After waiting and waiting, we finally got our little white bench and I’m in love. It’s a perfect spot for eating, reading, or just relaxing and the best part, there’s plenty of storage underneath it!
Bay Window Bench
Reply
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Love and R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
Women desperately need love. It’s the way God designed us to be. If you notice though, the Bible doesn’t say husbands love your wives when she’s sweet, when she cooks, when she has a thankful attitude. No, it’s says, husbands love your wives, period. The love it speaks of is unconditional.
In the same manner, men desire respect. Believe it or not, our husbands are starving for admiration and to be honored, whether they deserve it or not.
Now, here comes my question; when was the last time you let him know how much you appreciate him? I encourage you to sit down and think of a few things you admire about him. Then when your husband is relaxed and not distracted mention one or two to him.
Make a decision tonight to stop the crazy marriage cycle of frustration, “he’s not loving me so I’m not showing him the respect he needs.” Instead, let your words start a cycle of love and respect!
“I love to vacuum, mopping is exciting, and laundry is my favorite thing to do in my free time,” said no mother ever.
Face it chores have never been the highlight of our lives, but they weren’t meant for torture either. I challenge you to grasp the deeper purpose…cleaning and decorating creates a place of comfort and refuge for your family. We have the power to take a “house” and make it a “home,” a place of safety, and a retreat from the negative noise of this world.
How will you view cleaning today or this weekend?
Praise His Good
Have you ever done something because someone nagged you about it? And if you did it, did you do it to get them off your back, to basically quiet them? Lastly, how was your attitude when you preformed the job?
I think it’s safe to say, most people are not wired to preform jobs pleasantly when nagged. Okay, Bethany, where are you going with this?
Today I say, drop the nagging, and praise his good. So what if he doesn’t take out the trash or do the dishes. Is it a real big deal that he doesn’t pick up his clothes off the floor? None of these things warrant putting a wedge between you and your spouse from nagging about it. Instead think, does he work to pay bills? Does he listen to you when you talk? I don’t know what your husband does that’s good, but praise it.
One of my favorite things about my husband is he is a non-nagger about the house. With homeschooling, three kids and chasing a extremely active two year old, an immaculate house is not a top priority. Random toys do lay around and crumbs consistently visit our floor, but my husband rarely ever says anything, which makes me want to work even harder to keep the house clean.
Prayer:
God I pray you help each of us to see the good in our husband and remind us to encourage these deeds. Give us the strength to refrain our mouth from nagging. Give us a clear perspective on the things that truly matter in our marriage. Thank you now for the man you have given us to lead our family. I pray you anoint our husband, give him wisdom, guide his steps, and guard his heart and mind.
In Jesus Name Amen
Curriculum vs Relationship
It was another day of begging, pleading, crying, and blood boiling. ENOUGH!
It had been six months, my daughter and I were getting no where and our relationship was growing apart. Hello, I’m the teacher, I can change the curriculum at any time. What was I waiting for. Well, today was the last straw. With tears rolling down her sweet face, I told her to grab the book. I pulled up the school blinds, unlocked the window and unsnapped the screen…I then said, “throw it!” She hesitated, “what?”
“Throw the book out the window. I’ve had enough of this curriculum.” Her demeanor instantly changed. Smiles and laughter filled our class room again!
My best advice I could ever give you for homeschooling would be this, no curriculum is worth your relationship between you and your child.
If you were wondering, she threw the book and we are all happier because of it!
A Heart’s Cry
“Turn back to me,” says God. I can think of no greater physical act that signals disinterest, disloyalty, or dislike more than to turn our back on someone who is standing right there in front of us.”
“All that matters is that we put our face to Him and our back to everything else, tell Him we are sorry , and mean it.”
These are just a few quotes from Lisa Whittle’s new book “I Want God.”
As I sit here, thinking of the chapters that filled my heart with hunger for God, my heart begins to ache. You see, I read “I Want God” over a month a go, I took notes, I prayed, and God changed me. Oh, but here I am feeling like I’m back at the beginning. I planned to spend time with God in the morning, after my workout, but failed…two days in a row. Does God want me to feel condemned, no, but like a daughter that misses her father when he’s away on a business trip, I miss spending quality time with my Heavenly Father and my attitude and actions reflect it.
A deep sigh came from my chest, as I walked up my soft carpeted stairs, I heard God’s gentle voice say, “Your trying to do it all on your own.” “Yes, I am,” I replied. The wonderful thing about God is, even when we don’t make the time to sit with him, he’s still with us. He is always patiently waiting for his turn. “We are most at risk when we are not in crisis.” I don’t want to be in a crisis to then call on His name. I want to be so full of God that when the crisis comes, I’m strong enough to stand because I already feel God’s presence with me.
If you’re questioning where your relationship with God stands, I recommend this book. If you need a revival in your life, I recommend this book. If you no longer just need God, but want Him, I recommend this book!
I leave you with this….
1. God is what I want most.
2. Other things will scream for my attention.
3. I will have to choose between them.
To get a copy Lisa’s book, I Want God, CLICK here.
*There’s also a chance to win a copy of “I Want God.” Head over to @fromthecommittedheart on Instagram to enter. The winner will be announced Tuesday morning!
“Pain is only weakness leaving the body” – Unknown
Today was a difficult leg workout! From the moment I completed my FIRST exercise my legs started shaking!!! Part of me thought, how can I workout when my legs already feel like jello. Well, I didn’t let excuses overcome me…I’m proud to say, I finished my leg workout slowly, making sure to use proper form and to prevent an injury from happening.
*Did you press through your workout today? Did you overcome weakness and excuses?
Marriage Monday
Image
Image
Children’s Successes or Failures…
“Your children’s successes or failures in many of life’s endeavors will depend on the quality of the relationships you share during their childhood years.” -Dr. James Dobson
From The Committed Heart 