2-for-1 Deal

Today my readers get a 2 for 1 deal.  Two blog posts in one day.  I guess it is only a deal if people actually read what I write.  If no one does, whelp, I guess it can't be considered a deal. 

Life is in transition right now.  Let the hellos and goodbyes begin at the exact same time!  I wish I had a better grasp on the unfamiliar but I don't think as much growth would come out of that.  So, I am trying to embrace what I don't know with strength and dignity...and let me be honest...it's not easy.  I am routine's number one fan!  I love knowing what each day is going to look like, who I am going to see, what appointments I am going to have, and what I have to get done by dusk.  Tomorrow starts the first day of unknowns: my first day of graduate school.  I feel like a tiny 17-year-old again before her first day of college.  The feelings of anxiety and nerves are back and they are back with vengeance!  I will be drugging myself in order to sleep tonight :]  ZZzzzzz……

I have my map of the campus, my bus route schedule, backpack, books, and compass!

EWU Eagles here I come!!!

(just kidding on the whole compass idea.  i am not going to be 'that new girl with the compass')

Smile

Smiling has never come naturally to me.  As a child I always heard, "Megan, smile for the camera!....MEGAN....SMILE FOR THE CAMERA....please?"  My poor parents.  They probably thought they had a child who was going to grow up and become professionally angry.  Well, guess again Mom and Dad, because I am a happy individual, however I need the reminder to smile every once in a while to let others in on my secret happiness.  A smile shares a story.  It lets others know you notice them.  And part of marriage is letting your spouse know they don't go unnoticed.

Smiles spread happiness. Smiles have even been shown to create happiness. Smiles are contagious. And a smile makes any woman more beautiful.

Be Thankful

^"give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:18

"always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Ephesian 5:20

Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Don’t take your husband for granted. Be appreciative for everything he does for you, whether big or small. Always say thank you.

And by golly!  Let me tell you what he has done for me this week!  Monday I had a terrible horrible no good very bad day.  After work I came home to a boquet of flowers and Reese's Pieces.  It reminded me that he is my biggest fan!  And then yesterday, after he had an extremely busy day, came home to quickly get a casserole together and in the oven so that dinner would be ready when I got off work.  And it was YUMMY!  And how could I forget the small stuff he does to bring a smile to my face...like pick up his dirty socks :]

Don't Nag

Your husband is a grown man, so don’t treat him like a two-year-old. Leave room for God to work. You are not the Holy Spirit, so do not try to do His job.

hahaha, didn't even need to change a word of what was said.  well said.  haha...made me giggle because it's so true.

Prayer

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:6-7

"Pray continually..."

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Ruth Graham advises wives to “tell your mate the positive, and tell God the negative.” Take your concerns to God. Faithfully lift up your husband in prayer every day, and you will likely notice a transformation not only in him, but in yourself, as well. 

I used to be in a good routine of prayer.  When I worked at the middle school, with a 30 minute commute, I would pray all the way to work.  I wouldn't even turn on my radio.  I would pray for Craig and our marriage and those who came to mind.  I am out of a routine now and in a time of transition.  No excuses though.  Prayer changes things.  Prayer strengthens things.

Good Points

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Philippians 4:8

Bring about the positive in others.  Emphasize others' good points, not their flaws.  We all have flaws so why bring spotlight to them?  We don't want others to do that of us.  Let's be honest, dwelling on faults will only make us both miserable.  Choose instead to focus on those qualities that you most admire.

Don't Interrupt

Okay, so I am actually trying to put into practice what I write about for the next 25 days.  It's not easy being pushed around by truth but as I have learned from Mark Driscoll, take one day at a time, issue by issue.  I get too overwhelmed with how screwed up and sinful (althought covered by grace) I am as a wife and friend.  But it is through each conversation I have and every interaction that I remind myself of things I have focused on.  And it starts with one truth a day.

Today, don't interrupt!  I am convicted daily of "listening" to others while thinking of what I'm going to say next OR what I am going to make for dinner.  Have you ever been around a person who won’t let you finish a sentence? That gets old fast. Even if you think you already know what your husband is going to say, allowing him to say it without cutting him off mid-sentence shows both respect and common courtesy.

Undivided Attention

Give Undivided Attention

Yes, I know that women are masters of multi-tasking, but when your husband is speaking to you, make a point to lay other tasks aside, look into his eyes, and listen to what he is saying with the goal of understanding and remembering his words.

Honor

"...not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of other"

Philippians 2:4

Today is a smack over the head and surely a kick in the rear.  Honor others who are placed in my life as authority before my selfish ways.  More specifically...Craigaroo!  I am hard headed when it comes to decision making.  It usually turns out to be a "my way or the highway" type deal (but not that extreme).  I need to give more weight to what he thinks and consider his wishes before my own.  As well, I need to respect supervisors, professors, etc., because of their positions, for that is what the Lord calls us to do.  Ouch.  That hurt.

JOY

"Rejoice always..."

1 Thessalonians 5:16

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice."

Philippians 4:4

Today I choose joy.  I will focus on His strength within me, especially when trials turn my way.  I pray for a song in my heart and a smile on my face.  A happy wife makes a happy life.  I won't use moodiness to manipulate, but in all things I will rejoice, because that's the right thing to do and because it pleases the Lord.

Ordinary Miracle

I think this is my new favorite old song...

Ordinary Miracle

by Sarah McLachlan

It's not that unusualWhen everything is beautifulIt's just another ordinary miracle today
The sky knows when it's time to snowDon't need to teach a seed to growIt's just another ordinary miracle today
Life is like a gift they sayWrapped up for you everydayOpen up and find a wayTo give some of your own
Isn't it remarkableLike every time a raindrop fallsIt's just another ordinary miracle today
Birds in winter have their flingWill always make it home by springIt's just another ordinary miracle today
When you wake up everydayPlease don't throw your dreams awayHold them close to your heart'Cause we're all a part of the ordinary miracle
Ordinary miracleDo you want to see a miracle?
It seems so exceptionalThe things just work out after allIt's just another ordinary miracle today
Sun comes up and shines so brightAnd disappears again at nightIt's just another ordinary miracle today
It's just another ordinary miracle today