Unanswered Prayers

Do you ever wonder why it is that some of our prayers feel like they go unanswered? I do. I ponder this question frequently. I know how God works, I know that he uses certain situations to build character, show us true meanings in our lives, and teach us things. Maybe in my particular situation he is teaching me patience, stamina, and endurance. Either way, I know that I have to continue to be positive and look on the bright side of things.

So............maybe it's time to re-evaluate what my plan was and what God's plan for my life might be. What's the song "Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers?"

not me mondays

Ever feel like you are completely and utterly useless? For whatever reason, I have been extra un-productive for that last week. It was not me who worked all weekend and kept dropping hints about how messy the house was, you know in hopes that a certain someone would take the bait. And little did I know, he did! It's funny the communication that happens between husband and wife, and I don't feel one bit guilty about it. HA!

It was not me who indulged in a Heath blizzard Saturday night, after eating horribly all day simply because I was craving something sweet. Dave tried a new favor they have and it was delicious!! I had to talk myself out of going back the next day for another.

And it was not me who laid out specifically what it was I want for my birthday to the hubby. That would be just plain rude! Or would it? Although, Dave has a "big" surprise for me Saturday night and it certainly was not me who played 20 questions trying to figure out what the plans are.

Proverbs 31 Daily Devotional

Words of Life or Death
30 Apr 2010
Melanie Chitwood

"The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences." Proverbs 18:21 (NLT)

I often hear my husband Scott say something to my sons that brings a smile to my face. "Have you told your mom you love her today? Don't ever forget you have the best mom in the world." When I hear him praise me to our sons, I feel encouraged and appreciated. From my husband's example, I've learned to be careful about the words I say not only to my husband but also about my husband.

Today's key verse tells us our words can bring "death or life." In our marriages, this means our words can either tear down our spouses or build them up. I've been noticing lately whether I'm more likely to say words such as, "I'm married to the greatest man," or words like, "I to ld you so," or "You don't even try to understand me."

What about you and your words to your husband? When you speak to your husband, do you fill him up with praise, or make him feel like he's not measuring up?

Let's also consider the words we say about our husbands to others. What kind of things do you say about your husband to your children? Your best friend? Your sister or mother?

I tend to be a "venter" when I am angry or frustrated with my husband. Sometimes I turn to others because I'm seeking validation for my angry feelings. Often I vent when I haven't taken the time first to deal with the situation with God. I'm learning that if I go to the Lord first in prayer, pouring out my heart to Him, He changes my heart and brings me to a place of repentance and calmness. Then I'm able to let go of my anger and move on, or talk to my husband about it in a loving manner.

Scripture gives plenty of evidence that God's words have the power of life. In Genesis w e're told God created every inch of the world with His spoken words. John 1:1 tells us that Jesus is the Word. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus heals countless people with the power of His words. In a similar manner, our words have accomplishing power. God wants our words to bring life to our marriages. We can choose what we will sow—words of life or words of death—and we will reap the consequences many times over.

Use today's application steps to fill up your husband with words of life.

Dear Lord, let my words to my spouse and about my spouse draw us closer to one another. Teach me to communicate in ways that build my husband up instead of tearing him down. If pride, stubbornness, selfishness, or any other sin is preventing me from speaking words of life in our marriage, Lord, I confess that right now. Make me aware of any words of death I've spoken in our marriage. And as the Holy Spirit brings those to my mind, help me confess and turn from them, es pecially any words of divorce. Break any curse on our marriage from hurtful, angry, or destructive words. Guided by Your wisdom and love, may our words to and about one another build a protective wall around our marriage. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Politics and Horses

While I was at a very early work meeting, Dave and his friend Pat went fishing (shocker)! Although, this trip was very successful. He caught a four pound-er and Pat had some luck too. I'm beginning to see a trend with the two of them, they always seem to catch something when they are together.

Heard of this guy? Well, I had the opportunity to hear him speak at a "Meet and Greet" Friday afternoon. I love politics. I like the debate with politics, I enjoy listening to what politicians "want" to say but aren't able too, and I very much enjoy hearing other people's point of view on different political topics. Don't worry, I'm not planning on sharing my political view or what party I "belong" or lean towards. I will say, it's always interesting to do your homework on both candidates for whatever position they are seeking to make sure you know where each stand. Now, if I could just find someone who knows Rick Perry so I can say I have personally heard both candidates speak I would be set.

Friday night Dave and I headed over to Lone Star Park for some country music and horse racing. I'm sad to say we did not become millionaires during our visit. On the contrary, I think Dave and I need a little help with picking the winning horse. It was a bust, but we did have a great time with some of Dave's work friends.

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend so far! I am enjoying a quite, lazy evening at home consisting of a little tv and relaxation. As I type this I hear Buddy snoring away in Dave's lap, are we pathetic or what?!

Friday Five

1. I'm exhausted and mentally drained. I am also extremely ready to get rid of this congestion which decided to invade my body about a week ago and for whatever reason loves me! Back to a normal life of minimum nose blowing and less medicine would be divine.

2. Anyone watch Modern Family this week? What about the Office or Parks and Recreation? Love them all, especially when they are new. I mean, who actually expects new episodes in spring time?

3. My house is beyond dirty and in dire need of some cleaning. I'm debating on hiring a girl from work (who loves to clean) and has everything needed to clean it from top to bottom. Although, I'm unsure how I feel about a co-worker seeing my house dirty. Isn't it funny how you talk to someone who does have a maid and they share with you the need to clean before their maid comes? That would be me too.

4. My birthday is in one week exactly. Nice. Although, it means I'll only be two years away from thirty. Boo!

5. My mom made reference when she came to hang out last weekend that Buddy was getting a little chunky. Dave and I swore up and down it was because he needed to get groomed; he was a little shaggy. Well, I'm sad to report that after picking him up from the groomers yesterday I saw what was the reality of my precious little doggy. Buddy is overweight and will be going on a diet. Geez. Poor dogs, first you are forced to eat nasty dog food and then your owners don't even give you enough to satisfy the hunger. Ah well. Better him than me!

Not Me Mondays

It was not me who was getting ready this morning, watching the news, and began yelling at the news anchor about the story they were reporting. My poor Shih Tzu was terrified at 7am this morning. While he was probably dreaming of running through a beautiful green field, his peaceful dream was interrupted due to his mama who thought yelling at the TV would change what they were saying. I would never yell at the TV. Especially when I'm alone. Getting ready. With no one else around to discuss the issue. Not me.

Who owns a lab and hasn't vacuumed in over a week and a half? Not me. I would never, ever wait that long to vacuum a house with a 100 pound dog that sheds. Ew.

After a long talk about "getting healthy" with her husband, it was not me who opted to have a bowl of ice cream last night and blamed it on her throat hurting. A good wife always encourages her husband to make smart food choices, not encourage ice cream for dessert (especially after eating tacos for dinner). Poor Dave. His lack of self control to say no when it comes to sweets sure does give me the advantage to swoop right in and mess things all up. But my throat was hurting yesterday, and it still does today. I'm hoping it gets better. I have a busy week and not feeling great isn't helping.

Go here to read all the "Not Me Moments"

Weekend Wrap Up

Where do the weekends go?! They just fly right by and before you know it, it's Sunday night. Without LIFE to watch might I add. Boo. But this weekend was wonderful.

Friday we went to see my nephew Braiden play baseball. Which the weather was absolutely beautiful that night so it was super. He is a natural and the team is extremely talented for a bunch of six year olds. Although I will say, I believe I came down with a bug that my niece shared with us because I have felt like doo doo all day. Yucky!

Saturday my mom came over and we went to this place to have lunch and did a little shopping!We walked all over the square and had a great afternoon visiting some cool clothing stores and boutiques. We also went to our city's Spring Fling, although didn't really find a whole lot worthy of our dollars. But it was another beautiful day so it didn't really bother me spending sometime outdoors. After Dave's friend Pat came over and they headed to the lake. I had a nice little nap, along with some study time, and then enjoyed a nice dinner! It was off to bed after that!!

So now it's Sunday night and I'm dreading getting ready for this week. It's going to be busy one!