Day 519 ~ After the [30 Day Husband Encouragement] Challenge

After the challenge... Husband Encouragement Challenge
courtesy of ReviveOurHearts.com

". . . 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.

. . .  prepare a special meal, just for the two of you . . .

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?

. . . 

What kinds of victories have you experienced in your home since you started the "30-Day Encouragement Challenge"? Would you take a moment to share these victories with us?. 

The biggest and best part of the challenge... 

HOLD IT!!!!   Let me stop right there.  First off this was called a "challenge."  Right?  Some would think and wonder 'how can "encouraging" your husband be challenging?'

Well let me tell you... I was to do this for 30 days straight regardless of mood, temperment, emotion, right, wrong, bad or good moods... for 30 days straight I was to "encourage" my husband.  All positive.  Regardless if I was mad at him or not I was to "encourage" my husband in a "positive" way each day.  I was not to say anything bad to him or about him to anyone.

I will be honest, I did have a couple of rocky days... I really did!  On "those" rocky days, It took all of me to bite my tongue and keep my thoughts to myself and follow with my encouragement.

I know ... some of you may think "are you kidding me!? I would have let him have it!!"  ...  at the mere mention of not speaking your mind someone close to me said, "well, then I will never marry!  I have to speak my mind!!" ...

I can completely, 100% understand what you mean!  I am all about being heard and "talking" about "feelings", being honest with one another.

But after experiencing this challenge, I have learned a couple of things.... 1)  it's not about being right or wrong... it's about being happy!!...choose your battles and 2) that there are nice ways of getting one's opinion across without being "rude" or "heard" in a negative way..

It is about learning how to communicate "outside the box" without supressing your own feelings without conflict.

All in all it has been a positive experience which has left positive changes in my marriage.

You know part of misunderstanding is one's marriage is because we "expect" things from our spouse.  I only "expect" things... as an example... this one instance with taking out the trash.  If you are walking by a pile of boxes that are evidently going out to the trash and you are leaving, can't you take the initiative to grab the trash on your way out?  Does everything need to be said?!  Can't it be left to good logic?  "If I am on my way out the door and I walk by a pile of items that are headed for the trash. . . gee I think I'll help and take them out. 'honeyyyyyyyy?!" ....-calling out to ask if the pile is heading out...

I have stopped "expect"-ing and that in itself has brought peace to my home.  

After all. . . isn't it about being happy?  Is the "trash"  really worth getting in a fight over?  I don't think so.  

Listen, for me it can be the "trash" or "laundry"... for you it could be "getting off the couch", "yard work" or even "helping with the kids" . . . 

Bottom line. . . because of this 30 day encouragement challenge my husband's love tank is full.  He is happy.  He is even helping more.  {and} I am asking for things to be done in sweet creative ways, along with my continued "encouragement"...[ that's right, I have not stopped encouraging my husband because the challenge is over ]  our home is a happy home full of laughter, joy and happiness.

I am blessed. 

I am thankful for my best friend, my husband!

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

I am second..

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 518 ~ I Am Blessed (XXX)

Day 30 of the Husband Encouragement Challenge
courtesy of ReviveOurHearts.com

". . . This is my beloved, and this is my friend . . ." (Song of Solomon 5:16b) 

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.
• Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband . . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

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!

What kinds of victories have you experienced in your home since you started the "30-Day Encouragement Challenge"? Would you take a moment to share these victories with us?. 

Day 30! . . .
I'm going to keep this simple and not let it get too wordy.  

All I know is that this challenge has improved my marriage and how I see my husband.

Not that I did not love or appreciate him before this challenge. . . because I did on both counts.  wink, wink.

But... I guess you can say that this challenge has opened a new door to our relationship. . . more healthy communication.  This challenge has helped strengthen our relationship.  {and} finally. . .  This challenged has helped me gain more admiration for my husband.

What I will say about my husband I will sum up in three words. . .

I am blessed. 

I am thankful for my marriage!

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

I am second..

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 517 ~ My Husband, Mr. Integrity (XXIX)

Day 29 of the Husband Encouragement Challenge
courtesy of ReviveOurHearts.com

"A prudent man forsees evil, and hides himself; the simple pass on, and are punished." (Proverbs 27:12) 

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.
• Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband . . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

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 29! . . .
I'm going to keep this simple and not let it get too wordy.  

From the first day I met my husband I have seen the type of man he is.  He has shown me early on in our relationship how honest he is.

What really sticks in my mind that he not only has found one wallet (full of money, credit cards and even an endorsed paycheck) in our time together, but he has found three!  Each and every time he literally went out of his way to return it to its rightful owner, and has denied any reward offered!

Amazing, huh?!

He isn't just about returning wallets... he has always stood up and helped the underdog and has even gone to battle for them... since he was a boy too.  If he saw someone being picked on, he stood up for them.  He even went as far as fighting the school's biggest bully not caring about his own safety.  He won everyone's respect in his school.

Sooo... I tell you... not only do I feel blessed because Dean IS MY husband and soul mate... I am also blessed that he IS a man of INTEGRITY...  Thank you Lord for not only bringing a man into my life who loves me, but one that is honest, sincere and has integrity!

I am thankful for my husband!

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

I am second..

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 516 ~ Pride vs. Humility (XXVIII)

Day 28 of the Husband Encouragement Challenge
courtesy of ReviveOurHearts.com

"The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility." (Proverbs 15:33) 

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.
• Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband . . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

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 28! . . .
I'm going to keep this simple and not let it get too wordy.  

I can not tell you how many times I should have kept my thoughts to myself... right or wrong.

There is a lot to be said about humility.   Pride... all that has ever gotten me has been trouble.

What column do you find yourself?   Pride... or... Humility...

I am taken the road of humility... it offers more than the eye can see.

I am thankful for the friends who accept me as I am.

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

I am second..

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 515 ~ Waiting on Guidance (XXVII)

Day 27 of the Husband Encouragement Challenge
courtesy of ReviveOurHearts.com

"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord." (Psalms 31:24) 

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.
• Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband . . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

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 27! . . .
I'm going to keep this simple and not let it get too wordy.  

Yes it has taken great strength at times to be encouraging.  Boy let me tell you! wink, wink.

I can completely understand that it takes courage to wait on the Lord for his guidance.  Courage and patience.

It is far too easy to "REACT" to certain things in life... the true test is holding your tongue and your thoughts, and waiting for the right message to inspire and guide you.

I am thankful for lots of blankets.

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

I am second..

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 514 ~ Encouragement, A Lifelong Habit (XXVI)

Day 26 of the Husband Encouragement Challenge
courtesy of ReviveOurHearts.com

"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." (Luke 2:52) 

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.
• Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband . . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

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! 

Day 26! . . .
I'm going to keep this simple and not let it get too wordy.  

I can't tell you enough how much this challenge has done for my marriage... or rather for myself and my husband as well.

He still doesn't know that I am doing this challenge.  I can't believe he hasn't asked me "what's up?"

Well, not that it's a big change, all my "encouragement" that is.  I did encourage my husband before this challenge.  I just did not encourage him every day with the little things that may go un-noticed.

This challenge has made "encouragement" a part of my every day living which will be easy to continue beyond this challenge.

I am thankful for cool weather.

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

I am second..

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 513 ~ Peaceful, Easy Feeling (XXV)

Day 25 of the Husband Encouragement Challenge
courtesy of ReviveOurHearts.com

". . . seek peace, and pursue it." (Psalms 34:14b)

"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." (Isaiah 26:3) 

  

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.
• Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband . . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

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. 

Day 25! . . .
I'm going to keep this simple and not let it get too wordy.  

Peace.  

Aaaaahhh.... The word is even peaceful.... p-e-a-c-e.  Nice.

Seems as if ever since I started this challenge that, for the most part, there has been nothing but peace in my home.

Does my hubby keep the peace?  Yes he does.  He knows when not to say some thing.  That is the most important thing to do when trying to keep the peace.

Do I keep the peace here at home?  Yes.  I can say that YES I have learned the skill of keeping peace.  It is more like knowing when to say something, and when to keep it to myself.

And I must admit that this challenge has brought much peace to my life.

More like . . .  a peaceful, easy feeling.

I am thankful for Fall.

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

I am second..

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.