Did anyone try the challenge? I sure did! I can confidently say that I met my goal of flossing after each meal for an entire week (e-x-c-e-p-t 2 out of the 7 days!...failll?) I think not! This was a good start and despite me getting sick and losing my voice I pretty much lounged in bed all day and worked on homework.(I am going to keep flossing though and stick to it! You should too!) My voice is coming back (slowly) thanks to:
1. Hot tea
2. Honey
3. lots of h20
4. The fact that I'm reading and not talking
I'm making some big improvements!
Not having a voice though, lead me to learn some lessons that were good for me to re-learn. (funny how God is always teaching us) First off, I learned how lovely pure silence is. It's been awhile since I just rested. Rested in Him. Rested in Gods word. Rested in rest! (what a concept!) God reminds me how critical those times are to really listen for that still small voice and the desires He lays on our hearts. Secondly, I learned the importance of listening. I heard so many neat things this week from the people I love and care about. My number 1 Mr. soon to be hubby for example, talked so much about his days and I LOVED hearing every tiny small detail and hearing about his jam-packed days as well. I learned that when I listen I also grow my prayer life because I tone in on what to pray for. I want my husband to be able to count on me to be his prayer warrior!! I want to pray, pray, pray for him and encourage him always! (I really feel like a woman who prays for her husband is Crucial.) So, in all, my week of being voiceless has turned into a bundle of joy and blessings in disguise! (it's also showed me how much of a chatterbox I am!)
Which brings me to my next point: Marriage! While studying at the sbuxs today on the patio (the sun felt soo good on my toes) I was reading for my philosophy class about Ruth and the wonderful woman that she was! I was amazed at her humbleness, grace, love, and adoration for her husband and willingness to follow him anywhere since her heart was to walk in the ways of the Lord. The book then listed traits of a Godly fruitful marriage and as I read each one I began praying that JT and I's soon to be marriage would resemble each one by the Grace of God and for His glory. Here they are for you guys too:
1. Lifelong commitment
2. Continual Effort
3. Willingness to understand
4. Develop a helpful attitude
5. Consideration for your partner
6. Spiritual growth and maturity
7. Becoming genuinely unselfish
8. Personal accountability and reliability
9. Honest communication
10. genuine, spirit-filled Love.
What a list eh? I agree! That's a lot to work towards and obtain. But, I fully believe that God will walk with us and by His Grace our marriage can be a union God uses to bless others and speak truth.
Have a blessed week everyone! ...oh!
**The goal for this week is part of mental health! Work on listening. Be aware of what others are saying, and take the time to show you care and are interested. Give them your full attention. And then spend some time listening to that still small voice inside of you =)
Keep Walkn' In His Grace!
Love, Michelle
