Wednesday, 9 January 2008

Challenge - Day 9

Day 9
"...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 you, 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 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, then tell him, "Wow, I didn't know that!"

Day 9
Pray that your husband will love righteousness and hate wickedness, especially the evils of the culture. Pray that he will recognize and avoid wickedness in his own life, and if necessary, take a clear, strong stand against evil.

Proverbs 27:12
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

John 17:15
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Tuesday, 8 January 2008

Pregnancy Photos



I've been thinking about getting pregnancy pictures taken for quite awhile now, and figured, if it was ever gonna happen, it better happen soon! So, this past weekend Nathan's cousin Carla came over and took some pictures. She sent me a preview of a couple shots today and I love them and I just have to post it on here already! I'll probably post a few more when I get the rest, but here's two for now.

2 weeks notice

Well, I was officially 38 weeks pregnant this past Sunday, so hopefully I'm giving my 2 weeks notice as to when this baby will be born! Emma & Sophia were both born exactly on their due dates, and then Olivia was 11 days late - so I'm not holding my breath for an early delivery that's for sure. But, gotta be prepared just in case - there's a first time for everything right?

So, yesterday I went for a pedicure (courtesy of a gift certificate from my parents for Christmas) AND had a massage. Woohoo!

Today I'm going to the dentist - not quite as fun, but I want to do that now while I still have insurance. I got private insurance before this pregnancy because I knew I'd need a really expensive anti-nausea medication. The free massages and dental benefits have been great too though! I'll cancel the insurance shortly after baby is born - JUST in case there's any medical problems, the baby could be added to my insurance without no health questions so I figured I may as well keep it that long. Plus, then I get massages right till the end! :)

So, I washed and dried the baby clothes yesterday - I figured I'd so everything, just in case it's another girl. I still have to fold them and put them away, but at least they're clean! I should clean the car seat yet and then I think we're set.

Well, we still haven't decided on a boy's name - but we're not likely to need that are we? Hee hee - just kidding, we'll decide on one yet ..... soon I hope! You'd think by now we'd have a boy name we've been just dying to use - but no!

On a new topic - there is hope on the potty training horizon! Olivia has now been accident free for 5 days!!! I had been getting quite discouraged already as she just didn't seem to care that much, but things are finally looking up and she is thrilled to be wearing princess panties now. Hoping this keeps up from now till the baby comes - and after especially!

Challenge - Day 8

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 that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband!

"...but who can find a faithful man?" Prov. 20:6b

Faithfulness is a wonderful but rare quality today, especially in regard to marriage. Do you understand how important this quality is? Your challenge is to continue to root out all negative speaking, and plant seeds of encouragement instead. You may be amazed at what will grow.

Contemporary culture often entices men to be unfaithful to their wedding vows and spiritual commitments. Appreciate your husband's faithfulness - how he is loyal to you. Let him know that you are glad he has "stick-to-it-iveness" in your marriage. Appreciate his faithfulness to God. (If you have an unfaithful husband, this is a difficult area for you. Pray, speak the truth in love, remain faithful yourself, and discover ways to encourage faithfulness in your mate. The Bible says that husbands may "...be won by the conduct of their wives" [1 Pet. 3:1]. You may also want to seek counsel from a mature, godly individual or couple.)

Day 8
Pray that your husband will be faithful to his wedding vows. Pray that he will have a desire to cultivate your relationship as a sign of his loyalty and commitment to you, and as a picture of Christ's love for the Church.

Proverbs 20:6
Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?

Genesis 2:24
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

Monday, 7 January 2008

Challenge - Day 7

Day 7
"Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease!...for riches certainly make themselves wings..." Prov. 23:4-5
"That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries."
Proverbs 8:21

Money is the root of much marital discord. Ask yourself, "Am I being negative toward my husband in the area of finances?" Determine not to speak evil of your husband in this area. Discover ways to encourage and help him instead.

Does your husband handle finances wisely? Does he make good financial investments, based on biblical principles? Does he have a budget? Does he make wise decisions about purchases - checking many sources before he buys? Is he a good steward of his money before the Lord? Let him know how much you appreciate his strengths in financial matters.

If he is weak in this area, encourage any good decisions that he does make. Perhaps you can help him, if he's open to the idea, by organizing financial files or providing other practical assistance. Or, if he wants you to handle the finances, ask for his input before you make decisions that will affect him.

Day 7
Pray that your husband will handle finances wisely, will have discrenment concerning budgeting and investments, and will be a good steward of his money in regard to giving to the Lord's work. Pray that money will not become a source of discord in your family.

Proverbs 23:4-5
Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

Romans 12:13
Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you;never will I forsake you.

Sunday, 6 January 2008

Challenge - Day 6

Day 6
"...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.

Day 6
Pray that your husband will discover and live his God-given purpose. Pray that he will offer all his dreams to the Lord, and pursue only those goals that will bring God glory and count for eternity.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.


Nathan's creative side is obviously demonstrated through his awesome construction abilities. Both large projects (like our houses!) and smaller ones (like a table and chair set, kitchen cabinet for our girls) are things he enjoys doing and does well! He can install flooring, tile and do finish carpentry and siding. I'm sure there's so much more he could do if he had the time to do it!

Saturday, 5 January 2008

Challenge - Day 5

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 can drop a word of praise into a conversation or letter. Be creative in letting your relatives know that you respect your husband, love him, and support him - in spite of whatever flaws and weaknesses he may have.

Day 5
Pray that your husband will speak words that build you and your family, and reflect a heart of love.

Proverbs 18:21
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Friday, 4 January 2008

Challenge - Day 4

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 speak only positive things to your husband and to others about him? Here's 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 that she values and appreciates his work. Let him know that you are glad he is a hard worker. Take opportunities to praise his diligence and resourcefulness to others.

If your husband is out of work, 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.


Day 4
Pray that your husband will work hard to provide for your family, to the best of his ability. Pray that the character qualities necessary for a successful career and ministry will be a growing part of his character - persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind, organizational skills, positive relationships with people, determination, etc.

Romans 12:11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.



Nathan is probably the hardest working person I know. I often don't know how he does it - especially during the times we've built a new house on the side, in addition to his regular day of work. But I need to make more of an effort to let him know how much I appreciate this great quality that he has, and make sure he knows that I don't take it for granted.

Thursday, 3 January 2008

Challenge - Day 3

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 you consider your Encouragement Challenge, determine today that you will not say anything negative to or about your husband. Speak kindly to him with words of genuine 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's difficult for a man to be gentle, kind or tender - especially if he hasn't had role models in these areas. If he's not a considerate person, appeal to him for help without complaining. Let him know that it's hard for you to handle some things alone. Then, when he moves in to 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 you feel more secure, loved, etc. Remember that only God can meet the deepest needs of your heart.

Prayer - Day 3
Pray that your husband will serve God and others with pure motives. Pray that he will obey the Lord from his heart, and glorify Him in everything.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

John 7:17-18 If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.

Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.


Nathan is definitely a man's man - he works in construction, he plays hockey, he likes watching UFC, etc, etc. And yet, he is very tender, and he communicates very well - probably better than I do actually. He's very considerate of me and the girls - I am very blessed to be his wife.

Wednesday, 2 January 2008

Challenge - Day 2

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

How did you do yesterday with your 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? We hope you're off to a good start. (If you blew it, don't give up - start again today!) There are so many practical things you can 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 him a new, small tool with a big bow attached. But make sure he doesn't think it's part of a "Honey Do" list!

Maybe your husband's 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 that you see his unique service as a great strength.

Prayer - Day 2
Pray that your husband will use practical skills to build your family and make wise decisions for your welfare. Pray that he will serve unselfishly.
Gal 5:13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
Phil 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.



My prayer for Nathan
"Lord, I thank for the incredible husband you've blessed me with. I am grateful for how hard he works so I can have the priviledge of staying home with our girls. Thank you for his willingness to do whatever he can to make things easier for me - whether it's making breakfast on the weekends to taking the girls out to give me a break to vacuuming the house. Help me to show and tell him how much I appreciate him and not to take him for granted. Continue to guide him and give him Your wisdom as he continues to lead with a servant heart. Amen."


Just a side note: I have taken the liberty of re-arranging the prayers to coincide better with the challenge for the day. Some still don't really relate exactly, but a lot of them do and I thought it would work out better this way. So - if you're following along from the pdf files, that's why the prayers are going to be different from now on.

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