What's your favorite musical?

The Sond of Music. When I hear the father sing "Edelweiss" I get all misty. I love that song!

7. Are you more of a city mouse or country mouse?

Country definitely country. I grew up in the country and loved it. My husband wants to move into a development for the kids, but I would prefer moving further out!!!

8. Did you know that it is possible, for a small fee, to name a real star after someone? (It's true! Google it!) If someone were to name a star for you, would you appreciate it for its whimsy and romance, or would you say, "Are you kidding me? For $19.95 we could have gone to the movie and actually bought popcorn.

I would like the money spent on something more worthwhile, like a date night! God's already given me the Sun, Moon and Stars!

"This question comes from Paula at His Ways Are Not Our Ways.

9. What's the craziest thing you've ever been doing and texted during it? I only thought of this b/c I was about to try to text during my walking video but I didn't.Paula, you do know that this blog is rated G, right?

Sorry I don't text.

10. "It's not a party unless _______."

There's alot of great food!

11. When you're stuck in traffic or a waiting room, what do you do to pass the time? PS: There are no magazines available.

Look through my purse, and if my memory verses are in there study those. Otherwise just clean the purse.

12. If you weren't yourself, would you be friends with you?

Probably. I would probably get tired of the way I cut myself down all the time though. Maybe check caller I.D., if I'm just not in the mood.

Just to show you I'm still here - A Random Dozen

Just to let you all know that I am alive and well I thought I would participate in Linda's Random Dozen. I'm thinking Facebook has ruined me for blogging!!! I find writing little snippets are easier then writing posts!!! Sad state of affairs!!!! Here goes! I don't know how well I did for my first one, but it helped to post something!!!!

1. I've always wondered why we were taught both printing and cursive. Do you prefer to print or write cursive?
I do a little bit of both. One work may have both printing and cursive in it. Is that a left brain, right brain thing???

2. Are you a dreamer or a realist?
Oh My a realist, definitely!!! I am about order and reality!

3. Billy Joel or Elton John?
Elton John. He definitely is a talented guy.

4. What is the scariest movie you've ever seen? Not limited to horror flicks but also includes ones where the tension or suspense is killer, for example, Flightplan (2005): A bereaved woman and her daughter are flying home from Berlin to America. At 30,000 feet the child vanishes and nobody admits she was ever on that plan.
Silence of the Lamb! "I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti" SCARY!!!!

5. Now what is the scariest real-life moment you've had?
Boy when faced with a question I come up blank. The one thing that is coming to mind is the day my dad died. I know there have to be more, but right now I guess there is not enough coffee flowing through my brain to get it moving!!!

6. What word do you misspell without fail?
Oh bugger I can't think of one!!! I know there are many!!! I don't know how good I am at this Random dozen stuff! But it has been fun!!!

7. Name something you like to do but are not really talented or good at.
Fishing! I love to go out with my husband. I don't understand all there is to fishing: the bait for what fish, where to fish, etc.... I just love being out there with either my husband or our whole family.

8. Do you get your emotional/mental batteries recharged by being around people or by having alone time?
Being alone. My brain doesn't have to work hard then. When I'm around people I feel like I have to fill the void of silence and that my brain always has to be working. When I'm alone I can just relax.

9. Have you ever been on TV?
Hysterically yes! I was in a commercial for the Insurance company I worked for.

10. Apple or pumpkin pie? (Don't be greedy.)
Thats a hard one, but I guess I will say Apple, especially warm with ice cream

11. How many magazine subscriptions do you have?
None right now. Well except for a subscription to Marie Claire which I don't know how I got and it goes in the recycling as soon as I get it. Not one I would subscribe too. Sometimes I think of subscribing to Rachel Ray. I love her recipes.

12. What lesson do you have to keep re-learning?
WAIT ON THE LORD, BE STILL AND TAKE HEART AND WAIT ON THE LORD!!!