All the Better for Love Today...

for Pookie -

A sprinkling of thoughts and memories
                                             of him come naturally
         There are things he left behind
                                             that inevitably flow to me

                  Nigh unto 6 years it has been
                                                   since he moved beyond this plane
                     Our 3 children are living proof
                                                       his handiwork remains

                                      No way I'll ever forget him
                                                                     he's welcome to grace my mind
                                                Strong faith in God was his gift
                                                                                    his legacy, well defined


                                                           I reflect on the music of his song
                                                                                              his work and ministry
                                                                     And I'm all the better for love today
                                                                                                 because he once loved me 

Christmases Past

In loving memory of my father, Don Greathouse 11/12/1934 - 1/7/2015 (RIP)

and the father of my children, R. Lamont Wynn 6/26/1954 - 5/8/2010 (RIP)

I've enjoyed some amazing Christmases - and today, on the eve of my first Christmas without my father; on the eve of the 5th Christmas without my late husband, I'm reminiscing...

Christmas, 2010 - our first Christmas without my late husband, Lamont

My mother, Anna, and me...

Yours, truly!

Christmas, 2008, my Dad, and my uncle Vern in the background

Lamont and me - we only had one more Christmas together...

Ashley and Dad...enjoying the food!

Angela and Dad - enjoying the selfie experience

Jonathan and Dad...so proud of each other

Birthday Blessings!

Just sharing some pictures from my husband's surprise "destination birthday" excursion... and thanking the Lord for His continued protection, mercy, grace and love in Bruce's life!

Selfie collage - first walk on the beach - Ocean City, MD

Boardwalk selfie

Taken by one of the merchants

Shot before sunset at Fager's Island

A toast to a blessed life and another year! Fager's Island - awesome restaurant!

Boston Creme Cake - it was 'ok'! (It was chocolate on top, so it passed!)

Sunrise over the Atlantic ocean - from our balcony

Hilton Ocean View Suites - Ocean City, MD - highly recommend this place!

A beautiful sunset before dinner at Fager's Island

Celebrating What God Has Joined Together!

"...a man shall leave his father and mother and be united with his wife and the two will become one flesh, so they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." Matthew 19: 5-6

Today, I wish to present a wonderful couple I've had the pleasure of knowing since my college days - Drs Roland and Susie Hill. They met at Oakwood College (now Oakwood University), in Huntsville, Alabama, where we attended in the mid-70s. Roland and Susie fell in love, and married in 1975! They raised two wonderful children, a son and daughter, and have ministered, authored books, and encouraged others in the Faith for over 40 years. By God's grace, they continue to work in God's vineyard here on the east coast!

In honor of their amazing 40-year marital journey, I introduce my friends, Roland and Susie Hill, aka "The Docs". They've been celebrating the entire year!

"40 years and counting. We give God praise for showering us with his blessings in our lives. Don't get me wrong, marriage is hard work. But when God is in your marriage, it makes a significant difference in the outcome." - Dr. Susie Hill

A Sweet Note

In a lovely, rare moment, the hubby and I reached out to each other in simultaneous text messages. This is what he said when we realized what had happened...

When All Else Fails

 

My Facebook page has been bringing up memories from years past. Anyone on FB knows what I mean. And as I've been reminded of some the high points I shared years ago, I noticed there were several that were penned by my husband, Bruce.  Yesterday, FB brought back a post of his from December 7, 2012, below. I hope it blesses someone!


When All Else Fails

Situations come about when we don’t know what to say or don’t know what to do. Even after prayer, our mind can go blank and we freeze. This happens in good times, sad times, times of frustration, times of confrontation and times of indecision.

When this happens and our loved one is within reach – a loving hug that lasts as long as necessary will do the trick every time. Much is said in a silent embrace. It is amazing how many ways we can communicate when words are either inadequate or fail to get from our minds and hearts to our lips.

Bruce

Thankful, Thoughtful, Grateful (Hallelujah, anyhow)

This Thanksgiving marks a time my family hasn't seen before. This year, in the span of nine months, three family members passed away - my father, my uncle (my mother's older brother), and that same uncle's son, my cousin. The loss has moved and stirred each of us - and we feel shaken, sometimes to the point that our very knees buckle. But we have not fallen. We are still standing.

This morning, after putting the finishing touches on the meal we will have later today, I came upstairs to reflect on all the friends and loved ones who have passed on and perhaps write, alone. My husband, whose dear cousin passed 13 days ago and was buried this past Monday, joined me a few minutes later and blessed me with these words:

"Yes, this is a tough Thanksgiving. Our loved ones have gone. But I came up here to tell you that I am thankful. We still have so much to be thankful for. And we should thank the Lord for His blessings."

Then he took my hands in his, and prayed a prayer of gratitude and thankfulness for mercy and forgiveness, for the protection and favor God has granted our children, and for continued strength to "reflect Your love to everyone in our path for as long as You see fit, Lord."

In Jesus' name, Amen.

PSA - When A Man Loves A Woman

Being about the business of making sure you're ready when he comes for you, should be the focus.

The Source of Inspiration - In Conclusion

Boaz Ministries

As husbands and wives continue to learn and practice the many ways to inspire one another, please remember:

Couples who are intentional in growing their love relationship with the Lord, actively seeking His guidance daily - will send the clear message to outsiders - SLOW YOUR ROLL, GOD'S IN CONTROL!

God's hedge of protection surrounding your marriage will check all foolishness that will try to come against you to drive you apart. Let us be mindful of the signs we have posted through our behavior.

Let it be known that the Lord is the Source and Light that inspires and sustains our unions.

How Can I Inspire Thee? There are at Least 1000 Ways! Husbands to Wives, part 10a

Boaz Ministries

1. Be sympathetic when your wife is sick - and help her however you can.
2. Express your love and appreciation for her in a love note which you give to her. Think outside the box...
3. When she asks how your day went, don't just say, "fine" - actually give her details.
4. Establish a safe word or action with your wife that you will use if a discussion/situation begins to spiral out of control....and have 5 minutes of silence.
5. Remember, foreplay begins in the mind, and at best, is ongoing throughout the day - well before the 
 bedroom.

How Can I Inspire Thee? There are at Least 1000 Ways! Husbands to Wives, part 9b

Boaz Ministries

1. Refuse to compare your wife unfavorably with others.
2. Engage in card/board games - hone your skills, together.
3. Write a mission statement together for your marriage and family.
4. Be polite and kind. (Often we are kinder to strangers than we are to our spouse.)
5. Show your wife that you prefer her to others- give her your attention whenever possible.

Staying Fit "two-gether"

My journey to healthful living started about 6 years ago, in earnest. I was in my early 50s, and for years I'd been struggling with a nagging 20 pounds that I needed to shed.

I had many fits and starts, but it was when my doctor informed me that  my blood pressure was registering too high, and I was in danger of hypertension (something I already knew from my paternal side) - that I became committed. It was going to require a change of mind all around- I had to eat right, exercise vigorously, and get proper rest.

Thankfully, I had encouragement and support from my family then, and now. Last year, Bruce and I began juicing with the popular Jack LaLanne juicer. We shared part of our journey with others via our ministry and blog. It was so successful, we both lost over10 pounds and several inches each, on "just juice", in 7 days!

I am sharing today because we've been featuring ways husbands and wives can inspire each other in their marriages.  And for the past several weeks, the focus has been "husbands to wives", a 10-part series.  The tips were compiled from husbands; from what they've learned and what is working in their marriages. And some of the most recent tips come straight from our own experiences as a couple.

When I told my husband of my plans to join a women's running group... he began doing things to facilitate my new lifestyle. From my Nike tennis shoes, to my workout pants, to my workout bag - Bruce outfitted me! There was no turning back, and no excuse!  During the spring and summer seasons, we power-walked together. When I became concerned about continuing my pavement work during the coming winter months - he signed us up at the gym!

I go most mornings because of my commitment to myself and my family! I want to be healthy for my future grandchildren. I see that becoming 60 is another beautiful decade of blessings to come - and I want to be here to receive them, Lord willing!

We have recently retired the bulky LaLanne juicer and are now enjoying the NutiBullet for our green and fruity smoothies. It is a much quicker process; we can have them daily; it's easier to clean, and we get more of the nutrients in each serving.

By the grace and power of God, and our willingness to be obedient, there is now balance in our life. Thanks to Bruce's commitment to our chosen lifestyle, his unwavering support, and our accountability to one another on this journey - I'm inspired daily to be the best me I can be!

How Can I Inspire Thee? There are at Least 1000 Ways! Husbands to Wives, part 9a

Boaz Ministries

1. Be attentive to your wife's needs; look for ways to bless her.
2. Ask for a list of 3 things she'd like done in the home. Prioritize to do them ASAP.
3. Be sensitive enough to ask your wife if you offend or hurt her sexually in any way. Listen carefully, and respond accordingly.
4. Initiate or join your wife in a healthful lifestyle. It's so much better keeping fit two-gether!
5. Hold hands in public - like you used to!

How Can I Inspire Thee? There are at Least 1000 Ways! Husbands to Wives, part 8b

Boaz Ministries

1. Allow your wife to express herself freely, without fear of being called illogical or dumb.
2. Fix dinner for her sometimes.
3. Don't ignore the small things that bother your wife; don't let them build into bigger issues.
4. Relax together, show your love and affection without sexual intentions. Intimacy has many beautiful levels with amazing rewards!
5. Surprise your wife by suggesting a marriage seminar or weekend retreat you can attend together.

How Can I Inspire Thee? There are at Least 1000 Ways! Husbands to Wives, part 8a

Boaz Ministries

1. Express to your wife that you need and value her.
2. Relate what happened at work, or whatever you did apart from her.
3. Get up in the middle of the night (let her stay in bed) to take care of your upset child.
4. Keep away from anything that gives you sexual gratification other than your wife.
5. Run errands without complaining.

How Can I Inspire Thee? There are at LEAST 1000 Ways! Husbands to Wives, part 7b

Boaz Ministries 

1. Give your wife your undivided attention when she wants to talk.
2. Surprise her from time to time with a card and flowers, or a little gift.
3. Don't tease or belittle her and say, "I was joking", when she doesn't find it funny.
4.Pray for your wife every day, and make it a point to pray with her when she is troubled.
5. Sit close to her, even when you are just watching TV.

How Can I Inspire Thee? There are at LEAST 1000 Ways! Husbands to Wives, part 7a

Boaz Ministries 

1. Communicate with your wife, instead of AT her; don't shut her out emotionally.
2. Surprise her by doing something you think (or know) she would want done before she asks.
3. Let go of the small stuff. We all have annoying habits and preferences that are different from our spouse's.
4. Plan a mini-honeymoon, where the two of you can spend quality time together.
5. Exhibit humility, admit your mistakes and ask forgiveness. She'll appreciate that!

How Can I Inspire Thee? There are at LEAST 1000 Ways! Husbands to Wives, part 6b

Boaz Ministries
1. Do something active with your wife to lift her spirit - even taking a walk hand in hand.
2. Put your arms around her when she needs comfort, holding her silently.
3. Try not to make sudden changes without discussing them with her first.
4. Make the time to set specific goals with your wife to achieve together each year.
5.Take your wife out to breakfast, or make breakfast, or serve her breakfast in bed. Be creative (Remember to clean up afterward).

How Can I Inspire Thee? There are at LEAST 1000 Ways! Husbands to Wives, part 6a

Boaz Ministries

During "half-time," we received great feedback and wonderful tips from husbands and wives that will be incorporated in future posts. Thank you for sharing, and thank you for your encouragement. Boaz Ministries will present 5 of these great ideas, twice per week. We hope and pray you will try some of them, and even create your own ways to inspire your mate. Most of all, ENJOY!

Get Ready for the Second Half!

Boaz Ministries

Our "How Can I Inspire Thee?" series will return with the second half the first week in October. Hope you've been doing your homework! Stay tuned!

B & B Edwards

Half Time - Review and Reflection!

Boaz Ministries

First, we thank everyone for reading, sharing, and responding so favorably to this series. Our goal is to provide the tips/tools that can help relationships - straight from men who have discovered the path to joy.

At this time, we'll pause at the half point to allow couples to take a moment to digest the first 50, and hopefully, apply and/or modify these morsels to fit your flow. In the next half, we will also include some suggestions that work here at Boaz! We invite you to dialogue with us.

In the meantime, take some time to review, reflect, and re/ignite!

B & B Edwards

How Can I Inspire Thee? There are at LEAST 1000 Ways! Husbands to Wives, part 5 of 10

Boaz Ministries

1. Be careful to choose your words wisely, especially when angry.
2. Show affection for your wife in front of friends.
3. Make sure your children speak to her and treat her in respectful ways.
4. Make a point of honoring anniversaries, birthdays, and other special occasions.
5. Make sure she has money to spend any way she would choose.
6. Don't focus on the physical features of another woman - it dishonors your wife.
7. Share the responsibilities around the house - without looking for special recognition.
8. Call, email or text your wife when you're apart -so she knows you are thinking of her.
9. Don't criticize her in front of others - keeping her dignity in tact.
10. Let her sleep in sometimes, and you get the children ready for the day.

How Can I Inspire Thee? There are at LEAST 1000 Ways! Husbands to Wives, part 4 of 10

 Boaz Ministries 

1. View and treat your wife as if God put a sign over her that said, “Make me feel special.”
2. Don’t negatively compare her relatives with yours.
3. Do not make plans without her agreeing with them (unless it’s a surprise).
4. Pro-actively do things that make your wife feel cherished as a woman and as a wife.
5. Guard your tongue from saying “unwholesome words” or down-grading her.
6. Encourage her to relax in some way while you clean up after dinner.
7. Show interest in her friends, and, if they are trustworthy, encourage and support her when she plans to spend time with them.
8. Be enthusiastic about the things that she’s excited about—let your actions show it.
9. Consider her as your marital partner in how you spend money.
10. You dated your wife before marriage, date her now - keep it FRESH!

How Can I Inspire Thee? There are at LEAST 1000 Ways! Husbands to Wives, part 3 of 10

Boaz Ministries

1. Thank God for your wife by name when the two of you are praying together.
2. Try not to argue over money. Peacefully discuss future expenditures instead.
3. Be helpful, both before and during the time you have visitors in your home. (If you’re not sure of what to do, ask your wife “What can I do that would help the most?”)
4. Remember to tell her or call her as soon as you know you are going to be late.
5. Be an involved partner in helping with the children and spending time together.
6. Don't belittle her intelligence.
7. Give her the love gift of being thoughtful and considerate to her relatives.
8. Find out what her sexual needs are (and then try to fulfill them).
9. Put effort into keeping yourself in good shape so she’s especially proud to be with you.
10. Go shopping with her and don’t sigh or look at what time it is even once.

How Can I Inspire Thee? There are at LEAST 1000 Ways! Husbands to Wives, part 2 of 10

Boaz Ministries

1. Be supportive, help your wife finish her education and goals that are important to her.
2. Honor her and be verbally supportive in front of the children.
3. Keep her trust at all cost. Leave no gray area when it comes to other female relationships, money or your word (Dave Ramsey).
4. Ask her, and then listen to what makes her fearful and insecure (without judging).
5. Pray about and then act upon what you can do to alleviate those fears.
6. Take time to touch every day, even if it's only for a minute or two.
7. Scratch her back, or rub her feet, or her neck, give her a massage, whatever she'd prefer.
8. Do not embarrass your wife by arguing with her in front of others.
9. Defend her to others - especially to your family.
10. Surprise her with a 15 second kiss - with no expectation to go further!

to be continued...

How Can I Inspire Thee? There are at LEAST 1000 Ways! Husbands to Wives, part 1 of 10

Boaz Ministries
 
1. Lead your family in their spiritual relationship with God. This is important to your wife.
2. Start and/or end each day holding hands in prayer with your wife.
3. Compliment her on the giftedness you see in her. Be specific.
4. Allow your wife to teach you things without being defensive.
5. When you feel you must correct her, do so with gentleness. Speak the truth with LOVE.
6. Find something that makes you laugh together.
7. Give her grace when she offends you, and forgive(as you want to be forgiven).
8. Be a good listener. Show your wife you value what she says.
9. Brag about her to others, both in front of her and when she is not with you.
10. Maintain good grooming habits so you look and smell good. It shows you care.

...to be continued, amen!

How Can I Inspire Thee? There are at LEAST 1000 Ways! Husbands to Wives

Boaz Ministries

There is a body of exhaustive, comprehensive material out there that any couple dedicated to strengthening their relationship can access. In our research, we had to narrow the "Ways to Inspire" list down to 100 - husbands to wives. Bear in mind, these suggestions came from men who found success and are experiencing sustained joy, peace and increasing love in their marriages/relationships.

One husband stated that he created a list, presented it to his wife, and asked her to check all of the activities/actions that were most important to her; and the love games began. Wise man. The key: LOVE your woman (and your man), the way s/he needs to be loved/appreciated (Remember, "The 5 Love Languages" by Gary D. Chapman). Again, these are just suggestions - you may have your own that are working well - we'd love for you to share!

Coming with the first 10 tomorrow...stay tuned!

B & B Edwards

How Can I Inspire Thee? Here are Just a Few Ways... Wives to Husbands, Part 2 - finale

Boaz Ministries

As we were looking over the list of practices these real wives have shared, narrowing it to 50 wasn't easy. All of the suggestions were awesome, and quite frankly, there are some that I (Bridget) found eye-opening, and beneficial!

We hope these will be a blessing to you and yours! And, of course, there will be a Husbands to Wives list in the coming days - so, stay tuned!
 

*Ask him how you can pray for him at work. Later on in the week, get an update from him on what you’ve prayed for.

 *Be proactive about doing something together that he really enjoys. Make a date, get him excited, and share his enthusiasm!

*Ask, “If I could do one thing that would really empower you and inspire you, what would it be?” Then listen, resist being defensive (the hard part), and follow through.

*Remind him of specific times when he’s made an impact on other people’s lives.

*Buy him something small to stoke the fires: A journal for a writer, some carpentry pencils for a woodworker, some grilling tools for the master chef. Add a sweet note: “Just because I love the way you’re made.”

*Think about a way you’ve been hurting him or annoying him. Or there may be ways you’re not “seeing” him—not stepping into his world to understand what it’s like to be him, with all of the things he cares about. Apologize, and work hard at showing true change.

*Find a mutually enjoyable activity you like doing together on a regular basis, even if it’s as simple as playing the Wii together after the kids are in bed.

*What’s difficult about his life right now? Pray for his endurance, and encourage him specifically. Galatians 6:9 is a great start for both. Think, What can I do to ease the load he’s carrying?

*Send a snail-mail love note to him at the office, affirming him in
his work.

*In his area of weakness, pray about how to subtly, gently step in and help him.

*Tell him what a great dad he is. Be specific.

*If and when he messes up, respond with the kind of grace, compassion, and mercy that God gives you. Respond in a way that communicates, You’re safe with me—and I’m not going to rehash your failures. This is a secure place for you to grow … and I love the journey with you.

To be continued...

How Can I Inspire Thee? Here are Just a Few Ways... Wives to Husbands, Part 1

 Boaz Ministries

A wife has the unique ability to help her husband to feel the freedom to reach his fullest potential as the man God created him to be. As we’ve interacted with couples in small groups, couple-to-couple, and one-on-one, we’ve been able to compile helpful lists of practical ways spouses may bless and inspire one another. Below are just a few of the 50 practical tips that wives say they are using, with success! We are sure you have some great suggestions of your own, and we welcome the sharing!

*Discover his “love language,” and become fluent in it.

*Be a student of your husband. Does he feel inspired if he has all his ducks in a row? If he has a creative space to think? If he feels verbally affirmed?

*Consistently mention ways you see him growing to be more like Christ.

*Initiate great sex.

*Ban yourself from nagging, which is the Great Life-Sucker.

*Ask God to open your eyes to the ways He has made your husband unique, and to give you wisdom about how to maximize that workmanship.

*Pray about and pursue at least one dream of your own, talking with him about it. An inspired wife breeds inspiration.

*Give him a book or audio CD to learn about something he loves doing.

*Make sure he feels respected by you.

*Ask him about some dreams he has—and pray about them together, evaluating them. Then ask how you can help him go after them.

*Text him on a stressful day. Example: “REMINDER: I BELIEVE IN U.”

To be continued...

B & B Edwards

Love Covers A Multitude of Sins

Boaz Ministries 

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1Peter 4:8

My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20

For the past few weeks, we’ve been talking about “covering” as it relates to marriage-minded and married couples. And in that context, traditionally, we understand that the husband is the head of the household, under the Headship of Christ.

God has called all of us, as believers, to cover one another in love. Covering in love is both an action (1 Peter 4:8) in which we are to show deep, sincere (divine) love; and it is the result - the restoration of another, who would otherwise be overtaken by the enemy (James 5:20).

That there may be no misunderstanding, “covering” someone does not mean that we are to “overlook” the wrongdoing as if it is not a sin. By the power of God’s Spirit, genuine charity will cause us to reach out to individuals with loving admonition and forgiveness, that they may be restored.

If we engage in this kind of love with one another, we can experience the ultimate protection. We are covered!

A Wife's Blessing - part 2 The Covering, The Umbrella, The Shield

Boaz Ministries

The man who finds a wife finds a good thing; she is a blessing to him from the Lord. (Proverbs 18:22 The Living Bible)

It is no secret that in blessing others, we are, indeed, blessed. The husband who has knowledge and understanding of Proverbs 18:22, will be wise in the acknowledgement of his gift, his blessing; his wife. And the blessings flow from husband to wife to husband, to wife, over and over. Here are some "things husbands love about their wives," shared by godly men who draw strength, encouragement, and limitless love supplies from their wives without shame or reservation:

* A wife's forgiveness. A husband can "see" the love when he
has been forgiven.
* A wife's respect. However it is defined, a man truly appreciates
when his wife honors him.
* A wife's courtesy. Husbands cherish a wife who sincerely
laces her requests with kindness, not rude demands.
* A wife's openness. A husband would rather know what's on his
wife's mind than be expected to guess.
* A wife's unselfishness. Share your love with your husband, you
will get the best of his in return.
* A wife's patience. Husbands lead, but they do take missteps
along the way. A husband's love grows deeper knowing his
wife is longsuffering and has his back.
* A wife's praise and worship. Godly husbands enjoy witnessing
their wives in worship, whether she is in private or engaged in
corporate praise.

Men are often thought to be singular in our approach and love for women. But the man committed to marriage knows that his love is about far more than the physical. The real, lasting love we have for our wives comes from her character and who she is on the inside (1 Peter 3:1-6).

A Wife's Blessing - part 1 The Covering, The Umbrella, The Shield

Boaz Ministries

You husbands must love your wives with the same love Christ showed the church. He gave up his life for her … (Eph. 5:25 NLT)

The following are words of commitment written by a husband to his wife. As part of his display of devotion, this husband gave his wife a symbol of his protection, a pendant in the form of a shield.


I WANT TO TRULY ENJOY YOU, as God intended it, in our years “together,” defined as living “as one” at the deepest soul level. Let’s truly live – together. Let’s serve well and love well – together. Let’s seek to know, love and glorify God – together. Let’s relentlessly search for God’s plan for our lives and be obedient to his direction – together. Let’s have fun and laugh and cry – together. Let’s finish well no matter what God asks of us – together. And through heaven’s eyes let’s look back on our lives with no regrets – together.
* I am passionate about you! I cherish you! I love you!
* You are lovely and beautiful – both inside and out!
* And I will forever be grateful that God brought us together. 

Resource:
http://www.bandofbrothers.org/living-with-your-wife

Intimacy Umbrella Under Your Husband, continued

Boaz Ministries


Condition: If you're truly submitted to your husband, (not just in what you choose to be) as unto the Lord...
Blessing: You will be rewarded and blessed! Col 3:18, 23-24

Condition: If you do not sexually defraud/ deny your husband and make love frequently...
Blessing: Sexual temptations will not come to you! 1 Cor 7:2-5

Condition: If you passionately rejoice sexually with your husband and allow him to delight in your breasts...
Blessing: Your husband will not go searching for other women, nor will he be tempted by them! Pr 5:15-19

Condition: If you respond sexually to him enthusiastically and don't make excuses to avoid lovemaking
Blessing: Your husband will not withdraw from you either physically or emotionally! Song of Solomon 4

Intimacy Umbrella Under Your Husband

Boaz Ministries

When we accept someone into our life, one who has demonstrated that they have our best interests at heart; we know we are loved. God’s standard provides for each partner to enjoy the blessings of marriage. In the coming weeks, we will explore some ways husbands and wives may bless each other, based on Godly love, respect and patience. For wives, the following “conditions” represent the spiritual environments in which the “blessings” may flourish.

 

Condition: If you forgive your husband daily and don't go to sleep with offenses, hurts, anger or bitterness.
Blessing: The devil will not gain an entrance to harass you!
Eph 4:26

Condition: If you honor and reverence him by accepting his leadership and responding to his spiritual guidance and correction.
Blessing: Your husband will be encouraged to lead and nurture you in your spiritual growth and intimacy with our Lord! He will want to be a godly example for you to imitate! Eph 5:22-33

Condition: If you leave your parents and unite yourself sexually to your husband.
Blessing: You will be one flesh with him (togetherness as best friends and lovers), and have a fulfilled and intimate marriage! Gen 2:24

The Intimacy Umbrella - "Covering" Continued...

Boaz Ministries

In April, we introduced the prayer series on Covering Wives in Prayer, which we shared on Boaz for a few weeks. To recap, we discussed the metaphor of "covering" as it relates to the spiritual relationship between husbands and wives (1 Corinthians 11:3-15; Ephesians 5:22-24). We provided prayers with Scripture that can help husbands intercede for their wives; intentional prayers specific to the area(s) of need and concern. Spiritual covering is singular and special because it is also an intimate relationship, which cannot be shared with any other individual. Covering is protection, like an umbrella. And husbands are also covered in prayer by their praying wives. Throughout our ministry we have shared resources that are meant to stimulate conversations - between husbands and wives, between each partner and God, and between the couple corporately, and God.

Along with the benefits of prayerful covering come the full blessings of enhanced intimacy between loving spouses. Wives, we will bring more good and exciting things as we explore what God designed for us under the "Intimacy Umbrella." And we will give equal time to the husbands!