Spiritual Liaisons

By David R. Shaw

The premise of Spiritual Liaisons is simple: asking God to help as a matchmaker during the conduct of your relationship search. The book is anecdotal, in that its all about the author and his wife, who developed a relationship while online dating, using Christian websites. The chronology of events for the couple is non-specific; however, basic guidelines, advice, struggles, triumphs, pitfalls, and common-sense protocols will enable the reader to digest and implement the material, which will hopefully culminate in a Christ-centered dating process and possibly marriage.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Mar 30, 2012
• ISBN: 9781449721176

David R. Shaw

David R. Shawis retired from the US Army and now writes varied papers. His diversified duties included law enforcement and worldwide national security operations He has written numerous articles with his duties in the military, US civil service and private security industry. He has held several church leadership positions and lives in Tampa, Florida with his wife. He has degrees from the University of Maryland, Cameron University and has conducted extensive research in social behavior.

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Copyright © 2012 David R. Shaw

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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ISBN: 978-1-4497-2118-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-2117-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011913126

WestBow Press rev. date: 2/23/2012

CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Conclusion

Appendix

Acknowledgements

I think this part of the book is very poignant to me, mainly because my tribute to my wife is the impetus for which I’m writing at this point in my life. Her continuous prayers and encouragement during the entire dating process and even now, have been more than inspirational.

International dating is becoming increasingly popular and it transcends boundaries that once limited contact with those of all stations and races. I, for one am grateful for this technology and the availability of web sites that open doors, cultivate relationships and enable continuity through these connections.

I suggest you do not discount the significance derived from prayer when engaging in this rewarding process and then exercise the required diligence and patience needed to accomplish your goals, because it’s very likely that someone out there is waiting for just the right person and that could be you!

Introduction

Relationship-building is one of the most demanding of all human endeavors and yet, we do it all the time. In the workplace, at home with our children, at church, neighborhood, civic organizations, fishing trips, and the list is endless.

I’ve found out the hard way, that after a fractured relationship of immense intensity, deep love and commitment, expenditure of financial and emotional resources, that starting again is daunting, exasperating, challenging, and most importantly, the most rewarding. I’m writing this book to encourage those who have almost forsaken their attempts at finding the love connection which, if you are successful, will lead to many years of a solid, Christ-centered marriage if you take the time to pray, stay focused, demonstrate to you and your partner a sense of sincerity, candor and perseverance.

This is online dating. One way and for us, the ultimate way for long distance lovers to make that perfect connection during the most difficult of circumstances, that being one in which you are not physically and initially interacting like conventional-style dating. If you have no spiritual compass at present, perhaps at the end of this book, you will have a better orientation for allowing God to be your matchmaker, asking Him to enable you to develop the tools, skills and other vital attributes necessary to not only initiate the online dating process, but to develop and maintain that which you have worked so hard since you two have started on your arduous journey.

Like many people, starting over after the devastation of divorce was slow in coming and I knew I needed time to heal the wounds. Don’t feel you’re weird if you experience depression, withdrawal, sadness, loss of self esteem, start building defensive walls or want to avoid rejection and dejection. These feelings are normal and vary according to your circumstances and the extent of damage inflicted on you by the dissolution of your marriage or relationship.

Many are reluctant to engage in online dating due to the many and valid adverse experiences incurred by that process. Remember, you don’t know initially who you are communicating with, so with that in mind, keep your eyes and ears open and don’t pour out your heart too early in the game. Your goal here is to become a winner, not a victim of unscrupulous