Praying Daily.....

Good morning!

I hope you all had a good weekend. We did but it sure seemed to go by way too fast!

This weeks challenge on Women Living Well is to commit to pray for your husband every day. I know in our home, prayer is important. In fact, it has been for most of our marriage. You see, I'm an introvert by nature so praying in large groups of people makes me almost have an anxiety attack! But my personal daily prayer time not only draws me closer to God, it helps me keep things in perspective when I'm faced with daunting circumstances. I'm honored to pray for Chris and printed off the list that Courtney listed from Stormie Omartian's book. Here are a few of the things listed.....

1. His Wife :-)
2. His Work
3. His Temptations
4. His Fears
5. His Health

Image from Women Living Well

Courtney also suggested to use your wedding ring as a reminder to pray for him throughout your day. I love this idea! I'm rarely without mine on so it's a perfect suggestion to send up a sentence prayer on his behalf.

Consider joining our summer challenge today!

Many Blessings,
M.

A Summer Challenge.....

Good morning everyone!

I'm excited to announce that I will be participating in a summer challenge from today until August 9th dedicated to being the kind of wife that my husband needs. Courtney from Women Living Well posted the schedule on her blog this morning and it looks like this....

June 7 - announce to your readers you are participating by posting the button on your site and leaving your link below. Optional: Embed the HTML from this video in your blog post!

June 14 – Post Pictures from your dating days (or tell us all about it!). Think about one thing you used to do or have as a couple that you have lost in the shuffle of life. How can you regain it?

June 21 - Remember Your Vows - post pictures of your wedding day. We will review the sacredness of this day.

June 28 - Ask your husband every morning how you can pray for him that day. Bonus: Fast and pray for him one day this week.

July 5 - Admire Your Husband. Write this post and then show it to him! He will smile!

July 12 - Make a list of 5 things you currently do and ask him to prioritize them for you of what is important to him. For example - a clean home, home cooked dinner, coupon clipping, service at church, having friends over for dinner, watching/doing sports with him, etc.

July 19 - Make him a priority. Ask him what his favorite dinner, dessert and drink are. Be sure to serve him all three one night this week. Bonus: cook his favorite dishes all week long!

July 26 - Support his vision. Discuss his vision for your family. Where does he see your family in 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years. Share with us how you let your husband lead.

August 2 - R-E-S-P-E-C-T! No complaining, criticizing, rolling your eyes, nagging, or giving him any friction this week. Enjoy a week of peace in your home!

August 9 - Kiss Him Like You Mean It (and be sure the door is locked!)

The beauty of this kind of challenge is that all of the things on the schedule above are universal. Courtney points out that all marriages look different because we are different people and I've found that to be true after 16 years of marriage. I encourage you to take on the challenge of being the kind of wife that your husband needs and would love to hear if you decide to join in as well!

Many Blessings,
Melissa

Friendship......

Photo copyright of Susan Rios

The very best recipe for making friends is to be one yourself!

When I signed up for a pen pal through Aunt Ruthie's Sugar Pie Farmhouse, I had no idea just how blessed I would be by this special friendship! I tend to be a introvert by nature so seeking out new relationships is a real stretch for this girl. I value quality over quantity and believe that a few goods friends are far more precious than a lot of okay ones!

Erin is an incredibly special person and one I'm honored to call a friend. And although we have never met in person, we have every intention of doing so some day! Right sister?

Currently we have color swaps going back and forth on a monthly basis. March was our Red Swap and this is what I so generously received...

How blessed am I? Thank you for the goodies my friend, but more importantly, thank you for being my friend!

I encourage you to reach out and tell a loved one how much they mean to you today!

Many Blessings,
M.

So Very Blessed.....

Good morning everyone!

As I reflect on our special day yesterday, I can't help but feel blessed. It's not because of the sweet and thoughtful gifts my husband gave me (although I appreciate them greatly), but more so because of the people in my life. We spent the afternoon with special friends, ate awesome PW food and ended the evening with Fireproof.

Isn't that what love is really all about? No matter your situation.....married, single, divorced, widowed......open your hearts and celebrate the relationships you have!

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Cor. 13:13

Many Blessings,
M.