Day 30......How did you do?

Well ladies, tommorow is the last day of this challenge.... and I know I havent posted on every day or even half of them. I have been very busy with getting my house and mind ready fro the coming school year and my blog has kinda taken a back burner. But I would like to report that I need to do this challenge again....more importantly, I need to learn to encourage my husband daily, not just for a challenge. I have been very short and snappy with him, and have not been encourging at all. Have any of you had bad days, weeks, months where you just know that you are not honoring your husband?

Here is tommorows Challenge....Maybe I will do better with it than I have the whole last month....
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!

Husband Encouragement and Up Early! And Happy Birthday Kylie!

Do you realize that we are over halfway through with the Husband Encouragement Challenge? But should we really ever be through.....We should encourage our husbands everyday! Not just because it is our job, but because we want to! How is the challenge coming for you?


Day Sixteen:
"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 privilege of sharing and discussing personal 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 patient with him...and listen when he does speak.

Paul is not a very big speaker....Not saying anything negative trust me...He is the most loving caring man but he just is not a big talker. He communicates in other ways.....bringing me a snack or something speacial when he goes to town.....or coming in and helping with supper.....or helping with the house chores I have left to do (which I shouldnt have any left to do...) He holds my hand in the car...almost constantly, puts his hand on my back as we walk through a store or through a parking lot, sneaks little kisses throughout the day, calls me just to say I love you! So see, your husband does not have to talk to communicate with you.

I have been doing okay on getting up early. I have missed a few days but Paul has told me not to worry about it, just do what you can. I dont know why but the past few days, I have been exhausted and havent been able to get out of bed. I think I may have caught a little bug or something....because Kylie, the one who is always out of bed by 7 has been sleeping until 8 or until I wake her up....so I think either allergies or a bug has gotten us.

But I will keep trying!!!!

And later today, a birthday post to my Kylie Bear! She turns 6 today....6 Oh my Gosh where did the time go? Love You Kylie!

Blessings
Crystal

Misc....

Starting with the Husband Encouragement Challenge, I have a some Misc. stuff.


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.

This was yesterdays Challenge. I know how difficult it is at times to think Positive and find things to praise your husband for....While I am not currently having a problem with this, I do need to thank him for it verbally and to show him more that I appreciate all that he does. I do however know of a young woman who is having problems with this and with blaming her husband for all the problems they do have, everything is his fault. While I have been there, and know what is going on, and I know how my situation was handled, I was wondering if any of yall have any suggestions and ideas for how to help her and him.

On the homeschool side of life, we are doing good! I have almost worked all my curriculum plans out, and am working on a daily and weekly schedule. The girls are really enjoying doing Starfall
I am reading over all my Charlotte Mason books. Whew...I never knew I could love to read a book about education....

I will post more soon over on my homeschool blog.

I am so ready for fall! We have our fall decorations in a tote in the girls closet, and everytime we open the closet door, we can smell the candles.....pumpkin pie, mulled cider, apple pie....yum. We are so ready for the cooler days of leaving the oven on with baking....

That is about all for today...sorry for the rambling.

Blessings
Crystal

Husband Encouragement Challenge

Have you ever thought about how many different ways that you tear your house down with your words? Actions? I finished up the book Biblical Womanhood the other night.....there was a chapter in it about how the foolish woman tears down her house..........I had never thought about how I tear down my house with my words. I know some of you are probably going to *gasp* at that but I never had. I was raised in a rebellious house so it never struck me as wrong to be sassy. I have gotten better over the last 6 yrs of marriage. My husband says that I am pretty submissive, and have really put a guard on my tongue.

But the book got me to thinking about what else I do that is foolish. I dont always just take what Paul says in front of people....sometimes I have to stick my opinion in there and make him feel little and not worth alot.

Then Sunday, Day 5 of the H.E.C. Was about this
Day Five:
"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

Yeah bad day for that! We had more words than I can think of. But when I got home and was reading Biblical Womanhood, I realized that I should have just shut my mouth. I was being very foolish.

Yesterday was better, Today is going good so far. I have been up both mornings this week to see him off to work which he really enjoys. He doesnt like leaving without someone to tell him bye!

Todays challenge.......
Day Seven:
"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..........

Thats just part of it..... But I am going to try really hard today, to not only build my house up, but to build my husband up! I dont want to be the foolish woman who tears her house down.......not only with words but with actions too.....

Oddly enough, I am also on Day 3 of the Power of a Praying Wife......guess what today is.. His Finances!

Share with me though, some ways that we can build up our homes and our husbands!!!! And how is yoru challenge going?

The getting up early, I'm getting there, I was lazy a couple of days, but mostly, I have been up at 6 or earlier.....this morning, my alarm was set for 5:30, Paul turned it off instead of snoozing it, and told me to go back to sleep, I tried I really did, but it seems like my body was ready to face the day, now if I could just do something about the circles around my eyes :0)........

Up Early! and Husband Encouragement!

I am starting in on trying to make it up early again! I know that I should never have quit this, but I did, I let circumstances in my life get my routine all off and now I am behind like you wouldnt believe.

So today, I am starting the Challenge of getting up early again....It takes 21 days to form a habit, so today, I am officially starting.....I will take Sundays off, but Monday through Saturday, I will be up at 6:00 am or earlier. 21 Days will be up on Sept 1st. I know last time I did this for 28 days but this time, we are just going for 21 days.

Join me if you will! I am so ready to do this!

Also, I am going to start this again!

30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge!

I will be starting this Monday August 17th. I of course will not be posting on this every day as I have discovered that I have less time for Blogging than I used to. But if you wish to join in and leave comments to help others along the way I will gladly welcome them.

Now, I have to go wake up the little blessings and get started on our day...lots to do!

Blessings
Crystal

A Bloggin Break

As I sit here watching the sun rise with Jason curled up next to me with his favorite blanky, I pause to think that I need some time to reflect and regroup. It seems my life has been on "really really fast" here lately and I cant slow down. As I prayed this morning, praying for my husband and my kids and for patience and understanding for myself, it seemed like God was telling me to slow down and enjoy my kids a little more.

So one of the things I am going to cut out for this next few days, is my computer. I will probably still check in on a few blogs and see how everyone is but dont expect any post on here.

I will still be doing the 30 day Husband Encouragement Challenge that Kelli is hosting, but I wont be posting on it. It has been such a blessing these last few days to focus on a specific area for Paul. And bless his heart, he is at work again today. He did take two days off to recover and get well..(In case you havent heard, he had pneumonia, his doctor wanted him in the hospital but of course being self pay, we couldnt afford it, so he got lots of meds instead...He is feeling much better this morning...) So I will keep this up....

Blesings
Crystal

Husband Encouragement Challenge!

I am so excited. And yes, I know this is a day late but I have good excuses and I was doing it yesterday.....I just didnt have any power to post. Our power has been going on and off for the last three days...... Anyway.

My good blogging friend Kelli is hosting the "30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge" I have done this before and I loved it. Every time I do it, I can tell a difference in our marriage and my husband but most importantly in myelf...I am not the nagging, unattentive wife that I tend to lapse into. I have joked that I need to do this every day, like a "365 day husband encouragement challenge". But honestly, I need to have to desire to do this. "The Love Dare" is helping me alot in this area. But that is for another post.

If you want to follow along, you can go to Kelli's Blog and follow with her, or you can go to This directly and do it anytime. I will not neccesarily be posting every day, just as time permits but I will be following along with Kelli.

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." Prov. 31:11-12

To help you get 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 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

And Just because I am behind a day in posting......

DAY TWO!
"...through love serve one another." Gal. 5:13b

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!

I did let me husband know that I love hime for choosing me. I cant believe that he would pick me out of how many other women. But I am so glad he did.

Today, I know my husband is serving our family. I told him this this morning and again when I talked to him on the phone a little bit ago. He is working today with pneumonia....bad pneumonia. But he does it so we dont have to worry about money and so we dont have to struggle. Yes he is going to the doctor today ( I finally got him in). But the thing is he doesnt have to work today, we are doing okay enough that he could have took the day off.....but he had people counting on him and he knows that we count on the extra money to get to do cool stuff with the kids....like go see cousins and friends. And he has helped so much around here....he always does, but this week has been especially rough....(long story for another post....) but he has kept our generator going so that we have power for our fridge so we dont lose food, he has kept lanterns lit so I dont have to worry about it. He watched the kids so I could go grocery shopping by myself, and he went with me to get some groceries because I wasnt feeling real good. He also helped with supper most nights the week before because of my illness. So yes he helps alot, and yes I have told him I appreciate him, and let him know that he is very loved.

I hope you can join in and bless your husband and yourself in this.

Blessings

Crystal

Husband Encouragement Challenge Catch Up (again)

Okay, I have good reasons I do! I got behind on laundry because of my garden needing planted before it rained...so I got my garden planted and then started trying to catch up on laundry and our hot water heater went out so we had to replace it which meant a day of no water and more laundry..lol. Then Alaina got strep throat. Yeah so you can imagine. But I am going to finish this challenge. Then I have to go work on my garden and plan menus and work on school for next week and oh yeah... more laundry.... :)



So I stopped with Day 14

Go to http://www.reviveourhearts.com/ for this challenge! It will help I promise.



Day 15



"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. . ." 2 Pet. 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.



*****Paul is a very spiritual person (if you dont believe me ask someone who has heard him speak...) He is a leader at Church. He gets things going and keeps them going. When I hear others talk about him, it is always good. It is always that If you need someone, Paul will be there, or that If you need help with something to do with the Bible, ask Paul, he will try to find it. If he doesnt know, he will suggest who to ask. He is always trying to get more people to come to Church. and when more people come, he welcomes them with open arms. We are a hugging Church...none of that handshaking business....we are a family and we treat each other like one. He helps keep that going....you dont get out the door without giving him a hug..and all the kids just love him...they are always asking him questions about his lessons. The only time I can remember him missing Church was when he had Pneumonia and when he had Bronchitis..two times. He feels like his week doesnt start right if he misses. He feels like a part of him is missing if he doesnt go. He keeps me going sometimes when I am ready to just throw up my hands and stay home...(cause of the kids not Church) I am lucky to have such a strong husband.



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 privilege of sharing and discussing personal 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 patient with him . . . and listen when he does speak.



*****Paul is not a big talker. he is just not. Just being in the room with us is enough for him. I am having to learn to adapt to this. It is okay though. I am learning. He doesnt have to tell me that he cares or that he loves me. I can see it in his actions and his eyes and feel it in his arms. He communicates on a physical level not a verbal one. *****



Day Seventeen:



"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Prov. 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 you 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 is 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!



****I know what Paul has in mind for us in the future. I know how I can help him. We talk about this almost everyday. We also see ways that we need to improve our plan. But our number 1 goal for our future is to raise our children up knowing and loving and accepting God. When we see things that let us know that we are doing this, we both just smile at each other and know that we are doing something right. *****





Day Eighteen: "You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy . . . Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!" Ps. 16:11a; 144:15b
"A merry heart does good like medicine . . ." Prov. 17:22a
It's 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 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 times. It will help him relieve stress and relax.

***** Paul is not that serious of a person, most of the time he is joking and loving and funny. He can be serious when need be though. *****

Day Nineteen: 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 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. 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 or 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?)

*** Wonderful arms..very strong and supportive. Beautiful eyes...almost always smiling. Shoulders big enough for me to cry on. Beautiful teasing loving smile... Very Sexy and wonderfully made. *****

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.

****Paul is very forgiving. I am the one that holds grudges alot more than he does. ****

Day Twenty-one: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added 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.

*****We both want better for ourselves. But we have come to accept that all will be as Gods will in Gods time. We cant do nothing to change that except follow his will and keep putting Him first. ****

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 my husband?" 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.

*** I try to always lift Paul up. but like I said before, I need to work on this in front of certain people because they tend to belittle their husbands. I really do. *****

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.
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.

**** Oh...Paul is much more organized and has a lot better "go get em " attitude about things. He keeps me going. I am the one that needs a cheerleader not him. But I have been trying to cheer him on more. Our home is doing better since starting this challenge. I admit that there are days when we have backtracked but most days we have been doing pretty good. He even told me the other day that he noticed how much I had changed. ****

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 support her 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.

**** He is very positive with our kids. He lifts them up and tells them what a good job they are doing. He does things individually and as a group with them. Like he will help Jack out in our shop to build something. or he will read a book to Kylie or go play with Alaina (shes not much of a reader) or he puts Jason to bed for me (Jason goes to bed so early that this is about the only time sometimes that Paul gets to spend with him...) but other times, they are all outside doing stuff and helping daddy to clean up our place. We also read our Bible every night out loud and pray and sing Church songs. ****

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 in You." 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 words often 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.

*****Sometimes my words are not very nice. I have a bad habit of saying what I think and not considering who is around me. Paul is very peaceful. He does keep me on a very peaceful level. He reminds me very gently when I am being snotty...lol Sometimes it takes more than a gentle reminder because I just dont listen. But like I said, I am a work in progress. And I am trying. ***

Day Twenty-six: "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." Luke 2:52
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!

****Because Paul is always striving to find ways to help us pay our bills and live, he sometimes gets caught up in that and lets slide our time set aside for family study. We have gently reminded him when he does this and he is okay with that. I myself, need to work on having things done and ready for study time so that when it gets there, we will all be ready. If I make myself remember it and be ready for it, then maybe this will help. Instead of running around like crazy and forgetting it. We are not much of a social family. We tend to stay home and keep our house and family going rather than go visit. We need to go visit though. I just dont push to hard because Paul is almost always tired when he comes in from work and the weekends are spent catching up around here. *****

Day Twenty-seven: "Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD." 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, your family, or your home.

**** Paul is a stickler for the truth and he is very courageous. He is very protective and would do anything to make sure we are okay. ******


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 leave the 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.

****I am not going to comment very much on this one. We are both learning to submit to Gods will. It is a process and we are learning..****

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.

****** Paul is very strongly against the evils and wickedness of this world. Not saying that we havent had our challenges but he stands against wrongdoings. ****

And for tommorow since I probably wont be on here! (Spending the day with my hubby and kids...)

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"? Would you take a moment to share these victories with us?

*****Paul and I were talking a few weeks ago about our relationship and how it has grown and how we have changed. We talked about what we were looking for when we got together and married. He was looking for someone who would share his love for God and would be faithful and loyal but 2nd to God, he wanted a friend. He said he found me. I am his best friend and his lover. I am his beloved. I am his rock in the storm. He of course made me cry by saying this. I was looking for someone to love me and be faithful to me and to Share my love for God. But I was not mature enough yet to look for a friend. God in turn sent me a life long friend. No matter if we had never married, we were friends before we married and we are friends now. We will be friends through life. See, I wasnt smart enough to know that friendship comes first...but God was and he sent me my friend, my beloved, my lover. He sent me my rock in the storm.

This past 30 days has been trying. We have babies. They are not always good. they throw fits, they argue, they dont sleep, they get sick, they drive momma nuts. and when that happens, when daddy comes home and momma is going crazy, then he gets in a bad mood because momma is. But we have worked it out. We have had financial struggles...we have fought over these...but we made up. There have been days when he has had a bad day at work and I knew that when he got home, that I would have to just give it to God and let him guide my words and my actions. On those days, I would have a talk with Jack before Paul got home about making sure we had everything done that he had requested so he wouldnt have anything that he felt like he had to come home and do...so he could just relax. It helped. At the end of this 30 days, we have come through much better than when we started. It has mad me stop and think and then act or speak, it has made me look at Paul in a different light. I am more appreciative and more honoring than before.

I would like to thank the people at Revive our Hearts for this. It has been an inspiration and a struggle but well worth it. THANK YOU!

Husband Encouragement Challenge

I am going to try to catch up on my Husband Encouragement post. I may not get through though because my computer time is almost up.

DAY 12

"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.

Needless to say, we did not have a good weekend. I was grouchy and didnt make it easy on Paul. I need to be more appreciative and let him know that he is doing good and that I can see everything that he already does. I mean, he works hard for us and he is always trying to come up with something that will make extra money. He comes home and plays with the kids and does extra jobs. I need to verbally thank him though.


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.

Suffice it to say, We are doing good in this area right now. Nough Said!

Day 14
"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.

Paul is a very honest person. I dont know one person that can say that he has lied to them. He is very strong in his faith. He loves to spread the Word around to all he can get to listen. He encourages me to have more faith and to try to be more of a righteous person. Thank You Honey for all your encouragement and helpfulness in my areas that are still kinda hazy. Thank you for helping me to see my way through.....and for being an example that I will be proud to have our kids follow.

And that is all I have time for. My kiddos are waking up and the sun is rising. Time to Give my day to God and start anew. Each day is a new day...a new day to start over and forgive the things of yesterday.

A prayer request though. My dear friend Kristy at Church, has found out that her uterus is enlarged about 13-14% and she has uterine fibroids. They are going to try some hormone therapy but if that dont work, they may have to take her uterus out. Please pray that God will put his healing hands upon her and will heal her or that if that not be his will, to give her the strength to make it through. She is married and has three kids...(not really wanting more but still its the thought that if they take out her uterus, then she can never have more if she wanted to. ) So please pray I know prayer works.

In His Will
Crystal

Day 11 Husband Encouragement Challenge

Day 11: Husband Encouragement Challenge!

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


Women who are constantly negative toward their husbands—especially by speaking evil 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 your 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 is 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."

****This is an area that I have been having to work on alot. I was not raised being submissive....Our motto was "Can you spell REBEL?" Really it was. We were raised that if you didnt like the decision that your husband made, you told him about it and you kept on until he changed his mind. I do respect Paul. I am having to try and remind myself to keep my mouth shut and let him decide and if he wants my opinion he will ask. I dont interfere when he is talking to someone in public, if I believe that he said something wrong, I wait and try to ask him about it later. I dont just blurt out (in private or other wise) "Hey, thats not what its supposed to be.." We both made a deal when Kylie was little that we would never put down the others authority in front of the kids. Due to stress and alot of other factors in life, we have forgotten this but we are trying to get back to it. I do believe that us not playing good guy-bad guy in front of the kids helps. You can tell when we do it. They get confused and dont know who to listen to. This is not teaching my girls to respect their husband either. Its a daily struggle that is getting easier but I do want Paul to know that I respect him and love him and honor him. I do want to be a submissive wife and I want my kids to grow up knowing what that is so that they may be submissive wives. ******

Day 10 Husband Encouragment

Day 10: Husband Encouragement Challenge!



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 integrity? Do you see at least a glimpse of that characteristic in him today? Whatever it is, tell him!



*****Honestly, I cant remember exactly what it was that drew me to Paul. I know that sounds bad but I cant. As I have said on here before, I had given my life to God and decided that if He wanted me to have someone, then they would come. I had known Paul all my life and he was one of those guys that everytime you saw him, you got a smile and a big hug. When we were both at Church Camp, I found myself falling in love with him and thinking that I couldnt do that because I didnt want a boyfriend...well apparently, God didnt want me to have a boyfriend, he wanted me to have a husband because six months later we were married. I love Paul more today than I did when we married and in different ways. I am sure all of you who read this and have been married for any number of years will know what I mean. It is a more Godly love today than it was 5 years ago. Things I love about him. I love how when he calls, he always says "Hello my Love" or "Hello my sweetheart bear" (Always when he calls my phone he says this,,,ask my sisters, they have answered my phone before...lol. ) When he comes through the door in the evenings, no matter how bad a day he has, he always smiles for his babies. I love is smile more today, especially when it spreads to his eyes and you can see them light up. I love his kindness and his genorosity. I love the Christian that he is.

Take the Challenge, I promise you wont be disapointed.

Blessings
Crystal

30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

I have not been posting about these because I have used the excuse that I dont have time. But I realized this morning that I need to make time to do this, I need to take the time to encourage my husband not only in person but on here because he reads this sometimes and if I post it on here, then maybe that will help him too.

My sister is doing this and she is on day 9 of the challenge so instead of posting the readings for the first 9 days, I am just going to post links to her site and to Revive our Hearts and then post my thoughts on each day.

Julie

Revive our Hearts

Day 1 Okay, I forgot to give my husband a wake up call! Usually in the morning, I am grouchy and just want him to go to work so I can have my quiet time. I need to work on this. I have told him that I am glad that he is my husband and that I am so happy that God put us together. But I do need to work on starting his day better because he does have a job that he doesnt like, and he does have rough days. So I will work on this.

Day 2----Paul is a handyman. He is a carpenter. He's not a mechanic. He is one of those people that helps everyone. He is so sweet and loving to our kids and I. He fixes things that are broke around here, he helped me get my garden tilled (when he was sick), he made sure that Jack helped me out when I was sick (because Paul had to work). He is a wonderful husband. Very helpful and very caring and always willing to give me a break....(which is sometimes very often.)
I Love him very much and cant say enough about how much he helps.

Day 3---Paul is very gentle and affectionate and loving. He does show me how much he loves me. He's not the type to say it a lot but he does show it. I have a bad habit of nagging and I need to quit. I really really do. Just this morning, he took Alaina with him to run errands because he knows that I need a break from her because she whines alot and so he took her. Now he didnt tell me "Honey I love you and know you need a break" but he instead said "Alaina, you want to go with Daddy?" He knew and he helped....

Day 4---I have to say that Paul doesnt know how much I appreciate him going to a job that he doesnt like everyday. He knows that we appreciate it but he doesnt know how much. He is great for doing this. When he is out of work, or when it looks like he wont have work for a couple of days, he finds more to do so we wont run short on money. He is very very resourceful.

Day 5-- I try to praise him in front of others...It is really hard around certain people though because they tend to run their husbands down instead of lift him up and it rubs off on me. I will try to do better though..I will do better. I will tell people what a good husband he is and what a good dad and provider he is. Because he is wonderful. In his lessons at Church, he is always lifting me up and praising me. I need to do the same things.....

Day 6---Paul is a very good carpenter and a very good speaker at Church. He is also very good at figuring out ways to help me organize and to do things withouth spending lots of time on them. He welds, quilts (yes....), cooks, sews, does laundry. He is an all around great husband! Someone I am very proud to be married to..

Day 7--Paul is actually alot better than me at handling our finances. He is great at laying out a monthly bill plan and telling me to follow it. Seriously. He doesnt have the time to actually pay the bills so I have the checkbook and I get the checks and he has a bill plan wrote out and I follow it. What is leftover (if anything) I tell him how much and we decide what to do with it. He is wonderful at helping me to see the light at the end of the tunnel. He helps me figure out how to get stuff that I otherwise dont think we have the money to get. He doesnt like to say no to any of us so we have to watch what we ask for.

Day 8--Faithfulness. Paul is very faithful to me, to our marriage. Not to say that we havent had our struggles. We have had our disagreements. Something that alot of people that arent family dont know is that Pauls first wife was unfaithful in their marriage. She hurt him deep. I am very fortunate to be married to a man who believes that when you marry someone, it is as God says and your body and heart become theirs. He would never be unfaithful to me. Never. He calls alot of girls sweetheart or dear or (just jokingly, girlfriend) and they all think I am very lucky to have such a loving and caring husband...And I think I am blessed. Highly Blessed.

Day 9---Ummmmm. I dont do very well at listening. I often find myself drifting off in thought when he tells me something. And I tend to have the mindset (subconciously) that if I cant be involved in it physically or have a say so in it, then I really dont want to listen to him talk about it. I shouldnt be that way, I ought to be open to all he says and really listen to him and show interest in what he talks about. I would probably learn alot if I would just listen to him. I will work on this.

Please if you havent already joined, do. Just going through the last nine days, I have learned so much. Now if I can just put what I have learned into action, My marriage would truly be blessed.

Go to Revive Our Hearts and look around. Youll be very blessed at what you read there.

Wondering in His Word
Crystal