"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!

Friday, May 2, 2008

Day 20-21-22 Husband Encouragement Challenge- Catching Up!!

Read this wife's description of her beloved in Song of Solomon 5:10-16.

Criticism leaves scar; encouragement can bring healing. Remember that today as you focus on your "30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge."
Almost nothing is as devastating to a man as the belief that his wife finds him repulsive. Sadly, many women unwisely criticize their husbands' bodies.

Have you ever considered how wonderfully God designed men and women? No matter how a man looks by the standards of the world, a loving God designed them all, and they are all "beautiful" in His sight. Encourage your husband today by praising his uniqueness.

As you look over your husband's body, from the tip of his toes to his bald or bushy head, thank God that your husband is "wonderfully made," then admire your husband verbally. (Strong arms? Hairy chest? Firm hands? Big feet? Rugged chin? Wide shoulders? Compassionate eyes? Broad smile?)

*This is not hard for me to do at all! I truly believe that Charlie is SO gorgeous! My man is HOT!!!!! He has the most gorgeous blue eyes ever and the most adorable crooked grin! His arms are so strong and nothing ever feels as right as when he is holding me. I love him SO much and he loves me. I am SO blessed that he picked me!

Day 21-

"Be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)

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.

Does your husband--rightly or wrongly--harbor grudges against you? Again, are there things you need to change, or do you need to ask for his forgiveness for an offense? Help your husband be more forgiving by quickly forgiving him for his mistakes.

*Charlie is also very forgiving of my wrongs. He is a wonderful man who I can share things with and not worry that he will become or stay angry at me. He inspires me to be more forgiving. Thank you Lord.

Day 22-

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

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.

Does your husband have an eternal perspective that allows him to reject materialism and temporal values? Express your gratefulness for his value system, and praise him for putting eternal things before riches and other things of this world.

If this is a problem area for him, consider how you might alter your own value system and live for eternity in front of him, encouraging him to do the same. Only two things will last into eternity: the Word of God and people. Be sure that you are focusing on the right things.


*Charlie is really not caught up in materialism. But sometimes we get that way when we are depressed about situations in our life. I try so hard to encourage Charlie in his work and in making our financial decisions. He does a very good job when we stay focused on Christ and not on money. We are both improving so much.

This challenge has helped our marriage tremendously. Please join if you haven't yet. Satan won't win if we all join together.

Blessings & Love,
Julie

1 comment:

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