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!