My Husband

I always tell Anders that, as his wife, I am the envy of all women. He is such a good man and an incredible husband. He is the man who always makes me believe that I am beautiful and elegant and feminine, even if I'm not feeling my best. He is very "in tune" to if I'm not feeling well or am upset about something. It's pretty much impossible to try to lie to him by pretending I'm okay if I'm not, he knows me so well. He is a very good listener, never rushing me or acting impatient if emotions are making it difficult to express myself. He helps me around the house as much as he can and always asks me how he can help me out. When I was very sick with mononucleosis this winter, he was an amazing nurse. I didn't want for a thing that he had power to offer me. He made sure I was drinking lots of water and always asked me how my spleen was feeling. He cares about the little things and asks my advice about everything from if the milk is still good to what seasonings would be good with tuna spread to if it would be okay to not style his hair for church. He is such a MAN! A strong, humble, masculine man with a keen sense of honor and respect for others. He is a very good son who loves his parents and my own. There are times the more self-centered side of me clashed with his generous, unselfish, others-first spirit. God is gracious in allowing me to recognize my sin before others get hurt, and those clashes are brief and stimulate growth in our relationship. We don't always agree about everything, but I am humbly pleased to report that we have yet to have a "fight". Learning to communicate clearly without accusation, and to listen without assumptions is something we've spent many hours, sweat, and tears doing. We're far from perfect, and I admit that I'm the one who has to apologize most often, but we know that we don't have to be. He is a good leader, and a man I respect with everything I have. He's my best friend as well as my lover. I trust him completely. He has never given me grounds for jealosy, but confesses his struggles to me and asks for forgiveness. I know that I can tell him anything and everything. I love being with him. I pity the wives who are excited about a weekend "away from that man". I can't sleep without Anders! Who else would tell him all the things he talked about in his sleep? Who else would rub his feet against mine as we slowly wake up in the morning? Those funny, sexy feet. I remember one night during our honeymoon when I awoke from a bad dream. It felt so good to have someone who would listen to the paper fear and sorrow and hold me and tell me it was all okay. Sometimes I wonder if God didn't allow it to happen just so I could experience that wonderful sense of sharing the little things with my new husband. Just thinking of how much I appreciate him brings an expansive feeling of love to my heart that I can physically feel in my chest. Wow, God, are you sure this man is meant for me, not for someone more deserving who could take better care of him? You always have to remind me that that is what grace is all about. Anders loves me from what You have given him with which to love me. That is why is such a good man and wonderful husband. He loves me with Your love for me. My Bridegroom is teaching my husband His own love. And I am learning it, too. Lord, please help me to love him from Your heart. To honor, cherish, and respect him like he so greatly deserves. For Your glory, as an act of worship to You, the Author. Thank You for my husband. You've taught him well.

The Excellent Wife

This morning is not feeling very original yet, but I want to post something wholesome and meaningful. My dear friend, KLH, gave me a wonderful book at my bridal shower. It is "The Excellent Wife" by Martha Peace (Cool last name, huh!). I'm sorry to say that I have read only six chapters so far, well, seven if you count the one K marked with a very eye-catching book mark. That one was about Super Exciting eXchanges between man and wife...or something like that.

Anyway, I came across a list of ways a wife can be the glory of her husband. I was convicted and encouraged at the same time, which is a rare experience with some books that are out there. With all the fun and wonderfully unique lists on the blogs of my peers, I figured I could fit right in with this one. Here goes.

1. Ask your husband, "What are your goals this week?"


2. Ask your husband, "How can I help you accomplish these goals?"


3. Ask your husband, "Is there anything that I can do differently that would make it easier for you?"


4. Be organized with cleaning, grocery shopping, laundry, and cooking. As you fulfill your God-given responsibilities, your husband is then free to do his work.


5. Save some of your energy every day for him.


6. Put him first over the children, your parents, friends, job, ladies' Bible studies, etc.


7. Willingly and cheerfully rearrange your schedule for him when necessary.


8. Talk about him in a positive light to others. Do not slander him at all, even if what you are saying is true.


9. Do whatever you can to make him look good, to accomplish his goals. Some examples are offer to run errands for him, organize your day to be available to help him with his projects, pray for him and make good suggestions. Give him the freedom not to use your suggestion, and do not be offended if he does not follow it.


10. Consider his work (job, goals, hobbies, work for the Lord) as more important than your own.


11. Think of specific ways that you can help him accomplish his goals. Examples are get up early in the mornings to help him get off to work having had a good breakfast, take care in recording telephone messages for him, anticipate any needs he may have in order to attain a specific goal, and keep careful records of money spent to keep up with the budget.
12. Consider the things that you are involved in. How do they glorify your husband? Ask his guidance.
13. Be warm and gracious to his family and friends. Make your commitment to him obvious to them.
14. Do and say things that build him up instead of tear him down.
15. Dress and apply your makeup in an attractive manner that is pleasing to your husband.
16. When your husband sins, reprove him privately and gently, always giving him hope and pointing him to the Lord.
17. Encourage him to use his spiritual gifts in ministry.
18. Realize that just as God is glorified when man obeys Him, your husband is glorified when you obey your husband.