My Word this year

You will love the stories of this Pastor.  Humor is one of his gifts!
http://myoneword.org

A couple years ago I had heard of having a "word" for the year.  Being the curious type, I asked about it and the ladies group I was with explained: It's a word you choose, after prayer and discerning, that will be your guide this year.  The belief is that God will use your word to change you or teach you in the ways that will help you grow closer to Him.

The "word" I have had the past few years were: Balance, Trust and this year is Serenity.

Choosing Serenity, I had my plans of how I hoped God would build Serenity in my life.  Well, He has had other plans.

I have been keeping my eyes open for all the different ways God speaks to me about peace or serenity. It can happen while on the internet, while reading Scripture, the radio, even the local newspaper.

Here is how Serenity is showing up for me so far this year:

*Keeping serenity in my heart while doing my housework, rather than trying to race or beat the clock.
*Letting my grown adult kids make choices I don't agree with, trusting God will guide their life as He has done mine.
*Looking at my heart and my desires that I believe God guides me, and letting others opinions roll off my back.
*Leaving a few minutes earlier and arriving with time to spare.
*Looking around my home and my life at that things that weigh me down or cause guilt. Outa here!

I am a weak woman who gets distracted.  I always want what I want, NOW.  This year is about keeping my Serenity and asking God to handle that which is not mine.

Along with trusting Him, He has a much better outcome than I can even imagine. I see Him building on my "word" from last year.  Trusting Him.  It's hard. I want things done, I have a plan. He has His.

Lord, keeping me centered and filled with Serenity.

Sounds like my "word" next year might be Humility.

Peace be with you and may you have a lovely day,
Mrs. Peterson

Homemaking standards

Good afternoon Ladies~

This past week I've been working on "files". Cleaning out files. Creating files. Filing cabinet, computer files. My inbox still needs attention but Progress Not Perfection, right?

I found this audio clip in my saved files that is from YEARS ago. I think 2013 or 2011.  I am coming to see in the internet world, that IS years ago.

It is Daryl Hoole and speaking of Making Our Home Sanctuaries of Peace and Joy. I hope you enjoy it.

https://www.mindperk.com/media4/LittleThings/LittleThingsBigDifference.mp3

May God bless you in your journey today.

Peace be with you,
Mrs. Peterson

Created

Hello Ladies~

I have just finished the book Created to Be His Helpmeet by Debi Pearl.  While her writing is harsh, but there are some highlights that are wise.  Here are a few lessons I have learned or have been reminded of.

First, my husband is Mr. Steady. In the four types of men she has defined, my husband is Mr Steady.  This was an amazing insight for me in my relationship.  Mr. Steady is a man who is created steady to bring peace and safety to a woman's soul.

I used to tend to push or react to wanting him to decide sooner than he is taking the time, and I react to what I want done.  It always ends up that I try to "fix" the consequences of my behavior.  Debi states - we need to learn how to sit still and listen and to let God move my husband in His good time. Pray for your husband to have wisdom.  Let him be the one God made him to be: Still, Quiet, Thoughtful...for you!

So to keep my eyes off him and how long it takes him to decide - she states a Steady man likes a woman to walk beside him, yet grow in her own right before God.

Grow in my own right! For me, that's develop skills, have an opinion about events and such, give my opinion - WHEN ASKED- about situations regarding him. (Not nagging.)

Mr. Steady is usually liked by everyone and "belongs to the people".  I see this as how he gets "filled".  Such as, my husband is in training and discernment to become a Deacon in our church.  My job is to support him and walk with him, not pull him away to be mine only.  When the time comes for us to get away, Debi states to ask him to leave the cell phone behind so it's just us.

Second, "A Proverbs 31 woman is not mousy or a voiceless prude".  I have had to learn to speak up.  My natural voice is very quiet (except when I get mad).  He can't read my mind, nor should I expect him to.  I must find that balance between being aggressively opinionated and speaking with respect my wants/needs and my opinion (again when he asks for my opinion) regarding the situation at hand.

Third, Admire him, Respect him. And TELL him so.
Watch my words! for it is so easy to tear him down and for him to misinterpret what I said.  Some examples she gives are:
    *Do you feel comfortable spending that much money on that? (This causes him to begin to doubt his ability to make wise decisions.)
     *Honey, I need to ask you something very important that really tears me up inside.  Doesn't this activity you are engaging in grieve your spirit? (The Spirit of God had been prompting him concerning this, but he was trying not to hear; he almost brought up the subject himself last evening but now she is disappointed in him. He suspects he is not spiritual, but somehow the whole thing makes him angry.  He feels pushed. Now he resists her just to maintain control.

Always ask: "so what did you hear me say?" and ask him to repeat it.  When he is done you can clarify, but again, do so with respect. Not jumping in to correct him or tell him he is wrong.   You will be surprised as to what he actually hear.

In an argument and in anger~ your first concern is to discern your part of the problem.
     ~How did I contribute
     ~What were my motives
     ~if they were ill, then I owe amends. If they were pure, did I speak disrespectfully.

Men are more sensitive than we think.  Speaking with respect is from Ephesians.

Remember to learn to think  speak well of all people. Guard your mind and heart and get your hands busy! It keeps the devil and his lies at bay.   Memorize Phil 4:8.

I hope some of the things I have learned may help you.  I have been married over 27 years, and I am still learning.  It's a journey, and I am just a pilgrim.  Learning to stay close to God and willing to admit my weaknesses and faults. Men are so different.  Mrs. Pearl has given some lovely tidbits to discern for me.

May God's peace be with you,
Dee