"Home is the nicest word there is." ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder
In love with Jesus. Wife to my best friend & man I love more than life. Mama to 4 amazing God given blessings. Proud Homemaker & Homeschooler. Living life with it's ups and downs and blogging about it!

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Day 9-Husband Encouragement Challenge

REVIVE OUR HEARTS.COM


Day 9
"Be swift to hear, slow to speak . . ." (James 1:19b)


We are often so busy speaking that we don't take time to listen. We are so quick to offer a comment--negative or positive--that we don't really "hear" our husband's heart. Remember, we have two ears and only one mouth. We need to listen more!

As you continue in your 30-day challenge, hear the Lord's admonition: "Be swift to hear."

If listening is a real problem for you, play a game with yourself. See if you can listen to your husband for one whole day, only speaking when asked a question. If your husband notices the difference, explain that you are learning to listen more--not only to God, but also to him.

One easy way to express admiration for your husband is to ask a question about something he enjoys, and then listen to his response. If it's an area of personal familiarity, keep asking questions until you learn something you didn't know, then tell him, "Wow, I didn't know that!"

*Oftentimes, I am quick to tell Charlie my ideas before he can finish his! I noticed this problem a while back and have been working on keeping my mouth shut ever since. It seems to be getting better. I tend to stop and really listen to what he is saying and then ask him questions if I don't understand. He takes it so much better and feels respected. And he is. Doing this is a HUGE step towards giving my husband the respect he deserves. Just listening helps a lot in our family!

If you haven't joined the challenge already, please go to Revive Our Hearts and do so today! Have a wonderful weekend!

Love,
Julie
If we don't find Him in the small things, how will we ever find Him in the big ones? ~Elisabeth Elliot