It took me a long time to realize who I needed to be in my marriage. I was often busy trying to fix Jeffrey. Instead, I needed to fix myself. I often saw lots of faults in him and very little in me.
After 18 years I have learned lots of valuable lessons. Here are a handful...
I have to show him respect.
I have to listen to him.
He gives me no reason not to trust him.
It is not beneficial to talk trash about him to friends and family when I don't agree with him.
Going to bed angry is sometimes good.
I have to hold my tongue but also stick up for what I feel is right.
The last sentence is interesting. As my trust, respect, and love for Jeffrey has grown over these years I rarely have concerns about what he is doing for our family. He does what he genuinely feels is best for me so I put full trust in him. If he is wrong, I forgive. We are a team. We work together for the good of us and for the good of our family.
Marriage is not perfect. I am not perfect. He is not perfect. Our kids are not perfect.
In 1998 I saw my marriage as a fairy tale. I had preconceived notions of what love, our home, conversations, sex, finances and the over all relationship should be. Once I let go of all of those, my marriage became more than I ever imagined it could be. The earthly ideas of marriage were replaced by biblical truths about how I should live my life and honor my marriage.
Today, in this season, my life with Jeffrey is pretty amazing. I know as time goes by, the seasons will change. I know that our strong foundation of trust, love and respect for one another will help us face the storms of life.
I am starting a new bible study at the end of the month through Proverbs 31 Ministry. It is about bettering your relationship with your husband. I encourage you to join me on this short study. I know God will use it to better my relationship even more.
Friday, June 10, 2016
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Numbers 3 and 4 - 8,580 Men and No Truck
Have you ever moved?
I have.
Georgia to Rock Hill 1998
Rock Hill to another apartment in Rock Hill 1999
Rock Hill to Columbia 2000
Columbia to our new house 2001
I have not moved in 15 years. The next time I move will be a huge mess. I have a attic full of treasures and closets full of stuff.
I do remember wrapping all of my wedding china and valuables carefully. I wrapped them in the finest newspaper one could find. We didn't allow these things on the moving truck. Jeffrey took them in the car each time we moved. He took special care not to break or damage these items that were really important to me.
I also remember packing the rest of our wares. At the beginning I was careful to sperate items by room and carefully pack each item. By the end of the days of packing I was just throwing stuff in boxes. Have you ever been there?
Another memory I have is when we hired a moving company to move us into our home from the apartment. All of the other times we had moved ourselves. We were big shots now. We hired Two Men and a Truck. I can remember my family taking extra care moving our furniture. I don't feel like we got the same from the moving company.
My family understood the value of the furniture. They knew the importance, the history. The movers did not. They banged and bumped. They were more concerned about the timeline than the items they were moving. They did not take the same care that my family did.
God was very specific in who he chose to move the tent of meeting and all of its contents. There was great detail in how the items were to be wrapped and how they were to be transported.
I really don't ever remember reading very much of Numbers before. I am rejoicing this morning that my God is once again revealed to be a God of meticulous detail.
Lord, thank you for being a God of detail. Thank you for caring so much for even the smallest, most mundane parts of my day. Lord help me to see you throughout today. Help me to share your awesomeness with those I meet. Help me focus on the small details of your word that I may sometimes read over quickly. Thank you for your care of every part of my day and every detail of my life. Amen.
I have.
Georgia to Rock Hill 1998
Rock Hill to another apartment in Rock Hill 1999
Rock Hill to Columbia 2000
Columbia to our new house 2001
I have not moved in 15 years. The next time I move will be a huge mess. I have a attic full of treasures and closets full of stuff.
I do remember wrapping all of my wedding china and valuables carefully. I wrapped them in the finest newspaper one could find. We didn't allow these things on the moving truck. Jeffrey took them in the car each time we moved. He took special care not to break or damage these items that were really important to me.
I also remember packing the rest of our wares. At the beginning I was careful to sperate items by room and carefully pack each item. By the end of the days of packing I was just throwing stuff in boxes. Have you ever been there?
Another memory I have is when we hired a moving company to move us into our home from the apartment. All of the other times we had moved ourselves. We were big shots now. We hired Two Men and a Truck. I can remember my family taking extra care moving our furniture. I don't feel like we got the same from the moving company.
My family understood the value of the furniture. They knew the importance, the history. The movers did not. They banged and bumped. They were more concerned about the timeline than the items they were moving. They did not take the same care that my family did.
God was very specific in who he chose to move the tent of meeting and all of its contents. There was great detail in how the items were to be wrapped and how they were to be transported.
I really don't ever remember reading very much of Numbers before. I am rejoicing this morning that my God is once again revealed to be a God of meticulous detail.
Lord, thank you for being a God of detail. Thank you for caring so much for even the smallest, most mundane parts of my day. Lord help me to see you throughout today. Help me to share your awesomeness with those I meet. Help me focus on the small details of your word that I may sometimes read over quickly. Thank you for your care of every part of my day and every detail of my life. Amen.
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Numbers 2 - God is in every detail.
Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21
God is in every detail in our lives. Just as he was specific in how he ordered the tribes and how they were to march, he has specific work he is doing in us.
Before my faith deepened I use to fear this. Now I find great comfort in it. I am so thankful that my God has it all under control. He orders my steps. He knows what I need. He puts me where I need to be to execute his plan.
I am very thankful that God is a God of order and detail. I can spend time busying myself making plans for my life and for my families life but His truth is that his purpose will prevail. I need only trust in Him.
God is in every detail in our lives. Just as he was specific in how he ordered the tribes and how they were to march, he has specific work he is doing in us.
Before my faith deepened I use to fear this. Now I find great comfort in it. I am so thankful that my God has it all under control. He orders my steps. He knows what I need. He puts me where I need to be to execute his plan.
I am very thankful that God is a God of order and detail. I can spend time busying myself making plans for my life and for my families life but His truth is that his purpose will prevail. I need only trust in Him.
Monday, June 6, 2016
Numbers 1 - Faithfulness
This morning I rolled out of bed, put on my swimsuit and went out to get my towel off of the balcony and guess what? It was pouring down rain.
I had so much faith that I would be at the beach, in my chair, watching the sunrise.
It was a great segue into what I would be studying in Numbers this morning. So many times I put my faith in me, not what God has planned. Even with something as little as the rainy first morning at the beach. I was so sure that what I had planned was going to be.
In this first chapter we see that a census was taken of all of the men in Israel, except for the tribe of Levi. They were set apart. They were chosen to move the temple and take care of all aspects of it due to their faithfulness.
We also see the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. The tribe of Judah was the largest. Judah the 4th son of Jacob. Jacob the soon of Issac, Issac the son of Abraham. What a beautiful fulfillment in those numbers.
It is also important to remember some things about Moses. If you have the study guide this is found on pages 3-4.
He was raised by someone other than his parents.
He murdered a guard that beat an Israelite.
He was 80 when his ministry started.
He has a speech problem and had a confidence problem.
He never entered the promise land due to disobedience to God.
God is in control of every detail. Now the sun is shining even though the weatherman said rain all day. Thank you God for this teachable moment today. You are in control.
I had so much faith that I would be at the beach, in my chair, watching the sunrise.
It was a great segue into what I would be studying in Numbers this morning. So many times I put my faith in me, not what God has planned. Even with something as little as the rainy first morning at the beach. I was so sure that what I had planned was going to be.
In this first chapter we see that a census was taken of all of the men in Israel, except for the tribe of Levi. They were set apart. They were chosen to move the temple and take care of all aspects of it due to their faithfulness.
We also see the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. The tribe of Judah was the largest. Judah the 4th son of Jacob. Jacob the soon of Issac, Issac the son of Abraham. What a beautiful fulfillment in those numbers.
It is also important to remember some things about Moses. If you have the study guide this is found on pages 3-4.
He was raised by someone other than his parents.
He murdered a guard that beat an Israelite.
He was 80 when his ministry started.
He has a speech problem and had a confidence problem.
He never entered the promise land due to disobedience to God.
God is in control of every detail. Now the sun is shining even though the weatherman said rain all day. Thank you God for this teachable moment today. You are in control.
Friday, June 3, 2016
Acts 28 - Be Bold
"He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ - with all boldness and without hindrance." Acts 28:31
Today I will walk out of my school after 4 years of teaching my sweet 3 year olds. I am sure it will be a tad emotional. I will really miss a lot of the people there.
As I reflect on my 4 years there I hope that I have encouraged and loved people there. My ministry to my students and parents has been a beautiful one. It is hard to see why God has called me to leave but I am trusting in him.
I have prayed with friends in that building, shared verses, encouraged those in need... I have seen my students leave special ed and excel in the general setting.
God has blessed these 7 years in preschool. There have been choppy waters but He has always provided a way to safety.
I am looking forward to what He has planned for me. My summer prayers and focus will be focused on Acts 28:21
Be bold!
Don't be hindered!
Proclaim the Kingdom of God!
Happy Summer teacher friends!
LBNE peeps, please know that I love you and will miss you dearly.
I will be blogging from the Outer Banks next week. I am looking forward to experiencing the wonders of God through His creation. I can hardly wait to see what he is going to reveal to me through the book of Numbers.
Today I will walk out of my school after 4 years of teaching my sweet 3 year olds. I am sure it will be a tad emotional. I will really miss a lot of the people there.
As I reflect on my 4 years there I hope that I have encouraged and loved people there. My ministry to my students and parents has been a beautiful one. It is hard to see why God has called me to leave but I am trusting in him.
I have prayed with friends in that building, shared verses, encouraged those in need... I have seen my students leave special ed and excel in the general setting.
God has blessed these 7 years in preschool. There have been choppy waters but He has always provided a way to safety.
I am looking forward to what He has planned for me. My summer prayers and focus will be focused on Acts 28:21
Be bold!
Don't be hindered!
Proclaim the Kingdom of God!
Happy Summer teacher friends!
LBNE peeps, please know that I love you and will miss you dearly.
I will be blogging from the Outer Banks next week. I am looking forward to experiencing the wonders of God through His creation. I can hardly wait to see what he is going to reveal to me through the book of Numbers.
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Acts 27 - Dear Friend
Dear Sweet Friend,
I know that you are in the midst of a storm right now. In fact, you have been in this storm for quit some time.
As I read Acts 27, I am encouraged for you. I know that what may seem like many dark nights on that ship in that treacherous storm will not be for naught.
I have watched you as you have battled the wind, rain and darkness. I have seen the hurt, disappointment and sadness. I have seen you wanting to give up. I have seen you want to just walk away.
My sister in Christ, let me reassure you that even though your lifeboat drifted away, God has been there all along. Keep your courage. You will reach the land safely, just like Paul.
I don't know if you are saved. I pray today that if you are not, you will be. I pray God's blessings upon you. I pray that He will protect you, lead you, guide you and keep you. I pray that this storm you are in will calm. I pray His peace upon you, a peace that can only come through Him.
Keep your head up. Face this with courage. Pray. Let Him work in your life.
God loves you and so do I.
Your Friend,
Mandey
I know that you are in the midst of a storm right now. In fact, you have been in this storm for quit some time.
As I read Acts 27, I am encouraged for you. I know that what may seem like many dark nights on that ship in that treacherous storm will not be for naught.
I have watched you as you have battled the wind, rain and darkness. I have seen the hurt, disappointment and sadness. I have seen you wanting to give up. I have seen you want to just walk away.
My sister in Christ, let me reassure you that even though your lifeboat drifted away, God has been there all along. Keep your courage. You will reach the land safely, just like Paul.
I don't know if you are saved. I pray today that if you are not, you will be. I pray God's blessings upon you. I pray that He will protect you, lead you, guide you and keep you. I pray that this storm you are in will calm. I pray His peace upon you, a peace that can only come through Him.
Keep your head up. Face this with courage. Pray. Let Him work in your life.
God loves you and so do I.
Your Friend,
Mandey
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Acts 26 - Here I am. Use me!
Paul was not backing down. He was sure of Jesus. Sure of the calling on his life. Sure that he could win these people over for Christ.
When I read about Paul in this Chapter I think about those who have been martyred. I think about those who would not back down from the word of God even when faced with death.
It is sometimes easy to forget about those who are spreading the gospel in dangerous situations around the world when we are so comfortable in our cozy homes and churches.
Why is it so hard for me to share my faith with others when the opportunity arises? Even after all I have learned and know, I still feel nervous and hesitate at times.
A friend has encouraged me by hosting a neighborhood bible study. I am going to spend this summer opening up my home to reach my neighbors. Every Sunday I see cars parked in driveways, people doing yard work, blinds closed...Here is my summer mission field. My own backyard.
It is uncomfortable. I feel vulnerable. It is risky.
I do know that God will honor my efforts. He has a plan. His will will be done.
How can you step out like Paul? For some it may be sticking your toes in the baby pool and for others it may be jumping off into the deep end. How can God use you this summer?
I wanted to thank each one of you for your continuous support of my ministry here and encourage you to add friends to this page. Lost friends. Friends that may scoff at the idea. Pray about who God would want you to invite. I know I will be in prayer for people to come here who don't know Jesus. I pray that God will use these words to encourage us believers as well as unbelievers.
I pray that my eyes will be open this summer. Join me!
Open the Eyes of My Heart
When I read about Paul in this Chapter I think about those who have been martyred. I think about those who would not back down from the word of God even when faced with death.
It is sometimes easy to forget about those who are spreading the gospel in dangerous situations around the world when we are so comfortable in our cozy homes and churches.
Why is it so hard for me to share my faith with others when the opportunity arises? Even after all I have learned and know, I still feel nervous and hesitate at times.
A friend has encouraged me by hosting a neighborhood bible study. I am going to spend this summer opening up my home to reach my neighbors. Every Sunday I see cars parked in driveways, people doing yard work, blinds closed...Here is my summer mission field. My own backyard.
It is uncomfortable. I feel vulnerable. It is risky.
I do know that God will honor my efforts. He has a plan. His will will be done.
How can you step out like Paul? For some it may be sticking your toes in the baby pool and for others it may be jumping off into the deep end. How can God use you this summer?
I wanted to thank each one of you for your continuous support of my ministry here and encourage you to add friends to this page. Lost friends. Friends that may scoff at the idea. Pray about who God would want you to invite. I know I will be in prayer for people to come here who don't know Jesus. I pray that God will use these words to encourage us believers as well as unbelievers.
I pray that my eyes will be open this summer. Join me!
Open the Eyes of My Heart
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