Carried to the Table

I mentioned in my last bulletin going to Nashville to see Casting Crowns. Also performing with them were John Waller and Leeland. I have to admit that while I'd heard of Leeland, I couldn't name a single one of their songs...about all I was certain of was that I'd seen their name on the display of my XM radio and that I didn't 'dislike' the music I'd heard...because those band names DO stick in my head...lol.

Anyway, as is usually the case when I know I'd *heard* the band before but can't think of any of their songs...once they played there were ones that I recognized...and had heard enough to sing along...but one song in particular that I hadn't ever heard really captivated me. It was called 'Carried to the Table'. If you've never heard it before, you can find it on the band's myspace profile which I've linked to the blog title above.

Before playing the song, Leeland Mooring, the singer and songwriter talked a bit about his inspiration for this song. He described an instance where King David showed mercy on a man who was crippled and how he had his servants carry the man to David's table and how once at the table with his lame legs underneath the table that he looked the same as everyone else. He then went on to say how this story made him think of how God carries us, lame in our own ways, to His table. (I'm sure that Leeland put that much better than I just did, but I think you get the gist of what he was saying.)

It was a nice mental image, but I have to admit that I just couldn't place the story that he was referring to...so of course, that set me on a quest to find the story in my bible. I found it in the 9th chapter of 2nd Samuel. The lame man's name was Mephibosheth and he was the son of Saul's son, Jonathan.

2 Samuel 4:4 tells us just a bit about how he came to be lame it states:

"Saul's son Jonathan had a son who was crippled in his feet. He was five years
old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked
him up and fled; and, in her haste to flee, it happened that he fell and became
lame. His name was Mephibosheth."

So here's the story of how Mephibosheth came to be carried to David's table from the 9th chapter of 2 Samuel:

1 David asked, "Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I may
show kindness for Jonathan's sake?" 2 Now there was a servant of the house of
Saul whose name was Ziba, and he was summoned to David. The king said to him,
"Are you Ziba?" And he said, "At your service!" 3 The king said, "Is there
anyone remaining of the house of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God?"
Ziba said to the king, "There remains a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his
feet." 4 The king said to him, "Where is he?" Ziba said to the king, "He is in
the house of Machir son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar." 5 Then King David sent and
brought him from the house of Machir son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar. 6 Mephibosheth
son of Jonathan son of Saul came to David, and fell on his face and did
obeisance. David said, "Mephibosheth!" He answered, "I am your servant." 7 David
said to him, "Do not be afraid, for I will show you kindness for the sake of
your father Jonathan; I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather
Saul, and you yourself shall eat at my table always." 8 He did obeisance and
said, "What is your servant, that you should look upon a dead dog such as I?"
9 Then the king summoned Saul's servant Ziba, and said to him, "All that
belonged to Saul and to all his house I have given to your master's grandson. 10
You and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him, and shall bring
in the produce, so that your master's grandson may have food to eat; but your
master's grandson Mephibosheth shall always eat at my table." Now Ziba had
fifteen sons and twenty servants. 11 Then Ziba said to the king, "According to
all that my lord the king commands his servant, so your servant will do."
Mephibosheth ate at David's table, like one of the king's sons. 12 Mephibosheth
had a young son whose name was Mica. And all who lived in Ziba's house became
Mephibosheth's servants. 13 Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he always ate
at the king's table. Now he was lame in both his feet.

Praise God for carrying me to his table today!

Can God use you?

I've been a little AWOL, I don't know what happened to me that I stopped posting. I guess I got so accustomed to posting on the challenge that when it ended so did my posting...lol. Perhaps it's because I don't consider myself 'creative' that I don't think I can come up with a worthwhile topic...or that even if I do, then why would my opinion on the topic matter really? I've really been struggling with that 'smallness' sort of feeling. You probably know the one, where you look around you and see other's ability to make an impact for God and you think to yourself...if only I were more like that person...or this person...maybe then God could really use me.

Well, He's certainly been attacking that way of thinking lately. It seems like everywhere I look I'm getting the same message in one form or another...that sometimes it's those very weaknesses that we most think 'If He would just remove that one thing from me...' about that God is most looking to us to use FOR Him. He can do ANYTHING...so why should we feel like He can't overcome our shortcomings if we just submit to His will? How vain of us to think that we are beyond God's capabilities? Isn't that essentially what we are saying when we say to ourselves that God can't use us because were not smart enough, too old, too young, too shy, too fat, too skinny, sick, disabled, poor, depressed, alcoholic, abused, busy, can't sing, haven't studied the bible enough...whatever our excuse is...it isn't too much for God.

Lately I've found one example after another of people that I know are doing amazing things for Christ despite some of the same excuses that I mentioned...and it's those examples that just keep reaffirming the message of 1 Corinthians 12 that God gives each of us spiritual gifts but that we do not all possess the same gifts. That doesn't mean that our gifts aren't just as 'important' or 'usable' by Him as someone else's gifts...just that ours are different from theirs...and that makes it all the more important that we allow God to use the spiritual gifts He blessed each of us with to the fullest.

So what are your spiritual gifts? If you aren't sure then there's no time like right now to start asking Him to reveal them to you...and just keep asking...when the time is right He'll show you. Still not convinced that He can use you? Let me tell you about just a couple of the examples that have come before me recently...

Both are Contemporary Christian Music artists which are successful in their careers and reach untold numbers of people with Christ's message on a daily basis through radio and live performances. Both of whom I've enjoyed their music for a number of years now, but I knew little about them personally outside of what comes out through their music...but through finding out just a little more about who they are off the radio and the things that they have faced in their lives...they have become wonderful examples to me of God's unlimited ability to use anyone that will allow Him to use them.

First off, Mark Hall, singer and songwriter of the group Casting Crowns. I've loved their music from the very first song I heard for it's sheer honesty and the obvious love of Christ that pours out of their musical worship. So when I heard that they were coming to a venue not too far from here I couldn't wait to purchase tickets and go see them in person. I bought tickets right after they went on sale (and spent more money than I had ever talked myself into spending for a concert by probably two times over, I might add) so that I could get really close/good seats...and I did...center stage on the second row. I couldn't wait for the concert and I was so excited when I arrived...but that excitement didn't even begin to compare to the way I felt by the time the show ended. Not long into the show, Mark began to share about his own struggle of feeling like God didn't need him...he talked of being dyslexic and of having ADD and how much of a struggle just getting through school was for him...and how when he first started feeling called to ministry that he felt like he couldn't possibly do it. Then he shared how in the midst of his own 'argument' with God that there had to be someone better than himself and that God needed them, that he finally could hear God's answer to that 'If only God would remove that one thing...' excuse...that he heard God saying "I don't need you, I want you". What an awesome thought! Mark has gone on from that realization that God didn't need him but wanted him to become a full time youth pastor in addition to his success in the music industry. I sat there thinking to myself...see there's someone a lot like you (after all...just in case you've never met me, because that's the only way you wouldn't already know...I'm ADD...lol)...and look at what God is doing through him!

The other example that has recently come to my attention involves singer Natalie Grant. One of her CD's is probably the first CCM purchase I ever made...I'd listened on radio and borrowed other's before...but something about her music just made me want to have a copy for myself. She has an amazing voice and seems so genuine. I'd seen her on the Dove awards and heard little sound bytes here and there of comments from her...but like Mark, knew nothing really about who she was when the microphones were gone. Well, I'm one of those people who almost ALWAYS takes a picture (or two or three...lol) with me when I go to get my hair cut, and right now I'm in one of those in-between stages as I grow my hair back out from my semi-annual cut-it-short-and-start-over and I remembered a picture I once saw of Natalie with the basic cut I was looking for on my next trip...so I started searching for images online. I kept seeing the same 5 or 6 images over and over in every search (and only one of those was actually taken when her hair was cut like I was looking for) so I thought that maybe if I searched not specifically for images but for articles or pages about her that I might find some pictures that the image searched hadn't yielded. Then I came across an interview with her in which she addressed having been in an emotionally abusive relationship and her development of an eating disorder in her attempts to 'please' her fiancee. She talked about recovering from the eating disorder and how she still struggled with those thoughts from time to time...again, I thought wow...here's someone else who's a lot like me and look what God's doing with her!

So do I believe that God can use me? Yes, I do...and I'm willing to allow it...Are you?

Challenge Update...

Ok, I got a bit behind on updating on the Encouragement Challenge...today is the last day...and I have been participating...just not writing about it. In case there is anyone else out there who stumbled upon this blog and decided to take the challenge...I'm going to post the text for days 27-30. (I'll also write about today's challenge)

Day 27:

"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.


Day 28:

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

Day 29:

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


Day 30:

"...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.

I can honestly say that my husband really is my best friend...when I have a bad day, he's the first person I call to cheer me up or just to 'vent'...when I have a good day, he's the first person I want to call and share it with...if I have an award or achievement, he's the first person I tell. He knows me like no one else...and loves me anyway! If that isn't the definition of a best friend then I don't know what is!!! I'm incredibly blessed to be married to my best friend.

I have found this challenge to be incredibly blessing for me. I have always been one to try to show my hubby how much he means to me...but I liked the angle of having a particular topic...even though some of them were difficult for me when they dealt with complimenting his spiritual life...but even on the days that the topic wasn't about one of his strengths, then it gave me something to specifically pray over him.

Day 26

We're moving right along in the 30 day challenge only a few more days left and here's today's challenge:

"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!

I must admit that neither of us is particularly good at the balance thing. I tend to get over involved in work or other activities sometimes...I get so busy 'doing' that I don't take time to relax. My hubby on the other hand will sometimes get so wrapped up in watching sports or something similar that he doesn't 'get out' much. I think we could each take a few cues from the other and we'd both be more balanced. I have been trying to take time out for relaxing at home a little more lately...I've actually learned to say no to people trying to convince me to add something to my schedule when I really shouldn't add anything else...so I'm making progress...but I still could use a bit more balance in my life.

Day 25

Wow, I can hardly believe that there are only 5 more days left in the challenge...here's today's text:

"...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.


Our home is actually a very peaceful place. I just love coming home from all the chaos of my work to a place where things are usually calm and laid back.

Day 24

Today is day 24 and the encouragement text says this:

"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.


My husband and I have no children together but he's been a very caring and loving father to my children from my 1st marriage. When we married I had a 13 y/o girl and 6 y/o boy...if that isn't 'baptism by fire' into the world of parenting I don't know what is! He handled it very well...sometimes perhaps struggling with his expectations but then again don't we all? We have dreams for our children...that's a double edged sword...it's what caring parents do...wish for the best for their children and try to raise them to be responsible, good people...but sometimes in our own dreams for our children we aren't always able to allow them to make their own mistakes...we want to protect them.

Day 23

Continuing on with the challenge...only one week to go (At least technically...as far as I'm concerned this is a life-long 'challenge' that should continue long after the specific directions of the text of the challenge end). Here's what it says about day 23:

"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.
*Each day, 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.

I am truly enjoying this 'challenge'. I really am married to an amazing man and I love the daily reminders to appreciate that fact! The role of being my husband's cheerleader is one that I feel fortunate to have as an opportunity.

Day 22

Well, I'm finally caught up to the current day's text which says:

"Let your speech always be with grace..." Colossians 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.

Today's challenge is one that requires very little effort on my part. Talking good about my husband comes naturally because I feel so lucky to be married to him. He's wonderful...and I'm proud to tell the the whole world just how amazing.

Catch up continued...

Day 21's text said:

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

The peace that I find through my relationship with God, reminds me daily that there is nothing this earth can offer me which can compare to what He has planned for me in eternity. That relationship is an area that I've been focusing myself on a lot lately...and if that focus positively impacts my hubby as well then all the better.

Ok, so I'm behind

I'm a little behind on posting on the encouragement challenge. It's not that I haven't been doing it...just that I haven't been posting to my blog. Computers were down at work on Wednesday and Thursday...which put me behind and meant that what time I did spend on the computer since then has mainly been spent playing catch up. Now that the work is up to date, I thought I should try to bring the blog up to date as well.

Thursday was day 20 and the text said:

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


I can honestly say that I hold no resentments in my heart of any kind toward my husband. I couldn't always say that...not because he actually gave me any reason to...just that I didn't always have realistic expectations of marriage. I made the mistake that, I believe, many wives make early in their marriages...expecting that their beloved is not only willing but actually able to completely fulfill them. This puts the husband in the impossible position of being expected to do God's job. No human can do that...and for that reason, such expectations set us up to be disappointed unreasonably. Thankfully, I have recognized these unreasonable expectations on my part and made an ongoing conscious effort to avoid them and to place my expectations for mental, emotional and spiritual fulfillment where they belonged in the first place...in the capable hands of my creator.

As for my husband's ability to forgive...I have seen him harbor resentments in the past about various things unrelated to me and/or our relationship...but I can truthfully say that whenever I sincerely have asked for his forgiveness I believe that it has been granted to me. I feel incredibly fortunate that he is understanding and accepting of my humanness.

Day 19

Today's text says:

"My lover is radiant and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand. His head is purest gold; his hair is wavy and black as a raven. His eyes are like doves by the water streams, washed in milk, mounted like jewels. His cheeks are like beds of spice yielding perfume. His lips are like lilies dripping with myrrh. His arms are rods of gold set with chrysolite. His body is like polished ivory decorated with sapphires. His legs are pillars of marble set on bases of pure gold. His appearance is like Lebanon, choice as its cedars. His mouth is sweetness itself; he is altogether lovely. This is my lover, this my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem. " 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?)


This is an easy area for me to have a positive attitude about because my hubby is a very attractive guy...and I do let him know that I think so pretty regularly.

Day 18

Today's text says:

"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.


My hubby and I have lots of fun together. True that we spend the majority of our time just hanging out at home...but we laugh a lot...and when we do get out...it's usually for something fun. We enjoy travelling together and are never at a loss for something to laugh about when we do.

Day 17

Happy St. Paddy's Day everyone...here's today's challenge:

"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!

Praying that I can become more like the woman of Proverbs has been an ongoing prayer of mine...not only in the area of wisdom, but all the way around. I continue to ask God to give me a heart that longs to follow Him and that He give that to my husband as well.

Day 16

Just past the halfway point of the challenge and I'm thankful that I took it on. Here's today's challenge:

"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.

Being totally honest, I have to say that my husband is much better at communication than I am really. I've been working on it...and I'm getting better but I still have to give my husband the credit for being better at it than I am. I feel very lucky to have such a wonderful spouse!

Day 15

Today's challenge speaks to a topic that has been a subject of many of my prayers. Here's what it says:

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

I know that my husband has faith...I've never doubted that...I continue to pray that he will find peace in a personal relationship with God.

Day 14

Today's challenge is this:

"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.


My hubby is a strong believer in keeping his word to others...which is something that you don't always see in today's world. It is certainly one of the things that I admire in his character.

Day 13

Today will be a short blog...commentary wise...because you can file the comments under...'nobody's business' ;) Here's the text for 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.

About all I'm really going to say about today's challenge is that I don't leave any doubts in my hubby's mind that I enjoy his abilities in this area :)

Day 12

Creeping closer to the halfway point of the challenge. Today's topic speaks to me in a good way. I freely admit this was a point of weakness for me in the past...I often expected my husband to fulfill needs that I should have been turning to God for fulfillment. I became aware of that and have begun making it a regular thing to examine my expectations and the areas in which I'm in the wrong. I've found that it can be difficult to change old patterns...but it's worth the effort.

"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 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.).

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.

My husband is simply wonderful...and I enjoy my life with him. It's so much easier to do that when you aren't placing unrealistic expectations on someone...and just enjoying the blessing they are to you! As for actions...I've been pretty good lately about telling him that I appreciate him...and also trying to SHOW him, because after all actions speak louder than words! I'll have to come up with something today though...not going to get to spend much time with him today because of a class tonight...and I want to make sure I let him know how special I think he is today!

Wondering where you can get some great Christian apparel?

Day 11

Today's part of the challenge is a subject that is often hotly debated...but I believe that most people who 'oppose' the concept aren't understanding it from the proper perspective. Here's the text for today:

"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord." Ephesians 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 only recently begun to understand and make a conscious effort to understand. So often people use the instruction for a wife to be submissive to their husband to excuse a domineering and controlling attitude. What such people leave out of the equation is the balancing instruction that the husband is to love his wife. If you love someone you don't WANT to control it. A part of honoring your husband is allowing him his place as the head of the home...and this is an honor that I want to give my husband.