As you know, I am a huge fan of Sally Clarkson...please take a minute and read what she has to say on marriage, here...you will be blessed.
"Children, then, are an accountability factor in staying faithful. We have to choose to not give children a legacy of compromise, disloyalty, brokenness. Children always feel somewhere deep inside that it is their fault when parents are not loyal to each other. The way a husband and wife treat each other has a direct correlation on how a child builds his internal sense of his own being deep inside. It is very difficult to teach your children to follow the ten commandments (You shall not steal--even though I did by robbing someone else of their purity--you shall not lie--even though I did by deceiving my husband---honor God--even though I didn't when I broke my vows before Him. --very difficult to teach your children to have integrity if you choose not to have integrity in the very place that is to be the foundation where they see truth lived out. "
~Love~
Julie
Showing posts with label marriage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marriage. Show all posts
Monday, September 14, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
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
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Happy Birthday, Allison & a must read for your marriage(this post is ALL over the place)
Drew in MeMe's lap at church; smiling big!! :)
Allison is on the very end holding Lily. Isn't she pretty? :)I am taking a "break" from my blogging break today for 3 VERY important reasons! First, Happy Birthday (yesterday) to our precious niece, Allison!!! She is 16 and will be driving next week!! (legally, anyway!) :) I am putting a picture of her on here but it's not real current. I am trying to get better about that! :) Hope you had a GREAT birthday, sweetie!! LOVE YOU!!!
Drew is also 5 months old today!!! I will write a longer post about this later!!!I can't believe that he is almost half a year old(where does the time go?!) and this is a fairly current pic of him but again I will HAVE to get better about this!!! (going computer shopping this weekend!!) YAY!! :)
And the third thing is this post today at Praise and Coffee. Thanks, Kelli, for sharing this!!! If you are married, read this. I have some things to add to this but for today I am just not sure what I should write so I will wait until God makes it more clear. This is a topic that is VERY hard to address and that is exactly why Satan is so victorious in this area. People sweep it under the rug. We CAN NOT allow that to happen; that is just automatically forfeiting the game to Satan!! More on this later when I get my thoughts together and have a little time to write a longer post!!
Praying for my husband is going pretty good but I could do better! I am going to stay on blogging break again until at least Saturday so that I can focus more intently on Charlie and his needs, especially in prayer. Something that I didn't expect is that Claire has prayed with me a few times and Lily (following Sissy's example) got down in the floor with us, as well and said her little prayers. My heart is just full when moments like that happen.
Well, back to my break & I hope ya'll are having a great week!!! :)
Love,
Julie
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
tomorrow, I will be....
Baking these with my daughters. And these. Oh, so yummy! :) Playing dolls, playing house (me really ironing clothes while Claire & Lily iron on their little ironing boards with irons that MeMe & Papaw bought them for Christmas), playing in the "castle" with Claire & Lily that Aunt Cheryl & Uncle Greg gave them, watching "Gideon-A lesson in trusting God" Claire's current fave movie, a present from Aunt Crystal& Uncle Paul and playing dress up (present from Aunt Tammy/Uncle Jeremy), playing my keyboard while Claire & Lily rock out on their keyboard (from Aunt Lynn/Uncle Billy), reading James and some in my chronological plan (still trying to follow it as much as I can; it's just been hard), doing the "love dare", making something light for supper (due to the sickness), getting lots of cuddles from Drew & listening to his precious little baby laugh! Listening to my sweet little girls carry on adorable conversations with each other and seeing their sweet relationship develop right before my very eyes. :),washing/drying/folding/putting away laundry, calling the dr.'s office,getting paperwork done for taxes,cleaning the bathroom,breaking up little arguments, kissing owies, (hopefully NOT cleaning up puke & poop)doing school with the girls, organizing mine & Charlie's bedroom, scrubbing floors, and whatever else comes up?!!!!
This is only the tip of the list of things I have to get done this week!!! Is it any wonder that we as stay home Mom's (and working mom's too) just never get ahead?! That we feel "overwhelmed" if we stop and think about all we have to do?! The best solution, I have found, is not to THINK, it is to just DO IT and GET IT DONE!!!! :)
I may have a lot to do tomorrow but I am SO looking forward to it!! I am really looking forward to the play time with my babies & a clean house after I get it all done this week! Nothing like those two feelings, well, that & a happy husband!!! :) So, please pray for me tomorrow so that I may be focused on my tasks! We all know how much the enemy loves to distract us!!!
Love you all & have a great day!! (I won't be on the computer tomorrow; taking a break!)
Julie
This is only the tip of the list of things I have to get done this week!!! Is it any wonder that we as stay home Mom's (and working mom's too) just never get ahead?! That we feel "overwhelmed" if we stop and think about all we have to do?! The best solution, I have found, is not to THINK, it is to just DO IT and GET IT DONE!!!! :)
I may have a lot to do tomorrow but I am SO looking forward to it!! I am really looking forward to the play time with my babies & a clean house after I get it all done this week! Nothing like those two feelings, well, that & a happy husband!!! :) So, please pray for me tomorrow so that I may be focused on my tasks! We all know how much the enemy loves to distract us!!!
Love you all & have a great day!! (I won't be on the computer tomorrow; taking a break!)
Julie
Monday, January 5, 2009
reflections for wives....
"Wives, in light of the Lord's instruction to us, we have to ask ourselves the hard questions on a regular basis: Do I care for my home in a way that helps my husband or serves me? Do I manage my time in a manner that assists my husband or serves my own agenda? Does the way I serve others support my husband or promote me? Do I ask for my husband's input before committing myself to a plan? Am I oriented to him and the work to which God has called him? We honor the Lord when we minister to our husbands in ways that enhance our God-given roles as companions and helpers.
~Carolyn Mahaney
*image courtesy of allposters.com
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Hello!.....
Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! :) Thank you so much for the sweet cards and emails! Your Christmas/New Year cards should be arriving soon in your mailbox, if they haven't already. I am really sorry that I was so late getting them sent out. I tried.
We have had a wonderful Christmas! First of all, Charlie got a week off from work, unexpectedly. It wasn't great because it was a week without pay or unemployment (long story) but it was great because we got to spend a lot of time and have a fantastic Christmas week instead of a rushed week. Thank you, Lord, for that. See, there is good in everything, even financial difficulty. :)
So, our Christmas spending was cut back even more, but that's okay, because we just focused more on important things and the true meaning of the Christmas season. Charlie bought us the book, "The Love Dare", as one of our Christmas presents. We have just started doing this and already Satan has attacked us in almost every area of our marriage. It has been rough but it's funny, too, because we just fight back that much harder and WE are winning! If you haven't started this book, I cannot recommend anything any more than I can recommend this book! It's great!
The girls have had a fun filled time with their Daddy and with cousins and visiting family. It's been a wild week and we are looking forward to settling down this week and just getting back into our groove. :)
Charlie's dad is doing pretty good, considering. He has a really great attitude about everything. He's good like that. :) They did not find any cancer in his bones and it is a really early stage so, those are all great things. Hopefully, they can take care of it with radiation. Please continue to pray. We sure do appreciate all of your prayers. :)
We are looking at a rough year again. HOPEfully, things will improve finanacially and otherwise. We are praying and prayerfully considering some options available to us. Please pray for Charlie as he makes a lot of decisions for the future of our family. He really is trying so hard to seek God's will and direction in his life. I am SO proud of him and in all of almost 11 years (next week) of marriage, I have never seen him walk as closely to the Lord as I see him walking now. It gives me goosebumps just talking about it! :)
*Well, I have to go lay clothes out for church tomorrow and read my love dare for tomorrow and get some sleep. I will try to post pictures of our crazy kids and their wild antics at Christmas if I can get the computer to cooperate! (Because of the week off of work, I will have to wait a little while longer on our computer, that's okay, the Lord is sure teaching me how to wait patiently!) :)
Happy New Year!
Julie
We have had a wonderful Christmas! First of all, Charlie got a week off from work, unexpectedly. It wasn't great because it was a week without pay or unemployment (long story) but it was great because we got to spend a lot of time and have a fantastic Christmas week instead of a rushed week. Thank you, Lord, for that. See, there is good in everything, even financial difficulty. :)
So, our Christmas spending was cut back even more, but that's okay, because we just focused more on important things and the true meaning of the Christmas season. Charlie bought us the book, "The Love Dare", as one of our Christmas presents. We have just started doing this and already Satan has attacked us in almost every area of our marriage. It has been rough but it's funny, too, because we just fight back that much harder and WE are winning! If you haven't started this book, I cannot recommend anything any more than I can recommend this book! It's great!
The girls have had a fun filled time with their Daddy and with cousins and visiting family. It's been a wild week and we are looking forward to settling down this week and just getting back into our groove. :)
Charlie's dad is doing pretty good, considering. He has a really great attitude about everything. He's good like that. :) They did not find any cancer in his bones and it is a really early stage so, those are all great things. Hopefully, they can take care of it with radiation. Please continue to pray. We sure do appreciate all of your prayers. :)
We are looking at a rough year again. HOPEfully, things will improve finanacially and otherwise. We are praying and prayerfully considering some options available to us. Please pray for Charlie as he makes a lot of decisions for the future of our family. He really is trying so hard to seek God's will and direction in his life. I am SO proud of him and in all of almost 11 years (next week) of marriage, I have never seen him walk as closely to the Lord as I see him walking now. It gives me goosebumps just talking about it! :)
*Well, I have to go lay clothes out for church tomorrow and read my love dare for tomorrow and get some sleep. I will try to post pictures of our crazy kids and their wild antics at Christmas if I can get the computer to cooperate! (Because of the week off of work, I will have to wait a little while longer on our computer, that's okay, the Lord is sure teaching me how to wait patiently!) :)
Happy New Year!
Julie
Thursday, November 13, 2008
I'm under attack...
*edited to say: I know that people love me, that friends and family love me. Deep down I know that. This is just the battle that I fight every day with myself. Not anything that anyone has or hasn't done!
Charlie and I went to see Fireproof on Sunday night. It was, as I already said, in a word, AWESOME!!! It has been life changing for us! I am seeing things in my husband that I have prayed for and now they are coming true! Last night was a very huge moment for us. Charlie took me down on the floor with him on our knees and he prayed over us. :) I cannot stop crying today. Just tears of absolute joy everytime I think of my precious husband and how he is trying so hard to be the husband/father he is called to be, how his heart is so tender towards me now and most important, He is walking with Christ every step of the way! :)
We are going through some major things right now and I am not afraid. Charlie is standing up and taking control and I am SO proud of my husband! However, the problem is with me.
Satan is atttacking me; big time. I have a major self pity thing going on. I am not able to focus so well when I am in prayer. I just feel like I need to sleep and have no urge to take care of my family or my home. Sounds bad, huh? But, I have to admit it. I must get this out so that Satan has NO power over my mind. I have learned exactly what to do to make him go away! ;)
I am just in a major funk. I feel like no one cares about me and I have been trying to reach out to others but feel rejected. I hate that feeling and it makes me start questioning myself. It makes me feel horrible because I feel not worthy of friendship or of anything good in my life. I hate this about me, that I let my mind control me so many times.
My parenting has definitely suffered. I am very easily angered and struggling to stay calm and let the little things just go. Lily is a little screamer when she doesn't get her way and listening to this ALL. DAY. LONG. is driving me insane! Claire is going through a thing where she hates to wear pants (of any kind) , her seat belt, etc. and throws a screaming fit when she has too. Which, you know, is any time we go anywhere at all. Drew is doing pretty good but I can't give him the attention he needs because I have spent most of my day today defusing temper tantrums and wondering if I am losing my mind?!
And, I have surgery scheduled for Tuesday morning. I am always worried when I have surgery. And this is a very hard and sad day for me. Without going into our reasons or our decision, I will not be able to have more children. We know that this is the right decison but we are very sad. My life is my husband and my children. That's all I know and I love every second of it. I really believe that my conflicting feelings are the source of a lot of this mess I am going through this week. Please pray for us.
Anyway, I just felt like I had to get this said. I know that I have not been walking around with my "full armour of God" as my protection against Satan's attacks. I must stay in the word, that is why I am starting the memory verse. I must focus on what my family thinks of me and their needs from me as a wife and mother. I HAVE to get to that point where I no longer worry about what people (even family) think of me. I have to stop letting other people's opinions of me control me. I KNOW WHO I AM. I KNOW I AM WORTHY. I KNOW I AM CALLED TO BE CHARLIE'S WIFE AND CLAIRE, LILY & DREW'S MAMA. THE LORD IS MY HEAVENLY FATHER AND HE LOVES ME.
and that's all I need to know.
Julie
Charlie and I went to see Fireproof on Sunday night. It was, as I already said, in a word, AWESOME!!! It has been life changing for us! I am seeing things in my husband that I have prayed for and now they are coming true! Last night was a very huge moment for us. Charlie took me down on the floor with him on our knees and he prayed over us. :) I cannot stop crying today. Just tears of absolute joy everytime I think of my precious husband and how he is trying so hard to be the husband/father he is called to be, how his heart is so tender towards me now and most important, He is walking with Christ every step of the way! :)
We are going through some major things right now and I am not afraid. Charlie is standing up and taking control and I am SO proud of my husband! However, the problem is with me.
Satan is atttacking me; big time. I have a major self pity thing going on. I am not able to focus so well when I am in prayer. I just feel like I need to sleep and have no urge to take care of my family or my home. Sounds bad, huh? But, I have to admit it. I must get this out so that Satan has NO power over my mind. I have learned exactly what to do to make him go away! ;)
I am just in a major funk. I feel like no one cares about me and I have been trying to reach out to others but feel rejected. I hate that feeling and it makes me start questioning myself. It makes me feel horrible because I feel not worthy of friendship or of anything good in my life. I hate this about me, that I let my mind control me so many times.
My parenting has definitely suffered. I am very easily angered and struggling to stay calm and let the little things just go. Lily is a little screamer when she doesn't get her way and listening to this ALL. DAY. LONG. is driving me insane! Claire is going through a thing where she hates to wear pants (of any kind) , her seat belt, etc. and throws a screaming fit when she has too. Which, you know, is any time we go anywhere at all. Drew is doing pretty good but I can't give him the attention he needs because I have spent most of my day today defusing temper tantrums and wondering if I am losing my mind?!
And, I have surgery scheduled for Tuesday morning. I am always worried when I have surgery. And this is a very hard and sad day for me. Without going into our reasons or our decision, I will not be able to have more children. We know that this is the right decison but we are very sad. My life is my husband and my children. That's all I know and I love every second of it. I really believe that my conflicting feelings are the source of a lot of this mess I am going through this week. Please pray for us.
Anyway, I just felt like I had to get this said. I know that I have not been walking around with my "full armour of God" as my protection against Satan's attacks. I must stay in the word, that is why I am starting the memory verse. I must focus on what my family thinks of me and their needs from me as a wife and mother. I HAVE to get to that point where I no longer worry about what people (even family) think of me. I have to stop letting other people's opinions of me control me. I KNOW WHO I AM. I KNOW I AM WORTHY. I KNOW I AM CALLED TO BE CHARLIE'S WIFE AND CLAIRE, LILY & DREW'S MAMA. THE LORD IS MY HEAVENLY FATHER AND HE LOVES ME.
and that's all I need to know.
Julie
Monday, November 10, 2008
Fight for your marriage!
*updated: read my husband's movie review here!Charlie & I went to this movie last night. Words cannot explain how deeply this movie touched both of us. I can say without any embarassment, that many things in this movie have been us. We both left the theatre with tears running down our face. Everyone in our church went and we are going to be doing the Love Dare. I just cannot say enough what a blessing this movie is to us. Please, please go see this movie. Take your kids. Show them what true love is and what marriage is supposed to be. Show them a movie that treats marriage as sacred and not just a piece of paper. "a covenant, not a contract".
I am going to start this challenge soon. Hopefully I will get the book this week. Join me, please. Treat your marriage as you should, make it your highest priority.
Love,
Julie
*thanks to our church members who took turns babysitting the little ones! It was great to see this wonderful movie as a couple. What a sweet family of believers we belong to! :)
Thursday, October 30, 2008
doing your husband good-days1-4
A blog I read quite often, Girl Talk, has a series posted, "Doing your husband good". It has a lot of good suggestions on things we can do to improve our marriage and show our appreciation to our husbands. I plan on trying a few of these in the next week or so. =)
I just wanted to share this wonderful series with you! Now, I am off to finish the details on Claire & Lily's costumes. Lily is a "sleeping princess". long story. I promise to share it with you when I post pictures. I have to go now and take cookies out of the oven and finish the costumes up while everyone is napping. I am SO happy that all three of my children nap at the same time every day! Thank you, GOD! =)
See you tomorrow......
I just wanted to share this wonderful series with you! Now, I am off to finish the details on Claire & Lily's costumes. Lily is a "sleeping princess". long story. I promise to share it with you when I post pictures. I have to go now and take cookies out of the oven and finish the costumes up while everyone is napping. I am SO happy that all three of my children nap at the same time every day! Thank you, GOD! =)
See you tomorrow......
Friday, October 24, 2008
Help for marriages...
Charlie & I subscribe to some marriage blogs. Trey Morgan.net is an excellent resource for marriage links. This was on our blog reader yesterday. Check it out; we did! All of the links are very helpful!!!
Julie
Julie
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Prayers
"They are no more twain, but one flesh.What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder"
(Matthew 19:6).
This verse is weighing heavy on my mind right now. I would ask that you pray for my family at this moment and throughout the next few weeks. I believe that this decision that has been made and the pain and anger that are felt can be reversed and healed. I believe that our God has that extraordinary power. Please pray fervently. I cannot give more details, just please pray for healing and restoration in my family. I don't know what else to do except give it to God in prayer. So, I am asking you to please, please join me there. There is power in numbers and the "fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much"..
Love you all & thank you so much,
Julie
*Just to let you know, this is not about Charlie & I, our marriage is not in trouble. This does however, directly involve us, as it is a close member of our family. Just letting you know so you don't worry about us.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
This Man Loves Me!!!!
Counting my blessings today! I am SO blessed to be the wife of this incredible amazing man! THANK YOU, LORD JESUS!!!!! :o)
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
What's Growing In Your Garden?
This is an excerpt from a book I have that is titled, "Moments Together For Couples" by Dennis & Barbara Rainey. An excellent book that has helped Charlie & I through many things in our 11 year marriage. Read along and really try to take in what they are saying in this devotional:
"Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in loving kindness and truth...yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations."
Dag Hammarskjold, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, once said, "You cannot play with the animal in you without becoming wholly animal; play with falsehood without forfeiting your right to truth; play with cruelty without losing your sensitivity of mind. He who wants to keep his garden tidy doesn't reserve a plot for weeds."
Did you know that what you grow and cultivate in your garden today could spread to your offspring? Did you know that a sin you now tolerate could still be tormenting your great-grandchildren in the year 2140? That's four generations from now!
Consider the warning of Scripture at the top of this page. What does it mean? Why would God set up a system that visits one generation's sins on three or four other generations? I have a hunch that God is trying to tell us that the way we live impacts others and is of supreme importance to Him. Possibly He's using a warning of future judgement on our descendants to keep us on the straight and narrow today.
Whether you like it or not, your children are becoming just like you. Their little eyes are watching to see how you relate to your mate, how you pray, how you walk with Christ on a daily basis. They hear your words and subconsciously mimic your attitudes , actions and even your mannerisms.
And as time goes by you'll find that they've inherited some of the same tendencies towards sin that you learned from your own parents. That's why so many children from broken homes, for example, grow up and fail in their own marriages.
Your kids will grow up to be like you. Is that a sobering thought, or an encouraging one?
*Well, I just felt like God was leading me to post this today. It helped me realize a lot of problems that I am dealing with right now are going to affect my children in the future. That is a very sobering thought, indeed. But, it is also encouraging to know and realize that hopefully because of my love for the Lord, that our children will grow up to love the Lord their God. Amazing, isn't it?
Hope this helps you & I will try to post the second part of this devotional tomorrow or Friday. God Bless.
"Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in loving kindness and truth...yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations."
Dag Hammarskjold, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, once said, "You cannot play with the animal in you without becoming wholly animal; play with falsehood without forfeiting your right to truth; play with cruelty without losing your sensitivity of mind. He who wants to keep his garden tidy doesn't reserve a plot for weeds."
Did you know that what you grow and cultivate in your garden today could spread to your offspring? Did you know that a sin you now tolerate could still be tormenting your great-grandchildren in the year 2140? That's four generations from now!
Consider the warning of Scripture at the top of this page. What does it mean? Why would God set up a system that visits one generation's sins on three or four other generations? I have a hunch that God is trying to tell us that the way we live impacts others and is of supreme importance to Him. Possibly He's using a warning of future judgement on our descendants to keep us on the straight and narrow today.
Whether you like it or not, your children are becoming just like you. Their little eyes are watching to see how you relate to your mate, how you pray, how you walk with Christ on a daily basis. They hear your words and subconsciously mimic your attitudes , actions and even your mannerisms.
And as time goes by you'll find that they've inherited some of the same tendencies towards sin that you learned from your own parents. That's why so many children from broken homes, for example, grow up and fail in their own marriages.
Your kids will grow up to be like you. Is that a sobering thought, or an encouraging one?
*Well, I just felt like God was leading me to post this today. It helped me realize a lot of problems that I am dealing with right now are going to affect my children in the future. That is a very sobering thought, indeed. But, it is also encouraging to know and realize that hopefully because of my love for the Lord, that our children will grow up to love the Lord their God. Amazing, isn't it?
Hope this helps you & I will try to post the second part of this devotional tomorrow or Friday. God Bless.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Thank you to my husband(warning: it's sappy)
I am just writing this note to Charlie so he will be surprised when he checks my blog tonight! Thank you so much, baby, for staying up with me last night until 11:30 and watching the movie even though you had to get up at 5 am. That was such a sweet idea you had and we haven't done anything like that in so long. It made me feel really good to know that you wanted to just spend time with me laughing and cuddling. I feel newly connected to you again and that is such an awesome feeling!
Thanks so much for letting me go grocery shopping by myself and to get my hair cut. It was so sweet of you to make homemade pizza last night, you make the best pizza in the entire world! And, the movie night was just a perfect ending to an amazing day with the best husband ever.
I know how blessed I am to be your wife. Thank you for making me feel that you are blessed to be my husband. I love you so much and every new day with you is one that I am eternally grateful for.
See you soon! Love always & forever, "Fred"
Thanks so much for letting me go grocery shopping by myself and to get my hair cut. It was so sweet of you to make homemade pizza last night, you make the best pizza in the entire world! And, the movie night was just a perfect ending to an amazing day with the best husband ever.
I know how blessed I am to be your wife. Thank you for making me feel that you are blessed to be my husband. I love you so much and every new day with you is one that I am eternally grateful for.
See you soon! Love always & forever, "Fred"
Saturday, May 10, 2008
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 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!!!!
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
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
Monday, April 28, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
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
Love you so much,
Charles Edward
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
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"!
"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
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