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There is a new LIVE bible study online that I really encourage everyone to check out. It is directed by Nathan Pearl (Michael Pearl's son from NGJ ministry). They started off with and hour and a half of going into detail about the bible. Starting with Genesis and reading through verse by verse. Then Nathan talked for about 30 min I believe to sum up the whole thing in the "after the bible study" part, they kept the cameras rolling their live feed. It was so informative! It was awesome too, how they had the live chat going on at the same time, so we could all be commenting and discussing "quietly" while watching the live video. I will be watching this every chance I get, and if I miss it they keep them on archive also.

See ya next Sunday 6pm central time, 4pm Pacific time (salem, oregon) @


Home | Contend For Your Faith



Have you viewed them yet? Really great, make sure you do...

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge 30

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!

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge 29

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.

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge 28

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.

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge 27

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.

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge 26

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!

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge 25

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.

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge 24

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 needto 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.

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge 23

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. "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.

Today... I sewed wool diaper covers (longies)

This is today's project. I have heard so many good things about wool diaper covers that I decided to make some from old sweaters and try them. I went to Value Village with my sister-in-law and bought 4 old sweaters, 2 for her and 2 for me. She was able to make 2 longies and 5 smaller diaper covers. I was able to make 2 longies and 4 diaper covers. We read about these online, it said to "felt" the sweaters before continuing. So we placed each sweater in a pillow case and tied a knot. Threw them in the front loader washer, with a few jeans, mild sun brand powder soap a few drops of Lanolin to help with waterproofing. Turned the cycle on hot, and as long as it goes, at as heavy-dirty setting as I have, to really rough up the sweaters. Then they went in the dryer for a few cycles, and it was perfect for making diaper covers! They were adult women size to start with and young child size when they came out! Definitely looked more like felt now than knit. This helps keep the wetness in and makes for easier laundering later, you don't have to worry so much about "shrinking" them latter LOL. Don't really think its possible at this point.
This is the first one I made. A longie. I started by cutting off the sleeves of the sweater making them square at top, turning one inside out, then putting the right-side-out one inside the wrong-side-out one, just like you make pants, to sew the crotch seam, front to back. Sorry I forgot to take a picture of that one. Then I sewed the feet closed, and added a waistband of elastic. I only rough estimated with all the measurements. It's better to make it a little big, try it on and be able to take it in a little than to make them a little small and it not fit at all.
This is where the sleeve would have been, I just forgot to take a before pic so I folded the longie and put it back where it was. (above)
I cut straight down the middle, top to bottom because it turned out to measure exactly right for me. Then cut straight across to make two little squares. The tan ribbing going to be the waist of the diaper cover.

The two measurements that matter here: around baby's hips, is how wide you want to cut this square (when its open obviously). And with a prefold diaper on, the distance from the baby's belly button, down under crotch, to back. (If you want add 2 inches for elastic waistband.) That in half, is the distance from the tan ribbing to the line straight across the sweater that I cut here. (above)
Then I cut the collar off the sweater, at a curve a few inches away from the tan ribbing. Then cut that in half, making two leg cuffs. Double check the size of baby's thighs here, you can trim off a little if they are way too big. Then I sewed down the side, making it a loop. See how the shoulder of the sweater is a fold, making the other side of the loop.
(above) Then I took the square pieces, sewed a seam down the side. Sew again to reinforce it. And you cant really see by my picture but as I got closer to the waist/ top/tan ribbing I made the seam angle in just by and inch or so to make a slightly smaller waist. If that isn't enough, you can sew elastic waistbands in, or braid a "belt" with yarn and weave it in and out all around the waits. Just look these up on the internet and you'll see lots of example pictures.
(above) I took that seam I just made down the side and "moved it" to the center of my diaper cover, still insideout. then sewed the middle third of the bottom opening, making a crotch of the cover. Then I cut out the leg openings, by making little round cuts up and out from the bottom seam.
Then I turned the leg cuffs right-side-out and placed them inside the cover which is in-side-out, lining up the seams on the leg cuffs with the crotch seam (which goes left to right, the little red line at the bottom of the cover, in the above picture). Then carefully sew around both leg openings, remembering to pull/ keep lots of tension on the material so it will be able to still stretch afterwards.
This is another picture, one for Kailey's baby. Same thing just has longer leg cuffs. I really like this one (above). Looks a little silly, but it is the most practical one we made.
This is a picture of the first 4 I made. Two longies, out of the sleeves of the sweaters, and two regular diaper covers out of the body of the sweater. The cover to the right, I had to use left over strips of the sweater to make the leg cuffs, I just hemmed them and sewed them right in.

I tried the longies on her already and I guess they stay in place better if the legs fit comfortably, not large and baggy. So I'll probably take in the seam down each leg slightly. That and the leg cuffs on the covers are a little small since she was sleeping while we made these, I thought I over estimated, but I'll have to take these out as far as I can, which isn't much, but they'll work or I'll just put them away in storage for later use.

I really like them so far, can't believe how good they work.

Pumpkin Bread

We made so much good food from that one pumpkin. Here is the recipe for the pumpkin bread.


wet ingredients:
2 C pumpkin puree
4 eggs
1 C oil
3 C sugar
2/3 C water

dry ingredients:
3 1/2 C flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp cloves
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp allspice

Mix the wet ingredients in one bowl, the dry ingredients in another bowl. Then mix them together. Pour into two greased loaf pans. Bake for 350' for 1 hour.

Pumpkin Cookies

I found this wonderful recipe on Allrecipes.com. It is wonderful. I only swapped out the white flour for wheat flour because I don't have white flour in my house, but you could swap it back if you wanted.

Pumpkin Cookies:

Mix in bowl:
1 C Pumpkin Pured
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 C sugar
1/2 C brown sugar

Mix in another bowl:
2 1/2 flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves, ground
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt

Mix the two together. Drop by spoonful on cookie sheets. Bake 350' for 15-20 mins.

Recipe has this but they were sweet enough that we didn't need/ want the icing:

Icing:
1 T butter, melted
3 T milk
1 tsp vanilla
2 C powdered sugar

Today...We Cooked Pumpkins (Tuesday)

A good friend of mine gave one of her beautiful pumpkins. We left it outside for the past week or so for decoration, but I noticed that it feels like frost to me outside and we'd better bring it in and cook it up if we were going to get to eat it... yummmy....



So I showed them a different way to cook it, cut it in half. Scoop the seeds out. Peel it, chop it up in to cubes, boil it.
Marcus really enjoyed his job of scooping out the seeds. Which of course we rinsed, dried and are storing for next year's garden. I want to see if they turn out so beautiful for me!
These wonderful boys are growing into such good helpers!! They could do everthing but use the knife to chop them up. They scooped, washed, peeled and cleaned up! I just love noting how much more they can do this year compared to last year :)

So much fun working together, next up I'll tell ya all the yummy things we cooked up from this single wonderful pumpkin.

Today... We raked Leaves (Monday)

David had the day off today and I had no appointments to do with/for the midwife, so we raked leaves today. Lots of fun. The children really enjoyed playing in them more than putting them in the compost pile. David also was smart and threw in "if you help rake a lot of leaves, I'll give you a dollar". That was plenty of motivation for them!!! LOL
The boys thought Victoria would like to play in the pile too, but I think they got a little carried away and almost completely buried her... so I had to explain to them that she probably didn't want to get buried; she probably just liked to play in them :) She was VERY damp from playing in all those cold wet leaves, so I brought her in and gave her a warm bath immediately.

Blue Rose Dress for Victoria

This is the first dress I have ever made. I have done a variety of crafting, crocheting being my favorite, but this is the first time making a dress. I am so proud of it! It has a soft yellow matterial covered in small blue roses, then I lined the ENTIRE thing with light blue material. I figured it was winter time and I'm tired of layering Victoria in so many under clothes. I'd rather just have a few thicker dresses, and only need to put a shirt , tights and bloomers on underneath, rather than 3 shirts, etc.
I've never done a button hole in my life either, there are five going down the front of this. They look so nice! I discovered what 3 more buttons on my sewing machine are for: button holes... LOL.
Then I put a long tie on either side for a pretty bow on the back. The pattern didn't have this but I felt like the dress was way too big and needed to be adjustable, because I also made it floor length on her, so she'll have lots of room to grow! It also asked for a collar in the pattern but I didn't know if I liked it or not so I left it off. I love it!!

What have you been up to? What project have you finished lately, or are close to finishing? I'd love to hear... That was my fun for the month... now back to school and cleaning

Holiday Cleaning time!!!!

I like to always TRY and stay ahead in everything in life. Cleaning is one of those areas. Seeing as Thanksgiving is in two weeks and we are having two big dinners over here at my house: my family and David's family, I decided the smart thing to do would be get all the cleaning done now, before those days. That will be one HUGE less thing to have to do the day before the dinners...


So I will be trying to do one large deep cleaning chore each day for the next week. Today was washing the outside of ALL my kitchen cabinets.


I just used good ol Murphys wood oil soap, the boys helped and we washed and washed till all the splatters came off those dirty cabinets. Waited for that to dry then sprayed with pledge and rubbed that in as the protecting layer. It sure shines now!!! And my whole kitchen smells nice!!!Hard work pays off. The cabinets look GREAT!!!!! Thank you wonderful sons for helping me!!!!

Stripping cloth diapers

Today I stripped all of my cloth diapers. I have never done this before. The most I have done was washing them several times in hot water in the washer machine with no soap. But this IS THE REAL way to do it. I didn't even know about this till yesterday.

I noticed that Victoria was starting to get a diaper rash the past few days, just barely. And my babies NEVER get diaper rashes, I believe I am very aware of what they eat and we avoid all "hot poops" at all cost. :)
So I got online to read about residue build up on cloth diapers and diaper rashes and I learned that even if I use a 1/4 of the recommended amount of store bought soaps I can still be having build up. Most store bought laundry soap leaves residue. And I also learned that if I am not using enough/ the proper amount of store bought soaps my diapers could possibly not be getting all the way clean, which was also true. Her diapers were also giving off a strong ammonia smell, but when I'd change her there wasn't much wetness??? Which was also a sign of soap build up.
ANNNNND.... her diapers were begining to leak only at the legs. So I had all of the symptoms of soap build up on my cloth diapers.... thus the decision to "strip" them.

* leaking at legs
* strong ammonia smell
* diaper rash, unexplained
* using regular store bought laundry soap

1. So I took all of my "happy heinyz" pocket diapers, unstuffed them, and all my extra prefolds, put them in a basket next to the stove.
2. Put BIG pot of water on the stove to boil, turned off heat, removed from hot burner.
3. Put only the amount of diapers in the pot which could be submerged completely in hot water.
4. Stirred and soaked for at least 20 - 30 mins.
5. Dumped the entire pot of hot water and diapers in my front loader washer.
6. Proceeded to wash the load in HOT water, NO SOAP, on my heaviest/ hottest setting with extra rinse.
7. Tossed them in the dryer.

They came out perfect!!! First time they smelled COMPLETELY CLEAN!!! Last night my sweet husband bought me all my "soaps and paper products" for the month since he had just got paid. So I was prepared to change soap brands when we went there. I bought one small box of powders "SUN" brand soap which was stated on that internet site as one of the least buildup-able, residue-leaving soaps. However since I have a font loader I was also told that I can't ever buy those kinds of cheap soaps again. I'm going to try it. I'll keep you posted, let ya know here in the next few days how clean my diapers smell and if she continues to get a rash or if it clears up completely... we'll see.

Kefir

I'll get back to this post. I just wanted to save this picture till tomorrow for my post on comparing store bought milk to fresh raw organic grass fed yellow sweet yummy good milk!!! :)

Sloppy Joes

We made sloppy Joes last night. I have to admit, we are a Manwich family. I have tried making this a few different way and nothing tastes as good as Manwich. I just wanted to share the few ideas that I have to really make this a nicer dinner.


1. I wash and slice potatoes into strips, toss in olive oil, seasoning salt and salt. Broil till brown.
aprx 10mins, stir, 10 more mins.
2. I brown the g.beef and add the can of manwich, plus a little extra ketchup if it seems a little "thick". To this I add some canned/frozen veggies: corn or peas are great.
3. While potatoes are baking, I lay out the buns on a cooking sheet. Pile on the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom bun.
4. Add lots of yummy shredded cheese to both sides of the bun, top half and on sloppy joe mixture.
5. Put cooked potatoes on bottom rack.
6. Broil the bun tray till cheese is melted ~ apx 3 min, watch closely!

Serve hot! This is a yummy treat for us.... enjoy!

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge #22

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.

While you are considering how your speech can reflect the grace of the Lord in your husband's life, don't forget that your words can also encourage others. When you share what God is doing in your life through this "30-Day Encouragement Challenge", others will be blessed. Perhaps other wives will be moved to take up this challenge.

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge #21

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.

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge #20

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.

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge #19

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?)

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge #18

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.

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge #17

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!

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge #16

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.

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge #15

Day Fifteen:
"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.