Men Understood ?

I don’t understand men. Sometimes I really wonder what goes on in their minds…Especially considering how different my husbands priorities and ideas are from my own. How can I be the HelpMeet he needs; that God designed me to be, if I cannot understand him?

I am almost always on the look out for good books (in addition to God’s word of course) that can help me better minister to my husband. I mean lets face it, we will never have a perfect easy marriage and no matter how we love them, it is not always enough. Our families need to be strong and we need to show an example for our youth.

As a Gabby Mom I had the chance to review the latest of such books: For Women Only/For Men Only by Shaunti Feldhahn. I saw many excellent reviews for this one from some of my favorite ladies, like Lysa TerKeurst and Beth Moore. Many positive reviews.

Its a short book. And can be a quick read. But with all the research, the interviews and details within, it is important to take. your. time. Read slowly. Consider and contemplate what is being said; how it applies (or does not) to your man. Seriously read and honestly reflect on it. No lies, no masks. I think when we read something like this, we need to be sure we are doing so with a humble heart – like that of Jesus.

I loved so much of what she had to say. She had so much wisdom; and from a admit that I do not know. And there is a wonderful amount of information within this book. (My husband has not yet read the men’s version – hoping I can get enough from him to write up that one too!)

That said though let us not take it as the Gospel It is always a blessing to be able to read and consider a variety of viewpoints when it comes to those in our life (especially husbands and children!) but let us never put these before the Bible itself. Let us not follow anything that contradicts God’s word.

If you need some guidance, some inspiration in your marriage visit Lorrie Flem’s website, where you can win a bundle with the DVD! This study came out June 18th and includes a men’s study, women’s study and couples study along with the leader guide and a copy of For Women Only/ For Men Only books. http://eternalencouragement.com/giveaways/a-must-have-resource/

Do you want to watch a video of Shaunti to see what she says about the books? Check her out: http://vimeo.com/55196912

Don’t forget that you can sign up for Lorrie’s free quarterly online magazine. It’s full of encouragement and practical advice too!

**As a member of the Gabby Moms Review Team, I was given a free copy of the books in exchange for my review.**

Why Patience?

I pray for patience, and peace….And so often am met with chaos – Lord help me remember that all these trials can only help me to be more like you ….

I have not been online much lately. My computer went down recently – lost all my files. My e-books, my music, my home school stuff – it was a very sad day. Its running again but I need to piece it all together again. And we are leaving for a week long vacation to Eagle River.

In the middle of it all – its a mess. Chaos. My husband planned the trip. Without considering the dogs. We leave in 24 hours and have no one to watch the dogs. So as my husband talks vents his frustration, I try hard, not to point out that, he planned this without me. And he should have remembered the dogs.

The kids are excited – loud and energetic. They cannot wait for a week of fishing and boating with daddy. Swimming and bonfires and s’mores and morning donuts and muffins “for the fun of it” (my oldest says haha)

My husband is a blessing. I am trying (hard) to find a way to support him and encourage him though. As he complains about the things that are not in place. As he complains about the kids being too loud and crazy. As he plans how he will rest and relax – he has to remember his kids who want to have fun with him. How to encourage him…..sigh

In all of this I pray. That things will go according to His will. That I will take a breath and trust God no matter how crazy things get. No matter how rowdy the kids may be and no matter how quickly our daughter melts down (its a five hour drive and she has never liked rides) No matter how short my husband gets….I need to show a calm and patience; show the joy and love of the Lord…Hold on to that Spirit of His that is willing and able to endure all things for His glory.

Remembering today that He sees – He knows. He cares. And its better to please the Lord than man. Always. God give me strength and order my steps. May I be blessed with the wisdom to walk and guide, to be a strong yet gentle wife to my husband. Even in these times of trials. When I disagree with how things may be; how he may lead or not lead, let me remember to turn it over and trust God.

Praying for a joyful vacation. One that is restful and fun filled. One that brings our family a peace. And one that shows Him to all who see

Why Not? Homeschool....

Reblogged from worthabowedhead:

Why not? I wanted badly to begin writing my testimony today. My brand new laptop - a gift from my wonderful hubby - I thought - what better "first" to use it for than to share with others my journey to Christ. After all it was a gift for my born again birthday - February 14th - 2010 - born again - washed in the blood of Christ - filled with the Holy Ghost - Speaking in tongues - Worshipping in Spirit and in Truth.

Read more… 726 more words

Because I have been asked. more and more as of late - to share why I know homeschool is it :-)

Time to Get Real

God has not given us the spirit of fear,but of power and of love and of a sound mind! (2 Timothy 1:7)

How many of us are hiding? Really…..I know we all think we are not but if we are serious and we look honestly….I think the better question is how many of us are not hiding?

Jamy Whitaker writes “God uniquely designed each of us for what He has called us to do. He planned every day of your life to lead you to your calling. He intends for us to use every gift, every talent and every life experience, good and bad, for His purpose and His glory,”

We have such a hard time with that don’t we? I do. If I am honest, part of the ease in being a homemaker for me, is being behind closed doors for most of my days. It’s easier to be at home schooling and reading. online chatting and studying – its more personal and less personal all at the same time. Its safer.

But we are not called to be “safe” in our relationships with others; we are called to be honest. To be an ensample- salt and ligjht to the world. How are we to be that light, that salt, if we are hiding it behind a mask?

We all have doubts and fears – comparions that we fall into – how much prettier that mom is; how perfect that family’s children sit and sing – her amazing singing voice; her fabulous baked treats…I mean, we all do it. We make ourselves feel less than what we are.

we are great. We all have flaws. I can read more books in one sitting than most people. haha I can drink lots more coffee than the average person, and still get to sleep at night. I am strong willed, to a fault, but I am an avid lover of God and truth. I have a strong spirit, a sure mind and I want to share what I know with others that they may have life more abundantly through Him too. I
don’t have to have a perfect house, or hair or the lastest fashions to do that. But I need to not be sorry or show shame that what I have, is not as good as what they have.

How can we minister; how can we show the love and power and mercy and grace of God if we are busy “excuse me’ing” everything to others? You know: “excuse the mess” or “forgive the kids they have not napped yet today .. .” What is that?

Even Jesus was rejected; scorned, mocked. He stood strong; He did not waiver, He did not say “excuse me…forgive me…” He knew truth and He had a greater purpose in mind. We need to do the same. When things are too hard; when we just feel like its not enough – that is when we need to go to the feet of Jesus. We need to ignore the piles of laundry; the crayon marks on the walls; the sticky floors and rest in Him.

We need to Get Real. No fear, no regrets. We need to remember and embrace the fact that He knows all that is to come, and that has come, before we ever did. And He approved it all that it would bring us that much closer to the greatest plan ever. That which He has for us. Let us be strong and proud of all He has called us to be.

Gimme a Break

For the last few weeks I have been stressing. Over everything. Many things out of my control. I have not been faithful. I have not done all that I could, nor as I should, as His follower

We are told:1Thes.5[17] Pray without ceasing.

As that scripture came to mind, I was truly led to so much more, confirming that our salvation, our life as children of God, does not cease just because we are tired. Or irritable. Or in need of a break. Consider these with me; ponder their words if you will.

Rom.1[9] For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

Do I always? Without ceasing? That menas there should be no “break” in doing so. It should be constant; someting consistent in our life.

2Tim.1[3] I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;

Do I have a pure conscience? DO I remember? sigh
So often I have to admit I forget – I get focused on what I do not have, on what isn’t rather than lookig to Him and all that is. We need to be thankful – for ALL things – He knows and it all makes sense when the storm has passed. When the seasons change.

Gal.4[18] But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

Let me always be – on fire- zealously in love and sharing Him with others. That others may see, in the zeal I exhibit, how amazing He is. And how great the need is.

Eph.6[18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Praying always ~ throughout my day – little verses here and there. Sweet reminds. I have posted, continue to post to remind me of all I do have to be grateful for. A reminder that being His does not mean life is easy but it does mean that life is “worth it”.

Without ceasing. So many times in His word we are told to do one thing or another. The way we live; the words we speak ad the steps we take should mirror that of our Lord and Saviour. Always. Without ceasing.

1Pet.3[15] But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

When you are asked, what shall you answer? Let us give Him our day; before our feet even hit the floor – while we are still in bed. Let us gve our minutes, seconds and hours to Him for His glory. That we have that answer. And that our answer be zealous – )

Bread & Wine

I can safely say that I have never read a book that inspires me to cook (aside fom cookbooks of course) With three finicky eaters too, in our house, cooking is something that I love and dread, all at the same time. Either way, Bread and Wine – I was eager, when given the chance, to review something new. And different.

In the words of Shauna , “God knows more than I know, that he sees what I can’t, that he’s weaving a future I can’t even imagine from where I sit this morning.”

Wise words within – inspiring on so many levels. This made me contemplate how food can be that much more. A show of love; a way to heal and comfort those in need. Food can be a tool for fellowship; for building community and relationships.

A great discussion guide comes with this – if only I knew enough people that we could come together for this – cook and share. Indulge together in both the memoirs and the recipes within. I truly believe there is much we can learn and the simple, honest, down to earth way this is writtten makes it amazingly easy to relate to so much of the tales told within.

On so many levels this is a lovely book; an inspirational tearful and giggle filled read. One to keep in the kitchen or in the living room. Good any time, any where.

“My prayer is that you’ll read these pages first curled up on your couch or in bed or in the bathtub, and then after that you’ll bring it to the kitchen with you, turning corners of pages, breaking the spine, spilling red wine on it and splashing vinegar across the pages, that it will become battered and stained as you cook and chop and play, music loud and kitchen messy.
And more than anything, I hope that when you put this book down, you’ll gather the people you love around your table to eat and drink, to tell stories, to be heard and fed and nourished on every level.”

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Ropes …

Ever feel like you are at the end of your rope? I have – been anging on, barely, for some time now
Knowing that I am sub par – barely keeping it together

Enter in doubt. What an awful wife and mother I am being. Short tempered; irritable and not really keeping huse or school together as well as I could…..or should….

Unrest – I focus on the unfinished projects about the house and blame them for my inability to maintain. When the house is in disarray, its hard for me to feel at peace. Its hard for me to find myself. Or manage life.

I blame my husband. For building a new kitchen for me that is not yet complete but so much more spacious. I blame my children for their disobedience; basicaly for being children. I forget that they are small and they do not know. I forget to show them grace – I forget to show them how and in my impatience give them a poor model.

Lord I pray, renew the joy of my salvation; create in me a clean heart. (Ps 51:10)

Starting fresh. Not looking back but moving ahead.

I am reminded that when I am at the end of my rope, I need to reach for Him .
When its falling apart when I cannot see the light and I feel like it is all I can do to just get out of bed….thats when I need to fall at His feet. For there is strength in Him. Not in me. Not without Him

Made perfect in weakness……Did I forget that I am not in charge? Did I forget that I can’t do it all? I feel like I should have been named Martha sometimes because I can only imagine how she felt. Working her hands to the bone while Mary sat at His feet. So often life makes me feel that way….

An endless list of clean this, arrange that, cook this…clean the muddy prints off the floor (and again), sweep up the sand, wash the shoes off, dishes to be washed and put away and then again .. dirty laundry on the floor..in the hamper….down and up the stair…..

But how much of that is my plan? How much of that takes away from Him? It shows the heart of a servant but then I open my mouth and there you have it. A bitter heart; one that is not quick to forgive. Things seem so easy; what should and should not be. But it does not matter. All that matters is how we do all that we do.

Do everything wtihout complaining; do everything without arguing – so that we may be good and faithful, true servants of the Lord.

And the right spirit…..ensures your rope will not be at the end….for there is no end when we do all for the glory of God
I