by Lisa B on March 15, 2010
Here are the chapters we get to look forward to this week.
Monday — Read ch 12: His Protection
Tuesday — Read ch 13: His Trials
Wednesday — Read ch 14: His Integrity
Thursday — Read ch 15: His Reputation
Friday – Read ch 16: His Priorities
Update on Women’s Dinner: When I went to church yesterday it seems the men have been doing some plotting and planning
They’ve got a lot of good things planned already so turns out that I don’t have to worry about the food and such. I did, however, tell them that I wanted to speak — or rather I felt God wanted me to speak because this is so not my choice. God doesn’t listen to my arguing though — so I’m going to be doing a lot of studying and praying and preparing before May 8th!
by Lisa B on March 12, 2010
This week has been tough. Duck even asked if we could go back to last Wednesday
Um, no honey. We’re moving on. It seems this week has been packed with softball practices (for Duck and I), homework, and other general life stuff. Duck has been overwhelmed with not getting stuff done, but really I think we’re all trying to do too much. With softball games starting Monday, I don’t think it’s going to get any easier. So in addition to this week’s subjects, I added time management to the prayers.
I also wanted to share that last week’s check-in made Duck feel good. One of his love languages is words of affirmation. Frankly, I suck at this love language when it comes to spoken words. Most of the time I don’t have the right tone of voice or he’s trying to prod a compliment out of me so it loses it’s effect. But when I write here, I have time to formulate my thoughts. I also tell things that normally might not come up in every day conversation. The thing that stood out last week was when I said he’s a hard-worker but puts us first. He’s often not recognized by coworkers for the hard work he puts in, so it made him feel better when at least I could see it. I see him doing so many things right, but often don’t think to tell him so — or assume he knows. You know what happens when you assume, right? That’s me! So be sure you tell your hubby good stuff — even if words of affirmation isn’t his love language!
His Mind: This is a powerful one. I see evidence of this a lot and even more so on a ball field. Duck has started letting little lies into his mind. He used to believe he couldn’t hit home runs. Now that he hits them, it’s that he can’t hit down third base line anymore. He played in a tournament last weekend. He started out hitting well but then he got out one time. Then the next. It went down hill from there.
His mind wasn’t right. Instead of thinking “I am going to hit this ball and get on,” he was thinking “oh no, hope I don’t get out again.” I couldn’t get his mind back on track. He’d ask what he was doing wrong, but he couldn’t hear me. It wasn’t until we were practicing one day with our trainer, that he finally started to listen to us (ok, more the trainer, but me too). Once his mind got straight and he remembered the things he knows he’s supposed to be doing, he was hitting, throwing and catching really, really well. Physically he can do everything that he’s trying to do — the thing holding him back was his mind.
I can’t say much about this other than I need to keep praying about it — for him and for me too. My mind gets me in trouble too. But we’ll save that for Praying Woman
His Fears: Oh my! This is another big one. It goes right along with his mind. Fears enter his mind and instead of realizing they are a distraction from the devil, he starts going over them again and again and again. I’ve seen other members of his family express fears too under the guise of being prepared. Like if I have the fear of someone jumping in my car at a red light it’s good to have because then I’ll lock my doors every time I’m in the car. I kinda struggle with understanding some of his fears, so if you have any insight about this area — I would love to hear. Don’t get me wrong. I love that he cares about me and wants me to be around for a very long time, but is it healthy for him to be thinking, worrying about me going to the store by myself? The fears do not keep us from going and doing things though — so maybe it is healthy. More prayers needed here me thinks.
His Purpose: I love this chapter. I pray it for myself too. “God is not the author of confusion, strife, or unworkable situations. He is the God of perfect timing.” — pg 95. Totally love that quote! Many times Duck and I have reminded each other that if we are confused about what to do, it’s best not to do anything until God makes it clear — obvious, hit-me-up-side-the-head-with-a-2-x-4 clear.
His Choices: To be honest, I think I’ve been praying this more for me than him
Maybe I should have started with the Praying Woman! I think Duck makes very wise decisions. He researches all the options and chooses what he thinks is best. Sometimes I might just jump in without really thinking things through, so I’m glad he’s pretty solid in this area. Love this quote too but for me it’s not limited to just his choices: “…don’t try to fix him. God is the only one who can do that. Your job is to love and pray for him.” — pg 100.
His Health: We have been very blessed with our health. Besides both of us having allergy issues, we are healthy. He works out 3-4 days a week and has for the past 3 or more years. He encouraged me to start at the gym because he wanted me to be healthy too. So today, I thanked God for his health and asked for Him to heal the sinus headache Duck has.
I’ve realized this week that it may be hard for you to keep up. Please don’t feel like you have to keep up with my schedule. Just continue to read a chapter when you can. It’s ok if you’ve gotten behind. Just don’t give up! Have a blessed weekend
by Lisa B on March 9, 2010
for a women’s dinner at my church. As you may know, I don’t cook. I don’t do that whole hospitality thing well either. And those cutesy little gifts? I got nothing. But I have a heart for women’s ministry. I have a heart for women who are hurting — and we all are at some point in our lives. Either going into hurt, smack-dab in the middle of it, or coming out the other side of it.
One of the men at my church asked Duck if his group would play music at this dinner. He wants the men to cook and serve the ladies dinner. He wants this to be an outreach — evangelical — for ladies to invite unsaved friends. Duck told him that I have a heart for women’s ministry and that I might have some ideas for a speaker or two.
Side note: Can I just say it was kinda weird hearing from this man that Duck said I have a heart for women’s ministry? Why? You may ask? Well, it’s not something that I’ve ever really talked about with Duck. I mean it’s stuff I’ve spouted here. Maybe he’s heard me talking with someone else. But it’s not something that he and I have ever discussed. It was kind of validating in a sense that yes, I do have a heart for women’s ministry and should use my talents and gifts in that.
Back to needing ideas: Basically I need ideas from you. I know ya’ll are a crafty, creative bunch. And even if you yourself don’t have any ideas, maybe you can share a website or two where you get ideas from? I’m looking for anything from a theme to decorations ideas to gift ideas. You know — any of those little things that women typically enjoy. Have you been to anything like this? What did you enjoy? What was not so great?
If you don’t mind, I’d appreciate a lot of prayer for this also. I feel led to speak … as in get up in front of a group of ladies and share a story … and that makes my stomach do flops. Seriously? There’s no delete button in speaking. There’s no rereading and editing in speaking. One shot. Can I be interesting? Will I say the right words? I’ve been praying for awhile that God would take this desire away from me, but He really doesn’t like it when I argue with Him. He keeps giving me visions of standing on stage and parts of the message to give. So, prayer. Lots of prayer please. Thanks! I appreciate it! Let me know if there’s something I can pray about for you as well!