This week's challenge at Snapshots from my Heart & Home is all about your relationship with your husband and being a good encourager to him. This is so timely. My husband and I just yesterday had a conversation about how we communicate with each other.
You see, he is an engineer. Very analytical and precise in his thoughts.
Me, I'm creative and sensitive (sometimes overly sensitive!)
I tend to jump right into a conversation before he is done asking a question or finishing a thought. I think I know what he is going to say, but as I reflect on this, I'm answering myself. Not him. He gets so frustrated because he could ask a "yes" or "no" question, and I launch into a narrative.
This week, I am going to keep my mouth shut and let him speak. I will not interrupt, predict what he is going to say, or speak with a harsh tongue.
It all comes down to showing him the respect of LISTENING to what he is saying, not what I THINK he is saying.
Last week's challenge was encouraging my children. I updated last weeks post with the results. Go check it out!
I pray that God will help me be the great wife my husband deserves!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Laundry Monster
Where does he come from?
How does he multiply so fast?
Why can't I tame or defeat him?
I'm talking about the dreaded Laundry Monster!
I work and work and work at defeating him, but within a week, he is oozing out of all of the laundry baskets again. I'm redoubling my efforts this week trying to beat the monster (or at least tame him!), but I'm just about ready to throw in the towel!
How does he multiply so fast?
Why can't I tame or defeat him?
I'm talking about the dreaded Laundry Monster!
I work and work and work at defeating him, but within a week, he is oozing out of all of the laundry baskets again. I'm redoubling my efforts this week trying to beat the monster (or at least tame him!), but I'm just about ready to throw in the towel!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Becoming an "Intentional Encourager"
For the next several weeks, I am going to be taking part of a personal growth challenge. Mary Joy at Snapshots from my Heart & Home is challenging us to look beyond our busy lives and to shower God's love and blessings on others.
I SO need this challenge. I am the type of person who focuses on what isn't done, instead of what has been done. Just this morning, Katie came downstairs and announced, "Mommy, I already made my bed!" I am ashamed to admit, that instead of praising her for such a great accomplishment, I asked her if she had picked up the bathroom floor. I am confessing now, that I really want to change this. Mary Joy's post came at the exact moment I needed to see it. God has blessed me so tremendously, and I am not appreciating it.
That is changing today! Anyone else up for the challenge?
This week, we are to focus on Hebrews 10:24 (NIV) "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." I will pray and ponder the Scripture and let God lead me to those who need encouragement, starting with my children.
I am excited to undertake this challenge and record how it has changed me!
UPDATE: Although I got started a little late in the week, the few days that I've really focused on encouraging the girls have made a difference. I've seen the shine back in their eyes (mine too!). They seem more confident and happy.(Me too!) I am going to continue to pray for help in changing my outlook and work towards being an encourager. I look forward to the next challenge.
I SO need this challenge. I am the type of person who focuses on what isn't done, instead of what has been done. Just this morning, Katie came downstairs and announced, "Mommy, I already made my bed!" I am ashamed to admit, that instead of praising her for such a great accomplishment, I asked her if she had picked up the bathroom floor. I am confessing now, that I really want to change this. Mary Joy's post came at the exact moment I needed to see it. God has blessed me so tremendously, and I am not appreciating it.
That is changing today! Anyone else up for the challenge?
This week, we are to focus on Hebrews 10:24 (NIV) "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." I will pray and ponder the Scripture and let God lead me to those who need encouragement, starting with my children.
I am excited to undertake this challenge and record how it has changed me!
UPDATE: Although I got started a little late in the week, the few days that I've really focused on encouraging the girls have made a difference. I've seen the shine back in their eyes (mine too!). They seem more confident and happy.(Me too!) I am going to continue to pray for help in changing my outlook and work towards being an encourager. I look forward to the next challenge.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Such a Bittersweet Moment
Yesterday, looking at Madeleine, it hit me...
She's lost that baby look.
WHEN did that happen?! I didn't see it coming.
She's turned into all legs! She's begun fixing her hair all the time, wanting to put on make-up and getting her nails done. She's not that rolly-polly little bundle of curly hair anymore.
It was such a bittersweet moment to realize that my first born is now a young girl. Not a toddler, or baby, or even preschooler. She's growing into a young lady.
My Madeleine never stops amazing me.
How was I so blessed to have a beautiful, smart, caring and loving little girl?
This prompted me to take a long hard look at little Miss K. My funny bunny. My Katie-bug.
She has grown into a fearless, adventuresome, smart little creature who keeps us all smiling with her funny antics. She's not a baby anymore either.
This hard truth made me so sad and misty-eyed.
Then I was struck by lightening...soon I'm going to be the parent of...dare I say it....preteens!
That strikes fear in my heart.
Have I raised them to be strong enough to resist the dangers the teen years bring?
Have I instilled in them a love and passion for God and living by His word?
Have I taught them to always be themselves and to enjoy the life we've been given?
Have I taught them to face their fears, for once you do, there is nothing left to fear?
Have I told them "I love you" enough? and more importantly, have I SHOWN them that I love them?
Only God knows the end to this story...I pray every night that is has a happy ending.
She's lost that baby look.
WHEN did that happen?! I didn't see it coming.
She's turned into all legs! She's begun fixing her hair all the time, wanting to put on make-up and getting her nails done. She's not that rolly-polly little bundle of curly hair anymore.
It was such a bittersweet moment to realize that my first born is now a young girl. Not a toddler, or baby, or even preschooler. She's growing into a young lady.
My Madeleine never stops amazing me.
How was I so blessed to have a beautiful, smart, caring and loving little girl?
This prompted me to take a long hard look at little Miss K. My funny bunny. My Katie-bug.
She has grown into a fearless, adventuresome, smart little creature who keeps us all smiling with her funny antics. She's not a baby anymore either.
This hard truth made me so sad and misty-eyed.
Then I was struck by lightening...soon I'm going to be the parent of...dare I say it....preteens!
That strikes fear in my heart.
Have I raised them to be strong enough to resist the dangers the teen years bring?
Have I instilled in them a love and passion for God and living by His word?
Have I taught them to always be themselves and to enjoy the life we've been given?
Have I taught them to face their fears, for once you do, there is nothing left to fear?
Have I told them "I love you" enough? and more importantly, have I SHOWN them that I love them?
Only God knows the end to this story...I pray every night that is has a happy ending.
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