Respect Your Husband Like a VIP

Catchy title huh? Well, I'm not that creative. I'm on the Family Life emailing list. Today's email had a couple of great articles in them. I'll focus on one today. It's called, Woman to Woman: Respect You Husband Like a VIP.

My Knight and I have a great relationship. I'm truly blessed. Neither of us are perfect... well no one is, but we all strive to be better. That's what we are called to do. I want to be the woman God wants me to be. I want to be the wife, I was created to be for my Knight.

We got married in June of 1982. I was one week shy of being 19. Two months earlier he had turned 19. We were so young. I remember hearing how a couple has to give 100% to make it work... 50% from each spouse. Some of the articles I read and advice I got said, everything should be 50/50, like cooking or house chores. You do this and I'll do that. The problem with this way of thinking is that it leads to selfishness among other things. "Well, I did it the last time, it's your turn to do it this time."

I do things because love my Knight. I want to make his life easier, less stressful. I want to please, honor and keep him happy. God created Adam and saw that it was not good for man to be alone. He later created Eve out of Adam's rib. She was created to be his help meet (adjective).

* A little rabbit chasing: Alright, I can hear it now, but Eve sinned. She led Adam astray. Yep, she caved into temptation and so did he. We are all sinners. But that doesn't mean we can keep sinning. We have a choice. Daily, I chose to please my Lord and Savior, by obeying God and following His will for me. By doing that, I'm striving to be the best me possible. Which means, I try to be the best wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend.... I can be. Oh yeah, I in no way, shape or form can do it on my own. Self keeps popping her head in. Trying to wreck havoc. BUT!... Daily I strive to die to self.

Ok, back from chasing the rabbit. Society sees that as being a "floor mat", weak, slave and other demeaning things. Personally, I don't think of it like that. I feel great when I please my Knight. It pleases me to please him. It makes me happy to see he is happy. When I'm busy thinking about what to do to help him, it makes my life easier. How, because I'm not busy or dwelling on "me".

I often wonder why some women treat their friends better than they treat their husbands. Some are so eager to please their friends and do stuff for them. Yet when it comes to their spouse, it's different. Why?

My Knight is my best friend, my soul mate. He completes me. I can't imagine my life without him. Will I cease to exist once God calls him? No, my prayer is that I go before he does. LOL! Ok, all joking aside. No, I will be here. I will continue to strive to be the best me possible. Not just because of him, my children or anyone else. But because it's what God has called me to be.

So for now, I will continue to do the little things and yes, the big things too. Not only because I have to, but because I want to. It's all in my attitude. It all boils down to choice. I chose to be happy. To do. To love.

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
What are you proud of?
My family: My Knight and I will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary this summer. He's an awesome godly man. We are blessed with five wonderful children, who strive to please the Lord. Can't take the credit for it, God has blessed us.

Soup
What is the best thing you’ve ever won as a prize?
Love & trust. When one has been hurt, a wall is built around them. It's hard for them to love or trust again. If you persevere and break the wall down, you both win.

Salad
Name something you do that is a waste of time.
I spend wayyyyyyy too much time on my computer.

Main Course
In what year of your life did you change the most?
When I was 28, I gave my life to Christ. I thought I had such a wonderful life. I never thought it could get any better. I was wrong... I've been blessed beyond measure.

Dessert
Where is a place you consider to be very tranquil?
In my Knight's arms.

Thursday Thirteen #11

I usually have my TT list thought up ahead of time. This has been such a busy week, that I'm ill prepared. So off the top of my head... ummmmm... Thirteen of my favorite love story movies.

* Romeo & Juliet (1968) starring Leonard Whiting & Oliva Hussey. Sad to think they were forbidden to love one another only because of their family feud. Love conquers all. In the end, it brought these two families together by tragedy.

* Sabrina (1954 & 1995) 1954- starring Humphrey Bogart & Audrey Hepburn, 1995- starring Harrison Ford & Julia Ormond. I like both versions. Audrey Hepburn is one of my favorite actresses. Fairytale story about the servants daughter falling in love with the employer's son. As the saying in our home goes, "It can happen."

* Sleeping Beauty (1959)- Disney Animation. Love it when the Prince fights all odds to rescue his Princess.

* A Walk in the Clouds (1995) starring Keanu Reeves & Aitana Sanchez-Gijon. To think that a total stranger would help an expectant your lady, by pretending to be her husband. How romantic is that. Don't me wrong, I don't condone lying.

* The Princess Bride (1987) starring Cary Elwes & Robin Wright Penn. Nothing but true love here. You've got to watch it to know what I mean.

* Cold Mountain (2003) starring Jude Law & Nicole Kidman. I don't understand why Hollywood feels that nudity is needed in a movie. I skipped the nude scenes. I love the way Inman continues to endure trials after trials, while trying to get back to his Ada. A young lady he barely knew, but loved deeply.

* The Notebook (2004) starring Ryan Gosling & Rachel McAdams. This movie made me want to read the book. Needless to say, I read the book while keeping a tissue box within reach.

* Pride and Prejudice (1995 & 2005) 1995-starring Colin Firth & Jennifer Ehle, 2005- starring Matthew Macfadyen & Keira Knightley. Both versions are great. I love the Georgian era, their dresses and customs. The women were ladies and the men were gentlemen. Ahhhh....

* Last of the Mohicans (1992) starring Daniel Day-Lewis & Madeleine Stowe. I've watched this movie the most. This has three love stories in one. A father's love for his sons. His son's love for their women. Their women are taken and nothings stops them from finding their love. I cry EVERY time I watch this movie. The book is a must read too!

* Lord of the Rings -the trilogy (2001, 2002 & 2003) starring Viggo Mortensen & Liv Tyler. These movies have an outstanding cast. Yes, these are long movies, but absolutely worth watching. The chivalry, gallantry, heroism in this movie is idealistic.

* Sommersby (1993)- starring Richard Gere & Jodi Foster. Jack Sommersby returns from the civil war. He's a changed man or is he? One of my favorite lines from this movie is, "You are not my husband." It has a special meaning between my Knight and I.

* Imitation of Life (1959) starring Lana Turner & John Gavin. This is not the usual love story of a man and woman. This one is about the love of a mother for her daughter. Juanita Moore is the true star of this movie.

* The Passion of the Christ (2004) starring James Caviezel. This for me is the GREATEST love story ever. Love is and action. He willingly gave up His life for us.

It's difficult to limit it to just thirteen. There are so many that I like to watch, over and over and over and... again.

Which movies are your favorites?

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants



Friday Feast

Appetizer

Who is your favorite news anchor/reporter? Why?

*I know this will sound a little ah... strange because he's not on tv or the radio... my favorite news reporter would be my Knight.

*I don't really watch too much news. I think the media doesn't give accurate reports. My Knight always keeps me up to date on what's going on. He "digs" for what's really going on. Plus, I like the sound of his voice and he's a pleasure to watch. ;o)

Soup

Name 3 foods that are currently in your freezer.

* 8 think cut sirloin steaks Mmmm... I'm a steak and potato kinda of gal.
* couple of bags of frozen chicken breast- Yuck, I'm not a chicken lover, but my family is.
* some shrimp- Yuck again! I'm not a seafood lover either.

Salad

If you were to have the opportunity to name a new town or city, what would you call it?

* Well, I would name is Love. You can't help but feel good about living in a town or city called Love. :o)

Main Course

What will most likely be the next book you read?

* Love & Respect by Dr, Emerson Eggerichs

Dessert

What's the first thing you notice about the opposite gender?

* Their eyes. Eyes don't lie.

Thursday Thirteen #10

There is much that I have learned. Most importantly, I have learned that I have much to learn.

* Hugs and kisses give much comfort.

* Crying does help.

* I am very blessed.

* Writing things down on paper to help me remember, won't work if I don't remember where I put the paper.

* Life is too short, be a blessing to someone... every day.

* It's never as bad as I think... it could be worse... be thankful.

* Not to walk barefooted in our home, unless of course you don't mind the feeling of a little sand. Living in the country and being a family that plays all types of sports, it can't be helped to have some sand on the floor. Well it can, but I'm not about to sweep 24/7.

* Smiles and kindness are contagious... spread it.

* Unless I want to clean up Nicodemus's (our golden retriever) drool (YUCK!!!), I better let him out before I take the peanut butter out of our pantry. He LOVES the stuff!

* A rainbow ALWAYS follows a storm. Not just weather wise, but in life too.

* I'm not confused, I'm just well mixed.

* God loves me unconditionally... He loves you too!


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants



My Blogs

I keep three different blogs. One is set on private. I journal about our family in detail. It's more of an online scrapbook. I seem not to have enough time to keep up with my scrapbooking. Since I take digital pictures, it's easier to "scrapbook" online.

My second blog is A Glance Into My World. This one is open for others to see, not just friends and family. I have nicknamed those that I write about for security reasons. One never knows who's reading it. The reason I keep this one open is because I feel it might help others in one way or another. The media is full of sad stories. We need to hear about the good there is too. I share quotes, scriptures, stories, ideas, recipes and my thoughts. I also share tips that have helped me through the years. I share anything that I feel God prompting me to share so it might helps others.

My third blog is this one, A Knight's Lady. I named it that because that's exactly how I feel. My Babe is my Knight in shining armor. I have always seen him this way. Even while we were courting I would call him my Knight. He has always called me his Lady. Well, our wedding song was Lady by Kenny Rogers. This blog is mostly about me, my thoughts. I focus more on my relationship with my Babe, my Knight. I see more and more women losing respect for their husbands. They focus on the negative instead of focusing on the positive. I thought this would be a good way to share my testimony of how things can be different with your beloved spouse.

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
Name two things that made you smile this week.

* My dad telling me he loves me. He lives 5 hours away, but thanks to modern technology (& cingular) I get to talk to him every day. Sometimes even a couple times a day. He ALWAYS tells me he loves me. But this time is was even more special. He was just released from the hospital. He had been having chest pains. I was not able to go see him. It felt good to hear him say those words to me.

* I was looking through some pictures and found some of my brother when he was younger. It made me smile to see that my G.I. Joe looks so much like his uncle, my brother. Toots would of liked that.

Soup
Fill in the blank: Don't you hate it when ________?

* ... you are looking forward to cooking something and then realize you are missing an ingredient. An ingredient that can't be substituted or your dish won't taste the same without this one item.

Salad
When you can't go to sleep, what is your personal remedy to help yourself drift into Lullabyland?

* Prayer. I pray for those I love, those in need and I go through my "thankful" list.

Main Course
What is something about which you've always wondered but have not yet found a good answer?

* How or why certain smells trigger memories.

Dessert
What is your favorite pasta dish?

* My mouth waters at the thought of lasagna. Mmmmm...

Thursday Thirteen #9

On Saturday, March 17th, 1990 @ 12 midnight, will mark the 17 th anniversary of my brother's passing. I'd like to share some things about him. He was such a special young man, who knew how to have fun, enjoy life and bring joy to others.

Toot's I miss and love you so much. You are always in my thoughts.

* Manuel was born on Sunday, May 10, 1970. It was Mother's Day. Boy did we celebrated. My dad took my sister and I, to our favorite Italian restaurant. We had our first sip of red wine and toasted my brother's birth.

* He was an answered prayer to my sister and I. We had prayed for years for a baby brother. We loved him so much.

* I was the oldest of three. I was seven and my sister was six when he was born. So we were old enough to really help out.

* I loved to hold him and give him his bottle. We bonded instantly.

* He wore these little cute, baby blue terry cloth training pants. He couldn't say blue briefs (in Spanish) so he would call them, "cuthuthy lul" (calzonsillo- briefs, azul- blue)". You gotta know Spanish to understand. LOL!

* Our home was spacious enough that he was allowed to ride his tricycle inside. While riding his tricycle, he loved to pretend he was a police officer. He would "scribble" us tickets for made up infractions. He didn't know how to write yet. He would even wear my dad's white motorcycle helmet. He really looked the part.

* He was the baby of the family, but he was very protective of his sisters. When my Knight came courting, he would come and sit between us. To insure that "nothing" was going on. :o) It never bothered me. I knew he cared for me. Praise the Lord my Knight was just as understanding.

* He was twelve when I got married. As I was getting into the car, he hugged me, kissed me and told me, " I love you so much. I'm going to miss you." He was the last one I saw as our car was pulling away from the reception. He was crying. My Knight was in the Army and stationed in Louisiana. So I was moving away.

* When he was in high school he worked as a lifeguard. He saved a little boy from drowning.

* Girls loved him and guys wanted to be like him. I'm not saying that cause he was my brother, but he had a way about him. He was charming, easy going & friendly. People were automatically drawn to him. He had a smile that would knock your socks off. His eyes twinkled mischievously. He was handsome and he knew it, but it never went to his head. He had a big heart. He was kind, loving and tender hearted. What a combination.

* He was very athletic. He lettered in baseball, football and wrestling. He loved being a Police Explorer. He loved life and lived to the fullest.

* He was thrilled when we had our first, second and third baby girl. He would call them, "my girls". As soon as I went into labor with them, he and my sister would hop in the car and drive 5 hours to come and welcome their niece. He was not able to be here for our third baby girl's birth. He was in the Army by then. He was in the 82nd Airborne Division. His goal was to be a RANGER. He was well on his way.

* He called me two hours before the car accident. His last words to me were, "Remember that I love you and take good care of my girls."

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Thursday Thirteen #8

My list of thirteen reasons why March is a bittersweet month for me.

* My brother passed away on Friday, March 17th, 1990 at 12 midnight. He was in the 82nd Airborne Division stationed in North Carolina. On his way back to the barracks his friend lost control of the car and hit a tree. My brother died at the scene.

* The Army Chaplain visited my parents on Saturday two different times, but my parents weren't home. As is custom, no message was left. I'm thankful for that. It's better to have the news told in person.

* The Army Chaplain visited my parents, early Sunday morning. Which means it was 2 days before we knew my brother has passed away. It wasn't any one's fault. But the thought that we were going on with our lives not knowing that my brother had passed away, was painful.

* It felt like it took forever for his body to be released to us. Looking back now, I know it was all standard procedure.

* It took one week for us to receive his body.

* Being that he was "government property", he came with orders stating that his casket couldn't be opened. We had to go through hoops in order to "see" him. My mom wanted to make sure that it "was" brother. We were hopeful that this was a mistake.

* He was 19 and loved by all. Over 20 of his Army buddies flew down to Florida for his funeral. The funeral director said that he had never seen so many come and pay respect as they had for my brother. He had to open two adjoining rooms. My brother was well loved.

* He was buried on Friday, March 23.

* We got to hear others share wonderful stories about my brother.

* He got to see a picture of my third daughter, Daughter of the King, but he never got to hold her. He was thrilled that we had had another little girl.

* G.I. Joe was born on March 9, 1994. He was an answered prayer to our three little girls. They prayed day and night for a baby brother.

* Papa (my nephew) was born on March 25, 1996.

* Mr. Sheriff (my oldest nephew) was born on March 29, 1976. He holds a special place in my heart. First time I met him he was 6. He and I were sitting on his grandparents front steps looking at a magazine. I pointed out a picture of a beautiful girl. He looked up at me and told me, "You are the most beautiful girl I ever seen." Now tell me, does that not just melt your heart?!
This happened back in December 1981.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Thankful Thursday

"in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
-1 Thessalonians 5:18

I will limit my "thankful" list to 10, but I have so much to be thankful for...

* my salvation

* my Knight

* my children

* scented candles

* hand cream

* kisses & hugs -you can't have one without the other

* music & dancing

* smiling faces

* twinkling eyes

* laughter

* God's grace and mercy

Because of...

Because of Jesus:
"I am never down, I am either up or getting up."

Thursday Thirteen #7

Love is a verb...

Ok, I know that we are not in February anymore , but we are only one day into March. So, I decided, why not share one last love list. Cause love is something we need to show all the time.

Love is a verb. We can't say it enough. Love must not only be spoken, but must also be shown.
My list of thirteen will consist of ways I show my Knight I love him...

* I pray for him. EVERY day, I pray for him. Praying doesn't just mean that I sit down and just pray. I pray for him throughout my day. The thought of my Knight comes to mind and I say a little prayer for him. When I start off my day, I do pray that the Lord bless him with wisdom, knowledge and good health. That He help my Knight to be the godly man He (God) wants him to be. I pray other things for him too, but this is at the top of my list for him.

* I keep our castle a home. Our home is packed with love. When he walks in through the door, he is greeted with hugs and kisses. This is no lie. Not just mine, but our children. I'm sad to say that no matter how hard I try, I can never beat our Nicodemus to the door. His K-9 ears are better than mine.

* Wind-down time. When my Knight gets home from work, he is tired. Not just physically, but mentally. He's a software engineer. He is always solving problems. After hugs and kisses, we give him space to chill out. We don't attack him with what's going on with us. There's is plenty of time for that, unless it's an emergency of course. :o)

* Clothes are laundered and ready. He has never run out of clean clothes to wear. Being that we are a family of seven. Laundry is done EVERY day. Not only is it washed and dried, it is folded and put away. I can't take the credit for this, all our children help.

* Keeping him healthy. I'm sorry to say that I'm a junk food junkie. But I want my Knight around for a LONG time. His dad and all his uncles died of coronary disease. We take care to cook and have food that is good for him. Well, for my children too. :o)

* Get his things ready. He is a very involved dad. Our boys play baseball and our girls play softball. He helps coach our oldest son's Junior baseball team and our youngest son's Major baseball team. Oh, on top of that, he is the Little League president. I make sure that when he heads out the door, he's got ice water, snacks and whatever else he needs. It's not that he's not capable of getting his own stuff. It's just that I desire to help him.

* Keep in budget. We are a one income, homeschooling family of seven. Staying within the budget is hard for me. I know how hard my Knight works to provide for us. The least I can do is not give him added pressures. So I "try" very hard to be a good steward. I do fall short. I'm not perfect, nobody is. My Knight realizes this. :o)

* Good steward. I'm always on the look out for a good buy. Something that is cheap doesn't mean it's a good buy. You get what you pay for. He never shops for himself. I get the pleasure of shopping for him. I know his taste and he trusts me. I'm so blessed.

* Read. I read books that give me ideas of how to be a better wife and mom. I just finished reading two books: The Fruit Of Her Hands by Nancy Wilson.
and The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace. Oh, I've read The Excellent Wife before, but it was years ago. Right now I'm reading, Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. Of course the best book I've EVER read about being a better wife and mom is the Bible.

10* Calls, emails and letters. Little League keeps him pretty busy. He keeps me up to date on all that is going on. Which means, I'm able to help with the phone calls he gets. That allows him not to be tied down to the phone as much. The callers are happy to have been helped. I often call him just so I can hear his voice. I tell him I love him and that I was thinking about him. I send him emails that only he and I would know what we are talking about. I send him cards of ALL sizes. I write messages on paper and hide them in his pockets, wallet or palm pilot. I write messages on our bathroom mirror. He never knows when he's getting one.

* Trash day. Yes, everyone hates trash day. But I have to honestly tell you that I love it. It give me a chance to do something for my Knight. I don't know why, but men are usually the ones that end up taking the trash out. He is so thankful when he gets home and sees that he doesn't have to do that, cause we have already done it. It's one less thing for him to do.

* Balance. He is the logical, straight and narrow one. I am the free spirited, fun loving, predictably unpredictable one. Well, that's what I'm told. God saw fit to bring us together. We bring balance to each other's lives.

* Want & need. Everyone wants to be wanted and needed. I make sure my Knight knows that I WANT and NEED him. I mean this in every sense of the words. Not a day goes by that I don't tell or show him that I love him. Why do I do all this? Because I love him.

What do you do for the one you love?



Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants