Dream # 2

It has been quite a little stretch of time since I posted Dream #1....too busy trying to keep up with the Proverbs 31 lady...then again if I was really like her I would have just found a tiny slot to have fit in a new post.:) Anyways, I thought that maybe it was time I write something about this next section of verses.

My wonderful Aunt Connie...who by the way is a wonderful example of a Proverbs 31 lady...has recently inspired and challenged me. She tries to keep a good devotional book on living a Holy life, a book on raising children, and a book on marriage going at all times. I asked her how in the world she managed to read with all the other duties that surround her daily routine. She replied that she sets aside an hour or so when the children have been tucked into bed to read books that keep her out of the "ruts" of life. Well, I was sincerely challenged! I personally have found that my morning hours our my best time to slip in a little mind cultivation.

Well, my marriage book right now is "Love and Respect" by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. I have already been jolted out of some minor "ruts" of life that I have found myself developing.

In Proverbs 31:11-12 It is expressed that "The heart of her husband doth safely trust..." I like to think that maybe this could be implying that not only does her husband trust her, but his heart is safe in her care.

Going back to the book that I am reading, Dr. Eggerichs speaks so clearly about the clear command to wives that they respect their husbands. This does not mean only if they deserve it, or only if they love you like you think they should, no, it means no matter what the circumstances may be, we are to show them respect. Their heart needs to be safe with us.

Three areas stand out to me as being vital tools to enable us women to respect our men.

1. We must be saved - how can we respect another if we are selfishly living our life for ourselves. Sin not only hurts God, but it hurts those around us.

2. A sanctified heart - if self is on the throne of our lives we will always be focused on what do I want. Being filled with the Holy Spirit enables us to focus on others and their needs

3. We must be willing to consantly work on our human frailties - it is so easy to get caught in the rut of criticism, and nagging seems to be one of our extreme pitfalls.

Is my husband's heart safe with me? Am I building him up and giving him the respect that God requires of me to give, or do I have an attitude that erodes the very frabic of his spirit?

"The best way to love a husband is to show him respect in ways that are meaningful to him. Such respect lets him feel his wife's love for him and ignites in him feelings of love for his wife."

This is an area where I really feel the Lord is helping me to mature in; may I learn to be a Proverbs 31 lady!

Khloe is now almost fourteen months. She is changing so much! She is always amazing me at just how much she understands about what we are saying and doing around her!...oh, no, probably the embarrassing days are just around the corner. Her newest thing is to give us back-rubs with a little back-rub gismo. Her daddy showed her how and now it is her job, and please don't take it away...that is very distressing.

It was so much fun goin fishin' with Daddy. However, Daddy was just a little glum over the fact that Khloe did not show much interest in the pretty little sunfish that he caught. But you know, there are just so many things to look at outside.... Well, Mommy was a little glum over the fact that Khloe was quite a little mess after Daddy had let her run around for awhile. She was quite a little mud-muffin. Needless to say, a bath was in order when they arrived home!:)

It Smells Fabulous!

Our family has enjoyed this recipe. It is moist and yet not mushy, just enough banana and yet not over-powering. I have enjoyed how my friend Kimberley has shared some of her favorite recipes with us,...so I guess I am following her example:)

1 1/2 cup Flour

1 tsp. Cinnamon

1/2 tsp. Baking Soda

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/4 tsp. Nutmeg

2 Eggs

1 cup Sugar

1/4 cup Oil

2 medium Bananas

Mix well. I usually start with the liquids and then gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Lightly oil your bread pan. Bake at 350F for about 50 to 60 minute or until golden brown and toothpick when inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Khloe and I have been really enjoying all the beautiful spring weather, and today was no exception. I decided that it would be a perfect day to get a few up-to-date pics of Khloe. This beautiful lilac blossom seemed like a perfect sacrifice to keep Khloe entertained while I tried to snap a few good shots:)...you know how wiggly one year olds can be! They have soooo many things to see and do:) Speaking of lilac blossoms...another wonderful thing about this lovely spring weather is that the evening air has been so beautifully fragrant with their sweet scent! The lovely weather, soft breezes, lovely blue sky, gorgeous blossoms, and many other wonderful things that come along with spring just fill my heart with thankfullness to our generous Creator!

Life is Just Too Much Fun!...and also filled with many bumbs - as noticed by the bruise on her right cheek...a compliment of her most recent tumble:(

This is life at it's finest.... Khloe thinks that chewing on rocks, digging in dirt, climbing stairs, etc.... is just the funnest things to do in life...Oh, no, I think we have another "tom boy" in the family:) P.S. To make this picture even more supreme, the fierce storms we had awhile back stripped our trailer of it's skirting...So please excuse the trailer,...it was embarassed that I would show a picture of it at this awful time in its life.:)

I'm Ready to Go, Mom!

Khloe adores going outside and riding in her fancy "carriage!" She thinks that these snazzy sunglasses are quite "ok" as well.... She doesn't care for them inside, but out in the sun.... well, of course that is when you really need them!