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Tuesday, October 2, 2012
My apologies
for the confusion over the two Day 1 posts. There were several problems. First of
all the posts for husbands and wives went out in one email under the subject of
the husband’s challenge. Then I further complicated matters by several cut and
paste errors where I neglected to change “husband” to “wife” in the husband’s
post.
If you were
confused, you weren’t alone. Thanks for your patience.
For the
remaining twelve days of the challenge, in order to simplify things, I’m going
to write a single daily post with clearly
marked separate sections for wives and husbands. Simply read and do the section
that applies to you.
Day 2 for Wives
Celebrate Your Husband
Celebrate Your Husband
Every
marriage has struggles and challenges. Yours is no exception.
You have the
power to make your marriage different from other marriages by where you choose
to place your focus. Our human nature has us focus on the things that are wrong, the things we lack, or the things we wish were different. The truth is that whatever
you choose to focus on grows. Today I’m challenging you to think differently
from the norm - to change your focus.
Right now and
throughout the day today I want you to come up with a little list of things you
can celebrate about your husband as he is today. Don’t try to make it a long list, but make
it meaningful – maybe 5-7 things that
you can sincerely celebrate every day. Don’t just think it, write it down
somewhere: on your phone, on a note in
your purse, or on your computer. Keep it handy. Remind yourself often.
Your challenge today is to communicate one item from your celebration list to your husband without stating it explicitly. You are to communicate it with actions not words.
For
example, if you really like your husband’s backside, give him a good squeeze
the next few times he walks by and the next time you kiss. No need to expound or explain
unless he asks.
If
your celebration list includes his sense of humor, send him a link to a funny
video, buy him a humorous card, or rent a DVD you know he thinks is funny and
watch it together.
I
only offer these as examples, but hopefully you get the idea. You will have to
work from your own celebration list, and of course some of them will be easier to
act out than others. You will have to be
creative to find a way to express your admiration without words. Be bold and
think outside the box. However you decide to do it, do it today!
"How can I pray for you today?"
Be sure to actually pray for him!
Day 2 for Husbands
Celebrate Your Wife
You have the
power make your marriage different from other marriages by where you choose to
place your focus. Our human nature has us focus on the things that are wrong, the things we lack, or the things we wish were different. The truth is that whatever
you choose to focus on grows. Today I’m challenging you to think differently
from the norm - to change your focus.
Right now and
throughout the day today I want you to come up with a little list of things you
can celebrate about your wife as she is today.
Don’t try to make it a long list, but make it meaningful – maybe 5-7 things that you can sincerely celebrate
every day. Don’t just think it, write it down somewhere: on your phone, on a note in your wallet, or on your computer. Keep it handy. Remind yourself often.
Your
challenge today is to communicate one item from your celebration list to your wife without stating it
explicitly. You are to communicate it with actions not words.
For
example, if you really like the way your wife kisses, give her an extraordinary
kiss out of the blue. At a time you can catch her a little off guard, give her a
stirring ten or fifteen second kiss. After it’s over, pull back, look her in
the eyes, and say “Thanks” or “I needed that.” Then walk away without further
comment.
If
your celebration list includes her cooking, give her extra appreciation for
tonight’s meal. And offer to do the dishes.
If
you appreciate her love of music, make her a special playlist for her ipod of
songs that remind you of her or that you know are her favorites. Buy her
tickets to an upcoming concert.
I
only offer these as examples, but hopefully you get the idea. You will have to
work from your own celebration list, and of course some of them will be easier
to act out than others. You will have to
be creative to find a way to express your admiration without words. Be bold and
think outside the box. However you decide to do it, do it today!
"How can I
pray for you today?"
Be sure to actually pray for her!
Let us hear how you are doing with the Intimacy Challenge! Don’t forget to drop by Journey to Surrender and leave a comment. You can also leave a note on our Facebook page. Or if you prefer, send me a note by email. Thanks!!
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4 comments:
Thanks for this!!! This is right on time:-))
What a great idea! I continually try to remind myself of my husband's good traits, especially when I'm feeling critical or negative. It's always a wonderful blessing to celebrate him. I really like the idea of trying to communicate this celebration without actually telling him. Clever and challenging!
As always, awesome ideas, Scott! Will do!
Excellent! "Our human nature has us focus on the things that are wrong, the things we lack, or the things we wish were different."
That is so true! I know that and yet I still fall into the same pattern! It is so difficult to remain in thankfulness.
Yet, as you say what you choose to focus on grows. So today ill choose to be focused on being thankfully and recognizing where i am blessed.
Thank you Scott!
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