This week marked my fifteenth wedding anniversary. Because of that, I've been thing a lot about what I can do to help my husband, so, today I have for you
Five Ways to Pray for Your Husband
1. Pray for his relationship with God.
2. Pray for his ability to be the head of your house.
3. Pray for his relationships with your children.
4. Pray for his success at work.
5. Pray for his continued love for you -- and yours for him.
- by Erica
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Friday, July 20, 2012
Friday Five for 7/20/12
Considering that I've been under the influence of heavy medication for a good part of this week and that it's after 10pm on Friday, today's Five is going to be different. Today, I have Five questions for you. If you can, please take a couple of minutes to answer them, it would mean a lot to me. You can answer in the comments or you can email us, you can be anonymous or not - it's up to you!
1. What would you like to see more of here at Far Above Rubies?
2. What should we not change?
3. What is your favorite Scripture?
4. Are you married? Have children?
5. What do you think is the most pressing issue for Christian wives and mothers today?
So, there it is. Short and sweet and, hopefully, not too difficult.
Also, let me take a minute to thank all of you who wrote me that you are praying with me. It was a huge source of strength for me this week and I hope it helps to know that I am also praying with you.
- by Erica
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
1. What would you like to see more of here at Far Above Rubies?
2. What should we not change?
3. What is your favorite Scripture?
4. Are you married? Have children?
5. What do you think is the most pressing issue for Christian wives and mothers today?
So, there it is. Short and sweet and, hopefully, not too difficult.
Also, let me take a minute to thank all of you who wrote me that you are praying with me. It was a huge source of strength for me this week and I hope it helps to know that I am also praying with you.
- by Erica
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Monday, July 16, 2012
Broken Shelves and Broken Spirits Can Be Repaired!
On a recent laundry day, I was placing clean rags on a wire shelf, in the laundry room. Suddenly, I heard the sound of ripping dry wall. Oh yes. The entire seven foot shelf, and its contents, suddenly landed on the floor! The room was littered with muddy shoes, cleaning supplies, a dirty rag basket, and a clean rag bin. As the dust literally settled, I realized that the shelf itself hadn’t broken. The supports had simply ripped out of the wall. I shouldn’t have been surprised…this shelf had required several small repairs in the past. However, the shelf had never actually crash landed, until this very busy day! Phil decided to step it up a notch with this repair, attaching the supports directly to wooden studs in the wall. The original intent for use of the shelf, had been for it to hold a few dirty shoes as we came into the house. As time went by, and we found more uses, we had not strengthened the supports as weight was added. That mistake took its toll! After Phil did a stellar repair, my job was to fill in the old holes, and clean up the debris.
As I was on the floor, looking at the mess, I started laughing out loud, and found that I was actually pleased that the shelf had come down! I had a chance to see behind all the junk we stored there, and realized there were several repairs needed, that had been neglected through the years. I found unfilled holes, a crack in the baseboard, dust on the shelf, dirt on the wall, and a great need for paint, due to scuff marks from the shoes. There were old dry wall anchors that needed to be removed as well. Since we had recently discussed, in class at church, how our faith holds up to stress and trauma in our lives, I couldn't help but smile at the correlation I was seeing.
When crisis comes our way, it can give us an opportunity to see things from a different point of view. When we're down on the floor, at the lowest points in our lives, we can look up, and see from a different vantage point! Sometimes, our own lack of preparation, or lack of attention to problems along the way, can cause a crisis. Other times, things just happen, beyond our control. Sometimes, we patch over things, as we had done for years, rather than actually fixing them. Have you ever done this with problems?
Just ignoring them, hoping they'll go away? There can be a temporary “happiness” when we shove problems aside, without facing them. But, there’s no comparison to the outcome, of finally meeting the problem head on, and finding the best way to handle the situation. As Christians, we can strengthen our lives with very strong supports, such as study and incorporation of the Word in our lives, growing in our prayer lives, developing strong bonds with other Christians, and reaching out to others. We prepare for whatever is thrown onto us. Even if we break, we can be repaired, and lifted back up by our support system! And, while down on the floor, we might see the good that can come from the bad. Romans 8:18, and Romans 8:28, tell us that our present sufferings in no way compare with the glory that will be revealed to us, and that all things work together for good, to those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose. Some of that good may never be seen by us, but because our Lord is almighty and faithful, we believe what he has told us, and we can find peace, by leaving it up to him.
- by Becky
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
As I was on the floor, looking at the mess, I started laughing out loud, and found that I was actually pleased that the shelf had come down! I had a chance to see behind all the junk we stored there, and realized there were several repairs needed, that had been neglected through the years. I found unfilled holes, a crack in the baseboard, dust on the shelf, dirt on the wall, and a great need for paint, due to scuff marks from the shoes. There were old dry wall anchors that needed to be removed as well. Since we had recently discussed, in class at church, how our faith holds up to stress and trauma in our lives, I couldn't help but smile at the correlation I was seeing.
When crisis comes our way, it can give us an opportunity to see things from a different point of view. When we're down on the floor, at the lowest points in our lives, we can look up, and see from a different vantage point! Sometimes, our own lack of preparation, or lack of attention to problems along the way, can cause a crisis. Other times, things just happen, beyond our control. Sometimes, we patch over things, as we had done for years, rather than actually fixing them. Have you ever done this with problems?
Just ignoring them, hoping they'll go away? There can be a temporary “happiness” when we shove problems aside, without facing them. But, there’s no comparison to the outcome, of finally meeting the problem head on, and finding the best way to handle the situation. As Christians, we can strengthen our lives with very strong supports, such as study and incorporation of the Word in our lives, growing in our prayer lives, developing strong bonds with other Christians, and reaching out to others. We prepare for whatever is thrown onto us. Even if we break, we can be repaired, and lifted back up by our support system! And, while down on the floor, we might see the good that can come from the bad. Romans 8:18, and Romans 8:28, tell us that our present sufferings in no way compare with the glory that will be revealed to us, and that all things work together for good, to those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose. Some of that good may never be seen by us, but because our Lord is almighty and faithful, we believe what he has told us, and we can find peace, by leaving it up to him.
- by Becky
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Friday, July 13, 2012
Friday Five for 7/13/12
Today's Five is pretty personal, but, I think it is also pretty universal...
Five Things I'm Praying About Right Now
1. My Brother
My little brother just announced that he is getting married. In October. We're all very happy and love his fiancé, but it is a time of big changes and so I am praying for them.
2. My Daughters
I haven't talked much about my daughters here, but many of you know them. My relationship with my eldest (age 20) is strained, to say the least. She has made and continues to make decisions that I Biblically/personally/maternally cannot support. As for my younger daughter (age 13), she faces significant psychiatric issues that are a major focus of our daily lives.
3. My Mom and Her Family
The loss of my maternal grandmother last month was a huge blow that continues to affect us all in many ways.
4. My Husband
His job is extremely stressful and he is also in the process of applying for promotion. As the sole bread-winner of our house, he feels tremendous pressure. I do not envy being head of the house and I pray for his wisdom and strength daily.
5. Myself
Up to now, I have told very few people about this, but on Tuesday of next week, I will be having surgery. It isn't a huge deal in my mind, but any surgery has risks. For me, the benefits far outweigh those risks. Still, if you find the chance to remember me in your prayers Tuesday morning, I would appreciate it.
So, what's on your prayer list today? Can I/we pray for you about anything in particular?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Five Things I'm Praying About Right Now
1. My Brother
My little brother just announced that he is getting married. In October. We're all very happy and love his fiancé, but it is a time of big changes and so I am praying for them.
2. My Daughters
I haven't talked much about my daughters here, but many of you know them. My relationship with my eldest (age 20) is strained, to say the least. She has made and continues to make decisions that I Biblically/personally/maternally cannot support. As for my younger daughter (age 13), she faces significant psychiatric issues that are a major focus of our daily lives.
3. My Mom and Her Family
The loss of my maternal grandmother last month was a huge blow that continues to affect us all in many ways.
4. My Husband
His job is extremely stressful and he is also in the process of applying for promotion. As the sole bread-winner of our house, he feels tremendous pressure. I do not envy being head of the house and I pray for his wisdom and strength daily.
5. Myself
Up to now, I have told very few people about this, but on Tuesday of next week, I will be having surgery. It isn't a huge deal in my mind, but any surgery has risks. For me, the benefits far outweigh those risks. Still, if you find the chance to remember me in your prayers Tuesday morning, I would appreciate it.
So, what's on your prayer list today? Can I/we pray for you about anything in particular?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Friday, July 6, 2012
Friday Five for 7/6/12
After last week's girl-centric post, I thought I'd make this week's Five a list of resources for boys and/or the parents of boys.
1. Headed To The Office
by Glen Colley
This book talks about raising boys to be leaders in the church and preparing them to, eventually, serve as elders.
2. I Kissed Dating Goodbye
by Joshua Harris
I usually hesitate to post denominationally written books, but I do so love this one. It discusses the young man's effort not to "date", but to purposefully look for a Godly wife in a way that is not self-serving or lustful. (And it is equally good for girls.)
3. Guy Time
Boys cannot have too many male Christian role models. Having them places other than church and home is even better. Help your husband to plan an outing with your son as well as some other Dads and sons (like, maybe bowling). It'll be good for all of them.
4.Kids In Mind
Kids In Mind is website that provides very detailed movie ratings. When your son wants to see the latest comic book adaptation, but you aren't sure just exactly how far PG or PG-13 goes, this is the place to look. Each movie is given a three number rating, 1-10 on Sex/Nudity, Violence/Gore, and Profanity and then they go into detail about why a movie rates high/low in that category and they even document drug/alcohol use, etc. For example, the new Disney/Pixar film Brave scored a 2.4.1. I am a big fan of Kids in Mind and use it regularly, even for movies that my husband and I are going to see without kids.
5. Digger Doug's Underground
What little boy doesn't love dinosaurs? This 18 episode series presents them and other science-y stuff from a Christian/young Earth worldview. It's entertaining and educational. I've learned quite a bit from it myself!
What other books or resources would you suggest for young men and/or their parents?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
1. Headed To The Office
by Glen Colley
This book talks about raising boys to be leaders in the church and preparing them to, eventually, serve as elders.
2. I Kissed Dating Goodbye
by Joshua Harris
I usually hesitate to post denominationally written books, but I do so love this one. It discusses the young man's effort not to "date", but to purposefully look for a Godly wife in a way that is not self-serving or lustful. (And it is equally good for girls.)
3. Guy Time
Boys cannot have too many male Christian role models. Having them places other than church and home is even better. Help your husband to plan an outing with your son as well as some other Dads and sons (like, maybe bowling). It'll be good for all of them.
4.Kids In Mind
Kids In Mind is website that provides very detailed movie ratings. When your son wants to see the latest comic book adaptation, but you aren't sure just exactly how far PG or PG-13 goes, this is the place to look. Each movie is given a three number rating, 1-10 on Sex/Nudity, Violence/Gore, and Profanity and then they go into detail about why a movie rates high/low in that category and they even document drug/alcohol use, etc. For example, the new Disney/Pixar film Brave scored a 2.4.1. I am a big fan of Kids in Mind and use it regularly, even for movies that my husband and I are going to see without kids.
5. Digger Doug's Underground
What little boy doesn't love dinosaurs? This 18 episode series presents them and other science-y stuff from a Christian/young Earth worldview. It's entertaining and educational. I've learned quite a bit from it myself!
What other books or resources would you suggest for young men and/or their parents?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Independence Day
Politics is a tricky business. I know some people who are very involved and others who fully abstain. It fascinates me. I guess it comes from my love of American history. But, like I said, it is a tricky business. We don't all agree, even when we have the same goals, and that makes things complicated sometimes.
For all the things that can and do go wrong in this country, I believe we are supremely blessed to live here. None of us has ever known a time when we couldn't worship the Lord openly, when we couldn't say what we wanted to say. The very fact that this blog exists is due to our freedoms. There are plenty of other countries that would shut us down.
I am thankful today, and every day, for that freedom and for all those who serve our country. Today I will be praying for them - the firefighters and police officers, the military, even the politicians - and I hope you will join me.
God bless America, land that I love. Stand beside her and guide her through the night with a light from above.
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, (1 Timothy 2:1-3 NKJV)
- by Erica
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
For all the things that can and do go wrong in this country, I believe we are supremely blessed to live here. None of us has ever known a time when we couldn't worship the Lord openly, when we couldn't say what we wanted to say. The very fact that this blog exists is due to our freedoms. There are plenty of other countries that would shut us down.
I am thankful today, and every day, for that freedom and for all those who serve our country. Today I will be praying for them - the firefighters and police officers, the military, even the politicians - and I hope you will join me.
God bless America, land that I love. Stand beside her and guide her through the night with a light from above.
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, (1 Timothy 2:1-3 NKJV)
- by Erica
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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