Saturday, June 9, 2007

30 Day Challenge Day 9

Today's challenge was about listening to your husband.

Here is an excerpt from the challenge:

As you continue in your 30-day challenge, not speaking negatively and focusing on positive encouragement, hear the Lord's admonition today: "Be swift to hear." If listening is a real problem for you, play a game with yourself. See if you can listen to your husband for one whole day, only speaking when asked a question. If your husband notices the difference, explain that you are learning to listen more-not only to God, but also to him.

Today's challenge was a good challenge for me. In our bible study on Tuesday night's we are watching a video series by Emerson Eggerich about how to motivate our spouses. Last Tuesday the video spoke about how husbands are energized by their wives just being there shoulder to shoulder saying nothing. Today's challenge was a good review on how important it is to be a silent encourager. Unfortunately today I was not so great about not speaking negatively to him. This morning we had a small tiff, and I said some negative things that didn't need to be expressed in anger the way they were. Fortunately the "tiff" only lasted about 15 minutes and we both apologized, but for the rest of the day I felt as though my positive thoughts that I had had for my husband were being attacked and turned into negative. Then I remembered a verse in the bible about Satan and how he seeks to destroy:

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8

I lost self-controll this morning and Satan was there ready to pounce! I find it sobering how swiftly Satan works when he finds even one small glitch in the system. I know that he would love nothing less than to destroy my marriage, and on days like today it makes me realize how much prayer is needed to be able to fight against the devil.

Anyway, we were able to have a fun day together after apologies were made. Stew even took Emily for me this morning so I could get some shopping done! Horray! I am so blessed to have him as my help mate. We also looked at a vehicle that we believe we will be purchasing on Monday. So, stayed tuned and maybe Monday night I'll have a good news post with a picture of the new purchase.

1 comment:

In Light of the Truth... said...

It must be the season for new vehicles because Kevin just spontaneously bought a "new" van today! Let us know what happens Monday!

And good job at recalling that verse in the midst of Satan's attack! he sure does notice when we're doing something good, and he doesn't like it! But you've conquered! =)