Say It With Ink

New CTMH Catalog coming Feb 1st!

2012-01-23T11:57:00.004-05:00

One of my very favorite idea books ever!

January 2012 SOTM

2012-01-23T11:57:00.001-05:00

ABC Faithbook

2012-01-23T11:52:00.007-05:00

Verve Stamp - Bookmark

2012-01-23T11:47:00.000-05:00

Scraps make great cards!

2011-05-22T11:12:00.001-04:00

A card I did from scraps leftover from doing M's 2 page spread

CTMH May Stamp of the Month Details

2011-05-22T11:04:00.001-04:00

New swap items

2011-05-22T10:54:00.007-04:00

No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

2008-09-07T15:52:00.005-04:00

No bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
2 cups white sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
3 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 bag toll house chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, cocoa, milk and margarine. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, salt, peanut butter and oats. I actually add a 1/2 package of toll house chocolate chips to them as well :)
Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto waxed paper. Allow cookies to cool for at least 1 hour. Store in an airtight container.

Crock Pot - Pot Roast with veggies

2008-08-23T18:30:00.003-04:00

I've not been in the mood to cook and today decided to break out the crock pot and make whatever I could throw in it :) Tonights meal was a Trader Joe's Ready Made Pot Roast package that I had frozen...frozen french style green beans (1/2 package), 1/2 package of baby carrots, about a a cup of sliced orange and red pepperes, 3 peeled and diced potatoes, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and coriander. I added maybe 1/4 cup of water and let it cook on high about 5 hours.

My family loved it! I definitely have to use my crock pot more and start cleaning out my freezer :)

Heart whispers

2008-08-22T12:18:00.002-04:00

This one touched me. I've done this to many times in the past. A good reminder to listen to that heart whisper.

Heart Whispers
Tracie Miles

"A word was secretly brought to me, my ears caught a whisper of it." Job 4:12 (NIV)

Devotion:
If only I had called her.
If only I had listened to that little voice in my head that nudged me to call her several times over the past few months. Although we were casual acquaintances whose paths did not cross very often, I still considered her a friend and a dear sister in Christ. She had been fighting cancer for years, but had recently been in remission and in good health. More than a year had passed since we had spoken, but we would still smile and wave at each other at church.
For several weeks recently, this friend kept coming to mind. I had felt God laying her on my heart, and I kept intending to call her, but would get busy and forget. Then I arrived at church one Sunday morning, only to read the shocking news that she had passed away. I was stunned. I had seen her fairly recently, buzzing around the sanctuary, and she looked great, but now she was gone. Now it was too late to call her. The door of opportunity to hear her kind voice had slammed shut. If only I had listened to that inner voice of the Holy Spirit prompting me to pick up the phone to call and check on her. I was unaware that she was sick again, but God knew.

If only I had stopped whatever I was doing, and taken just a few minutes to let her know I was thinking of her. I was unaware of her need to be remembered, but God knew.

If only I had called her, and let her know how her unshakable joy had impacted my walk with God. I was unaware of her need for encouragement, but God knew.

Tears filled my eyes as I considered not only the loss of this sweet, precious woman, but my own remorse for not listening to God's whispers to my heart. God's ways are not our ways, as we are told in Isaiah 55:8, and I have learned through this experience to always listen to the quietest of voices, and recognize that this voice is holy.

I now understand that when I suddenly feel the need to call someone whom I haven't thought of, spoken to, or seen in months or even years, that it may be God Himself whispering to my heart. When I have an urge to tell someone I love them, even though I am sure they already know it, God is whispering to my heart. When I find myself dropping by to visit someone in the hospital that I don't know well or possibly do not them at all, God is whispering to my heart.

God knows what His children need, and He uses each of us to meet those needs. Just because we don't have all the answers yet, or do not know why God is prompting us to do a certain thing, doesn't mean we should ignore the whisper. His ways are not our ways... but His way is the best way... and the necessary way.
When I learned of my friend's passing, I made a commitment to myself and to God that I will never again ignore even the tiniest, quietest whisper from the Holy Spirit. I will pray for discernment and whether He tells me to make a big sacrifice, or simply make a phone call, my hope is that I will step out in faith and obey, without delay.
If God has been whispering to you about someone or something, listen to those whispers. Don't discount them. Pray for discernment and be willing to take action, even if you don't fully understand the reason yet. Unfortunately, the consequence of not listening to those whispers, could result in you having to say, "If only ..." just like me.

Have you heard His whisper?

Dear Lord, forgive me for not listening to Your voice. Help me to recognize your activity in my heart, and act promptly on the commands you speak to me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer

For more encouragement about this topic, visit Tracie Miles' blog

Reinventing Your Rainbow by Tracie Miles

Application Steps:
If you have heard a whisper to your spirit lately, did you consider that it could be God speaking?

Reflections: Has God whispered the name of someone for you to call today?

Has He prompted you to be obedient in a small way, or even a big way, that you have yet to act on?

Power Verses:
Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. (NIV)

© 2008 by Tracie Miles. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.proverbs31.org

Feeling Emotional

2008-03-11T11:11:00.003-04:00

Oh how I wished I'd read this one yesterday! However, I'm finding great encouragement from it today!

Feeling Emotional
Rachel Olsen

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” John 14:1 (NLT)

Devotion:
Frustration hit me full force about a quarter ‘til dawn. I woke up to find my child is sick, again. With my husband away on business, it was up to me to help the young boy who was standing beside my bed coughing. He’s been sick the better part of the last 5 weeks. I thought he was finally turning the corner. I thought we were done with decongestants, germy tissues, and Clorox wipes. That is, until this morning. So the first thing I felt today was frustrated.

When my child is out of commission, it puts me out of commission as well. He is now behind on his school work, and I am now behind on about a half-dozen things. I could feel my stress level rising as I poured the cough syrup into the plastic measuring cup. I thought about the things I was supposed to accomplish today … the meetings, the deadlines, the errands. A scowl settled into my forehead. I closed the medicine cabinet door with much more force than really necessary.

I felt sorry for my pitiful son. I also felt frustrated that my prayers had not prevented this relapse in illness. I felt angry that yet another day would be interrupted by some virus. And I felt bad because I knew I wasn’t handling it well. I felt, I felt, I felt …all I was doing was feeling, letting my emotions spread out and lay claim over every aspect of my day.

I have this notion in my head that a mature Christian wouldn’t be feeling this way. Shouldn’t I be so spiritual that I’m above getting upset over things like this? After taking care of my son, I sat down and scanned the gospels to see if Jesus ever felt emotionally strained. Sure enough, I found instances where Jesus is described as feeling “deeply troubled” and “distressed” (Mark 14:33, John 13:21, John 12:27, NLT).

If Jesus got emotionally agitated, then it’s ridiculous for me to expect to go through life without feeling some stress. The problem isn’t my emotions, it’s my reaction to them. The trouble comes when I give them free reign in my heart and mind. That’s when I become unstable. That’s when I lose sight of God. That’s when I say or do things I regret.

Jesus spoke today’s verse to his disciples, knowing what their futures would hold. He knew His death was coming and it would trigger fear, sorrow and doubt in their hearts. Not wanting them to wallow in those emotions, He counseled them ahead of time to keep their focus on God and all that He’d been teaching them.

Jesus, knowing what our day holds, speaks the same words to us. He tells us to not let our emotions fly about today, creating an unstable and troubled heart. Instead, our trustworthy Lord tells us to focus our attention on Him.

I made the decision this morning to pray and place my trust in God, despite how my day was shaping up and despite how volatile my emotions felt. He calmed my anxious heart, and my son seems to be feeling better as well. It feels good to trade in my troubled emotions for a source of strength that will get me through my day. And that’s one feeling I think Jesus would love for me to wallow in.

Dear Lord, I want to be ruled by Your Spirit, not by my emotions. Help me to focus on You today and not my troubles. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

For ideas to calm your anxious heart, click here to visit Rachel’s blog.

P31 Woman magazine

God’s Purpose for Every Woman: A P31 Devotional Gen Editors, Lysa TerKeurst & Rachel Olsen

Application Steps:
Start your day by praying for God to give you the mind of Christ and emotions that are submitted to Him.

On days when you get off track, like I did today, resolve to shorten the amount of time between the emotional trigger and the moment when you release your feelings and the situation into God’s care.

Reflections:
What is getting the best of you today? Anger? Bitterness? Depression? Fear? Lust? Greed? Christ?

Am I willing to release these emotions to God and determine to not let my heart be troubled?

Power Verses:
Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (NIV)

Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (KJV)

Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (NIV)

Matthew 6:33-34, “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” (MSG)

© 2008 by Rachel Olsen. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.proverbs31.org

Crock pot Recipes

2008-03-09T23:10:00.001-04:00

crockpot365.blogspot.com

3/8/07 Upclose and Personal

2008-03-07T18:49:00.000-05:00

March 7, 2008

Up Close and Personal
Renee Swope
“’I will bring him near and he will come close to me, for who is he who will devote himself to be close to me?' declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 30:21b (NIV)

Devotion:“This is not how I wanted to spend the weekend,” I grumbled to my husband. It was cold and I wanted to be inside enjoying our kitchen renovations and completing some unfinished projects.

Instead we were scraping paint. A few weeks earlier, I’d found a notice on our door from the neighborhood architectural committee informing us that our windowsills and front porch columns needed to be painted within 30 days, or we’d be fined. I was humiliated!

Did our house look bad enough to warrant an official notice? Had they taken time to peek inside the windows and see our kitchen renovations?

Humiliation turned to ranting when my husband got home. “These people need to get a life. There are 400 homes in our neighborhood. Plenty of them are in much worse condition. Anyway, how could they see our windowsills and front porch? We have large trees in our yard that block the view from the street. They must have come onto our property!”

To prove my point, I marched to the curb and announced that I could barely see the windows or columns. From a distance, the house looked fine.

Yet as I got closer, I noticed the summer’s heat and cold winter winds had worn the paint thin. What we thought would take hours turned into days. We spent the weekend on ladders scraping, sanding and painting. The more we sanded and scraped, the more the paint peeled. I soon realized that if we hadn’t done the repairs, the damage would’ve gotten worse. Eventually the wood could have rotted.

I thought about how our house looked fine from a distance. It was only when someone came near that they could see its neglected condition. I didn’t feel offended anymore that someone had come up close and gotten very personal. I felt thankful they cared enough to tell us.

As I painted and pondered, I noticed similarities between my home and my life. I, too, can look like I’m doing fine - from a distance. I, too, can get so busy focusing on one area of my life that I easily neglect another. And I need someone who is close enough to notice things I may not see and cares enough to tell me.

We all need up close and personal relationships. We all need others in our lives that see areas that need special attention. Yet, it requires transparency and trust, and that can be hard.

Having up close and personal relationships is a risk. What if others see our imperfections and use them against us? Isn’t it safer to perfect or protect the image others see by pretending “everything is fine” even if things aren’t?

That’s why the best place to start is with Jesus. He’s an up-close and personal Savior who creates a safe place for us to be real with Him, ourselves and eventually others. His life and His death prove that He knows us fully, loves us completely and accepts us unconditionally. In Jesus we find a safe place to let someone see the peeling paint in our hearts and the rotting wood in our lives.

So today let’s commit to spending time getting to know Him and inviting Him to know us. He wants to help us maintain the condition of our hearts so we can experience the fullness of His!

Lord, I want an up close and personal relationship with You - where I feel safe in being known completely. I want to be so secure in how You see me and love me that I can even risk letting others get up close and personal. Show me how, in Jesus Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Dear Jesus by Sarah Young

Searching for Satisfaction CD by Renee Swope

Just to Be Close to You – Read more about an up close relationship with God, and share your thoughts/questions on Renee’s Blog.

Application Steps:
Have you ever asked Jesus to be your personal Savior? If not, click here to find out how you can know Jesus. If you have a relationship with Jesus, ask Him to show you an area of your life that needs some up close and personal attention.

Reflections:
How will I spend more time getting to know Jesus? How can I develop transparency and trust with Him and others?

Power Verses:
“So you will be my people, and I will be your God.” Jeremiah 30:22 (NIV)
”He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart;” Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)

© 2008 by Renee Swope. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

Acrylix Stamp Storage

2008-03-05T14:27:00.002-05:00

This was posted on one of my scrap swap groups today. I loved this storage idea!

http://mynextthirtyyears.com/sharing-my-newly-organized-acrylic-stamp-storage

Creamy Spaghetti Primavera

2008-03-05T14:25:00.002-05:00

I think this was a Rachel Ray recipe...We had this meal last year at our CSS scrapbooking retreat. It was SOOO yummy!!

Creamy Spaghetti Primavera

5 - 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 T. extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
2 T. butter
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 lb. spaghetti
1 onion, halved and thinly sliced
2 carrots, cut into thin slices
1 zucchini, cut into thin slices
2 T. chopped fresh thyme leaves
salt and pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated parmigiano-reggiano
grated peel of 5 lemons
flat-leaf parsley, chopped or 3-4 T. chives

1. In a saucepan, simmer the broth over medium heat

2. In a large, deep skillet, heat the EVOO (2 turns around the pan or about 2 T.) and the butter over medium high heat. Stir in the garlic. Add the spaghetti and toast lightly, about 2 minutes. Add the onion, carrots, zucchini and cook until the vegetables soften, stirring with the tongs about 5 minutes. Add the wine and cook until completely absorbed. Add a few ladlefuls of warm broth and sit in the pasta. Keep adding broth a few ladles at a time, letting the liquid absorb before adding more. Stir often, like you would prepare a risotto, until all liquid is absorbed and the pasta is al dente, about 12 to 15 minutes.

3. Stir the cream and cheese into the pasta, remove from heat and stir for 1 minute longer, until the cheese is melted and creamy. Serve the pasta in shallow bowls, topped with the lemon peel and parsley.

Encourage Your Husband - Day 30

2008-03-04T10:44:00.002-05:00

Day Thirty:

"...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.

***How has this challenge changed your heart and life, dear friend? Did God encourage you as you planned ways to encourage your husband? Were there difficult days where you simply needed to trust that God was working? Days when it was hard to leave the results to God? Remember that God is faithful, and He will bless you for your willingness to obey Him. His ways are not our ways, and perhaps He will honor you in ways you do not expect, but one thing is sure - you will never be the same because of your commitment to be more like Christ! What kinds of victories have you experienced in your home since you started the "30-Day Encouragement Challenge"?

3/4/08 The Marriage Garden

2008-03-04T10:42:00.000-05:00

I thought this was appropriate for our last posting of Encouraging our Husband today!!! Feel free to use the Blog Label of Encouraging Your Husband to revisit the days and start over!!! I know I will be!

March 4, 2008

The Marriage Garden
By Melanie Chitwood

“The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands” Proverbs 14:1 (NAS)

Devotion:
I was feeling so frustrated that my husband was not making some changes I’d asked him to make - changes that I thought he should make. As I was telling God my frustrations, He gave me a picture of how I’d been treating my marriage. It could really apply to any relationship. Picture this as I describe it.

Imagine your back yard and in one corner of the yard is a huge garden filled and overrun with weeds. You know you need to take care of that garden, but you also know it’s going to take a lot of work. But then you remember you have a big John Deer lawnmower. You can just use that to plow down every weed. So that’s what you do. You hop on the John Deere, plow down the weeds, wipe your hands, pat yourself on the back and say job well done. Sure the weeds will grow back, but you can just mow them down again.

Then your eye spots another garden in your yard. Not as big as the first, but also filled with tall weeds. Well, I’ll just use the lawnmower again, you think to yourself. So you walk toward the garden to assess the situation, and then you notice there’s already a gardener there. This gardener is working slowly and carefully. He yanks out by hand each tall weed and deposits them in a trash pile that’s growing taller. Well, that’s going to take a long time, you think to yourself. Let me tell him about my lawnmower. You slowly walk toward the garden, and as you draw closer, you notice beautiful flowers, hidden by the weeds. The gardener sees you and beckons for you to join Him. You stop. You have a choice. Do you join the gardener in tending the garden, or do you insist that you use the John Deere?

God showed me that I was treating my marriage and its challenges like the first gardener. I was just plowing through, trying my own methods of fixing things, and leaving decimation in its wake. Not to mention my repairs were just temporary. I sensed God saying to me, Let me be the Gardener of your marriage. Let’s try my gentle ways. I will help you uncover the precious treasures in your marriage.

Talk honestly with God in prayer about your marriage. If you see that you are using the John Deere method of gardening in your marriage, confess this sin to God and ask Him to be the Gardener of your marriage.

Dear Lord, thank you for my husband and my marriage. I want the marriage you want me to have, Lord. I confess that I try to do my own gardening many times. I surrender myself, my husband, and my marriage into Your hands, Lord, acknowledging that You alone know the best way to tend to the garden of my marriage. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Related Resources:
What a Husband Needs from His Wife by Melanie Chitwood

Personality Plus for Couples by Florence Littauer

Encouragement for Your Marriage in Everyday Life

Application Steps:
Identify the pesky weeds in your marriage. Pray with open hands as you surrender each one to God. Ask Him to be the Gardener in your marriage and to deal with each weed the way He sees is best.

Reflections:
In what ways do you treat your husband like a pesky weed? In what ways do you treat him like a beautiful flower?

In what ways can you “put on love” (Colossians 3:14) for your husband?

After reading today’s key verse, think about ways you can “build your house” - strengthen your marriage - rather than tear it down. Commit to doing one idea this week.

Power Verses:
Colossians 3:12-13, “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the lord forgave you, also should you.” (NAS)

Colossians 3:14, “Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” (NAS)

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

The Illusion of Control

2008-03-03T20:11:00.001-05:00

This one hit close to home today!! So I had to share one more today!

The Illusion of Control
By Glynnis Whitwer

“For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom,
and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.”
1 Corinthians 1:25 (NIV)

Devotion:
My freshman son is on the school wrestling team. After an outstanding first season, Dylan had a disappointing loss – and he wasn’t happy. In fact, he was convinced the referee made some crucial mistakes.

Although I missed the match, I got a recap the next morning at breakfast. Dylan described his moves, and elaborated on the ones he thought should have earned him the win.

“I had this guy’s body in a scissor hold and had him on his back, but the ref didn’t give me points for getting that kid on his back!” Dylan explained.

His older brother, who also wrestled, offered, “You probably didn’t have control.”

“But I had him on his back,” Dylan countered.

“But the ref saw you really didn’t have control. That’s why you didn’t get the points,” Josh insisted. Dylan accepted that possibility and the conversation changed to other topics.

As the day wore on, the image of that wrestling match returned many times. And a parallel to my own life began to develop. I imagined myself wrestling with a personal struggle, thinking I’ve got it under control, only to discover I really don’t. I pictured God watching my struggle, watching me declare my victory, but knowing all along it’s only an illusion of control. I also pictured God standing there patiently, waiting for me to concede the struggle and ask for His help.

There are many areas of my life where I believe if I only try harder, I’ll succeed. Or if I could just figure out the perfect time management system, I could get everything done. Or if I could just hold my tongue, I could be more patient.

The truth is, the only way I’ll have victory over my struggles is to daily admit I don’t have complete control over them, and ask for God’s help.

I wish my son had won that wrestling match, but God used it to teach me a lesson. It is possible to have victory over my struggles … but I’m going to need some divine help.

Dear Lord, thank You for being patient with me when You watch me struggle again and again with the same issues. Help me to see the reality of my need for You every moment of my life. I ask for Your help to overcome my persistent struggles. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Six Habits of Highly Effective Christians by Brian T. Anderson & Glynnis Whitwer

God’s Purpose For Every Woman by various Proverbs 31 Authors, edited by Rachel Olsen and Lysa TerKeurst

P31 Woman Magazine

Visit Glynnis’ Blog for more encouragement.

Application Steps:
Get a note card and write on it one personal struggle you deal with. Commit to praying every day for seven days about this struggle. Admit you don’t have complete control over the situation and ask for God’s help.

Reflections:
Read 1 John 5:1-5. What does it mean to overcome the world?

What is the power source described in these verses?

How is faith and obedience to God connected to experiencing victory over your struggles?

Power Verses:
1 John 5:5, “Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (NIV)

Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (NIV)

Psalm 121:1-2, “I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (NIV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

Encourage Your Husband Day 29

2008-03-03T19:53:00.000-05:00

Day Twenty-nine:
"A prudent man foresees evil, and hides himself; the simple pass on, and are punished."Prov. 27:12
As you near the end of your Encouragement 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 (Gen. 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.

3/3/08 Handpicked by God

2008-03-03T19:52:00.001-05:00

March 3, 2008

Overlooked By Everyone Else
Lysa TerKeurst

“After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart, he will do everything I want him to do.’” Acts 13:22 (NIV)

Devotion:
Sometimes I wake up on Monday mornings a little grumpy. Time to do it all again. I'll buy food that gets eaten. I'll wash clothes that get dirty again. I'll sweep floors that an hour later will be littered with crumbs. Is there more to all this than just doing the tasks of everyday life?Before I jumped into the normal routine this morning, I sat with Jesus. And I found some big truths as I took a little glance into David's life. Despite how others saw him, his own propensity to sin, and lack of position in his own family, David had the sweet reassurance of God and that was enough.

Overlooked by everyone else. Handpicked by God.To his older brothers, David was a pest. To his father, Jesse, he was just the youngest son. To on-lookers, he was just a shepherd boy. But to God, he was the one destined to be king. And not just any king. His lineage was the one from whom Jesus would come.Overlooked by everyone else. Handpicked by God.Even how David was anointed to be the future king is a telling story. In 1 Samuel 16, God tells Samuel that He has rejected Saul as king and chosen one of Jesse's sons to be the replacement. Think of the list of qualifications that must have run through Samuel's mind for such a position: tall, smart, articulate, brave, groomed, well mannered, a natural born leader. "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his outward appearance or his height, for I have rejected him (meaning Saul who had these qualities). The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (verse 7).Overlooked by everyone else. Handpicked by God.Samuel had Jesse line up all of his sons before him. All of them were to be looked at. Yet, Jesse doesn't call David in from tending sheep. Was this an oversight? An assumption? A judgment call? A necessity? A deliberate choice?Overlooked by everyone else. Handpicked by God.Samuel passes on each of Jesse's sons and then asks, "Are these all the sons you have?"I imagine Jesse with a quizzical expression replying, "There is still the youngest but he is tending sheep." Surely one who spends his time taking care of animals is not the one to take care of a nation. Overlooked by everyone else. Handpicked by God.As soon as Samuel saw him, he knew he was the one. David was anointed to become king. But he was not immediately ushered to the throne. It was years before David would be recognized by the world. So, where did he go after being anointed as king? To a refining school? A government academy? Military training? Nope.He went back out into the fields and continued to shepherd his flock. A king doing lowly tasks. A king whose character was being refined in the fields of everyday life to prepare him for his calling.How like us. In the midst of smelly laundry, dirty dishes, snotty noses, misplaced keys, overdue library books, bills, and that birthday gift that still needs to be mailed to grandma - there is training there. There is character building. There is attitude shaping. There is soul defining. There is heart grounding. All of which must take place for us to become what God intends.Ever feel overlooked by the world? Take heart sister- we are handpicked by God.I am not just doing tasks. I am building a legacy. I am shaping God's kingdom. I am in the process of not only discovering my calling but that of my family as well. And I don't know about you, but it sure does make me look at my everyday tasks... even the smelly laundry in a whole different light.
Dear Lord, thank you that even when I feel overlooked, I can rest in the fact that I am handpicked by You. Help me to live my life for an audience of One. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa TerKeurst

The Bathtub is Overflowing But I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

For more encouragement in believing that you are handpicked by God, visit Lysa’s blog.

Application Steps:
Write down a list of qualities that you sense God is developing in you. Next write down why God might need to develop you in this way.

Reflections:
Are there any tasks that you particularly struggle with not wanting to do? Ask God for a new perspective and spend time listening for His voice while you do this job.

Power Verses:
Psalm 28:7a “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.” (NIV)

2 Samuel 7:22, “How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.” (NIV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

Encourage Your Husband Day 28

2008-02-28T23:57:00.000-05:00

Day Twenty-eight:

"The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility." Prov.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 Encouragement Challenge today, pray that you will respond to the Lord in faith and humility before you react to your husband. Speak wisely and well, and leavethe results to God. The humility that comes from a right relationship with God - the humility that comes when a man is willing to listen to God and be taught from His Word - is indeed a beautiful quality. Jesus was an example of this kind of humility when he was willing to submit to His Father's will (John 6:38; Matt. 26:39). 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.

Sour Cream Cranberry Bars

2008-02-28T23:53:00.001-05:00

A friend just made these and said they were EXCELLENT!

Sour Cream Cranberry Bars
Taste of Home
A filling made with dried cranberries is layered between a buttery crust and a golden crumb topping in these flavorful bars. They're recommended by Barbara Nowakowski from Mesa, Arizona.
SERVINGS: 36
CATEGORY: Dessert
METHOD: Baked
TIME: Prep: 15 min. Bake: 30 min. + cooling
Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1-1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
2 cups dried cranberries
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar. Combine the oats and 1-1/2 cups flour; add to the creamed mixture until blended. Set aside 1-1/2 cups for topping. Press remaining crumb mixture into an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the cranberries, sour cream, sugar, egg, lemon peel, vanilla and remaining flour. Spread evenly over crust. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: about 3 dozen.

Family Devotions - Together

2008-02-26T11:16:00.002-05:00

This has been a desire of mine. I'm going to pray that God will instill in Mikes heart the same desire! The kids and I do a "breakfast" devotion most mornings, but I'd love to see a family one with Mike leading!

February 26, 2008

Together
Holly Good, She Speaks Graduate

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,
just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

Devotion:
We call it “family time.” It’s my favorite night of the week. Several months ago, I felt the Lord convicting me, “Holly, I’m so glad you and your husband serve the youth in your church…you teach them, lead them, and pray with them on a weekly basis. But what are you doing with the two beautiful youth within your own precious home?”

I could not believe what had been revealed to me that day. I was amazed as to how simple this truth was, yet for some reason so challenging. It caused me to ponder, Why don’t we have family devotions? Why don’t we intentionally pray together? Why don’t we lift others needs up in prayer as a family – together?

Without hesitation, I talked to my husband and we determined a clear-cut plan for our family. We were going to have purposeful times with the Lord together. Just us – my husband, our 16-year-old daughter, our 12-year-old son, and me.

My friends often ask me what we do during family time. Here is our simple plan.
We read the Bible – We have our children look up key verses and we discuss them. Sometimes it will be a specific story, and sometimes it will just be a verse or two. We glean insight in both the Old and New Testament. I love the discussions that result from the truth’s we read and discover – together.We memorize scripture – We choose one of the verses we’ve read and work to memorize it for the next week – together.
We marvel at how God answers prayers – My husband or I will read aloud from an incredible book called “100 Amazing Answers to Prayer”, by William Peterson and Randy Peterson. Each week we are truly amazed as to how God works in miraculous ways. It is filled with mind-boggling stories of testimonies to answered prayer. This is our favorite part of family time. We sit in awe of our God – together.

We Pray – We end our time in prayer. As we discuss prayer requests I marvel at the fact that it’s a great way to get a glimpse into our kid’s lives. They’ll talk about their friends, their teachers, their schoolwork and any concerns on their heart. It’s a time when they know that we’re completely focused on them. It’s also a time for my husband and me to share things as well. When my husband’s job was in jeopardy of being eliminated several months ago, we prayed as a family – together.
During our family time we attempt to show, explain, and discuss how God’s love is all-consuming, and is always available to us regardless of how our week has been. We certainly don’t come across as the perfect all-knowing parents – just parents who love our kids and love God, too.

Are our kids always running to family time with smiles, great attitudes, an eagerness to learn, and an open heart for discussion? Not usually! But they always leave visibly refreshed and encouraged. And that is why we do it – together.

Dear Lord, thank you for my family. Please show me how to love them and lead them according to your will. Give me the boldness to show them my love for You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
The Pocket Parent: A Guide to Raising Godly Kids

Mining for Gold in the Heart of Your Child Character Chart and CD by Renee Swope

Building the Christian Family You Never Had by Mary DeMuth

Click here to connect with Holly on Lysa’s blog, where she’ll be a guest writer today.

Application Steps:
Get intentional about having a specific time for your family to pray together.

Encourage your children to talk to you about their faith and questions they may have.

Create a safe environment for your children to share what is on their hearts.

Reflections:
What will you do today to show God’s love to your children?

What will you do today to get your children into God’s word?

Power Verses:
Proverbs 22:6, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when his is old he will not turn from it.” (NIV)

John 13:35, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (NIV)

John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

Encourage Your Husband - Day 27

2008-02-26T11:06:00.001-05:00

Day Twenty-seven:
"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in theLORD." Ps. 31:24

You have almost completed the "30-Day Encouragement Challenge." Perhaps it has taken you a tremendous amount of courage to speak words of encouragement 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, yourfamily, or your home.

Feb 25 - Her Secret

2008-02-25T14:22:00.000-05:00

This one really spoke to me today!

Her Secret
By Amy Carroll

“Be joyful always; pray continually...” I Thessalonians5:16-17 (NIV)

Devotion:
There's a woman who works at my local grocery store that just makes my day. She is ALWAYS positive and cheerful. I’m sure it isn't easy working with the public and spending long hours on her feet, so today I asked her for her secret. "My secret for bagging?" she asked in surprise."No," I explained. "I want to know your secret for staying so positive." She just gave a big smile and explained that God is her secret. She followed by telling me that she had to be at work at 6:00 am today, so she’d gotten up at 3:30 am to spend time with Him.Tears filled my eyes as I thought of this precious sister in the Lord rising in the dark to spend time with the Lord so that she could minister to all the people that will pass her at the cash register today. She shares her enthusiasm, energy and smile equally with each customer. She is a beautiful woman, but she doesn't have the advantage of youth that many of her co-workers have. This woman had gotten up in the middle of the night, spent time with Jesus, and worked an 8 hour shift. She said that it isn't always easy. "By the 40th hour of my work-week, I'm very tired," she said. "But He is my secret."R.A. Torrey once said: "The reason why many fail in battle is because they wait until the hour of battle. The reason why others succeed is because they have gained their victory on their knees long before the battle came...Anticipate your battles; fight them on your knees before temptation comes, and you will always have victory."Lucia, the checker at the grocery store, is living proof of this quote. She prepares herself with prayer for the battle of each day. She's an ordinary woman just like me, but she has taken the ordinary and made it beautiful beyond measure.I'm a "doer", and prayer does not come easily for me. I want to start attacking my checklist about the time I open my eyes in the morning. Lucia reminds me, though, of this truth. Prayer isn't preparation for the work. It IS the work. One tool that has helped me tremendously is a prayer journal. Writing out my prayers helps me to focus and not get distracted so easily. It is also a wonderful record when I want to look back and remind myself of what the Lord has done and how He has answered prayer.

Like you, I’ve got several battles that I’m facing. I needed Lucia to remind me today that time with God is invaluable.

Dear Lord, I want to be ready for the challenges of each day. Help me to remember that nothing prepares me like time spent with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Intimacy with God: Your Daily Guide to Prayer by Tara Furman

His Princess, Prayers to my King by Sheri Rose Shepherd

A Busy Woman’s Guide to Prayer by Cheri Fuller

Do You Know Jesus?

Application Steps:
Set a time aside to pray each morning. Make it a “standing appointment” with Jesus before your day starts.

Pray without ceasing. Talk to God all day long. Praise Him, cry out for help or tell Him that you love Him. He is there!

Reflections:
How am I different on the days that I pray?

How does God use prayer to prepare me for the battle?

Power Verses:
I Peter 3:12, “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (NIV)

Luke 18:1, “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” (NIV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

Encourage Your Husband - Day 27

2008-02-25T12:29:00.001-05:00

Day Twenty-six:
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." Luke2:52

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!

Encourage Your Husband - Day 25

2008-02-21T21:23:00.001-05:00

Day Twenty-five:
"...seek peace, and pursue it." Ps. 34:14b
"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts inYou." Is. 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 word soften flow from your mouth? Do you struggle with anger? If so, before you continue with your Encouragement 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.

Encourage Your Husband - Day 24

2008-02-19T16:19:00.000-05:00

Day Twenty-four:

"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." Eph. 6:4
Children can be quite a challenge to the marriage relationship. A wise wife will suppor there 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.

Artichoke Chicken

2008-02-18T09:48:00.001-05:00

Thank you Nancy for sharing this wonderful recipe!

Artichoke Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
14 oz can water packed artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 cloves crushed garlic

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place chicken breasts between 2 layers of waxed paper and pound for 10 seconds each. Put in a single layer in a 9x13 dish sprayed with cooking spray. Overlap as necessary. Combine other ingredients and spread evenly over chicken, coating completely. Bake, uncovered for 20 minutes or until brown and bubbly.

Encourage your husband Day 23

2008-02-16T12:47:00.002-05:00

Day Twenty-three:
"Let your speech always be with grace..." Col. 4:6a
You're moving toward the home stretch of your 30-day challenge! Just a reminder of what you've committed: "You can't say anything negative about your husband... to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. "Each day, say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband!"In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works..." Titus 2:7a

Does the "30-Day Encouragement Challenge" seem like hard work? Or is it becoming a pleasant exercise in genuine Christ-likeness in your home? You are only scratching the surface of ways to encourage your mate. Is your husband organized? Is he diligent? Is he persistent? These are all related to a pattern of personal disciplines that are worthy of your praise. Affirm him for one or more of these traits that you see in him. Some men have not developed these qualities because they are naturally more spontaneous. You can praise his spontaneity! Perhaps God has called you alongside to help him with disciplines he has not yet developed - but this does not include nagging. You can keep him organized. Whatever the need, you can be your husband's cheerleader, encouraging him when he wants to give up.

Linger Just a Moment Longer

2008-02-14T09:05:00.002-05:00

February 14, 2008

Linger Just a Moment Longer
Lysa TerKeurst

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:20b (NIV)

Devotion:
Breathe in every moment of your day today.Recognize what a gift today is.Grab someone you love and let your embrace linger just a moment longer.Take mental pictures of the toothless grin of your baby, the tousled hair of your toddler, the crooked smile of your teenager. Hold your husband's hand.Look past the dirty dishes in the sink, the laundry piled high, the stuff the kids left out and see the beauty entangled in all this evidence of life.And thank God for it all. Right now, in this second, see the blessing.I guess I am in a reflective mood this week because I sat beside a family that so unexpectedly had to say goodbye to their Dad and husband. One minute the mom and daughters rushed past him giggling their way to the mall. I imagine the typical quick, "Love ya, see ya."

Less than an hour later, he was riding his bike when a car veered across the center lane and struck and killed him in front of my home.

The next day the family came over to my house and together we prayed at the place where his body was found.
So many questions. So many tears. As we sat in the circle surrounded by broken bicycle parts, pressed down grass, and police paint marks - it all just seemed so unbelievable. My neighbor Holly and I prayed and hoped that somehow through our fragile words the peace of Jesus would fill the gaping holes in their hearts.The thing that seemed to bring them the most comfort was knowing that we never left the scene of the accident. The minute we realized there was a cyclist involved, we started praying. We realized this was not just a victim – this was someone's Daddy. Someone's husband. Someone's friend. We were there when they pronounced him dead on the scene. We stayed until the accident was cleared and the coroner came and took his body. He was never alone. Not so much because we were there but because Jesus was there. I pray they know this.Isn't this what every soul needs to know?The very last words of Jesus recorded in the gospel of Matthew is, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." I have no idea what I might face, today, tomorrow, next week, or next year. No idea. Experiencing something like this forces you to see the stark reality of the brevity of life.So, I will breathe in every moment of my day today.I will recognize what a gift today is.I will grab those I love and let my embrace linger just a moment longer.I will take mental pictures.I will hold my husband's hand.And I will thank my Jesus for the gift of one more day.
Dear Lord, I recognize you are with me and those that I love. Thank you for this comfort. Please open my eyes to all my blessings today. Cement in my heart what a gift today really is. And may I never take for granted those I love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Visit Lysa’s blog

Do You Know Jesus?

Who Holds the Key to Your Heart by Lysa TerKeurst

Application Steps:
Write a letter to a loved one today telling them how much they mean to you.

Reflections:
Look around your home today and see the evidence of life. Say a prayer of thanksgiving as you pick up each toy, piece of clothing, stray shoe, craft project, and dirty dish.

What are some ways you can keep an attitude of gratitude?

Spend some time in prayer thanking God for the gift of today.

Power Verses:
Lamentations 3: 22, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (NIV)

John 16: 33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (NIV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

Encourage Your Husband Day 22

2008-02-13T11:11:00.000-05:00

Day Twenty-two:
"Let your speech always be with grace..." Col. 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 all my family and friends knew about my husband came from a filter of what I've said about him, what would they think of myhusband?" Do you need to change the filter? Do you talk positively about your husband to others... or do you complain and criticize? Your speech should reflect 1 Cor. 13 love. Your words should be kind, and should never"rejoice in iniquity" (v. 6). Refrain from listing your husband's faults to others. Satan likes to trick us in this area - be wary of sharing barbed "prayer requests." Remember, "Love will cover a multitude of sins" (1 Pet. 4:8b). Present your husband before others today in a strong, positive manner. Slip in a "good word" for your spouse. Resist the urge to correct or belittle him in front of others. Some of what you say may come back to him - and you want your words to be sweet, building him up and never tearing him down. Don't forget: you are always criticizing - or encouraging - before an audience. God hears your conversations when you are alone with your husband in your own home. May your speech be always seasoned with grace.

Encourage Your Husband - Day 21

2008-02-12T22:26:00.000-05:00

Day Twenty-one:

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall beadded to you." Matt. 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 go into eternity...the Word of God and people. Be sure that you are focusing on the right things.

Encourage Your Husband Day 20

2008-02-11T20:33:00.000-05:00

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

Encourage Your Husband Day 18 and 19

2008-02-08T18:57:00.000-05:00

Day 18

"You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy...Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!" Psalms 16:11a; 144:5b

"A merry heart does good like medicine..." Proverbs 17:22 It is 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 to 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 time. It will help him relieve stress and relax.

Day 19
Read this description of a wife's description of her beloved-Song of Solomon 5:10-16

Criticism leaves scars; but encouragement can bring healing. Remember that today as you focus on your "30-Day 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 your 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 and 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?)

Fixin' My Want To

2008-02-06T21:44:00.000-05:00

Its pretty amazing how God works! I was just discussing this same feeling last night with my BFF on the phone! Then I open this email devotion and read it. God is just so WOW!

February 6, 2008

Fixin' My Want To
Wendy Pope

"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."
Luke 22:42 (NIV)

Devotion:
Have you ever been at place in your adventures with the Lord where you wanted to do His will so badly that your heart ached but somewhere in the depths of your soul you struggled to say, "Yes Lord, I will submit to your plan no matter what?”

I love the Lord so much, however, sometimes my response to His call of submission is not one that I am proud of. I question His leadership and argue with His ways. Out of one side of my mouth I confess that He is Lord while the other side lets angry remarks of disapproval of His direction slip out. I want to want to embrace His plan but it is hard when His plan doesn't make sense and causes pain.

My husband has been facing a health issue for over 18 months. It is been a trying time for all us. We have gone from one doctor to the next, with hope that "this doctor" will be the one who will have the answer. My faith and hope have been kept alive as long as we had a new doctor to see. (Allowing my faith and hope to rest in the hands of human physicians; now that is a problem in itself.) I have been led down so many dead ends that I have found myself in a crisis of belief.

As I faced this crisis of belief I knew that I was not alone. God was with me but my ears needed to hear Him. I didn’t want to submit to the possibility of a lifetime of suffering for my husband, and I was angry about the prospect. Basically, I needed Him to confirm to me that it was alright that I didn’t understand or like this situation that He was allowing to happen.

Recently as I was reading my Bible, I studied the various accounts of Jesus' crucifixion. As I reread the Gethsemane scene in each gospel I came face-to-face with the humanity of our Savior. He knew the Father's plan for his life. Yet in the last hours, He asked His Father to change the plan. I could completely identify with wanting to submit to the will of God but desperately seeking a change of direction.

I could hear Jesus saying, "I want to do your will. I will do Your will. But please, is there another way?" It is as if I had come to my own Gethsemane praying for my husband and asking, "if you could find another way, please do."
I want my "want to" to be fixed. I want my faith to be as real in a crisis as it is when I am celebrating His greatness. I want to, want to. It seems for the first time in a long time maybe even the first time ever, I fear saying "thy will be done" because if this is His will, our lives will be changed forever.

God has been faithful to lead me through my crisis of belief and continues to supply what we need each day. I still don’t understand the suffering my husband is going through but my “want to” continues to be nurtured by His loving hands.

Do you need a breakthrough? Do you find yourself at a crossroads in the midst of a crisis of belief? Let me encourage you to seek Jesus. He promises you are not alone. He understands what you are feeling at this very moment and wants to help with your “want to” as well.

Dear Lord, help me overcome my unbelief. I know You are with me. I know your plan is perfect but sometimes – like right now – I struggle against it. Please show me how You are working in the midst of this. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Listen to Today's Radio Show

Do You Know Jesus?

Visit Wendy's Blog

Out of the Mouths of Babes by Wendy Pope

Application Steps:
Think of what is troubling you most today. Ask God to help you trust Him through this crisis. Pray today's prayer aloud.

Reflections:
What or who are you putting your faith and hope in today?

When was the last time you struggled with saying yes to God? Why?

Has your faith grown since then? How?

Power Verses:
Various Verses from Psalm 91 (NLT)…

1-2, "Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him."

9-10, "If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.

14-15, "The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

Encourage Your Husband Day 17

2008-02-06T14:20:00.000-05:00

Day 17
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, nd 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 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 in 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!

Encourage Your Husband Day 16

2008-02-05T10:44:00.000-05:00

Day 16 "And the LORD God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him." Genesis 2:18 God says that it is not good for man to be alone. But the way some women criticize their mates, the husbands may long for solitude. Be careful today not to criticize your mate, but look for ways to encourage him personally and publicly. Speaking of communication, does your husband communicate with you? God has made you a companion and helper for your husband, and part of being "one flesh" with him is the privelege of sharing and discussing persaonl needs and concerns. Thank God for that wonderful gift. Thank your husband for communicating with you.If your spouse does not communicate as you wish, look for ways that he communicates that are normal for him-smiling at you, nodding his head, even a pleasant "grunt"-and then thank him for letting you know that he cares. Perhaps he needs to be lovingly taught how to communicate. Be pateint with him...and listen when he does speak.

Encourage Your Husband Day 15

2008-02-04T19:58:00.000-05:00

Day 15
"But 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. But take a step back. Perhaps he is growing spiritually in ways you have failed to appreciate. How can you encourage his growth in a fresh, new way? Remember-your husband is accountable to God for his spiritual development. You are accountable to God to encourage and not hinder that growth. Can you identify an area of spiritual strength in your husband? Does he pray or read his Bible regularly? Does he like to read about or discuss spiritual matters? Does he go to church with you? Is he a spiritual leader? What do others say about him? If you can identify a specific area, praise him for that. If not, pray earnestly that God will work in his heart, and watch for signs of spiritual growth in the future.

Encourage Your Husband Day 14/Devotion

2008-02-01T08:39:00.000-05:00

Day Fourteen:
"The righteous man walks in his integrity..." Prov. 20:7a
Every week there are news reports about men who gave in to temptations and compromised what they said they believed. We hear countless reports about dishonest business dealings, hidden infidelity, and hypocritical leaders. It's so easy to focus on these things and ignore those who are being honest, faithful and genuine. As you continue in the "30-Day Encouragement Challenge," determine to look for ways that your husband stands against the culture. 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.

I enjoyed this devotion today.

They Will See God
Lysa TerKeurst

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." Matthew 5:8 (NIV)

Devotion:
There is something amazing that happens to a soul when quiet majesty is observed. Recently I rode to the top of Straton Mountain. When I got off the gondola and took in the scene around me, my soul quickened at the obvious hand of God. It was amazing to see some of God's most glorious handiwork. Every tree, the vast blue sky, the swirled mix of sunshine and clouds, the rise of the mountain, and the slope down to the valley all placed by the hand of God.

As I took in the scene I imagined God asking, "Who will notice Me in all of this today? Who will stop for just a moment and see me? Who will let their soul linger ever so slightly and simply utter an acknowledgement of Me?"Oh God, the rocks surely do cry out great evidence of You.May I do the same. And not just on days when I am on vacation. Everyday God is there. Everyday we have an opportunity to notice and acknowledge, and see and rejoice. Even when the world is crazy around me, I can still make the choice to see God.Matthew 5:8 says, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." It doesn't say, "blessed is the perfect person."It doesn't say, "blessed is the woman who has perfect Biblical knowledge."It doesn't say, "blessed is the one who never misplaces library books."It doesn't say, "blessed is the mom who never messes up with her kids."Nope. It says blessed is that woman whose heart is pure. In other words, "blessed is that woman who lives in expectation of seeing God- who looks for and acknowledges Him- whose greatest desire is to see God--- for she certainly will."So whether your scenery today consists of beautiful mountains or mountains of laundry – look for Him – make the choice to acknowledge Him. Choose to see Him, and then you will.

Dear Lord, help me to pause today and make the choice to see You, acknowledge You, thank You, and represent You well. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do you know Jesus?

What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa TerKeurst

Visit Lysa’s blog
Listen to today P31 radio show

Application Steps:
In your journal, write about God’s obvious presence in your life right now. Yes, it is so easy to see and focus on the bad stuff. But there’s plenty of good too. So, let’s make the choice to acknowledge and be thankful for the good today.

Reflections:
I look up and this is what I see…________________
I look left and this is what I see…___________________
I look right and this is what I see…____________________
I look down and this is what I see…____________________

I choose thankfulness over grumbling and I will see You Lord.

Power Verses:
Psalm 84:12, “O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.” (NIV)

John 10:10, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” (NLT)

Proverbs 3:6, “Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” (NLT)

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

Encourage Your Husband - Day 13

2008-01-31T12:01:00.000-05:00

Day 13
"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.

Quote for the year

2008-01-29T13:06:00.001-05:00

A friend of mine posted this on our Christian Scrapbooking Sisters group this week. It's now my motto for the year. I just love it!

"JOY comes from embracing the circumstances and season of life where God has put you and accepting the responsibilities that go with that season."

Warm Jalapeno Cheese Dip

2008-01-29T13:00:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine made this last friday at her CTMH show. Oh it was addicting! With the Superbowl coming up (GO PATS!) I thought I'd post a nice dip. Great with tortilla chip scoops!

1 12 oz can evaporated milk
2 TBS butter
3 TBS flour
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
8 oz shredded pepper jack cheese
1 cup prepared salsa
2 TBS Lemon Juice
Salt/Pepper

Microwave milk in a 1 qt Pyrex measuring cup until steamy.
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat
Whisk in flour and turmeric until smooth
Whisk in milk until creamy and thick
Whisk in cheese
Dip can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3 days

When ready to serve, return cheese sauce to saucepan
Stir in salsa and lemon juice and slowly rewarm
Adjust seasonings including salt/Pepper to taste and serve

Serve 24
Make 3 cups
2TBS per serving
71 calories a serv
5 fat grams

Encourage Your Husband - Day 12

2008-01-29T12:36:00.000-05:00

Thank you for those who have commented that they are using these daily encouragements! What a blessing that is :) Keep striving toward the goal!

Day Twelve:
"With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love."Eph. 4:2
Part of the difficulty you may face as you continue in this 30-day challenge to encourage your husband is that you really are struggling to find positive things to praise. 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 (Prov. 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.

Wonderful Counselor

2008-01-29T12:01:00.000-05:00

I'm struggling today with being overwhelmed and trying to let go of that type A personality in me and letting the little things that don't matter go. This one touched me today. It reminded me I have a wonderful counselor to turn to. What a blessing that is! -Thea

Wonderful Counselor
By Melanie Chitwood

“And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6b (NIV)

Devotion:
The past year has brought many unexpected challenges in my life, mostly in the form of stress over various relationships. These concerns wake me up early in the morning to pray, and they’ve led me to be increasingly dependent on God.

One morning as I was reading my Bible, God reminded me that I am not alone and I do not face these challenges on my own. I’ve known this for many years, but this morning God moved that truth from my head to my heart with the words from today’s key verse.

Jesus is my Wonderful Counselor. Have you ever paused to dwell on those words? Jesus is my Wonderful Counselor. When I don’t know how to be a mother to my newly turned teenage son, Jesus is my Wonderful Counselor. When I don’t know how to comfort my relatives going through a hard time in their marriage, Jesus is my Wonderful Counselor. When I want to offer wise counsel to my friend whose life seems to be coming apart, Jesus is my Wonderful Counselor.

As I looked at the other names of Jesus, I was reminded of what kind of Counselor He is. He is our Mighty God – God’s strength surpasses any attacks the world brings. He is our Everlasting Father – His love and strength are eternal. And He is our Prince of Peace – He calms our fears and worries when we hand them over to Him.

Do you know Jesus as your Wonderful Counselor? Whatever concerns or challenges you face today, you can take them to Jesus.

Have you asked Him into your heart and are you sure that you are a child of God? If not, click on the “Do you know Him” link below, and ask Jesus to be your Wonderful Counselor today. He loves you and can’t wait to be there for you now and always.

And if you already know Jesus as Savior, have you trusted Him to be Wonderful Counselor as well?

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

NIV Women’s Devotional Bible

What a Husband Needs from His Wife by Melanie Chitwood
Loving God with All Your Heart – Encouragement for Your Everyday Life

Application Steps:
Whatever is worrying you or weighing on your heart, right now shift that burden to the Lord by praying. Ask Your Wonderful Counselor for His advice and be ready to act on His leading.

Dwell on the names of Jesus in today’s verse: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Reflections:
Are you being self-reliant or relying on God?

Are there situations you need to pray about? Do you need to let go of trying to solve these problems?

Power Verses:
1 John 3:1a, “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! “ (NIV)

Matthew 28:20b, “’…I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” (NAS)

Psalm 100:5, “For the Lord is good, His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations.” (NAS)

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

To receive Encouragement for Today by e-mail click here SUBSCRIBE To change or remove your e-mail address from the list, click here CHANGE/UNSUBSCRIBE

Encourage Your Husband Day 11

2008-01-28T13:01:00.000-05:00

Day 11:"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord." Ephesians 5:22

Women who are constantly negative toward their husbands-especially by speaking of them to others-show great disrespect. Determine not to do that today (or ever!). This challenge to encourage is closely connected to submission. Men respond to women who respect them. What do you respect about your husband? Part of that respect includes submission to his authority. Let you husband know how respecting him makes it easier to submit to his leadership. Show your respect in public by listening to him and smiling at him when he speaks. Place your hand in his as you walk together. If you feel there nothing to respect, search harder...nearly every man has some core characteristic that can be nurtured and respected. In any case, you must still cultivate a submissive spirit to his position of leadership..."as to the Lord."

Encourage Your Husband Day 9/10

2008-01-26T11:49:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was so busy I didn't have any blog time :( So I'm adding both Day 9/10 together.

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

We are often so busy speaking that we don't take time to listen. We are so quick to offer a comment-negative or positive-that we don't really "hear" our husband's heart.

Remember: we have two ears and only one mouth. We need to listen more! As you continue in your 30-day challenge, not speaking negatively and focusing on positive encouragement, hear the Lord's admonition today: "Be swift to hear."If listening is a real problem for your, play a game with yourself. See if you can listen to your husband for one whole day, only speaking when asked a question. If your husband for one whole day, only speaking when asked a question. If your husband notices the difference, explain that you are learning to listen more-not only to God, but also to him. One easy way to express admiration for your husband is to ask a question about something he enjoys, and then listen to his response. If it's an area of personal familiarity, keep asking questions until you learn something you didn't know, the tell him, "Wow, I didn't know that!"

Day 10"Behold you are handsome, my beloved! Yes, pleasant!..." Song of Solomon 1:16a

We all crave appreciation. We want to know that we are valued and loved. Early love letters probably reflected our admiration, but if we're not careful, our spouse will forget why we were drawn to him. If you still have any of your old love letters, re-read them for clues to deepen your current level of appreciation for your spouse. When we spend time criticizing our husbands, we lose time that could be spent admiring them. As you consider various ways to encourage your husband, ask, "How can I admire him?" Does your husband know that you think he is attractive? What was one of the characteristics in your husband that first drew you to him? Was it a physical characteristic, or something else? Was it his gentle, compassionate eyes? Kindness or concern for others? An easy-going confidence? A steadiness that comes from trusting in the Lord? Strength of character in a culture that lacks intergrity? Do you see at least a glimpse of that characteristic in him today? Whatever it is, tell him!

Encourage Your Husband - Day 8

2008-01-24T08:14:00.000-05:00

Day 8 How are you doing with the "30-day 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, about your husband.*

Say something you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband!"...but who can find a faithful man?"

Proverbs 20:6b Faithfulness is a wonderful yet 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 is he loyal to you? Let him know that you are proud that 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 3:1). You may also want to seek counsel from a mature, godly individual or couple.)

Encourage your husband - Day 7

2008-01-23T19:50:00.000-05:00

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

"That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasures." 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 he does make. Perhaps you can help him, if he is 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.

Encourage Your Husband - Day 6

2008-01-22T08:48:00.000-05:00

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

Do you recognize and appreciate your husband's creativity? Or do you criticize and demean his efforts? Instead of negativity, determine to be positive. Perhaps you can help your husband see that his efforts are an opportunity to glorify God. Is your husband the "creative" type? Does he have any artistic gifts? What is that special "knack" he has? Affirm him for his handiwork - a hobby, music, gardening, tinkering with cars, working with wood, etc.

Remember: Even if he doesn't measure up to your standards, praise his efforts. If your budget allows, buy him a book or magazine that will continue to encourage his special skill or talent.If you have a hard time finding his "creative side," understand that men's creativity sometimes is related to their work. Find something he does to make his job run more smoothly or something he does that adds value to his work...and let him know that you have noticed.Make his day...Praise his accomplishments in public, while he is listening.

In God We Still Trust

2008-01-21T10:25:00.000-05:00

http://www.windomnet.com/web/nls/InGodWeStillTrust.wmv

Song recorded by Diamond Rio, but the email I received said it never went to radio because it was considered politically incorrect. Its a great song!

Stop and Listen

2008-01-19T14:57:00.000-05:00

Okay I'm not going to make this a blog of only devotions but I'm catching up on some I missed this week and this is another one that hit home BIG TIME for me. I'm constantly engrossed into something on the computer when the kids talk to me! CONVICTION!!!! Something for me to improve on. I'm thankful for this to reflect on and remind me here. As I put it in my favorite devotions of 2008.

January 18, 2008

The Gift of Listening
By Renee Swope

“I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray.” Psalm 17:6 (NLT)

Devotion:I was recently reading a book in bed when I heard my husband calling our dog to come get her treat. He was actually luring Chelsea, our thirteen-year-old daschund, to her doggie bed.
Daisy, our beagle, was already outside doing her business, anticipating the reward of a doggy biscuit if she obediently came back inside and went to her bed. However, Chelsea was sound asleep in her chair; and nothing was going to get her to budge. Not even the promise of a bedtime treat.
I wondered if Chelsea had perfected her “selective hearing” skills, knowing it was time for bed, or if she's going deaf. I had a feeling it was the latter.
Once the dogs were tucked in bed, we laughed about how Chelsea used to hear every little thing. If the wind blew a leaf outside our front door, she barked.
Andrew my 10-year old came to my bedside to kiss me goodnight. With a concerned look in his eyes he said, “Mom, I hope when you get old you don’t go deaf like Chelsea.”
I laughingly told him that when I’m as old as Chelsea, it might be good if I can’t hear everything. She gets a lot more sleep than she used to, and I love to sleep. She also doesn’t hear when we laugh at her, and it might be good if I don’t hear jokes them laughing at me either.
My light-hearted response didn’t wipe the concern off his brow, so I asked why he was afraid I won’t be able to hear him."Well, sometimes you don’t hear me now. Like when you're on the computer and I ask you a question, sometimes you don’t hear me.” He answered without hesitation.Ouch! I was not expecting that answer. I almost plunged into a "bad mommy" moment. My child thinks I can't hear him. I thought. I felt really bad because although I may be deeply distracted, I know that I hear him but I don’t always listen.Instead of defining that moment with guilt, I pulled Andrew close to me and told him I was sorry for not listening sometimes.
I didn’t want him to fear that old age might make it worse. So, I explained how me being on the computer is similar to when he’s watching a good movie or playing video games. I reminded him how he gets so involved that’s it almost like he’s in another world and sometimes doesn't hear other noises, like me calling him for dinner. He nodded with a smile.
Then I made a promise I want to keep. “Andrew,” I said, "I am going to try really hard to stop what I am doing when you come to me, look away from my computer and really listen to what you’re saying. You're more important than anything I do on the computer. What you have to say matters to me!”
Today’s verse reflects our longing for God to hear us. It reminds me that in the same way I go to God because I want Him to listen and answer me; my child and others come to me because they want me to listen to them.

That night God showed me a valuable gift I can give to my children, my husband, friends, co-workers and even strangers. I can give the gift of listening by simply stopping what I’m doing, and giving my full attention to them when I hear them speak to me.

Lord, thank You for listening to me. Please help me be a better listener. It’s easy to hear with one ear while the other is turned toward my computer, the television or my cell phone. I want to give the gift of listening this year. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Living and Leaving a Legacy, 2 part DVD Conference Message by Renee Swope

Mining for Gold in the Heart of Your Child, Character Chart & Message on CD by Renee Swope

Renee’s Blog

Love the One’s You’re With, a free devotional by Renee Swope
Application Steps:
Make a list of those you want to give the gift of listening to. Tell them your want to be more like Jesus by devoting your full attention to them when they’re talking. Ask them to help you.

Here are some ideas I am trying to implement:
Turn off my cell phone in the evenings
Limit email to one hour each morning and evening at home
Delay answering the phone during dinner and family time
Turn away from my desk at work when someone comes to talk with me
I’ve asked my kids to come to my side and jokingly say, “Chelsea? Chelsea?” after a few failed attempts to get my attention. This is a fun way for us to keep it light while helping me realize when I’m not listening.

Reflections:
When I talk to God, do I realize that He’s listening with His full attention?
When someone is talking to me, do I stop what I’m doing and turn my full attention to them? How can I be a better listener?

Power Verses:
Psalm 54:2, “Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth." (NIV)Psalm 66:16, “Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.” (NIV)
Luke 2:46, “After three days they found him [Jesus] in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.” (NIV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

Something to reflect on...

2008-01-19T14:50:00.000-05:00

As I reflect on the goals I set for this year, this devotion really hit home to some areas that I need to look at closer. Hope it helps you too!

January 16, 2008

Real Resolutions for Moms
By Karen Ehman

“… But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:13b-14 (ESV)

Devotion:
It’s that time when many of us are making New Year’s resolutions, so how about some resolutions for mothers? Here are mine:

I will put my Bible before the television, the radio, the telephone, and even before good Christian books, for my children will know my priorities by the way they see me spend my free time.

I will make my prayer requests known before God and my children, enlisting their help in the process and informing them of the outcome, for by letting them help when I petition our Lord will they learn of a living God who still answers prayer.

When times of crisis, conflict or confusion arise, I will hit my knees before I hit the phone knowing that by my example my children will discover that although friends are important, God alone is the one who holds the solution to life’s every problem.

I will erase the words “luck” and “lucky” from my vocabulary and will instead by my speech point my children toward the One who orchestrates every detail of our lives and brings all good things to pass, for by this my children will learn of an omniscient God.

When bad things happen, I’ll neither grumble nor complain, but will instead help my children see that in the scope of our lives even the bad times are allowed for a reason, for by this my children will learn quiet trust in their Maker.

When normal childhood mishaps occur, I will remember that although difficult, it is still easier to remove grape juice from off-white carpet than to erase harsh and unloving words hurled at a child whose chubby little fingers have failed her, for by this my children will see a God who understands when our best efforts fall short.

When my children have witnessed something ugly in me - unkind words, an angry temper, “harmless” gossip, biting sarcasm or even my infamous “mommy pout” when things don’t go my way - I will confess it as sin before them seeking their forgiveness, for by this my children will develop the much needed habit of wiping their spiritual slate clean before God and man.

I will teach my children the importance of cleanliness and order while at the same time remain sensitive to the fact that a skinned knee or hurt feeling is more crucial than a spotless floor or uncluttered counter, for by this my children will learn to value people above things.

I will make time for the lonely, the sick, the elderly, the difficult to love, and will bring my children along, for with each afternoon visit, each ride to the doctor, each raked lawn or washed window they will have opportunity to serve Jesus by serving the “least of these.”

I will make our home a haven of rest and retreat from the outside world and a welcomed place for my children’s friends, for with each impromptu backyard soccer game, each video viewed on a rainy day, each cup of hot cocoa or chocolate chip cookie, my children will have opportunity to practice the art of Christian hospitality thereby learning to share all God has given them.

I will by my actions and my speech let my children see a mom love their dad, for by this will my children sense family stability at a time when marriages all around them are crumbling.

I will not require of my children obedience, honesty, patience or kindness without first being willing to submit to the same rules whether in speed limit, in miscounted change from the grocery store or when answering a toddler for the fourteenth time, for by this my children will see a mother who is also learning and not a perfect parent to whom they’ll never measure up.

In all things will I remember that more is caught than is taught.

There are little eyes upon you, mom. You are the first Bible your children will ever read.

Dear Lord, may my goals this year spring from a right relationship with You and may carrying them out point others heavenward. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
A Life that Says Welcome by Karen Ehman

Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture by Mary DeMuth

Visit Karen’s Blog

You are Special a children’s book by Max Lucado
A
Application Steps:
Pick just one or two resolutions that have to do with your role as a wife or mother. Tell a friend and have her hold you accountable for carrying them out.

Reflections:
Of the above resolutions, which are the most difficult for you? Why?

Do any of the things mentioned come more naturally for you? Have they always? Or have you seen growth in your life in these areas?

Power Verses:
I Timothy 4:12, “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” (NIV)

II Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (NIV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

Encourage Your Husband - Day 5

2008-01-18T17:31:00.000-05:00

Day 5"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." Eph. 4:29

Another way to describe the positive side of this "30-Day Encouragement Challenge" is by using the word "edify", which means ,"to build up". Negative comments only discourage and tear down. Positive comments encourage and build. Do you edify your husband before others, adding to his value in their eyes? This is especially important to other family members. Do you praise your husband to his relatives, and yours? Does your husband's mother know how much you love him? How about your dad? Perhaps you could drop a word a word of encouragement into a conversation or a letter. Be creative in letting relatives know you respect your husband, love him, and support him-in spite of whatever flaws and weaknesses he may have.

Encourage your husband - Day 4

2008-01-17T10:19:00.000-05:00

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

We are all accountable for the things we say, both negative and positive words. Have you embraced the challenge to only speak positive things to your husband and to others about him? Here is a suggestion that touches the core of your husband's world. Some women take their husband's career for granted, and they show it in many ways. Do you "dump" on your husband at the end of the workday, or do you strengthen and encourage him with your words? A wise wife will make her husband feel like she values and appreciates his work. Let him know that you are glad that he is a hard worker. Take opportunities to praise his diligence and resourcefulness to others. If your husband is out of work, is unable to work, or refuses to work, you'll need to be more creative. Praise him for a character quality that you see in him that would be a vital part of a successful career-such as persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind, organizational skills, good with people, good listener, determination, etc.

This series is from "Revive Our Hearts".

Encourage your Husband - Day 3

2008-01-16T19:48:00.000-05:00

Day 3"

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

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

Love indeed suffers long and is kind. As your consider your encouragement challenge, determine today that you will not say anything negative to or about your husband. Speak to him with genuine words of encouragement. If your husband is considerate of your needs, let him know that you have noticed. Thank him for his kindness and consideration. Thank the Lord that your husband knows how to be both tough and tender.Sometimes it is difficult for a man to be gentle, kind, or tender-especially if he hasn't had role models in these areas. If he is not a considerate person, appeal to him for help without complaining. Let him knows that it is hard for you to handle some things alone. Then, when he moves into help, don't insist that he do it your way. Be glad that he is responding, and express your gratitude.Ultimately, you can't expect your husband to make more secure, loved, etc. Remember that only God can meet the deepest needs of your heart.

Encourage your husband - Day 2

2008-01-15T11:05:00.000-05:00

Day 2"...through love, serve one another." Galatians 5:13b

How did you do yesterday with the first day of blessing and encouraging your husband? Was it easy? Was it hard to hold your tongue when you wanted to say something negative?

Prayerfully, we are all off to a good start. (If you blew it, don't give up-start again today.) There are so many practical things to praise, if you look for them.

Today, find some way that your husband is serving you or your family. Does he help around the house? Take care of the car? Fix things that are broken? If your budget allows, give a new small tool with a bow attached. But make sure he knows that it is not part of a "Honey-Do" list. Maybe your husband is not a handyman, but does he run errands for you? Let you go first? Take care of you when you are sick? Help you make decisions? Praise him for his willingness to serve others. Let him know you see his unique service as a great strength.

30 Days of Encouragement - Day 1

2008-01-14T15:53:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure where a friend got this but we are doing it on one of my friendship groups. I thought it would be great to post them all here on my blog. One so I can refer back to them but also to encourage others!

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

Here's the 30-day encouragement challenge....

for the next 30 days:*You can't say anything negative about your husband....to your husband or anyone else....*Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband and to someone else....

To help get you started, have you ever thanked your husband for "choosing you" above all other women? He found you attractive as a person and appreciated you. Though many circumstances in your marriage may have changed, let your husband know that you are glad that God led you together, and that you want to be a blessing to him for the rest of your marriage. Let him know that he can trust you to be in his corner. One of the best opportunities to express gratitude is first thing in the morning.

How do you greet your husband each morning?
Is he confident in your love?
Give him a wake up call he will never forget-a big "I love you!" and "I am so glad that I am your wife!".