Be Safe

by | Feb 28, 2023 | first try

FIRST TRY  (Day 3 of 7)

Today is about experimenting with being a safe place and being supportive and trustworthy.

The heart of her husband trusts in her [with secure confidence], and he will have no lack of gain. She comforts, encourages, and does him only good and not evil all the days of her life.  Proverbs 31:11-12 AMP

For me, it helps to think of sections of my relationship. How do I relate to my spouse first thing in the morning? How do I handle finances? Am I there for him emotionally, sexually, or in support of his dreams?

I realize that’s a lot, so maybe just start with this morning. How can you make your spouse’s morning easier? Think through practical things, like is the laundry done, so they have clean clothes for the day or is there a place for the car keys?

car keys

Is your tone of voice calm and caring? Is a quickie (or more) possible? If your spouse has a hard day ahead, can you reach out with a hug and a prayer?

What does being that safe caring place look like for you?

 

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Looking for the Good

by | Feb 27, 2023 | self-examination

SELF-EXAMINATION  (Day 2 of 7)

So how does this concept play out in our lives?

The heart of her husband trusts in her [with secure confidence], and he will have no lack of gain. She comforts, encourages, and does him only good and not evil all the days of her life.  Proverbs 31:11-12 AMP

Take the day to examine your heart and let God explain what part trust, good-heartedness, and emotional safety play in your marriage.

I have a memory of dropping something in the kitchen and making a terrible mess (dinner was not going to happen any time soon).

spilled dinner on the floor

Paul was consoling and helped me clean it up. He didn’t shame me or act impatiently. He was good-hearted and emotionally safe. He got major husband points, BTW.  🙂

 

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Safe Place

by | Feb 26, 2023 | concept

CONCEPT  (Day 1 of 7)

The scripture I have for today is directed at women, but I think it’s just as applicable for men (I know we have a few husbands reading – welcome).

The heart of her husband trusts in her [with secure confidence], and he will have no lack of gain. She comforts, encourages, and does him only good and not evil all the days of her life.  Proverbs 31:11-12 AMP

This bit is from the “excellent wife” description in Proverbs 31. It’s an amazing spouse quality – being goodhearted and creating a safe place for your spouse. Her obvious intent is to bless, and her husband deeply trusts her.

loving couple

Let’s take the day and meditate on this concept. Ask God to show you what this is supposed to look like in marriage.

 

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Choose Integrity

by | Feb 25, 2023 | conclusions

I am more convinced than ever that being a good spouse requires growing in integrity.

Our thoughts and behavior are choices we make that eventually bear fruit in our words and actions. If we want to bless those in our lives, we need to own that and make wiser and wiser choices.

Wisdom is knowing the right path to take. Integrity is taking it.  M.H. McKee

fork in path

Tomorrow : Let’s talk about building trust.

 

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Grace

by | Feb 24, 2023 | resources

REFLECTION  (Day 6 of 7)

Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; James 1:19  AMP

You know I’m not perfect, right?

I realize this is not really news. We all know that we are beautiful and broken, and our lives are marked by sin and the consequence of sin. In the face of that, I am so grateful for the grace of God.

When I keep His love and forgiveness in mind, I lose the urgency to prove to others that I am worthy or loveable or whatever. It is so easy to be patient with others when I have nothing to prove, and I know I am well-loved by God. It’s also far easier to drop anger and forgive others too.

grace loading symbol

If you are struggling with the scripture today, take a moment and think about God’s lovely grace and how much He loves you. Then when you deal with others it’s a little easier to listen, take the time to speak thoughtfully, and walk in love. He is such a good God.  🙂

 

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Gratitude

by | Feb 23, 2023 | reflection

REFLECTION  (Day 5 of 7)

Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; James 1:19  AMP

How are you doing this week? Are you finding tools for living this scripture out with your spouse?

I’ve been spending time being grateful. When I consider how much God loves me and how well He is taking care of me, I feel safe and loved. That makes it so much easier to be kind and thoughtful, and anger just isn’t that fun.

gratitude message written on napkin

If you are struggling today, try listing a number of things for which you are grateful. If you are struggling with your spouse, list those things that you appreciate and respect about them.

 

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