Catching Up

It has been quite some time since my last post.  Please know I hadn't forgotten of this blog nor the blogject.  It has always been in my heart.  So much progress has been made in our family it is unbelieveable. 
In November, God called Dan and I to adopt a child from Eastern Europe.  We knew the process as a whole would not only take a great toll on our marriage, but build it as well.  And the building has far surpassed any hardships we have encountered.
We are learning about each other, praying more, growing closer with the Lord and beginning (finally!) to be Godly examples for our children.  We are aware of how we want them to be when they grow up and marry.  Forcing us to be better examples, even when we don't want to.
This morning, after having the book set for a while, I began reading The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian.  EXCELLENT!  I believe, what I am going to do...not only to stay strong in the study, but to create accountability for myself, each day (I'm going to TRY!) to post the parts I highlighted in the chapter for the week.  Each week is one chapter.  I read the chapter today.  I highlighted many key points I know I need to work on...whether I want to or not.  God wants me to.  My husband wants me to.  I want me to.  My future daughters in law will be glad I did. 

The most effective tool in a transforming him may be your own transformation.
Wow.  Really?  Yes, it's true.  Even since the beginning of this blogject the more *I* began to change, the more my husband began to change.  Though it's also easy to slip right back into where you were.  Never think you have this part beat.  Believe me, the second that arrogant thought enters your mind, prepare for battle. 
Submission is something you give from your heart, not something demanded of you.
My husband has never not even once demanded I sumbit.  Yes, snide remarks have been made.  Rarely.  But only recently when he knew submission was something I was working on and we were arguing.  It was his ammunition.  Okay.  I guess it has been a slight more more than never.  I'm not complaining, that's for sure.  I want to respect and submit to my husband as the head of our household.  I won't lie, the majority of the time I don't.  But I want to.  And I will.  It's an exciting journey, and I love adventures!!
How can I pray for you?
It will not be a surprise to you that most men lack in the communication department.  *Gasp!*  BUT it may surprise you that when asked that very question, they have been known to provide detailed answers!  I believe, in my attemps at asking Dan that very question, he has been forced to search motives and feelings.  It also helps him to learn a little more about himself he hadn't thought about.  Something I get to be the beneficiary of!  Thank you Jesus!!  Being on the recieving end of my husband realizing something about himself I had known all along is a wonderful present. 
Dying to yourself is always painful.
Everyday.  Everyday we need to die to ourselves.  How easy it is to be caught up in our own lives.  How desperately many wives have longed for their husbands to put them first.  To bring home flowers, whether the literal or figurative sense daily.  To be told we are loved, sought after, thought about...a deep desire of many.  I know it has been one of mine and still is.  I'm reminded each day I need to die to myself putting the needs of my husband first.  God will take care of me. 

Welcome to a new journey, each day I'll have a few more tidbits of what I'm learning, realizing, implementing and praying about.