Week 2 Be My Valentine Challenge

Sorry this is late! I should have posted it on Monday.

 This weeks theme is The "Pour on the Praise" List.

     You can go to Women Living Well, for the post and full list by Courtney on this weeks challenge.

     Basically, this week we are challenged to encourage our husbands, in written form. I don’t know about you, but finding and focusing on positive things about my husband in order to post them, has helped me think more positively about my husband. Yes, he still can frustrate me. *smile* It’s hard with him not having a job, though so far it’s gotten a little easier, since we have gotten into somewhat of a routine. But this challenge has helped me focus on positive aspects of him.

Some suggestions:

-Leave him random love and or encouraging notes around the house. For example I wrote a simple note that told him I loved him and attached it to the bathroom mirror. I also left him a simple homemade card that affirmed that I thought highly of him.

-I want to make a list of ten things I respect/admire/love/appreciate about him.

-Maybe buy him a romantic card and leave it somewhere for him to find.

-Tell him you love him or some other positive thing on facebook.

-When we can afford it I want to get our vows framed and hung in our room. Perhaps you could do something lie that to affirm your commitment to him.

-Leave some chocolates on his pillow with a verse or love note.

-Talk highly of him to your kids.

-Text him. (Be careful! My sister-in law sent her husband an email and he was giving a presentation when it popped up on the over head! Lol! At least it was only PG rate! ;) Embarrassing non the less.)

-Though your husband may not be aware of it PRAY for him! Pray together. I wish we did, but we typically don’t. If you don’t pray that both your hearts will be drawn together so you will desire to pray together. That is what I am trying to remember to do. *smile*

     Have fun be creative! I can’t to hear what ya’ll come up with. I’ll let you know what I did on Monday.

     I did want to share the latest series, from Nancy Leigh Demoss, on Revive Our Hearts. She is talking about encouragement. The importance of it, who we should encourage, how we can encourage, etc. As I was listening I thought, how awesome is God, to bring this series at the same time we are talking about encouraging our husbands. Here is part of what she had to say:

“Those of you who are married, I hope that you are your husband’s number one cheerleader and encourager. There is nothing more discouraging and disheartening to a man than to have a woman who is belittling him, demeaning him, putting him down. That may be a bad habit you've gotten into, but as you let the Lord encourage you, then you can become a channel of encouragement, God's encouragement and God's grace into the life of your husband—even if he may not be, and he undoubtedly is not, all that God wants him to be. He may be real far from being all that God wants him to be.

But you can through the gift of encouragement speak grace and help and comfort and strength and motivation into his life to become all that God wants him to be. The same with your children, the same with other family members.”

     She also just finished doing one on A Wife Powerful Influence, which was awesome as well! I would highly recommend listening to both series.

     What are some creative ways you are planning to write encouragement into your husband’s life? I would love to know.

For His Glory,

Kiwi Face Cleanser

Kiwi Face Cleanser

Kiwi's are packed with lots of vitamins and moisturizing properties. This cleanser works well on normal to dry skin. And who doesn't have  dry skin up here in New Hampshire during the winter?!? Plus kiwis are in season at the moment. Here you go:

Ingredients:

1 Kiwi Fruit

2 tablespoons Plain Yogurt

1 Tablespoon Orange Water

1 Tablespoon Apricot or Almond Oil

1 Tablespoon Honey
1 Teaspoon finely ground Almonds
2 Drops of Citrus Essential Oil, such as Orange

     Using a food processor or a mixer, etc puree the kiwi until it's liquid. During processing, add yogurt, orange water, almond or apricot oil, and ground almonds. Process until thick and cream like. Mix in essential oil. Voila! Now, massage gently all over  your neck, face, and even the tops of your chest to cleanse. Obviously make sure you rinse well.

Enjoy your radiant skin! Try not to eat your cleanser. *wink*

PS. You can buy orange water online. Or make your own. I would soak orange peels in water overnight so it can absorb the nutrients and oils.


For His Glory,

Where Does my Hope Come From

     My husband had an interview about a week ago. It's amazing how much hope an interview can bring! It definitely put a "bounce" back into my husband's step for a few days. We are still waiting to hear from the company. They said they'd give him an answer within two weeks.

     I find this waiting period to be the hardest. You get hope and start to daydream, then if he doesn't get the job it's hard not to question. I personally struggle with "sinking" lower emotionally for a while after. I pray that he gets the job! If not that the Lord will provide him with another good paying job.

     Then I feel guilty for questioning and struggling emotionally. Who am I to question?!? Is my faith so little that I sink emotionally??

     Am I putting too much thought and hope into the possibility of  a job for my husband and not enough hope in God? It makes you stop and honestly think. You question your heart and motives.

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" -Jeremiah 17:9

     Our heart are deceitful and desperately wicked! So I can I know for sure? How can I remember to keep my eyes and focus on the Lord, not on the situation?

     By meditating on scripture daily!!! By calling a mentor when I struggle for prayer and advice as to how she deals with the same situation. Then pray, pray, PRAY!! Meditate on scripture some more.

     It's not easy! I'm scared and frustrated. But I want to remember to put my hope in Christ alone, not in man or an earthly job!


What about you, where does your hope come from? Is there anything you are struggling with right now?


For His Glory,    

"Be My Valentine" First Week Challenge

Are you doing the "Be My Valentine" marriage challenge? If so how are you doing this week?

     The Lord has been merciful and answered my prayer. He has given me energy after being sick. So I have been able to tackle cleaning and organizing one room a day (with packing, since we where suppose to move, before he lost his job and then Christmas, the house was in chaos!). I love bringing my husband joy. So if trying to keep the house clean and organized (as best as possible with little ones) brings him joy and relaxation  then I want to strive for that! *smile*


     I have not called my mentor yet though. It has been a crazy week! Though I do want to! Lord willing I will see her Sunday at church and can set up a time to talk over the phone.

      I have tried to speak positively of my husband at least once a day everyday. I'll be honest it was easier over the weekend and earlier this past week. Wed and Thur were hard. Not getting enough sleep and always being home together played a role in it. I know a big part though, was my own sinful heart. In stead of letting the small things go, I mentally dwelled on them. I don't know about you, but I struggle with that!! I wish I didn't and I really try not to, but I still do. :( 

     I'd  have to say I probably failed at complimenting him face to face. I did a better job of complimenting him on facebook. Which was my goal! I wanted to say something nice once a day about him in my status. My  mom even noticed. *smile* 

     My husband's love language is touch. He is always saying I don't touch him enough. I feel that I do! *chuckle* I have made a conscious effort to to be more diligent. I walk up and hug him, give him a kiss, rub is shoulder, scratch his back, lay a hand on his arm, or stop to snuggle when in reality I wan to to tackle my "to do list."


   
What about you, what have you done to encourage and uplift your husband? What is your husband's love language? Is it different then yours and I do you meet it day to day?

For His glory,

Sore Throat Remedies

      Winter is upon us,so is cold and flu season. Which means sore throats. Augh! Or perhaps 

you are like me and when you get run down you get a sore throat. Not fun! I could deal with 

being tired, but the sore throat just makes me cranky. :(

Vinegar.

      There are several all natural, cheap at home remedy you can do. I like to either gargle    

with warm water and salt. And/or drink fresh lemon tea. I squeeze 1/2 a lemon into a mug, 

add boiling water, then honey to taste. You should do both about every 2 hours.

     Cayenne pepper is also a great remedy for sore throats. Though I have not been brave  

enough to try. You can gargle or even swallow, cayenne pepper with water. I heard it works 

GREAT in sore throats.

     Another at home remedy you can do to relieve your sore throat is mix a glass of hot water 

with a tablespoon or more of honey and wait for it...vinegar. Yuck! But it works awesome!! I 

would prefer this to cayenne pepper. I just don't do hot things.

     Vinegar acts as an astringent, which clears secretions and it restore your pH balance. It 

helps stop bacteria growth. Honey is an anti-inflammatory. You could also just eat a spoon of 

honey to help coat and heal your throat.


What do you use on a sore throat? Do you have any other home remedies? I would love to 

hear what you do.

For His glory,

"Be My Valentine" Marriage Challenge

Courtney over Good Morning Girls is putting out a "Be My Valentine"  marriage challenge. 

I have excitedly excepted that challenge! 

To be honest my marriage needs it. With the Lord providing my husband with a job and moving up here to NH, has brought challenge's of it's own. It is like being newly weds, trying to learn to live and function together, but with 3 children. Then the Lord took my husband's job. Unemployment, being together 24/7 and then having the flu has brought ALOT of issues and challenges to "the table." *smile*

I believe this challenge will help give me the boost I need to show my husband love and affection. Lord willing, it will help bring about a positive change. 

From the challenge: JR Miller writes “So it is in the dark hours of a man’s life, when burdens press, when sorrows weigh like mountains upon his soul, when adversities have left him crushed and broken, or when he is in the midst of fierce struggles which try the strength of every fibre of his manhood, that all the radiance and glory of a true wife’s strengthful love shine out before his eyes. Only then does he recognize in her God’s angel of mercy.”

I want to be there for my husband during this difficult time and am trying! Now that I am on the mend (flu is gone, now battling a sinus infection), I have the energy to do that. *smile*

This weekend I am going to start by calling a mentor for advice on encouraging my husband and answering some questions I have regarding my husband's unemployment (her husband has been unemployed for 4 years!) I am also going to work on cleaning up the house! I know the mess has been bothering my husband, but I haven't had the energy to deal with it. 

Starting Monday the challenge calls for us to encourage and praise our husband at least once a day. Are you up for that challenge? I am! Stay posted as I think of creative ways to apply this challenge to my marriage. *smile*

Here is the original challenge. Will you join me? I would love to know if you are and how you are applying it to your marriage!

For His glory,

God is Good.

"Is God really good? Doesn't He make any mistakes?"-Nancy Leigh Demoss

Did I just think that?

No...but, I did. 

I couldn't have!

I am so ashamed!

I trusted Him in taking this leap of faith and having my husband leave his 

job behind and move up North. If God really was good, He wouldn't have let 

my husband lose his job.

 

My thought burned shame into my conscious  I don't want to admit to myself, let alone anyone else that I questioned God's goodness!

I mean, I know in my mind God is good. But, do I know in my heart, that He really is? 

I'll be very honest, I have struggled with questioning His goodness.

Then I listened to Nancy Leigh Demoss from:

I LOVE her and her ministry! She has really encouraged me and helped me in my walk. She is doing a new series called, Lies Women Believe, About God

It has been an inspiration and encouragement. After listening  I knew I needed to confess my questioning. Will you please forgive me?

I am choosing to replace that lie with the truth:

God is good and everything He does IS good.

"But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works." Psalm 73:28

What lie have you believed? Have you questioned God's goodness?

For His Glory,

Chapped Lip Remedy

     Are you struggling with chapped lips this winter? I know I am! I have a bad tendency to bite my dry lips. Here's an at home remedy for chapped lips. 

What you'll need:

-lemon

-sugar

-glycerin or vaseline

1. Combine the juice of half a lemon with 1 tsp of sugar.

2. Apply to your lips and leave on for 2 minutes.

3.Rinse off with water.

4.Smear on some light glycerin  (found at health stores) or vasline.

     The vitamin C from the lemon will naturally exfoliate. The sugar creates a thin barrier to protect and speed healing. The glycerin or vaseline locks in the moisture. Enjoy!!

     What do you use on your chapped lips? If your looking for an all natural chap stick, I sell them in my etsy shop. www.esty.com/shop/naturalkiss  Do you have a favorite home lip remedy or chap stick?

For His glory,

Walking on Faith

By faith Abraham obeyed when he called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. Heb. 11:8

I have started to read, My Utmost For His Highest. By, Oswald Chambers. What a great book! He takes a verse, then expands on it. With everything that is going on right now Hebrews 11:8 really "hit home" for me. The chapter is on faith.

by faith Abraham...

by faith he dwelt...

by faith Sarah...

by faith Joseph... 

by faith Moses...

by faith he forsook...

by faith he kept... 

by faith they passed...

by faith the walls...

...By Faith...

Here is part of what Oswald Chambers had to say on verse 8 :

"Have you been asking God what He is going to do? (why yes, Mr. Chambers I am struggling with needing to know!) He will never tell you. God does not tell you what He is going to do; He reveals to you Who He is. Do you believe in a miracle-working God, (yes, I do. I struggle with believing He will do it in my life though) and will you go out in surrender to Him until you are not surprised an atom at anything He does? 

Suppose God is the God you know Him to be when you are nearest to Him-what an impertinence worry is(yes, is it I wish I didn't struggle with it so much)! Let the attitude of the life be a continual "going out" in dependence upon God, and you life will have an ineffable charm about it which is satisfaction to Jesus. You have to learn to go out of convictions, out of creeds, out of experiences  until so far as you faith is concerned, there is nothing between yourself and God."

I don't know about you, but I want that type of faith! I don't look forward to the trials and tribulations it may take to get me there though! *smile* But in the end they will be worth it.

What about you, do you want that type of faith? Do you have that type of faith? Do you fully and completely rely on God and are not surprised at anything He does?

For His glory,

Wait for Him Part 2

"I waited patiently for the Lord, He turned to me and heard my cry." Psalm 40:1

     I wrote my first waiting post months ago. Since then we went to court to ask to move down South. It turned into a big dragged out battle to my dismay. Being allowed to homeschool my oldest daughter was even threatened. Then my husband was offered and took a job up here in NH. We were so excited! We settled outside of court and can continue homeschooling. Then he hadn't even worked there a month and then lost his job.

      Now we are waiting! Do we start the process all over again? It would be a least a year until we got an answer.

     We are waiting for God to provide a job for my husband. We are putting our dreams on hold and waiting for the Lord.

Here is what I have to keep reminding myself: : 

God answers in 3 ways:

He says yes and gives you what you want.

He says no and gives you something better.

He says wait and gives you the best.

     It can be frustrating and tiring. But I know that the Lord has us waiting. If we submit, obey, follow, and wait; we will be made more into His image and be drawn closer to Him.

     A friend gave some great advice when it comes to waiting on my husband getting a job. Just keep doing what your doing. Try and keep things as normal as possible for the kids. And above all seek and trust the Lord!

For His glory,

Grapefruit Mask

Here's an inexpensive, easy recipe to brighten your skin. Enjoy!

-Mash up a grapefruit (minus the peel).
-Add 2 egg whites and mix.
-Massage onto your face for 5 minutes.
-Rinse and enjoy your radiant skin!

The vitamin C in the grapefruit will help brighten your skin and the egg whites tighten your pores while firming up your skin.

Did you try it? How did it work for you? What inexpensive at home beauty remedies do you do?


For His glory,

Wait on Him

And now Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You. Psalm 39:7

Our family has gone through many trials these last 3 years. We are still going through some. One of the biggest trials for me is having my husband live so far away.  How do I pray about it?

Lord, what do you want us to do about it?

-"Wait on ME."

What?! That's not an answer. Wait for WHAT?? What should I pray for?

-"Wait on ME."

Do You want us to move down South? Should we continue with court and asking permission to move?

-'Wait on ME."

Do You want us to live up here?

-"Wait."

Do You want us to continue waiting and praying for Joseph to get a job up here?

-"Wait."

Do You want him to take a "leap"of faith and come up without a  job in his field.?

-"Wait."

I know what I want. What do you want?!?

-"Wait on ME!"

Honestly waiting is SO hard! It's not answer I want. I wish I knew what the Lord wanted us to do and could pray for that to come about. I don't like the unknown. 

I am weary with my crying; My throat is dry; My eyes fail while I wait for  my God. Psalms 69:3

BUT, it draws me closer. I NEED HIM for my strength. I RELY on HIM. I WAIT for HIM. I TRUST in HIM.

My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. Psalms 62:5

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope. Psalms 130:5

I still struggle with waiting. I would really like to move on with life. I would love an answer as to what the Lord wants us to do. I would LOVE to buy a  house and settle down. Let the kids build a fort in the yard and grow a garden.

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

But, I trust that the Lord has our best interest at heart. And will WAIT on His timing for everything. I will WAIT for Him to change hearts, if any need changing.

Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; and therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you.  For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him. Isaiah 30:18

Here is a poem that I found. It took my breath away, I could have written this for this is my heart. Enjoy...

Wait…

Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried:

Quietly, patiently, lovingly God replied.

I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate,

And the Master so gently said, "Child, you must wait".

"Wait? You say, wait! " my indignant reply.

"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!

Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?

By faith, I have asked, and am claiming your Word.

My future and all to which I can relate

Hangs in the balance, and You tell me to WAIT?

I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign,

Or even a 'no' to which I can resign.

And Lord, You promised that if we believe

We need but to ask, and we shall receive.

And Lord, I've been asking, and this is my cry:

I'm weary of asking! I need a reply!

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate

As my Master replied once again, "You must wait."

So, I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut

And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting.... for what?"

He seemed, then, to kneel, and His eyes wept with mine,

And he tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.

I could shake the heavens, and darken the sun.

I could raise the dead, and cause mountains to run.

All you seek, I could give, and pleased you would be.

You would have what you want - But you wouldn't know Me.

You'd not know the depth of My love for each saint;

You'd not know the power that I give to the faint;

You'd not learn to see through the clouds of despair;

You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there;

You'd not know the joy of resting in Me

When darkness and silence were all you could see.

You'd never experience that fullness of love

As the peace of My Spirit descends like a dove;

You'd know that I give and I save.... (for a start),

But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.

The glow of My comfort late into the night,

The faith that I give when you walk without sight,

The depth that's beyond getting just what you asked

Of an infinite God, who makes what you have LAST.

You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,

What it means that "My grace is sufficient for Thee."

Yes, your dreams for your loved one overnight would come true,

But, Oh, the loss! If I lost what I'm doing in you!

So, be silent, My child, and in time you will see

That the greatest of gifts is to get to know Me.

And though oft' may My answers seem terribly late,

My most precious answer of all is still, "WAIT."

Author Unknown

The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. Lam. 3:25

So for now I will wait on the Lord and seek HIS face. He is there even in the waiting...

What about you? Are you going through or have you gone through a time were God had/has you waiting? How did you handle it? Was it easy or hard or somewhere in the middle? :)

For His Glory,

Josiah Came Home

Josiah Christmas Day.

I normally wouldn't put out a post on a Sunday. But I wanted to make my praise to God known to others!

"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations." Psalm 100: 4-5

Today Jan. 6th, one year ago...my son Josiah came home from the NICU!! He lived in  three different NICU's for a total of 4 months. But the Lord was merciful and he finally came home! That day was a long, tiring, exciting, nerve-racking, happy, blessed, scary, long-time coming day!

Our van was literally FULL of medical equipment and supplies. It took me forever to get him in his car seat  Then I was scared that he would have trouble breathing in it. His room was full of boxes and things by the time we unloaded the van. I felt overwhelmed and didn't know what to do and was desperately trying to remember how to run the different equipment. He kept crying at first and the girls where exhausted. 

BUT. we were all SOOOOO thankful that he was finally home! It meant he was growing and strong enough. It has been a long crazy year with MANY surgeries and several scares. Josiah has only gained about 10 lbs in the last year. But, he is happy, growing and thriving! The Lord is so good and merciful! HE has been there the whole time. Giving me peace and strength when I needed it and carried me through everything!

I pray the Lord would bless us with many,many more years with Josiah.


For His glory.

Meeting Jesus on the Water

So He said, "Some." And Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying "Lord, save me!" And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

Matt. 14:29-31

     It has been a long, rough week. I'd say Saturday through Wednesday morning where the hardest. They went by s...l...o...w...l...y! Now that New  Years is over with, Lord willing my husband can find a new job. I hadn't even remembered it was New Year's until everyone was texting us. 

     During this trialing time, I have to keep my eyes on Jesus! In church one men said he felt God leading him to read Matt. 14:29-31. And I thought that is how I feel. I'm trying to stay focused on God, but I struggle with fear. When that fear creeps in, more and more thoughts and fear creep in and I start to doubt and sink.

     I'm still struggling with disappointment and some anger. We are all boxed up and where looking for a HOUSE to rent up North. First off, I was excited to move up North (sad to leave our church though). It's close to ski mountains and they get more snow for the kids to play in. We would have had a house to ourselves to rent. Then we where planning on buying,. I was really looking forward to settling down and eventually buying a home. It's quite and out in the country that way. So even if we couldn't afford to own a lot of land, the kids would still have woods to run and play in. My hearts desire to own a home where we can all be under one roof. I can finally make a place cozy to live in and not have half our stuff in storage waiting. I would love to have chickens for fresh eggs and a very big garden. *smile* We where planning and dreaming and this time it looked like it was going to become a reality. But God has other plans. I am struggling with that. I have been reminded that God has something better planned, then that. Sometimes it feels hard to believe. BUT, I must keep my focus on HIM, not on what I feel or know. *smile*

     I am trying to stay focused on what I am thankful for. Here are a few:

1.      I am thankful for my church family. They have come along side of us to counsel, pray and encourage us. I have several other friends who's husbands are either out of work or have been in the same situation before. I am thankful for these other godly, older, sister's in-Christ to advice and encourage me. I am also thankful that my husband has godly men to encourage him.

2. I am thankful that Josiah (our son) still has medical insurance! He still needs quite a bit of medical care and get medical supplies delivered monthly. So I praise God for provided that for him.

3. We can continue going to our church.

4. We didn't get stuck in a yearly lease (way up North, far from friends and family), then find out a few days later that my husband didn't have a job!

5. That my husband is home to invest in his family. I truly believe that God used this job to bring my husband up here so we could all be together as a family. He did say he wanted a job that allowed him more time with his family! *chuckle* Now he has more time then he bargained for. All teasing aside, he can use this time to build our marriage, our children, our family, etc. Though I'd prefer my husband to not be out of a job, I am thankful that he is here! I have been joking that we have been married a month. Since we have never lived under one roof since, EVER. So it's been a challenge and more so now that we are all home together. But as "iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." Prove 27:17

6. Though I don't like where we live, I am thankful we have a decent apartment to live in. I'm also thankful that I only have to share the washer and dryer with the family below us and that is it not coin operated (I had to remind my self of that detail). *smile*

Well, the list could go on for, "my brethren, count it all joy when you fall fall into various trials." James 1:2

Was there ever a time your or your husband was out of work? What did you do? I would love to hear from you!

For His glory,