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!