The Cookie Jar....

As part of focusing on my husband during this "Husband Encouragement Challenge" I am doing with my sister, I thought I would share one thing we do around here to encourage Daddy! We keep cookies in our cookie jar! Charlie LOVES to have cookies around the house to snack on and take in his lunch and this way I do not have to spend extra money on processed junk food! We all win (well, except for my hips!) lol (I don't know why blogger is highlighting random words in my post; sorry about that!!)

Here's a couple of recipes & links to the cookies we baked today:


Oatmeal Coconut Walnut Cookies
(adapted from Tish Boyle's "The Good Cookie")
(makes 5 dozen cookies)

2 1/3 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
3 1/2 cups quick cooking rolled oats
8 ounces (2 sticks/1 cup) unsalted butter, softened at room temp
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Preheat oven to 375F. Grease or line your cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Stir in oatmeal. Set aside dry ingredients.

In the bowl of a stand mixer on medium speed, cream butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.

On low speed, add flour-oatmeal mixture and mix until just blended. Add coconut and walnuts and mix until just combined.

Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto your prepared cookies sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten the mounds of dough slightly. Bake at 375F until golden brown, about 12-14 minutes. Cool cookies on sheets for 5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

and later this week we will make some M&M cookies to take to our homeschool group's "Back to School" party!! Can't wait!!

Hope you enjoy the recipes and maybe give this cookie jar thing a try for your family, if you don't already do this! Really, cookies have no more calories (actually less) than a lot of the prepackaged "snack" foods in the stores! (Especially if you sneak in a little whole wheat flour and the kids never know!!)

~Julie~

starting over again......

I have went almost all the way through The Love Dare and maybe I am just being completely ridiculously hard on myself but as I am doing the Husband Encouragement Challenge along with The Love Dare, I am finding so many things that I am just not getting! Call me hard headed but I believe that my husband deserves MY VERY BEST and I will continue to do this Love Dare and the Challenge over and over probably for the rest of my life. I don't want to ever again, get caught in a rut in our marriage. And, I can definitely say both of these marriage tools are working! My husband is so different and considerate (he was before but now, A NEW LEVEL!!!) I am different. I am more thoughtful. I put Charlie's preferences and wants FIRST, most of the time. It is changing me so much but I want to continue to be changed!! I want to continue to be challenged and I want to feel that pain of being pruned because I know it is working!!

I only have a few minutes on the computer as I am trying to limit my computer time and be more disciplined. So, I am going to share with you Day 1 of the Love Dare. I am starting over!! Well, here goes:

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in Love." Ephesians 4:2 NIV

"Love will inspire you to become a patient person. When you choose to be patient, you respond in a positive way to a negative situation. You are slow to anger. You choose to have a long fuse instead of a quick temper. Rather than being restless and demanding, love helps you settle down and being extending mercy to those around you. Patience brings an internal calm during an external storm." pg.1

"This Love Dare journey is a process and the first thing you must resolve to possess is patience. Think of it as a marathon, not a sprint. But it's a race worth running." pg. 3


TODAY'S DARE: DAY 1:

"THE FIRST PART OF THIS DARE IS FAIRLY SIMPLE. ALTHOUGH LOVE IS COMMUNICATED IN A NUMBER OF WAYS, OUR WORDS OFTEN REFLECT THE CONDITION OF OUR HEART. FOR THE NEXT DAY, RESOLVE TO DEMONSTRATE PATIENCE AND SAY NOTHING NEGATIVE TO YOUR SPOUSE AT ALL. IF THE TEMPTATION ARISES, CHOOSE NOT TO SAY ANYTHING. IT'S BETTER TO HOLD YOUR TONGUE THAN TO SAY SOMETHING YOU'LL REGRET."

Okay, here goes!! Starting over again! Be praying for me!!

Love,
Julie

another wild post....

Didn't get to go to church services today. Lily was sick. She's better now. I hate it when my kids are sick. I wish I could take their place every time. Poor babies. :(

Got my running shoes yesterday. Nikes. Silver & kind of a mauve purple. I will have to take a picture. I know a lot of people don't like Nikes for running but I do. These fit the best out of all the options I looked at. Also, I wore Nikes for 7 years playing basketball and they never really hurt my feet. Maybe I won't like them so much after I put some miles on them but for now, they are great!! :) Also, a GREAT price!! Charlie & I both got shoes for what I would have paid regular price for mine!! I LOVE a great deal!

Still haven't found the perfect computer. Still looking. I am such a tightwad. I also have to buy a new printer so I am just cringing at the prices. Laugh if you want. I am serious. This is why my computer is ancient and about to kick the bucket on me. I just hate to buy anything expensive. See above on running shoes. Haha. :)

So, it's a lazy Sunday. I am going to head out in a little bit and get Valentine's for the kids Valentine's party next week and stuff to make them a box.(SO excited about this!!!) I also need to get their Valentine's presents from Mama & Daddy and Charlie's gift. Also, I have to get final things for Claire's birthday party (her birthday is the 15th.) So, I have A LOT to do today!!

Going to do some baking and cleaning. Already did 6 loads of laundry and 2 loads of dishes. Cleaned our bathroom and dusted from the wood stove soot. Argh..... well, hey, it's heat and it's free!!! (we cut our own firewood off of our property)

So, now I am off to go running while the kids nap... I don't know how much I will be blogging this week. Kinda busy!! Lots to do and plan!! Family: I am mailing birthday invitations so you should get them sometime early this week. Sorry it's so late! But, that's how we roll around here. :)

Have a great week, everyone and remember, to keep up the Husband Encouragement Challenge!!! Also, the 31 Days of Praying for your husband are great, as well!! Do these along with the Love Dare and you will be knocking Satan out right and left!! :)

(If you need information on any of the challenges or the love dare just email me at mama2clairelilydrew (at) gmail (dot) com. using the symbols, of course, not the words! I will be SO glad to help you in any way!!)

Love,
Julie

*LOVE, LOVE this on the bottom of my shoes:

"I run like a girl; try to keep up" ;)

It's Friday!....

I am SO glad it's Friday! It has just been one of the LONGEST weeks, ever! We did LOTS of messy (but FUN) crafts this week and with Drew having a cold and wanting to be held all of the time, I just feel like nothing was really accomplished. But, looking at what I just typed, I realize that the most very important things were done. :)

Sunday, February 1st, I am joining Kelli, one of my very first blogging friends in The Husband Encouragement Challenge!! I did this last year and the difference in my husband was just remarkable so I am doing it again this year; come on and join us!!

And, I won't be posting on my challenge for a little while but I hope to catch up when I get back. I am taking a blogging break this week to focus and regroup. I need to spend ALL of my extra time praying for my husband and my children. I love Kelli's idea of praying on the bathroom floor if I have too; I HAVE done that before... :)

Well, so, I hope to see ya'll sometime after next week! I have some pictures to post so I may get back to that sometime this week if I have the time. Other than that, I won't be posting until after this week! Talk to you then!

Have a great weekend and next week, everyone and please consider joining us in the Husband Encouragement Challenge!!! It's life changing, I promise!!

Love,
Julie

Husband Encouragement Challenge-Days 24,25,26,27,28,29,30 (Catching up again!)

I know, I am so far behind on posting this, it is terrible! But, it's okay, I have been doing it, just running out of time to post it! It takes awhile to do all of that copying and pasting and typing! Anyway, enough excuses! I am here to wrap it up and say how truly blessed this has made me feel to be Charlie's wife of 10 years. I could not ask for a better man to be my husband! Thanks to all of you who did this challenge with me, the accountability sure does help! If you get a chance, read my sister's responses to her challenge, very good and helped me so much to stay on course! Denise has some awesome responses to her challenge and taught me so much, as well! Read these and be encouraged!

Day 24
"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4)


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.


If you don't have children, is your husband positive and encouraging around other people's children? Let him know that you have noticed.
If your husband does not experience positive relationships with children, you will need to figure out why. Perhaps he had negative experiences as a child with his own parents, and needs to learn how to respond. Perhaps you can lovingly and patiently show him how to parent--while still maintaining his authority in the home.



*I am so blessed to have children with Charlie. He is such a wonderful involved Daddy to our kids. He does baths and reads and sings with them every night. He cooks for them and takes them outside to play. He teaches them their letters and colors and explains how things work. He comforts them when they are afraid and tells them he loves them several times a day. He is AMAZING and I love him so much. Thank you God for Charlie.



Day 25
"Seek peace, and pursue it." (Psalm 34:14b)


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


Before you consider whether these verses describe your husband, consider your own presence in the home. Do you promote an atmosphere of peace, or do critical words often flow from your mouth? Do you struggle with anger? If so, before you continue with this challenge, confess these sinful habits to the Lord, and determine to speak words of peace to your family today.


Does your husband bring an atmosphere of peace into your home? Is his presence a calming influence? Does he bring music, entertainment, books, or people into your home that build a sense of serenity? Let him know how much you appreciate this wonderful quality, and support his choices.

If, on the other hand, he is quickly angered or he creates chaos rather than calm, ask God to give you an abundance of the kind of peace that will speak to his heart. Be patient and loving. Create an inviting atmosphere of peace, as much as possible.



*I struggle with anger because I have a tendency to worry and focus on things instead of giving them to the Lord. Charlie is quickly angered at times but I have seen him improve a lot in this area. We are both trying very hard to work on peace in our lives. This definitely is a challenge that we will continue.



Day 26

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

If you have faithfully encouraged your husband, you will no doubt have seen some changes in his life . . . and your own life, as well. Encouragement is a wonderful habit that we hope you will continue for the rest of your life.
The important thing is to keep growing in Christ and obeying the Word of God as you respond to your husband. As you consider today how to bless your husband and not tear him down, think of ways that you can encourage balance in your home.

Jesus led a balanced life. He grew mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially. As you see your husband branching out in these areas, is there a pattern of growth? Is your husband striving for balance in his life? If so, let him know you have noticed, and ask how you can further encourage that balance.

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!

*We are both working on this and I am not ready to say much about it right now. We both need balance and are striving towards that goal.

Day 27

"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD." (Psalm 31:24)

You have almost completed the "30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge." Perhaps it has taken you a tremendous amount of courage to speak words of ecouragement consistently to your husband. Courage comes as we place our trust in God. Have faith that God will continue to work long after your encouraging words have been shared.

There are lots of "tough guys" in the world, but true courage comes from the Lord. Does your husband exhibit the courage to take an unpopular stand, perhaps even to stand alone against evil? Is he courageous in his faith? Does he work hard to change injustice? Is he a stickler for the truth? Does he protect you or your family from the attacks of the Enemy?

Psalm 27:14 says this kind of courage comes from "waiting" on the Lord for His strength. If your budget allows, "award" your husband with a medal, trophy, framed picture of a brave knight, or some other token that represents his courage as a man of God. Praise evidences of your husband's courage in protecting you, your marriage, your family, or your home.

*Charlie is very good at protecting his family. He loves us and strives to keep us protected in all areas. It is a huge blessing to have Charlie as our protector (with God first, of course!).

Day 28

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

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 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; Matthew 26:39).

Does your husband have that kind of humility? Is he willing to learn from and submit to direction from the Lord? Let your husband know how precious this is to your marriage relationship.

*This is always a work in progress but we are learning. It has been a long hard road but we are getting there. I am grateful every day that Charlie is here to walk it with me.

Day 29

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

As you near the end of this challenge, take time to think about your husband's responses to the wickedness of the culture, the media, etc. Does your husband recognize and avoid evil? Does he regularly turn his back on pornography, sexual temptations, and the urge to lie and cheat?

This is a valuable character trait. Like Joseph in the Old Testament, who fled from the wicked advances of Potiphar's wife, this takes an understanding that these kinds of sins are first and foremost, sins against God (Genesis 39:9).

Praise your husband when he recognizes and turns his back on wickedness. If you can think of a circumstance where your husband stood for righteousness, remind him of that today--and express your gratitude.

*Charlie is getting so much better at recognizing danger areas for both of us. He is amazing and the work he has put into building himself into a man of God, as he says, "a man my wife can be proud of", is just remarkable. I love him so very much and when marriage is hard, I stand by him and he stands by me. I love this man so very much!

Day 30


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

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.

Perhaps you can prepare a special meal, just for the two of you, and read the letter or poem to him. Ask if you can pray for him, and if he is willing, thank God for your love and friendship, asking for His blessing on your home.

Encouragement, as you have seen these past 30 days, is a synonym for love in action.

*Our marriage and our friendship have been so incredibly blessed by this challenge; please join, it's never to late to start! Your marriage will improve, I promise!!!!

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

Day 18 & !9- Husband Encouragement Challenge

Day 18-

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10)

Are you a wise woman? Do you open your mouth with wisdom, as Proverbs 31:26 suggests? As you continue in your 30-day challenge, remember that a wise woman encourages her husband.
Is your husband a "wise man?" Does he have a godly perspective that comes from knowing God and walking with Him in obedience? Does he have a sense of purpose for his life and vision for your home? Tell him how much this means to you.

If you are not sure about your husband's vision for your home, ask him, "Honey, what do you want to accomplish with our marriage and home in the years to come?" and "How can I help you accomplish that?"

If he does not have a vision, your questions may inspire him to develop one.
If your husband is not walking with God--or perhaps, does not know the Lord--you have the opportunity and responsibility to practice your faith and create a thirst for God. Thank God for giving your husband a place in his heart that only He can fill, and keep praying that he will turn to the Lord to fill that vacuum!

*We worked on this and prayed about his vision for our family the other night! Charlie has such wonderful plans and hopes for all of us and he works so hard that we can accomplish them. He is very encouraging to me and the girls. He wants first of all to see our family grow in the Lord and that is his No. 1 priority. It is a blessing to be his wife!

Day 19-

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

"A merry heart does good, like medicine." (Proverbs 17:22a)

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.


If your husband can sometimes be overly serious, coax him out occasionally for some play times. It will help him relieve stress and relax.

*Charlie is so great at making me laugh! He is the funniest person I know ! He is always making up these silly songs and calling me silly pet names and doing hilarious things for me and the girls. I love him so much and his lightheartedness and comic relief makes everything so much more bearable when life is rough. He is my rock but he is also my favorite comedian! Love you, babe.

Charlie's letter to me..(with his permission to post; of course!)

I would like to thank my wife for taking this challenge and for all the GREAT things she says about me. It certainly is a challenge for me to try to live a life that is pleasing to God. To guide my family in the right direction. Every now and then it seems like I get it right. Anyways, thanks so much, baby! Your blog is always uplifting. I know it helps you in so many ways. I love that you have these friends to share your thoughts with.

Love you so much,
Charles Edward

Day 16-Husband Encouragement Challenge

"Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18a)

Sometimes we live so close to our spouse that we fail to see him as others do; we only see our husband's faults. 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.

*Charlie is very good about reading his Bible and we try to pray together every night. WE are both trying to be better about praying and focusing on the word of God more often as a couple. He attends church with me every time and is one of our speakers at least once a month. He is a song leader and prayer leader. He does a lot with our youth and is very active in their lives, as well. He is currently trying to get more things together for the men in the church to do as a group. He is very focused on fellowship and training our youth in the right way. I am very proud to be his wife. I am sad to say that often times I hinder him by not having things ready so that he can have more time to focus on what he needs to. He ends up helping me a lot. But, we are both learning to better organize our time so that this is avoided. I really do love my godly, kind, patient, understanding husband. I will be back in a while to post his letter he wrote that he said I could share with you. I promise to do it today! :o)

Love,
Julie

Day 15- Husband Encouragement Challenge

http://www.reviveourhearts.com


"Let your speech always be with grace." (Colossians 4:6a)

Focus today on how you represent your husband in your home, your church, and your community. In this challenge to encourage, ask: "If everything 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 speak positively about your husband to others, or do you complain and criticize? Your speech should reflect 1 Corinthians 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 Peter 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.

While you are considering how your speech can reflect the grace of the Lord in your husband's life, don't forget that your words can also encourage others. When you share what God is doing in your life through this "30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge", others will be blessed. Perhaps other wives will be moved to take up this challenge. Please take a few minutes to write us. Just click here: http://www.reviveourhearts.com/interact/contactus.htm. We'd love to hear from you!

*The tongue can be an evil thing. I try so very hard to speak well of my husband at all times but at times I fall short. This is something that God has been convicting me of lately. I am working on changing my heart in so many areas. Tough work. I pray that I can be the wife that Charlie deserves. I pray that through me he can be strengthened. I pray that through us and our relationship others can come to Christ. That has not always been my first priority, I am sad to say. But, through Christ, I am working to change that.

My husband wrote something to me last night that he said I could share with you. I will try to get it typed up later today. I have to go and get breakfast for my family. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Love,
Julie

Day 14-Husband Encouragement Challenge

"The righteous man walks in his integrity." (Proverbs 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 Husband Encouragement Challenge", determine to look for ways that your husband stands against the culture.

Is your spouse a man of integrity? Is he fair in his dealings with people? Does he understand the meaning of justice? Is he honest in business? Unhypocritical in his faith? Consider all the ways a man can live in integrity, and praise your husband for one of them.
As you have the opportunity--as it is appropriate--share examples of your husband's honesty and integrity with others.

***Isn't it amazing what the power of encouragement can do in others' lives? So many blessings come to those we love, and our own hearts are encouraged, too. We would love to have you share your encouragement journey with us. What has God been doing in your heart as you have set out to encourage your husband? Have you noticed a change in your husband's heart? Go to http://www.reviveourhearts.com/interact/contactus.htm to tell us.

*To be truthful, my husband's honesty often encourages me to be more honest and to be a person of integrity. I have learned a lot from Charlie's strength in these areas. He is very strong in his faith and his honesty and integrity shows to everyone. Especially in his work environment. He is truly dedicated to being a man of God and for that I respect him and honor him so much.

Join this challenge today & see the miracles of God in your marriage!

Love,
Julie

Day 13-Husband Encouragement Challenge

REVIVE OUR HEARTS.COM

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

The sexual relationship. It's one of those elements--along with money and children--that can derail a marriage through negative comments. Negativity destroys intimacy, but encouragement builds and strengthens the marriage bond.

Let's get practical here. Is your husband a "good lover?" Have you told him so? Be specific. Let him know when he pleases you. Most husbands genuinely want to please their wives, especially in this important area of marriage.

In moments of intimacy, do you find your mind wandering? This can change as you focus on something wonderful about your husband. Realize that your husband wants intimacy with you. His desire is toward you.

Does this area of your marriage need some work? Remember that this is a sensitive area for men. Be sure to encourage his lovemaking and masculinity in positive ways.

*No complaints here! This is awkward to talk about so that's all I am going to say. I definitely do my part in encouraging my husband. "Nuff said"!

Join this challenge today, it will change your marriage!

Love,

Julie

Day 12-Husband Encouragement Challenge

Revive Our Hearts.com

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

Part of the difficulty you may face as you continue in this 30-day challenge is that you really are struggling to find positive things to praise your husband for. Perhaps the problem is not with your husband. Have you checked your own heart?

Sometimes we get disillusioned because of our own unreasonable or unrealistic expectations (Proverbs 13:12). It may not be that our mates are doing something wrong; it's simply that we expect too much in some areas.
Our expectations must be met in God alone, and then we will have the right perspective to ask God for the healing and grace we need to respond to others.

How sad that we give more grace to others than to those in our own homes. Today, try to look at your husband through eyes of grace. Verbally thank your husband for what he is already doing.

*I really need to be working on this one! I am SO bad at having unrealistic expectations of Charlie. I tend to expect to much and I am not so great with extending grace even though I know I should. Like everything else, I am improving and that is a huge victory in our marriage! So, I am off to work more on this one; that's for sure!

Love,
Julie

Day 8- Husband Encouragement Challenge

REVIVE OUR HEARTS.COM

How are you doing with the "30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge"? In case you've forgotten, here's the challenge:

* You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband, or to anyone else.* Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband . . . to your husband and to someone else.

"But who can find a faithful man?" (Proverbs 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 Peter 3:1b). You may also want to seek counsel from a mature, godly individual or couple.

*My husband is faithful to me and always has been. However, he does struggle like most men. I am very blessed to have a husband that overcomes his struggles instead of giving in to his own self. He does this in numerous ways, not just physical. He also supports me and defends me and believes that I am the answer to his prayers. (His words, not mine). I do not take this lightly and I try so very hard every day to be the wife that he deserves. Because of the love that we show each other and the respect that we have for one another, our marriage is truly wonderful. Not that we do not struggle, but we always try with everything within us to put each other first. And, that makes for a wonderful and truly faithful marriage.

Please join us in this "Husband Encouragement Challenge"! You will see great results!

Love,

Julie

Day 7- Husband Encouragement Challenge

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Day 7

"Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease! For riches certainly make themselves wings." (Proverbs 23:4, 5b)

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.

*Money and finances are areas that we struggle in often. However, Charlie always takes care of our family. He is becoming so much better at making decisions and putting them into practice. He is a very hard worker and very well liked at his job. He is reliable and trustworthy. It is so rewarding to listen to his coworkers and boss praise him to me. He also shows the love of Christ to his coworkers. He often is giving them things and doing things to help them out. It is easy to see God at work in our lives right now and I can honestly say, I feel a peace like I have never felt before. Thank you all for your blessed prayers.

Love,

Julie

Day 6-Husband Encouragement Challenge

REVIVE OUR HEARTS.COM

"Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 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.


*Charlie is VERY talented! He is an amazing woodworker, a welder, a gardener, takes care of sick animals, very inventive & creative, an amazing cook, and also can fix anything and runs every piece of equipment on his job (and these are not all of his talents!). He is always coming up with fun things for us to do and different ways to teach the girls important things without boring them. He does most of teaching Claire's ABC & counting and takes time each evening to do something that Claire & Lily enjoy. He is the organized one and often comes up with "systems" that make life easier for me. He has made all of the picture frames in our home and does all home improvement projects himself. We have NEVER had to hire a carpenter, painter, plumber, electrician, handy man, ANYTHING! He can do it all! I am SO proud to be Charlie's wife!


Join us today in encouraging your husband, if you haven't already done so! It will truly be a blessing to your marriage!


Love,

Julie