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May 20, 2008

Day 30: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"...This is my beloved, and this is my friend..." Song of Solomon 5:16b

From Revive Our Hearts

Friends can be completely honest with each other, but friendships are strained when truth is not spoken in love. How are you speaking to your beloved? Are you so "used" to him that you don't appreciate the wonder of his friendship? That is your challenge today.

Is your sweetheart your best friend? Does he know this? Have you told him, or do you assume he "just knows"?

Friendship is something that is cultivated through the good times and the bad. Friends can share their hearts, but they don't step on each other's hearts.

The way to have and be a good friend is to cultivate and celebrate the relationship. As you end this "30-Day Encouragement Challenge," celebrate your friendship with your husband. Get alone and reflect on your beloved friend. Write him a letter, listing the qualities you admire and appreciate about him. If you are creative with words, write and frame a poem about him.

Continue reading "Day 30: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge" »

May 19, 2008

Dead Sea Scroll Put on Rare Display in Israel

While I wouldn't be able to understand or read this scroll, I would love to see it in person. What an amazing piece of history...a copy of the Book of Isaiah written about 1900 years ago!

You can see a video of the scroll here

Day 29: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"A prudent man foresees evil, and hides himself; the simple pass on, and are punished." Prov. 27:12

We live in a world of temptations. And they are not all 'wicked' on the surface, but can lead the way into wrong behaviors. One thing that Daniel has never done is go out with the 'boys'. He has a friend that a couple of times a year they go to the movies together, but he prefers to spend his spare time here. His concern is that if we were to spend regular time with a group of others that we might be tempted to stray. For instance, the guys go out for an evening at a bar and playing pool. Well, while there, gals are around, alcohol is around and one thing can lead to another. He prefers to stay away from such temptations.

May 18, 2008

Day 28: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility." Prov. 15:33

From Revive Our Hearts

Sometimes, when we just "know" we are right and our husbands are wrong, it takes great humility to honor them. It is difficult to speak well of our husbands when our own hearts are puffed up with pride.

As part of your Encouragement Challenge today, pray that you will respond to the Lord in faith and humility before you react to your husband. Speak wisely and well, and leave the results to God.

The humility that comes from a right relationship with God - the humility that comes when a man is willing to listen to God and be taught from His Word - is indeed a beautiful quality. Jesus was an example of this kind of humility when he was willing to submit to His Father's will (John 6:38; Matt. 26:39).

Humility is a hard stance for most of us to take. We prefer to believe we know what's what and that we are correct. And to admit that we might be mistaken or not know what's best makes us feel like children or stupid. But true wisdom comes from being able to accept that others can know what is best for us and can have a better understanding of where we are than we do ourselves.

May 17, 2008

Day 27: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD." Ps. 31:24

It is easy to go along with the flow. To not stand up and say what you think, to not stand out. But belief in God and what our Lord, Jesus Christ stands for, demands that we trust in him and that we don't take the easy way, but the right way. There are plenty of Christians who proclaim their faith, who have prejudices, who ignore the Commandment that Jesus left us with. And that Commandment is to love God above all and to love one another. Jesus supped with prostitutes and tax collectors. He pointed out that all sins have an equal footing in the eyes of God (to think lustful thoughts is as wrong as to actually act them out). But so many Christians judge. They place themselves above others because they feel like their sins are not as bad as others.

Daniel has this kind of courage. He doesn't go with the flow, but is instead outspoken in what he believes. He is flawed and openly admits it and he doesn't believe that his flaws are worse or better than anyone else. He believes God put him here to make a difference and he does his best to rise to this calling. He inspires me to have courage and to not let others sway what I believe to be right.

May 15, 2008

Day 26: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." Luke 2:52

From Revive Our Hearts

Jesus led a balanced life. He grew mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially. If your husband is out of balance - focusing on one area to the exclusion of the others - consider whether there are things you can do to help restore or create balance in his life. Can you encourage times for sports or exercise? Keep the children quiet for a study time? Invite friends over for dinner? Stimulate his mind?

Be sure you are working toward balance in your own life, as well. Be an example!

Balance is something we all struggle to attain. And in these busy times, it seems to be really, really difficult. It is hard to find time to be learning, exercising, spending time with your family, spending time with God....but we need to all strive for that. And not just personal balance, but balance between husband and wife. I have no good suggestions for how to do that. We just need to be aware and do the best we can.

May 14, 2008

Day 25: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"...seek peace, and pursue it." Ps. 34:14b

"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." Is. 26:3

When my husband and I first got together back in 1990, and in the years that followed, we did not live in a peaceful household. We were young, stressed by finances, I became an instant mom as he had two sons from a previous marriage and we took custody of them. We argued about everything from finances to child raising. It wasn't a pretty time, but we stuck through it and grew because of it.

Continue reading "Day 25: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge" »

May 13, 2008

Day 24: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." Eph. 6:4

From Revive Our Hearts

Children can be quite a challenge to the marriage relationship. A wise wife will support her husband's leadership in the home as much as possible, and will praise him for his fathering skills. Negativity makes a man feel like a failure, and may make him to want to give up.

Does your husband discipline your children wisely? Does he show them love and encourage them? Does he take an interest in their activities and dreams? Does he spend time with them? Does he take part in developing their character? Praise him for these important life skills.

Continue reading "Day 24: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge" »

May 12, 2008

Day 23: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"Let your speech always be with grace..." Col. 4:6a

"In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works..." Titus 2:7a

Maybe it is the nature of human beings, or maybe it is the nature of wives, but we tend to focus on the negative features of those closest to us. We treat our spouses worse than we would treat a friend or an acquaintance. How many friends would we have if we were always nagging them about how they don't do enough or how they don't help us the way we think they should?

Why then do we treat the loves of our life, the men we have spoken vows to honor and love for a lifetime with any less honor and love. We turn blind eyes to the faults of our friends, we try to lift them up, to aide them as we may. But our own spouses, we do not follow this same code of love and care.

Today(and everyday), concentrate on your spouse's excellent qualities. Lift him up by praising those and be there to help him where he is lacking (for instance...if your dh is unorganized, then you help him by keeping schedules and paperwork together and easily accessible.)

Daniel desires to make his mark on the world, to help others, to spend time with his family. He prizes honesty, creativity, and people's desire to better themselves. He loves to travel and does what he can to make sure all of us get that opportunity whenever possible. He doesn't go out with the boys, spend endless hours watching sporting events, or otherwise try to find ways to spend time away with his family. Instead, it grieves him to be away from us.

No, he is not perfect. There are things I wish he did, that he does not, but that is not his fault. That is the fault of my own expectations. It is my goal to spend more time attending to his fabulous qualities just like I would any friend.

May 11, 2008

Day 22: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"Let your speech always be with grace..." Col. 4:6a

From Revive Our Hearts.com-

Focus today on how you represent your husband in your home, your church, and your community. In this challenge to encourage, ask: "If all my family and friends knew about my husband came from a filter of what I've said about him, what would they think of my husband?"

Do you need to change the filter? Do you talk positively about your husband to others... or do you complain and criticize? Your speech should reflect 1 Cor. 13 love. Your words should be kind, and should never
"rejoice in iniquity" (v. 6). Refrain from listing your husband's faults to others. Satan likes to trick us in this area - be wary of sharing barbed "prayer requests."

Remember, "Love will cover a multitude of sins" (1 Pet. 4:8b). Present your husband before others today in a strong, positive manner. Slip in a "good word" for your spouse. Resist the urge to correct or belittle him in front of others. Some of what you say may come back to him - and you want your words to be sweet, building him up and never tearing him down.

Don't forget: you are always criticizing - or encouraging - before an audience. God hears your conversations when you are alone with your husband in your own home. May your speech be always seasoned with grace.

I think this is one that we as wives, should pay attention to. How we speak of our spouses to others influences how others see our spouses, and in all likelihood, how they see us. We must be certain we aren't building ourselves up by tearing them down.

May 10, 2008

Video: Tornado Town Goes Green

Video from National Geographic: Greensburg, Kansas was basically destroyed last May when a F-5 tornado touched down. Today they are making lemonade out of lemons. They could have given up and moved away, instead, they are rebuilding their town, and they are rebuilding Green! Way to go, citizens of Greensburg! You are a shining example to us all!

Day 21: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matt. 6:33

From ReviveOurHearts.com

If we are living in light of eternity, everything we think, do or say is seen from an eternal perspective. We will someday give an account for our failure to speak words of love and encouragement. Determine today that your words will be sweet and helpful.

So often we have unrealistic expectations of the people around us. Our husbands, our friends, our family. We expect them to meet all of our needs and then we are disappointed when they do not. But we are the ones setting them up for failure. A deep love and trust of God is the only thing that can satisfy all of our needs. When we focus on Him, the rest of our lives will become more loving, forgiving and wonderful. When we stop expecting those around us to be perfect, it frees us up to try to love them the way God loves us without burdening our love with the failures that we perceive.

May 9, 2008

Day 20: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you." Eph. 4:32

from Revive Our Hearts

It's time for some heart examination. As you continue in this 30-day challenge, have you found any roots of bitterness that are contaminating your relationship with your husband? Do you understand that as long as you are unwilling to forgive your husband - by God's grace and in His power - you will not be able to encourage him? Your own resentment will keep getting in the way. Now is the time to deal with any unforgiving attitudes. Forgive him, even as God has forgiven you.

Is your husband a forgiving man? Does he keep short accounts of your problems? Express your thankfulness for such a man.

This is something I definitely should work on. My memory tends to be way longer than it should be and I have been known to keep accounts that I shouldn't. Daniel has a much shorter memory of my transgressions. One of the most detrimental things to any relationship is when you start arguing and then you bring up things long done and over.

If this is a problem for you, pray that God will help to change your ways in this area.


May 8, 2008

Day 19: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

10 My lover is radiant and ruddy,
outstanding among ten thousand.
11 His head is purest gold;
his hair is wavy
and black as a raven.

12 His eyes are like doves
by the water streams,
washed in milk,
mounted like jewels.

13 His cheeks are like beds of spice
yielding perfume.
His lips are like lilies
dripping with myrrh.

14 His arms are rods of gold
set with chrysolite.
His body is like polished ivory
decorated with sapphires. [a]

15 His legs are pillars of marble
set on bases of pure gold.
His appearance is like Lebanon,
choice as its cedars.

16 His mouth is sweetness itself;
he is altogether lovely.
This is my lover, this my friend,
O daughters of Jerusalem.

- Song of Solomon 5:10-16

When was the last time you said these things or similar things to your husband? As women, we love poetry, but we forget that our husbands can be moved by words of love as well.

Why don't you write a poem to your hubby today? Or share a favorite poem or quote that makes you think of him.

May 6, 2008

Day 18: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy...Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!" Ps. 16:11a; 144:15b

"A merry heart does good like medicine..." Prov. 17:22a

From Revive Our Hearts.Com

It's hard to criticize others when we are enjoying their company. Instead of speaking negatively to your husband today, enjoy him! Encourage him! As you experience fullness of joy with God, share some of that joy with your husband.

Does your husband have a playful side? A great sense of humor? Is there a "little boy" that wants to escape from time to time, reflecting the joy in his heart?

This is a wonderful part of who he is, and a great strength. Let him know that you appreciate his joyfulness and his playful spirit. Find opportunities to join him in positive play times.

This is so true. If we are busy searching for the good and happy, we will find it hard to spend much time finding fault. And the other effect of this is that when we are busy looking for the good and happy, we feel good and happy ourselves which in turns helps to promote a happy household.

Daniel often encourages me to do things that are fun. Either playing a game of darts in the yard, listening to some music, singing some Karaoke, or taking a boat ride. These are just some of the ways that he brings fun into our home.

May 5, 2008

Day 17: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy Oneis understanding." Prov. 9:10

Daniel is the visionary in our family. He has dreams and hopes for us that has often led us into incredible adventures. It was his dreams and plans that has enabled us to travel so many places. That has enabled us to purchase 10 acres of land. And that has him with a patent under his belt.

Neither of us always makes the best choices, but I am grateful that he has dreams that pull us forward.

May 4, 2008

Day 16: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"And the LORD God said, 'It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him." Genesis 2:18

Truth be known, it is not good for man or woman to be alone. We have strengths and weaknesses that complement one another. This is why children need a mom and a dad. We can provide them balance between the two of us.

We had a cookout today. Daniel's birthday is tomorrow and his mom and stepfather are here from Florida. Both of Daniel's older sons and their significant others came with them. Daniel's sister and her family came. Daniel's uncle and wife came. We had a lovely time and Daniel helped me quite a bit. He helped prepare the food, he cooked some yummy hamburgers and hotdogs and he helped to clean up the grill afterwards.

We had a lovely visit with family and the weather was perfect.

I am pooped and grateful.

May 3, 2008

Day 15: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ..." 2 Pet. 3:18a

From ReviveOurHearts.com:

Sometimes we live so close to our spouse that we fail to see him as others do; we only see our husband's faults. But take a step back. Perhaps he is growing spiritually in ways you have failed to appreciate. How can you encourage his growth in a fresh, new way? Remember - your husband is accountable to God for his spiritual development. You are accountable to God to encourage and not hinder that growth.

Can you identify an area of spiritual strength in your husband? Does he pray or read his Bible regularly? Does he like to read about or discuss spiritual matters? Does he go to church with you? Is he a spiritual leader? What do others say about him? If you can identify a specific area, praise him for that. If not, pray earnestly that God will work in his heart, and watch for signs of spiritual growth in the future.

Daniel knows a great deal about what is in the Bible. He grew up very churched in a Baptist church. He now prefers not to attend church. We have interesting conversations about religion and we look for different things in the churches that we attend.

May 2, 2008

Day 14: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"The righteous man walks in his integrity..." Prov. 20:7a

Every week there are news reports about men who gave in to temptations and compromised what they said they believed. We hear countless reports about dishonest business dealings, hidden infidelity, and hypocritical leaders. It's so easy to focus on these things and ignore those who are being honest, faithful and genuine. As you continue in the "30-Day Encouragement Challenge," determine to look for ways that your husband stands against the culture.

Continue reading "Day 14: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge" »

May 1, 2008

Day 13: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me." Song of Solomon 7:10

Today's challenge from from ReviveOur Hearts is regarding intimacy in marriage. This is not one that I am going to discuss here in my blog.

Some things the challenge suggests are to focus on where you are and to praise your husband for his skills.

April 30, 2008

Day 12: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love." Eph. 4:2

We tend to say the most hateful things to the ones we are closest to. Perhaps because we expect them to put up with it. Perhaps it's because we see them more than anyone else and we simply can't hide our 'bad' side forever. And we are human. We are going to lash out when we are having a bad day, and unfortunately those closest to us bear the brunt of this.

However, it is our job to minimize this behavior and to apologize when we fail. Sometimes, I find myself thinking about all of my husband's faults. And I find myself thinking about how lucky he is to have someone like me who is easy to get along with and loving and cleans up after herself and...

Continue reading "Day 12: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge" »

April 29, 2008

Day 11: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord." Eph. 5:22

This verse is one that throws many women into a tizzy. They talk of how archaic it is and how it means women should become doormats. It doesn't mean that at all. It simply means that we are to respect our husbands. Husbands are supposed to put our well being above their own.

Check out these verses:

28 In this way husbands ought to be loving their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself, 29 for no man ever hated his own flesh; but he feeds and cherishes it, as the Christ also does the congregation, 30 because we are members of his body. - Eph 5:28-29

Continue reading "Day 11: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge" »

April 28, 2008

Day 10: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"Behold you are handsome, my beloved! Yes, pleasant!..." Song of Solomon 1:16a

Remember what it was that first drew you to your husband?

When I met Daniel, I thought he was extremely attractive. Shoulder length black wavy hair, beautiful blue eyes, a charming smile. And we hit it off right away. We had a lovely conversation and we shared interest in things like Star Trek. The first few weeks we dated, he would call me, long distance and talk for an hour (this was back in the day when long distance was 25 cents a minute! He asked to read (and actually read) poetry I had written. He was full of fun and loved to do interesting things. He was spontaneous, kind and friendly.

Now, 18 years later, the hair is no longer black or long. But the eyes are still blue. We still have common interests combined with 18 years of memories. Of obstacles overcome, problems resolved, joys shared, dreams attained, love, laughter, and tears. We have two beautiful children as a result of our joining.

Continue reading "Day 10: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge" »

April 27, 2008

Day 9: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"...be swift to hear, slow to speak..." James 1:19b

I have always been told it is better to be a good listener instead of someone who talks all of the time. This is something true not just in marriage, but in friendships. I mean, how boring would it be for everytime someone visited you that all they did was talk, talk, talk....

I don't know about you, but I also have a tendency to only half listen. The other half or me is either busy thinking of what I am going to say in response or thinking about my 'to do' list. I have been working hard this last year to be a better listener to everyone. When I get on the phone, I turn away from my computer and do something like wash dishes or crochet. This keeps my hands busy and helps my mind to focus.

Continue reading "Day 9: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge" »

April 26, 2008

Day 8: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"...but who can find a faithful man?" Prov. 20:6b

Faithfulness is a wonderful but rare quality today, especially in regard to marriage. Do
you understand how important this quality is? Your challenge is to continue to root out
all negative speaking, and plant seeds of encouragement instead. You may be amazed
at what will grow.

Contemporary culture often entices men to be unfaithful to their wedding vows and
spiritual commitments. Appreciate your husband's faithfulness - how he is loyal to you.
Let him know that you are glad he has "stick-to-it-iveness" in your marriage. Appreciate
his faithfulness to God. (If you have an unfaithful husband, this is a difficult area for you.
Pray, speak the truth in love, remain faithful yourself, and discover ways to encourage
faithfulness in your mate. The Bible says that husbands may "...be won by the conduct
of their wives" [1 Pet. 3:1]. You may also want to seek counsel from a mature, godly
individual or couple.)
- Revive Our Hearts

I am blessed to be married to a faithful husband.

April 25, 2008

Day 7: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease!...for riches certainly make themselves wings..." Prov. 23:4-5

"That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries." Proverbs 8:21


Money is the root of much marital discord. Ask yourself, "Am I being negative toward my husband in the area of finances?" Determine not to speak evil of your husband in this area. Discover ways to encourage and help him instead.

Does your husband handle finances wisely? Does he make good financial investments, based on biblical principles? Does he have a budget? Does he make wise decisions about purchases - checking many sources before he buys? Is he a good steward of his money before the Lord? Let him know how much you appreciate his strengths in financial matters.

If he is weak in this area, encourage any good decisions that he does make. Perhaps you can help him, if he's open to the idea, by organizing financial files or providing other practical assistance. Or, if he wants you to handle the finances, ask for his input before you make decisions that will affect him. - Revive Our Hearts

Money has often been a source of discord in our family. We deal with it better these days than we did when we were younger. We used to have terrible arguments. Daniel has made some great choices. Last year, we had money to visit Australia which is something we both have long wanted to do. But he thought about it and decided it would be better if we spent the money on paying off a debt. We don't always make the best financial decisions, but we are doing better and working together always helps.

April 24, 2008

Day 6: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"...whatever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Cor. 10:31b

Do you recognize and appreciate your husband's creativity? Or do you criticize and
demean his efforts? Instead of negativity, determine to be positive. Perhaps you can
help your husband see that his efforts are an opportunity to glorify God.

Is your husband the "creative" type? Does he have any artistic gifts? What is that
special "knack" he has? Affirm him for his handiwork - a hobby, music, gardening,
tinkering with cars, working with wood, etc. Remember: Even if he doesn't measure up
to your standards, praise his efforts. If your budget allows, buy him a book or magazine
that will continue to encourage his special skill or talent.

If you have a hard time finding his "creative side," understand that men's creativity
sometimes is related to their work. Find something he does to make his job run more
smoothly or something he does that adds value to his work...and let him know that you
have noticed.

Make his day...Praise his accomplishments in public, while he is listening. -- Revive Our Hearts

With my husband away, praising him where he can hear is tough. But I know from my own personal experience that there is nothing better than when someone compliments me in front of others. He will be home tonight and I will make sure to remember the suggestion for today.

There are so many things that he does well. I particuarly love to hear him play the piano and to see the photographs he has taken. I was also very impressed with his commitment and the thoroughness with which he obtained his private pilot's license. He worked really hard at that and went the extra mile with extra studies and taking lessons that weren't required in aerobatics.

April 23, 2008

Day 5: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for
necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." Eph. 4:29

Another way to describe the positive side of this "30-Day Encouragement Challenge" is
by using the word "edify," which means, "to build up." Negative comments only
discourage and tear down. Positive comments encourage and build.

Do you edify your husband before others, adding to his value in their eyes? This is
especially important to other family members.

Do you praise your husband to his relatives, and yours? Does your husband's mother
know how much you love him? How about your dad? Perhaps you can drop a word of
praise into a conversation or letter. Be creative in letting your relatives know that you
respect your husband, love him, and support him - in spite of whatever flaws and
weaknesses he may have.
- Revive Our Hearts

I learned this lesson the hard way. Early on in our relationship, I was too open with my mother about my complaints and unhappinesses. My mother still holds those early times against my husband. And it is something that is hard to undo, once done. When I speak to my mother-in-law, I never complain or fuss about my husband. I also do work at telling people the good things my husband does and keeping my complaints to myself or talking them over with him.

It is important for all of us to remember that if we think 'bad' thoughts in our heart, that they will rule the way we act. That's why I believe Jesus said that for a man to even look at a woman was the same as having an affair with her. I think he was trying to show us how powerful our thoughts are.

April 22, 2008

Day 4: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"...let him labor, working with his hands what is good..." Eph. 4:28


We are all accountable for the things we say, both negative and positive words. Have
you embraced the challenge to speak only positive things to your husband and to others
about him?

Here's a suggestion that touches the core of your husband's world.
Some women take their husband's career for granted, and they show it in many ways.
Do you "dump" on your husband at the end of the workday, or do you strengthen and
encourage him with your words? A wise wife will make her husband feel that she values
and appreciates his work. Let him know that you are glad he is a hard worker. Take
opportunities to praise his diligence and resourcefulness to others.

If your husband is out of work, unable to work, or refuses to work, you'll need to be more
creative. Praise him for a character quality that you see in him that would be a vital part
of a successful career - such as persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind,
organizational skills, good with people, good listener, determination, etc.
from Revive Our Hearts.com

I try to listen to my hubby when he talks about his work. Because he does computer stuff, sometimes what he talks about goes over my head. Daniel is a hard worker and sometimes works way too hard. When he gets into a project, he focuses on it and it is hard to get him to take a break and do anything else.

April 21, 2008

Day 3: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"...love suffers long, and is kind..." 1 Cor. 13:4

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ
Jesus." Phil. 4:19

From today's challenge:

"Love indeed suffers long and is kind. As you consider your Encouragement Challenge,
determine today that you will not say anything negative to or about your husband.
Speak kindly to him with words of genuine encouragement.

If your husband is considerate of your needs, let him know that you have noticed. Thank
him for his kindness and consideration. Thank the Lord that your husband knows how to
be both tough and tender."

This week, we are supposed to be getting a new sidewalk. We have one made of white rock, but the rock tends to slip under foot and with my knee that has gotten a bit temperamental in its old age, the rock puts more strain on it. So Daniel is having a concrete sidewalk put in to take away that hazard for me.

Thanks, sweetie!

April 20, 2008

Day 2: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

"...through love serve one another." Gal. 5:13b

Today's challenge was to find ways that my husband is serving me and my family. This is not a hard thing to do, though sometimes, I lose sight of what he does and don't feel it is enough. I am trying to do better.

My husband is currently serving us by working away from home. He is working in Illinois to make the money to support our family and to pay our past bills. He leaves his home and his family for days on end. He eats a lot of fast food, puts up with a lot of travel woes, and goes to sleep and wakes up alone.

Other ways he serves us is by being willing to help me achieve whatever goals I set for myself. He encourages me to keep learning and he reminds me not to put myself on the back burner. He works so I can homeschool our children. He broadens my horizons. He plays with the children. He calls from Illinois to talk to them. He listens to what they have to say.

Thanks, Sweetie!

April 19, 2008

Day 1: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

Jen is taking the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and so I thought I would join her. I need to focus more on the positives of my husband and encouraging him instead of letting the daily grind and small frustrations be the source of my thoughts of him and actions towards him.

“The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does
him good and not evil all the days of her life.” Prov. 31:11-12

Daniel is working on a business idea that I helped him with over the internet a bit last night. He is in Illinois working. I just sent him an email with some ideas and told him that I loved him.

March 18, 2008

83 Years of Matrimony...A New World Record


Clarence and Maymie Vail were married in 1925 in Hugo, MN. Today he is 101 and she is 99 and they have been married for 83 years. Isn't that absolutely awesome!

Read the rest of the story at MSNBC and find out what their secret for such a long lived marriage is.

March 6, 2008

Malachi 3:3

I received this story in my email box from a friend. It struck a chord with me and I wanted to share. May it bless you today!

Malachi 3:3 says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver."

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

Continue reading "Malachi 3:3" »

February 22, 2008

A "Love"ly Lime Story

If you are visiting my blog, but you haven't visited Scribbit, I would like to encourage to go visit. She has a lot of great posts, recipes and crafts and she shares about Alaska. But perhaps, one of her neatest features is the Write Away contest she has each month. And this month's winner was a winner in more ways than one.

The theme was about love and her story "The Lime Popsicle" is guaranteed to warm your heart and dampen your eyes.

February 9, 2008

Inspirational Gift Gallery

During Bloggy Giveaways I won this beautiful Bible tote bag from Elaine at Inspirational Christian Stories, Poems, Gifts

This beautiful and durable bag arrvied yesterday and I am so excited. I am currently filling in at my church's Awanas group for a gal who is out having a baby and this tote will be perfect for carrying my Awanas items in.

Elaine is a work at home mom who is in the business of helping others to spread inspiration. Think about it, when you give a friend a gift with a bible verse on it or you carry a purse with scripture on it or drink from an inspirational coffee cup at work, you are opening up the way to witness to others. I would encourage you to support a WAHM and to increase your role in spreading the Good News by shopping at Elaine's Inspirational Gift Gallery.

Remember, while we all may wear our crosses to church on Sunday and carry our inspirational bible covers to church, it is important to show those signs of our belief in our everyday life. So if someone has a question, we are a beacon to invite them to learn more about our Savior. If we don't have any outward appearance of our belief, then we lose that opportunity to reach out to others who might otherwise approach us.

God bless!