Woman...what do you think????

Just a little something to think about...

While all of us are called to be ministers of reconciliation:
2 Cor 5:18-19
All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:
19 that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them.
NIV

I have been thinking so much lately about the specific call of a woman.

Titus 2:3-5
3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.
4 Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children,
5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
NIV

For younger women (I would assume that is pre-Grandma age- NOT that Grandma's are old, but by then you should be training the younger women), He puts loving your husbands and children at the top of the list.

And...being busy at home....hmmm.

I think this has been lost somewhat in our culture.
What do you think?

If you are older...is this the message you are teaching?
If you are younger...do you see the importance of the call to love your husband and children etc.?

As I mull it over, I would love your input.
(I will touch more on the "being subject to your husbands" next Tuesday.)

Our hope is in Him,
Sue

Two shall become One ~ Brokenness

Hello Friends!
I have some things that I want to share, but have been so busy coming home from our 2 week trip to Texas that I haven't had time to sort it all out and write it for you.

So this week, I have a special treat that I want to share with you. I read this post last week and it has been on my mind ever since. It is so powerful!

Also, it is from one of my Michigan friends that I hope to meet soon!
Please follow this link and apply this to your heart in your marriage.

"Brokenness? I can live up to that!" by Karen Hossink

Our hope is in Him,

Sue

The Cross... Every Day

This time of the year is especially full of messages and devotions about the cross.
The central theme in most churches this weekend will be on the power of the cross and resurrection. But, what does that really mean?

I am the kind of person that tends to say, “so?”
“So what?”
“What does it really mean to me as I walk through my day surrounded by people who I love….people who I (frankly) don’t like…and people who I’ve never met.”

So…what does the cross mean? When the rubber meets the road, how does that change my Saturday?

To read the rest of this article, I would love for you to come see me at the Internet Cafe'.

Have a wonderful Easter,Sue

The Trackside Princess

This little girl is going to be hard to live with when we go home. She has been spoiled by everyone here! They all love her and give her whatever she wants. Everytime I turn around someone's buying her ice cream.

There are not many little girls around, so she gets the royal treatment. From all the Dads that have become her "uncles" to the little boys that play with her in the sandbox. She has them all wrapped around her little finger.

We are having a great time, but starting to look forward to heading home in a few days. I miss my boys! I will be making Easter dinner Saturday night for us and our friends and whoever wanders into our camp!

I hear there is a snowstorm back home in Michigan so I will enjoy this sunny 70 degree weather for a couple more days!

Update on Jay Justice

Many of you have asked about Jay and Hayden and this is the latest update I have.

Update: 3/19/08 At 3:16 PM
Hopes were to get get Jay started on rehab on
Monday; however that did not happen because he still was not responsive enough
to get started. Monday was a rough day because the family did not feel Jay
was getting proper care. Being moved to a "regular" room is so much
different than being in ICU, they take such good care of patients in the ICU and
the nurses etc. on the 5th floor have not been very helpful.

We have since taken care of that and the care Jay received Tuesday was
much better and the therapist did make it in to see him. The next step for
Jay is to continue his therapy (physical, occupational, & speech), and when
a room becomes available on the 8th floor (which is the rehab floor) he will be
moving up there, but that could take several days. Jay did sit up in bed
(with help from the therapists) on Tuesday which was such an awesome thing to
see. He also got to eat a little.

Today (Wednesday) has been a good day so far too. The nurses and
some of the doctors came in and spoke to us and gave us some direction on what
to expect next. And the therapists did come in again today and he has
eaten both breakfast and lunch so far. He was looking for Hayden of coarse
and he was in pretty good spirits today which we are very happy to see. We
have definitely seen progress in Jay in the last 2 days, but he has a long way
to go. He is still not able to move his left side, but we are hopeful
with all the therapy and rehab that he will be able to move it with
time. Please keep Jay in your thoughts and prayers.

Hayden had another doctors appointment at Children's in Columbus
yesterday and that went well so he will be able to get back on the bike within
the next week or so. He can not wait to ride again. Hayden has
designed a t-shirt that can be purchased to raise funds for Jay's medical costs,
you can find more information at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080319/UPDATES01/80319013

I also want to say THANK YOU to everyone for all their thoughts and
prayers. It has been very comforting to me knowing how much support
Jay and I and Hayden have.

Thanks for continuing to pray for Jay!
You can follow his progress at:
www.jayandhaydenjustice.com

Our hope is in Him,
Sue

Here Comes the Sun!

I am so thrilled that the rain has stopped here in Texas!

We spent yesterday cooped up in the motorhome all day. Tina, our friend from California, did the girls hair for them. Steph got highlights and Lauren got a little trim.

I had to go online to find Brooke's performance because we don't get FOX in the motorhome and her song choice was of course, perfect!
Enjoy...



The rest of our week is supposed to be sunny, I'll be putting up more pictures soon.

Our hope is in Him,
Sue

Two shall become One ~ Let's not be fools!

Ever travel with your husband? As in, reading maps and whatnot???
Lots of fun!

I believe that traveling together can give you many opportunities to get offended and frustrated with your spouse. I’ve talked to a few women this past week about this very subject. Like us, they have traveled over 20 hours to get to these races and it has given them plenty of opportunities to get their feathers ruffled.

This all reminds me of a few scriptures:
Eccl 5:2
2 Do not be quick with your mouth,
do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God.
God is in heaven and you are on earth,
so let your words be few.
NIV

James 1:19-20
19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,

20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
NIV

Slow to speak… I’m working on that one and had a great chance to do so this week. When we pulled into our vendor spot last night and the rig didn’t fit… it was best for me to be SLOW to speak! If I would have started trying to tell him where we should go and how we should move, I’m quite sure it would not have gone over well. Especially because I have no idea what I’m talking about and if I stressed about it or seemed frustrated, it would have further raised the tension of an already overwhelming situation. It’s not easy to back up and wiggle around 75 ft of vehicle! But my man did it!

Have you ever put thought into this verse:
Prov 13:10
10 Pride only breeds quarrels,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
NIV

In other words… the only reason we quarrel is PRIDE. Whenever there is a quarrel, pride is involved in at least one, but probably both sides.

And what about this one…
Prov 20:3
3 Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.
NLT

Ouch, does that one hit home with anyone but me?!
Have you ever been in the kind of mood when you just kept insisting on quarreling? I have and results of it are not so good. The Bible clearly calls us a fool if we keep up this kind of behavior.

But, it is honorable to avoid a fight. I love that. I want to be a woman of honor, don’t you?

Let’s be woman of honor and see how many times this week we can avoid an argument!

Our hope is in Him,

Sue

March Giveaway Winner...finally!

The winner of the March Praise and Coffee Giveaway is:
http://myheartwillrejoice.blogspot.com/

This month I was out of town for the drawing so I extended it a week, and I think I will add another giveaway, the winner of the book, “Created to be His Helpmeet” by Debi Pearl is:
http://redemptionriders.blogspot.com/

Email me your home address and I'll send out your winnings!

Stop back April 1st for the next Praise and Coffee Giveaway!

Team Allegan Rocks!!

Our boys did sooo good!
Remember the little guy who thought he was practicing? He won 1st place (seen on the right)!!
He's National Champ now!

Can they get any cuter?? Seen here with Lauren and Mark.

Tanner (L) from Missouri, got third place in the 4-6 Div, Sean (center) from California, got 1st place in the 7-9 Div and Lance (R) from Missouri got 1st place in 4-6 Div.
We are so proud of all of our boys, whether they won or not, they were so much fun!

We are in Decatur this week at another National race, thankfully we have great internet reception.

I just have to share with you what I've been thinking about:
Ps 32:1-2
Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.
NIV

Ps 32:55
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity.I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD" — and You forgave the guilt of my sin.
NIV


That is so good!
I know so many that struggle with the guilt and shame of sin.

The cross was enough to take away our sins. Nothing more needs to be done on God's side for our forgiveness- but WE do have to receive it!
Don't let the enemy torment you with past sin. There is nothing so bad that the cross couldn't handle.


Acts 3:18-20
Repent, then, and turn to God,
so that your sins may be wiped out,
that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,
NIV


Times of refreshing!!! Does it get any better than that?!
I love Him so much! I'm so thankful that He loves us even more than that!!!!

Our hope is in Him,
Sue

Friday Fluff and other random happenings

Hello! Happy Friday!

As I was packing to go to Texas, Lauren filled several of my kitchen towels with ice from the ice maker. I have no idea why....maybe she heard we were going somewhere warm and wanted to bring the cold with her!


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One of our Team Allegan Motorsports riders is absolutely adorable- well they all are, but this one was so funny the other day.
He’s 5 years old and ripping it up in his class. He’s a natural rider and fast as fast can be. This is his first National race, and he got 2nd place even after he fell.
Of course we’re all very excited and he’s getting high fives, fist bumps and lots of hugs when he comes back to the trailer. Then he looks at his Dad and with incredible enthusiasm says, “Dad, I’m just warming up for the Nationals!”
He has no idea that he’s AT the Nationals!!! I mean, dealers are lining up to sign this kid, he’ll probably be in MX Magazines for this and he thinks he’s at practice.
We all laughed so hard!

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Ok, here’s some-not so fluffy talk, more like a Hot Topic…

Our evenings have opened the door for some good “talking” around here lately. The conversation so often comes around to the Lord which is so cool.
But, I have to tell you, I’m really grieved about something.
I can’t tell you how often, and it happened again yesterday, that the conversations takes this turn…. "I used to go to church and really loved it but I got so tired of them talking about and asking for my money.”

I’m not kidding, I think it is at least half of my conversations with people not in church.

This is a great guy. Good honest person, loves his kids and family…and loved his church. UNTIL it seemed to become all about money.

How about you, have you experienced this also?
I have. Maybe that’s why it bothers me so.

I know churches need money to operate, we have helped plant one church and then planted a second with my husband being senior pastor. Thankfully, we were in a position to pastor without taking a paycheck and thereby relieving a lot of the financial pressure of the church. But, I think we all know that this problem is generally not related to necessary operating expenses.

Let me step up on my soapbox now and tell you, I don’t think it will be tolerated much longer. I believe a shift is coming in the body of Christ.
Forget the bells and whistles, give me what’s REAL.

People are leaving churches because of the greed…this should NOT be.

James 1:27
27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
NIV

And what about this one…

James 2:2-4
2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in.
3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
NIV

You know what I love about being out here? It is that, nobody pretends. It is what it is. They are real. Give me a real sinner over or fake Christian anyday.

On the other side of this…most of them leave those churches because they realize that it is not what it is supposed to be. They see the counterfeit for what it is. They know that Jesus is not like that.
So, we may not be able to change all that, but we can start with ourselves…let’s live real, and let’s pray.

2 Chron 7:14
14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
NIV

Our hope is in Him!

Sue

Stop by and enter the drawing for March!

A Muddy Day!

Thanks so much Sandy for doing the "Two shall become One" Tuesday!
I just love her and her blog!!!!
Scroll down for it.....

Hello all!
I'm having a real hard time emailing, so I thought I would post here. It seems to work better than email.

We are doing good. The weather was rainy yesterday so everything got cancelled and today it is real foggy so it's not drying up well. It is supposed to be 88 here on Friday!
We have a huge hill right behind the motorhome and the bikes are having a hard time getting up it, especially the 80's.

Cobra wants us to stay down here for another week and go to a race at Oakhill. We're thinking about it...I'll be in touch with some of you when we know more! Sorry Mom(s) we might miss Easter.

Lauren is loving it, especially now that practice has started. She was playing football with the boys last night and couldn't quite grasp the concept. She thought that she was supposed to slap the guy with the ball until he gave it to her!
They didn't appreciate that, but amazingly, they put up with it!

Phone service is real spotty too, so we will call when we can.

OOOOH! The sun just came out!

Love to all!
Sue

Two Shall Become One ...

by Sandy Coughlin
(Win a copy of Married but Not Engaged by posting a comment over at my blog!)

“Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.” Proverbs 14:9

After 17 years of marriage, I can look back and say that it was my job to love my husband, Paul. Not to change him. And it was God’s job to make him good and my responsibility to express goodwill – not condemnation.

Was I a woman of goodwill?

I was tested by this “goodwill” question when I married a Christian Nice Guy (CNG) seventeen years ago. A CNG, you might ask? I didn’t realize that the daily abuse my husband suffered as a child would affect our everyday life together. What I thought were such “nice” Christian qualities in my husband when we married turned into frustrations and fireworks because of my husband’s passive approach to life. Oh, don’t get me wrong. My husband had amazing qualities, so that to this day I have never looked back.

What exactly is goodwill in a marriage?

Goodwill is a tangible, practical expression of love. Helpfulness, concern, care, friendly disposition – are all related to goodwill and all lead to intimacy. It is the willingness to act in a spirit of cooperation, instead of trying to win arguments. It is proactive, alive, and dynamic. Goodwill is not a passive attribute. Goodwill is among the most concrete ways of expressing love and fostering intimacy, yet when we think about this word, we think of used clothing.

How do you know if you have it?

The will to do “good” toward your spouse is more than having good feelings for him (thank goodness). Though good feelings are important, goodwill also includes kindness, consideration, thoughtfulness, and practical support. This is wonderful news for CNG wives, because controlling how we feel is often harder than exerting our will to determine our good actions.

It’s okay and even normal to have mixed feelings about my/your husband at times. For me, being an assertive woman, I found myself frustrated in this passive marriage. My husband lived under the radar of life. He felt that if he lived life safely, his problems would be few. And this affected the intimacy between us, though we both yearned for more depth in our relationship.

Intimacy is a choice, and you have to be available, present and vulnerable with one another. My CNG didn’t always feel safe with me, so it was easier for him to not always “show up.” It was difficult for him to make his wants and needs known and he didn’t always come clean with how he felt. I found myself often walking on eggshells - not a fun way to live.

How do you lose goodwill?

Goodwill, present in most marriages when vows are exchanged, can become virtually buried under the rubble of anger, resentment and dwindling respect that builds over time. Coming to terms with these emotions is vital if you’re going to give your efforts toward helping intimacy grow.

If you lack goodwill, take up the task of becoming a worthy steward of your husband’s heart. It worked for me. I learned to be more supportive and understanding of my husband’s wacky past, and I started pulling out my secret weapon – empathy. I became a woman of goodwill when I made an effort to understand Paul more, and I stopped the nagging, coercing, attacking and shaming (which in reality only pushed him further from me).

I came to the understanding that passive people are made (through life’s experiences), and not born. I then started feeling more for Paul and becoming more empathetic toward him. My respect was strengthened as I became increasingly able to see his struggles in a healthier light. My respect for him was enhanced even more once he started being more open and honest, and he began to exert his will and express his feelings.

When it comes to love and intimacy, goodwill is like silverware: Almost everyone can learn how to use it, even though we weren’t born knowing how, and even though some of us took a long time to try it. Goodwill is remarkably practical and beneficial for those who produce it and receive it.

It’s more than a feeling.

(Thank you Sue, for allowing me to be your guest today. For more insight on this subject, head over to my blog, 4 Reluctant Entertainers and enter a comment to win a copy of, Married but Not Engaged, co-written with my husband Paul. Or, you can check out No More Christian Nice Guy here.)

Prayer Request

The family's website:
http://www.jayandhaydenjustice.com/

Update 3-9-08

Jay woke up and recognized everyone in the room and talked!!!

Update 3/6/08 @ 8:34 PM
Great News. Hayden has been released from the hospital. He is with the rest of the family as they continue to support Jay. Good news continues as Jay was able to hold his right hand up in the air, and also was able to respond to a pin prick. Please continue to pray, as it is obvisouly helping!!!

Update...Thursday, 3:00PM:
Mark just talked to Stacey and Hayden is still in the hospital but doing very well. Grandpa was taking him on a wheelchair ride!
Jay is still critical. He is "right side responsive." Praise God!
He is undergoing another procedure today.
Stacey is doing well.
We plan to go see them when we get down to Texas.
Keep praying please! Jay is not out of the woods yet.

Your prayers mean so much to them (and me)!
Her sister has set up a website:
http://www.jayandhaydenjustice.com/

UPDATE!!!!
I just got this information:

Update 3/6/08 @ 9:42 Am
Last night Jay did manage to squeeze Stacey and Cindy's hand. Hayden is doing well and was happy he was able to take a bath last night. Stacey wanted everyone to know she really appreciates everything and thank you!



This is already a miracle! We were told initially that Jay had died! And yesterday they called the family in because they did not expect him to make it.

Our God is good! Keep praying!!!!!

Sue



**************************

Original post:

It's been a tearful day. Will you please pray for some friends of ours?
They are in Texas practicing for the the big motocross race next week.

Last night their 8 year old son (Hayden) took a pretty bad fall on a jump and his Dad ran out to help him. Then a big bike came over the jump and the father covered the son with his body but was hit.

They were both airlifted to a hospital. The son has been released with a fractured eye socket and cheek and several cuts and bruises. The Dad (Jay) is not doing well. He is in critical condition and needs prayer.
Please pray for him and his wife (Stacey). She was not with them and had to fly down.

They are a precious family that thankfully knows the Lord.

We leave Friday morning for Texas. I will keep you updated.
Thank you.

Our hope is in Him,
Sue

Walking in God's Love

Here is a special treat, a video devotion for you!
This is so good. I think I could use this everyday.

I realize that most of us don't sit and watch videos, but just throw it on while you are getting some work done and listen. It is so powerful, I believe it will bless your day- and really bless your family as you apply these principles.




Our hope is in Him!
Sue

Stop by and enter the drawing for March!

We Made It!

Thanks for the prayers!!
It was crazy but through the wind and snow and blizzard and ice...we made it.
Our rig is 75 ft long with the trailer, so it was a fun ride...not.


This morning I was reading and just had to share this with you, it is so cool, made me cry!
I know it's long, but soooo powerful!


1 Chron 16:23-36

23 Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim His salvation day after day.
24 Declare his glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.
25 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared above all gods.
26 For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.
27 Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and joy in His dwelling place.
28 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength,
29 ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name. Bring an offering and come before Him; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness.
30 Tremble before Him, all the earth! The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.
31 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations,
"The LORD reigns!"
32 Let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them!
33 Then the trees of the forest will sing, they will sing for joy before the LORD, for He comes to judge the earth.
34 Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
35 Cry out, "Save us, O God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, that we may glory in your praise."
36 Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.
NIV

Have a wonderful day!
Our hope is in Him,
Sue

Speak to My Soul ~ Sunday

Stop by and visit my friend today!

Stop by and enter the drawing for March!

Friday Fluff and other random happenings

I wrote this early in the week...

Lauren decided on a more trendy look for her hair, it's a new symetrical "do." From the right side of her head it looks like a mullet, business in the front, party in the back. This makes the pig tails a little "off" but we're getting used to it. She is quite proud of her new look.



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How lame is it that watching Top Gun still makes me cry?!

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I was talking with a girlfriend the other day and she was referring to her "Blackberry" but she called it her "Blueberry!" She'll never live that one down!

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I have to say a special thank you to Melissa at Mel's World for sending me a card with a gift certificate to Starbucks! What a sweetie!!!!!

Check out her Speak to my Soul Sundays, they are so uplifting!


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Well, my plans have changed again! I am going to Texas! I'm pretty excited because the weather there is going to be in the low 70's- that is PERFECT in my book!!! Although it will just break my heart to leave all this snow and cold. :-P

We have satellite in the motorhome, but I've been told that it doesn't work at this track. So I asked my sister-in-law to post a few things for me this week. But I sure hope I will be able to keep in touch! I will miss you!

Anybody down near Whitney, Texas?!

Just in case there any bad guys reading this getting bad ideas because we are gone...there is something you should know.

I have 2 cubs that will be at home. The oldest cub 6'2" tall and military trained. He takes great pride in the fact that he knows how to kill someone with his bare hands.

The second cub is 6' tall and over 200 lbs. He loves the thought of protecting his home with the arsenal of weapons he has stashed away. His motto, "shoot first, ask questions later."

If that is not enough to deter you. My otherwise sweet and lovable dog would defend this place to her death, I'm quite sure of it.

For those of you who are not bad guys, disregard the threats and have a Happy Jesus day! ;)

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I have a special guest that will be posting the Two shall become One ~ Tuesday post, so be sure to check it out!!!!!

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Sign up on the GIVEAWAY if you haven't done so for the month of March! I am extending the drawing until the 18th because we are traveling. I will be adding another prize too!

Our hope is in Him,
Sue

Two shall become One ~ Financial Infidelity

I heard a story once about a woman who loved to spend money! She was truly a shop-aholic in every sense of the word.

Her husband had sat her down and talked about the fact that they really needed to be on a budget and would appreciate her help with this endeavor.

So one day she sheepishly came home with yet another new outfit from her favorite designer.

She was so excited about her great find and she just knew that her husband would see things her way once he saw how wonderful she looked in this new outfit. She rushed upstairs and put it on to model for her husband.

As she was spinning and twirling in front of her less than impressed husband, he reminded her that they had made a commitment not to spend any money that was not in the budget.

"Oh, but look how darling this is honey, I just couldn't resist! I'm telling you...the devil made me do it!" she said.

"But you know that when the devil is tempting you, you should just tell him, 'get thee behind me satan!'" the husband said.

"Oh, but I DID!" she said, "and the devil said that it looked good from the back too!"

************************************

The story is funny, but unfortunately the subject matter is not.
So guess what today's post is about?
That's right.
Honoring our husband with the way that we handle the family finances and spend money.

Prov 31:10-12
10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,all the days of her life.

Prov 31:27
She watches over the affairs of her household
NIV

It is called, "financial infidelity" and it is one of the leading causes of divorce today.

The signs of financial infidelity include hiding money or debt, failure to disclose assets, keeping a secret bank account, and secret spending.

This type of dishonesty can threaten a marriage.

The spending and secrets are basically the symptoms.

The real problem is there's been a breakdown in trust between a husband and wife.

I love to shop. I love to spend money. But I have learned that unless we are in agreement about the money spent, it can bring strife into our marriage.

I want to encourage you to respect your husband with your spending. Never make a major financial decisions without his consent.

Be a team financially.

If you have to purchase something secretely, you probably shouldn't be purchasing it.

I think we all want our husband's to have full confidence in us and know that we will bring him good and not harm as the Proverbs say.

Let's not open our marriage up to "financial infidelity."
Create trust by honoring one another with your spending.

I'm praying for your marriages!

Our hope is in Him,
Sue

March Giveaway and a few words...

This month's Praise and Coffee giveaway gifts are:

"A Quick Word from Beth Moore"
Scriptures and Quotations from Breaking Free!

And a bag of Starbucks Coffee!

Here are the guidelines again:
1. Post a comment to THIS post.

2. Make sure there is a link to your blog or email so that I can contact you if you win.
If your post is anonymous, you need to leave an email address.

3. One entry per person please!

4. Feel free to advertise on your blog if you like!
(A big hug and thanks to all of you that do!!!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now, a few words......

As I sit here looking at the blanket of snow, I am thinking of what lies beneath.
Is the grass dead, are the flowers gone forever?
Hardly.
They are resting, they are waiting for the time when the sun's warmth will woo them to push through the cold surface and burst forth in all their glory.

I will see them soon. Some, even while the snow still falls, will take the risk to bloom.

How many of us are resting, waiting for that time when we will want change so bad that we will risk the harshness of circumstances to push through the hard, frozen, dead, lifeless surroundings to the light on the other side.

We see it though the darkness, but fear the pain of the journey.

Let me encourage you today...take the chance. Push through. The journey is worth it! There is beauty waiting to be seen...

EDITED TO ADD: Because I am traveling, I will extend this giveaway until I get back. I am expecting to do the drawing on March 18th. AND, I think I will have to add another prize!

Our hope is in Him,
Sue

Edited to add:

Comment closed, stop back April 1st for next giveaway!