Every Good Thing

"I have been crying, and it has done me good."

noreply@blogger.com (Every Good Thing) — Fri, 03 May 2013 15:30:00 +0000

That's a line from a book I've never read, The Romance of Judge Ketchum by Horace Annesley Vachell. I was looking for a nice line about crying, and that one came up.

“I have been crying," she replied, simply, "and it has done me good. It helps a woman you know, just as swearing helps a man.”

Do you ever get overwhelmed? I do. Except lately, I've been overwhelmed by happiness, and with joy. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining at all. I can't really put into words how stinking awesome it is to feel grateful and happy and loved and just plain amazed by all the wonderful things God has given me. I mean, obviously I don't feel like that all the time -- I'm not sure that's possible without being heavily medicated. But lately... Yeah. It's been really great to be aware of the positives outnumbering the negatives.

The only thing is, I tend to cry when I feel happy.

So I've been crying a lot.

Watching my daughters make up their own handshake. Sniffles.

Seeing a man bring his elderly neighbor's trash can up from the road so she doesn't have to. Tears.

Anytime I see an older couple holding hands. Sobs.

And for all I know, it could be an adulterous octogenarian couple, really. But I'm still going to cry happy tears thinking about the possibility of two people being in love and together for so many years. And then I'm going to cry some more as I think about being that age and still crazy in love with The Husband, and holding his hand as we shuffle through Target (because any good date ends at Target), and then maybe we can bring happy tears to the eyes of a middle aged woman who sees us.

So if you know me in real life, and you see me with tears streaming down my face, don't worry too much. I probably just saw a baby smile or something. It's all good.

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. James 1:17

Not a fan of Valentine's Day? I love you, anyway.

noreply@blogger.com (Every Good Thing) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:45:00 +0000

Last week during the Super Bowl, my news feed on Facebook was at war with itself -- almost every single post was about the halftime show, and people either loved it or hated it. There was no in between!

Apparently, the same goes for Valentine's Day.

I. Love. Valentine's.

No, it's not because it's the ONLY day The Husband and I celebrate our love. We do that every day. No, no, no, not like that!! I mean, he does it when he goes to work, because I know he works to provide for our family. He knows that my taking care of the house is an expression of love -- in our home, love is never having to say, "Babe, I'm out of shorts."

There's a zillion different ways we express our love.

But what's wrong with going a little above and beyond on one special day?

I mean, should we wait until Mother's Day to tell our moms we love them? Father's Day for our dads? Birthdays to celebrate that someone is alive?

Psh. No. Really, we should be doing those things all the time. And sometimes we don't.

So what's the harm in having that one day to make a big fuss over it?

NO HARM AT ALL.

Just like there's no harm in Valentine's, my friends. None. Some people need Hallmark to say what they can't. Some people need to hold a box of chocolates or some flowers to know that they're being thought of.

And some people just want an excuse to do a little extra to show someone special how much they care for them. Because, frankly, I don't want The Husband to bring chocolates out of the blue on a random day. I mean, I have to prepare for special occasions with the right amount of planning my meals around the calories I'll have if I eat out! If I get a box of chocolate out of nowhere, I just get really frustrated, and he knows that! And I don't want him to get me a card every other week or something, because dude. Have you seen how much cards cost now??

Aside from that, it's great day to celebrate LOVE in general. Don't have a significant other? Do you have friends? Celebrate the love you have for them. I've been single on Valentine's Day before. I got together with other single friends and had a great time! My daughters don't have boyfriends but still enjoyed getting cards for all of their little buddies! No friends? (Really?) You have family. Break from the mold and tell your parents or your grandparents or your favorite aunt you love them on a day other than designated holiday.

But if you still think Valentine's is made up (which isn't true), or something Hallmark has exploited (gee, a card company wanting you to buy more cards, SHOCKING!), I hope you have a Happy Monday and enjoy celebrating the love in your life every single day, since that appears to be what you do. You're an inspiration to the rest of us!

Can I get a patent on this?

noreply@blogger.com (Every Good Thing) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 03:03:00 +0000

So we all know that moms aren't supposed to get sick.

I was thinking about that today as I tried to sit still and rest my injured back. As I tried to take 15 minutes to lay down with a heating pad while my darling girls played together peacefully, without making a mess.

As I actually did laundry, dropped the girls off and picked them up from school, maintained order and generally did everything I would normally do, only under the influence of ibuprofen and wincing in pain with every movement.

So moms can't get sick.

So you know what we need?

Walk-in clinics just for moms.

Except there would be no doctors, because moms already know what's wrong with them, what to take for it, and how long they need to rest before they're back to 100%.

What there would be... Individual rooms set up with Sleep Number beds and Memory Foam pillows, and down alternative comforters (no feathers in case it's allergies that have brought you there). There would be Snuggies and fuzzy socks.

There would be laptops and televisions that have Nick Jr., Disney and PBS blocked. (And, just for good measure, ESPN.) On the nightstand, an iPad with Pandora, Kindle, and a wide selection of games that you loaded on to your own smartphone "for the kids".

Worried about the kids or their dad calling? Fear not. The receptionist collects your phone as you enter and screens your calls. Your phone will only be brought to you for true emergencies. The receptionist will be able to provide phone numbers for a variety of take-out places for your family's dining needs in your absence. Or tell your husband exactly how long to put the chicken nuggets in the microwave.

There would also be room service. The menu would be super thick. And since this is my dream, calories would be removed. Every meal is delivered by a husband-type waiter who smiles sweetly at you as he sets up your table and asks you how you're feeling and if he can get you anything else.

The words Mom, Mommy, Mama, and Mother are forbidden.

And then, when you're feeling better, when you're feeling rested and refreshed, you simply leave the room. You don't strip the bed or put the Snuggie and fuzzy socks in the laundry, you don't tidy up the dishes. You just leave the room, get your phone from the receptionist, and head home, ready to return to life as Mom.

An Adorable Christmas. Even though Santa Claus died.

noreply@blogger.com (Every Good Thing) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 12:00:00 +0000

A while back I mentioned that I wasn't only slacking on this blog, but my family blog as well. So I introduced my girls, otherwise known as The Adorables, to this blog.

They're ba-aaaack.

And.

YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE CUTE!

Li'l Bit & Mini Me share an excited hug as they wait to hang ornaments on the tree.

The Husband put up our tree, and the girls hung the ornaments. They did a great job, too! Mostly because they are excellent at following directions. I pointed, they hung, and everyone was happy.

This past weekend was the children's Christmas concert at church. Mini Me's dance class performed once, and she also sang with her choir. She has come a long way from going up on stage and turning her back to the audience! (True story.)

Li'l Bit was in choir for the first time this year, but it wasn't her first time on stage attempting to sing. At her preschool Christmas concert, in front of fewer people, she cried until she was able to sit in her teacher's lap. At the end of the year concert, she didn't cry, but she also didn't sing. This year...

She sang, and she looked so incredibly sweet doing it! And to top it all off, she managed to make it through the rest of the concert without making a big fuss. That may have been because I let her play Chuzzles on my phone part of the time, but you know, whatever.

So, if you read my last post, you know I said that we do Santa here. Turns out it's not going to be that easy.

Last year was the first year that we had a tree and did presents for the girls. Mini Me had just turned 6 at the time, and although she didn't seem to make a big fuss about Santa coming in the first place, she was very curious as to how I was able to return a gift that Santa had brought them.

Oops.

Mini Me was told by a friend last year that Santa isn't real, but it didn't phase her. She heard it again this year and started asking questions. The Husband decided that he would tell her the story of St. Nicholas to try and explain where the idea of Santa Claus came from. Not a bad idea, right?

Well. What Mini Me has held on to from The Husband's story of St. Nicholas is that

SANTA CLAUS IS DEAD.

He was a man who lived a long time ago and he was really generous, and he is dead.

She has told a friend at school that Santa Claus died a long time ago, and I am just waiting for the parent of that traumatized little girl to call me.

I told The Husband that I think we're going to have to come clean, and do a much better job explaining the whole St. Nicholas thing.

Because it's one thing to have the kid that tells everyone that Santa isn't real.

It's quite another to have the kid that's telling everyone that SANTA CLAUS IS DEAD.

You're a mean one, Mrs. Grinch.

noreply@blogger.com (Every Good Thing) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 05:45:00 +0000

Now that the love-fest for The Husband is over (on the blog, at least -- not in real life), and we're now in December, I suppose I have to start thinking about Christmas.

Yep. I suppose I have to start thinking about Christmas.

For some reason, it's been a challenge for me to get into the Christmas spirit the last couple of years.

Conversations like this one might have something to do with it:

(By the way, no, that's not supposed to be Sarah Palin.) I do not understand why we have to have heated debates about things like that. If you don't want to utilize Santa, then don't. If you do, go ahead. I believed in Santa, and I never felt deceived by my parents, nor did it shake my faith in anything else. But if I thought that one or both of my girls was going to question every single thing I said to them because I LIED to them about the reality of Santa Claus, then I would rethink my position.

But the thing is... Does it really matter? REALLY? First of all, every family gets to pick for themselves what they're going to do. Will they decorate in order to win some kind of contest for their neighborhood? Fine. Decorate because they're throwing a party for Jesus' birthday? Good for them. TO EACH HIS OR HER OWN.

Second... What the heck kind of picture of Christianity are we showing when we're going to pit ourselves against each other over something so trivial?!? Especially at this time of year!

Like, the whole "happy holidays" thing. Do you really expect retailers to only say "Merry Christmas" when they want to take money from all consumers, including the ones who only celebrate Hanukkah or Kwanzaa or Winterval? Saying "happy holidays" is safe for them!

Instead of griping about it, why not spend time actually making someone's holiday, whatever holiday that may be, happy? Bring a little comfort and joy into someone's life. I'm pretty sure that's one answer to the whole WWJD question, right?

As for me and my house, Christmas is about Christ. It's about God sending His Son to this earth for us. For me. Telling our girls about the greatest gift ever. Singing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus.

And for the next few years, it's also going to be about the excited voices coming from the back seat every time we pass a house that's all lit up. Teaching them when to sing "like a light bulb" or "like Pinocchio" during Rudolph. And seeing them tear into their three gifts each.

And hopefully, thinking about others who don't have a merry anything at this time of year. No, not just thinking about them, doing something for them. Appreciating what we have and being so grateful for it, and wanting those less fortunate to have something to be grateful for.

Day Thirty. IDK, my BFF?

noreply@blogger.com (Every Good Thing) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives

"...This is my beloved, and this is my friend..." Song of Solomon 5:16b

Today, the final day, she talks about appreciating the wonder of his friendship.

The Husband is my best friend.

But do I treat him the same way I do my other friends? I make time for my girlfriends. I look forward to spending time with them. I try to be on my best behavior when I'm with them.

And you know what? Even my closest, dearest friends haven't done for me all that The Husband has.

He should get the best of me.

And I am so glad that he is my best friend on earth. I don't ever feel like I have to wear any masks with him, I can tell him anything, we can have fun no matter where we are or what we are doing.

My Husband, on November 29th, 2002, I married my best friend. But even then, I didn't have any idea just how amazing of a friend you would be to me. Or how amazing you would be to me in every way as my husband. I hope you've been able to tell just how incredible I think you are over the past thirty days, and I pray that I will be able to keep showing you how much I love you and how grateful I am for you. In the way I talk to you, in my actions, and maybe a few more blog posts now and then. :-) Thank you for being the kind of man who makes a challenge like this so dang easy.

I love you so so so so so much.

To read what this is all about, click here.

Day Twenty-Nine. Flee youthful lusts.

noreply@blogger.com (Every Good Thing) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives

"A prudent man foresees evil, and hides himself; the simple pass on, and are punished." Proverbs 27:12

She asks if The Husband recognizes and avoids evil. She asks if he turns his back on pornography, sexual temptations, and the urge to lie and cheat.

I am very, very thankful that I don't worry about what The Husband does on our computer. I am very, very thankful that we're content watching movies on TV, where they're edited.

I am very, very, very, very, very thankful that when The Husband is sent away on business, I know that when he's done with work, he is back in his hotel room and he is alone.

And in case any Debbie Downers are reading, I know there's no way for me to know that he's alone, but... You know what? Poo on you, I do know he's alone. Because I trust him and I know that being faithful and steering clear of temptation is important to him.

I know that he doesn't lie to me. I know that he doesn't lie in general, to anyone. I can't even imagine it being an urge to him in the first place.

What a weight off my shoulders -- to not have to think about those things.

My Husband, I can barely put into words how grateful I am that you are a man who recognizes evil and avoids it like the plague. That I can trust you to not look at things on the computer or on TV that would make your mind wander. That you don't put yourself in situations where you are likely to be tempted. Thank you for living in a way that brings me such peace. For living a faithful life intentionally, to be obedient to God and to show me so much love.

Happy Anniversary, Baby. I love you more than words could ever express.

To read what this is all about, click here.

Day Twenty-Eight. Humble Pie.

noreply@blogger.com (Every Good Thing) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives

"The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility." Proverbs 15:33

Sometimes, I am right. (It can happen!) But, even when I am right, I have to bite my tongue because sometimes it's not up to me to correct The Husband. Sometimes I believe that God knows better how to guide The Husband.

And those times when I am right, I need to remember that whole humility thing. One time, The Husband and I had a disagreement and he asked me to come sit down and talk to him. I was stubborn in my right-ness and wouldn't sit down. I tried to go around him to leave the room, and I wouldn't look at him.

I was a 30-something-year-old woman acting like a 3-year-old, basically.

Finally, he convinced me to sit down and look at him.

And he apologized.

And I felt about this big.

In all honesty, The Husband isn't often wrong. But when he sees that he is, he can admit it. We have come a LONG way in communicating with each other, in seeing how sometimes we just misunderstood what the other was saying rather than letting a small misunderstanding turn into a major battle. We have also learned how to just let things go -- because sometimes being right isn't all that matters.

My Husband, thank you for being willing to learn from and submit to instruction from God. I have seen that so often in the big things, like your decision-making, and in the smaller details, like the times that we've had disagreements. Believe it or not, I am also actually thankful for how often you are right -- as much as I sometimes dislike having to admit it, how well you know me is a good thing. And knowing that you are willing to learn from and submit to God helps me to submit to you.

To read what this is all about, click here.

Day Twenty-Seven. Courage.

noreply@blogger.com (Every Good Thing) — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives

"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD." Psalm 31:24

When I think of courage, I mostly think of courage in the face of danger. I am thankful that I feel safe with The Husband. And I'm even more thankful that we've never had to face danger, now that I think of it. But I like that comfort -- in our house, riding with him in the car... I feel safe.

But the kind of courage she's talking about is... Does he have the courage to take an unpopular stand, is he courageous in his faith? Is he a stickler for the truth?

The Husband is not afraid to talk about his faith, he definitely doesn't mind if his opinion isn't the most popular when he is right. He seeks the truth and stands up for it.

I love him for that.

Husband, I love how safe I feel with you. I am glad you are not afraid to stand up for what's right, even if it's not the popular opinion. That you're brave enough to stand up for the truth. I don't only love you for it, I respect you for it, and I hope you know that.

To read what this is all about, click here.

Day Twenty-Six. Balancing Act.

noreply@blogger.com (Every Good Thing) — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives

"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." Luke 2:52

Is your husband striving for balance in his life? she asks.

I'm not supposed to say anything negative about The Husband during this challenge, right? But you know what? A lot of times I found that there hasn't been anything negative to say in the first place. Which means that I have to work to find things to complain about. Argh.

That fact hits home today especially. The Husband has his faith. His family. His home. His career. He has some activities that he enjoys in his free time -- golf when he is able to get out, softball... I know he likes fishing but he hasn't been in years, sadly. He likes watching sports.

The Husband is excellent at balancing his life. Nothing ever consumes him to the point of dropping his focus on what is important. I mean, he gets into things that he's interested in, yes. But his priorities are straight.

Husband, thank you for keeping balance in your own life, and for being an example for me and for the girls in that. Thank you for continuing to grow in your faith, continue to desire to only be a better husband and father, and to keep doing so well at your career. I appreciate that about you, and love you for it.

To read what this is all about, click here.

Day Twenty-Five. Lord, let there be peace in our home.

noreply@blogger.com (Every Good Thing) — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives

"...seek peace, and pursue it." Psalms 34:14b

"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." Isaiah 26:3

Well, she wrote this one just for me.

Right off the bat, she directs this toward the reader rather than the spouse they are reading about.

Do I promote an atmosphere of peace? Do critical words often come out of my mouth? Do I struggle with anger?

QUIT STEPPING ON MY TOES!!

I mean... Perhaps God really wants to use this.

And today is Thanksgiving. So I should make a good attempt at being thankful that this is the devotion for today.

Really. I am thankful. Because The Husband seeks peace and pursues it. He really tries to be a calming influence in our home -- and unfortunately he's got his work cut out for him because peaceful is not a word that I would use to describe myself. I'm sure I can put up a good front ~~most~~ some of the time in public, but home is where the reality is. Home is where the filter isn't used and home is where the gloves come off. Home is where I show my worst sides, when I need to be offering my best.

And God bless The Husband for having to be the one to live with that, to keep me from freaking out over little things that don't really matter.

Now. before anyone who might be reading this starts to think that I am pretty hard on myself, let me say that I know I am not a total beast. But I have to be real here, and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it takes a very, very strong man to tame me when I am being beastly, and I am just... Honestly, right now I'm completely in awe that The Husband has done it for this long.

My amazing Husband, I know I'm not altogether downright awful, but I know I can certainly act downright awful sometimes. Thank you for keeping the peace. For wanting to shift me into a lower gear. And for not giving up. I mean, I know we have ups and downs that are more like a kiddie ride than a roller coaster, but still. Even that can wear on a person after a while. I am so thankful for the peace you bring in our home, and that you don't contribute to the chaos.

To read what this is all about, click here.

Day Twenty-Four. Super Dad.

noreply@blogger.com (Every Good Thing) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives

"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4

I have to admit, I laughed after I read the first line:

Children can be quite a challenge to a marriage relationship.

YA THINK?!

I knew that The Husband was going to be an amazing dad right away. It's a good thing, too, since Mini Me came along about ten months after we got married. He transitioned into fatherhood just about as seamlessly as he did married life. He was a natural.

I have been a stay-at-home-mom for several years now. Because of that, I know that sometimes I think that I am the only person on the face of the planet who knows what makes our girls tick, who knows how to handle their moods, who knows what discipline works best at what time. But notice the key word in the last sentence? OUR. They are OUR girls. He is their daddy, and he is an excellent one at that. To question his leadership can, as she notes, make him feel like a failure. I am so blessed because he works hard for our family, but I know that he also wishes that he could spend more time with them than he does -- and he already makes an effort to do that a lot. For me to imply that he doesn't know what he's doing just because he's not around them as often is pretty insulting.

So let me reiterate to myself what I've written... He is a natural at being a father. They are OUR children. He enjoys spending time with his girls and tries to a lot. And, God has gifted The Husband to be daddy to these girls and God will give him the knowledge and direction The Husband needs to parent them with me. And I know that The Husband looks to God to be the kind of father that God wants him to.

My sweet, sweet Husband. I love to see how much you love our girls. You are an incredible, amazing daddy to them, and I am so blessed to be raising these girls with you. Thank you for looking to God for direction with them, for respecting the role I play in their lives. I want to be a team as we raise them, and my prayer today is that our girls will not only see what a wonderful dad they have just by the way you are with them, but also in how I reflect my appreciation of that fact in front of them.

To read what this is all about, click here.

Day Twenty-Three. A man with a plan.

noreply@blogger.com (Every Good Thing) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives

"In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works..." Titus 2:7a

She begins by asking if this challenge has seemed like hard work, or has it become a pleasant exercise? It is so easy for me to write wonderful things about The Husband. My challenge is still saying these things directly ...

Okay, I just talked to him.

Why is that still so difficult?!

Well, how boring would life be if there weren't even more ways to improve upon myself.

For today, she asks if The Husband is organized. Diligent. Persistent.

Yes. Yes. And, now let me think about this... Yes.

Organized, diligent, persistent.

Again, those aren't words you look at and think of as exciting or sexy or anything, but... They really are to me. I get a lot of peace from knowing that The Husband is so in control, that he has a pattern and a plan for so many things. I even love watching his routine when he gets ready in the morning.

Of course, as she mentions, maybe some women need a man who lives a little spontaneously.

Either way, the point is to look for the positive. The negative is so easy to point out, and usually the first route taken. Look for the good and hold on to it, praise it, and help it grow.

My organized, diligent and persistent Husband... I adore your routines. I take a lot of comfort in them. You have the ability to balance my personal chaos with your personal order. Knowing how diligent you are in so many aspects of your life brings me peace knowing that you will be diligent in our relationship. I know I also need to enjoy your spontaneous, fun side, too -- or at least let you know I enjoy it rather than fuss at you when you show it. I love that you have both in you -- you are a man who lives by routines but who also likes to try to shake things up. It's just another way I see how God made us for each other.

To read what this is all about, click here.

Day Twenty-Two. Public Relations.

noreply@blogger.com (Every Good Thing) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives

"Let your speech always be with grace..." Colossians 4:6a

Today's question:

"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 my husband?"

Earlier in the challenge, I'd asked one of my friends about this, and she said that I make The Husband "sound so awesome."

As you have probably noticed if you've been reading for the past three weeks, or even the past couple of years as I've been writing, I try to present The Husband in a positive light here as well.

I said it in another post of mine a long time ago -- nobody's perfect, and everybody knows that, I don't need to remind people that The Husband has imperfections. I need to be his #1 Fan.

But I believe one thing God wants to get through my thick skull is that I need to not just be his cheerleader when I'm out and about, but at home too.

The Husband doesn't typically read my blog. He doesn't have conversations with my friends where they're going to tell him that I talk him up. Words of affirmation don't really benefit him if they are not spoken directly TO him.

Duh.

One of these days I'll get it.

Husband, I know I need to work on this. To not be so quick to get exasperated at home and point out what I want you to do differently, but to spend more time telling you directly how wonderful I think you are. Because you are wonderful, and the positives outnumber the negatives by a tremendous landslide. I love you and I really do think you're awesome, and I'm glad most people recognize that I feel that way -- my prayer is that you will see it reflected in my actions and not just have to possibly hear about it from others, or read it on my blog. It's not just words I say or write, I mean it with all my heart... You are an incredible blessing in my life and you are an all-around amazing man. I am so thankful and proud to be your wife.

To read what this is all about, click here.

Day Twenty-One. The Big Picture.

noreply@blogger.com (Every Good Thing) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33

Living in light of eternity. She reminds me that one day I'm going to have to give an account for the things I do and say, and that includes the things I do and say to and about The Husband.

She asks if my husband rejects materialism and temporal values because he has an eternal perspective... I definitely don't see The Husband being a materialistic man. He's extremely practical, but I know that I'm thinking of that in a strictly financial sense... When it comes to considering what matters for eternity's sake, I think The Husband listens so carefully to God's prompting.

If he were to give money for a mission trip, for instance, he's not just considering what he's doing for the person going on the trip can do, I believe he's also thinking about the seeds that they are planting and the good that can be done further down the road.

I trust his values. I know that his practicality with money isn't just because he strictly wants to be careful with it, I know that every decision he makes is based on what he feels God thinks is best for our family.

Really, everything comes down to the big picture.

My sweet Husband, I am so grateful for your perspective on things, and that I do not take for granted how careful you are -- I have so much peace in knowing that you are always looking to God for direction, not just for our lives, but for His kingdom. Thank you for being a man after God's own heart.

To read what this is all about, click here.

Day Twenty. Bitter, table for one.

noreply@blogger.com (Every Good Thing) — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives

"And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you." Ephesians 4:32

The end of 1 Corinthians 13:5 says that love "keeps no record of wrongs."

I am not so good at this.

Not only do I keep records of wrongs, I'm bad at it -- I don't even remember specifics. I'll get all upset and blow up, rambling about things that were probably resolved months prior without being able to say why I was angry in the first place.

BRILLIANT.

The bottom line is the end of that verse in Ephesians -- just as God in Christ forgave ME. All the ugliness in my heart and the sins against Him, and Christ died for me. And He doesn't hold that against me. He doesn't bring it up again and again.

And neither should I.

Especially not with The Husband, the person I'm supposed to love more than anyone else on the earth.

And further, bitterness is just plain ugly.

My dear Husband, I am so sorry for the times I have brought up the past, the things we've long since resolved. Thank YOU for not doing that to me. Thank you for forgiving me and for letting things go. Thank you for striving to be kind and tenderhearted to me. I've noticed. And I love you for it.

To read what this is all about, click here.

Day Nineteen. Wonderfully made.

noreply@blogger.com (Every Good Thing) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives

Song of Solomon 5:10-16

It is painful to hear a husband or wife criticize a spouse. Especially if they are criticizing their appearance. To me, that's just low. Lame. Childish even.

I think sometimes, sometimes, some men actually care about how they look -- and what the women in their lives think of how they look.

I like what she says here...

Have you ever considered how wonderfully God designed men and women? No matter how a man looks - by the standards of the world - a loving God designed them all, and they are all "beautiful" in His sight.

I know looks aren't everything, but I'm not going to lie... I have no complaints when it comes to The Husband's appearance.

Readers and friends, she tells me to admire him verbally, and since I'm sending this to him, I'm going to do it in writing (as well as try to get this all out in person later). You have been warned.

Husband. You are truly wonderfully made. I can't get enough of your eyes, or your smile. It's like everything about you was designed just for me. When I hug you I just want to stay there, resting my head in that space between your shoulder and your neck. I love your arms, especially when they're around me. I wouldn't change a thing about you, and anything that has changed has only made you more attractive to me.

To read what this is all about, click here.

Day Eighteen. The best medicine.

noreply@blogger.com (Every Good Thing) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives

"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; 144:15b

"A merry heart does good like medicine..." Proverbs 17:22a

That's Li'l Bit when she was 5 or 6 months old, laughing at Mini Me. I remember that afternoon so clearly -- Mini Me was just tossing up a stuffed animal and catching it, then pretending to drop it, and Li'l Bit was cracking up. Mini Me was so excited to make her little sister laugh, so she just kept doing it over and over again. To this day, when Mini Me sees this picture, she'll tell Li'l Bit the story of how she made her laugh and laugh and laugh.

I think one reason we remember this so well is because Li'l Bit, in spite of the story this picture tells, was not actually a bundle of joy. Not for a while, anyway. It didn't matter what we did, that girl could find something to cry about.

One could say it was tummy issues early on, or the fact that she had eczema from head to toe.

Or. One could say that she was just taking after her mother.

Both of my girls are precious angels when they are at school and at church and at friends' houses. Then they come home and grow horns.

Again. One could say that this is typical behavior.

Or. One could say that they just take after their mother.

I'm not a horrible, terrible, no good woman. I'm actually fairly pleasant to be around. I love to laugh and smile and have fun.

But when I get home... I think my ability to be great company goes down the drain.

That's a shame for many reasons, but in light of today's devotion, it is a horrible, terrible, no good shame. Regarding The Husband, I can answer yes to the questions she asks:

Does your husband have a playful side? A great sense of humor? Is there a "little boy" that wants to escape from time to time, reflecting the joy in his heart?

The Husband's playful side was one of the first things I was attracted to. It didn't matter what we were doing or where we were going -- I knew I was going to have a good time with him. And you know what? Things haven't changed that much. He can still make me smile, he can still make me laugh. And I need to LET HIM! Why in the world do I fight that?! I mean, I know one of my greatest joys is making him smile, making him laugh -- surely I can return the favor!

My Husband, you can always make my heart smile. I don't want to embarrass you with an abundance of cheese and mush, but I just can't help myself... Baby, you light up my life. Thank you for not giving up on me, and for being the one to bring me so much joy. My cup runneth over.

To read what this is all about, click here.

Day Seventeen. Knowing is half the battle.

noreply@blogger.com (Every Good Thing) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:10

She asks if I'm a wise woman, if I open my mouth with wisdom (Proverbs 31:26). This is definitely something that I have been working on. However, I seem to work on it more outside of the home. So clearly, I have more work to do.

Now, is The Husband a wise man? You betcha. Does he have a plan for our family? The man has had a plan for his family before he even had a family. He had an IRA at 17. Heading into college, he focused on fields of study to put him in a career that would provide for a wife and children.

He has a plan for our family. He has a sense of purpose. And I have a sense of total security with him for myself and my girls.

Husband, thank you for thinking of us before you even knew us. Thank you for being a husband and father who puts his family's needs in front of his own. Thank you for being a man who asks for wisdom from God. Right now, as I write this, I am overwhelmed with how blessed I am to have you. I know being wise doesn't sound all that exciting, but I hope you know that it is plenty exciting to me!

To read what this is all about, click here.

Day Sixteen. A little more conversation.

noreply@blogger.com (Every Good Thing) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives

"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

She says, "God has made you a companion and helper for your husband, and part of being 'one flesh' with him is the privilege of sharing and discussing personal needs and concerns."

I have been through a ~~million~~ couple of marriage conferences and have read a ~~billion~~ few books on marriage. It's no secret to me that communication is an important factor.

I do know that it was in Love and Respect that they talked about how men speak with blue megaphones and listen with blue headphones, and women speak with pink megaphones and listen with pink headphones. We do not communicate the same way, so something I need to do is actually remember that fact, and pay attention to the ways he is communicating with me, even if it's not the way I think he "should", or, more accurately, the way I want him to. He does hear me, and I'm so blessed because he actually listens, he isn't just waiting to talk like I some people I know would be.

Another thing that I seem to struggle with in my role as helper is realizing that what may seem insignificant to me may be something very important to The Husband. And if it matters to him, it should matter to me.

To The Husband -- you know how I always fuss that you don't make eye contact with me when I'm talking and I can't really tell if you actually are listening? You always are. Aside from the fact that you repeat back everything I've just said to show me that you are listening... You've never given me any reason to think that you wouldn't listen to me. My prayer is that I will remember that and show you how much I value the fact that you do pay attention to what I say, and that I will do the same for you.

To read what this is all about, click here.

Day Fifteen. A Growing Man.

noreply@blogger.com (Every Good Thing) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ..." 2 Peter 3:18a

Today she asks about his spiritual strengths. It has always been clear to me how important The Husband's faith is to him.

I am just so thankful that praying about decisions isn't something he thinks to do last. I am thankful that attending church isn't a chore to him, it's not a matter of discussion, it's just what we do on Sunday. Same with tithing. God has used The Husband's faithfulness in giving to teach me so, SO much in the past eight years.

The Husband has a lot of knowledge about the Bible and about Christianity... But what I love the most is that it doesn't just stop in his mind, it extends to his heart.

My Husband, I am so thankful for your faith, for how you show it, for the example you are to me and our girls.

To read what this is all about, click here.

Day Fourteen. I yam what I yam.

noreply@blogger.com (Every Good Thing) — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 05:30:00 +0000

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives

"The righteous man walks in his integrity..." Proverbs 20:7a

As I said before, good guys rarely ever get any press. A scandal is far more interesting than a story about someone who is true, faithful and honest both personally and professionally.

Well, if a man of integrity is boring, then I can live without excitement.

One thing I have always admired about The Husband is that he is REAL. There is nothing phony about him -- what you see is what you get. He isn't one way in public and another way at home.

I have full confidence that the same applies at his job -- honest and fair at business as well.

I don't see hypocrisy in his faith. He stands by what he believes and doesn't back down.

And right now it's just hitting me as I type this... I mean, obviously I've been thinking this the whole time I've been doing the challenge, but for some reason right now it's even stronger... Just how blessed I am. He does not give me any reason to doubt him in any way. I know that Satan would like nothing more than for me to wonder, to doubt, to second-guess... But God has given me this man who is so straightforward and so genuine. A man of integrity. I should just count my blessings.

My Husband, thank you so much for being a man of integrity. For being reale. For being honest. I am so thankful that you are 100% genuine, that you stand by your faith, that you have an incredible work ethic, that you place such importance on your family. You are just incredible. I thank God for the kind of man that you are.

To read what this is all about, click here.

Day Thirteen. Brown Chicken Brown Cow.

noreply@blogger.com (Every Good Thing) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives

"I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me." Song of Solomon 7:10

Because I don't want to embarrass The Husband, or people who know us that might be reading this, I'm just going to go ahead and post the devotion here. Any emphasis is mine.

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.

Dear Husband whorocksmysocksoffinbed, thank you for being my beloved whogenuinelypleasesme, and for letting me be yours. I have never doubted that your desire has been only for me, and I am so thankful for that HotStuff.

To read what this is all about, click here.

Day Twelve. Heart Check.

noreply@blogger.com (Every Good Thing) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives

"With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4:2

Taken from the devotion for the day:

"How sad that we give

more grace to others

than to those in our own homes."

Ouch! My toes!

This makes me think of a time (or two ~~hundred~~) when I answered the phone with a sweet and melodic, "Hello?" Then I heard The Husband speaking, and suddenly my voice became completely flat.

Sort of like, "Oh. It's just you."

What's wrong with that picture?

It should be more like, "Oh! It's YOU!!!"

She also suggests that if I'm having problems finding things to praise about The Husband, maybe I should check my own heart. Maybe I'm expecting too much.

Which, for me, would boil down to constantly noticing what The Husband isn't doing or what he's not doing the way I want it done.

Because that sounds like an awesome wife to live with, right?

This was kind of straightforward for me. At the end, she gives this advice:

"Today, try to look at your husband through eyes of grace. Verbally thank your husband for what he is already doing."

Honey, you are already being an incredible husband. An amazing father. You are already providing for us, caring for us, loving us. Providing for me, caring for me, loving me. You are already doing so much, and I want you to know that I know. I don't want to be unreasonably demanding and my prayer is that I will show you much grace and love.

To read what this is all about, click here.

Day Eleven. R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

noreply@blogger.com (Every Good Thing) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives

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

Today she makes a statement that probably isn't all that earth-shattering:

MEN RESPOND TO WOMEN WHO RESPECT THEM.

Well.

Duh.

But it isn't all that easy. At least it isn't for me. There are a million different ways I disrespect The Husband. It could be second-guessing his parenting. Not fully listening when he's talking to me. Those little things I do that he'd rather me not -- things that seem insignificant to me, but matter to him.

And I'm going to go beyond just myself for a little bit, because I'm sure there's got to be at least one woman out there who's been reading and is thinking The Husband, as awesome as he is, is actually worthy of respect.

Here's the thing... It wouldn't matter if he is or isn't for a Christian woman. That verse up there? It isn't a mere suggestion for me. And that last part says it all -- submit to him as to the Lord.

Regardless of how I feel about The Husband at any given time, I am called to respect him.

Thankfully, I do feel The Husband is a man worthy of respect. And I do thank God for that.

To my awesome husband, I do have so much respect for you. Thank you for making it so easy. My prayer is I will actively show you respect, because I don't want you to ever have to wonder if I do. I love you.

To read more about what this is all about, click here.