30 Day Pray for your Spouse Challenge

I wish I had thought about posting this earlier in the week, but better late than never!

A couple of years ago, my campus pastor's wife gave me a couple of sheets of paper. We were in the middle of a group marriage study, but she told me these pieces of paper were full of ways I could pray of my husband for 30 days.

I remember thinking initially "well, I'm already praying for him." But as I read through each daily prayer topic in private later, I realized how much more specifically I could be praying for my partner.

I embarked on a 30 day prayer journey, without telling my husband.

I lifted him up daily to the Father.

Praying over him with great intentionality.

And God answered.

Not overnight.

But over the course of these past two years, it's been amazing to see such progress in each & every topic unfold in the (spiritual) life of my precious husband.

I'm ready to do it again.

But not alone.

I'd like to partner with other sisters in Christ.

Remember - There is SO much power in prayer!!

Through prayer, we give thanks, ask for forgiveness & even seek protection for our spouse/marriages.

There is an evil one in our world - the devil - who the bible reminds us wants to steal, kill & destroy.

BUT, God intends our marriages to THRIVE.

And to reflect the gracious, selfless, sacrificial relationship between Christ & the church.

How BEAUTIFUL that is <3 span="">

So let's commit to daily, intentional prayer this month.

We started on Thursday, March 15th, but you can absolutely join us now.

Simply add me as a friend on Facebook HERE & send me a message to join the 30 day prayer challenge!

 I'm so excited to hear how God is going to work!!

Our Big News: We're #GhoensToGuam

You as shocked as we are?!

You read that right.. come fall of this year, we're #GhoensToGUAM

You know that verse in the bible about God being in control..

oh wait, that's ALL of it. HA

More specifically, in Proverbs 16:9 we're reminded that we make plans in our hearts, but GOD directs our steps.

So let's talk about that a bit..

Last year, we made the decision to choose California as our next military assignment. We even downsized both cars because of how "certain" we were at one time that we'd go there next.

We thought, "what a new adventure for our family."

"Yeah, it'll be different going ALL the way to the west coast (HA),

but we can do it!!"

Little did we know, that mental & heart shift was preparing us for a bigger one down the road.

This week, the needs of the Navy changed our plans.

But God wasn't surprised by that at all.

We knew that technically an overseas option might present itself.

But we were told that chances weren't too terribly high.

So we put it on the mental back burner & kept on with our "plans."

I did, however, text a couple of my friends for some wisdom.

..and a little out of POSSIBLE panic.

Being totally honest, I was hoping they'd even send up a selfish prayer or two for us to be out of the "running" for one of those overseas spots.

My sweet friends Jessica & Malerie reminded me that no matter WHERE we would go, to be confident that God has already gone before us & hand picked our next home. That He is already setting up our friends & community for us. "Supernatural comfort" was even prayed over us.

I'm in tears typing this because.. praise Jesus for sweet friendships!! Love you two!

Mean while, God kept putting other things before me..

Even reading Facebook posts from friends about similar testimonies.

My sweet friend Lindsey wrote about their family's recent transition & how CLEAR it is to her know that He intentionally provided so much for them RIGHT where they are.

I would read things like that & hope that God was just reminding me of His character - but not for the underlying specific reason I began to feel in my spirit that it was for.

This Monday I woke up just KNOWING something different..

Nate was supposed to contact the detailer & chat about our next home.

We were honestly open to anything stateside - in Virginia or California.

And I NEEDED it to be one of those.

The fearful part of me did..

But Nate came home from work, we laid Reagan down for a late nap & sat at the (card) table to eat.

Before I could take the first bite, he said the words..

"I called the detailer today. And we're going to Guam."

It was the weirdest combination of shock of watching the words come out of his mouth that I had hoped he would't say, but also a complete lack of surprise because something in my gut (HELLO, Holy Spirit) just knew..

 I said ok.

And asked several logistical questions.

I quickly texted my friends who had been praying for us.

Talked a few more minutes with Nate.

Then excused myself.

Closed myself in my closet.

And wept.

I KNOW this is no accident.

I'm CONFIDENT in the provision of God.

I believe He has a PURPOSE for this.

But still, my heart broke a little.

Thinking of the time (moreso than if we were stationed in the US) that we'll be spending apart as a family for the next three years.

Fortunately for me - one of my oldest friends was available to chat.

And she listened..

But then she made me laugh.

She has just the words I needed to hear.

So I got the tears out of my system.

Then I came out & found Nate who was ready to hug me.

I told him with red eyes and a snotty nose that we were going to be just fine.

We'll make it work.

And we'll look back in 10 years & think about the memories we made.

THIS was the adventure our hearts were being prepared for.

This was the place of obedience & surrender that God wanted us to be at.

Now I know.

Yes.

We'll be FAR from family & our dear friends.

Yes.

We'll be separated more from each other.

But even MORE Yes..

God is in control.

He ordained this.

We have been called by the LORD before the US military to Guam.

It will be our home.. our place of work.. our next adventure.. our mission field.

So while I might need some occasional encouragement as we prepare our minds & hearts PLUS start this crazy process of preparing to move across the world - I'm looking FORWARD with anticipation of excitement to come & seeing what God has in store for us.

Friends, we covet your prayers!

Prayers for smooth preparation.

Prayers for travel mercies.

Prayers as we coordinate things for our pets.

Prayers as we find a new home.

Prayers as we separate from Florida.

Prayers for PRECIOUS quality time here before we leave & there after we move.

Prayer for protection.

Prayer for a heart of OBEDIENCE.

Prayer for a spirit of willingness.

Prayer for opportunity to love, serve & minister.

You're part of launching us.

So we thank you in advance.

And for anyone who's "been there, done that."

Feel free to hit me up with all your tips & tricks.

And be sure to follow us on Facebook or IG for the latest on our new adventure!!

The countdown is on..

This Morning's Devotional: A Look at Proverbs 31

Although there are a couple of apps I use in the morning for my daily devotional, She Reads Truth has been a constant for me now this past year or so.

Starting a couple of weeks ago, I began a series called Proverbs: The Way of Wisdom. The study approaches the wisdom found in proverbs topically and prompts application each day to the hearts & lives of the readers.

Each day of this study provides a thematic reading with a series of contemplative questions. I want to share with you my reading for today, which you can find here.

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 A Virtuous Woman

"Proverbs 31 is the most comprehensive description of a godly woman in Scripture. It is also a poem—an acrostic—each line beginning with the next letter in the Hebrew alphabet. The poetic structure adds to the mystery, orderliness, and poetry of the woman being described.

Though not all of the qualities here belong solely to women (Proverbs 31:16, for example), this chapter gives us an ideal personification of virtue—a person “who fears the Lord” (Proverbs 31:30). What are those virtues? Read the passage to see.

Proverbs 31:10-31

10 Who can find a capable wife?

She is far more precious than jewels.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,

and he will not lack anything good.

12 She rewards him with good, not evil,

all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax

and works with willing hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships,

bringing her food from far away.

15 She rises while it is still night

and provides food for her household

and portions for her female servants.

16 She evaluates a field and buys it;

she plants a vineyard with her earnings.

17 She draws on her strength

and reveals that her arms are strong.

18 She sees that her profits are good,

and her lamp never goes out at night.

19 She extends her hands to the spinning staff,

and her hands hold the spindle.

20 Her hands reach out to the poor,

and she extends her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid for her household when it snows,

for all in her household are doubly clothed.

22 She makes her own bed coverings;

her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is known at the city gates,

where he sits among the elders of the land.

24 She makes and sells linen garments;

she delivers belts to the merchants.

25 Strength and honor are her clothing,

and she can laugh at the time to come.

26 She opens her mouth with wisdom

and loving instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the activities of her household

and is never idle.

28 Her sons rise up and call her blessed.

Her husband also praises her:

29 “Many women are capable,

but you surpass them all!”

30 Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting,

but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.

31 Give her the reward of her labor,

and let her works praise her at the city gates.

Ask

Q. This picture of a virtuous woman comes to us from an ancient context. What are some present-day comparisons you could make between the woman in this passage and a godly woman today? 

Q. How is the woman depicted in this passage different from the women our culture tends to prize?

Q. What does this picture of a virtuous woman reveal about what it means to be a virtuous person, whether man or woman? 

Q. If you have a woman like this in your life, how can you tell her before the sun goes down today?"

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I don't know about you, but this was the first time in several months that I took the time to really evaluate the context & content of this passage line by line.

This was how I interpreted these verses.

"She's more precious than jewels" .. I believe this statement speaks of her character rather than her monetary worth. This woman is a great value to have in your life.

"The heart of her husband trusts in her" .. her husband trusts her heart & her intentions.

"She does him good and not harm" .. she honors, respects & edifies her husband.

"She seeks wool & flax" .. she seeks out provision

"She is like the ships of the merchant & brings her food from afar" .. she will travel to find the the necessary, appropriate or best food.

"She rises while it is night and provides/portions food" .. she makes the time, sacrificing even rest at times, to prepare for her family.

"She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard" .. she makes thoughtful/wise decisions and fruitful investments.

"She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong" .. she is physically prepared.

"She perceives her merchandise is profitable and her lamp does not go out at night" .. she labors to produce quality.

"She puts her hands to the distaff and her hands hold the spindle" .. she is skilled and dedicated in her duties.

"She opens her hands to the poor and needy" .. she is kind and charitable.

"She is not afraid of snow for her household is clothed in scarlet" .. she has made the members of her household ready.

"Her clothing is fine linen and purple" .. she takes care & makes an effort in appearance.

"Her husband is known at the gates when he sits among the elders" .. Her husband is wise and respected.

"She makes linen garments and sells them" .. she works her trade.

"Strength and dignity are her clothing, she lights at the time to come" .. strength & dignity both ornate and protect her like clothing. She does not fear the future, but joyfully anticipates it.

"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue" .. there is honorable and uplifting intention in her speech.

"She does not eat the bread of idleness" .. she is not lazy.

"Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband praises her" .. her household appreciates her & recognizes her worth.

"Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised" .. she does these things & even cares for herself not for reasons of vanity, but to honor the Lord.

"Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates" .. Honor her labor and praise her publicly.

I encourage you to read thru this passage also and answer the questions above.

What does a Proverbs 31 woman look like today?

In what ways do we need to ask God to mold us into that type of woman with a heart first for Him and secondly for her husband and household?

I believe that this passage depicts a woman of many talents who is fearfully and wonderfully made.

A woman who is both independent and has a heart for service.

This woman is virtuous, hard working, diligence, wise and caring, but not on her own. Because we ALL fall short as humans/sinners/women.

#CanIGetAnAmen

With HIS grace, help, direction and wisdom though, we are ALL capable of being a Proverbs 31 woman.

And we can all perform our daily duties, roles and responsibilities as an opportunity to present to our Father a pleasing act of worship.